Moonlight Paddle - 7/10/2025 on Canandaigua Lake

photo taken by Kelli Becka

If you see someone falling behind,

walk beside them. If you see

someone being ignored, find a

way to include them. If someone

has been knocked down, lift them up.

Always remind people of their worth.

One small act could mean the world to them.

The quote above is from a source called "Positive Energy".

We are truly fortunate to live in a community where compassion and support among neighbors is not just a saying, but a way of life! On August 16, I experienced this firsthand when the venue for a family celebration was pulled two days before the event.

Hunter, one of my cousins, planned this celebration of life for his parents months in advance. He rented my former home at 4788 West Lake Road, a place filled with cherished memories of summers spent together on the lake.

Hunter also rented the renovated barn for the reception of 35 people. At first, the owner of my former home appeared to be agreeable to having the festivities there, but subsequently changed his mind.

August 16 was also the date of the much anticipated pickleball tournament, so I was unsure if the Community Center would be available. I reached out to Tish to secure the space from 1 pm - 5 pm, but first sought the support of our wonderful neighbor Marilyn Noffsinger who said: " No Problem". We can shift the pickleball picnic to 5:30pm. Marilyn provided table cloths, we left flowers in return.

Everything worked out perfectly because of teamwork and cooperation. In actually, having the festivities at Bristol Harbour was much more sensible because of better parking options, a convenient kitchen, and two beautiful rooms. A special thanks to Marilyn and the pickleball players for being so helpful and kind. I appreciate you all.

Tad and Debbie Holtz and Linda Didsbury deserve recognition for rescuing the ladder for the swim raft. Linda spotted the ladder stuck on a cliff beyond the docks. She swam over but couldn't move this heavy, water filled ladder. Tad and Debbie kayaked over. Tad was able to lift the ladder onto Debbie's kayak, remove it and place it by the elevator. The three of them saved our community $700, the cost of a new ladder.

The magnificent summer weather has made it possible to play with our neighbors on many occasions. A big thank you to the Recreation Committee and the Bristol Harbour Yacht Club for hosting many fun events, pictured below. The end of the year party was a spectacular success because of the Rec Committee's tireless energy and commitment to the Bristol Harbour Community. Members of the Recreation Committee, chaired by Chris Sunter-Holeck are:  Lynn Buzzell, Deb Cortese, Linda Didsbury, Bev Fierro, Teri Hauck, John and Terri Matrachisia, Molly Green, Viv Neidel, Marilyn Noffsinger and Karen Pallies.

Teri Hauck has headed up the shuttle to the beach program since its inception. A big thank you to Teri for her dedication and persistence in helping every resident enjoy the beautiful summer weather and make it back and forth to our beach during the day and for evening events as well. We appreciate all that you do Teri.

Vicki Carlisle maintains our library. If you are new to the community and do not know about the library, it is up the stairs in the Community Center. In addition to books, one can check out CD's, DVD's, and puzzles. If you have books you would like to donate, please consider our library.

Cathy Colby continues to support the Naples Open Cupboard which may need our help more than ever as it moves into a new and larger space.

Con offers free Zumba classes Wednesdays at 9:30 am and Fridays at 9:00 am downstairs in the Community Center. She also is planning an Outdoor Zumba, Friday, October 3rd at 9 am.

Marilyn and Tim Noffsinger run the redeemable can and bottle project. As much as I write and we instruct, a few residents persist in not sorting correctly. If you are one of those, please become more considerate. This also goes for the recycling center in general as Casella is our only option and we do not know what will happen if they drop us,

Steve Cortese maintains the website which keeps all residents informed about community activities. Our official website is: https://www.bristolharbourvillage.org; the password is BHVA1413. The Homeowners' password is for residents only. One 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.

Look for the revised Environmental Committee Rules and Regulations, the simplified Environmental Application form and the new Rental Rules on the site 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.

Perhaps you have noticed that most of the Kenrick staff is new. Hannah Morse is our Site Manager, Tish Chambers is our Administrative Assistant. Their office hours are posted on the door going into the office of the Community Center. We also have three new maintenance employees: Matthew Spears, Superintentent; Nathan DeNeff, and Jared Boock. Please welcome each and everyone of them to our community.

