LIVING



CELEBRATING THE SEASON CELEBRATING THE SEASON

AMENITY MANAGERS
AMENITY MANAGERS
YEARLY MESSAGES
YEARLY MESSAGES
SANTA PICTURE GALLERIES
SANTA PICTURE GALLERIES




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CELEBRATING THE SEASON CELEBRATING THE SEASON

AMENITY MANAGERS
AMENITY MANAGERS
YEARLY MESSAGES
YEARLY MESSAGES
SANTA PICTURE GALLERIES
SANTA PICTURE GALLERIES




As we reach the end of 2024, the entire 2025 started out frigid. Temperatures plunged, pipes froze, and winds whipped through every room of our empty and dark clubhouse
As we approach the end of 2025, it's chilly again. But only the outside temperature.

Inside our new clubhouse, it feels like a warm summer day. The walls and trim glisten. The rooms sparkle, adorned by stunning decorations lovingly placed by our wonderful volunteers Laughter fills every seat at the Mountain View Bar when you can find a seat! And the delicious food, served with a warm smile and perfectly prepared, lights up everyone's face.
When you're snuggled in your bed dreaming of the next day's activities, you can feel safe that our Petit Dam rehabilitation completed two major milestones this year; the replacement of the seepage control system and the successful repair of our Lower Level Outlet drain. Both are important to the safety of Lake Petit Dam for the next half century.
And if the warmth of dining with friends and family at our holiday events has slowed you down, the state of the art equipment in our shining fitness center or a round of golf on the reopened Choctaw 9 will help you regain top form!
Not to be missed, when you address your Christmas card this season, you can do so knowing that for the first time ever, we actually own our own name and Trademark.
It's been a heartwarming year. From our entire staff at Big Canoe, we wish you and your family a blessed Holiday, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year
Cheers, Your Senior Staff
Scott Auer, General Manager
Lydell Mack, Director of Operations
Delaine Faris, Director of Communications & Community Engagement
Jayne Hagan, Director of Finance
Ricky Jordan, Director of Public Safety


We’re proud to announce that Paul Delgado has been awarded the 2025 Debbie Pickett Award!
This award recognizes an individual who exemplifies dedication to our community, supports fellow employees, and embodies teamwork and passion for Big Canoe. Paul’s commitment and spirit truly reflect what makes our community special. Please join us in celebrating his welldeserved recognition!
Dear Property Owners,
2025 was quite the year for food, beverage and clubhouse operations. We made the most out of the Lakeside Bistro experience and appreciate all of the support from the community while we were there. I must say, however, it is so good to be back home in the clubhouse! The last few months have flown by between the opening, numerous events and exciting plans for the future.
I would like to thank the community and the POA for giving me the honor of receiving this year's Debbie Pickett award. Running clubhouse operations is very challenging and rewarding at the same time. We couldn't have come this far without the great team we've assembled. I would especially like to Thank my wife Theresa for her patience and support over the last two years here at Big Canoe.
We have a lot of surprises in store for our Property Owners in 2026, good surprises! Stay tuned to Big Canoe Events & Happenings as we have a full schedule of themed nights, entertainment, seasonal menu changes and more coming your way next year.
Thank you,








TUESDAY 11 A.M. - 5 P.M.
WEDNESDAY 11 A.M. - 8 P.M.
THURSDAY 11 A.M. - 8 P.M.
FRIDAY - 11 A.M. - 9 P.M.
SATURDAY 11 A.M. - 9 P.M.
SUNDAY 11 A.M. - 3 P.M.
MONDAY CLOSED
We invite you to dine with us this Winter season and enjoy a selection of savory, comforting meals crafted to warm the soul. Gather with friends, family, or fellow neighbors and savor the flavors of the season in a welcoming atmosphere.
Come in from the cold and treat yourself your table is waiting.
December 24
Duffer’s closes at 2 pm
Wellness & Marina closed
Racquet closes at 12pm
Clubhouse closes at 5pm
POA Offices are closed

December 25
POA Offices are closed
Package Porch is closed
All amenities are closed
Duffer’s is closed
The Clubhouse is closed
December 26
POA Offices are closed
Racquet is closed
HappyHolidays!
December 31
Racquet closes at 12pm
Wellness closes at 2pm
Clubhouse closes at 5pm
Duffers closes at 5pm
January 1
POA Offices are closed
The Clubhouse is closed
Package Porch is closed
All amenities are closed
Duffer’s is closed









Join Inside the Gates Radio for an unforgettable evening with hits from the American Songbook, big band, classical jazz, a little Ray Charles and even some Steely Dan... The Past never sounded so good! Enjoy a hearty winter buffet dinner, dancing and a full night of the best music and memories. Business casual and dancing shoes!

