Holiday Party at the Community Center



I've been told that upstate New York is having an old fashioned Rochester winter, lots of snow and freezing cold. So a question: Has the lake frozen over? Can one go ice fishing or skate on the lake? Very curious..


I have also been informed our marvelous staff is keeping the roads cleared so residents can get in and out of their homes. A special thanks to Matthew Spears and Nathan DeNeff for the plowing, this winter, but also for beautifying our Community Center and Recycling Facility last fall. (Photos below)


Some residents may not know that the condos have additional staff. Andy Morey is the site manager, Tim VanLare, superintendent and Logan Trautman, maintenance. Lots of scraping and painting was happening last summer to keep the parking garages and fences in shape.


I'm particularly grateful to Hannah Morse, BHVA site manager, for sending out all correspondence in a timely manner. Every email is informative and concise. She certainly has been busy with the water issues of late.


Doug Llewellyn, a long time resident passed away in September. Doug was a great help to me when I first became editor of the Villager. He would proofread every issue, plus provided information about our area, including where to hike, the condition of the water, etc. He sent articles for almost every Villager, plus suggested the poetry column. While I rarely include obituaries, Don Rimai gives us a glimpse of Doug's life.


Lisa Moore was elected to serve as the town of South Bristol's Supervisor's last fall. Lisa is passionate about involving residents to help shape our community for the future. Amy Luersen, a Bristol Harbour resident, has written an informative article for the Villager on how we can be of help.


In this issue, we have an explanation of the Environmental Committee, a poem by Laurie Riedman. Diana Gifford Jones reminds us how to loose weight the old fashioned way and Cathy Colby gives us an update on the Naples Open Cupboard.


Most importantly, we have dates for our various and numerous get togethers in Bristol Harbour. Mark your calendars now so you don't miss anything. As usual, the Rec Committee is thinking months ahead to help us enjoy "the Chosen Spot".


As I write this, the wind is howling and we are at 21 degrees factoring in the windchill. There was supposed to be snow on the beach in Pinellas County, but that didn't materialize.


Please remember to go to the Bristol Harbour Village website for information on our community. It is kept up to date by Steve Cortese.

https://www.bristolharbourvillage.org/homeowners 

(password BHVA1413) Do not share outside the community.


Stay warm and safe.


Peace and Kindness to all,


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

Robyn Skiff - Contributing Member



Meetings at the Town of South Bristol



February 9, 6 pm, Town Board Meeting

February 18, 6:30 pm - Planning Board Meeting

February 19, 4 pm - 5 pm Town Court DA Night

February 25, 7 pm Zoning Board of Appeals

March 9, 6 pm - Town Board Meeting

March 18, 6:30 pm - Planning Board Meeting

March 19, 4 pm - 5 pm Town Court DA Night

March 25, 7 pm - Zoning Board of Appeals

April 13, 6 pm - Town Board Meeting

April 15, 6:30 pm - Planning Board Meeting

April 16, 4 pm - 5 pm - Town Court DA Night

April 22, 7 pm - Zoning Board of Appeals


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 2026


Movies - every Thursday Evening at the Community Center at 6:30 pm

From now through March 12. The movie selections for the dates below may have changed due to the water issues and the cold.



February 5 - The Searchers

February 12 - La La Land

February 19 - Best Exotic Marigold Hotel

February 26 - Goodwill Hunting

March 5 - Lion

March 12 - Amazing Grace


Recreation Committee Events - 2026 


May 2 - Kentucky Derby Party - Community Center 

May 16 - Community Garage Sale  

May 23 - Summer Kick Off - Evening Beach Bonfire 

June 7 - Welcome New Neighbors Coffee/Donuts - Community Center 

June 19 - Neighbors get together Wine & Beer Tasting - Community Center 

July 11th - Summer Beach Party - Beach 

July 25th - Trivia - Community Center 

August 15 - Pickleball Tourney and Picnic 

August 29 - Ice Cream Social  

September 6 - End of Summer Picnic - Community Center 

September 19 - Pizza Party - Community Center 

October 17 - Fall Fest Party with Cornhole Contest 

Scout Winery Tasting- Date TBD 

 

*ADDITIONAL EVENT DETAILS WILL BE PROVIDED VIA CONSTANT CONTACT AS DATES GET CLOSER 

 

**BHYC Events List for 2026 


June 28 - Welcome back brunch 

October 3 - Octoberfest 

Other events dates forth coming 

Kayak Excursion - Canadice Lake 

Kayak Excursion - Full Moon - Bristol Harbour 

Outdoor Movie Night 

Holiday Party 






Bristol Harbour Village photos

courtesy of Teri Hauck and Hannah Morse

Halloween party at the community center

Jupiter in the night sky

Improvements to Bristol Harbour Village by our awesome maintenance staff

New entrance to the Community Center

and a painting update to the Recycling Center

Halloween Photos

 


Who are these people?