A few months ago, I began including a "health" column from Dr. Ken Walker, a Canadian doctor and condo owner. It is with regret that I announce that Dr. Walker passed away July 6 at age 101 and this is his last letter. Please know that I am not endorsing what he writes in every instance, but much of his information is helpful and I really enjoy his humorous writing style.

If I failed to recognize "Your" good works for the Village, I do apologize. There are many selfless people who live and volunteer here; however, we can always use more help, so if you have an idea as to how you can be of service, please contact a board member.

And one more thing, if you missed our end of the year party, you really missed a lot of fun. Over 200 meals were served. Many of us danced and it appears that everyone had an awesome time.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter. Here 's to a marvelous and colorful fall season.

Ciao,

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

Robyn Skiff - Contributing Member

Meetings at the Town of South Bristol

September 8, 7 pm, Town Board Meeting

September 17, 6:30 pm - Planning Board Meeting

September 24, 7 pm Zoning Board of Appeals

October 14, 7 pm - Town Board Meeting

October 15, 6:30 - Planning Board Meeting

October 22, 7 pm - Zoning Board of Appeals

November 10, 7 pm - Town Board Meeting

November 19, 6:30 pm - Planning Board Meeting

December 8, 7 pm - Town Board Meeting

December 10, 7 pm - Zoning Board of Appeals - Nov.and Dec. meetings combined

December 17, 6:30 pm - Planning Board Meeting

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

Bristol Habour Village Event List for 2025

September 12 - 2nd Neighbor's Wine and Beer Tasting - Community Center

October 3 - Outdoor Zumba, 9 am in front of the Community Center

October 4 - Walk to raise money to prevent Alzheimer's - 10 am, Community Center

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 Summer Fun at Bristol Harbour Village

A Summer Beach Party organized by the Rec Committee with Bev Fierro as hostess. She inflated 50 water balloons for the water balloon toss, gave out sparklers, glow bracelets and the makings for s'mores. It was a beautiful evening, complete with guitar playing by Tad Holtz and Tony Infantino. Almost everyone stayed until 10 pm. This was an evening not to be missed.

Your BHVA HOA fees at work!

Pickleball

More pickleball

August is Water Quality Awareness Month



Did you know that Canandaigua provides drinking water to over 70,000? Only 3% of water on earth is freshwater - and less than 1% is fresh and available for drinking water. Many places lack a reliable drinking water supply. We are lucky in the northeast to not really think about water scarcity. We need to be sure to protect our Lake for today and future generations!

Moonlight Paddle organized by BHYC

Kelli and Stewart Becka piloted the safety pontoon boat and snapped photos of the event

Fun on our beach - Vicki Carlisle with her daughter and grandson building a sand shark

Bristol Harbour Neighbors enjoying a beautiful evening complete with pizza, music and a rainbow at Heron Hill Winery.

Pickleball Players August 16, 2025

The End of Summer Party

by

Teri Hauck

On Sunday, August 31st, the last day of our meteorological summer, our community gathered to enjoy a festive afternoon with delicious picnic-type food, great music, and friendly faces. Around 200 residents and guests joined in the fun.

The Bristol Harbour Recreation Committee sponsored this event, and many people contributed to its success by bringing mouth watering side dishes. A special shout-out to our cooks who kept the grills hot and ready to provide us with delicious burgers, hotdogs and sausage. They worked very hard to keep up with the high demand of so many picnic-goers who turned out to enjoy the beautiful afternoon of sunshine and camaraderie. 

The air was filled with lively music from local band Keys to the Caddy, led by resident Tony Infantino. Keys to the Caddy entertained us with delightful music incorporating Jazz, Classic Rock, and Country, and even enticed some residents to put on their dancing shoes, while many others relaxed and sang along. 

Beyond the great food and music, the event was a celebration of community and the beauty we are surrounded with here at the Harbour, a testament to simple joys, and the power of coming together on a beautiful summer day. Many, many thanks to all who helped make this event one to remember!  

Dr. Ken Walker, a Canadian physician, has been the owner of a condominium in Bristol Harbour Village since 1978. He passed away at age 101 July 6, 2025. I was recently introduced to his Informative column and decided to include his final thoughts. His daughter, Diana, will continue to write a blog with common sense health advice. Information on how to access the email news letter is listed below.

