Clubhouse Renovation update, AECD Prep for Spring, Upcoming Road Closures, Water Committee
Greetings!
We are just two weeks from our daylight savings spring forward on March 9, and that means only one thing in Big Canoe.
It is time to plan for a glorious spring filled with fun, fellowship, and sprucing up!
In this week's edition, we invite you to begin a three-part preview series about our Renew Big Canoe Choctaw Rejuvenation Project as Mark Green, POA Board Secretary, walks you
through the hole-by-hole design with Architect Bill Bergin. This week's preview is holes one through three. We will cover three holes in each edition of the magazine in March. And speaking of Choctaw, we have an incredible set of grand opening events scheduled for the community and our golf members. Thank you to our title sponsor, Northside Hospital, for their gracious sponsorship of the opening event.
Get ready to mark your calendars for Easter events at the Chapel, an EGGstravaganza with our Programming and Events Committee, plus the Wildflower Bunch's Annual Plant Sale. And, Treena has all the tips you need for those home projects you are planning as we leave winter behind. Looking ahead to summer, our camps are filling up fast, so please don't delay registration. Read on, dear neighbors!
Thanks again,
Delaine
Delaine Faris
Communications & Community Engagement Director
Choctaw Course Preview
Holes 1-3 by Mark Green, POA Board Secretary
One of the key components of the Renew Big Canoe projects slated for 2024 was the Choctaw 9 Golf Course Rejuvenation. The course rejuvenation was principally an infrastructure project to replace deteriorating drainage pipes and upgrade an aging irrigation system, and to replace the golf greens, which were near the end of their useful life
Our golf course architect Bill Bergin was also able to efficiently incorporate some playability enhancements as well by adding some new tee boxes, reshaping all of the bunkers and using selective clearing where brush had become overgrown to improve the golf experience and beautify the course.
This Rejuvenation will greatly increase the overall value of this signature amenity to the community and will provide many years of more efficient maintenance costs. The course is scheduled to re-open for play in April of 2025. Let’s have a look at photos taken of the final product in mid-November 2024 along with narrative from our architect’s own notes from the renderings presented back in 2021.
#1 - PAR 4
Playing downhill from the clubhouse area to a wide landing zone, the opening shot on Choctaw is the most inviting of all the starting holes at Big Canoe Drainage basins will be shaped throughout the low section of the fairway to provide firm playing conditions as well as excellent turf Two additional forward tees will make it easier for some golfers to reach this green in regulation or at least play across the creek on their second shot
Two front bunkers currently obscure the majority of the putting surface, blocking access to any type of run-up approach. They will be eliminated in order to create an inviting fairway area short of the green The back bunker will also be removed to make room for a shift and extension of the putting surface. New bunkers will be added to both sides of the green, featuring a long containment bunker on the right, and a smaller balancing bunker on the left.
#2 - PAR 3
There is a well-disguised natural feature on the second hole that, once exposed, will change everything about the appearance of this par three The creek there is a fabulous amenity, but it is hidden from view Selective clearing and under-brushing will help reveal this beauty and effectively widen the feel on this par three.
The putting surface will be lifted and expanded slightly, allowing it to become the focal point rather than the raised back bunker or the hump behind the green The back bunker rotates and will be well supported as it frames the left side of the green. The cleared-out right side not only exposes the creek, but it also greatly enhances the spacious feeling around this outstanding par three.
#3 - PAR 4
As is commonly the case due to natural elevation changes of the mountain terrain, there are not an abundance of inviting driving holes at Big Canoe, but the Choctaw #3 can be one of them The existing bunkers protrude into the fairway and simply limit the length a tee ball can be driven. The bunkers will be consolidated as one and shifted to widen the fairway. Drainage will be added, but, more importantly, the flat landing area will be shaped and contoured to move water to the basin areas New tees will be added to both lengthen the hole from the back and shorten it from the front.
The putting surface will rotate slightly from right to left, making room for a small bunker on the left side This new bunker will help keep slightly pulled approach shots out of the creek. Drainage near the green will be adjusted and augmented to ensure firm chipping conditions in the obvious bail out area on the right
BigCanoePOA BigCanoePOA BoardMeeting BoardMeeting
Due to Clubhouse renovation, board meetings are available via livestream only.