DENISE MOORE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026
$75 PER TICKET
INCLUDES TAX & GRATUITY


MICHAEL EWBANKS KAREN GREENE
BLACK BEAR PUB OPENS AT 5PM CASH BAR AVAILABLE BUFFET 5:30-6:30PM SHOW STARTS AT 7PM GET YOUR TICKETS
MONDAY
6 : 4 5 B O O T C A M P
8 : 0 0 P I L A T E S
9 : 3 0 F L O W & G L O W Y O G A
1 0 : 0 0 H 2 0 A E R O E X E R C I S E
5 : 0 0 F L O W & G L O W Y O G A
5 : 0 0 Y O U T H S W I M T E A M
7 : 1 5 T A I C H I
W E D N E S D A Y
6 : 4 5 B O O T C A M P
8 : 0 0 P I L A T E S
9 : 0 0 L O W I M P A C T A E R O
1 0 : 0 0 H 2 0 A E R O B I C S / E X E R C I S E
1 0 : 3 0 Z U M B A
2 : 4 5 E X E R C I S E 1 0 1
3 : 4 5 B E G I N N E R Y O G A S E R I E S
5 : 0 0 F L O W & G L O W Y O G A
6 : 0 0 V O L L E Y B A L L
6 : 3 0 P I N G P O N G ( D E C 3 & 1 7 )
F R I D A Y
6 : 4 5 B O O T C A M P
8 : 1 5 S T R E N G T H J A M
9 : 0 0 D A N C E J A M
1 0 : 0 0 H 2 O E X E R C I S E
1 0 : 3 0 T A I C H I
2 : 0 0 B A L A N C E & S T R E G T H
5 : 0 0 H A T H A Y O G A
T U E S D A Y
8 : 0 0 K I C K B O X / C O R E
9 : 0 0 B O D Y B A R
1 0 : 0 0 C A R D I O S C U L P T
1 1 : 4 5 P T S T R E T C H ( D E C 2 )
3 : 0 0 H 2 0 A E R O B I C S / E X E R C I S E
3 : 0 0 A L I G N & R E F I N E Y O G A
5 : 3 0 P I L A T E S
T H U R S D A Y
9 : 0 0 B O D Y B A R
9 : 3 0 A L I G N & R E F I N E Y O G A - Z O O M
1 0 : 0 0 C A R D I O S C U L P T
1 1 : 4 5 P T S T R E T C H ( D E C 1 8 )
3 : 0 0 H 2 0 E X E R C I S E
5 : 0 0 P I L A T E S
5 : 0 0 Y O U T H S W I M T E A M
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 T O T A L B O D Y C O N D I T I O N I N G
1 : 3 0 C A R D I O T A P ( D E C 1 3 )
1 2 : 0 0 D E E P E N I N G P R A C T I C E S
M I N I R E T R E A T ( D E C 6 )
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
1 : 0 0 L I N E D A N C E ( D E C 7 )
3 : 0 0 Y I N Y O G A - S T U D I O O N L Y & Z O O M

As we close out 2025, we’re proud to reflect on a year of meaningful improvements at the Big Canoe Wellness Center. Our facility underwent a much-needed facelift, and these enhancements have allowed us to present a Wellness Center our community can truly be proud of.
2025 Upgrades and Renovations Included:
Replacement of the indoor pool heating, air, and humidity control system
All new cardiovascular equipment through a three-year lease, along with an upgraded streaming entertainment service
Carpet replaced with luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring
Full replacement of the parking-lot-side window bank in the Natatorium, plus updated windows in the exercise area
New Natatorium flooring and upgraded deck shower
A brand new sauna
A full professional deep cleaning of the entire facility
Introduction of several new group exercise classes: Body Bar, Dance Exercise, Zumba Toning, and Cardio Tap
These improvements have strengthened the Wellness Center’s foundation and expanded the ways we can serve our community.




