HIT: To the participants and organizers of the CROP Walk events held throughout the region on Sunday.

This annual activity raises thousands of dollars to help less fortunate people avoid going hungry, and it's always encouraging to see people of all ages taking part in the local walks. There are also a handful of CROP Walk programs taking place this coming weekend.

HIT: To another amazing display of musical talent brought to Auburn courtesy of the Adams Foundation Piano Series.

Joseph Kalichstein dazzled an audience at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday.

“I come to these every year,” audience member Maryann Finn said. “It is great that they bring this kind of quality music to Auburn.”

We couldn't say it better ourselves. Kudos to the Adams Foundation Piano Series as well as the Cayuga County Arts Council.

MISS: To the state Department of Correctional Services, which has been found guilty for allowing a lesbian prison guard to be relentlessly harassed by a co-worker at Wende Correctional Facility because of her sexual orientation.

DOCS has been fined $850,000 and ordered to improve training for its employees.

It's disappointing to hear that in 2007 this type of environment can exist in any workplace, much less one operated by a state agency.

HIT: To the butterfly garden program created this year at A.J. Smith Elementary School in the Union Springs Central School District.

Students are spending their study hall with academic interventions services coordinator and literacy teacher Hermine Drossos to tend to the garden, which is designed to attract butterflies. The participants prepare for their garden work and learn more about what they're doing through reading and research efforts.

In other words, they're improving their literacy skills while also having fun with a hands-on activity.

These types of creative approaches to education deserve plenty of praise.