Closure, Schedule and Hours
Reminder, Now Hiring
Spectacular Seniors Pickleball, Junior Racquet Camps, Spray Tans at Racquet, Schedule and Hours
Fishing Camps, Call for Captains and First Mates
Golf Camps, Golf Guest Rounds Cards, Choctaw Course
Greetings!
It's time to spring forward this weekend and begin to make your plans for the best of Big Canoe's Spring traditions. In this week's edition, you will find all the details for our Program and Event Committee's EGGcellent Easter Egg Hunt and photo op with the Bunny, then make your reservations for Easter Brunch at the beautiful Lakeside Bistro. Please don't delay as we will fully book very quickly.
As days grow longer and warmer, we begin to get outdoors, and there are so many fun opportunities coming our way in March and April. Start by joining us to celebrate the grand opening of the Choctaw Course with the Choctaw Trot. This is everyone's opportunity to see the beautiful rejuvenation with a run or walk of the 3.1 mile cart path. Remember, there are some elevation changes, so please plan according to your personal fitness level.
Our Clubs and Organizations kick off the season with the Spring Art Show, Annual Plant Sale, and Books and More at the Chapel.
This is Big Canoe Living! Cheers,
Delaine
Delaine Faris Communications & Community Engagement Director
SAVE THE DATE
Easter Egg Hunt
EGGstravaganza
SATURDAY, APRIL 19
WILDCAT SOCCER FIELD
TIMELINE: 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:00 AM 11:10 AM 1:00 PM
EGGSTRAVAGANZA GATES OPEN
EASTER BUNNY ARRIVES
EASTER EGG HUNT 0-6 YEAR OLD EGGMAZING ACTIVITY STATIONS OPEN EVENT ENDS
Join us for this years Easter Egg Hunt. Along with the hunt for eggs, kids will be able to play games, participate in a cupcake walk, purchase some yummy treats from our food vendors, join in the dance party, visit with the Easter Bunny and much more.
Children 6 and under will have an Egg Hunt on the field and kids of all ages will participate in fun EGGmazing activities throughout the morning to win Easter Eggs. Remember to bring your own basket.
EVENT IS WEATHER DEPENDENT.
BRUNCH
20 APRIL 10AM - 2:30PM SUNDAY
Adults $25 | Kids $15
MENUS ARE BEING FINALIZED
Reservations
Price includes a select menu item, non-alcoholic beverages, a family-style fresh fruit platter and bakery basket.
Seatings available at 10:00am, 10:15am, 10:30am, 12:00pm, 12:15pm, 12:30pm, 2:00pm, 2:15pm, 2:30pm
W Third Thursday
ineTasting
Thursday, March 20 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Amy Jones from Winebow will join us to pour and guide you through a selection of her personal favorites.
Reservations are not required to attend this complimentary event.
MARCH 22 CLOSED MARCH 3 - MARCH 21 FOR MAINTENANCE AND RENOVATIONS
MARCH 2Z22 at Wellness
CLASS LOCATIONS
*ZOOM
*NEW BEGINNING JASPER
*BEACH CLUB LOWER DECK
*CANOE LODGE PATIO TENT
INTERIM CLASS SCHEDULE
MONDAY TUESDAY
8:00 PILATES (3/17)
9:30 STRENGTH
9:30 FLOW & GLOW YOGA
2:45 PI TAI
5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA
8:00 KICKBOX CORE
9:00 INTERVAL (3/11, 3/18)
10:00 H20 AERO EXERCISE
10:00 STEP
3:00 ALIGN&REFINE YOGA (3/4, 3/18)
5:30 PILATES (3/18)
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
8:00 PILATES (3/19)
9:00 LOW IMPACT AERO
10:30 ZUMBA
2:45 EXERCISE 101
5:00 FLOW&GLOW YOGA
FRIDAY
8:00 LOW IMPACT
10:30 TAI CHI
2:00 BALANCE & STRENGTH
2:45 EX 201
8:00 KICKBOX CORE
9:00 INTERVAL (3/13, 3/20)
9:30 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA
10:00 H2O AERO EXERCISE
10:00 STEP
5:00 PILATES (3/13, 3/20)
SATURDAY
9:00 DANCE EXERCISE
10:00 STEP
SUNDAY
10:30 ZUMBA TONING
11:00 ZUMBA
3:00 YIN YOGA
THE WELLNESS CENTER WILL BE CLOSED FROM 6PM ON MARCH 2 THROUGH MARCH 21= THE WELLNESS CENTER WILL REOPEN MARCH 22> 2025=
Save Money and Double Your Fun this Summer with an Outdoor Aquatics Membership -Opening Day May 24th-
If you enjoyed the benefits of membership last year your membership is set to auto-renew on April 30th.
