| Spring in Bristol Harbour
photo taken by John Schultes
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Peace can become a lens through which you see the world. Be it. Live it. Radiate it out. Peace is an inside job.
by Wayne Dyer
The perils of modern technology. I had written a piece about tranquility and how much I enjoy sitting on my condo balcony in Bristol Harbour having my coffee in the morning and sipping wine in the evening with friends, all while looking at the breathtaking views of Canandaigua Lake and the surrounding hills. I know I will feel that way when I arrive in June, but at the moment, I am extremely frustrated as everything I wrote over the past few days disappeared this morning. So my peaceful existence was shattered at 9 am when I realized I had to create everything from scratch. So here we go!
This Villager highlights essential information designed to enhance our summer community experience: important phone numbers, an updated calendar of events at Bristol Harbour Village, and resources available at the Bristol Library, alongside important recycling guidelines. I have included numerous photos of the Community's homeowners' association dues at work.
The Painting of the Community Center
The new Generator in the Community Center
Ongoing paving of Cliffside Drive and around the maintenance facility
The new golf cart to take residents to and from the beach (it has not arrived)
Jon Link's article on Gloria Harrington delves into the background of our effective BHVA President. Consuela, our inspiring Zumba instructor, shares insights into her weekly classes and the spirit of Galentine's Day, highlighting the camaraderie and connections fostered through her exercise sessions. Dr. Walker and his daughter, Diana, remind us that graceful aging depends on many things including family and community. Please note that the Bristol Library is offering a 4 part session on the topic of aging and caregiving.
It is with great sadness that I mention, to those who may not know, that longtime board member John Constance passed away in January. He was a good friend to many, kind, patient, and helpful. I enjoyed serving on the BHV Board of Directors with John. Whenever I had a question, he took the time to call with an explanation in layman's terms. His expertise, wisdom, guidance and friendship will be missed by all who knew him.
To stay informed and connected with our community please use our official website, https://www.bristolharbourvillage.org, as it is a vital resource for all homeowners. By utilizing the password BHVA1413, you can access important documents such as meeting minutes, the latest financial reports, the audit, and amendments. Additionally, the website provides the address of the South Bristol Transfer Station, ensuring that residents have a proper disposal option for items that cannot be placed in our dumpsters or the BHV Trash Building. While we currently are not collecting redeemable bottles or cans, we will reinstate this service in the near future. An email notification will be sent out to keep everyone updated.
Check out the website for the revised Environmental Committee Rules and Regulations plus the new and simplified Environmental Application form. The new Rental Rules are posted there as well. On the Homepage, one will find the Kenrick Service Request form, which must be filled out if anyone needs assistance from the Kenrick staff.
Happy Easter to all. See you in June.
Patricia King (editor)
patricia.pking904@gmail.com
BHVA Board of Directors
Gloria Harrington - President
Ginny Lalka - Vice President, Environmental Committee Chair
Alexis Ortiz Heaney - Treasurer
Patricia King - Secretary
John Schultes - Facilities
Gina Sarkis Cushing - Contributing Member
Dave Richardson - Contributing Member
Steve Cortese - Contributing Member
Meetings at the Town of South Bristol
April 23, 7 pm - Zoning Board of Appeals
May 12,, 7 pm - Town Board Meeting
May 21, 6:30 - Planning Board Meeting
May 27, 4 pm - 8 pm Grievance Day
May 28,, 7 pm - Zoning Board of Appeals
June 9, 7 pm, Town Board Meeting
June 18, 6:30 pm - Planning Board Meeting
June 25, 7 pm Zoning Board of Appeals
July 14, 7 pm - Town Board Meeting
July 16, 6:30 pm - Planning Board Meeting
July 23, 7 pm - Zoning Board of Appeals
Ginny Lalka would like to remind anyone interested that there are often openings on the Zoning and Planning boards in the town of South Bristol. Please consider serving our community if you have the time. Our involvement will make a difference!
