HIT: To a strong start for the Auburn High School Vanguard, which won its first field band competition of the season on Saturday.

The Vanguard beat out an always-strong Union-Endicott band to capture top honors in the Large School 3 division at Cicero-North Syracuse. This year's band has once again put a tremendous amount of work and creativity into their show, and we urge anyone who can to get out and see them play.

To keep up with the band and upcoming shows around the state, head to the New York State Field Band Conference Web site at www.nysfbc.org.

A special treat comes on Saturday, Sept. 27, when Auburn hosts its annual Harvest of Sound competition.

MISS: To the fierce wind storm that swept through central New York.

The damage from the overnight blast of severe weather was easy to find Monday. It's hard to believe something so destructive was actually a weak remnant of another storm, Hurricane Ike.

The local experience sure makes one appreciate how destructive Hurricane Ike was to the Texas Gulf Coast region.

On a positive note, kudos are in order for all the work put in by first responders, power company workers, tree removal specialists and so many others who helped deal with the aftermath.

MISS: To the death last week of Marilyn Daly Cowen, of Union Springs.

Cowen's long list of community activities and contributions is remarkable. Her ability to contribute on so many levels and in so many places is quite unique. At the center of everything was a dedicated career in the Cayuga County Health and Human Services Department, and her work with the Civil Service Employees Association.

Those who know the inner workings of county government will tell you that Cowen was always a calming presence.

In so many ways, she's going to be badly missed.