CHOCTAW OPENING CHOCTAW OPENING
MAKE YOUR FINAL MAKE YOUR FINAL EASTER PLANS EASTER PLANS
Spring Greetings!
Big Canoe is beginning to show its colors as the season warms, and we don't mean just Redbuds and Dogwoods. There is no doubt that our environment is special, but did you know we are also blessed with very dedicated volunteers? We are excited to introduce you to just a small sample of the clubs, organizations, and committees this week, who not only do a great job of supporting you through their partnership with the POA but also volunteer tirelessly to assist local charities.
Let's start with this weekend's Books & More annual sale, brought to our community by the lovely ladies from Big Canoe Chapel's Women's Fellowship. The fellowship began in the late '80s as the Women's Guild, and since then, they have raised just over two million dollars to support thirty local charities. Many thanks to all of you who donated items for this year's sale. It runs through Saturday at 1 pm.
Now, let's talk about our partners, starting with the Programs, Events, and Clubs Committee. They can't wait for you to join them at this year's Easter EGGstravaganza. Our Big Canoe Cubs will be thrilled as they enjoy the inflatables and activities and participate in the EGGmazing Race to fill their baskets. They are also our host partners for the 2025 Big Canoe Travel Series, and it's going to be a special year. In this edition, they are excited to welcome you to a May Wine Festival and a June Theater Outing. Please do not delay registering, as tickets are limited, and every event sells out. And please mark your calendars for June 27th, as we partner with the Bear Society to return to the Hank Aaron Terrace in Truist Park to cheer on our Atlanta Braves! Details about the Braves game and the location of our fantastic seats will be coming on April 18th.
A Leadership Big Canoe project team has partnered with the Trails Committee to provide a wonderful article this week on Big Canoe's Ruins as they develop ideas to preserve these sites.
This is just a small sample of the spring happenings in Big Canoe. Please read on and make your plans to shop, garden, travel, recycle, support local charities, and learn key dates for classes about well-being, safety, and caregiver support through our many partners and volunteers.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers in our Clubs, Organizations, and Committees for all you do! To learn more, please click this link to visit our website for the full list of Clubs and Orgs.
This is Big Canoe Living! Delaine
ineW Third
Thursday
Tasting
Thursday, 17 April 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Jim Opaleski from Old Bridge Cellars will join us to pour and guide you through a selection of Australian and New Zealand wines. Reservations are not required to attend this complimentary event.
Easter Egg Hunt
Programs & Events Committee Presents EGGstravaganza
SATURDAY, APRIL 19 |
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
EVENT ENDS
WILDCAT SOCCER FIELD
EGGMAZING ACTIVITY STATIONS OPEN
EVENT IS WEATHER DEPENDENT.
Join in the Fun!
EASTER EGG HUNT
PLAY GAMES & JOIN THE CUPCAKE WALK
GRAB LUNCH FROM CHEEZ’D & CONFUZED SWEET TREATS FROM DONUTNV
ANTONIA’S CHARCUTERIE BOARDS THE 5L’S FARM FRESH EGGS
WELLNESS CENTER UPDATES
New floors
Fresh Paint
Deep cleaning
New desert air system for Natatorium
New Sauna
New Cardio Equipment
New Windows in the Natatorium
New locker room ceiling tiles
APRILat 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
7:15 TAI CHI
8:00 KICKBOX/CORE
9:00 BODY BAR
10:00 CARDIO SCULPT
11:45 PT STRETCH
3:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE
3:00 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA
5:00 YOUTH SWIM TEAM
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
3:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE
5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA
6:00 VOLLEYBALL
6:00 PING PONG (4/2,4/16,4/23)
9:00 BODY BAR
9:30 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA - ZOOM
10:00 CARDIO SCULPT
11:45 PT STRETCH
3:00 H20 EXERCISE
5:00 PILATES
5:00 YOUTH SWIM TEAM
FRIDAY SATURDAY
6:45 BOOT CAMP
8:15 STRENGTH JAM
9:00 DANCE JAM
10:00 H2O EXERCISE
10:30 TAI CHI
12:00 BC THEATER
2:00 BALANCE & STREGTH
5:00 HATHA YOGA
9:00 DANCE EXERCISE 10:00 TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING
12:00 DEEPENING PRACTICES (APR 26) 2:15 BC THEATER (4/5) FOR MORE INFORMATION AND LINKS TO OUR ZOOM CLASSES, PLEASE VISIT THE ONLINE
SUNDAY
10:30 ZUMBA TONING
11:00 ZUMBA
3:00 YIN YOGA-STUDIO ONLY
join amenity
Membership Change
SUN, SAND & SUN, SAND & Steel Drums!
