A BEACON THROUGH TIME: Visit Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse for National Lighthouse Day

BY ELIJAH ROBINSON

In honor of Lighthouse Day, August 7th, let’s shine a light on a Rochester landmark and national treasure: the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse, America’s oldest surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario.

ere is a long history behind this lighthouse we may overlook. According to lighthousefriends.org, President Je erson declared in 1804 that the 70-mile stretch along the southern shore of Lake Ontario from Oak Orchard to Sodus Bay, would become a port district centered at the Genesee River and the lake. Rochester, which had access to three waterfalls, became a vital our-milling center six miles south of the port and Charlotte.

Torches on large pilot trees or lamps atop the region’s rst hotels used to guide ships entering the port. However, with the sandbars on the marshy river entrance, entry to the river proved challenging for ships. Along with land development to help ship tra c, lighting options were discussed.

A four-acre plot of land was purchased by recently widowed Mehitabel Hincher for $400 in 1821 for the construction of a lighthouse. e lighthouse contract, including a tower, a 20x34 foot two-room keeper’s cottage, and a well, was awarded to Ashbel Symons in 1822, and Symon’s construction team took seven months to complete it at a cost of $3,301. Improvements have been made to the lighthouse and keeper’s house over the years, including a rotating lens to distinguish its light from nearby beacons for mariners in 1852, and electri cation in 1917.

e United States eventually sold the lighthouse and home in 1981, and Monroe County purchased them. In 1984, students from a local high school constructed the lighthouse’s top we see today. e Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society was founded in 1983 to preserve and maintain the tower (1822), the Keeper’s House (1863), and the historic acreage as an educational center, open to the public, where residents and visitors can learn the history of the City of Rochester’s maritime heritage.

e US Coast Guard retrieved the fourth-order Fresnel lens the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse had borrowed in 2011 to send to go on display in Black River Landing’s lobby of the Lorain Port Authority because the lens previously served at Lorain Lighthouse in Ohio. Using funds provided by an anonymous donor, Artworks Florida ordered a replica Fresnel for Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse. To repair the brick collar that supported the lantern room, it was removed before the new xed fourthorder lens was installed. About six weeks later, the lantern room was hoisted back atop the lighthouse on September 25, 2014.

Lighting in the lamp room today is a recreation of what was once inside the lighthouse. e Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse is now an o cial Coast Guard lighthouse. e Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse has stood as a guardian of Lake Ontario for centuries. From its humble beginnings in the early 19th century to its enduring presence as a historic icon, the lighthouse has witnessed the evolution of maritime navigation and the changing tides of history. Today, it remains a symbol of perseverance, guiding both ships and admirers through the annals of time. Visitors can enjoy amazing views from the top of the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse throughout the season, though it is notable that the spiral staircase within the lighthouse is tight. Visits to the lighthouse start in the museum located in what was the Keeper’s House. e museum showcases exhibits on lighthouses, Charlotte’s history, as well as maritime travels and trade. Check out the current additional exhibit on local women involved in the su rage movement.

Happy National Lighthouse Day, Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse and friends who help keep its heritage alive.

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Tips For Comfortable Camping

Tent size and location - Calculate how many people will be on the camping trip and how much space they will need to rest comfortably. Purchase or rent a tent that will provide enough space. Multiple tents also can be used if the goal is to separate family members. The next consideration is where to set up camp. Look for a level area that is relatively free from debris. Clear away any rocks and twigs, as debris under the tent can damage it and make it harder to fall asleep. Families may want to camp a short distance from restroom facilities if they are available, which will make it easier for the midnight bathroom breaks that inevitably crop up.

How To Keep Outdoor Living Areas Safe

Use an appropriate extension cord. String lights above outdoor living spaces like decks and patios can create a warm, relaxing nighttime vibe. Those lights need to be plugged in, which increases the risk for electrical accidents.When utilizing an extension cord outdoors, never use a cord designated for indoor use. Outdoor extension cords are better insulated than cords made for indoor use. That insulation provides better protection against the elements, including sunlight, changes in temperature and moisture. When using an extension cord outdoors, make sure the cord is secured and not left lying on a deck or patio where it can easily become a

Homer Lee Cessna

July 21, 2023

Homer Lee Cessna of Lima, NY passed away peacefully on July 21st. He is predeceased by his wife of almost 67 years Donna Cessna; brother, Miles (Darlene); and parents, Homer and Mildred (Rearick) Cessna. He is survived by his son, Tom Cessna (Lisa), Jim Cessna (Denise), Bill Cessna (Renee); grandchildren, Josh Hastings (Candice), Alisha Creager (Josh), Cody Cessna, Shawn Cessna (Shannon), Dana Cessna, Jessica Shirey (Tom), Dayton Cessna, Christopher Cessna (Gloria), Shane Trautman, Derrick Cessna (Halle), Jerrick Cessna (Jamie); 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Fred Cessna (Fran),and many nieces and nephews.

