June 13, 2025
Volume 2 | Issue 12
CONTENTS 4
Independence Week Events
14
Lakeside Bistro
16
Wellness
18
Racquet
22
Golf
28
Big Canoe Living University Ordering Chair-side at The Deck
30
Clubs & Orgs
Greetings, Summer 2025 is off to an incredible start in Big Canoe, and we hope that you and your loved ones can get outside and enjoy all our wonderful community has to offer. Whether it's an amenity camp, learning a new sport like Bocce, or simply taking a hike, we encourage you to take it all in. The Beach Club, Deck at Lakeside Bistro, Wildcat Pool, and the Paddle Rack are bustling with daily activity. Many thanks to all who have come out for live music and for sharing your gracious kudos on the food and fun with our staff and event partners. Our live music on the deck takes a break this Saturday in support of the Big Canoe Chapel's Terraces concert. It's also time for you to start finalizing your plans for the Big Canoe summer event of the season, our Independence Week celebrations, and the fireworks show. In this week's edition of Big Canoe Living, you will see all the details, road closures, playfield and parking rules, plus tips to stay safe. Excitement continues to build around the reopening of the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti. Starting with this week's Big Canoe Living, we will take you on the journey with us in a series of reopening articles. Read Chef Russell's note this week as we begin the countdown to reopening and make plans to meet him and members of your staff at the Lodge from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 17th. In closing, please enjoy the pictures of the cutest golf and pickleball campers you have ever seen, and know that volunteers play a huge role in making events happen in Big Canoe. If you are interested in volunteering to help us bring great events to our community, click the volunteer sign-up link in this edition. It's all right here... Big Canoe Living! Cheers,
Delaine Living | 3
, M O D E E mily,FR
fa
orks w e r i f &
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
Preparing for Fun! SATURDAY, JULY 5
SET UP STARTS AT 9 A.M. IN THE DESIGNATED AREA If you set up before this time, your items will be moved No tents or tables Any items placed outside of the designated area will be moved NO PETS ARE ALLOWED ON THE FIELD No tailgating in the parking lot DO NOT PLACE ANYTHING IN THE PARKING LOT
Handicap DROP-OFF ONLY will be available at the Handicap Loop at the bottom of the three-tiered parking lot
, M O D E E R F , amily ks
f
r o w e r & fi
FREE ENTRY | SATURDAY, JULY 5 | PLAYFIELD PARK
JOIN US FOR A PATRIOTIC SALUTE TO OUR VETERANS AND A PARTY IN THE PARK INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
9AM START SETTING YOUR CHAIRS & BLANKETS IN DESIGNATED AREA 4PM PARK OPENS - ENJOY A MEAL FROM THE FOOD TRUCKS - BRING YOUR OWN DRINKS 5PM CONCERT STARTS 9PM INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS
FEATURING THE REQUESTED RETURN OF THE
GREAT GRAND FINALE BAND KID’S ACTIVITIES CHEEZD N CONFUZED SMASH HIT BURGER SOUTHERN LOCAL NUTS THE LITTLE SOBER BAR SWEET TREATS FROM KING OF POPS AND DONUTNV
AND MUCH MORE!
EVENT IS WEATHER DEPENDENT Living | 7
SATURDAY, JULY 5TH
Road Closure Maps ROAD CLOSURE STARTS AT 3 P.M.
Second Road Closure starts at 9:15 p.m.
Wilderness Pkwy will reopen after the Fireworks show Wilderness Pkwy will reopen after foot traffic has cleared Living | 8
Detour around the lake after 9:15 pm
SATURDAY, JULY 5TH
Living | 9
POA
WATCHING THE FIREWORKS ON LAKE PETIT JULY 5? PARKING DETAILS BELOW! ONCE PARKING FILLS UP AT THE BIG CANOE MARINA, OVERFLOW PARKING WILL BE DIRECTED TO THE WILDCAT RECREATION PARKING LOT.
Living | 10
PARKING LOT SHUTTLE WILL RUN FROM WILDCAT REC TO THE MARINA STARTING AT 1PM UNTIL END
Living | 11
COLOR
Run or Walk
FRIDAY, JULY 4
8-10AM AT WILDCAT FREE REGISTRATION Registration TSHIRTS AVAILABLE FOR THE FIRST 75 REGISTRANTS
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.
THANK YOU TO OUR COLOR RUN SPONSORS!
