Our region … Western New York… is a very special place!

This is an exceptional area because of the people and with the region’s magnificent rolling hills, expansive beautiful valleys, productive farm lands, and majestic lake plains.

This area stands out as a wonderland of nature and opportunity.

The following poem is an expression that depicts several aspects of the exceptional nature of our area in which we work, reside and take pride.

AN AREA IN WHICH WE HAVE PRIDE

Between the bountiful hillsides

With meadows and trees all in prime…

This is an area with splendorous texture

With villages and farm lands sublime.

The hillsides are arrayed with choice splendor

Whatever season or time of the year,

They dress with colorful adornment

Giving to many, an abundance of cheer.

Here is where the Amish trail points southward

With a bountiful picturesque so serene…

Pristine farms and woodlands of beauty

What a natural and spectacular scene.

The gleaming water of the brooks flow like crystals

Over rocks and glimmering shoals;

They are the waters from the beautiful hillsides

Into various streams with rippling unfolds.

The valleys between the lush-filled hillsides

Are a precious sight, truly to behold…

With people, tree lined roadways, and colorful gardens

A precious sight and a joy to unfold.

There are ski resorts and community parks in this area

Beautifully landscaped to the state of the art;

And villages, farm lands, and thriving townships

Meeting the needs of the people who take heart.

There are men and women busily doing

The things that need to be done …

Working, shopping, and caring for others

And doing everything else under the sun.

There is the hustle and bustle of children

Having a ball game with children from far and near.

There are helpful to folks who render assistance

With a warm smile and the giving of cheer.

There are volunteers and thoughtful first responders

Who willingly give of their time;

There are businesses, skillful folks, and so many others

Who thoughtfully share their talents sublime.

This is the area … with bountiful landscapes

Where thoughtful people work and reside

It is a remarkably pleasant people region

It is WESTERN NEW YORK … and we say it with pride.

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