LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Verona Beach Lighthouse upon
the occasion of being designated for Honorable Mention by the Erie
Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that the quali-
ty of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched
by its exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions;
these institutions give positive definition to the profile and disposi-
tion of the communities of the State of New York and profoundly
strengthen our society with their commitment; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the Verona Beach Lighthouse upon the occasion of being designated
for Honorable Mention by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Commission to be celebrated at its Heritage Awards Ceremony on Wednes-
day, June 29, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The Erie Canalway Heritage Award of Excellence honors and
celebrates significant places of the Erie Canalway National Heritage
Corridor and recognizes excellence in advancing the goals of the Erie
Canalway Preservation and Management Plan; and
WHEREAS, The Verona Beach Lighthouse was built during the construction
of the Erie Barge Canal in 1915, to guide mariners from Oneida Lake to
the Erie Canal, yet after years of neglect this historic structure fell
into disrepair and suffered from waste dumping, graffiti, and vandalism;
and
WHEREAS, Thanks to a ten year effort by the Verona Beach Lighthouse
Association, the Verona Beach Lighthouse, once forlorn and forgotten,
again serves as a beacon on the shores of Oneida Lake; this historic
preservation effort serves as a model for citizen action and community
outreach; and
WHEREAS, A must see attraction when visiting Verona Beach or Sylvan
Beach, the 84-foot high lighthouse has been beautifully restored and is
now handicap accessible; the site boasts expansive lake views with some
of the best sunsets in New York State; and
WHEREAS, The Verona Beach Lighthouse provides a beacon for boaters,
fishermen, snowmobilers, and lake rescue squads, as well as a place for
weddings, prom pictures, and visitors who want to see a unique canal
structure; and
WHEREAS, A Statewide Model for Preservation and Advocacy, the Verona
Beach Lighthouse restoration was accomplished with persistence and part-
nerships; the Verona Beach Lighthouse Association forged strong, posi-
tive relationships with the Town of Verona and the New York State Canal
Corporation to complete the remarkable project; and
WHEREAS, The once forgotten structure is now a much beloved community
icon; a sustained campaign of outreach and engagement is behind the
transformation; volunteers removed 150 dump trucks of junk and spent
countless hours to restore the lighthouse; hard work is merged with fun
and camaraderie as the Association volunteers continue to promote and
further enhance the lighthouse through participation in festivals,
events, parades, speaking engagements, and volunteer work days; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend those
illustrious organizations within the State of New York which add

strength, vigor and inspiration to the cultural diversity and quality of
life in the communities of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Verona Beach Lighthouse upon the occasion of being
designated for Honorable Mention by the Erie Canalway National Heritage
Corridor Commission; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Verona Beach Lighthouse Association.