Join us! Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening June 27 & 28
RSVP TODAY
Click the link below if you are interested in future sponsorship opportunities in the fourth quarter, such as the Men’s Member-Guest Golf Tournament. Sponsorship
Living | 12
Chief Ricky Jordan's Top 10 Event Tips 1. Stay Hydrated: Bring plenty of water and drinks for everyone in your party attending any of the events for the duration of the event you are attending. Temperatures in July are typically forecast to reach the high 80s. 2. B.Y.O.B: The POA will not sell soft drinks or adult beverages at the events, but we are excited to have vendors, including the Little Sober Bar. However, all vendor supplies will be limited, so please feel comfortable with BYOB. 3. Familiarize Yourself with Road Closures: Please look at the traffic plans included in this edition of Big Canoe Living and familiarize yourself with the road closures and timing. 4. Not Attending: Avoid the areas where the Color Run/Walk on July 4 and the Playfield Park events are scheduled to take place on July 5. 5. Familiarize Yourself with Parking: Only park in a parking space. Do not pull off on the side of the road, park, and walk, or create a parking space anywhere within Big Canoe. Do not place items in a parking spot to save them, as those items will be removed. Note: there are limited handicap parking spaces in the three-tier parking lot. 6. Do Not Bring Tents: Wear protective sunwear and hats. Umbrellas must be taken down during the concert and the fireworks show to prevent obstructions blocking the view of other guests. 7. Do Not Bring Fireworks, including Sparklers: These items are prohibited everywhere and at all times within Big Canoe. 8. Know Your Children's Location at All Times: Unfortunately, we announce the location of lost children each year. The Playfield will be crowded, so please watch your little ones carefully. 9. Vendors Do Not Accept Lot Charges: On July 5, our vendors may accept cash, but card use is recommended. 10. Marina Shuttle: The Marina will have a shuttle running between the Marina parking lot and the Wildcat Recreation Area for overflow of the lot. Shuttle service will begin at 1:00 p.m. and run through 11 p.m. on July 5.
Living | 13
CLUBHOUSE
A NEW CHAPTER IN THE C L U B H O U S E AT L A K E SCONTI BEGINS SOON Greetings, Change is in the air—and it will look, smell, and taste amazing! I am excited to join the Big Canoe staff, and we are hard at work building the new team and experience for you at the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti. From today through reopening, we welcome you back. The culinary team will keep you updated through articles in Big Canoe Living, events, videos, emails, and posts on the official Big Canoe social media channel @bigcanoeeventsandhappenings. This is the first of a new series in Big Canoe Living that will take you on the journey with us. Join us on June 17th at the Big Canoe Lodge, where you'll meet me and members of our team, starting at 4 p.m. This casual wine tasting is open to all Property Owners. Stay tuned for an exciting reveal that promises new flavors, new menus, and a clubhouse experience focused on quality, consistency, and memorable service. We can’t say much yet, but trust us: you’re going to love what’s coming to your table. Warm regards, Russell Sleight, Executive Chef
Living | 14
Third-Thursday Wine Tasting will return in July.
WINE Tasting
Meet the Chef JUNE 17 AT THE LODGE 4:00PM - 7:00PM
Amy Jones and Jennifer Schmitt from Winebow Distributing 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. Brody Harpstrite will perform.
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
Wellness Center
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS CLASS?
JOIN MARILEE—DANCE AND FITNESS EXPERT WITH 40+ YEARS’ EXPERIENCE— FOR A FUN, ENERGIZING TAP DANCE WORKOUT. NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED!
FREE TRIAL CLASS:
Mon. June 30, 6:15 PM
SESSION BEGINS:
Mon. July 7, 6:15–7:10 PM
COST:
$100/8 week session or $15 drop-in
CardioTap joins the art of tap dancing with the physical activity of dance fitness. Students will learn basic tap steps, combinations, and dances, while continuously moving to the music for an energetic and challenging cardio workout that is stimulating to the brain. Tap experience is not needed…just a love of dancing. Come try a “Free – Try Cardio Tap and get to know Marilee” class on Monday 6/30 at 6:15pm Living | 16
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 | 17
RACQUET
COME LEARN TO ROLL!
BEGINNER BOCCE CLINIC
FREE
JUNE 26
JULY 24
COURTS THURSDAY BOCCE AT WILDCAT REC.
