Sure, our economy is tough and the gray clouds sometimes make life gloomy. However, there’s plenty to feel good about it Western New York. From the Sabres’ run to 900-plus with steady jobs at Delphi, good news is happening throughout the region. Here are our 10 favorite things to feel good about this year.



1. The Buffalo Sabres

The “scary good” Buffalo hockey team has had a lot to celebrate during the past few months, and the fans are more than partaking in the activities. Their dramatic playoff run against the Carolina Hurricanes brought about a comradely in the city not seen for a number of years. Even with their defeat in Game 7, Sabres fans stood by with high expectations for this upcoming season.

Not surprisingly, the expectations were not only met but surpassed.

The Sabres hit the ice in their new uniforms and started a winning streak that almost placed them in the NHL history books. Ticket sales continue to boom; as of today, only single seats are available for any of the remaining home games.

The new uniform has also added a financial growth to the Sabres enterprise; Sabres merchandise is the most frequently purchased off the NHL’s official Web site.



2. Delphi hires 900

It was a piece of good news that seemed to catch everyone by surprise. Delphi announced on Tuesday that it was converting all of the temporary workers they had hired in the last several months to permanent status. That means guaranteed, union-represented jobs for 900 local residents who had been plugging holes on the company’s radiator production lines at the Upper Mountain Road plant in Lockport.

It also means employment at the plant will remain at a steady 2,500. Those workers will be offered a benefit package ranging from solid health insurance to retirement security and gradual raises under a more workable pay structure for the company.

When Delphi announced its plant would be staying open for the long run, that was good news in itself. That they are demonstrating a long-term commitment to Niagara County’s workforce can only be better news for the whole Western New York area.



3. Removal of NYS Thruway Tolls

As of Oct. 30, the New York State Thruway Authority voted to officially remove the tolls leading into the city of Buffalo. These include both the Ogden Street and Black Rock areas.

The decision was based on collaborations between Sen. Dale M. Volker, Sen. Mary Lou Rath, Gov. George Pataki and representatives from the New York State Thruway Authority.

It is estimated that commuters and businesses who drive in and out of the city of Buffalo daily will save more than $14 million annually.



4. Niagara Falls Housing Authority

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority teamed up with Chevron Energy Solutions to implement a 12-year energy-efficiency and water-saving program at three residential facilities in Niagara Falls.

The $823,000 conservation project is expected to save approximately $94,000 annually. Some changes made included changing to energy-efficient exterior and interior lighting, controls on corridor ventilation, programmable thermostats, building shells and ductwork sealing, low-flow shower heads and low-consumption toilets.

The NFHA’s Wrobel Towers, Jordan Gardens and Packard Court facilities were all updated with these substantial changes, which were completed last April.

That wasn’t the only good news the authority received this year. A few months ago, the group received word that it would get federal funding for the Hope VI project.



5. Niagara University

The county’s established university is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year with a year-long celebration. The festivities kicked-off Sept. 27 and will continue through the school’s academic year.

On the actual date of Niagara’s founding, Nov. 21, the university featured a birthday party, the unveiling of an historical retrospective exhibit in the Castellani Art Museum, and the creation of a time capsule. University professor John Stranges also signed his new book titled “The Rainbow Never Fades - Niagara University 1856-2006.”



6. The Buffalo Zoo

The Buffalo Zoological Gardens is the third oldest zoo of its kind in the United States. For awhile, the establishment was showing its age. However, under new management of Buffalo Zoo President and CEO Donna Fernandes, the beloved zoo has received a facelift and two brand new exhibits.

Even the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority stepped in and donated $64,958 toward energy-efficient measures including a water-filtration system. It is estimated that with this new system the zoo will save up to $21,662 annually.



7. Good Samaritans

Regardless of who it is, your neighbor or a stranger, good Samaritans are all over Western New York, and this past year has seen a number of outstanding examples.

Mike Esposito is a social studies teacher who spends his spare time organizing yearly fundraisers for both local and national charities. John S. “Jack” Cullen recently donated $2 million to his alma mater, St. Joe’s in Tonawanda. Louise Yots stepped forward and helped coordinate the Niagara Greeters program when budget cuts ran into the tourism allocations. Lastly people like Kathleen A. Granchelli, CEO of the YWCA of Niagara, who donated countless hours to opening Carolyn’s House in Niagara Falls, a shelter for women and children looking to get back on their feet.

While politicians and economic stability will come and go, good neighbors will always be there.



8. Visiting Airmen’s Quarters, Niagara Falls Air Force Base

Construction has begun on the Air Force base to build housing units for visiting Air Force pilots.

Prior to its construction, those here on duty were left without a place to stay. Barracks had to be rearranged for temporary housing units for the Air Force members. Now, with the construction underway, these men and women will have a place to stay when they are sent to Niagara Falls.



9. Crowne Plaza Hotel

Once the Holiday Inn Select, construction has enhanced this hotel to a premium four-star plaza.

The completion of the casino a few years back has had a monopoly in the area in terms of quality hotels. People who were coming to gamble and looking to stay somewhere luxurious would look no further than the casino’s hotel itself. Now, the Crowne Plaza hotel will add some competition to the once monopolistic resort. Another chance for the city of Niagara Falls to promote its tourism and enhance its economic value.



10. Food Pantries

As millions of Americans celebrate Thanksgiving this week, it is easy to forget those in need who might not have the ability to purchase a turkey and all the vegetables that go along with a traditional dinner.

Yet Niagara County steps up each and every year with donations to the local food pantries in the region. Heart & Soul, located on Ontario Avenue is just one of the pantries in the area. Run by Executive Director Sister Barbara Pfohl, Heart & Soul is celebrating its 25th anniversary next year. Recently, because of the continually support of volunteers, they have been able to expand their daily lunch service to the third Saturday and last two Sundays of every month.