Take a lesson from Mount View residents
By Heidi Muck
Wednesday, June 23, 2026

I am a proud employee of Mount View Health Facility, a resident of Niagara County, and a taxpayer.

It was with much trepidation that I was preparing for work the day after the legislative vote regarding Mount View. Saddened and angered that 11 legislators had shown our elderly residents such blatant disregard. Concerned as to how I would greet them. How would I console and offer optimism when I, as an employee, was equally impacted by the legislative vote.

It was to be our annual facility picnic. A day of fun-filled activities and the hope for a bright future. Yet, here were residents impacted by the illness and losses that I could not even begin to imagine, suffering yet again.

Family members and staff were visibly concerned for the future.

A dark cloud had been cast upon the facility, and I wasn’t sure if the sun could break through. Yet, I was awestruck by the dignity, strength and selfless acts of concern that the residents were expressing to the staff. Selfishly they could have grasped onto the staff for solace and comfort but instead exhibited strength of character unknown in this generation. I personally experienced something that day that has touched me in a manner that I can only inadequately describe.

One of the ladies, while participating in her therapy program, inquired as to how I was doing. Concerned, she took my hand and told me it would be all right. How could I speak of my concerns to this individual who struggles daily with pain and fights to maintain mobility? I fought the tears that this act of kindness brought forth and realized that if these individuals could find the inner strength to dispel adversity, then so could I.

We all could learn a lesson from these ladies and gentlemen.

To all the residents and family members of Mount View, I would like to express my gratitude for being allowed to work with and care for individuals of such incredible magnitude. I am honored and humbled.

To my fellow co-workers, I would like to express my pride with the level of exemplary care that each of you provides every day. Not an easy task and not a profession chosen by many.

To the 11 legislators whose vote negatively impacts the future of Mount View, it is my hope that each of you is able to learn a lesson in integrity from these individuals.

To the community ultimately impacted in the future by this vote, it is my hope that your final days are more peaceful and restful than the residents of Mount View.



Heidi Muck is a resident of Newfane.
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