We’re excited to share that more upgrades and new programming are on the way:
Replacement of the indoor pool deck grate system
Replastering of both the lap pool and whirlpool
Replacement of the lake-side Natatorium windows
New Programs with New Beginning Therapeutic Services: Big Canoe Wellness Center and New Beginning Therapeutic Services are pleased to introduce several new offerings designed to support mobility, balance, strength, and overall well-being.
PT Stretch: Returning in 2026 as a series of 6-week specialty classes
First series begins Tuesday, January 6
Offered Tuesdays & Thursdays at 11:45 AM, running through February 12
$12 per session or $84 for the full series
Focuses on smaller muscles and attachment points to improve flexibility and mobility
Ask the PT:
Wednesday, January 14 • 12–1 PM
Complimentary drop-in session hosted by Lisa Jackowiak, PT, DPT, CIMT, New Beginnings’ newest physical therapist
Includes a brief one-on-one consultation to address pain, injury prevention, exercise technique, or general musculoskeletal concerns
Additional specialty programming such as Water Balance, Boxing, Relax the Back, and more will be announced soon And in January, we’ll launch an exciting new class, Bars & Bells, to kick off the year. We invite you to join us in 2026 as we continue building a vibrant, supportive, and healthy environment at the Wellness Center Our mission is not only to help transform bodies but to enrich lives and we look forward to sharing this journey with you.
DearBigCanoeRacquetClubMembers,
Aswewrapupanotherwonderfulyearatthe momenttoreflectonallwe’veaccomplished year,filledwithgrowth,community,andcountlessmomentsonthecourtsthatremind uswhythisclubissospecial.
Despitethewaterchallengeswefaced,ourteamstayedcommittedtomaintaining excellentcourtconditionseverysingleday.Yourexperienceisalwaysourtoppriority, andweareproudtohaveprovidedconsistentlyhigh-qualityplaythroughouttheentire year.
Wealsoenjoyedanincrediblelineupofeventsandsocials morethaneverbefore. FromourSummerSailAwaycelebrationtoourmanyholidayandseasonalgatherings, eacheventbroughtourcommunitycloserandfilledtheclubwithenergyand connection.
OneofourproudestmomentswashostingtheFortheLoveofLungsCysticFibrosis fundraiser,where thankstoyourgenerosity weraisedanamazing$53,000forthe CysticFibrosisFoundation.Thiseventshowcasednotonlyourpassionforracquet sports,butalsotheheartandspiritofourcommunity.


WewerehonoredtowelcometheNorthGeorgiaSpectacularSeniorsPickleballgroup, andwecelebratedthereturnofbothourmen’sandwomen’sUSTAteamstotheBig C t A i l ngratulationsgoestoourMen’sUSTAteamformakingitall




Ourbeginnerpickleballsocials,opentotheentirecommunity,broughtanexciting waveofnewfacesandhelpedgrowourmembershipinmeaningfulways.
NoneofthiswouldhavebeenpossiblewithoutmywonderfulRacquetClubteam.Iam incrediblygratefulforTraci,John,Mark,Don,Jana,Kip,andWendy eachofwhom bringsdedication,passion,andhearttotheclubeverysingleday.Theirhardwork behindthescenesisthereasonwe’vebeenabletoaccomplishsomuchthisyear.
AsIlookahead,Iamfilledwithgratitudeforyourcontinuedsupport,enthusiasm,and participation.Thisyearwasasuccessbecauseofyou,andIcan’twaittomakethenext oneevenbetter.
ThankyouforbeingpartoftheBigCanoeRacquetClubfamily.Iappreciateyou,andI lookforwardtoanexcitingnewyeartogether. Here’sto2026!
Jessica




Two-person teams — 2 friends, 2 neighbors, or couples welcome. Singles will be paired up too!
Bocce amenity members only no extra fees
No championship, no big end-of-season party
— just pure social fun
We highly encourage 1 male + 1 female teams for balance (and for some friendly Bocce Boys vs. Bocce Babes rivalry!)
Designed for less competitive players — laughter > leaderboard

4 teams are grouped together for a 3-month "season" just like Dinner 8!
Each pair plays the others twice (about 2 games per month)
Recommended play times will be published to encourage social gatherings on the courts

4 seasons per year — new teams announced before each Teams decide their own snacks & drinks sharing encouraged ���� Games can follow official League rules or your own agreed-upon style
No formal scorekeeping it’s all about the fun!

