HIT: To Memorial Day weekend. Finally, the unofficial start to summer - picnics, parties, great weather - what we've been waiting for, for so long.

But while you're having fun, take a moment to remember why it's possible - the ultimate sacrifice paid for by our members of the armed forces from the Revolutionary War to today's conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

MISS: To people who might drink and drive this weekend. Holiday weekends can be the best of times but all it takes is one drunk driver to forever alter their life or the lives of others.

Local law enforcement will be out in force this weekend, so beware.

HIT: To the efforts of Special Blessings, a local Christian support group for families with autistic children.

Any group that unites people that have children with a medical affliction is a welcome addition to the community. Parents find out they're not alone in dealing with autism. Even better, they get to meet other local people in the same situation, something that the Internet doesn't allow.

MISS: To the rise in gambling addictions. Playing poker on TV may look glamorous, but the sad truth is that thousands of people become addicted to different forms of gambling every year. And like any addiction, gambling can destroy lives and families.

A group of local ministers held an informative talk Wednesday night called “When the Chips are Down: Recognizing and Addressing Gambling Addiction” at the Auburn Public Theater.

Stephen Capozzi, an education specialist with the Finger Lakes Council on Alcoholism and Other Addictions, talked about how to prevent gambling problems.

In these days of Internet betting and big lottery jackpots, it's good to be reminded of the old axiom: “All things in moderation.”