Over the Hill Softball League had another successful Charity Tournament again this year as they continued their annual fund-raising for worthy, local beneficiaries. Mother Nature cooperated, as the league was able to get their games in as scheduled, as Barco won the annual year-end tournament with a victory over Hampton Air East in the finals. Mer's Byron Bodine was this year's Home Run Derby winner, edging out the competition in a tie-breaker round. The big winners though are the local troops who are serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, as the funds collected were turned over to Hugh C. Newman Memorial Post 449 of the American Legion. As Legion Commander Jim Cohwell explained the services don't provide all the necessities the troops need (such as soap and body powder). With the donated funds, Post 449 will be able to provide the needed items, along with paying for the postage it requires to get them overseas.

On hand to help open the festivities were the league's good friend, Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor John Venditto, along with Color Guards from 344th Combat Medical Support Group, 306th MP Battalion and American Legion Post 449. Farmingdale Graduate Jennifer Crow, in addition to God Bless America, beautifully sang the National Anthem as she has over the years. The league would also like to thank all those who donated their time to help make the evening a success, especially Maria Ball who was recognized with a plaque for her years of dedication on the fund-raising committee. Additional thanks go to the Home Run Derby Crew, Ed "Chief" Butler, Joe Fanning (pitcher), Dan Arenholz (teacher), Bob Darienzo (odds maker), and Frank Horoszewski (banker), the refreshment committee, Billy "Kats" Moyer, Jerry Mazza and Ed Reilly and Rich Brancaccio (fliers), Maureen Bifulco (who helped Maria) and emcee Shillitto.

The league also wants to express its appreciation to TOB Parks Commissioner Bob McGeever, Allen Park's Mike Rauff and his staff for all they did for the league.

President Jim Reilly would also like to give special thanks to board members Bruce Kubart, Gary Jambor, Al Palleschi, Robert Kirk, Frank Horoszewski and Ed Shillitto for their hard work and dedication for a successful season and tournament. Till next year.