The Villager

Bristol Harbour Village Association

March 2023

What is the weather like at Bristol Harbour? Being in Florida, I have received lovely winter photos from Darren Bressennel which were taken recently. I have also been told, it was a mild winter and perhaps in March (Ugh), winter has arrived. When I lived on the West Lake Road, March was my least favorite month as I was so impatient for spring. I looked for crocus buds, and any evidence of green on various trees and plants. Perhaps you concur. Each season has a beauty all its own, weather does as it chooses and we adapt. And, hurray, spring is just around the corner!

This Villager contains the usual updates on the Naples Open Cupboard Food Pantry, and the happenings at the Bristol Harbour Library. 

Cindy Goodenberger extolls the beauty and advantages of living at the Terraces, the newest street in Bristol Harbour. This edition also introduces, to the community, Ashley Christoff, Bristol Harbour's onsite Administrative Assistant.

Ron Bailey reminds us that winter is still here in his poem entitled "thursday snow", while Darren Brennessel writes about "Sweet Daisy June". Doug Llewellyn showcases two area parks and introduces some of us to the Canandaigua Botanical Society. Doug also helps me with setting up the Villager and I appreciate his efforts. 

If you have lived in the Canandaigua area for any length of time, you would have met or at least have heard about Bernie Caprini, the realtor, who along with Fred Sarkis, the founder of Bristol Harbour, developed this community. After her husband, Chet, passed away December 31, Bernie moved into Quail Summit in the city of Canandaigua. While Bernie no longer lives here, I thought residents might be interested in her many accomplishments over a 50-plus year period. 

We have repeated the recycling rules. Please note that cameras are installed in the recycling areas to deter residents who violate the rules. Volunteers, from your community, work diligently sorting redeemable cans and bottles from recyclables. They need your help! Read the posted signs in the center and pay attention to them. If infractions continue, we may lose the refuse contract for trash pickup.

It is with regret that I announce we have recently lost three community residents. Bodan Lalka, Ginny’s husband and longtime residents of Andrews Way, Ginny wears two hats: one as Environmental Committee Chair on the Bristol Harbour Board of Directors and President of Andrews Way. Also, Alec Sutherland, a published author and professor at Nazareth College passed away in January. Alec and his wife Mindy have owned a condo on Cliffside for twenty-eight years. John Miller, a newer resident to Bristol Harbour, but a long-time Canandaigua native, died two weeks ago. John’s family business, Miller Nursery on West Lake Road, shipped plants, flowers, and vegetables to households all over the country, as well as selling to local homeowners. His wife Barbara is currently in Florida, but hopefully will arrive when summer returns. Our sympathy and prayers are with these families at this difficult time. 

Please know that Bristolharbourvillage,org is our new website. Residents can find important information on this site including where to take the trash that does not belong in the dumpsters! One can also find the amendments, audits, financials, public meeting minutes, important BHVA forms and former Villager newsletters on this site. 

I would like to thank the contributors to this Villager edition. It is only successful with their input. Also, thanks to whoever is keeping the Community Center Library in tip top shape. I do apologize as I do not know who is responsible. 

Finally, if you see Kevin and Bella Stahl, thank them for their service in the recycling room. That work is difficult and not a lot of fun. 

We will need more volunteers this spring, those who like to garden, drive golf carts, etc. Please think of ways you can be of service to our community.

Patricia King (editor)

patricia.pking904@gmail.com

See the article on recycling at the end of this Villager.

Please read the HOA rules on how to recycle and what to do with yard debris when community dumpsters are not provided.

If you have ideas or suggestions for an upcoming Villager, contact me at the email address above.

____________________________________________________________

BHVA Board of Directors

Gloria Harrington - President

Alexis Ortiz Heaney - Treasurer

Patricia King - Secretary

Hannah Snyder - Contributing Member

Ginny Lalka - Environmental Committee Chair

John Schultes - Facilities

John Constance - Contributing Member

Gina Sarkis Cushing - Contributing Member

Dave Richardson - Contributing Member

Meetings at the Town of South Bristol

March 30, 6:30 pm - Bristol Harbour Homeowners Meeting

April 10, 7 pm - Town Board Meeting

April 19, 6:30 pm - Planning Board Meeting

April 26, 7 pm - Zoning Board of Appeals

May 8, 7 pm - Town Board Meeting

May 17, 6:30 pm - Planning Board Meeting

May 24, 7 pm - Zoning Board of Appeals

June 12, 7 pm - Town Board Meeting

June 21, 6:30 pm - Planning Board Meeting

June 28, 7 pm - Zoning Board of Appeals

And something fun to look forward to:

BRISTOL HARBOUR VILLAGE YACHT CLUB Brunch will be held at the Canandaigua Yacht Club, Sunday, June 11.

