CELEBRATING THE FOURTH, CELEBRATING THE FOURTH, BIG CANOE STYLE BIG CANOE STYLE
SAVE THE DATE: SAVE THE DATE: TOWN HALL MEETING TOWN HALL MEETING
The View from Big Canoe
Summer is in full swing, and what an incredible way to kick it off! Thank you to everyone who joined us for Big Canoe’s Fourth of July celebration as we commemorated America’s 250th birthday. From the Color Run and Pet Parade to live music, family activities, and an unforgettable evening at Playfield Park, the week was filled with community spirit, patriotism, and fun. We hope you enjoy the photos and galleries throughout this issue as we look back on another successful Independence Day celebration.
The excitement doesn’t stop there. Summer camps are keeping Big Canoe’s youngest residents active and engaged, creating experiences they’ll never forget. Whether they’re learning the game at Golf Camp, reeling in their first catch at Fish Camp, improving their skills at Tennis and Pickleball Camp, or simply making new friends along the way, these programs continue to provide fun, learning, and adventure all summer long.
Be sure to check out the event details throughout this issue. Before the month ends, we invite you to join us for our Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, July 25, at 10:00 a.m. This annual meeting is a great opportunity to hear updates on important community projects and learn what is ahead for Big Canoe.
As always, thank you for making Big Canoe such a welcoming and vibrant community. We hope you enjoy this issue of Big Canoe Living and continue making the most of everything summer has to offer.
&fireworks4th
Cele Photo Booth Pictures
PhotoBooth Booth
ChampionSponsorsHelpMake PatrioticDogParadeaSuccess
The Big Canoe Dog Park Committee is proud to recognize our Champion Sponsors, whose generous support helped make this year ’ s Patriotic Dog Parade a tremendous success while advancing fundraising efforts for the new fencing at the Meadows Dog Park
We extend our sincere appreciation to Kimberly Hackler of Hester Group Realtors for her continued dedication and generous sponsorship to the Big Canoe community and our dog parks. Pictured are Kimberly Hackler (above) and Kelly Stubbs of Hester Group Realtors. Kimberly’s enthusiasm and commitment have played an important role in supporting both this special community event and our ongoing park improvement projects.
We also gratefully acknowledge Martha and Jay Kairuz, owners of Red Barn Kennels, for their generous sponsorship and steadfast support of the Dog Park Committee’s mission. Their partnership is helping us create an even safer and more enjoyable environment for dogs and their owners.
The generosity of our Champion Sponsors enables the Dog Park Committee to host memorable community events while making lasting improvements that benefit everyone who enjoys the Big Canoe Dog Parks Their support is helping bring the Meadows Dog Park fencing project to life while strengthening the sense of community that makes Big Canoe so special
The Big Canoe Dog Park Committee extends its heartfelt thanks to Kimberly Hackler, Martha and Jay Kairuz for their generosity, community spirit, and commitment to improving our dog parks for residents and their four-legged companions.
August 13, 2026
6:00 PM
WhatAwaitsYou WINE DINNER
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Whetheryou'reaseasonedwineenthusiastor simplyenjoydiscoveringnewfavorites,this eleganteveningpromisesoutstandingfood, exceptionalwines,andwonderfulcompany.
