On Sunday, Dec. 15, the Columbus Lodge #2143, will hold their annual Children's Holiday Party. The events has sing-a-longs with the children, dancing, holiday music, face painting, clowns, various characters (last year Big Bird and Elmo paid a visit), lunch for the children and a visit from Santa Clause who will provide each child with a present.

Normally, the event is exclusively for the children and grandchildren of members of the Columbus Lodge #2143, however, a year ago Ladies Auxiliary President Pauline Bove recommended extending invitations to the local area children who were effected by the tragic events that transpired on Sept. 11. "The children had such a good time last year," said lodge President Tony Ragno.

This year, Ms. Bove recommended that the children be invited back to the holiday party, which will be held at the Stuart Thomas Manor. "You can't for get about these kids just because a year has passed," said President Ragno. The Columbus Lodge membership unanimously approved the recommendation and the children will be returning.

The Columbus Lodge #2143, a member of the Order Sons of Italy in America, is a not-for-profit fraternal organization. The lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community and charity involvement and operates under the belief that the value of a person should be seen in what that person gives and not in what that person is able to receive. For more information on becoming a member, call Steve LaScala at 735-2535.