I wish to begin my column today, by thanking my many readers for all of your thoughts and comments you have made concerning my columns. Indeed, I am most appreciative. “Thank you” my friends.

DUNKIRK-FREDONIA AREA THE BEAUTY OF THE LAKE PLAIN

By Robert L. Heichberger

The gleaming waters of the lake front

With vineyards and orchards sublime.

This area with its splendorous texture

It Is so special in all of its prime.

The hills are arrayed with choice splendor

Whatever season or time of the year,

They dress with colorful adornment

Giving to many, an abundance of cheer.

Chautauqua County with all of its areas;

Is a place so special to behold.

The people are care-giving neighbors

And their thoughtfulness so wholeheartedly enfold..

There is the aroma of harvesting vineyards

Truly, a bountiful picturesque so serene;

With a Grape Festival and cheerful people all gathered

What a natural and spectacular scene.

The waters of the creeks flow like crystals

Over rocks and glimmering shoals;

They are the waters from the beautiful hillsides

Flowing into Lake Erie with rippling unfold.

There are the various businesses standing so proudly

Being renovated to the state of the art

And Brooks Hospital stands stoically giving service

Rendering treatments with a tender-filled heart.

Outstanding educational centers are located in this region

From pre-k to graduate instruction is available each day

Excellent schools and the distinguished SUNY Fredonia are in location

With the highest of academic honors and creative achievements on display.

There is the first natural gas well and sights to explore

They are maintained by the state of the art;

And historic homes proudly and stately standing

Built for and by folks with a neighboring heart.

There are the places where people assemble

And gather to shop and to converse

And after a bit, with time moving forward

Each group goes on their own way to disperse.

There are men and women busily doing

Helping others with a giving so sincere

Working, shopping, and caring for others

And receiving from others, a smile with good cheer.

There are volunteers and helpful first responders

Who willingly give of their time.

And the local press: the Dunkirk OBSERVER

Providing the latest news headlines in prime.

So prominent in this area of which we take pride

Are the many houses of worship to which people are avowed

And so prominent too of which we take pride

Is our Chautauqua County fairgrounds, of which we are proud.

This community is where visitors are treated like friends

And friends are treated like family…

Be it the home and the school, the urban and the rural

All are working with neighborly harmony.

The hillsides and lake front surround this thriving area

This picturesque scene is so special indeed.

For all the people, be they residents or visitors…

This region is like home, all seem to agree

This area? with orchards and prospering businesses

Where thoughtful people live, visit, work, and reside:

This is our historic and thriving Dunkirk Fredonia region

And we say it “appreciatively” with significant pride.

Dr. Robert L. Heichberger is a resident of Gowanda and Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus at SUNY Fredonia