Homer was born in 1938, in Pennsylvania. He worked and retired from Enarco Machine in Lima. Homer was an avid hunter and sherman.

Homer will be buried with his wife in Pennsylvania in a private ceremony.

Frank Kurt Cylke

July 29, 2023 ere is no denying that Kurt made Geneseo, NY a better place. He developed a second similarly distinguished career of community service, envisioning and spearheading community projects to restore iconic Geneseo monuments, including the Village clock, the Emmeline Memorial Bear fountain on Main Street, and the Save the Wall Project for the stone wall that borders the Homestead, and in the process of these projects, Kurt brought people together.

Frank Kurt Cylke, Jr., of Geneseo, NY, beloved husband, father, son, teacher, friend, and community member, died on Saturday, July 29, 2023, a day too rainy to sail. A life lived full speed ahead ended too soon. Kurt is survived by his wife, Anna Kowalchuk; daughter, Callaghan Arianna (Mikaela) and son, omas Justus; his mother, Mary (Zembroski) Cylke; sisters, Mary Amanda Mattingly (Je ) and Virginia Ann Cylke (Mark Downey), extended family, and many, many friends. He is predeceased by his father, Frank Kurt Cylke, Sr.

Born in New Haven, CT on October 14, 1963, Kurt spent most of his youth in Great Falls,Virginia. He attended Gonzaga High School in Washington, D.C. and completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Delaware, where he met Anna. e two moved to Geneseo, where they married in 1992.

Kurt joined the SUNY Geneseo faculty in 1990 as a Professor of Sociology. His dedication and passion for his subject in uenced scores of students and earned him the respect of his colleagues, along with the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. In addition to teaching, Kurt served the college as Chair of the Department of Sociology, Chair of the College Senate and as a long-serving advocate of International Education. Kurt inspired both students and colleagues with his determination and drive to make the world a just and better place.

Walter G. Linden

July 24, 2023 e family wishes to thank the sta at E.E. Ewing CCC for their care, compassion, and friendship during his brief stay.

Passed on Monday, July 24, 2023, after a brief illness, at age 87. Walt was born in Hagerstown, MD. His family relocated to Bayshore, Long Island, NY. He is predeceased by his parents, Adolf and Adelheid Linden; his son, Walter Jr.; daughter, Debra; brother, Adolf; sister, Adelheid Shannon. Survived by his wife, Beryl; children, Helen Gordon, Julie Ann Linden, Philip (Catherine) Linden; grandchildren, Sarah (Richard) Scott, Rachel (Je ) Richard, David, Michael (Pamela), James, Benjamin, Nathan Gordon, Olivia and Philip (Sarah) Linden; 7 great-grandchildren; mother of his children, Helen Linden; many other relatives and friends.

Walt proudly served in the Army during the Korean War and retired as a NYS Trooper with 33 years of service. Walt traveled the country extensively by RV, wintering in Texas. He served as President of the local chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association and member of the Fingerlakers Motorhome Club serving as newsletter editor for many years. Walter was a storyteller who touched the hearts of many.

Family received friends 4-7pm ursday, August 3, 2023 at StephensonDougherty Funeral Home, 350 Genesee St., Avon where his Celebration of Life was held Friday at 11am, Interment, Mumford Rural Cemetery. In lieu of owers,please consider donations to charities he favored,American Kidney Fund, www.kidneyfund.org or Stand up to Cancer, www.standuptocancer.org

To share a memory or leave a condolence please visit stephenson-doughertyfuneralhome.com

EXPLORE HOSPICE OPTIONS FOR END-OF-LIFE CARE

Hospice is not only directed toward the person experiencing a life-limiting illness or injury, but is also designed to offer support and resources to family members to help them better cope with the end of a loved one’s life.

He did more than serve the community; he created community. In addition, Kurt served as a Village of Geneseo Planning Board Member, a leader of the Association for the Preservation of Geneseo (APOG), and had fond memories of running the Pokémon TCG League, being an Odyssey of the Mind (OM) coach, and building Pinewood Derby cars.

Kurt loved adventure, the outdoors and inspired others to enjoy nature and its beauty. Summers were especially favored by Kurt, because in summers he could sail. Sailing was a joy in Kurt’s life, passed on from his Dad. Kurt shared his love of sailing with whomever was game, including kids with dad’s day-sailing excursions. In the winter, he cross-country skied, and then there was walking, always walking, preferably on Nations Road or e Greenway, regardless of the season or the weather.