Not a member? No problem, send a membership request below!
Become an Amenity Member
NEW FOR 2025
FAST PASS LINE FOR MEMBERS WEEKENDS ONLY
Unlimited access to the Beach Club pool and Lake access that includes paddle boats, kayaks, paddle boards, canoes and rockslide
Access to the Wildcat Pool
Access to Rockslide and inflatable water park (must be under 18 years of age to use)
Accompanied guest rate equal to Property Owner daily rate
Complimentary access for guests 18 and under when accompanied by the Property Owner
$150 - Individual Membership
$298 - Full Membership (includes spouse and dependent children 25 years and younger)
Double the Fun Daily Usage Rates (Beach Club and Wildcat Pools)
$10 for Property Owners and $20 Guests
Daily Usage Rates Wildcat Pool $4 Property Owner and $4 Guests
LOOKINGFORASUMMERJOB?
WE’RE WE’RE HIRING HIRING
BigCanoePOAislookingforsmiling,happyfacesofall agestofillsummerpositions.Wehaveopenpositions aslifeguards,watercraftattendants,waterfront managerorfrontdeskattendants.Youshouldbe energetic,possessgoodcommunicationskillsand havereliabletransportation.BigCanoePOAwillpay foryourlifeguardcertificationanduniforms.Ifyou wanttoworkwithateaminafunoutdoorresortlike environment,applytodayatbigcanoepoa/careers!
North Georgia Mountains Spectacular Seniors
PICKLEBALL EVENT
If you’re 70 or over and would like to register for the event, call the Pro Shop at 706-268-3367. Lunch at the Lakeside Bistro following. Racquet members play for free, and there will be a $5.00 fee for non-members and guests. (Lunch cost is not included). We hope to see you there!
Thursday, 24 April 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
for
CHAMPAGNE & SPRAY TANS!
MAR 14 FRIDAY
RACQUET CLUB THE
Get ready to glow into spring with a little bubbly and the perfect tan! Katie from Spray La Vie is back at the Racquet Club, bringing her expert spray tans to keep you looking sun-kissed and fabulous.
Book your tan & enjoy 20% OFF anything you purchase at the Racquet Club! EXCLUSIVE PERK!
