The Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge's Ed Bochynski and Arthritis Foundation special events co-ordinator Jeff Jackson announce a co-ed softball tournament on August 10th at Cantiague Park in Hicksville for the benefit of the Long Island Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Any co-ed team (min. 2-females) interested in participating may contact Jeff Jackson at 631-427-8272 for more information.

In addition to team sponsorship, the Foundation is accepting T-shirt, field and event sponsorships. Among the sponsors already committed are Avanti Pharmaceuticals, Farrell Fritz PC, KPMG, Nassau County American Softball Association Umpires and Columbus Lodge #2143 OSIA. Also, those scheduled to appear will be World Federation Wrestling Champion Sunny Beach (autographs available for the kids) and from the WALK-97.5FM's Breakfast Club, David Weiss.

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.

"We would like to extend a sincere appreciation to every member of the Columbus Lodge for their dedication to the work of the Arthritis Foundation," said Patricia Brasley, Executive Director of the L.I. Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. According to Ms. Brasley, arthritis affects over 400,000 of our Long Island family, friends, and neighbors per year.

For the Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143 and the accounting firm KPMG, the Aug. 10 tournament may mark the continuation of a friendly rivalry that began in 1999, at the Easter Seals Softball Classic, when the Columbus Lodge won a 16-15 nail biter. Overall, the two teams have met three times and KPMG has won twice. Depending on the Arthritis Foundation tournament brackets, the two teams may meet for a fourth time. "We're looking forward to it," said Tom Galgano, a tax director at KPMG.

The Columbus Lodge Golden Lions, a softball team made up of members from the Columbus Lodge #2143, is dedicated to community involvement through softball. This year the team's participation in charity softball events have helped local organizations raise over $71,000 and since the team's inception their participation has helped raise over $509,000. The Lions will look to improve on their 23-10 lifetime record in charity tournament play.

The Columbus Lodge #2143, located behind the Stuart Thomas Manor on Boundry Avenue in So. Farmingdale, is a member of the Order Sons of Italy in America, a not-for-profit fraternal organization. The lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement. For more information on becoming part this organization one may call Steve LaScala at (516) 735-2535.

Other Osia News: On July 21st, Anthony Curan smacked his 17-HR of the season. He is one homerun away from tying a Columbus Lodge record . . . The 6th Annual Columbus Lodge Charity Golf Tournament will be on Aug. 29 at Bethpage Golf Course. For more information one may telephone Bill Iannone at (516) 796-6321 or co-chairman Angelo Mangione at (516) 249-5649.