On February 16, the Columbus Lodge #2143 will kickoff a year long celebration honoring its' 40th birthday. On that date, in 1964, the lodge was instituted as a duly constituted lodge of the Order Sons of Italy in America. "Our golf outing in May and our Italian Feast & Festival in September will be extra special this year," said Treasurer Ed Bochynski.

The three founders of the lodge, Angelo Roncallo, Dominick Baranello and P. Vincient Landi (the lodge's first president) verified the lodge was ready to be instituted. On that fabled date (Feb. 16) in 1964, Giuseppe A. Nigro, Herald for the ceremony, ushered in 328 men to be sworn in as members. The ceremony took place at the Massapequa Elks Club.

By June, the Columbus Lodge was the biggest lodge in New York State. By September, the membership had grown to more than 600 and the Columbus Lodge newspaper, the "Navigator" was born. The first issue was mailed to every lodge member, a practice which has continued to date. Also, a blood bank was begun for any member or their family.

On October 10, 1964, the Columbus Lodge participated in the first Columbus Day Parade ever in Nassau County; John Musicaro was the lodge's Parade Chairman. October was also the month the lodge went to contract to buy their future (and current) home located on Boundry Avenue in South Farmingdale.

Also in October, 80 new members were initiated bringing the total membership to over 800. Building Chairman John Miranda launched a Building Bond Drive in order to raise the money needed to purchase property. "The idea was to have each member purchase at least $100 worth of bonds for which the lodge would pay 5 percent interest," said Pete Gisonda, (member #396).

On November 21, 1964, top dignitaries, including officers of the Columbus Lodge #2143 gathered in Brooklyn to celebrate and participate in the opening of the Verrazano Narrows Bridge, named after the Italian navigator who discovered the harbor of New York in 1524. "As I recall it was cold that day," said Pete Gisonda.

On December 10, 1964 the wives and daughters of the members of the Columbus Lodge #2143 met to establish a committee which was to become the Ladies Auxiliary of the Columbus Lodge. Mrs. Anthony Cesario was elected the first Chairlady (now known as President) and their next meeting was held at Corinne's Dance Studio in Massapequa. To this day, Corinne still attends the annual installation of new officers.

An affair was held at the Huntington Townhouse on February 13, 1965, marking the first anniversary of the founding of Columbus Lodge #2143. It was attended by almost 1,200 people. During remarks by dignitaries, it was announced that Columbus Lodge was now the second largest local lodge in the United States. It was a remarkable first year.

The Columbus Lodge #2143, a not-for-profit fraternal organization, offers its members various social and recreational activities, as well as community involvement. To become a member of this grand organization, one may contact Steve LaScala at 735-2535.