(details to follow at a later date)

An Interview with Ashley Christoff

By Doug Llewellyn

Villager: Welcome, Ashley, to Bristol Harbour. As the new Administrative Assistant for BHVA, what role and responsibilities will you have in the Bristol Harbour community?

Ashley: I am the first point of contact for any property issues, questions homeowners may have, etc. I am also tasked with creating and maintaining documents and preparing for all board meetings, amongst other day-to-day tasks. 

Villager: What previous work experience and skills do you bring to your new position?

Ashley: Prior to working here, I ran my own business as a wedding coordinator and had an Etsy shop. I also helped my husband run his residential painting company. 

Villager: If a resident needs to contact you, how is the best way to do so? And what days and hours are you usually at the management office in Community Center?

Ashley: Email is always the best way to reach me. I am there Monday through Friday from 8 am to 4:30 pm, but take appointments from 8:30 pm to 4 pm to allow myself some time to catch up on emails and phone calls. 

Villager: What overall aspects of property management is Kenrick responsible for?

Ashley: Kenrick creates strong working relationships with contractors, provides financial management expertise, and helps facilitate all board meetings while putting relationships with our community at the forefront.

Villager: Many residents might know that Mac Wolfe is Superintendent for BHV and Andy Morey is the on-site Manager for the condominiums. But for those that don’t, what responsibilities does each have in the maintenance of the community?

Ashley: Mac is our go-to guy for grounds-keeping and maintenance supervision. He is responsible for maintaining BHVA equipment as well. Andy is the day-to-day operational manager for the Condos. They both work hand-in-hand with contractors and vendors on all projects as well as contribute, in different capacities, to the preparation and facilitation of board meetings. 

Villager: What new and continuing projects are underway at Bristol Harbour for 2023?

Ashley: This has proven to be a big year for projects here at BHVA! The elevator is in the process of being repaired and we continue rehabilitating the the beach area. There has been a lot of on-going bridge work and there will be some landscaping changes near the Maintenance Building as well tree removal throughout the property. We just finished upgrading the lighting on many of the streets and the Board will be looking at other various projects to address the communities’ various needs.

Villager: The Kenrick website (kenrickfirst.com) for the Bristol Harbour Village Association, as well as the three individual condominiums, offers very valuable information for residents. Why is it important for residents to become familiar with the website and the information it provides? 

Ashley: The website really does serve as the “one-stop-shop” for BHVA. There, you can fill out and submit service tickets when there are maintenance issues. It is also a great place to find all sorts of information on things like the rental program, how to pay your HOA fees, etc. You can also find the BHVA Rules and Regulations as well as the Reference Table, which I think is the most helpful document on there!

Villager: Thank you Ashley, and best wishes for a great year in 2023. 

Important Phone numbers

FF Thompson Hospital - 585-396-6000

Kenrick - 585-424-1540

Bristol Water - 585-204-6754

Bristol Sewer - 585-532-6136

RG&E - 800-743-2112

Spectrum - 888-406-70

Town of South Bristol - 585-374-6341

Frontier Communication - 800-921-8101

Marine Docks - 585-789-0015

Spotlight on Bernie Caprini

Bristol Harbour Resident and Realtor

Introducing Bernie Caprini

by Bernie and Elizabeth Caprini

• Bernie has been here since the inception of Bristol Harbour.
• She has served in some capacity for most of the years Bristol Harbour Village has been in existence.
• She has served on the BHVA board for a number of years. 
• She was the Chair of the EC for many years.
• She is the most senior member of the BCYC.
• She has been a loyal volunteer on many committees.
• She has been a constant, loyal resource for historical information who willingly took time to search records for information when needed.
• She has the most complete records of the Bristol Harbour Village Association.
• She has served as a Councilperson on the Town of South Bristol Board.
• Her knowledge of the history of Bristol Harbour real estate from the very beginning is invaluable.

________

Bernice Caprini was a realtor for 50 years in the Naples/South Bristol/Canandaigua area. She endeared herself to friends, clients and business associates because of her sense of fairness and willingness to go the extra mile for them. She believed in her own Golden Rule – “What goes around, comes around.” In her 50 years in the real estate business she never had a grievance filed against her.