Thursday, February 27 at 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
I. Opening Comments
II. Administrative Report
III. Financial Report
IV. Business
V. Close Q & A with the Board
FOLLOW OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR LIVE VIDEO STEAMING
You’re Wonderful!
THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL VALENTINE’S DINNER
Greetings from the Programming, Events, and Clubs Committee!
We are looking forward to a great 2025 events and travel series year in partnership with the POA's Communications team. First up is our Easter Egg Hunt EGGstravaganza. Please mark your calendars for Saturday, April 19, and make plans to bring your family to this fun-filled event.
The Travel Series team is gearing up to bring you several trips this year. Our first trip will be announced soon.
We are also excited to announce the following newly recognized clubs for 2025: Beautiful - Painting classes for ladies
Bluegrass Pickers - Bluegrass musicians at all skill levels
BridgeBuds - Bridge players since 2007
Reel Divas - Ladies who fish and promote use of the Marina North GA Veterans Helping Veterans - An independent 501c3 charitable and fundraising partner of North GA Vets
The clubs will be featured on the community section of the POA website with contact information soon. Our committee is looking for volunteers to support our community's events and travel. The events and trips are made possible through the generosity of volunteers. You make it happen! If you love to help with events or chaperoning travel, please click the link below to register We will be in touch soon
Cheers,
Roger Sulhoff, Programming and Events Chair
Susan Deberry, Programming and Events Co-Chair
EasterEggHunt
EGGstravaganza
WILDCAT SOCCER FIELD SAVE THE DATE
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
to join members of the Programming and Events Committee as they host this year’s event.
FOR MAINTENANCE AND RENOVATIONS
MARCH 2-22 atWellness
INTERIM CLASS SCHEDULE
MONDAY
8 : 0 0 P I L A T E S ( 3 / 1 7 )
9 : 3 0 S T R E N G T H
9 : 3 0 F L O W & G L O W Y O G A
2 : 4 5 P I T A I
W E D N E S D A Y
8 : 0 0 P I L A T E S ( 3 / 1 9 )
9 : 0 0 L O W I M P A C T A E R O
1 0 : 3 0 Z U M B A
2 : 4 5 E X E R C I S E 1 0 1
5 : 0 0 F L O W & G L O W Y O G A
T U E S D A Y
F R I D A Y
8 : 0 0 L O W I M P A C T
1 0 : 3 0 T A I C H I
2 : 0 0 B A L A N C E & S T R E N G T H
2 : 4 5 E X 2 0 1
T H U R S D A Y
8 : 0 0 K I C K B O X C O R E
9 : 0 0 I N T E R V A L ( 3 / 1 3 , 3 / 2 0 )
9 : 3 0 A L I G N & R E F I N E Y O G A
1 0 : 0 0 H 2 O A E R O E X E R C I S E
1 0 : 0 0 S T E P
5 : 0 0 P I L A T E S ( 3 / 1 3 , 3 / 2 0 )
S A T U R D A Y
9 : 0 0 D A N C E E X E R C I S E
1 0 : 0 0 S T E P
S U N D A Y
1 0 : 3 0 Z U M B A T O N I N G
1 1 : 0 0 Z U M B A
3 : 0 0 Y I N Y O G A
THE WELLNESS CENTER WILL BE CLOSED FROM 6PM ON MARCH 2 THROUGH MARCH 21. THE WELLNESS CENTER WILL REOPEN MARCH 22, 2025.
Matches are weekly (Tuesdays OR Thursdays from 4-6PM) beginning March 18th and regular season play ends May 1st. The Championship will be May 17th.
$25 per Player/Substitute
All players & subs must be Bocce Members
Not a Member? Join Today!
Visit our website and click on Memberships in the top right corner to submit a request to join Bocce.