MONDAY
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S : M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
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
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S : M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
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 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
C L O S I N G A T 1 2 P M D E C 2 4 & D E C 3 1
F R I D A Y
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S : M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
C L O S E D D E C 2 6
S U N D A Y
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S
M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
5 : 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
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 * T H E C O U R T Q U E E N S : L A D I E S ’ 3 . 5 T E N N I S R O U N D R O B I N
4 : 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 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 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
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
C L O S E D D E C 2 5 , J A N 1
S A T U R D A Y
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S : M E N ’ S O P E N P L 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
C L O S E D F O R C H R I S T M A S & N E W Y E A R S -
C L O S I N G E A R L Y D E C 2 4 A T 1 2 P M ,
C L O S E D A L L D A Y D E C 2 6 & D E C 2 7
C L O S I N G E A R L Y D E C 3 1 A T 1 2 P M ,
C L O S E D A L L D A Y J A N 1
* R E Q U I R E S R E G I S T R A T I O N
ThetraditionalJanuary2ndstampedeattheMarinato signupforaJuly4thmorningorafternoon/evening pontoonrentalwillbeputonholdthisyear As everyoneisaware,thespillwaymustbereplacedand tothedegreethelakemustbeloweredasaresult,the lineofsightforviewingthefireworkdisplayfroma pontoonishighlyimprobably.Assoonasweknow moreastotheactualparticulars,wewillletyouknow. Welookforwardtokeepingthelakeopenforyour businesspleasureandweaskforyourkind understandingduringthisperiodofconstruction
2025InReview:

TheremodeloftheSHACKbyMarinaStaffmembersleadbyTomMurdockhas receivedmanyWOWSwhichisonewaywemeasurethedegreeofhavingcreateda greatcustomerexperience.
ThezigzagpathwayfromtheparkinglottotheSHACKwasremoved,leveledand repavedmakingforamuchsaferwalkway.
Newdockrampextensionsfittedwithsecuritygateswereinstalled.Thegateswillhelp protectthosesliprentersandtheirrespectivecraftfromwanderinghandsandfeet. Thelongerrampextensionswillprovideforasaferwalkwayanglewhenthedocks becomelowerinthewater.Thisdefinitelywillbethe casewhenthelakeisloweredforthespillwayreplacement.
KidsFishCampwasaresoundingsuccesswithover90kidsparticipating.Over400 rainbowtroutwerecaughtduringthetwocamps,oneinJuneandtheotherinJuly. ThisresultedintheKidsbeinggivenpermissiontothrowKeithDuncanintothelake–anddidtheyeverenjoythisdunking.
LadiesoftheLakeagainhadaconvivialtimeduringtheeveningcruises Thanksto thecaptainswhohelpedmakethispossible.
Lastly,theMarinaStaffwouldliketothankallthepatronswhomadetheMarinaa desirabledestinationintheirdailytravels.
2026Expectations:
Therewillbesixnewpeddlekayakstoreplacetheold.Theyhavebeenapeddling andfishingfavoriteoftheMarina’spatrons.
PlansareunderwaytoaccommodatetheMarina’sdaytodayoperationsduringthe replacementofthespillwaywhichwillcallforLakePetittobeloweredduringits construction.
Thiswillbethelastyearforthecurrentrentalfleetbeforeitsisflippedfornew.Itis plannedthatthecurrentfleetwillbeofferedforpresale;moreinfotofollowafterthe firstoftheyear.
TheMarinaStaffislookingforwardtocreatingagreatcustomerexperienceand welcomingthefriendlyfacesandkindvoiceswearemetwithdaily. TheMarinaStaffwishesyouahappyandprosperousNewYearin2026.
JohnLipkowitz,MarinaManager






As we approach the end of 2025, it is amazing to think back to all that we have done this year. Choctaw reopened in April, so we only had 18 holes for the first quarter of the year. For the first 8 months of the year, we operated out of the trailer in the parking lot while the clubhouse was under construction. Most of the member tournaments occurred within a month and a half span in September and October.
We want to thank you, our members, for your cooperation and support through all of the changes and tweaks that we had to implement this year to keep things operating as smooth as possible. In the middle of all the busy fall, we had two very successful Member-Guest tournaments with record participation, and our feedback surveys for those events proved to be overwhelmingly positive. Our net promoter scores were 87 for the Women’s MemberGuest and 94 for the Men’s Member-Guest!
A reminder for everyone who has Big Canoe Bucks on your lot, those must be used by the end of the year. Please make sure you come in and shop to clear those before you lose them. We are constantly putting out new merchandise, so keep checking back with us if you don’t see something you like. Many of the club companies have new products coming out in December, so if we can help you place any special orders, please let us know.