She met her husband, Chester Caprini, in high school and they were married at 20 years old. They celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary in 2022. Settling in South Bristol, Chet was engaged in farming and they raised their family of seven children on Hicks Road, Naples.

At 42, Caprini became a real estate agent and in 1970 became a broker. Shortly thereafter she started her own agency, Bristol Hills Realty. She was active in local and state Realtor’s Associations. Caprini became a partner in 1977 in the management of properties at Bristol Harbour Village while continuing her real estate service to residents there. She served on the Board of Western New York Chapter of Community Association Institute, known as the CAI and traveled for several years to Buffalo and Batavia for meetings. Caprini was well respected by this group of attorneys and business men and women from the Buffalo/Rochester area for her professionalism and knowledge of the management of community associations. In 2005 she was honored as an original contributor to the 1979 start up of the Western NYS Chapter of CAI.

In 1980 she became a General Partner in Bristol Harbour Development who purchased the assets of Connecticut Mutual through a Limited Partnership. She was active in the management of developer properties and continued to sell and rent condominiums, townhomes and single family homes at the Harbour.

Caprini was always interested and involved with Bristol Harbour Village and the residents. She served on the Bristol Harbour Association Board and as Chairman of the Environmental Committee for many years while continuing to be active in the real estate business. 

The Caprini Community Center at Bristol Harbour was named in honor of her as a "Guiding Light to the Community" for her dedication and unselfish contributions to the betterment and enjoyment of the Village. She is the only lifetime member of the Bristol Harbour Golf Club.

Her husband, Chet continued to farm, raising black berries and grapes and maintained a small dairy so the family had the advantage of farm products throughout the family’s growing years. In 1967 he went to work for Xerox Corporation and continued to work there until he retired in 1984 and became involved with the real estate business, as a licensed agent and assisted Bernie where needed. Chet passed to Heaven on Saturday, December 31, 2022.

Bernie, became a member of the South Bristol Planning Board in 1969 and served several years before becoming Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals. She served on the Town Board as Councilwoman for 16 years starting in 1980. As Deputy Supervisor and Councilwoman, she chaired several committees. She served the Town for 27 years before retiring in 1995. Even now, she continues to keep a watchful eye on the growth of the Town and Town politics after her retirement.

Bernie was from a family of ten children. She and her loving husband have seven children; Dennis Wheaton (Beverly), Linda Carter (Irvin), Patricia Woods, Anne Caprini, Nancy Caprini, Rebecca Northup (Jeffrey), and Leo (Elizabeth) Caprini. Five of them live in the area. Two live out of state. Also a special cousin, Charlotte Zambito (Charles ) lived with the Caprinis for many years. Several foster children who needed a home and love were in and out of the Caprini home over the years. Bernie also has seven grandchildren; Paula Brocklebank (Brian), Luke Wheaton, Justin Morabito (Tracey), Alexander, Kathryn and Emily Northup, Leandra Caprini Rosica, plus four great grandchildren and two great, great grandsons.

photo of Bernie and Chet, courtesy of Bernie Caprini



Naples Food Pantry Update

by Liz Smith

Easter Basket Project at BHV

to Benefit the Naples Open Cupboard

The BHV Food Pantry Volunteers are working on a spring project to benefit the Naples Open Cupboard Food Pantry. We are collecting items to fill up Easter baskets that have been donated to the pantry for distribution to families at the end of March. We need fruit snacks, granola bars, small school supplies and small toys to help fill the baskets and provide some fun for kids. To contribute, please place donations for the Easter baskets in the food pantry donation bins in the Community Center until March 25.

We are grateful for the Bristol Harbour Village residents who continue to be faithful supporters of the food pantry's needs. Your donations have become even more crucial in the past month as many local residents have been impacted by the end of the supplemental SNAP benefits and have turned to the Naples Food Pantry to augment their needs. We continue to collect the following items:

Instant coffee

Tea bags

Spaghetti sauce

Canned meats, canned chili

Spaghetti-os 

Soup, all varieties, canned or packets

Pancake syrup

Jams/jellies

Please do not donate any homemade food or partially opened bottles or boxes as the pantry cannot accept these items. We continue to collect gently-used clothing, bedding and household goods for the food pantry's closet. Sincere thanks to all of you who have been so generous with your donations and kudos to our wonderful volunteers!