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 - 888-406-7063
Town of South Bristol - 585-374-6341
Frontier Communication - 800-921-8101
Marine Docks - 585-789-0015
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Bristol Habour Village Event List for 2025
May 3 - Kentucky Derby Party - Community Center
May 10 - Community Garage Sale 9am - 2pm
May 24 - Beach Bonfire / Summer Kick-Off 7pm
June 8 - BHYC Welcome Back Brunch - Canandaigua Yacht Club
June 14 - Welcome New Neighbors Coffee and Donuts - Community Center
June 20 - Neighbor's Wine & Beer Tasting - Community Center 6-8pm
July 5 - Summer Beach Party 7pm
July 10 - BHYC Moonlight Paddle
July (TBD) - BHYC Movie Night
August 16 - Pickleball Tournament and Picnic 2:30pm / 5 pm
August 23 - Ice Cream Social Community Center 6:30pm
August 31 End of Summer Party and Food Truck 5pm
September 12 - 2nd Neighbor's Wine and Beer Tasting - Community Center
September - (TBD) - Moonlight Paddle
October 4 - BHYC Octoberfeast 12 Noon; Picnic served at 2pm
October 24 - Halloween Neighbor's Night - Community Center
December 6 BHYC Holiday Party 6pm
Additional event details will be provided as the dates get closer -
Please be on the look out for Constant Contact emails.
Heron Hill:
Returning this summer: Wood fired pizza - 5/24/25 - 9/27/25, Live Music until 7 pm
| | Photos of recent improvements | | Painting the community center | |  | Lots of scaffolding involved | | | |
Cummins Generator being installed for use in the Community Center.
| | | Residents will have a place to stay warm, cook, and take showers in the event of a power outage. | | | Your BHVA HOA fees at work! | | | | |
Spotlight on Gloria Harrington
BHVA President
by
Jon Link
When Gloria Harrington (née Gioia) graduated from high school, she shared the stage with 37 fellow students—all women. It was an exceptional class. Among its members were future attorneys, including one who became the Dean of Syracuse Law School, as well as writers, artists, and even "one doctor."
"I had a bright class, much brighter than I am," Gloria recalls. "I was a good student, but not an A student," she admits.
But this "good" student was destined for success. At just 28, she was chosen by a panel of 14 to launch Livingston County’s first Office for the Aging. There was nothing in place—not even office space. With an initial $50,000 grant secured by the Coalition of Churches from the NY Office for the Aging, Gloria built the organization from the ground up. By the time she left a decade later, its budget had grown to over $1 million.
This accomplishment might seem like the mark of a natural leader—but perhaps not. Gloria had never been president of the glee club or captain of the squad. She hadn't attended a Rotary youth leadership program or participated in a Young Leaders of America initiative. "I had to work at it," she confesses. Gloria possessed inherent characteristics that are often present in leaders, but she didn’t necessarily know it yet.
Gloria was the granddaughter of a macaroni magnate. Her grandfather Alphonso established Bravo Macaroni Company in Rochester over 90 years ago. Folks from these parts are likely to remember the company that boasted “65 shapes” of macaroni. Her father Anthony went on to become a vice president and then president of the booming business. Gloria describes her dad as a man who “could work a room like nobody’s business”. “You could drop him into a room of complete strangers and he would know everybody in there by the end of the evening.”
So this was it—she was like her dad.
“Oh no,” Gloria says. “I’m more like my mother”. “She was smart. She was a reader, a thinker, and a doer.” After raising her daughters, Gloria’s mom, who was “always involved in the community”, went back to school and earned a master’s degree in public administration.
For Gloria’s parents—her mother an SU graduate, her father from Cornell—college wasn’t a question; it was an expectation. So this quiet, typically shy young woman set off to study the liberal arts, but assuredly unsure of what she wanted to become.
By her junior year, Gloria had gravitated to sociology. It was a natural fit. “I care about people,” Gloria explains. “If you were to look at my [high school] yearbook, they always said that I had a sincere interest in others and helping others.” “Everyone has always said I’m a good listener…not much of a talker, but I listen very well.”
