BigCanoeLiving_Vol2_Issue11 (2)

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM POA BOARD PRESIDENT TERRY STEWART WELCOME TO THE DECK AT LAKESIDE BISTRO REGISTER NOW FOR JULY 4 COLOR RUN/WALK May 29, 2025

Volume 2 | Issue 11

CONTENTS 4

POA Board Candidate Election

6

Lakeside Bistro

8

Aquatics

14

Wellness

16

Racquet

18

Marina

18

Golf

22

Ordering Chair-side at The Deck Big Canoe University

24

POA

25

Clubs & Orgs

Dear Fellow Property Owners, It has been and continues to be privilege of a lifetime to serve as a POA board member. In December, Mark Green and I will rotate off of the board and the community will elect two new Directors to serve alongside the others.

The POA Board plays a significant role in guiding, setting budget priorities, developing strategy and managing our overall financials while using the Strategic Plan as our north star in shaping the future of Big Canoe for years to come. A community board works best when there is a variety of professional and personal experiences along with knowledge and a love for our incredibly unique and beautiful mountain community.

Our community is much more than a big neighborhood. We are a large private town with a complex infrastructure, lakes and mountains, a large and cherished staff and so much more.

We have a balance sheet that is over $71Million (April 2025) and an annual operating revenue budget of $22Million. All of this is a legacy built by those that saw its possibilities from the first time Tom Cousins flew over in a helicopter to what would become Big Canoe.

Many neighbors and property owners have served on the Boards over the last 53 years and perhaps you would be the perfect candidate to help lead us into the future.

The POA Board consists of 7 total directors ……6 elected directors and 1 developer director.

Each board member is invaluable for sharing their visions, talents and past experience to continue making our neighborhood the best mountain community in the southeast. Joining the Board is a great way to bring your ideas and experiences to life. If you have been a property owner in Big Canoe for at least two years and would like to share in the leadership of Big Canoe, please consider running for the Board.

If you would like to learn more, I invite you to attend this Monday’s Board Candidate Info Session at the Canoe Lodge at 5:00. The Election Committee, which is comprised of your neighbors and property owners, will outline the process and you can also ask the current Board what is involved in serving our community.

Thank you for considering sharing your leadership gifts and experiences. We hope to see you Monday, June 2nd at 5:00 at the Canoe Lodge.

Regards,

Terry

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ELECTION

POA Board Candidates INFORMATION MEETING

Monday, June 2 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Canoe Lodge Bring your leadership skills to the forefront and be a part of the governing direction of the community for the next 3 years

Meet Board Members who will share their story of running for the board and what they appreciate most about helping to guide our community.

Board Members will also talk to how serving on the board will be a rewarding experience, one that positively impacts Big Canoe.

The Election Committee will discuss the process of becoming a Board Member which is a vital contribution to the future of our community.

BOARD ELECTIONS

2025

For more information, email election@bigcanoepoa.org

Make a Difference!

Two (2) POA Board of Directors openings for the 2026 – 2028 term will be filled in the 2025 election. Terry Stewart and Mark Green will complete their terms.

The composition of the Board in 2025 continues to be six elected directors and one developer director. The By-Laws specify that the qualifying period for those seeking POA board seats is from March 1 to June 30.

The initial qualification step is for interested persons to pick up a Petition for Election and related documents from the POA offices during the qualifying period. Material receipt for the Election Process: information and expectations, signatures of at minimum 25 separate lots in Big Canoe will be required for candidates to be considered. These receipt and signatures must be returned by 5:00pm EST on Monday June 30, 2025 to the POA office.

Candidates must meet the following qualifications in order to be considered for the position of Elected Director: 1.

Own property in Big Canoe for a period of at least twenty-four (24) consecutive months prior to the date of the Primary Election;

2.

Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age by the Primary Election date;

3.

Be in good standing with the POA at the time of qualifying;

4.

Secure signature from at least twenty-five (25) different Property Owners representing at least twenty-five (25) of the Lots in Big Canoe;

5.

Be willing to authorize a criminal background check by the POA, if requested.

When Petitions for Election are obtained, prospective candidates will receive and sign for copies of the Election Process:information and expectations.Third parties may pick up Petitions for Election and other documents in the name of the prospective candidate.The person obtaining the materials will also receive a document for the prospective candidate to sign and return to the Director of

ELECTION

THE BIG CANOE ELECTION COMMITTEE IS SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Administrative Services at the Canoe Lodge prior to June 30.The document will confirm that the candidate has received the informational items.