FEBRUARY atRacquet
MONDAY
1 0 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 * C H I C K S W / S T I C K S L A D I E S
T E N N I S R O U N D R O B I N *
2 : 0 0 * T H E C O U R T L E G E N D S
M E N ’ S 4 0 + T E N N I S
R O U N D R O B I N
4 : 0 0 * T H E A C E C R E W M E N ’ S
3 0 - 3 5 T E N N I S R O U N D
R O B I N
4 : 0 0 M O N D A Y N I G H T B O C C E
M I X E D O P E N P L A Y
W E D N E S D A Y
8 : 0 0 * T H E A C E C R E W M E N ’ S 3 0
- 3 5 T E N N I S R O U N D R O B I N
1 0 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 * T H E M A T C H P O I N T M A V E N S
4 . 0 L A D I E S ’ T E N N I S R O U N D
R O B I N
6 : 0 0 I N T E R M E D I A T E P I C K L E B A L L
O P E N P L A Y
F R I D A Y
1 0 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
S U N D A Y
4 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
T U E S D A Y
1 0 : 0 0 * M A S T E R I N G S P I N S H O T S
P I C K L E B A L L C L I N I C ( F E B 2 5 )
1 0 : 0 0 * A G G R E S S I V E N V Z P L A Y : S P E E D
U P S ( F E B 4 , 1 8 )
P I C K L E B A L L C L I N I C
1 0 : 0 0 * T H E R A L L Y R E N E G A D E S
M E N ’ S 3 . 5
T E N N I S R O U N D R O B I N
2 : 0 0 * P I C K L E B A L L 1 0 1 B E G I N N E R S
P I C K L E B A L L C L I N I C
T H U R S D A Y
1 0 : 0 0 * P I C K L E B A L L D O M I N A T I N G
D O U B L E S ( F E B 6 , 2 0 )
1 0 : 0 0 * P I C K L E B A L L S E R V I N G
S T R A T E G I E S C L I N I C ( F E B 1 3 , 2 7 )
1 0 : 0 0 * T H E R A L L Y R E N E G A D E S
M E N ’ S 3 5 T E N N I S R O U N D R O B I N
1 0 : 0 0 B O C C E B A B E S L A D I E S ’ O P E N
P L A Y
1 : 0 0 * P I C K L E B A L L 1 0 1 B E G I N N E R S
P I C K L E B A L L C L I N I C
S A T U R D A Y
8 : 0 0 * T H E A C E C R E W M E N ’ S T E N N I S
R O U N D R O B I N 3 . 0 - 3 . 5
1 0 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 * T H E C O U R T Q U E E E N S
L A D I E S ’ 3 . 0 - 3 . 5 T E N N I S
R O U N D R O B I N
* R E Q U I R E S R E G I S T R A T I O N
About Our Camp About Our Camp
Junior Tennis and Junior Pickleball Camp are designed for children 8 to 14 who are beginner through intermediate-level players. Campers learn the fundamentals of tennis or pickleball while having fun interacting with other players. Lunch will be provided.
This year, we will be bringing back our Accompanied Guest punch card. This benefit is for golf amenity members and allows you to pre-pay for future accompanied guest rounds at a reduced rate.
Amenity members will be able to purchase up to 2 cards per golf amenity lot. Each card will be good for 10 accompanied guest rounds of golf.
Cards will cost $600 for 10 rounds. At $60 per round, you save 32% off the standard accompanied guest rate of $88, for a total savings of $280. Only 50 cards will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis.
Terms and conditions apply, contact the Golf Pro Shop for more details (706) 268-3323
TROT CHOCTAW WALK/RUN5K
SATURDAY, MARCH 29
TROT STARTS AT 8AM
JOIN US AT THE CHOCTAW COURSE FOR A WALK/RUN ON THE 3.1-MILE CART PATH. GO AT YOUR OWN PACE. THE COURSE HAS ELEVATION CHANGES THAT MAY BE STRENUOUS.
OPEN TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS. CHILDREN, STROLLERS, AND LEASHED DOGS ARE WELCOME. FREE T-SHIRT FOR ALL WHO PREREGISTER BY MARCH 18. PRE-REGISTER
RIBBON CUTTING CHOCTAW
MONDAY, MARCH 31
HOLE #1 AT 9AM
COME HELP US CELEBRATE THE GRAND
OPENING OF CHOCTAW AND WATCH THE CEREMONIAL FIRST TEE SHOT.
MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO REGISTER FOR OPENING DAY EVENTS COMING SOON.
C
L U B H O U S E
U P D A T E
By Sam Harman
Exterior staircases have been poured, interior framing almost complete, roof sections are progressing well, and most importantly, beer and soda lines have been run to the bar!