(If you have spent at least a season at Bristol Harbour, chances are you’ve seen Gloria walking about the community, often with a whippet by her side. If her walk takes longer than her chosen route requires, and usually it does, it’s because Gloria has encountered another resident. “I always run into people, and we chit chat.” Later, back home, her husband Tim will ask “well, who did you run into?”)
As a sociology major seeking coursework to complete her degree, Gloria's senior year took an interesting turn with gerontology, a course exploring the growing field of aging. Intrigued by the unique challenges it presented, she followed up with Problems of Aging in the spring. But it was her hands-on experience interning at an assisted living facility in Hamilton, Ohio, that “confirmed” she was on the right path.
For Gloria, the connection to seniors feels deeply rooted, a bond she now traces back to her relationship with her maternal grandparents. “I had a great relationship with my mother’s parents. They were very important in my formative years.”
With her degree in hand, Gloria returned to Rochester and accepted a research position for a United Way-run Administration on Aging project. This role was a perfect match, drawing on both her academic background and innate attributes. Gloria worked closely with seniors to assess their needs, organized senior focus groups, refined her interviewing techniques, and trained and supervised survey takers. As a crowning achievement, she had the opportunity to contribute a chapter to a book published after the project's completion.
Following the research project, Gloria was recruited—yes, recruited—for the position of assistant director for RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) sponsored by the forebearer of today’s LIFESPAN. The program's core mission was to engage seniors in volunteer roles across community organizations. In the final year and a half of her tenure, Gloria served as the program’s director.
Still only in her 20s, Gloria applied for the role of Director of Livingston County’s first Office for the Aging—and, as we know, she got it.
Reflecting on the panel of 14 who selected her over the other candidates, Gloria matter-of-factly remarks, “They liked me, and I liked them, so I took the job.” Her ability to connect with others was yet another valuable trait of this young leader.
Gloria hit the ground running. “They handed me the grant and said, ‘Go do it,’” so she did. Knowing she needed to work closely with the county government, she set her sights on being near its operations. But where to begin? For Gloria, the answer was simple: “You begin to talk to people.”
She approached the county commissioner, who immediately granted her request, offering two unused rooms on the county campus. She hired staff, bought furniture, and got to work. Within two years, they had outgrown the space. Once again, the commissioner stepped up for Gloria, providing a larger office in the administration wing of the county nursing home. A bathroom, once its fixtures were removed, became her office. “That will do,” she recalls telling the commissioner.
By this point, the new Office for the Aging that Gloria had built was in full swing. Things were humming along. There were “lots of programs, lots of things going on.” The work was rewarding. “I got along well with the public health director and the commissioner of Social Services.” Then destiny came knocking again.
The CEO of the non-profit Family Services of Rochester asked Gloria if she would come back to the city and help the agency with some programs that needed “straightening out.” Gloria accepted. But why did she leave her comfortable gig? “One thing you should know about me is that I’m not a maintenance type person. I like to start things, get them built and move on. I’m not one that likes static. That’s been the hallmark of my career.”
Gloria accepted the position of vice president of Aging Services and got busy again.
The once-shy young woman and unexpected leader succeeded and steadily rose through the ranks at Family Services. After serving as VP of Operations—and earning a Master’s in Health Science Administration along the way—Gloria took the reins as CEO, a role she held for over seven years.
When asked to provide a self assessment of her leadership traits, Gloria uses words like “motivated” and “goal-oriented.” “My staff would tell you that I always have a clear picture of where we’re going. I’m a planner at heart.” And planning includes resourcefulness, like maintaining a strong network. “People used to kid me about my Rolodex. Once you got in there, you never left.”
Gloria's financial acumen has been invaluable in the not-for-profit sector, where adaptability is crucial. She thrived at fundraising, even finding it enjoyable. "When you believe in the mission, it becomes easier," she explains. "We focused on being cost-effective, which helped strengthen our case."