Feel the rhythm of the islands at the Outdoor Beach Club as live Steel Drum entertainment sets the perfect tropical vibe! Grab a drink, kick off your sandals, and let the music transport you to paradise.
Sunday 5/25
Catch the beats from 1 PM – 5 PM on these dates:
Sunday 6/8
Sunday 6/22 FRIday 7/4
Sunday 7/13 SUNday 8/10
SUNday 8/31
MONDAY
APRIL at Racquet
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 (APR 8,25)
10:00 *AGGRESSIVE NVZ PLAY:SPEED UPS PICKLEBALL CLINIC (APR 1,15,29)
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 (APR 3,17)
10:00 *PICKLEBALL SERVING STRATEGIES CLINIC (APR 10,25)
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
CHAMPAGNE & SPRAY TANS!
THE
APR 18 FRIDAY RACQUET CLUB
Get ready to glow into Easter with 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!
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 Fuego 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!
Monday, 21 April 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Adrift with Lipkowitz
ThisPic SaysIt All
Discounted fishing license for event - Marina
Children 12 & Under no license fee
Walk-in registration available space permitting Registration
WelcomeBack
Junior Junior
$300 $300
Ages 5-15 Lunch willbe provided
8am-12pm
GOLFINSTRUCTIONPROVIDEDBY:
Mike Miller, PGA | Joan Delk, LPGA
Assistant Golf Professional Justin Luysterborg
Assistant Golf Professional Katherine Densmore
Register Today! Today!
CLUBHOUSE UPDATE
By Sam Harman
Progress on the Clubhouse continues. Insulation is complete, and passed inspection. Sheetrock is being installed, and stone veneer is being installed on exterior surfaces.
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.
PRESERVING BIG CANOE’S HISTORICAL SITES
ARTICLE BY MITCH WALDMAN
LEADERSHIP BIG CANOE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TRAIL’S COMMITTEE
As many of you may know, along the 25 miles of Hiking Trails, there are multiple Historic Sites throughout Big Canoe. Some of these sites date back to the 19th and 20th centuries, while others have been estimated to be over 2000 years old.
Over time, these sites have aged as they have been visited by countless residents and visitors before and after the founding of Big Canoe. In addition to foot, animal, and wheeled traffic, these historic sites have been affected by the elements, erosion, the changes every group of residents brought to this area, and the construction and development of Big Canoe itself.
Due to the age, conditions, and Father Time weighing on these ruins, preservation is becoming more and more of a must-have! Some of these priceless ruins are leaning, with some having already toppled. This year, an LBC project team and members of the Trail’s Committee will develop initial concepts to present to the Big Canoe POA regarding the preservation of these sites. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit the ruins while hiking this spring.
The Chimneys at Wolfscratch Village
These large chimney ruins in the village were once part of a large house built in 1917 by Sam Tate to house teachers for the Wolfscratch School, then called the Tate Mountain School. The ruins inspired the name for The Chimneys, once a restaurant and formerly used as a wedding facility. Steve and Lucille Tate lived in the home where The Chimneys now stand until it burned down in 1959.
The Chimneys at McDaniel Meadows
John F McElroy II and his wife Delilah and their three children came to Pickens County from South Carolina in 1860. On January 22, 1901, William H. McElroy, John's brother, acquired half of the land lot 56, 4th district, 2nd section of Pickens County, along with additional land in March of the same year, which was the east half of the land lot. William H. did not like the local whiskey business and turned in two guys he suspected of running stills throughout the area. Shortly after they were arrested, William H's house and barn were torched in 1922. This is most likely the chimneys and root cellar of William H. McElroy, but there is no documented proof of that.