06 Jul 2025

"A few days ago, I departed this planet with great reluctance during this, my 102^nd trip around the sun. But I offer these final words with readers. I have never missed a week in over 50 years of writing this column. Possibly this persistence will help me squeeze through the Pearly Gates! Some will say, “Not bloody likely.”

As I look back on my journalism career, it reminds me of the introduction to the book, A Tale of Two Cities. It was the best of times; it was worst of times.

There were times when my life was threatened because I took on controversial issues, particularly the right of women to safe abortion. Opponents found fault with my work to legalize heroin for the treatment of terminal cancer pain. One well-known health organization labelled me “a headline-seeking medical journalist.” Other critics lied about the pain-killing advantages of heroin. When finally legalized, some hospitals set up foolish roadblocks to heroin’s use as pain therapy.

Do I have regrets? Yes, the anxiety my work caused my family. I could have avoided trouble. But I’d have been an awful hypocrite, and I can’t stand hypocrisy. Besides, my DNA has never allowed me to be a fence-sitter. So, apart from some difficult bumps along the way, being a surgeon and medical journalist has been a wonderful dual ride, and “the best of times”.

Final advice for readers? Remember, “If you keep going to hell you will eventually get there.” Living with a faulty lifestyle, fools attempt at the end of life what smart people do at the start.

So, don’t fall victim to “pillitis” and take a pill for every ache and pain. Take prescription drugs for the shortest possible time, as they almost always add risks of terrible side effects. Above all, keep in mind what I stressed for years, that many natural remedies in health food stores are safe, less expensive, and should be tried first before prescription drugs, surgery, or other medical treatments.

I want to mention the vital role that Susan, my wife, played. As my editor, she frequently kept me out of trouble with the words, “You can’t say that!” She was right 99 percent of the time. I’ll miss her presence, guidance, and love more than I can say. If there is a Pearly Gate I will be waiting at it for her and my family.

I’m fortunate that my daughter, Diana, will carry on this column. She was too smart to become a doctor, and that’s why readers will learn a lot from her perspective on health and wellbeing, and about how the world actually works. How I’ll miss my almost daily chats with her.

On a philosophical note, I was convinced long ago that “The problems of society are caused by so-called intelligent people who are largely fools.” I haven’t changed my mind. Shakespeare was right when he wrote “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves.” Unfortunately, humans have never learned the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as would you have them do unto you.”

Do I have any last wishes? Yes, I’ve always said that, “Freedom of the press only belongs to those who own the newspaper.” So, whatever type of media exists behind those Pearly Gates, I want total ownership. I hope a loving God shares my opinion.



My best wishes to all readers and editors for good health and longevity."

W. Gifford-Jones, MD



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.

Spotlight on Marilyn Noffsinger

by

Jon Link

In many communities, true leaders are those who carry no title—and would decline one if offered. Their motivation comes from a genuine passion for helping others and a deep desire to make a positive impact. They find fulfillment in watching their community flourish, knowing their quiet efforts contribute to that growth. Guided by a strong sense of responsibility and belonging, they lead not through authority but by example. Any community is fortunate to count even a few such people among its own.

Marilyn was pedaling home, the streetlights casting a warm glow on her path. Her destination was clear, but her last stop was anyone's guess. Was she the final one leaving the pickleball courts? Had she just finished sorting and cinching another bag of bottles and cans? Or maybe she'd simply been checking in on friends. Her wheels traced quiet circles now, another day done. What was certain was that it had been another day of circling through our community, channeling her boundless kinetics to help keep Bristol Harbour turning.

Marilyn burst out laughing when I confessed to standing in the shadows by my front door one evening in late spring, seeing her pedaling by and thinking, “Aha! There’s our next Villager profile.” Perhaps good humor is another quality of the quiet leader.

Marilyn’s personality is warm and inviting. If you have an ear for such things, you’ll catch a folksy lilt in her speech. “Yeah-uh,” she’ll say, drawing out the adverb in a down-home way, a trait that hints at her roots in small-town southern tier New York State.

She grew up in Painted Post, New York, just next to Corning. The youngest of three girls, she arrived on the scene when her sisters were becoming teenagers. “I pretty much considered that I had three mothers,” she laughs. But being the baby had its perks too: her sisters took her along to ball games and outings, and one even dated a baseball player, giving Marilyn an early taste for sports.