MARCH at Racquet
MONDAY
10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
10:00 *CHICKS W/STICKS LADIES TENNIS ROUND ROBIN*
2:00 *THE COURT LEGENDS MEN’S 4.0+ TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
4:00 *THE ACE CREW MEN’S 3.0-3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
4:00 MONDAY NIGHT BOCCE MIXED OPEN PLAY
WEDNESDAY
10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
10:00 *THE MATCH POINT MAVENS 4.0 LADIES’ TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
6:00 INTERMEDIATE PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
FRIDAY
10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
SUNDAY
4:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
TUESDAY
10:00 *MASTERING SPIN SHOTS PICKLEBALL CLINIC (MAR 25)
10:00 *AGGRESSIVE NVZ PLAY:SPEED UPS (MAR 4, 18) PICKLEBALL CLINIC
10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES
MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
2:00 *PICKLEBALL 101 BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC (MAR 4,18,25)
THURSDAY
10:00 *PICKLEBALL DOMINATING DOUBLES (MAR 6, 20)
10:00 *PICKLEBALL SERVING STRATEGIES CLINIC (MAR 27)
10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES
MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
10:00 BOCCE BABES LADIES’ OPEN PLAY
1:00 *PICKLEBALL 101 BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC
SATURDAY
8:00 *THE ACE CREW MEN’S TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 3.0-3.5
10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
10:00 *THE COURT QUEEENS LADIES’ 3.0-3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
* REQUIRES REGISTRATION
Junior Junior
$300 $300
8am-12pm
GOLFINSTRUCTIONPROVIDEDBY:
Mike Miller, PGA | Joan Delk, LPGA
Assistant Golf Professional Justin Luysterborg
Assistant Golf Professional Katherine Densmore
Ages 5-15 Lunch willbe provided Register Register Today! Today!
Guest Rounds & Receive a Major Discount
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.
Shop!
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
Title Sponsor: Northside Hospital
TROT CHOCTAW WALK/RUN
5K
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.
Choctaw Course Preview
Holes 4-6
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.
#4- PAR 4
Following the welcoming drive on the previous hole, the course puts forth one of the most intimidating tee shots on the property. The actual landing area is of ample width, but due to overgrown vegetation there was an unknown aspect down the right side. Under brushing and limbing will not only make the drive a bit more comfortable but it will also expose the natural beauty of the meandering creek.
Drainage will be added throughout the fairway to improve turf conditions for more roll. As it was, players had to carry 3 front bunkers and contend with a shallow green on the approach. The small gaps between the bunkers did not offer a fair chance at run up and there was no reasonable bailout area. The greens complex has become significantly more manageable as the left bunker has been removed and the remaining bunkers are shaped closer together on the right.
#5 - PAR 5
Climbing almost 120 feet up a tilted plane from the teeing ground to the green, the uphill 5th plays much longer than its posted yardage. The back tee will be split and extended while two new forward tees will be added to create a better distance fit for more golfers. The sheer magnitude of the climb is enough of a task however excessive bunkering and poor drainage in the fairway adds to the difficulty.
The first bunker on the left will be reconfigured to widen the landing zone. The next bunker on the right is strategically irrelevant and will be removed. Good drainage between bunkers is essential and will be improved with enhanced swales and basins. Standing on a 9-10% grade and looking up a hill to the second landing area, the massive bunker on the right is imposing. Its positioning dictates play to the left, but the aggressive player can choose to play over the bunker and should be rewarded with an open pitch. Cautious play to the left side will deal with the new bunker added just off the front left collar fairway. Drainage enhancements should ensure excellent playing conditions.
#6 - PAR 4
The golf course continues to climb with the 6th hole. Creating a little more room to play is the goal. The landing area was pinched by the far reaching bunker on the left and the cart path on the right. The cart path will slide to the right along the tree line, making room for a soft swale along the right rough line to handle water runoff. The extending lobe of the left fairway bunker will be filled in and the bunker reshaped to highlight the edge of the fairway. The bunker will angle from right to left and slightly pull drives may have to carry more of the bunker depending on the line from the tee. A target bunker, cut into the hillside on the right, will add definition on the drive identifying the optimal line of play from the tee.
The putting surface will expand slightly, and the left bunker will be shaped to increase the amount of fairway access onto the green. The cart path on the right will slide part way down the slope to make walking to the green complex more accessible. The fairway will wrap around the right side, creating a gentle chipping area. Drainage will be added to the right side and front of the green to keep the approach firm and dry.
Likeyou,theGroundsand LandscapeTeamis preparingforSpring2025!