In 2016, Gloria retired—or so she thought. A recruiter approached her about an interim role at Quail Summit, a residential community offering independent, enriched, and memory care living. Never interested in watching the grass grow, Gloria accepted the 3 month position. She stayed for over four years. Well, there was work to be done. “The asset had been allowed to deteriorate,” Gloria explains. The seasoned leader who had “run buildings” and “built” them, rolled up her sleeves again. Gloria shared a fundamental truth in business: “You’ve got to take care of your assets.”
In 2020, Gloria—now retired and fully settled into her new home in Bristol Harbour with husband Tim—accepted a vacancy on the resident board. After winning a full term, she was selected as board president. In this role, Gloria has drawn on the skills and wisdom accumulated over a lifetime of leadership. Speaking candidly, she reflects on how often she sees echoes of the same needs and challenges she addressed throughout her professional life.
In semi-retirement, Gloria remains a kinetic soul—never one for the rocking chair. She continues to stay deeply involved in elder services, serving on the advisory board for the Ontario County Office for the Aging and coordinating two programs for Lifespan: the Benefit Enrollment Center and the senior flu vaccine clinic.
Gloria shrugs off a static existence, staying in motion even in her downtime. Last year, she and Tim celebrated their golden anniversary aboard the Queen Elizabeth II. And what’s next? Gloria laughs, “What am I gonna do? I don’t know. I can never see myself sitting down, you know. So long as I’ve got my health, I’ll keep active doing something.”
Her journey, it seems, is far from over.
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Galentine"s Day Party
by
Consuelo de Los Santos
Hello! My name is Con, short for Consuelo. I am a certified Zumba instructor who began teaching Zumba/Zumba Toning two years ago here at our BHV community center. Our small group of Zumba ladies enjoy dancing and laughing together. Our class has created such a safe space to share, inspire and uplift one another. We have a group text to communicate any changes or cancellations on a weekly basis. Our class meets on Wednesdays at 9:30 am and Fridays at 9:00 pm.
What is Galentine’s Day? It is a global holiday that celebrates women’s love and friendship. On February 13th, we celebrated the fierce, fabulous, and extraordinary women of our community. Planning this event was so fun. Everyone brought delish food and bevvies and nail polish was the party favor. Oh and, some brought a friend to meet our fabulous Zumba ladies! We made new friends.
Celebrating Galentine’s day is a recent addition to my holiday calendar and it is a chance to celebrate and surround myself with strong, funny, passionate, and supportive women. We love food and wine and each other with all our hearts and for that, I am forever grateful.
Thank you everyone for the fun memories. Our second Galetentine’s day party was a blast!
A Blessed and Happy Easter to all!
God Bless,
Con
“Stop and smell the flowers!”
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Dr. Ken Walker and his daughter Diana Gifford Jones, Health Columnist
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Dr. Ken Walker, a Canadian physician, has been the owner of a condominium in Bristol Harbour Village since 1978. In addition to a recreational destination for his family, Dr. Walker enjoyed the scenic location for writing a weekly medical column, syndicated in both Canada and the U.S. under the pseudonym W. Gifford-Jones, MD. Now, at over 100 years of age, he continues enjoying visits to Bristol Harbour – and he is still writing his column every week, now in collaboration with his daughter, Diana. Together, their “common sense health advice” covers insights on the latest research and striking opinions on a range of often controversial topics.
Good Health Is a Family Affair
Helen Keller knew it better than most. She said, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
Good health is often viewed as a personal responsibility, but what if we told you that your friends and family may be the key to success? Science shows that the people closest to us shape our daily habits in ways we may not even notice. In fact, a study from the New England Journal of Medicine found that obesity spreads within social circles—if your close friends gain weight, your own risk of gaining weight increases by 57%! The same holds true for smoking, exercise, and even happiness. Like it or not, the choices made by those around us have a powerful impact on our well-being.
