Maybe it was just another Sunday morning softball game, as the Columbus Lodge #2143 OSIA played a split-squad game (Squad B defeating Squad A 12-7) on Sept. 20. But to the players of the Columbus Lodge Golden Lions, they witnessed the return of one of the most respected players in Lodge history.

Glenn Merto returned to action for the first time in over 14 months, since blowing out his knee in a freak accident at work. After an operation, followed by months of therapy and with a brace cradled tightly around his knee, Glenn took the field for Squad A.

A longtime friend of Merto, Rich Parmenter, opened the scoring with an RBI double and later scored as the A's took a 3-0 lead in the top of the second inning. Squad B's Jeff Saviano lead a five run explosion to provide Squad B with a brief 5-3 lead. In the third, Squad A's Tommy McCoughlin hit a two run homerun to tie the score; Stu Heller scored ahead of him.

Relentless, Squad B's "Hippy Tony' Novarro scored in the fourth to take back the lead for good, 6-5. Anthony Curran's SAC-fly in the fifth and a four run sixth allowed Squad B to cruise to a 12-7 win. Frank Curran's first home run of the year capped the A's scoring.

Merto tested the knee early and made several diving plays at shortstop. Limping noticeably by the sixth inning. Merto had one more goal to accomplish. "I just want one hit," said Merto. In the sixth inning Merto got his wish as he stroked a 1-1 pitch to left field. "That [hit] felt good," a relieved Merto explained.

The return of Merto, coupled with the Columbus Lodge's Third Annual Feast and Festival, scheduled on Sunday, Sept. 27 was the talk of the morning. The Feast and Festival will run between 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. on North Broadway in North Massapequa; between N. Beach Street and N. Hawthorne Street.

Columbus Lodge #2143 OSIA's Oritor/F & F Chairman, Frank Gatto, promises crafts, entertainment, rides for the kids and lots and lots of food. "Holy canoli," said Columbus Lodge outfielder Lou Roseto. Columbus Lodge Golden Lions' Pete Gisonda and Joe Contorno are among the ballplayers that are scheduled to volunteer their time and energies to ensure a successful festival for the community.