Members from the Columbus Lodge #2143 (CL) are hooking-up with musician Phil Varca and his SlamJammers, and the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves for the 11th Annual Toys for Tots Christmas Party to be held at the Café Oasis in Baldwin, on Friday evening December 12th. Among the attendees will be CL Treasurer Ed Bochynski, and members Rick Calabrese, 'Hippy' Tony Novarro, and Clem Sebastopoli.

Phil Varca, a Farmingdale H.S. alumnus, and his JamSlammers will play selected tunes from his current CD, "Ready, Willing and Able." Varca's band plays a Texas-style rockin' blues. "He always gets his guitar to do some serious talking," said Steve Candela. Anyone who brings a new unwrapped gift will receive complementary drink. All gifts will go to the St. Joseph Outreach Center.

Each year, the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December and then distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The goal is to enrich the lives of economically deprived children.

Through this program the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve have helped needy children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; played an active role in the development of our nation's most valuable natural resource - our children; and reunite members of the local community in a common cause. "It's a wonderful program," stated Columbus Lodge Trustee Pete Gisonda.

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 involvement. To become a member of this organization, one may contact Steve LaScala at 735-2535.