In partnership with our property owners, ecologists, and committees, the Grounds and Landscaping team is hard at work in all seasons. During the winter, our concentration is on the removal (digging) of invasive species within common areas. The invasives we concentrate on are evergreen (Elaeagnus, mahonia, Chinese privet, and pine), so they are easily seen this time of year. They can be found along roadsides, on the golf course grounds, and along the woodline in the common areas. Our strategic plan for the department includes the removal of a minimum of 400 plants for the year. Jess Riddle (ecologist) prepared a Google map of the GPS locations of most of the invasives that guide this work. As we remove one in the field, we mark it as removed on the map. So far, we have removed almost 2/3 of that number for the year. Kudzu, mimosa, and princess trees are our main targets during summer.
As our property owners are preparing for your plans, Grounds and Landscaping are, too. Plant installations are upcoming for the Main Gate and North Gate this spring. We will be concentrating on specific areas to make the most impact. According to our architectural and Environmental designs, we will be placing boulders, transplanting existing plant material, adding native plant material, redefining bed lines, and reducing turf areas to improve flow and aesthetics. Over time, oaks, black gum, redbud, and serviceberry trees are planned for those areas. These species are chosen from our approved plant list, which is available on our website Approved Plant List.
My best to you,
Mathew Parks, Public Works Manager Big Canoe POA
CLUBHOUSE UPDATE
By Sam Harman
The Clubhouse remains on schedule for completion Summer 2025, and remains within budget. All concrete work is completed. Interior framing is completed and drywall will commence in a few weeks.
THE DIVE CONTRACTOR WILL BE ON SITE FROM ROUGHLY MARCH 5 - APRIL 26 AT PETIT DAM. WE ASK THAT ALL BOATERS STAY CLEAR OF THE SOUTHWEST QUADRANT OF THE LAKE WHILE THE BARGE IS IN PLACE FOR THE SAFETY OF THE DIVERS.
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)
About Us
The Big Canoe Water Committee is seeking qualified members to serve a three-year term. Candidates must be PropertyOwnersingoodstandingwith professional experience, skills, and abilities that will assist in advising the POA Board on matters related to the water/sewer services agreement betweenthePOAandUtilitiesInc. ofGeorgia.
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, perennials, ferns, shrubs, and trees
Green Trade Nursery – Popular Big Canoe perennials, trees, and shrubs
Del Vecchio Nursery – A stunning variety of Japanese Maples
Bird Houses by David Call – Handmade birdhouses
Willow Gate Gardens – Beautiful indoor plants
Cabin Crafts – Wooden benches and planters
Plant Life Nursery – Native perennials
All Big Canoe residents & their friends welcome. Some vendors may not take credit card, so please bring cash or checks. Wildflower Bunch members will be available to help with selections.
EasterattheChapel:
Wednesday, April 16 MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
Joyful Noise Gospel Choir from Agnes Scott College
Friday, April 18 TENEBRAE SERVICE
A memorable experience of music and scripture reflecting on the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ 7:00pm • Chapel sanctuary
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
Enjoy Great Food & Fellowship at the Lakeside Bistro. Call for a reservation at the WOW Table 706-268-1253
MARCH
12
PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
PAshley Tillman from AbbVie Pharmaceuticals will update the group on FDA/Medicare Approval for VYALEV. VYALEV is a new drug for Parkinson’s that delivers levodopa-based therapy under the skin through a wearable pump—all day and all night.
Contact: Jeanette Waldrop jpswaldrop@tds.net Marie Head at mdosshead@gmail.com or visit bcwell.org
NEW BEGINNINGS JASPER | 1 PM
MARCH
25
WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP BOOKS & MORE
APRIL
3-5
Big Canoe Chapel Women's Fellowship is now accepting your donated books for our Annual Books & More Fundraiser, April 3-5. Proceeds benefit local charities for women and children. Wooden Donation Boxes Located at the Postal Center and Chapel Office Gratefully accepting: fiction, history, children's, biographies, nature, garden, current selfhelp, devotionals, hobbies/ sports, current travel guides
WALK-INS WELCOME, NO REGISTRATION NEEDED.
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