It's been said, success is easy to measure. It is the distance between one's origins and one's achievements. Nearly a decade ago, the visions of creating a softball team dedicated to philanthropic endeavors was launched. The plan was to field a competitive softball team that would grow in spirit and talent. That team became the Columbus Lodge #2143 Golden Lions and their accomplishments include 15-tournament championships and over $685,000 raised for local charities.

The Columbus Lodge #2143 has participated in fundraising events that have helped many local charities raise money and awareness. Some of the local charities that have benefited are the American Cancer Society, Arthritis Foundation, Coolies Anemia Foundation, Big Brother Big Sister, Easter Seals Society, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Nassau County Special Olympics, Police Athletic League, Ronald McDonald House of Long Island, and Telecare.

Although the winter months kept their bats quiet and their gloves in the closet, several players from the Columbus Lodge softball team have continued their charitable endeavors by recording phone pledges at the Telecare Telethon in January, while other players attended a gala fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House in March. And other players are getting ready for the Sons of Italy "Walk-for-Education" at Eisenhower Park in May.

Now entering their 10th season, the Golden Lions open with a practice session next week as they prepare for their inaugural entry into the Hooter's ABA Qualifier Softball Tournament. Although the Lions are a seasoned team with an average age of 36, they still boast a productive lineup that has a proven track record of being sturdy and dependable. Pete Gisonda, an original member of the team and now first base coach said, "I can't believe how fast it (the past 10 years) went."

Before this season begins, the Golden Lions recently got a chance to recognize the individual accomplishments made during the 2005 season by announcing that outfielder Dennis Tranchina was the recipient of the prestigious Joe Bermudez Award ("JB Award"). The award is presented annually by the team in recognition of the player who best exemplifies the game of softball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team.

Tranchina has been an active member of the community for years, contributing countless hours to charitable organizations and to programs that focused on children's athletic developmental programs. On the field, the Massapequa native enjoyed an outstanding softball season, batting .700 at the McDonald's Sports Festival tournament, while leading the team in both homeruns and RBIs. Tranchina has batted .700 or better in three of his four seasons with the Golden Lions.

The JB Award is named after Joe Bermudez, who ran the Columbus Lodge's softball program for 16-season and coached the sidelines for three more seasons. Bermudez played the game of softball with great passion. That passion was only exceeded by his unrelenting commitment to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate and those in need. The Farmingdale resident has volunteered at Mercy Hospital for over 20 years.

The Columbus Lodge #2143 is a member of the Order Sons of Italy in America, a not-for-profit fraternal organization that is celebrating its centennial year. The lodge has offered its members various social, and recreational activities, as well as community service involvement. To become a member of this organization, or to obtain additional information, one may contact Stephen LaScala at 735- 2535.

Other OSIA News: To participate in the Sons of Italy "Walk-for-Education" on May 6, one may contact Dan Colantone (516) 799-6804 . . . Graduating high school seniors must get their application in to their guidance councilor by May 1 in order to be considered for this year's Columbus Lodge Scholarship Awards . . . The lodge's Annual Charity Golf Outing will be on May 18 at the Timber Point Country Club. For information one may telephone Tony Ragno at 586-4117.