This weekend, members of the Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143, their colleagues, family and friends will be volunteering at the US Open to raise money for charity. For each volunteer that works a shift at the concession stand on the 9th hole, at the US Open, the Ronald McDonald House of Long Island will receive a cash donation; over 300 volunteers are scheduled throughout the event.

The US Open is currently taking place from June 10 through June 16 at Bethpage State Park's legendary Black Course. Each volunteer who works a five-hour shift, (either 7 a.m. 'til noon or noon 'til 5 p.m.) will be allowed to watch the US Open throughout the day. "It's a great opportunity to raise money for charity and be a part of history," said Ed Bochynski, of the Columbus Lodge #2143.

In addition, on Saturday, June 15 the Columbus Lodge will sponsor the fifth Annual Sons of Italy Softball Tournament, for the benefit of the Arthritis Foundation. The event will take place at Cantaigue Park in Hicksville. The Columbus Lodge softball team, (the Golden Lions), will participate in the event. Other participants will include Avantis, KPMG, Long Island Volunteer Enterprises, WBAB-102.3, pro-wrestler Sunny Beach and his All-Star team, and Nassau County ASA Umpires.

The mission of the Arthritis Foundation is to improve the quality of life for children and their families with rheumatic diseases, specifically by working toward improved medical care, providing collective and individual advocacy and providing education and support. The Arthritis Foundation is the only national, voluntary health organization seeking to help find cures, prevention and treatments for the more than 100 forms of arthritis.

Finally, the Columbus Lodge #2143, presented 17 $500 high school scholarship awards at their annual presentation, held on June 2. Among the graduating recipients were Farmingdale HS's Laura Ann Coonan, Joseph Guidice, and Steven Papa; Massapequa HS's Katherine Beltrani, Jenna Martone, Denise Nuccio, Meridith Rosenberg, and Dominic Totino; Bethpage HS's Daniela Filannino and Katherine Petronzi; Plainedge HS's Peter Carbo and Greg Cellucci.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were NYS Assemblyman Steve Labriola, Nassau County Legislator-Minority Leader Peter Schmitt and Legislator Salvatore Pontillo, Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, and Councilman Joe Muscarella. Dignitaries on-hand from the Columbus Lodge included President Anthony Ragno, past Presidents' Ed Bochynski and Vincent DeRosa, and Ladies Auxiliary President Pauline Bove.

The Columbus Lodge #2143, located behind the Stuart Thomas Manor on Boundry Avenue in So. Farmingdale, is a not-for-profit fraternal organization and member of the Order Sons of Italy in America. The lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement. For more information on becoming part of this organization one may call Steve LaScala at 735-2535.