Soroptimist of Butler County is now accepting applications for two $500 awards.

The Violet Richardson Award will be presented to a female age 14 to 17 involved in volunteer activities.

The Women's Opportunity Award will be presented to a woman seeking to improve her family's economic status by gaining new skills, training or education.

To receive an application, mail a request to Soroptimist, P.O. Box 1882, Butler, PA 16003 or e-mail aon5146@aol.com. Deadline for applications is Dec. 1.

BUTLER TWP — Tickets are still available for the Butler High School Class of 1995 reunion to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Butler Days Inn.Tickets are $30 each and are available at www.Bhsclassof95.com.

FREEPORT — The Freeport Volunteer Fire Department will host a Christmas parade at 1 p.m. Dec. 3.Groups wishing to participate should call the fire station at 724-295-2300 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays through Nov. 25.

GIBSONIA — St. Barnabas Charities will offer free turkey dinners from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Barnabas Nursing Home, 5827 Meridian Road and at Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas, 85 Charity Place, Valencia.Reservations are not required, but can be made by calling St. Barnabas Nursing Home at 724-443-0700, Ext. 380, or Valencia Woods at St. Barnabas at 724-625-4000, Ext. 228.

SAXONBURG — A spaghetti dinner will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at Saxonburg Memorial Presbyterian Church, Main Street, to benefit the family of Rita Paul, a single mother recently diagnosed with leukemia.A donation of $5 per person is requested. Children younger than 5 can eat for free.Reservations can be made by calling 724-352-5941.

PENN TWP — The Pennsylvania State Police will offer child seat safety checks from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Baglier Buick, Route 8.

HARRISVILLE — The Harrisville Volunteer Fire Company, Route 58, will host a raffle for a 2005 Yamaha Bruin 350 Quad at 4 p.m. Saturday at the fire hall.Doors will open at 2 p.m. and tickets will be sold for $2 each or three tickets for $5.

KARNS CITY — Church of the Word International, 1329 Kittanning Pike, will host a community Thanksgiving dinner after the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service.For information, call 814-827-9187.

The Center for Community Resources is accepting donations of mittens, hats and scarves for children and adults.Donations can be placed on mitten trees located at the Butler County Children's Center and the HOPE Center through Dec. 16.Notices, in writing, of festivals, fundraising events, newly elected officers and other news from clubs and non-profit groups should be sent to the Focus department one week in advance of the event. Items should include the name and phone number of the person providing the information and be sent to Focus, Butler Eagle, P.O. Box 271, Butler, PA 16003.