The Columbus Lodge #2143 Order Sons of Italy in America will begin playing weekly Sunday morning "pick-up" softball games, starting April 11 and running through Oct. 1. The games begin at 9:30 a.m., at Woodward Parkway Elementary School in Farmingdale. Residents of Farmingdale and Massapequa, of all ages and ability, are welcome to play, the league announced this week.

The Golden Lions (the lodge's softball team) are finalizing their charity softball schedule. Taking steps to improve the team, Joe Pasale recently renewed his membership with the Columbus Lodge #2143 OSIA. "Joe's the leadoff man we were looking for all last season," said Ed Bochynski Jr., captain of the Lions.

Pasale, an EMS volunteer with the North Massapequa Fire Department and a long time member of the Columbus Lodge #2143 OSIA, joined the Golden Lions at the Arthritis Foundation charity softball game last September, when the Lions' regular third baseman, Rocco Recce, returned to Hofstra University for his senior year.

At the Arthritis Foundation softball game, Pasale took over at the hot corner and performed admirably against UWF Champion Sunny Beach and the Homecare America All-Stars. "Pasale can 'flat out' play," said Golden Lions' slugger, Anthony Curran.

Columbus Lodge's softball committee spent the winter planning an expanded schedule of charity games. Among the softball events in consideration are a charity game against the NY Islanders at Mitchell Field in Uniondale, to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island and a game involving NY Yankee David Cone in Central Park to benefit the Alzheimer Association.

For more information about joining the Columbus Lodge #2143 OSIA, obtaining a schedule of the Golden Lions charity softball games and (or) to get information about participating in Sunday morning "pick-up" softball games, the Columbus Lodge has asked that you contact softball committee co-chairman Pete Gisonda at 798-3972.