Looking ahead to the new year, we will once again be selling our Accompanied Guest Round cards in January, starting on the 15th. Look for more details in the first Big Canoe Living of 2026.
On behalf of all our Golf Operations staff, including our Golf Professionals; Josh, Justin, Katherine, Rick, and myself, we hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Mike Miller, PGA



















SANTA CAME to the Christmas Market!


RIBBON BOWS


















GALLERY 1
GALLERY 2
GALLERY 3









If you rent or lease your property in Big Canoe, submit your digital Residential Lease Registration form no later than Friday, Jan. 31. Lessees for any unregistered rental properties will not be permitted inside the gates, and lessors may receive a $1,000 fine.



As part of our ongoing efforts to manage expenses and keep assessments as low as possible, Big Canoe will begin implementing a 3% service fee on all credit card transactions starting January 1, 2026. This fee applies only to credit cards debit cards, lot charges, and cash payments will not incur any additional cost
This change is expected to save the Property Owners Association approximately $112,000 per year, which is equivalent to about $3 per month in assessments This change was approved by the Finance Committee and Board of Directors for the 2026 Budget
Over the coming weeks, you’ll see reminders at our amenities and inserts in the Clubhouse check presenters to help ensure everyone is aware of the upcoming change. The fee notice will also be added to receipts beginning in December.
A more detailed 2026 budget communication will be included with the January 1 statements, and the topic will be reviewed at the January Board meeting.

TO THE ALL THE VOLUNTEERS AND SPECIAL PEOPLE WHO DECORATED BIG CANOE FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON. WE APPRECIATE YOUR HARD WORK AND TIME SPENT MAKING OUR COMMUNITY FESTIVE FOR THIS MAGICAL SEASON!


Not pictured: Kathy
We’d also like to give a shout out to Big Canoe Public Works for their help decorating our community as well.
Think of all the single-use items we discard over the holidays. Plastic silverware, paper plates, wrapping paper, boxes, and others.
TIP 1: Recycle alkaline batteries


TIP 3: Live Christmas Tree Disposal
Remove all lights, ornaments, tinsel, and tree stands. Place across from the dumpsters at the trash facility. Wreaths can go in the trash bins. Be sure to push the green button after disposal of the wreaths.
TIP 4: Christmas lights
Ifthelightsarenolongerworking,addthemtothemetalrecyclingbin

TIP 5: Christmas wrapping paper.


Piles of beautifully wrapped gifts are a wonderful sight under the tree, but most wrapping papers, such as those with sparkles and other metal accents, cannot be recycled. Consider using kraft paper in white or brown to wrap your gifts. Kraft paper is recyclable, and please use a minimum amount of tape when wrapping.


December21st&22ndbetween9amto7pm:ThePeaceLightwillbe availableonatableundertheBigCanoeChapelbelltower Everyone iswelcometodropbyatyourconveniencetoreceivethePeaceLight
ItisrecommendedyoubringacandleorlanterntotakethePeace LighttoyourhomesforenjoymentthroughtheChristmasseason. Troop20willhavealimitedquantityoflargevigilcandlesavailablefor sale.
PleasecontactCarlLundstromat carlelundstrom@gmail.comifyou haveanyquestions.

1:00pm,4thTuesdayofeachmonthNew BeginningsTherapeuticServices371NoahDrive, Jasper,GA30143.Contact:MarieHeadat770940-0150orJeannetteWaldropat706-299-4972 forfurtherinformationbcwell.com
December23HolidayParty




Designedforcomfortandguidanceasyougrieve.Thisisa2hourvideo-basedevent,ledbyGriefSharevolunteersand Chapelstaff.Registrationisrequiredandyoucanpurchase theresourceguidewhenyouregister.
2pm-4pm|Chapel'sMcCormickHall REGISTER
WFScarves,Sweaters,andSavorySoups-Plantojoinusfor thisWomen'sFellowship2026Kickoffevent!Wearyour favoritescarvesand/orsweatersandenjoyfabulous fellowship.Servingsavorysoups,crudité,Frenchbreadand Texassheetcake,thereisnocosttoyou!Bringacanofsoup tosupportalocalcharity
10:45am-1pm|Chapel'sCousinHall







Thanks for two great years of Big Canoe Living! We’ll return January 9 to tell you all about the great things in store for you in 2026!

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.