4PM - 7PM
Open to all Big Canoe property owners! Join the ladies and gentlemen of Big Canoe Bocce for a fun and social introduction to this classic game. No experience needed – just bring yourself (and your favorite beverage)! Registration is required. Living | 18
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 6:00 PICKLEBALL 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 5:00
BOCCE BOYS MEN’S OPEN PLAY PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
RACQUET
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 | 19
PICKLEBALL CAMP Image Gallery
Ju ne 20 25
TENNIS CAMP
Image Gallery
Ju ne 20 25
Golf Camp June 2025
Image Gallery
GOLF
Living | 23
GREETINGS FROM THE PRO SHOP! Golf season is in full swing and play is up, so I wanted to point out some items that most every golfer knows but it doesn’t hurt to gently remind everyone! · Please fill divots in the fairway with sand and smooth the sand to grass height with your foot. · Please fix ball marks on the green. Even if you think you didn’t leave one or if you can’t find yours, fix a couple if you see them. · Please rake the bunkers whenever you are in them. We ask that you leave the rakes with the head in the bunker and the handle out. · Our starters will ask groups to pair up in carts, so we only have 2 carts per foursome. With all 27 holes open and the busy golf season, we have days where carts are at a premium. · Med flags, when allowed, will be asked to ride together in foursomes to minimize the cart traffic. · Please keep up with the group in front of you. If your group falls behind, we will ask you to catch up. If your group is unable to catch up, we will ask you to skip a hole to catch up. · When making the turn, please limit the turn time to 5 minutes or less so we do not have delays on the 1st tee box you are turning to. The driving range has moved to grass. The plan is for 2 weeks on grass and one week on mats and continue that through the summer months. Of course, if we get heavy rain and the grass has standing water we would temporarily move back to the mats to keep the range open. Now that the grass on the range is growing and needs to be mowed, we will close the range at 6pm on Monday’s to clean pick and allow the Golf Maintenance team to mow first thing Tuesday mornings. We will keep this routine through the summer months. Thank you for your help in keeping our golf courses in great shape that we all expect. Mike Miller, PGA
Living | 24
For 21 Years
Wine & Cheese Reception July 24, 5:00 pm at the Canoe Lodge SINCE 2005 LEADERSHIP BIG CANOE (LBC) HAS BEEN SERVING OUR COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ON:
Big Canoe’s rich cultural history. Big Canoe governance, infrastructure, operations, and key community activities. Big Canoe’s challenges, needs, issues, and the impact of volunteerism inside Big Canoe. LBC is an 8-month, 10-session program running from September 11 to April 24. Are you interested in joining our 2024-25 class? Scan the QR code to register for LBC’s July 24th 5:00 pm Wine & Cheese Information Reception at the Canoe Lodge. LBC is in it's 21st year and more than 475 Big Canoe residents have graduated from the program. Graduates have had a positive impact by serving in leadership roles, on committees, and as volunteers within Big Canoe and the surrounding community.
Email or call Larry Edenfield (Ledenfi@yahoo.com, 678-428-6841) with any questions.
Registration
CLUBHOUSE UPDATE By Sam Harman
The Clubhouse remains on schedule and within budget. The light fixtures have been delivered and are being installed. Topsoil for the landscaping in the back will be installed this week, and landscaping will follow next week. Stone work is completed. Interior trim, millwork, and painting are in progress.
Living | 26
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 | 28
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 | 29
T NT N E E V V EE
The Programs, Events, & Clubs Committee needs your help to enhance our community event experience! Volunteers are critical to supporting community events all year through a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to: • Setting up and breaking down on the day of events • Managing everything from bouncy houses to signage
Volunteer Today
• Checking in people and crowd control • Dressing up as costumed characters • Working at family events such as the Easter Egg Hunt and the Santa Brunch • Staffing larger gatherings such as the Fourth of July and October Festival. • Traffic control and parking lot monitors Once you sign up for the Volunteer Team, the PECC Volunteer Chair will reach out to you.
tips on Recycling while on the Lake A Message from Gretchen Hudock Taking a pontoon out on the lake is one of the favorite summer events for residents of Big Canoe. Food and beverages are an integral part of the fun as we spend time with friends and family. Choosing reusable dishes, napkins, and cutlery instead of paper plates/plastic plates, plastic cups, and glasses saves money and landfill space. And bring your mug from home for your beverage of choice. Think about our Marina's seasonal traffic: • 8 boats • 3 rentals a day • 7 days a week That's 168 bags of trash EACH week between April and November. Compare the cost of one set of reusable items to several shopping trips for dozens of paper plates, napkins, plastic silverware, and cups. Spending money on single-use disposables is throwing money away into the landfills. Washing the reusable set after a single use takes just a few minutes. Also, bring your recyclables of cans, bottles, and plastic water bottles, home to recycle them.
Let’s make a difference, boat by boat.
CLUBS & ORGS
UPCOMING EVENTS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS 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
WELLNESS COLLABORATIVE BLOOD DRIVE 8:30 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Make an appointment online, walk-ins welcome. For more information or email groups.bigcanoewc@gmail.com
BIG CANOE CHAPEL MCCORMICK HALL
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
Living | 32
JUNE
14 JUNE
19 JUNE
24
SPECIALIZED UROLOGIC CARE IN YOUR AREA
Meet Your Cumming Providers DANIEL R. BELEW, M.D.
MARK A. HABER, M.D.
LEWIS S. KRITEMAN, M.D.
ADAM MELLIS, M.D.
HARRY RUTLAND, M.D.
JERRY YUAN, M.D.
CLINT MANLEY, HOLLY SHALHOOP, MSH, PA-C PA-C
CASSIDY BANKS, FNP-C
CAROLINE BRANCH, FNP-C
CORIE GRABOWSKI, DNP, APRN, NP-C
JALPA PATEL, APRN, FNP-C
1800 Northside Forsyth Drive Suite 370 Cumming, GA 30041 Phone (770) 889-9737 Fax (678) 947-1594 Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
www.gaurology.com Kidney Stones | Vasectomy Reversal | Vasectomy | Overactive Bladder | BPH | Prostate Cancer | Pediatrics | Robotic and Laparo
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.