If you any questions about the Naples Food Pantry, please contact

Liz Smith at elizsmith7x7@icloud.com



Aerial view of Terrace Drive East of Seneca Point Road

and Above Cliffside Condos

What’s Happening on Terrace Drive? 

 by Cindy Goodenberger 



Curious minds have inquired about construction status on Terrace Drive, overlooking Canandaigua Lake. It seems an update to the community is in order. 

In 2016, Terrace Drive, the newest street in Bristol Harbour Village, started to take shape when ground was broken for Units 23 & 24. At the time, my husband Craig and I were looking for a second home where we would eventually retire. We were interested in staying in New England, but with family & friends in the Finger Lakes area, we began to consider Canandaigua Lake and Bristol Harbour. On a cold, sunny day at the end of 2015, we stood on a mound of bulldozed dirt, off Seneca Point Road, on what would later become our front yard. We were immediately taken by the amazing view to the south end. It was peaceful and quiet. The sky was cerulean blue and the lake was sparkling. We were sold! 

Terrace Drive is a planned neighborhood of 12 buildings, each containing two condominium units. The condos on the ‘B’ side, closest to the lake, have been completed and sold. Two have resold. In 2022 three condos on the ‘A’ side, Units 1, 11, and 12, were completed and sold. Currently, work is being done on Unit 2 to finish the interior by spring. Luanne Palme, of Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty, will utilize Unit 2 for open houses until it sells. Builder, Iversen Construction, informs us that “We will be going into the ground early Spring with Units 9 & 10 and we are working on final drawings at this point to give both units as much lakeview as possible.” 

For many residents on Terrace Drive, their condo represents a second home. Ted and Karen Lenz lived in a large home on the lake for 40 years. They wanted to downsize but still be able to use the lake. The Terrace HOA manages exterior maintenance, lawncare and snow removal so homeowners can be confident leaving for extended periods of time. Residents note they are reaping the benefits of energy efficient geo-thermal heating/cooling systems. With low condo property taxes, a breathtaking view, new quality construction using the highest level of products, and access to the lake, some would argue this is the ‘best deal’ to be had on Canandaigua Lake. 

Two of our newest residents, Rich & Laurie Riedman, also were looking to downsize from a large Victorian home in Canandaigua on eight acres. The desire to travel more and not have the upkeep of a large, older home drew them to Terrace Drive. Says Laurie, “We absolutely love the view, both from our balcony and from driving down Seneca Point Road approaching Terrace Drive. The lower taxes for the lake view are worth the investment and the quality of construction has been impressive.” 

Despite disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic and the legal battles waged against BHVA that resulted in beach closure for a season, steady progress is being made to complete and sell the remaining Terrace Drive homes. The spring season brings increased activity in the housing market. With low inventory around Canandaigua Lake, it is expected that prospective buyers will appreciate the value in making a move to Bristol Harbour Village, not to mention the amenities and social connections provided in this established community.

Bristol Library

6750 County Road #32, Canandaigua, NY 14424

Hours: Monday 3 pm to 7 pm    

Tuesday 10 am to 2 pm    

Wednesday  3 pm to 7 pm   

Thursday 3 pm to 7 pm    

Saturday 10 am to 2 pm 

The Bristol Library brings people, information, and ideas together to enrich lives and build community.                                      

COME SEE WHAT’S NEW AT THE BRISTOL LIBRARY. . . .

Bristol Library is about 15 minutes away from Bristol Harbor Village. Come check out the local history found in the true crime story of the Oneida Community assassin of President Garfield, An Assassin in Utopia, or have some fun reading a heartwarming story about how life-changing friendships saved a local library, The Last Chance Library. You’ll find something to enjoy at the library.

THERE’S A LOT TO DO AT THE BRISTOL LIBRARY . . . .

Saturday, March 25, 11 am to 1 pm

An informative presentation on local history by local historian Ron Goodman,

South Hill Road Sanitarium Farm: "The Cowboy Cattle Drive to Bristol," focusing on Bristol's own South Hill. You will find out what Bristol Mountain looked like from 1928-1943. Ron will share his stories and show many pictures of Bristol's summer grazing farm for the Clifton Springs' Sanitarium livestock.

Weekly game of EUCHRE, every Thursday, 3 pm to 5 pm

CARD GAME NIGHT, every first and third Wednesday (April 5 and 19, May 3 and 17), 6 pm to 8 pm

WEAVER’S GUILD. the second Saturday of every month, 10 am to 12 pm

KNIT AND STITCH, first Tuesday of every month, 10 am to 12 pm

Register for our free WRITING WORKSHOP, April 15, 2 pm to 3:30 pm

Our WATERCOLOR class, April 15, 10 am to 2 pm led by Howard Van Buren, is currently full. If interested, please put your name on the waiting list and think about registering early for summer classes.

