Community briefs

Carson City

'Welcome Winter' program at Brewery

"Welcome Winter: A Musical Celebration" is at 7 p.m. Saturday, at the Brewery Arts Center Performance Hall, 511 W. King St. The show features Celtic and other holiday entertainment by the Gairin Duo on vocals, accordion, guitars, mandolin, Irish bouzouki, and bodhran, and by the Silver Strings on fiddles, flute, and cello. The program includes Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales," narrated by Rita Geil and refreshments. Tickets are $12 for general; $10 for seniors, students and BAC members and free for age 12 and under. Tickets at the BAC, 883-1976, online at ActivityTickets.com, or at the door. All proceeds benefit the Brewery.

Hosanna Handbell Choir to perform Saturday

The Hosanna Handbell Choir will hold a free public holiday concert from noon-1 p.m. Saturday at the former Wal-Mart Garden Center, 4209 S. Carson St. For information, call 530-0946 or 882-6368.

Hanukkah begins Friday evening at sundown

Temple Bat Yam celebrates Hanukkah with two parties. The first is at 6 p.m. Friday at St. Paul's Lutheran Family Church, 1201 N. Saliman Road.

There will be traditional foods such as potato latkes, lighting of the menorah - the special candelabra to celebrate Hanukkah, and a recounting of the story of Hanukkah.

Hanukkah celebrates the cycle of the moon and sun starting to get brighter at the darkest time of the year and commemorates the Israelite victory over ancient Assyrian invaders.

The second party is at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in the temple building in South Lake Tahoe, 3260 Pioneer Trail.

Everyone is asked to bring their favorite Hanukkah food - latkes, jelly donuts, anything fried in oil - as they celebrate together with singing, story telling, candles, and the highlight of the evening - TBY's First World Series of Dreidelô.

Bring some gambling funds and see how the dreidel (a spinning top) falls. Games will be available for low and high rollers. First- and second-place prizes will be awarded.

Call (775) 588-4503 at the lake, or in Carson City, call 267-2761.

Virginia City

Piper's to host Boar's Head Feast in costume

Piper's Opera House will be hosting the 17th annual Boar's Head Feast at 6:30 p.m. Friday. The multi-course medieval-style banquet will feature music by Oregon Celtic band Around the Hearth, dancing, and drama by the Virginia City Theater Muckers.

All are encouraged to come in costume to celebrate the winter solstice. Cost is $25 for adults and $15 for youth in advance, and $30 at the door. For information or reservations, call 847-0433.

Lyon County

Mound House to hold health fair Saturday

The Mound House Community Health and Safety Fair, featuring displays and presentations by health and safety organizations, will be 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday at the Bread of Life Christian Fellowship, 10042 Highway 50 E. A blood drive is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 530-8297.

Douglas County

Adopt a holiday DAWG

Douglas Animal Welfare Group's "Home 4 The Holidays" dog adoption event is 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Petco in north Douglas County. Call 267-7325 or visit www.dawgrescue.com.