If more than four (4) people qualify for these two (2) positions, there will be a primary election this summer followed by the general election in the fall. For further information about the election process contact Elaine Fitzgerald, any board member or any Election Committee member.

The Big Canoe Election Committee

BOARD ELECTIONS

2025

BISTRO

Lakeside Bistro Weekly Specials Wednesday, May 28 to Saturday, May 31

BLACK & BLUE SALAD SLICED FLAT IRON STEAK SERVED OVER SPRING MIXED GREENS WITH BLUE CHEESE CRUMBLES, TOMATO, CRISPY YELLOW ONION, AND RASPBERRY BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE. $24

BISTRO BURGER HALF-POUND BURGER BLEND PATTY SERVED ON A TOASTED BRIOCHE BUN WITH CHEDDAR CHEESE, CANDIED BACON, PICKLED JALAPENOS, A FRIED EGG, AND TWO ONION RINGS. CHOICE OF SIDE. $21

ASIAN SHRIMP TACOS THREE TACOS WITH GRILLED SHRIMP, BROCCOLI SLAW, AND SWEET CHILI SAUCE, GARNISHED WITH TOASTED SESAME SEEDS. SERVED WITH CHIPS AND SALSA. $17

Follow us on Social media to learn about our weekly & specials! https://www.facebook.com/BigCanoeEventsandHappenings https://www.instagram.com/bigcanoeeventsandhappenings/

Living | 6

Summer

Wine

& Meet Our Tasting Amy Jones from Winebow Distributing and Sara Brewer from the Boisset Collection will be here to taste and guide you through a collection of European summer wines. In addition to the wine tasting Chef Russell Sleight will be in attendance to meet and mingle with everyone.

CHEF

TUESDAY, JUNE 17 4:00 - 7:00 PM Canoe Lodge Tent

HENRI CHAMPLIAU CREMANT DE BOURGOGNE ROSE BRUT LYMA VINHO VERDE J MOREAU ET FILS L'AUBAINE SAINT BRIS TIEFENBRUNNER PINOT BIANCO FIGUIERE MEDITERRANAE ROSE GA'IA AGIORGITIKO PIERRE GELIN COTE D'OR LABOURE ROI BOURGOGNE PINOT NOIR

LIVE MUSIC SATURDAY NIGHT

NIC SAND Saturday, May 31 Music kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

NIC IS ONE OF NORTH GEORGIA’S RISING STARS. HIS SOUND IS RAW, HIGH-ENERGY, AND FRESH, WITH A KILLER BLEND OF REGGAE, CLASSIC ROCK, BLUES, AND FUNK. TRUST ME, YOU’RE GOING TO LOVE SITTING ON THE DECK OVERLOOKING THE LAKE WHILE LISTENING TO NIC PERFORM. COME GRAB DINNER AT THE BISTRO OR TRY OUT OUR NEW KITCHEN RIGHT ON THE DECK. ENJOY THE BAR ON THE DECK WITH LOCAL FAVORITES FROM REFORMATION BREWERY. BRING YOUR FRIENDS, GRAB A DRINK AND ENJOY A NIGHT OF EXPERIENCING FIRSTHAND, WHY THIS IS BIG CANOE LIVING! Living | 8

AQUATICS

Living | 9

COLOR

Run or Walk FRIDAY, JULY 4 8-10AM AT WILDCAT

FREE REGISTRATION TSHIRTS AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST 75 REGISTRANTS

Registration

Join us at Wildcat for this year’s Color Run/Walk! Head down the Wildcat connector trail and end back at Wildcat where you are greeted with a burst of colorful dye if you choose. The event covers 3 miles of paved trails with just enough ups and downs to elevate your heart rate. Strollers and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

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JUNE

MONDAY

at Wellness

6:45 BOOT CAMP 8:00 PILATES 9:30 FLOW & GLOW YOGA 10:00 H20 AERO EXERCISE 5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA 7:15 TAI CHI

TUESDAY

8:00 9:00 10:00 11:45 3:00 3:00 5:00 5:30

BOOT CAMP PILATES LOW IMPACT AERO H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE ZUMBA EXERCISE 101 BEGINNER YOGA SERIES FLOW & GLOW YOGA VOLLEYBALL PING PONG (JUNE 11, 25)

