When considering some of the things people in this area have to be thankful for today, we're pleased to reflect on some of the good news we've heard recently.

While we recognize that many families still have loved ones serving in the U.S. military in dangerous places around the world, we celebrated the safe return of local members of the U.S. Army National Guard, who had spent more than a year away from home on behalf of their country - and their hometowns.

The Booker T. Washington Center in Auburn recently celebrated its 80th year, honoring the men and women who have helped educate, lift up and inspire generations of children and families.

Area sports fans celebrated the championship season of the Auburn Doubledays this past summer. And the fans certainly didn't get on board simply because the team was doing well; the total attendance at home games was 66,222.

Auburn this year became home to the Stardust Foundation of Central New York. Backed by Auburn native Jerry Bisgrove, the foundation has pledged more than $15 million in grants and investments for a variety of projects, including education, the arts, health care and technology.

Auburn and the surrounding areas are blessed to have so many people who give their time - and their money - to make the area a better place to live.

Former Auburnian “Afro” Tom Crawford offered to have his signature mop of hair cut off, raising more than $11,000 in donations for local charities.

Kihm Winship, of Skaneateles, has been making his village cleaner by making it a habit to pick up litter wherever he finds it. He writes entertaining stories about his finds on an Internet site.

And in Auburn, a dedicated group of volunteers is working to open a homeless shelter to give critical support to those among us who may have the least to be thankful for.

Of course, these items from the past year are just a sampling of the many reasons to be thankful that we live and work in this special community.