Many on social media will miss Kurt’s posts.He brightened the lives of countless people with his lovely photos from his early morning walks. His texts were a regular source of support to those he loved,a little lift to bring a smile or a bit of reassurance that he was in your corner. He was generous with his time, talents and enthusiasm, concerned for the well-being of others, passionate for social justice,adventurous and fun loving.He enjoyed cooking,was an avid reader,and above all, Kurt was a loving man.

Kurt met his cancer diagnosis with courage, hope, and pragmatism. With the unrelenting support of Anna, Kurt “fought the good ght” until he exhausted his options. He died as he’d lived, with dignity and in peace. As he was in his life, Kurt will be an inspiration for us in his death. He will be sorely missed. Memorial donations can be made to the “Save e Wall Project,”P.O. Box 294, Geneseo, NY 14454.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 2:00 pm on August 12 on Nations Road. Park near the Judges’Station for the races and gather under the tent for a short ceremony after which all will be encouraged to walk a portion of Nations Road. Libations, toasts, and refreshments to follow.

Beverly (Bev) Sackett Hallett

July 24, 2023

Beverly (Bev) Sackett Hallett was born on August 28, 1948, at Highland Hospital in Rochester, New York. Her beautiful life ended at the same location on July 24, 2023, at the age of 74, following complications from the cancer she ercely battled on and o for nearly 12 years. She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Michael; her children, Chad (Amy) and Carrie (Michael Paris); her grandchildren, Fisher, Will and Senna; her brother, Raymond Sackett (Donna); her sister, Sue Kretchmer; and many loving brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, and nieces and nephews on both the Sackett and Hallett sides of the family.

She is predeceased by her parents, Herman and Mildred Sackett of South Lima, NY; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Wilton and Dorothy Hallett of Caledonia, NY; and her brother-in-law, Jim Kretchmer of Conesus, NY.

Bev graduated from Livonia Central School and started her career with the Rochester Telephone Company. Bev and Mike were married on June 14, 1969, and built their home on Dutch Hollow Road in Avon, NY, where they raised their children and became active members of their community. While their kids were young, Bev provided support and assistance to Mike and his trucking business. Later, she returned to working outside of the home and worked for XLM/Hon Industries; Essex Investments; and lastly, Bryant and Stratton, where she was a receptionist/friend of everyone who walked in the door. She retired in 2014, allowing more time for her passions.

Bev was a devoted gardener, reader, and most importantly, a friend. She was always available for a call or visit, made connections easily and readily with everyone she met, and, like her gardens, cherished and nurtured her life-long friendships. She enjoyed Friday-night suppers with her friends and family, as well as breakfast gatherings with the ladies of Dutch Hollow Road and former colleagues.

A special thank you goes out to all our friends and neighbors who have been behind the scenes supporting the family. Additionally, we are extremely thankful to the medical teams that provided her with care and support during her nearly 12-year cancer battle: Dr. Balaji and the Avon Medical Group, UR Gynecologic Oncology (Lattimore), the Highland Hospital Infusion Center; and the sta at 5 East of Highland Hospital. A celebration of Bev’s beautiful life will take place on Friday, August 4th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of East Avon, 5605 E. Avon - Lima Road, Avon, NY, with a reception following at Willow Creek, 3100 Rochester Road, Lakeville, NY.

In remembrance of Bev, those who wish may make contributions to the First Presbyterian Church of East Avon, 5605 E. Avon-Lima Road, Avon, NY 14414; Avon Food Pantry, 160 Prospect St., Avon, NY 14414; Lollypop Farm (Humane Society of Greater Rochester), 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450; Wilmot Cancer Institute, O ce of Advancement, 300 E. River Road, Box 278996, Rochester, NY 146278996; or a favorite charity of your choice.

“The secret of happiness is curiosity…”

~ Norman Douglas

Boredom is certainly one of the worst of afflictions. Try to imagine how the dreary hours must drag when one is totally bored! Happily, there is no reason why anyone should ever be bored. In this wonderful world there are so many wonders we can explore… so many more delightful things to know about than we can possibly investigate.

It starts with childhood. The curious child is happy as he inquires and learns. There is no reason why we should ever lose this childlike thirst for knowledge, especially since curiosity leads to happiness.

We are pleased that most of the families that come to us do so because of the recommendation of friends whom we have been privileged to serve. Ask your friends about us.

Jerry Dougherty - Jeff Deragon - Jim Murray

Stephenson-Dougherty Funeral Home AVON • 226-2340

O’Connell-Dougherty Funeral Home LIMA •␣582-1655

STRANGE BUT TRUE By

Lucie Winborne

* The maddening but addictive Rubik’s Cube was created by accident. Professor of architecture Erno Rubik built a twistable box with colorful rows of labels on each side in an attempt to design blocks that could move without collapsing the entire structure. After rotating a few rows and mixing up the colors, the real challenge began: realigning the hues! It took Rubik about a month to restore his cube to its original condition.