FRIDAY 6:45 8:15 9:00 10:00 10:00 10:30 2:00 5:00

BOOT CAMP STRENGTH JAM DANCE JAM H2O EXERCISE BEACH YOGA TAI CHI BALANCE & STREGTH (JUN 13,20,27) HATHA YOGA

KICKBOX/CORE BODY BAR CARDIO SCULPT PT STRETCH (JUNE 17) H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE ALIGN & REFINE YOGA YOUTH SWIM TEAM PILATES

THURSDAY

WEDNESDAY

6:45 8:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 2:45 3:45 5:00 6:00 6:00

WELLNESS

9:00 BODY BAR 9:30 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA - ZOOM 10:00 CARDIO SCULPT 11:45 PT STRETCH (JUNE 5, 19) 3:00 H20 EXERCISE 5:00 PILATES 5:00 YOUTH SWIM TEAM SATURDAY 9:00 DANCE EXERCISE 10:00 TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING 12:00 DEEPENING PRACTICES JUNE 28

SUNDAY

10:30 ZUMBA TONING 11:00 ZUMBA 3:00 YIN YOGA-STUDIO ONLY

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND LINKS TO OUR ZOOM CLASSES, PLEASE VISIT THE ONLINE CALENDAR.

*CLASSES IN GREEN ARE ADDITIONAL FEE CLASSES.

Living | 11

The Spring Bocce League Championship was held on May 17th. The top 8 teams played in a single-elimination Championship, followed by an end-of-season Luncheon at the Wildcat Pavilion.

Winning Team: Balls of Fire Players: Peter Gelbwaks, Lee Herman, Tom Littleton, & Joe Cook

Monday Night Bocce 4:00 - 6:00 pm

Bocce Boys: Men’s Open Play Sun-Sat | 8:00am

Bocce Babes: Ladies’ Open Play

Thurs | 10:00am Call Racquet for more information.

No registration required.

706-268-3367

JUNE 10 - JUNE 13

JUNE at Racquet JUNIOR RACQUET CAMPS

MONDAY 8:00

BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 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 8:00

BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY 10:00 *THE MATCH POINT MAVENS 4.0 LADIES’ TENNIS ROUND ROBIN (JUNE 4, 18, 25) 6:00 INTERMEDIATE PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

FRIDAY 8:00

BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

SUNDAY 8:00 6:00

BOCCE BOYS MEN’S OPEN PLAY PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

9:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.

TUESDAY 8:00

BOCCE BOYS MEN’S OPEN PLAY 10:00 *MASTERING SPIN SHOTS PICKLEBALL CLINIC (JUNE 3) 10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN (JUNE 3, 17, 24) 6:00 *PICKLEBALL 101 BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC (JUNE 3, 17, 24)

THURSDAY 8:00

BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 9:00 *PICKLEBALL 101 BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC (JUNE 5, 19, 26) 10:00 *PICKLEBALL SERVING STRATEGIES CLINIC (JUNE 5) 10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN (JUNE 5, 19, 26) 10:00 BOCCE BABES LADIES’ OPEN PLAY

SATURDAY 8:00

BOCCE BOYS MEN’S OPEN PLAY 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

Living | 13

D

ing m a e r

bein bo

g

of

nto a Po

pta at ca

on

in?

Let’s make those dreams a reality!

The weather is turning beautiful.

Reserve your pontoon today by calling the Marina at 706-268-3303

Lake Petit

Living | 14

Living | 15

GOLF Based on the Amenity Satisfaction Survey from

ON THE COURSE WITH MIKE...

last fall, the following are our plans to enhance the golf experience here at Big Canoe.

Concern: Fees are too high for non-members and guests.

