Welcome to October!
The mountain air is crisp this beautiful Friday, and the leaves have started their annual show in Big Canoe. This means the holidays are coming, but before we get there, please join us in extending our gratitude to everyone who created, volunteered, and attended the October Festival last weekend. Thank you!
In this week's edition of Big Canoe Living, we have so much to share about what is coming between now and the end of the year. October 25 is our annual Trunk or Treat, and we still need volunteer trunks to pack the soccer field with Halloween joy for the little ones.
That evening, join us for the opening event of The Overlook Concert Series. Our F&B and Events team is thrilled to kick us off with Grammy-winning and The Voice country artists and a themed dinner. This marks the beginning of many more to come in our new event space.
As of this writing, we have only 50 reservations left for Thanksgiving Dinner in our beautifully renovated Clubhouse. Chef Russell has shared the full menu this week. Please don't delay in making your reservations to join us, as the final spots are going quickly.
Use our save-the-dates in this edition to mark your calendars for an incredible Christmas Market and tree lighting the day after Thanksgiving. Rumor has it that we will be visited by Santa himself for beautiful pictures with family. Our beloved Santa Brunch and Winter Ball dates are set. We know the anticipation is building, and we will open reservations for the Brunch and Ball in the next edition of Big Canoe Living on October 17th. Thank you for your patience as we finalize the details.
In closing, the Board of Directors continues to request your feedback following their first reading of the proposed updates to our Rules & Regulations and AEC Standards at the September Board Meeting. The documents and summary of changes were sent to all property owners via email on September 23, with the Board meeting agenda including the links to submit your feedback. For your convenience, we have included the feedback links again below to share your thoughts directly with the Board.
Cheers,
Delaine
Delaine Faris
Thanksgiving Dinner
NOVEMBER 27, 2025
SEATING TIMES FROM 11AM - 3:15PM
CHILDREN $20
ages 0 - 4 eat free | children are ages 5 - 12
price does not include tax and gratuity
Don’t Miss Out – Make Your Reservations
Early, Space is Limited!
Menu
Iceberg and Romaine Mix, Cucumber, Carrots, Tomato, Croutons, Champagne Vinaigrette TOSSED SALAD
HARVEST SALAD
Mixed Greens, Baby Spinach, Red Onions, Butternut Squash, Granny Smith Apples, Cranberries, Pecans, Cranberry Vinaigrette
DOMESTIC & IMPORTED
CHEESE DISPLAY
Local and European Cheeses, Fruits and Berries, Vineyard Grapes, Honeycomb and Jams, Crackers, Flatbreads and Breadsticks
WINTER SEAFOOD DISPLAY
Seasoned Chilled Shrimp Cocktail in Ice Bowl with Lemons, Cocktail Sauce and Sweet Chili Sauce
Smoked Salmon Bites with Chopped Egg, Capers and Italian Parsley Flakes
FALL PASTA SALAD
Fall Spiced Gemelli Pasta, Butternut Squash, Brussels Sprout Shavings, Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Roasted Zucchini, and Shaved Carrots Tossed in Champagne Vinaigrette
Traditional American Roasted Turkey with Pan Gravy and Orange Cranberry Sauce FROM THE BUTCHER BLOCK
Herb and Pepper Crusted Prime
Rib with Au Jus and Horseradish Cream
Chef’s Bread and Butter Display
PAN SEARED SALMON
Served with Julienne Fall Squash and Carrots, Brown Sage Butter, Fresh Chives
ROASTED STUFFED PORK LOIN
Served with Julienne Fall Squash and Carrots, Brown Sage Butter, Fresh Chives
SIDE ITEMS
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole with Mushroom Cream
Rosemary Honey Glazed Carrots
Southern Cornbread Stuffing
Brown Sugar Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Oven Roasted Fall Squash Medley
SWEET OFFERINGS
Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie
Small Bite Desserts & Pastries
Thanksgiving Amenity Hours
GOLF PRO SHOP & AMENITY, WELLNESS CENTER, MARINA,
POSTAL FACILITY, & PACKAGE PORCH
CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
RACQUET PRO SHOP
WED., NOV. 26
CLOSE AT NOON CLOSED THANKSGIVING & FRIDAY, NOV. 28
POA OFFICES
THANKSGIVING DAY & FRIDAY, NOV. 28
BRYAN WHITE JAMES DAVID CARTER
WITH SPECIAL GUEST SAT., OCT. 25
$125 PER PERSON ALL INCLUSIVE Menu Tickets
Join us for an unforgettable evening of ’90s country hits performed by one of the era’s most beloved voices, Bryan White, along with special guest James David Carter. Enjoy a hearty buffet dinner, great company, and a night full of music and memories!
BLACK BEAR PUB OPENS AT 5PM BUFFET 5:30-6:30PM SHOW STARTS AT 7PM
Property Owners can book a dining reservation online.