The baseball player her sister dated was just a supporting character. Sports ran deep in her family’s veins. Her mother had played high school basketball and was a devoted tennis enthusiast, while her father also had a history on the basketball court. From a young age, Marilyn was immersed in neighborhood games. On the boulevard greenspaces just outside her front door, she was always in the mix for pick-up matches— “anything with a ball,” she recalls.

She was quick, fearless, and aggressive. Once, during a game of flag football, she tackled a boy so hard she broke his collarbone. His father, reluctant to draw attention to the fact that his son had been injured by a girl, chose not to make a fuss. That raw intensity would later serve Marilyn well on the tennis court, where she stood out for her bold, attacking style—charging the net with a confidence rarely seen among female players, who typically favored baseline play. 

Though she came of age before Title IX opened up organized school sports for girls, she found her way onto the tennis courts in her last year of high school. At college, after being spotted hitting balls around, she was invited to join the women’s tennis team, and went on to play tennis, softball, and even a year of basketball. Sports also shaped her personal life. Marilyn met her husband, Tim, on the courts in college—he played on the men’s tennis team.

After graduation, she began a long career in education, first as a third-grade teacher in her hometown, where she also coached the high school girls’ tennis team, and later as a reading specialist in an Albany area high school. Initially apprehensive about transitioning to high school students, Marilyn came to love her role as a resource faculty member helping students one on one in her reading lab. Tim went on to serve 30 years with the New York State Attorney General’s office, specializing in real property law.

Tim’s career kept the couple rooted in Albany, but for Marilyn, the Finger Lakes always held a special place. As a child, she had spent summers on Keuka Lake, and the region remained close to her heart. In 1995, her entire family—four generations strong—rented a four-bedroom condo for two weeks in Bristol Harbour. “We did that for six summers,” she recalls. Then, in 2001, her sister Marcia bought a home here. With summers free thanks to her teaching schedule, Marilyn began spending weeks at a time with her sister, drawn by the community’s vibrant tennis culture and idyllic setting. A few years later, she and Tim purchased a townhouse of their own. After retiring, they made the move permanent, settling into their current home on Lake Wood Trail.

Once settled, Marilyn threw herself into the community. She became a regular on the courts, where her lifelong love of tennis gradually—though reluctantly—gave way to the rising popularity of pickleball. “It really is addictive,” she admits. Her instinct to rush the net, honed since her collegiate play, translated perfectly to pickleball, where quick reflexes and strong kitchen play are essential. Today, she and Tim lead weekly clinics for players of all levels, helping newcomers find their rhythm and confidence on the court.

Before long, Marilyn’s energy extended beyond the courts. In 2015, she and her sister Marcia launched the community’s bottle and can drive—a simple idea that blossomed into a steady source of support for local causes. From Naples Cupboard and Rochester’s Foodlink to the Alzheimer’s Association and community projects like the infant and toddler swings at the Community Center playground, summer beach parties, and the annual Ice Cream Social, the drive has made a lasting impact. For their efforts, the sisters were honored as Citizens of the Year during the program’s inaugural season. Ten summers later, the drive continues under Marilyn’s leadership, with a team of “little elves,” as she affectionately calls them, helping ferry returnables to the redemption center—stuffed into as many grocery bags as their cars can carry.

Together, Marilyn and Tim have become true ambassadors for the community’s thriving pickleball scene. In addition to hosting summer clinics for newcomers and returning players, they also organize the annual pickleball tournament—an event that reflects their commitment to balancing competition with camaraderie. Marilyn credits Tim with designing a format that works for everyone. Three years ago, Tim introduced a new round-robin format: six ten-minute games with carefully balanced pairings, each designed to combine a more skillful and agile player with one who may be less so—ensuring competitive balance and inclusive play. “It’s a lot of work,” Marilyn admits, “but it makes sure everyone has fun, and no one feels outmatched.” They even developed a split-match option, allowing two players to share their six games—a thoughtful solution for those concerned about facing 90-degree heat or recovering from recent surgeries.

Marilyn, who has won pickleball tournaments near her and Tim’s winter home, admits that her drive to dominate the courts has mellowed. “I guess I’m not as competitive as I used to be,” she says. “I’m more in it for the social side now. I still enjoy a good game, but I’m just as happy helping others improve.”

