HIT: To the end of the school year. We're not that old that we don't remember the excitement of summer vacation. Local students can take a break from academics and have some fun, whether it's athletics, a job or even reading some good books.

No matter what children do this vacation, we hope all of them stay safe and enjoy their time away from school.

And let's add a final thank you to all of the teachers for the hard work they put in to educate our children.

MISS: To a missing, now found, 14-foot python in the Jordan area. The 80-pound snake entertains children and appears at parades and other fun activities.

The fact that someone deliberately freed the snake is not only irresponsible to the public's safety but to the python's health as well. Fortunately, the snake was found unharmed and no one was hurt.

HIT: To the first day of summer this weekend. It felt like summer for awhile before a recent cold snap brought up memories of autumn but a new season is upon us.

Yes, gas and food prices are up, making it tougher to enjoy summer but there are plenty of fun, close, cheap activities that can be found in central New York.

Visit the Tubman and Seward homes or the Cayuga Museum and Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center. Catch a play at the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse and enjoy Emerson Park.

Don't forget about Fair Haven and Fillmore Glen state parks on Cayuga County's northern and southern ends.

HIT: To the Finger Lakes Culinary Bounty, a decade-old group that strengthens the association between the region and quality food.

There are already plenty of wineries for tourists to visit, publicizing the region's food is also a good idea.

A strong culinary identity could help draw tourists to the Finger Lakes and help the local economy.