OLAF FUB SEZ: According to English playwright Noel Coward, born on this date in 1899, “We have no guarantee that the afterlife will be any less exasperating than this one.”

TIME TO SHARE—Embracing the holiday spirit is Dr. John Mulawka of Derby Pediatrics, who is providing 10 families a Christmas dinner—a turkey, a ham and all the trimmings—and purchasing gifts for the children from two families.

Anyone in need who otherwise wouldn’t have a Christmas this year is invited to drop a letter stating their circumstances at the Derby Pediatrics office at 6763 Erie Road. Don’t wait, though. Deadline is today. Meanwhile, anyone who would like to help by contributing time or money also is welcome. Call 947-2222.

WARM INSIDE—You don’t have to roll up on a two-wheeler to be part of the Ruben Brown Motorcycle Run Benefit from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday in Nektar Restaurant, 451 Elmwood Ave.

It’s a strictly indoors event for the holidays to benefit the former Buffalo Bills lineman’s favorite charity, the Salvation Army, along with Upstate New York Transplant Services and several agencies that help children. There will be live music and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. For info, call 881-1829.

SPOOKY YULE—Do ghosts celebrate Christmas? Find out during the Spirits of Christmas Past tours in the Victorian-era Iron Island Museum, 998 Lovejoy St., which has been featured on the “Ghosthunters” series on the SyFy Channel. Tours are at 6:30 p. m. Thursday and 10:30 a. m. Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $5. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are encouraged, but walk-ins also are welcome. Call 892-3084.

HONORS PLUS—Dance instructor Carol Allen of Let’s Dance in North Collins got more than an honor last week when Womenfocus gave her its 2009 Woman of the Arts Award. She also had a poem written for her by her good friend Judy Galganski, who read it at the awards luncheon: Following Your Heart

Inner courage—what does this mean?

Looking inside to find strength for a dream.

Today we are honoring people who know

How to trust what they feel, to let faith run the show.

As we celebrate perseverance, let each tell their story Of overcoming obstacles without asking for glory.

A celebration of life where each plays the part;

Where belief in oneself is born in the heart.

Carol and her husband, Howard, founded the Pathways to Wellness Center in North Collins, where they foster healthy life choices by encouraging artistic expression along with counseling, fitness and dance programs.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY—

Mary Muzyka, Anthony Alagna, Monica Summers, Richard Moffat, Terry Nowak, Lauren Martinez, Novella Gatlin, John Podkladek, Hannah Panek, Sharron Kyman, Andrea Straw, Marc Vredenburg, Virginia Lake, Mary Szafranski, Joey Kocinski, Joyce Drzwiecki, Edward Beyers, Gregg Huller, Suzette Decker, Gary Prieur, Spencer Staszczyk, Carol Klein, Julia Saturnino, Sue Gentile, Shirley Speidel, Agnes Forcucci, Morgan Lempko and Susan M. Gibson.

AND THURSDAY—

Wendy Guyker, Shannon Lore, Jon Eric Banach, Jeff Buczkowski, Marie Rohm, Sister Mary Virgilyn Grabowski, Joseph Giglia, Dave Mastykarz, Sister Mary Rachel Krauza, Cameron Bosworth, Alex Gehrke, Louis Zaretsky, Carolyn Held, Susan Shisler, Mary Fay, Nicole Mason, Nancy Reynolds, Elizabeth McClam, Emma Czumaj, C. Jack Potter, Linda Merrill, Louise Annichiarico, Phoenix Lasker and Kathy Stanley.