OLAF FUB SEZ: According to singer and songwriter Tom Waits, born on this date in 1949, “The big print giveth and the small print taketh away.”

The Modern World

I miss hearing the human voice,

But that is not by my choice.

My friends do not use the phone,

They make me feel so all alone.

The computer has taken over with e-mail,

I receive dozens each day without fail.

But at least I can turn off the set,

And I do, without a single regret.

—Honey Snitzer

HOLIDAY HINTS—Niagara Frontier Chapter, New York State Women, holds its annual Christmas celebration at 6 p. m. Tuesday in Pane’s Restaurant, 984 Payne Ave., North Tonawanda. Those attending are asked to bring a $5 gift item with their name on the packaging, along with women’s or girls undergarments for a donation to the needy.

Featured speaker is award-winning author Bertamae Anger Ives. Nonmembers are welcome. For reservations, call Leslie Stolzenfels at 694-0574.

ALL INVITED—The Auxiliary of Adam Plewacki Post 799, American Legion, is holding its annual Christmas party at 3 p. m. Sunday in the club rooms at 385 Paderewski Drive. A hot meal will be served, and it’s open to the public for a $15 donation. Reservations are essential. Call chairwoman Rita Blum at 656-0166 or cochairwoman Hattie Bochenski at 897-1864. Deadline for reservations is today.

TOY TIME—Tony Rome’s Globe Hotel, 711 Main St., East Aurora, holds its annual Toys for Tots benefit at 7 p. m. Thursday. Bring an unwrapped new toy or a donation, and that’s good for admission. There will be free food, raffles and drink specials. What’s more, 71 local businesses have donated gift certificates for a chance raffle. Owner Tara Woyton reports that the event collects about 400 toys every year and hundreds of dollars in donations.

ALUMNI WANTED— Looking for graduates of Annunciation High School in Buffalo is Pam Abia Serio of Kenmore. Get in touch by e-mail at psabiaserio@gmail.com.

MILITARY NOTES— Four Western New Yorkers recently completed basic Army training at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. They are:

Pvt. Jesse A. Adlinger, son of Cynthia Lynch of Depew. He is a June graduate of Lancaster High School.

Pvt. DonaldP. Bruyere, son of Donald Bruyere of Buffalo. He is a 1995 graduate of McKinley High School.

Pfc. BradleyC. Collings, son of Brad and Tammy Collings of Perry. He is a June graduate of Perry High School.

Pvt. Thomas L. Hand II, son of Thomas Hand of Lancaster. He is a 2008 graduate of Lancaster High School.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY— Sister Mary Luchesia Marszalek, Rose Schafer, Sharon Staszak, Don Smith, Donna Schober, Brian J. Friend, Colleen Rathke, Kathy Kurek, Carol Szczukowski, Betty Lupke, Pat Kempf, T. J. Pignataro, R. Bruce Baum, Terrell Owens, Louise Carey Rusczyk, John Rogowski Jr., Billy Mackey, Laurie Rodgers, Amanda Grabowski, Dylan Kiener, Timothy Dressler.