HIT: To the arrival of 2008.

We hope people enjoyed safe celebrations on Monday night into this morning, and now it's time to let the reality of what this holiday means soak in.

There's just something about the annual return of Jan. 1 that brings about a new feeling of hope for the future. It's a time to set goals, perhaps make some resolutions if you're into that sort of thing.

Here's wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year.

HIT: To the community support on display for the Perraults, a local family that has suffered greatly after two brothers suffered similar spinal injuries within two months of each other.

A benefit held in Elbridge Saturday helped raise funds for injury-related expenses, and it also helped lift spirits of the family. Kudos to event organizers and attendees for going out of their way to help others in need.

MISS: To the headaches that will result from the planned construction project on the state Thruway between Exits 40 and 39. The authority plans to rebuild the highway over the next three years. While it's good to see the highway being maintained, that doesn't mean the thousands of Cayuga County commuters who use that route every day have to look forward to the process.

We urge Thruway officials to do everything they can to minimize the disruptions. And of course, once the work does begin, motorists must remember to drive with extra care.

HIT: To the end of the Syracuse University men's basketball's team non-league season.

Don't get us wrong - the games in November and December this year were actually fun to watch. But they cannot match the excitement of conference play, especially in the Big East, which is again loaded with great teams this year.