Columbus Lodge #2143 recently announced that their annual blood drive will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Columbus Lodge building, which is located at 2143 Boundary Avenue/North Broadway in South Farmingdale (behind the Stuart Thomas Manor). The blood drive will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. and all participants will receive a roast beef dinner.

According to Columbus Lodge Blood Drive Chairman Frank DiFazio, since the World Trade Center tragedy, many restrictions have been placed on importing blood from abroad. The result has been a shortage of blood for many of the surrounding hospitals. "There is a great need for blood in our community," said DiFazio. "A life may depend on a single pint!"

The Columbus Lodge members urge all Farmingdale, Massapequa and neighboring communities, to take part in the blood drive. After the donation, enjoy a roast beef dinner prepared by Chef Vincent DeRosa, a Farmingdale resident. Columbus Lodge's Paul Calissi, (who donated the food), and members of the Lodge will serve all donors.

For further information on donating blood, one may contact Chairman Frank DiFazio at 249-8882. The Columbus Lodge offers its membership various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement. For more information on becoming a member of this organization one may telephone Steve LaScala at 735-2535.

Other OSIA news: Each year the Columbus Lodge gives scholarships to local high school seniors from Bethpage H.S. Farmingdale H.S., Massapequa H.S., and Plainedge H.S who are enrolled in a college program the following fall. To fund the scholarship program the lodge publishes a scholarship journal. Those who wish to make a donation to the scholarship journal are encouraged to call Al Paresi at 799-2607 or Pete Gisonda at 798-3972.