Go to the Big Canoe POA website at www.bigcanoepoa.org Hover over Property Owner in the top gray banner and click Dining. (Do not log in.)
On your mobile device, scroll down under the Property Owner Reservation banner and click Dining.
Once on the Dining page, scroll down and click Reservations.
Online&PrintedDirectory Tips:Privacy
Reminder
By checking the “Do not show me in the Online Directory” box on your profile you will be removed from the online Big Canoe directory & printed Smoke Signals directory.
EDIT YOUR MY BIG CANOE PROFILE:
All profile updates need to be made by October 12th.
Upcoming Holiday Events
Friday, November 28
Friday, December 12
Reservations Open Oct. 17
Sunday, December 21
Reservations Open Oct. 17
Marina Christmas Shirt Pre-sale
Many thanks to Mary Joe Cox, who graciously agreed to let us use her print of a bear in a canoe for this year’s Marina tee shirt and sweatshirt design.
It may feel early, but now is the time to begin — our vendor requires lead time for production, so the shirts and sweatshirts will be ready for pick-up in early December.
In the meantime, take in the beautiful fall colors surrounding Lake Petit from one of the Marina’s pontoons — truly one of the best times of year to enjoy the lake. As always, the Marina staff is here to help you make the most of your time on the water.
John John Lipkowitz, Marina Manager
Tshirt Pre-Order
OCTOBER at Wellness
MONDAY TUESDAY
6:45 BOOT CAMP
8:00 PILATES
9:30 FLOW & GLOW YOGA
10:00 H20 AERO EXERCISE
5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA
5:00 YOUTH SWIM TEAM
6:15 CARDIO TAP
7:15 TAI CHI
8:00 KICKBOX/CORE
9:00 BODY BAR 10:00 CARDIO SCULPT
3:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE
3:00 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA
5:30 PILATES
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
6:45 BOOT CAMP
8:00 PILATES
9:00 LOW IMPACT AERO
10:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE
10:30 ZUMBA
2:45 EXERCISE 101
3:45 BEGINNER YOGA SERIES
5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA
6:00 VOLLEYBALL
6:45 BOOT CAMP
8:15 STRENGTH JAM
9:00 DANCE JAM
9:30 BEACH YOGA
10:00 H2O EXERCISE
9:00 BODY BAR
9:30 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA - ZOOM 10:00 CARDIO SCULPT
3:00 H20 EXERCISE
5:00 PILATES
5:00 YOUTH SWIM TEAM
FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY
10:30 TAI CHI
2:00 BALANCE & STREGTH
5:00 HATHA YOGA
9:00 DANCE EXERCISE 10:00 TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING 12:00 DEEPENING PRACTICES MINI RETREAT OCT25
1:00 CARDIO TAP TRIAL CLASS OCT 11
10:30 ZUMBA TONING 11:00 ZUMBA
3:00 YIN YOGA-STUDIO ONLY & ZOOM
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND LINKS TO OUR ZOOM CLASSES, PLEASE VISIT THE ONLINE CALENDAR. *CLASSES IN GREEN ARE ADDITIONAL FEE CLASSES.
Wellness Center Wellness Center
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS CLASS? HAVE YOU TRIED THIS CLASS?
Trial Class CARDIO TAP
Come try Cardio Tap - "The art of tap dancing with the physical activity of dance fitness. Students will learn basic dance steps, combinations and dances, while continuously moving to the music for an energetic and challenging cardio workout." Tap experience is not needed, just a love of dancing.
Free Introductory Class
October 11
1:00pm - 3:00pm
OCTOBER at Racquet
MONDAY TUESDAY
8:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY
9:00 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
5:00 MONDAY NIGHT BOCCE: MIXED OPEN PLAY
6:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
8:00 BOCCE BOYS MEN’S OPEN PLAY
10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES: MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
6:00 *PICKLEBALL 101: BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC
PICKLEBALL COURTS CLOSED PRIVATE EVENT 10/21
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
8:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY
9:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
10:00 *THE MATCH POINT MAVENS: 4.0 LADIES’ TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
6:00 INTERMEDIATE PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
9:00 BOCCE BABES: LADIES’ OPEN PLAY
9:00 *PICKLEBALL 101 BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC
10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES: MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
FRIDAY SATURDAY
8:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY
9:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
8:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY
8:00 *THE ACE CREW: MEN’S TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 3.0-3.5
9:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
9:00 FOR THE LOVE OF THE LUNGS OCTOBER 4
SUNDAY
8:00 BOCCE BOYS
MEN’S OPEN PLAY
5:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
Courtside withJessica
Thank you to everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening at our September 5th Racquet Club Member Social! Inside the Gates Radio set the perfect yacht rock vibe while members mixed and mingled over delicious food and drinks providedbytheClub.