While Marilyn’s competitive edge on the court has softened—she admits she’ll likely return to winter tournament play in Florida once she ages into the next bracket—her passion for community involvement remains as strong as ever. In addition to leading the bottle and can drive and organizing pickleball events, she serves on the Recreation Committee and is an active member of the Yacht Club. Her commitment to pickleball extends well beyond gameplay: each year, she coordinates the tournament-day picnic, handling much of the shopping herself. She also takes charge of the annual Ice Cream Social, overseeing everything from purchasing and storing the ice cream to recruiting the scoopers.

Marilyn isn’t just a pickleball ambassador—she’s a champion for the entire community. Her message to newcomers is simple and heartfelt: come with an open heart. Despite the inevitable challenges that any community faces, she chooses to focus on the good—on the friendships, the shared traditions, and the welcoming spirit that defines life here. “It’s a wonderful community,” she says, “with close-knit groups that are always open to meeting new people.” Whether she’s chatting with prospective buyers, organizing events, or simply being a good neighbor, Marilyn embodies the kind of quiet leadership that helps a place feel like home. And as new faces arrive and old friends move on, her hope is simple: that the spirit of connection continues to grow, one conversation, one volley, or one scoop of ice cream at a time.

NEWS FROM NAPLES OPEN CUPBOARD, INC.

by

Cathy Colby

Big changes are happening! The Naples Open Cupboard will be relocating from Hardwood Lane to 24 Mill Street in the very near future. It’s a bigger, brighter space that volunteers have been working extremely hard to get ready for the Grand Reopening ( date to be determined).

Our Bristol Harbour Community has played such an integral part in sustaining the pantry and ultimately helping in its growth. Our neighborhood has contributed greatly. The donations, the food drives, the unloading of trucks, holiday distributions, the monthly pop ups, the Wegmans pick ups, the volunteers shifts. Your generosity has been amazing!

Sadly, the need for the pantry has risen at a rate exceeding 85% year over year for the past few years. Last year we distributed more than 66,000 pounds of food and over 13,000 pound of clothing and home goods to those in need. So far this year we are ahead of that pace by 25%. So many in our community are struggling.

I am calling on all of you to continue your support of the Naples Open Cupboard. A collection box is located in the left closet of the Community Center. All non perishable food items, clothing, and small household goods are most welcome. The need is always greatest for canned vegetables, fruits, soups, and ready to eat meals. Pasta, cereal and personal hygiene items are also always in need. So many times one of our volunteers will check to find the closet full. I’m always in awe of this communities generosity!

The Cupboard is always looking for volunteers. If you have a few hours a week or month, or even are available to help with a special event they’d love to have you.. Phil and I are often in need of Wednesday morning volunteers to help with Wegmans pick up. If you can assist us, let me know. Volunteer opportunities are fun! Come join many of your Harbour neighbors.

Within the next few weeks a fundraising letter from John French, the President of the Naples Open Cupboard will be arriving in your mailbox. Please take the time to read the letter and help if you can. Together we can make a difference. No one should go hungry.

Thank you all for your generosity and support.

Most sincerely,

Cathy Colby

Naples Open Cupboard address: P. O. Bos 174, Hardwood Lane, Naples, NY 14512

Closed Monday, Friday, and Sunday. Please phone if alternate donation time is necessary.

 Update on the Redeemable Cans and Bottles Project

by

Marilyn Noffsinger

Please all residents new and old look at the signage before emptying your trash into the various bins. Plastic bags need to go down the chute, they cannot be recycled. That means huge dog food bags, fertilizer bags, potting mix bags must go down the chute. Heavy huge clear plastic for furniture also goes down the chute. All foam goes down the chute. Only clean pizza boxes, etc. can be recycled, not those that contain pizza crust, chicken bones, etc.

Please also pay attention to which cans and bottles are redeemable and which go in the recycling bins. The signage is very clear, so please look at it and pay attention. All cardboard boxes should be broken down.

As far as the redeemables are concerned, 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 returned in mid-May and have continued the redeemable project over the summer. They really would like a resident or two to step up to sort and take the redeemables to the recycling center in the Big Lots Plaza from November to mid-May. Please text or call Marilyn at 585-542-9897 if you feel you have the time to help with this worthwhile project. All the monies collected go to purchase items fo community use.

For detailed information, check out the BHVA website or https://ontariocountyrecycles.org