OLAF FUB SEZ: Advice from singer and actress Lena Horne, born on this date in 1917, “Always be smarter than the people who hire you.”

FULL SUPPORT—Taking the open mike night to a new level are the folks at Pro Music Center and Riff’s Cafe at 5445 Transit Road, Amherst, across from Kohl’s and Perkins. They’re providing a full back-line of amps, a professional sound system, lighting, keyboards and an electronic drum kit.

“Just bring your own string instrument and a couple of friends. You’re gonna love this,” says singer-songwriter Kathy Moriarty, who hosts the first session at 8:30 p. m. Thursday. Hosting on alternate Thursdays is singer-songwriter Melissa Lussier. For information, call the store at 689-2031.

FEELING FREE—Declare your independence from gluten at the annual VFW Independence Day Picnic at Charles N. DeGlopper Memorial Post 9249, 2121 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island. Available will be gluten-free rolls for the hot dogs and hamburgers and, believe it or not, gluten-free beer.

Food and beverages will be by pre-purchased tickets only and there will be plenty of ticket booths around. Returning to provide music for the third year is the band Sleepless City. There also will be children’s games under a tent and numerous carnival attractions. It all starts at 11 a. m., following the town’s parade.

MORE REUNIONS— Bishop Ryan High School alumni are holding an all-class reunion and picnic on July 17 on the school grounds at St. Francis High School in Athol Springs. Activities begin with a Mass in the chapel at 6 p. m. Special honorees will be members of the classes of 1949 and 1959. For information, call Paul Andruczyk at 662-3459, e-mailryanalumni@roadrunner.com or visit www.stfrancishigh.org.

Rain or shine, West Seneca Central High School’s Class of 1964 will hold its 45th reunion picnic from 7 a. m. to 9 p. m. Aug. 1 at Shelter 13 in Chestnut Ridge Park, Orchard Park. It’s a Bring Your Own Everything affair and a dish to pass will be appreciated. Fee is $5 to cover the cost of the shelter. For information, call Carole Ball Oyler at 822-7357 or 491-0593 or visit the class Web site at www.wscschools.org.

Deadline for reservations is July 15 for the 30-year reunion of the Class of 1979 from Iroquois Central High School. It will be held from 6 p. m. to midnight Aug. 8 at Colden Lakes Resort, Heath Road, Colden. Tickets are $21. Get tickets online and find other information at www.iroquoisclassof79.com.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY— Carol Napierala, Carmen Spano, Casey Stashenko, Kerri Wahl, Marie Abbarno, Josh Knauber, Patrick Meegan, Maxwell Leatherbarrow, Taylor K. Cotter, Peggy Horlein, Frank Stasio, Chris Cummings, John Cipolla, Lyn Bullock, Carmina Rogers, Sheila Weppner, Courtney Cerrone, Don Dixon, Wally Przepasniak, Joshua Duquin, Molly Gillen, Nicholas McGillicuddy, Ryan Ryan, Norm Dziadaszek, Mel Pauly, Aaron Mentkowski, Dianne Bennett, Tom Pogo, Lucas Clotfelter, and Michael Chiodo.