Friendly competition was in full swing with both pickleball and tennis round-robin play — courtsfilledwithlaughter,great rallies, and even better camaraderie. Be sure to check outtheeventphotosbelowand relive the fun! We’re already lookingforwardtothenextone!
MEMBER-GUEST
TOURNAMENT
2025 Big Canoe Men's Member-Guest 2025 Big Canoe Men's Member-Guest
debbie pickett annual employee award
In honor of the memory of Debbie Pickett, Big Canoe POA has established the Debbie Pickett Annual Employee Award recognizing an employee for the kind of exemplary performance that Debbie Pickett represented in her 35+ years with Big Canoe.
AWARD PROCESS
Any employee or Property Owner of Big Canoe POA may submit an employee nominee for consideration for the Debbie Pickett Annual Award.
Nominations are accepted for Full Time Big Canoe Employees through Oct. 31 and are to be submitted to the Human Resources department using the Debbie Pickett Annual Award nomination form and should be considered confidential until the review is completed.
This award will be announced and presented every year at Big Canoe’s Annual Meeting in December.
nomination form
Trunk -or- Treat
We
Saturday, Oct. 25 | 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Wildcat Rec Soccer Field
Delight the children of Big Canoe and decorate your vehicle to give out candy for this year's Trunk or Treat!
Volunteer to give out Candy
Halloween Hike VOLUNTEER
RETURNS TO BIG CANOE
Areyourkidsorgrandkidscomingupfor TrunkorTreat?Bringthemtothe HalloweenHike!
JoinusSaturday,October25,2025, atMcDanielMeadowsParkoff WildernessParkway.
Enjoy a family-friendly, one-mile hike with Wolfscratch Performing Arts Storytellers and Players sharing spooky tales. Volunteers will guide groups around the Meadows with treat stops along the way.
The first group departs at dusk (6:15 p.m.), lasting about an hour. New groups leave every 15 minutes. Sturdy shoes and flashlights recommended.
| 11:30am
| 11:30am
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED FOR SMALL AND LARGE DOG CATEGORIES IN
MOST CREATIVE COSTUME
BEST OWNER & DOG COSTUME FUNNIEST COSTUME SCARIEST COSTUME
There will be a five dollar entrance fee for dogs and spectators will be asked for a small donation. No charge for the dog owner. The five dollar donation will go towards Big Canoe Dog Park upkeep, including fencing and gate repairs, umbrellas, chairs and benches, doggy pools, etc.
A photo booth will be available for all participants. All participating dogs will receive a goodie bag. (while supplies last.)
LEARN THE ART OF ORAL HISTORY
Award-winning writer Bonnie East leads a hands-on class on capturing stories before they’re gone. Learn to turn interviews into conversations, ask just the right questions, put people at ease, and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.
VACCINE Clinics
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Opportunities to help those in need this holiday season!
BIG CANOE CHAPEL
Wednesday Night Supper & Bible Study Supper at 5:00pm | $10 per meal
Chick pot pie; chunky applesauce, rolls, salad, drinks, and dessert. Register for calling the Chapel office on by online sign up.
Register
PICKEN’S DAY OF SERVICE OCT
Join Leadership Big Canoe for the Serve Pickens – Day of Service on October 18! This annual event, held with the U.S. National Day of Service, is a great opportunity to volunteer with neighbors through BC Serves, a new group combining VolBC and BC Serves volunteers. Spend 2–4 hours making a difference—sign up today at the Serve Pickens website!
Sign-Up
VETERANS DAY RAFFLE
Big Canoe based Veterans Helping Veterans is pleased to announce the start of ticket sales for their Nov. 13 Veteran’s Day Raffle. Only 1,000 tickets are being sold! Tickets are on sale at the Post Office from 2-6 p.m. on Fridays, as long as tickets last. The cost is $10 per ticket or $30 for four tickets. Drawing will be Nov. 13 at the Bear Society Veteran’s Event, 7 p.m. in the Overlook.
NOV 13
LOVE IN A SHOEBOX
OperationChristmasChild
Pick up a Shoebox and fill it with items suggested from the instruction sheet inside the box, or build a shoebox online. Shoeboxes are available at Cousins Hall, the Postal Facility or the Wellness Center. Return boxes by Nov. 14 to the Chapel at Cousins Hall.
NOV
Bulk Trash Day Saturday, Oct. 25 at the Trash Facility from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
$20 per car | SUV | truck | $40 per trailer | $60 for truck & trailer
Smooth Stone Ministries refurbishes computers/laptops for those in need. Please clear your data off the units.
Flat Screen Monitors
Up to 32″ – $3.00 • Larger than 32″ – $5.00
MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RECYCLING
Big Canoe Rotary & FODAC collect walkers, wheelchairs, scooters, crutches, hospital beds, oxygen equipment, and more for those in need. For more information about donating medical equipment email bigcanoerotary@gmail.com
Items that cannot be dropped off at regular or bulk trash: Paints unless dried out, hazardous chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs, and tires.
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.
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