HIT: Perhaps overshadowed by the failed budget proposal in the Southern Cayuga Central School District, the passage of the budget by voters in the Cato-Meridian Central School District marked a significant step in the healing of that community.

After two rejected proposals last year resulted in a contingency budget that brought severe spending cuts, voters this year approved a spending plan that restores athletics and extracurriculars

The district's administration and board of education deserve credit for reaching out to the community during this year's budget formation process.

MISS: The death of the Rev. Robert Egan, an Auburn native whose long career in the priesthood included time as pastor at St. Bernard's in Scipio Center, marked the passing of an amazingly spiritual man who truly loved his parishioners. Like so many priests, Egan, who was 82, touched countless lives in a positive way.

HIT: To Norita Balloni, who is investing considerable time and money to open a new business similar to the place she helped her late husband run for years.

Balloni plans to open JB's Grill on Wall Street. The space most recently had operated as the Euphoria nightclub. The new business is named after Jim Balloni, who died of cancer in November 2002, after running the Tinker's Guild restaurant on Franklin Street. Norita Balloni has spent about $300,000 getting the place renovated, a major investment by Auburn standards.

HIT: The arrival of actors from faraway places is always a welcome sign each spring because it means the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse season is just around the corner.

Many of the budding thespians got into town Wednesday, and rehearsals began Thursday. The season opens June 1 with a showing of "Brigadoon" that runs through June 18.

MGR gets better each year, with improved performances and improved facilities. The playhouse is clearly one of the jewels of the Finger Lakes region.