The Order Sons of Italy in America, Grand Lodge of Illinois & Wisconsin, will head north for its 17th annual Leonardo da Vinci Awards of Excellence Gala, hosting the event on May 6 at the Roma Lodge in Racine. The event will feature a buffet luncheon at noon and an awards ceremony at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $65. For reservations, call 708-403-7822.

Profiles of the honorees follow: Peter Barca - Representative Peter Barca is a lifelong citizen of Kenosha and Somers. He currently serves as State Representative from the 64th Assembly District, which includes much of the City of Kenosha and portions of the City of Racine, Town of Somers, Village of Mount Pleasant, and Village of Elmwood Park.