3 performances of 'The Nutcracker' at McLaughlin Theatre in Loomis

Editor's note: "Gatherings" is a compilation of meetings, luncheons, dinners, guest speakers and other events. Those wanting to mention an upcoming event can email the information to Editor Bill Poindexter at billp@goldcountrymedia.com. Tickets are on sale for performances of McLaughlin Theatre Company's "The Nutcracker" this Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 8-10, at 3470 Swetzer Road in Lincoln. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., and Sunday's performance is at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $22 for all three days, students and seniors are $16 and children under 12 are $14. Call 916-652-6377 for more information. Roseville trades succulents for soups Environmental utilities are teaming up with local organizations to fight food insecurity and promote water efficiency during the holidays. In partnership with St. Vincent de Paul Society and Green Acres Nursery and Supply, Roseville Environmental Utilities are giving free succulents in exchange for canned goods. The goal is to encourage water use efficiency and offer a way for customers to help those in need during the holidays. Residents can donate nonperishable canned food items and receive one free succulent and water-saving tips to encourage efficient water use through Dec. 9. All donated food will be given to the Roseville St. Vincent de Paul Society to ease food insecurity during the holidays. Green Acres Nursery and Supply is providing the succulents. Donations will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Roseville Utility Exploration Center, 1501 Pleasant Grove Blvd., in Roseville. Donations will not be accepted on Dec. 3 and 4. First Open Mics of 2024 scheduled The Poets Club of Lincoln has three guests scheduled as part of its Open Mic events in the first quarter of 2024. Jennifer O'Neill Pickering will be the guest poet on Feb. 11. She's a member of Sable & Quill, a writer and visual artist. Loch Henson, author of Hungry Ghosts: Collected Poems, is the scheduled guest on March 10. Attendees of the first Open Mic of the year, on Jan. 14, will be the guest poets. Poetry Open Mics are held the second Sunday of each month from 3-5 p.m. at the Salt Mine, 590 Lincoln Blvd., in Lincoln. For information, email David Anderson at dcajla80@gmail.com.