$ 125 per person includes tax & service charge
$34 adult | $14 children ages 5-12
MONDAY
JULY atWellness
T H U R S D A Y
6 : 5 0 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
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5 : 0 0 F L O W & G L O W Y O G A
7 : 1 5 T A I C H I
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
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3 : 0 0 A L I G N & R E F I N E Y O G A
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4 : 1 5 C A R D I O T A P 2 0 1 ( 7 / 1 4 , 7 / 2 1 )
5 : 3 0 P I L A T E S
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6 : 5 0 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
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S U N D A Y
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2026 JULY atRacquet
MONDAY T U E S D A Y
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1 0 : 0 0 * C H I C K S W / S T I C K S : L A D I E S
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4 : 0 0 * T H E A C E C R E W : M E N ’ S 3 . 0 - 3 . 5
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5 : 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
9 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
9 : 0 0 J U N I O R T E N N I S C A M P ( 7 / 1 5 )
9 : 0 0 J U N I O R P I C K L E B A L L C A M P ( 7 / 1 5 )
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
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6 : 0 0 I N T E R M E D I A T E / A D V A N C E D
P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
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
9 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
9 : 0 0 J U N I O R T E N N I S C A M P ( 7 / 1 7 )
9 : 0 0 J U N I O R P I C K L E B A L L C A M P ( 7 / 1 7 )
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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
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
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9 : 0 0 J U N I O R P I C K L E B A L L C A M P ( 7 / 1 4 )
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1 0 : 0 0 * T H E C O U R T Q U E E N S :
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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
( 7 / 2 1 , 7 / 2 8 )
6 : 0 0 B O C C E S H A R K S
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9 : 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
9 : 0 0 J U N I O R T E N N I S C A M P ( 7 / 1 6 )
9 : 0 0 J U N I O R P I C K L E B A L L C A M P ( 7 / 1 6 )
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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
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S : M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
9 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
* R E Q U I R E S R E G I S T R A T I O N
BOCCE
FREE BEGINNER BOCCE CLINIC
WEDNESDAY, JULY 15
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Curious about bocce? Join us for a free beginnerfriendly clinic open to all Big Canoe property owners. What You'll Learn: Rules & scoring Basic techniques St t & l y ry!
w property owners, and enjoy t social activities.
FISHINGCAMP FISHINGCAMP
JUNE,2026 JUNE,2026
PHOTO GALLERY
Wine & Cheese Reception
Wine & Cheese Reception
July 16, 5:00 pm at the Canoe Lodge
July 16, 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 23 Are you interested in joining our 2026-2027 class? Scan the QR code to register for LBC’s July 16th 5:00 pm Wine & Cheese Information Reception at the Canoe Lodge. LBC is in its 22nd year, and more than 495 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 Roger Pearson (rprsn50@gmail.com 470-323-6220) with any questions.
Town Hall Town Hall Meeting Meeting
Saturday, July 25, 2026
10 a.m. Big Canoe Chapel
FOLLOW OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR LIVE VIDEO STREAMING
A Reminder to Stay Safety Aware This Summer
From Chief Ricky Jordan
Thesafetyandwell-beingofeveryoneinBigCanoe remainsatoppriority.Incollaborationwiththe PickensCountySheriff'sOffice,wehavecompiledthese summersafetyreminderstohelppropertyowners,residents, guests, and visitors enjoy all that Big Canoe has to offer while staying safe and aware throughoutthebusysummerseason.
As we enjoy one of the busiest times of the year, with residents, families, guests, and visitorsspendingtimethroughoutBigCanoe,weencourageeveryonetoremainaware oftheirsurroundingsandpracticesimplesafetyhabits.Alittleawarenesscangoalong waytowardhelpingkeepourcommunitysafe.
Whether you’re walking, exercising, or enjoying the outdoors, stay alert and avoid distractions from your phone or headphones whenever possible. Use well-traveled areas and trust your instincts. If something doesn’t seem right or you observe suspiciousactivity,leavetheareaifnecessaryandreportyourconcerns.
Pleaseremembertolockyourvehicle,keepvaluablesoutofsight,andsecurepersonal belongings whenever you leave your vehicle If you’re spending time alone in a more secludedarea,considerlettingafamilymemberorfriendknowwhereyou’llbe.
Big Canoe has always been a community where neighbors look out for one another. If youobservesuspiciousorconcerningactivity,pleasedon’tassumesomeoneelsehas alreadyreportedit.YourinformationmayhelpPublicSafetyrespondquickly andeffectively.
Fornon-emergencyconcerns,pleasecontactBigCanoePublicSafetyDispatchat 706-268-3346.Ifyouareexperiencinganemergencyorbelievesomeoneis inimmediatedanger,call911immediately.
ThankyouforhelpingkeepBigCanoeasafe,welcoming,andenjoyablecommunityfor everyonethissummer.