Remedy: Our property owner/accompanied guest

The first quarter of 2025 has been eventful and

fee($88) is in line with the course comps in

exciting, and we look forward to more

our area.

excitement for the rest of 2025. Later this year

Bent Tree- $88

we have the reopening of the clubhouse and

Crystal Falls- $82

more specifically the golf pro shop. We have

Chestatee- $95

done our best to make the construction the

Achasta- $100

least impactful to the golf operations and appreciate everyone’s patience and

We have offered for sale a limited number of

cooperation as we have adapted and modified

guest discount card for members to purchase

procedures and routines.

to bring their accompanied guest rate down to $60. As of May 13th , we still have 7 of those

Speaking of modifications, we have moved

cards left for 2025. They can be purchased in

most of the pro shop events to the fall, ensuring

the golf pro shop.

that we will have the pro shop and clubhouse back open and providing the best golfer experience possible. Here are some dates to

Concern:

be aware of as they are different than the

Challenge securing a tee time.

traditional Big Canoe golf calendar: Remedy:

Men’s Super-Senior Club Championship:

As of April 1st, Choctaw opened back into the

September 12 and 13

course rotation, so we have our full 27 holes to

Men’s Senior Club Championship:

operate. Beginning April 1st, Amenity members

September 19 and 20

can book up to 3 tee times per day as were the

Men’s Member-Guest: October 1-4

rules prior to the renovations.

Women’s and Men’s Club Championship: October 17 and 18

Most days of the week, we are double teeing

Women’s Member-Guest: October 29-31

meaning starting on two of the courses first thing in the morning allowing for more tee times in the morning when most of our golfers want to book a tee time.

Living | 16

Concern:

Atlanta Country Club, known as one of the

Opportunities to improve the condition of

finest operations in the Southeast along with a

driving range

visit to Chick-fil-a headquarters for an in-depth look at their customer service strategies and

Remedy:

goals, to improve our staff training.

We have installed new mats at the driving range that allow golfers to use a tee and hit drivers.

Concern: Merchandise in the Golf Pro Shop

Once the grass begins growing we will move to a 3-week rotation of the driving range being

Remedy:

on grass 2 weeks and mats 1 week to allow for

The trading post began with approximately

proper grass growth and maintenance.

10% of the floor space dedicated to it. That number grew over a couple of years to about 50%.

Concern: Isolated concerns regarding staff

Once we move back to the pro shop after

professionalism

renovations, we will return to an 90% golf, 10% trading post mixture so the primary focus of

Remedy:

the golf pro shop is golf.

We have reconfigured the golf operations structure by changing the outside supervisor

Please let me know if you have concerns about

positions to Entry Level Assistant Golf

the golf operations here at Big Canoe and we

Professional positions. Rick Fiorillo and Josh

look forward to seeing you out on the course

LeFevre have been promoted to these

this summer.

positions along with starting the PGA program to work towards their Class-A membership in the PGA. Professional staff has consulted 3 courses known for great service in order to observe their operations and gather ways we can improve our operations here at Big Canoe.

Additional staff development is planned through more robust training, supervision, and a deeper promotion of the written Golf Operations Manual. We’ve also arranged to take key staff to observe the golf operations at

Living | 17

GOLF

GCM Update

Jameson Marslender

Throughout the Southeast and Atlantic regions, golf courses have been experiencing a slower green-up than usual.

Although the air temperatures have risen briefly to seasonal norms, the soil temperatures are lagging behind. This leaves warm-season turfgrasses in a state of limbo. They have mostly greened up, but are not vigorously growing yet. Their root systems are still recovering from a harsh winter. And the surging use of stored carbohydrates to break dormancy takes time to replenish. Areas that have not recovered from winterkill will be identified and sodded.

It seems as though we are getting “April Showers” in May this year. This has hampered planned herbicide applications and interrupted our normal mowing practices. We capitalized on a few breaks in the rain over the last two weeks to spray for broadleaf weeds and POA annual on Choctaw. They are expected to die back over the next 10 to 14 days. Hopefully, Mother Nature delivers more dry days to come!

Join Our

POA

Community Chat

with the Property Owners Association Board and General Manager of the POA

June 11, 2025 5:30 - 6:30 pm Big Canoe Lodge There are no presentations, podiums or prepared agendas.

This event is casual and unscripted. The Board and General Manager want to hear from you!

Living | 19

HOW TO PLACE A CHAIR-SIDE ORDER UNIVERSITY

We have a NEW system for “chair-side” ordering at the pool, on the beach, and at the deck!

New QR codes are installed at various locations throughout the beach. To order, locate the QR Code closest to your location. Using the camera app on your phone scan the QR code.

For best results, you will need to join the Beach Club wifi because cellular service is spotty in this location.

Wifi: Big Canoe Guest Password: bigcanoe

Living | 20

Tap on the link that appears on your phone and the Clover app opens directly to the food and drink menu. Swipe up to view all the choices. Tap the item on the screen you would like to order.

