HIT: To the Holiday Traditions and Old Tyme Christmas celebrations held over the weekend in Auburn and Weedsport, respectively.

Both events epitomized community spirit during the holiday season. Kudos to the volunteers and organizers who put considerable effort into these celebrations, both on the day they were held and in the months leading up to them.

Hopefully an added benefit for the communities is a newfound appreciation by visitors for the local attractions that hosted activities.

HIT: To the hiring of Doug Marrone as the next Syracuse University football coach.

While there's certainly some debate about the choice, we're glad to see the renewed sense of pride that Marrone said he is committed to establishing. It's a bonus that Marrone is a former Orange player himself, so he has a deep understanding of what the program means to central New Yorkers.

He certainly has a monumental challenge ahead of him, but there's no reason not to have some hope.

MISS: To the lack of timely posting of meeting minutes on the part of town governments in Cayuga County.

An analysis of minutes - the official record of local government board proceedings - by The Citizen found few towns are getting minutes posted to their Web site within a reasonable amount of time.

It's also worth noting that the city of Auburn and Cayuga County have not done the most effective job at this task, either.

It's true that the law does not require minutes to be posted online, but in 2008, it should be a common practice aimed at the simple goal of a more open government.

HIT: To the Cayuga Community College fall semester graduates.

The college held a ceremony for this small group of students last week, and while these commencement exercises may be more subdued than the traditional spring programs, the accomplishments of these men and women deserve all of our congratulations.