This influence can work both ways. If you’re surrounded by unhealthy habits, it’s harder to make better choices. But if you create an environment where friends and family prioritize well-being, good health becomes the natural way of life. It’s why people living in the world’s longest-lived regions—such as Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia, Italy—thrive. These communities emphasize strong social bonds, shared meals, and active lifestyles. Their success isn’t just about diet; it’s about the benefits of togetherness.
The Framingham Heart Study, spanning over 70 years, has revealed that habits like exercise, diet, and even optimism are contagious. When one person in a social group begins a healthier lifestyle, others are more likely to follow. This means that committing to health as a family or with friends isn’t just a nice idea—it’s backed by science.
Consider the simple act of cooking at home. A 2017 study in Public Health Nutrition found that people who cook at home consume fewer processed foods and more essential nutrients. What’s more, when you prepare meals with family, it’s easier to reinforce healthier choices. The same goes for exercise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, but sticking to it can be a challenge. A University of Aberdeen study found that having an exercise partner significantly boosts motivation and consistency. Whether it’s walking the dog, joining a yoga class, or signing up for a charity run, a partner makes all the difference.
Beyond diet and exercise, preventive healthcare is another area where support matters. Encouraging family members to schedule regular check-ups, monitor blood pressure, and take proactive steps against disease can add years to their lives. A study in The Lancet confirms that social support plays a crucial role in preventing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. Knowledge, after all, is power. And one of the simplest ways to help loved ones stay informed is by sharing reputable health resources.
Taking charge of your health doesn’t have to be a solitary, uphill battle. A 2020 study in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that families who set health goals together—whether it’s eating more vegetables, cutting sugar, or taking evening walks—almost double their success rate. So why not do exactly this? Invite a friend for a morning walk, team up within the family to replace processed snacks with whole foods, or send this article to someone who could use a little motivation. A healthier life is easier to achieve when you have support. A simple way to keep yourself and your loved ones informed is to sign up for our newsletter at www.docgiff.com. The best gift you can give someone is the knowledge—and encouragement—to live well.
Sign-up at www.docgiff.com to receive our weekly e-newsletter. For comments, contact-us@docgiff.com. Follow us on Instagram @docgiff and @diana_gifford_jones.
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What’s Happening at the Bristol Library?
Every Thursday - Euchre, 3-5pm.
Tuesdays and Saturdays. Chair Yoga, 9-9:45am, Register at the bristollibrary.com.
First and third Saturdays. Knit and Stitch, 10am-12pm,
Second Saturday - Naples Weavers’ Guild, 10:00am - 12:00pm,
Book Ends, a memoir writing class. Two groups. Group 1 meets on Tuesdays, 12-2:30pm. Group 2 on Mondays, 3-5pm. These classes are currently FULL. Inquire to Cat Cohen at catcohen@frontiernet.net with questions about future sessions.
Bristol Library Book Club, 6-7pm, April 16, May 14, June 18, July 16.
The Bristol Library will host a 4-Part Aging and Caregiver Panel by Ontario County Office for the Aging and SALT this spring.
April 14. Howard Hanna: The Next Chapter, 3-5pm,
A seminar for empty nesters and seniors thinking about making a move out of their current homes.
Aging and Caregiver Panel, 5-6:30pm, 4-part series.
May 21, Part 4 Celebrating Life
April 24 - Andrea Bailey, our new state assembly representative will be visiting Bristol Library! Let’s welcome her by sending her an email before she visits to share your love for The Bristol Library: baileya@nyassembly.gov.
Be sure and name Bristol Library in your email, and copy us (bristollibrarydirector@owwl.org).
April 27 - Afternoon Tea @ 5680 Seneca Point Road. Luscious Tea, Treats, and Live Music. Fundraiser for the Bristol Library. $40. Two seatings. Seating 1 is 1-3pm. Seating 2 is 4-6pm. Tea. The seatings are FULL, but you can register at thebristollibrary.com for the Wait List, and you will be contacted if something opens up.
A free service provided by Autumn White from Finger Lakes Community Health
June 16. Mediation Monday (Wellness Series), 7-7:45pm, Register at thebristollibrary.com.