The Bridge Pillars at Meditation Park
The bridge remains are just downstream of the covered bridge on both sides of the creek. They were discovered when the trail was being built, and John Williams, a deceased Trails Committee member and namesake of one of the trails, consulted with Charlene Terrell, the resident historian of Big Canoe, to determine the purpose and age of the bridge. The pillars are the remains of a bridge constructed in 1915 as part of a road that led to the old house used by teachers in Wolfscratch.
Ancient Rock Mounds at Indian Rocks Park
Pretribal Indians throughout North America had left remnants of their ceremonial sites in the form of cairns. A cairn is a large, conical heap of stone. There are examples in Pickens County as well. The most famous is found right here in our backyard at the Indian Rocks Park. Margaret Clayton Russell, in 1970, researched the sites found near the location of the Spring that fills Lake Petit. Mrs. Russell determined most of the site to be comprised of archaic Indian artifacts and believed it to be several thousand years old. Interpretive signs along the Indian Rocks Trails provide insights into local Native American history, woodland medicine, toolmaking, and culture, enhancing the educational experience.
19th-Century Grist and Saw Mill Ruins on Choctaw Trail
A young bride and her new husband, a pioneering sparkle in their eyes, settled in a beautiful area called Wolfscratch by a flowing stream of pristine waters, a perfect place to start their new lives. An incredibly talented engineer, the young man built not only their cabin, but a twostory building housing a grist mill and a sawmill powered by a water wheel by the stream. The young wife embellished the surroundings with daffodils. This was in 1839. Their names were Samuel and Harriet Weaver. Samuel and Harriet lived their lives on their land by the flowing stream. Their son Peter Weaver III and his wife Elizabeth continued to operate the mill into the new century. All that is left of the Weaver’s enterprise are the stone pillars supporting the structure. The thousands of daffodils planted there by Harriet are still bountiful every spring.
The Ruins on Lake Sconti
Little is known about the remains of a small home on the shore of Lake Sconti, but the low walls and chimney are in good condition. Local lore suggests the Tate family used this as a guest house.
Moonshine Still Sites
There are several moonshine still sites along the creeks in the Wildcat trails, with one well marked at mile marker five on the Red Loop. These stills consist of barrels and loops, with this one site showing axe marks in the barrel, assumingly left by revenue agents destroying the still.
Programs,EventsandClubsCommittee
Hiawassee, Georgia
Enjoy a day trip to the Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival§ Listen to music by Wyatt Espalin and friends on two stages¢ arts and crafts¢ food trucks¢ tours of the blooming Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens¢ Ë wineries offering tastings¢ live music all day¢ photo ops¢ mountain views¢ and lake views§ MAY
TICKETS
TICKETS
Includesperformanceandroundtriptransportation. Patronswillbeontheirownforthecostofdinner.Manyoptionsareavailablefor dinner.MariettaSquareMarket'sfoodhallhas20diverserestaurants,3vibrant bars,andampleindoorandoutdoorseatingoptions. JUNE7,2025| 3:00PM | $87PERTICKET
& ORGINIZATIONS
Presented by Public Safety and the Wellness Collaborative. Must be 6 people minimum register to hold this class. Email groups.bigcanoewc@gmail.com to register for the event. For more information on Wellness Collaborative go to bcwell.org. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
WILDFLOWER BUNCH PLANT SALE
Whispering Springs Nursery, Green Trade Nursery, Del Vecchio Nursery, Bird Houses by David Call, Willow Gate Gardens, Cabin Crafts, Plant Life Nursery. Some vendors may not take credit card, so please bring cash or checks. Wildflower Bunch members will be available to help with selections.
WILDCAT PAVILION | 9:00AM - 3:00PM
WOLFSCRATCH STORYTELLERS MONTHLY MEETUP
- CPR BIG CANOE FIRE HOUSE | 9:00AM | $45 APRIL
Come listen to great stories or tell one of your own! 2nd Monday of each month at Village Station A, 5:30pm to 7:30pm. 14 12 APRIL
VILLAGE STATION A | APRIL 14 | 5:30PM
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION
Discovering the Bigness of God in the smallest of things. Online registration begins April 20.