Big Canoe was established as architecturally controlled community to protect the beauty and integrity of the community along with property values for Property Owners The Architectural and Environmental Control Department (AECD) establishes the criteria and enforcement policies to ensure this protection.
The Architectural and Environmental Control Department (AECD) is responsible for administering and enforcing tree and shrub provisions. Property Owner is responsible for the location of all property lines prior to the pruning, removal, or destruction of trees or shrubs.
TREE MAINTENANCE PROVISIONS
Submittal Process
The mission of the Architectural and Environmental Control Department (AECD) is to establish and protect the beauty and character of the community and its property values. To maintain standards, submissions for everything from construction to tree trimming to rentals must go through the AECD.
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
SUBMITTAL FORMS
C U L V E R T R E P A I R
BEGINS MONDAY, FEB. 24 WEATHER PERMITTING
Road repair will begin on Valley View Dr. on February 24 to repair a failed culvert pipe. The road in the repair area will be closed completely until work is completed. Please see the map below for the affected area and detours.
Thehighlightedsectionsofroadwillremainopen.
W I L D E R N E S S
P A R K W A Y C L O S U R E
Join the Big Canoe POA Water Committee
Qualifications
Ideally, candidates have experience in water/sewer system management, water/sewer system legal/environmental compliance (including experience with regulatory agencies), financial management (CPA, CFE), MEP design, construction, or engineering.
For information or to submit a bio or resume: John Lamberski (lamberskijohn@gmail.com)
AboutUs
The Big Canoe Water Committee is seeking qualified members to serve a three-year term. Candidates must be Property Owners in good standing with professional experience, skills, and abilities that will assist in advising the POA Board on matters related to the water/sewer services agreement between the POA and Utilities Inc. of Georgia.
bagpipes & birdies BEAR SOCIETY
14 03 MAR P M
9-Hole 4-Person Team Scramble Limited to first 12 teams of four. Teams will consist of four (4) golfers of ANY gender. Only three (3) clubs, plus a putter, will be allowed in each golfer's bag. Each golfer must only use the clubs in her/his bag. Each golfer will tee from a location chosen during sign-ups.
Team Handicap will be deducted from the gross team score. Handicap Index must be listed on Registration Form.
Entry fee includes tournament entry, cart, prizes, beer, and one (1) traveling mulligan per person. Lift, clean, and place everywhere (must stay in same condition).
Prizes: (Big Canoe Golf Shop Credit) 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Last Place Team Prizes Longest Drive - Men
Longest Drive - Women
Closest to Pin - Men
Closest to Pin - Women
MONDAY 6:30PM
TUESDAY 6:30PM
WEDNESDAY 6:30PM
THURSDAY 6:30PM
FRIDAY 4:00PM
SATURDAY 6:30PM
EasterattheChapel:
A JOURNEY OF REFLECTION, MUSIC & JOY
Wednesday, March 5 ASH WEDNESDAY
“Come and Go” private reflection and imposition of ashes
12:00pm - 2:00pm • Chapel sanctuary
Wednesday, April 16 MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
Friday, April 18 TENEBRAE SERVICE
A memorable experience of music and scripture reflecting on the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
7:00pm • Chapel sanctuary
Joyful Noise Gospel Choir from Agnes Scott College Dr. Nathan Grigsby, director 7:00pm • Chapel Community-wide (special Holy Week free concert)
Sunday, April 20 EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE
7:00am • Big Canoe Terraces
Sunday, April 20 RESURRECTION SUNDAY CELEBRATION
Worship with Choir, brass, and timpani 9:00 and 10:30am • Chapel sanctuary
WILDFLOWER BUNCH PLANT SALE!
SAT APRIL 12 • 9AM-3PM
SHOP A DIVERSE SELECTION OF PLANTS AND GARDEN ESSENTIALS FROM TOP VENDORS:
Whispering Springs Nursery – Annuals, per shrubs, and trees
Green Trade Nursery – Popular Big Canoe p and shrubs
Del Vecchio Nursery – A stunning variety of Bird Houses by David Call – Handmade bird
Willow Gate Gardens – Beautiful indoor pla
Cabin Crafts – Wooden benches and plante
Plant Life Nursery – Native perennials
All Big Canoe residents & their friends welcome. Some vendors may not take credit card, so please bring cas Wildflower Bunch members will be available to help with sel
