On June 6, at the New York State Convention of the Order Sons of Italy in America (OSIA), the Columbus Lodge members were present when Dan Colantone received the prestigious Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro Award for the year 2003.

The Order Sons of Italy in America was founded in New York City in 1905 by Dr. Vincenzo Sellaro. The purpose of this award is to recognize and acknowledge OSIA members who have distinguished themselves in the ideals and principles exemplified by the order's founder. Candidates for the award must be members of the OSIA for at least 15 years and were judged primarily on their outstanding service and contribution to the Order, based on accomplishment, commitment, devotion and work on behalf of the local, state and national lodges, and participation in community activities which may have benefited Italian Americans.

Colantone, a longtime resident of Massapequa, is a 25-year member of the Columbus Lodge, a past president of the lodge, a past NYS commissioner of arbitration, a past NYS trustee and is presently a commissioner of the Garibaldi Meucci Museum on Staten Island. He is an active, hard-working member of OSIA, very much involved in the Columbus Lodge, local and statewide activities. He is a membership chairman for Nassau County and has also served as District 2 (Nassau County) president and District 2 deputy as representative of the state president.

Colantone was nominated for this high honor by the members of the Columbus Lodge and chosen from nominees from various parts of New York State. He will be part of the New York State delegation to the Order's National Convention to be held in St. Louis this month.