June 24 Card Making Class, 12-2pm, . $30. Cards will be suitable for birthdays, get well, and thinking of you. Register at thebristollibrary.com.
June 28. STEM @ Bristol Library with a Guided Hike at Ontario County Park, 11am-12pm,. Meet at 6475 Gannett Hill Park Drive, Naples, by the Watkins Lodge. Register at thebristollibrary.com.
Summer Storytime @ Bristol Library
July 8 - 11am - 12pm I Love Strawberries! 11-12pm,
July 14 - 5-7 pm Needle Felting: Bird Ornaments! 5-7pm, $15. Register at thebristollibrary.com.
July 18 - STEM @ Bristol Library with Wildlife Rockstars: It Flies, It Creeps, It Crawls! 11am-11:30am, An educational program using real birds, amphibians, and reptile animal ambassadors to teach about the different ecosystems and habitats a species inhabits!
July 27 - 10 am till sold out - GALE-WYN BAR-B-Q @ Runnings Parking Lot, Canandaigua. Fundraiser for Bristol Library. $15 for the Gale-Wyn’s famous half chicken and two sides.
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NEWS FROM NAPLES OPEN CUPBOARD, INC.
by
Cathy Colby
A huge thank you to all who have, and those that continue to donate to the Naples Open Cupboard. Bristol Harbour has been a wonderful partner with the pantry. For years residents have shown just what a caring community we are. The food, the clothing,the drives, the monetary donations,and the volunteer hours are so very appreciated.
Last year the pantry served over 7,000 individual visits through our Cupboard, closet and Pop-up Pantries. This year the numbers are already increasing. With 500 million dollars being cut at the Federal level we will be seeing less assistance from agencies such as Foodlink and Feed America. Locally that equates to 17 less trailer truckloads, $655,000 less food coming into local food banks.
Providing food, resources and compassion is the mission statement of the Naples Open Cupboard, Inc as we strive to support a community where people in our community have access to good quality, nutritious food along with free clothing for those in need.
Food insecurity in our area is real and increasing. The Cupboard needs your help!
How? We need food and clothing, we need money, we need volunteers. The closet in the Community Center is an easy place to drop off food or clothing items. Volunteers are always headed to the Cupboard from here and check it frequently.
The Cupboard always is looking for monetary donations as well. Donations keep us serving the community.As you look to make charitable donations, please consider donating once or monthly. Checks can be mailed to PO Box 174, Naples NY 14512 or dropped off at Harwood Lane.
Volunteer are needed.Join some neighbors from Bristol Harbour in giving back. Do you have a few hours a month to assist in pantry, or sorting through clothing donations? We could use you! Are you available to help unload a delivery truck and stock shelves on an a needed basis? We could use you! Would you like to join a group that distributes food monthly at our Pop-up? We could use you! Pantry people are a fun and welcoming group. If you are interested stop by the pantry to check it out. Christina Bliss, the coordinator would love to hear from you.She can be reached .Coordinator@NaplesOpenCupboard.org.
As always, thank you for your continued support in serving our community.
Naples Open Cupboard address: P. O. Bos 174, Harwood Lane, Naples, NY 14512
Closed Monday, Friday, and Sunday. Please phone if alternate donation time is necessary.
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Update on the Redeemable Cans and Bottles Project
by
Marilyn Noffsinger
The recycling center is located in the Big Lots Plaza in Canandaigua and has a brand new look. It is remodeled with two automatic counters which make recycling a breeze.
The Noffsingers plan to return in mid-May. A Constant Contact will be sent indicating a date when the recycling project will resume at Bristol Harbour Village. In the meantime please remember to drain bottles and cans before taking them back to Big Lots or grocery stores that recycle.
Please consider pitching in to sort redeemables this summer. A commitment of 20 minutes per week will suffice. Please text or call Marilyn at 585-542-9897 if you can help out. Thanks so much.
For detailed information, check out the BHVA website or https://ontariocountyrecycles.org
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