A Quick Guide to the BHVA Environmental Committee (EC) 


Environmental Committee Overview: Your Environmental Committee (EC) plays an important role in keeping our village beautiful, harmonious, and well-maintained. Article VIII of the BHVA Declaration defines the composition and authority of this committee and as such, your EC reviews exterior projects to ensure consistency with EC rules. This oversight helps protect property values and maintains the overall look and feel of our Bristol Harbour Village (BHV). Your EC volunteer committee includes Ginny Lalka (Chair), Steve Cortese, Amy Gordon, Jon Link, Amy Luersen, Robyn Skiff and Ellen Wildman. We are all residents of the BHV, just as you are, and are here to help. Please check out the information on the EC on the BHVA Website, Homeowner’s page, listed below, or reach out to Kenrick at (585) 333-6478 (local office), or (585) 424-1540(main office), or via email at bhva.admin@kenrickfirst.com with questions as you plan your project.  


2025 in Review: A big Thank You to the community for your collaborative engagement in the process last year! During 2025, the EC approved 45 applications for all sorts of projects, ranging from decks, to trees, to hardscaping, to the first new build in the BHV since 2020. In 2026, two applications have been submitted, but the process definitely heats up in Spring and Summer.  


When You Need EC Approval: The EC reviews and approves exterior changes to your property for projects such as decks, patios, hardscaping, landscaping, tree removal, exterior painting (including doors), roofs, windows, doors, lighting, fences, hot tubs, driveways, grading, excavation, satellite dishes, antennas, wiring, solar panels, and more. If in doubt, please contact Kenrick for guidance … they will consult the EC as needed to help you. Also, consult the BHVA website Homeowner’s page:  

https://www.bristolharbourvillage.org/homeowners (password BHVA1413) 

which provides detailed EC Rules and Regulations to assist understanding if a project requires an EC application. New Construction is more complex; contact the EC to get started and we will walk you through what’s needed.  


How to Request Approval: Complete and submit a BHVA EC Exterior Project Application, available on the BHVA Website Homeowner’s page under BHVA Forms, or in hardcopy at the community center. Completed applications can be scanned and emailed to bhva.admin@kenrickfirst.com or delivered to the Kenrick office in the community center at 30 Golfside Circle. The application includes homeowner information and a project description, and depending on scope may also require drawings/photos, materials, colors, contractor info, a site map, insurance certificates, and a completed Hold Harmless agreement.  


Notes of Caution: Please review the EC Application and Rules as you start planning your project. Your application must be submitted and approved before work commences, or work may be required to stop until approval is received. Work that the EC finds is not in conformance with EC Rules and Regulations may need to be removed at the owner’s expense.  


Exterior sheds, dog houses, dog runs, and in general swimming pools are not permitted in the BHV. Temporary storage pods for moving or renovation projects are permitted for limited duration with approval. Also note that if you live in a Street HOA (Andrews, Lakewood, Lochcrest, Terrace), you must obtain Street HOA approval first. Cliffside Condominiums are handled separately although – in some instances – the EC may become involved.  


We look forward to a great 2026 and continuing our collaboration with you in the year ahead. And please take advantage of the Homeowner’s page of the BHVA website, listed above. It’s a great resource that provides much of what you need to enjoy our community.  






Community Engagement with the Town of South Bristol 

By Amy Luersen 


The Town of South Bristol is developing opportunities for residents to help shape the future of our community.  At the January Town Board meeting, three new ad hoc committees were created: Finance; Parks, Recreation and Beautification; and Community Engagement.  Some members of each committee were appointed at the January 12, 2026 meeting, but there was also a call for volunteers interested in serving.   


My career has been in community planning, so I volunteered for the Community Engagement Committee and was approved at the January 27th meeting of the Community Engagement Committee.  The Purpose/Mission of the Community Engagement Committee is to: 


  • Conduct a review of the Town Comprehensive Plan and determine whether/when to implement an update and recommend line items for implementation by the town. 
  • Find ways to solicit ideas/input from the broader community through suggestions boxes, surveys and other mechanisms. 
  • Explore /implement opportunities for town education and discussion in areas of topical interest. 
  • Make recommendations for South Bristol participation in the 250th celebration of our country’s founding. 