Order

Tap on the item you would like to order 1. There is an option to enter Special Instructions like “no Chives”.

2. You are also able to increase the number of this item you would like to order. As you add items you will see the price updated.

3. Click on ADD to Order

UNIVERSITY

Completing your Order Continue to add to your order 1. Continue to add items to your cart 2.At the bottom left corner of your screen, you will see the cost of your order 3.When you are finished adding items to the cart and are ready to submit your order, click on the cart icon at the bottom right.

4. You will see an order summary and click continue to cart

Paying for your Order 1. Provide your name and information so that your food can be delivered directly to you.

2. Click Continue to Payment.

3. Enter your payment information.

Living | 21

POA

, M O D E ily,FRE

fam fireworks &

THURSDAY, 7-8:30pm Acoustic Showcase at the JULY 3 Canoe Lodge

FRIDAY, JULY 4

8-10am Color Run/Walk at Wildcat 1-5pm The Deck at Lakeside Bistro: Steel Drums 7-8:30pm Terraces Concert Series: Gimme Springsteen

SATURDAY, JULY 5

10am Dog Park Committee: Patriotic Dog Parade at Diamond Dog Park (Parking at Wildcat) 4pm Family Fun Day, Concert, & Fireworks at Playfield Park

Living | 23

CLUBHOUSE UPDATE

By Sam Harman

The clubhouse remains on schedule and within budget. The exterior is stonework is nearly complete. Interior trim work, tile and other finishes are in progress.

CLUBS & ORGS

UPCOMING EVENTS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL DISCOVERING THE BIGNESS OF GOD IN THE SMALLEST OF THINGS - NO ADMISSION CHARGE Kindergarten - 6th Grade Registration begins April 20 online at BigCanoeChapel.org

JUNE

2

THE CHAPEL | JUNE 2-5 | 9:00AM-12:15PM

TERRACES AMPHITHEATER CONCERT SERIES TRAVOLTA - Travolta is a tribute to Studio 54 and more! The name Travolta is synonymous with all things disco nostalgia and says it all.

THE TERRACES AMPHITHEATER | MAY 24

BIG CANOE WELLNESS COLLABORATIVE

NORTH GEORGIA PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP SCHEDULE Guest Speaker Barbara Carlin, Owner and Founder of Horizon Counseling and Consulting New Beginnings Therapeutic Services 371 Noah Drive, Jasper, GA 30143 1:00 p.m. for further information bcwell.com

JUNE

14 JUNE

24 Living | 25

AT BIG CANOE CHAPEL MCCORMICK HALL

BLOOD DONATION SAVES LIVES June 19 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Make an online appointment.

Walk-ins welcome.

Registration For more information or email groups.bigcanoewc@gmail.com

Living | 26

Comprehensive Weight Management Solutions Dawson Primary Care and our doctors are the perfect partners to walk with you on your health journey.

Diet and exercise alone aren’t always enough. We offer a physician led weight loss program that takes an individualized approach in determining what you need in order to help you to reach your goals. We have weight management specialists who can identify underlying conditions that may be causing weight gain or hampering your ability to lose weight– such as a slow metabolism due to thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, hormonal conditions or fluid retention due to kidney issues.

Our physicians recognize that obesity is a complex disease and have a goal of maximizing weight Annual Wellness and loss outcomes and improving the overall health Physical Exams of our patients.

Our Services •

• Body Scans • Doctor Assisted Weight Loss • Nutrition & Exercise Science • Preventative Health Screenings Our Doctors Saba Haeringer, DO Parastoo Baradaran-Mashinchi, MD Gregory Morgan, MD

NsDawsonPrimaryCare.com • (706) 265-1335

Stay in touch with us facebook.com/BigCanoeEventsandHappenings instagram.com/BigCanoeEventsandHappenings

www.bigcanoepoa.org

ASKthePOA

Copyright © 2025 Big Canoe Property Owners Association. All rights reserved.

This publication is the property of the Big Canoe Property Owners Association (Big Canoe POA).

All content—including articles, photographs, graphics, layout, and design—is protected under U.S. and international copyright laws.

No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, distributed, modified, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the express prior written consent of the Big Canoe POA. This content is intended for the personal, non-commercial use of Big Canoe residents and authorized recipients only. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.