Plan now for holiday celebrations and giving

The holidays are almost here, and everyone will be rushing around. If you want to turn down the stress a notch, try going to Celtic Music Nights at Borders Café on Topsy Lane.

Every second and fourth Thursdays, it hosts Tom and Kay Aufrance of the Gairin Celtic Duo. They bring a great, relaxing atmosphere to the café with ballads, jigs and reels from Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Celtic America.

The free show includes acoustic folk instruments: mandolin, guitar, accordion and bodhran. Joining Gairin most evenings are Sue Kitts on fiddle and Wendy Ray on flute. Sue and Wendy are local music teachers. And, yes, there will be a Celtic Music Night on Thanksgiving evening.

Join the fun, and you may even find yourself dancing a jig!

Borders Cafe Celtic Music Night

Where: Borders Bookstore, 911 Topsy Lane

When: 7-8:30 p.m. second and fourth Thursdays

Cost: Free

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Come celebrate the beginning of the holiday season with the hard-working women from the Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare Auxiliary. The proceeds will fund scholarships for young men and women in the nursing program, as well as assists the many newborn programs.

If you're interested in the latest holiday fashion and want to get a jump start on what's hot this season for gifts, come check out this runway with its local models. But the real fun are the surprise guests and the fashion show.

Jubilee Luncheon and Fashion Show

Where: Plaza Hotel and Conference Center, 801 S. Carson St.

When: 11:30 a.m. Dec. 2

Cost: Tickets are $35 at the Auxiliary Gift Shop or contact Rosemary Smith for reservations by today at 882-7057.

Proceeds Benefit: Regional Medical Center, nursing scholarships and regional health-care needs.

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Every time I see December on the calendar, I start to panic. Christmas is getting closer.

Here is an event that won't give you anxiety - the annual New Year's Eve Pioneer Family Dance, a safe way to celebrate the New Year.

Have fun sampling the dessert potluck while enjoying the lively music provided by local band Wild Sage. There will be dance caller for spinning across the floor.

Pioneer Family New Year's Eve dance

Where: Brewery Arts Center Ballroom, 449 W. King St.

When: 8 p.m.-midnight Dec. 31

Cost: $15 for adults at the door, $12 in advance @nevadamusic.com; $6 for kids.

Contact: Darla Bayer at 883-9351

• To have your information included, contact Kim Riggs at kimriggs@att.net.