The Community Engagement Committee is charged with creating opportunities for community conversations and community involvement.  The events will have diverse formats depending on the topic.  For example, the South Bristol Town Board meeting in January had a very informative presentation by the Canandaigua Lake Watershed Council.  Going forward, we hope to have speakers on different topics at many of the Town Board meetings.  Panel discussions and interactive “Talk of the Town” sessions with the Town Supervisor are also being explored as ways to examine topics in greater depth.   


You have an opportunity to help shape these sessions.  Is there a topic that you would like the town to explore?   Feel free to reach out to me with your ideas, comments, concerns.  My email is aluersen.bhva@gmail.com  


The Community Engagement Committee meetings are open to the public and are scheduled for the 4th Tuesday of each month from 5:00-6:00 pm. Initially these meetings will be at the Town Hall, but locations may change over the year.  Check the South Bristol Town website for details. https://southbristolny.org/ 


I look forward to providing periodic updates to our Bristol Harbour Village community. 


New Year's Eve above

Photos below:

Flowers at the Rochester Conservatory

Lamas at the farmette on Monks Road

Santa with Neighbors at Point on the Bluff

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

 



Misty Movement

by

Laurie Riedman


















Wisps of fog

Hover 

Chilled to the bone

I am Deep in thought 

 

Mist lifting 

inside my head 

I walk the shore.

Bracing Wind

Coat clutched close

 

Thoughts 

Randomly appear 

as the puffs of mist

float up 

from my breath

 

How can

mist

bring

clarity?

 

Yet, 

It does

 

I turn

Wind at my back

urging me 

forward


 

Dr. Ken Walker and his daughter Diana Gifford Jones, Health Columnist






Weight Loss, the Old-Fashioned Way

by

Diana Gifford Jones


There’s no escaping the headlines about Ozempic and Wegovy — drugs that can help some people lose weight, especially when serious health risks are on the line. Used wisely, they have a place. But for most of us, the old-fashioned way is still the best approach. Weight loss comes from choosing smaller portions, eating real food, and working your body every day. Drugs may quiet hunger, but they don’t teach you how to live well, and they don’t come without the risk of side effects. A brisk walk, a basic home-cooked meal, and a boatload of willpower will deliver results. Your body — and your wallet — will thank you.



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.



It is with sadness that we note the passing of friend and long-time neighbor Doug Llewellyn on September 16, 2025. 


A noted middle school science teacher, Doug began teaching in Syracuse. Later on, he became principal at Dansville junior high school and ultimately served as the K-12 director of science for the Rochester school district. In addition to being a dedicated educator, Doug was also a skilled writer. He combined these passions into his writing 8 widely used science textbooks and numerous articles on science education.


Doug also loved Canandaigua Lake and the Bristol Harbour community. He was an avid sailor and was active in the Canandaigua Watershed Association. He was honored as a Friend of the Lake for his tireless efforts on lake-friendly living. 


His love for our community was manifested in numerous ways. Many of us enjoyed his photographic essays that he frequently published in our newsletter The Villager. He was also a strong advocate for the residents of our community. For example, he frequently attended Condominium 3 Board meetings where he would question Board decisions to make sure that they properly addressed the needs and desires of our residents.



Doug is survived by his wife of 53 years Ann, his daughter Janice and her husband Dr. Robert Fortuna, and his two granddaughters Katelyn and Allison Fortuna. Let us share our condolences with his family members and friends and say, on behalf of all his friends and those who knew him, Doug, you will be missed.


Don Rimai



NEWS FROM NAPLES OPEN CUPBOARD, INC.

by

Cathy Colby

 

Bristol Harbour , you have always stepped up. For years you have filled the Community Center box with food, clothing, and monetary donations for our neighbors in need. For this we thank you!


We are now officially in and operational at our new location at 24 Mill Street. ( the old dentist office). The response to the move has been overwhelmingly positive. 


 Our Thrift and Thrive shop occupies the upper level. Gently used to new clothing and home goods are sold at very nominal prices to support and sustain the Naples Open Pantry which is found on the lower level. 


The need for pantry services continues to grow. In December, 552 utilized our services. Holiday boxes were distributed to 325 families. The pop up in January provided boxes to 177 households. 



The new pantry space also has allowed us to continue offering free items to those in need. The entire back room is stocked with nice quality clothing and home-goods for families who may benefit.


I encourage you to come take a look. There are some pretty great deals for those who enjoy the hunt of the thrift. All purchases support the mission of the pantry. We are always in need of food , clothing, homegoods, personal care items, and monetary donations. Our neighborhood continues to support our neighbors in need.  


Thank you, 

The Naples open cupboard


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

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