Enjoyastress-free,all-in-oneexperience:
All-you-can-eatballparkbuffetincluded
Noparkinghassles
Nodrivingintraffic
Greatseats withfantasticviews
Clean,convenientrestrooms
Comfortablemotorcoachtransportation
We’llbetravelingtogetheronamotorcoach bus,soyoucansitback,relax,andenjoythe trip.ExperiencetheHankAaronTerrace,one of Truist Park’s best group experiences combining great indoor and outdoor views ofBravesbaseball.
The Racquet Center
TULSA SOUNDTULSA SOUNDTULSA SOUND
JULY 22, 6:30 pm JULY 22, 6:30 pm JULY 22, 6:30 pm
TuneintohearMitchWaldmanandJeffWeigltalkaboutartistslikeJJ Cale LeonRussell EricClaptonandmore!Threelegendswhosefingerprintsarealloveroneofthemost quietlyinfluentialmovementsinAmericanmusic theTulsaSound.
OnJuly22nd,joinMitchWaldmanandJeffWeiglastheytakeyoudeepintothelaidback groovethatblendedblues,country,rock,andsoulintosomethingunmistakablyitsown. You’llhearthestories,thesessions,theplayers,andthebehind‑the‑beatmagicthat shapeddecadesofmusic.
BULK TRASH DAY
SATURDAY, JULY 25
10AM - 2PM IN THE PARKING LOT BEHIND TRASH.
$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. Questions? Contact Colleen Coulter at luvbugmom52@gmail.com
No shredding available this month
No thrift store on-site for bulk trash day.
Celebration of
A century may seem distant, but for those who have reached their 70s, it can feel surprisingly close. On Sunday, August 2nd, the North GA Mountains History Center will host a free celebration of this milestone at The Big Canoe Lodge from 3–6 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend, including non-owners and guests in Big Canoe. The event will feature historical documents and images showing Big Canoe before its development, during its development, and in its early years in the 1970s. Come and see how Big Canoe has changed over the years.
Jan Murphy, Big Canoe’s historian, has surprises planned for attendees. Curious what Lake Sconti looked like in the late 1960s or before Colonel Sam Tate built it in 1925? On August 2 nd at 6:30 a.m., water flowed over the dam for the first time, confirming the lake was full. These highlights and more will be on display for guests to enjoy.
Pat Hall, a longtime Big Canoe owner and the only descendant of one of the area’s earliest settler families, the Cowarts, will attend along with some of her Cowart relatives.
This informal, casual event will not include a formal presentation. NGMHC hopes that you will join us at this centennial celebration. Be sure to tell your neighbors about this event!
Reservations
Football season is almost here, and it's time to show your team spirit!
Join fellow Big Canoe college football fans for our annual Preseason Tailgate Kickoff Party at the Clubhouse. Gather your school's banners and flags, decorate your table, throw on your favorite gameday gear, and get ready to cheer alongside friends and neighbors who share your passion for college football.
No favorite team? No problem! Come for the delicious food, great company, and plenty of fun as we kick off another exciting football season together. Table decorating begins at 4:00 p.m. at the Clubhouse, so arrive early to create the ultimate tailgate display before the festivities begin.
26
FESTIVE FOOD KIDS ACTIVITIES
VENDORS LIVE MUSIC
12:00PM - 6:00PM
Vendor Registration Here!
Hosted by Black Sheep Promotions
Many veterans face loneliness and isolation after service or later in
Sometimes what is needed most is not a solution but simply someone who understands.
The Veteran Visits Veterans Program connects volunteer veterans with fellow veterans for friendly visits, conversation, companionship, and support. Visits may be: One-time visits Occasional check-ins
UPCOMING
Cousins Hall
July 13- 20
Drop off times: Mon- Fri: 8am - 4pm Sun: 8:30am - 12pm
Supporting Local Nonprofits. Here is the current list of needed items
Big Canoe Chapel
Meet new friends and neighbors and connect with our community while enjoying a home-cooked meal.
5:00 pm | $10 meal | Cousins Hall Register online or in the Chapel office July 15
2026
Terraces Amphitheater Sat, July 18 | 7pm
Copyright © 2026 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.