HIT: A dinner gathering in Auburn this week left visitors with more than full stomachs. Diners were also exposed to some interesting cultural sounds they might not otherwise have the chance to encounter.

A Taste of Cayuga, sponsored by the Cayuga Community College Student Activities Board and Come As You Are, an off-campus group promoting diversity, offered samples of foods from Jamaican and African recipes.

Attendees were also treated to music from a variety of cultural roots.

HIT: Bicyclists weathered strong winds and heavy downpours Thursday. But with an important goal as incentive, they pressed on.

The Fingerlakes Ride for Missing Children saw riders touring the area, visiting area schools and spreading the word about child safety.

The annual 100-mile bike ride is sponsored by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and serves to raise both awareness and funds.

We appreciate the work of these volunteers and we're glad to see that foul weather can't dampen the enthusiasm they show for helping children.

MISS: An Auburn Correctional Facility inmate was convicted in Auburn City Court this week of assaulting a female correction officer. The inmate finished his state prison term while awaiting disposition of his latest crime, and is being held in Cayuga County Jail pending sentencing for this conviction.

HIT: Options for Independence hosted its annual volunteer awards banquet in Fleming this week.

The group offered special praise to a number of people involved in making things better for people with disabilities.

Of course, people who volunteer to help others don't do it for the praise. They do it because it's the right thing to do.

The banquet served as one way for Options for Independence - and the people it serves - to say “Thank you.”