A grand tour of Italy directed by Frank Treccase, professor emeritus of Italian and Spanish at Slippery Rock University, will be held July 21 to Aug. 1.

The tour will travel through Rome, Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Venice, Capri, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast and the Italian Riviera.

For information, contact Frank Treccase at 412-571-1111 or ftrec@comcast.net.

Applications available for pageant

Applications are available for the 2010 Miss Butler County USA pageant.

The competition will be held Dec. 13 at the Keane Theatre in Gibsonia. It is the official preliminary to the Miss Pennsylvania USA pageant, which leads to the Miss USA pageant.

No performing talent is required. Judging is based on poise, personality, stage presence and overall appearance.

For information, contact executive director Mrs. Marilyn E. Kane at 724-287-0576.

BUTLER TWP — The Meridian Vets Club will present a Veterans Day celebration at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at Meridian United Presbyterian Church, 4150 Highland Ave.The Butler High School Junior ROTC Color Guard will be featured. The keynote speaker will be John Cyprian of Butler County Veterans Services.Special music will be provided by the church's children's choir, directed by Vicki Georgic and accompanied by organist Joyce Gillis.

PROSPECT — The third annual Star Gala will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Atrium, 1031 New Castle Road. Hosted by Lifesteps and Seubert and Associates, the event will benefit the Lifesteps' Family Caring Fund.The event will feature a grazing social with complimentary beverages, auctions, raffles, and a photo and gift for each guest.Music will be provided by the 1970s and 80s cover band Dancing Queen. Reserve tickets by Friday at 800-225-2010.

JEFFERSON TWP — Concordia Lutheran Ministries will hold open houses to show apartments from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday and Monday and Nov. 17 and 18 at the Haven I building, 112 Marwood Road.For information, call Haven's admissions counselor Peggy Trettel at 724-352-5378 or visit www.concordialm.org.

The third annual U-Name-It Auction will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 6 in the Bethany Room of Saint Andrews United Presbyterian Church, 201 E. Jefferson St.Items include new merchandise, handmade crafts, services and food.A preview of auction items will be at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit mission projects of the church.Luncheon planned to honor veteransSAXONBURG — Saxony Health Center, 223 Pittsburgh St., will host a Veterans Day luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 10.There will be food, drinks and live entertainment. R.S.V.P. by Monday at 724-352-9445.