Launching Bristol Library on the Road . . . .

April 24, 7 pm to 9 pm, United Church of Bristol

Library Director, Piety Exley, launches Bristol Library on the Road. See her and check out our offerings at the 19th Century Farm Life in the Bristol Valley,

Finally, tax season isn't usually something I get excited about... but hey, look! Tax forms are here! Stop by Bristol Library to grab what you need whenever we're open.

The Bristol Library is part of the OWWL library system (Ontario, Wayne, Wyoming Livingston). You’ll find books, audiobooks, videos, as well as access to the Internet.

You can sign up for a library card with a quick visit to the library or online at https://owwl.org/help/register. Be sure and indicate Bristol Library is your home library.  

Follow Bristol Library on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BristolLibrary/)

Visit Bristol Library website (https://www.thebristollibrary.com/)

to sign up for the monthly newsletter

Poem by Ron Bailey

thursday snow

it's odd

i thought

how cars buses and trucks can only drudge along salted roads

plowed mounds on curbs

after snow whipped its wake high last night

snowmen to roll

angels to carve in arm-swinging grass

pickups to assault with snowballs

so much wonder to do

how can grown-ups silently complain

with hunched walk

boredom tugs on their cheeks

maybe it's food stains on ties

awkward boots they wear

folded newspapers under their arms

that hold them pitched against storm

i stand in the side-yard 

pleased with myself beneath aunt hattie mae's

and momma's white panties 

stiff as cardboard in january wind

and a pansy print blouse on the second floor line

ron bailey

Hello Botanical Enthusiasts

By Doug Llewellyn

Are you interested in getting involved with the second oldest botanical club in the country? The Canandaigua Botanical Society (CBS) is now celebrating its 149th year with several spring programs planned. Go on to the CBS website at http://canandaiguabotanicalsociety.blogspot.com/ and see all the interesting and informative events scheduled for 2023. The CBS website also has links to numerous native plant parks in the Finger Lakes area just waiting to be visited by you.  

One session coming up on March 30 is entitled “Fantastic Spring Wildflowers” to be held in the Wood Library in Canandaigua. Dr. Bruce Gilman from FLCC will be the speaker. See the CBS website for more information.

Two Nearby Parks to Visit this Spring

By Doug Llewellyn

Now that the frosty winter months are gently fading from our thoughts and the refreshing air of spring surrounds us, planning a casual walk through two local placid parks could be a nice way to usher in the approaching warmer weather.

Grimes Glen (4703 Vine Street) in Naples and Mertensia Park (1438 Mertensia Road) in Farmington/Victor are two nearby parks that showcase unique native spring flowers from mid-April to mid-May. 

To get to Grimes Glen, take Route 21 south to Naples and turn right on Vine Street. With Bristol Valley Playhouse on the corner of Main and Vine, drive straight down the road until you arrive at the parking area. A short walk across the bridge will lead you down a path next to the stream. On your left you will be able to see Trillium plants growing in the wooden area alongside the path. Both red and yellow varieties can be seen. You can also continue walking the path alongside the stream. The path is flat for the next thousand feet or so. Three waterfalls are part of Grimes Glen. Two can be seen along the beginning of the path. The third is further upstream and is more difficult to get to. The beginning path is fairly flat and dry; however, water-proof shoes or hiking boots would be good to wear.

The easiest way to get to Mertensia Park is to take Route 332 north from the city of Canandaigua and continue north until you get to Route 41. Turn left on Route 41 and then turn right on Mertensia Road. The park is just down the road on the left. The path in Mertensia Park runs alongside the north flowing Mud Creek (which originates in South Bristol). On the path you can see large patches of Bluebells, another unique native spring flower. The short path (also called the Rotary Centennial Walking Path) is flat and loops around back to the parking area. A longer (1.6 mile) path is also available for more hearty hikers. See the park website for more information

Both parks are a wonderful way to take in and enjoy the local Finger Lakes environment. Be sure to bring your camera or cell phone to take pictures. Since there are picnic tables at both locations, a lunch basket and a bottle of your favorite wine is also a splendid option to “top-off” the day. 

Trillium in Grimes Glen - pictured above

Bluebells in Mertensia Park - pictured below