CHAPEL | APRIL 20
TRACING THE HISTORY & BEAUTY OF BIG CANOE EXHIBITION
Learn how Big Canoe has changed over the 100 years starting when Col Sam Tate bought the land from the early settlers.
VILLAGE STATION |
APRIL 26 | 11AM - 5:00PM
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CLASSES - STOP THE BLEED
Presented by Public Safety and the Wellness Collaborative. Must be 6 people minimum register to hold this class. Email groups.bigcanoewc@gmail.com to register for the event. For more information on Wellness Collaborative go to bcwell.org
BIG CANOE FIRE HOUSE | 9:00AM | $35
BIG CANOE CHAPEL MEN’S FELLOWSHIP SPRING RETREAT
The Big Canoe Chapel Men’s Fellowship is pleased to extend an invitation to the Big Canoe community to attend our Annual Men’s Retreat on May 3rd. John Shackelford, Executive Director of Eagle Ranch, will be the retreat leader. A fee of $25 is required at registration. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Registration can be done online at the Chapel website www.bigcanoechapel.org , at the Big Canoe Chapel Sunday stand around, or by calling the Chapel at 470-273-6768.
CHAPEL BROYLES CENTER | 8:00AM-3:00PM
APRIL
APRIL
26
MAY
1
MAY
3
UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS
CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS
WOLFSCRATCH
Classes are on Tuesday evenings, 6:45-7:45pm, at the Wellness Center starting April 1 through May 6. The class will learn "One" from "A chorus line".
6 MAY
WELLNESS CENTER | MAY 6 | 6:45PM
WOLFSCRATCH PERFORMING ARTS
HIP HOP DANCE CLASS
These dance classes will teach modern, yet "old school" Hip Hop dancing, every Tuesday for 6 weeks starting May 13 from 6:45pm to 7:45pm at the fitness center.
WELLNESS CENTER | MAY 13 | 7:45PM
13 MAY
TERRACES AMPHITHEATER
Radio 80s Band - A Tribute to the music played in the 1980s. For more information go to
THE TERRACES AMPHITHEATER | MAY 24
24 MAY
SHREDDING AVAILABLE THIS
BULK TRASH DAY
APRIL 26, 10AM-2PM IN THE PARKING LOT BEHIND TRASH.
SHREDDING:
$5 per standard box (15” x 10” x 12”), limit 5 per car (charged to your lot).
No entry fee if only shredding; trash incurs a separate fee.
On-site shredding—arrive early, capacity is limited.
Paper accepted with staples & paper clips.
$20 per car | SUV | truck | $40 per trailer | $60 for truck & trailer
Cannot drop off: wet paint, hazardous chemicals, fluorescent bulbs, or tires.
ELECTRONIC & MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RECYCLING
Electronics
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
We do not take CRT TVs. Pickens County hosts a drop-off day. There is a fee for flat screen monitors which you will pay to the volunteer helping that day. It cannot go on the lot charge. Cash only.
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
No thrift store on-site for bulk trash day.
Tickets: $125 Visit rotarybigcanoe.org/derby-day for more information
Derby Day Buffet, Mint Juleps, Ladies’ Hat and Derby Gents contest, Best Dressed Couple, Silent Auction, Games, Entertainment, Whiskey Tastings and Live showing of the 151st Kentucky Derby
More Accurate, More Comfortable Mammograms
Northside Hospital is among the largest breast cancer programs in the country and one of the nation’s leading providers of breast cancer diagnostic and treatment services.
Northside was the first large health care system in the Southeast to offer high definition 3D mammograms. This standard of care is offered at more than 30 imaging centers throughout the Atlanta region.
High definition 3D mammography produces sharper, more natural looking images for improved identification of fine calcifications and cancers in the breast tissue.
In addition to providing better care and a more comfortable experience for our patients, the significant benefits of this technology include:
• Detection of up to 40% more invasive cancers
• Reduction of call backs by up to 40%
• Reduction of compression time by 60%
• Reduction of radiation exposure
• Curved design to maximize comfort
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