Once again the members of the Columbus Lodge #2143 will travel to the Uniondale studios of Telecare to take part in the annual Telecare Telethon. The members are scheduled to take pledges on Jan. 18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. "It's great having them back," said Joann Beattie, a producer at Telecare.

The telethon, which will be seen by over four million viewers, will broadcast live from 5 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 and from noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19. During last year's broadcast, various members of the Columbus Lodge were interviewed and Trustee Pete Gisonda (a N. Massapequa resident), was invited on stage to sing and dance with the singing duo of Father Charles and Laurie Mangano (the priest's real-life sister).

For more than 30 years Telecare, the television station of the Diocese of Rockville Center, has provided quality, value-oriented programming that is dedicated to religious and nondenominational family-oriented programming. The popular God Squad program, hosted by Monsignor Thomas Hartman and Rabbi Marc Gellman, reaches over 12 million viewers in NY, NJ and CT through Cablevision channels 25 and 31, and through a partnership with WLNY TV-55.

Volunteers are needed throughout the telethon and any resident who is interested in lending their time and energies, or those who wish to make a monetary donation, should call Telecare at 538-8700. "Telecare is a very special place on the cable dial," said Monsignor Thomas Hartman. "Please consider making a contribution, any donation would be helpful as we continue to bring the best religious programming available."

The Columbus Lodge #2143 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 this organization one may one may telephone Steve LaScala at 735-2535.

Other OSIA News: Police Athletic League (PAL) and the Columbus Lodge #2143, a longtime supporter of the PAL, continue to expand their relationship as members Rick Calebrese and Ed Bochynski Jr. agreed to participate in two PAL programs. Calebrese, a third degree black belt in Judo, will return as instructor in charge of PAL Judo, while Bochynski will coach PAL soccer in the spring.