HIT: To a pair of local community celebrations that showcased the pride people have in their Cayuga County hometowns.

Despite less-than-ideal weather, plenty of people turned out for the annual AuroraFest and the 150th anniversary celebration for the town of Throop on Saturday.

Events like these remind us why this area is a great place to live.

HIT: To another outstanding Book Bonanza held last weekend to raise funds for St. Joseph School.

This annual event brings thousands of people to the Fingerlakes Mall in the summer in search of some inexpensive reading material, from fantastic mysteries to children's literature to how-to manuals.

The sight of people leaving the malls with bags filled with books is an encouraging sign that reading is still a passion for plenty of people.

MISS: To the firing of Washington Nationals manager Manny Acta, a man who endeared himself to many Auburn residents when he managed the minor league baseball team here for four seasons in the mid 1990s.

It's true that just about every Major League Baseball manager who is hired is merely working toward the day he gets fired, but that doesn't take away from the sting when it actually happens.

Acta certainly had a tough assignment - the Nationals simply haven't had the talent to be competitive in the big leagues. But he always handled himself well, and we're sure he'll land on his feet.

HIT: To the student athletes who have earned The Citizen's all-star designation for the spring 2009 season.

This week we're wrapping up our all-stars series, which has featured tributes to the outstanding performers in nine sports. Check them out at auburnpub.com/allstars if you've missed a day or two.