BigCanoeLiving_Vol3_Issue14

LIVING

CELEBRATING THE FOURTH, BIG CANOE STYLE SAVE THE DATE: TOWN HALL MEETING July 10, 2026

Volume 3 | Issue 14

CONTENTS 4

4th of July Memories

12

Clubhouse

14

Wellness Calendar & Natatorium Renovations

16

Racquet Calendar & Bocce

18

Fish Camp

19

Golf Camp

20

POA - Town Hall Meeting, Leadership Big Canoe, Summer Safety, Travel Series Braves Game, Fall Festival Save the Date & Bulk Trash

24

Clubs & Orgs

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.

JULY 4TH

y l u J f o h 4t fireworks &

Living | 4

PHOTO GALLERY 1

Living | 5

JULY 4TH

PHOTO GALLERY 2 Living | 6

Living | 7

JULY 3RD

PHOTO GALLERY 1 PHOTO GALLERY 2

2026

Living | 8

Living | 9

o t o Ph oth o B ooth Pictures Here

JULY 4TH

uly J f ion o t 4thelebra

C

Photo B

Living | 10

PHOTO GALLERY

Champion Sponsors Help Make Patriotic Dog Parade a Success 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.

WINE DINNER SAVE THE DATE August 13, 2026

6:00 PM What Awaits You Join Chef Russell, Amy Jones from Winebow Distributing, Emily Krueger from 34th Degree Wine Merchant, and Natali Schlottig from Dreyfus Ashby Distributing for an evening in France, no passport required.

Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply enjoy discovering new favorites, this elegant evening promises outstanding food, exceptional wines, and wonderful company.

$ 125 per person

includes tax & service charge

Reservations will be limited.

Menu and reservations information coming soon!

Sunday Brunch 11am-3pm Enjoy a chef-curated brunch experience featuring a rotating selection of seasonal entrées, fresh sides, and inspired weekly specialties.

$34 adult | $14 children ages 5-12

Menu

Reservations Living | 13

Wellness

2026

MONDAY

JULY

at Wellness

6:50 BOOT CAMP 8:00 PILATES 9:30 FLOW & GLOW YOGA 10:00 H20 AERO EXERCISE 11:00 THEATER (7/20) 2:30 CARDIO TAP 101 (7/13, 7/20) 5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA 7:15 TAI CHI TUESDAY

8:00 9:00 10:00 3:00 3:00 4:15

KICKBOX/CORE BODY BAR CARDIO SCULPT ALIGN & REFINE YOGA H2O AERO/EXER CARDIO TAP 201 (7/14, 7/21) 5:30 PILATES WEDNESDAY

6:50 BOOT CAMP 8:00 PILATES 9:00 LOW IMPACT AERO 10:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE 10:30 ZUMBA 2:45 EXERCISE 101 3:45 BEGIN YOGA SERIES 5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA 6:30 PING PONG (7/15)

THURSDAY

9:00 BARS & BELLS 9:30 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA ZOOM 10:00 CARDIO SCULPT 3:00 H20 EXERCISE 5:00 PILATES FRIDAY

6:50 8:15 9:00 10:00 10:30 2:00 5:00

BOOT CAMP STRENGTH JAM DANCE JAM H2O EXERCISE TAI CHI BALANCE & STREGTH HATHA YOGA

SATURDAY 9:00 DANCE EXERCISE 10:00 TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING 12:00 DEEPENING PRACTICES MINI RETREAT (7/25)

SUNDAY

10:30 ZUMBA 12:30 LINE DANCE (7/5, 7/12) 3:00 YIN YOGA-STUDIO & ZOOM

*CLASSES IN GREEN ARE ADDITIONAL FEE CLASSES. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND LINKS TO OUR ZOOM CLASSES, PLEASE VISIT THE ONLINE CALENDAR.

Living | 14

Wellness Center Natatorium Closed NATATORIUM CLOSED for FOR Upgrades UPGRADES AUGUST 3 - AUGUST 21 AuGUST TO ALLOW FOR SEVERAL IMPORTANT MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, THE INDOOR POOL AREA— INCLUDING THE LAP POOL, WHIRLPOOL, AND SAUNA— WILL BE CLOSED BEGINNING MONDAY, AUGUST 3, THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 21.

DURING THIS CLOSURE, CREWS WILL COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS: LAP POOL TILE AND PLASTER REPLACEMENT WHIRLPOOL TILE AND PLASTER REPLACEMENT REPLACEMENT OF THE SURROUNDING POOL DECK GRATE SYSTEM

DURING THE CLOSURE, THE WILDCAT POOL WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE FOR ALL WELLNESS CENTER MEMBERS. LAP SWIMMING: MONDAY - FRIDAY 6:30AM - 9AM GENERAL POOL USE AND ENJOYMENT: DAILY 10AM - 8PM WATER EXERCISE CLASSES: MON/WED/FRI 10AM - 11AM & TUES/THUR 3PM - 4PM Living | 15

2026

RACQUET

MONDAY

JULY

at Racquet

9:00 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 (7/13, 7/27) (7/20 - 10AM) 4:00 *THE ACE CREW: MEN’S 3.0-3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 5:00 MONDAY NIGHT BOCCE: MIXED OPEN PLAY

WEDNESDAY 9:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 9:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY 9:00 JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP (7/15) 9:00 JUNIOR PICKLEBALL CAMP (7/15) 10:00 *THE MATCH POINT MAVENS: 4.0 LADIES’ TENNIS ROUND ROBIN (7/22, 7/29) 6:00 INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

FRIDAY 9:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 9:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY 9:00 JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP (7/17) 9:00 JUNIOR PICKLEBALL CAMP (7/17)

TUESDAY

9:00 BOCCE BOYS MEN’S OPEN PLAY 9:00 JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP (7/14) 9:00 JUNIOR PICKLEBALL CAMP (7/14) 10:00 *BEGINNER PICKLEBALL DRILLS WITH COACH JOHN (7/21, 7/28) 10:00 *THE COURT QUEENS: LADIES’ 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN (7/21, 7/28) 4:00 *PICKLEBALL 101: BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC (7/21, 7/28) 6:00 BOCCE SHARKS

THURSDAY 9:00 BOCCE BABES: LADIES’ OPEN PLAY 9:00 JUNIOR TENNIS CAMP (7/16) 9:00 JUNIOR PICKLEBALL CAMP (7/16) 9:00 *ADVANCED PICKLEBALL DRILLS WITH COACH JOHN (7/9, 7/23, 7/30) 10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES: MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN (7/9, 7/23, 7/30)

SATURDAY 8:00 *THE ACE CREW: MEN’S TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 3.0-3.5 9:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 9:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

SUNDAY 9:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 5:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

Living | 16

* REQUIRES REGISTRATION

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 Strategy & gameplay No experience necessary!

Come learn, meet fellow property owners, and enjoy one of Big Canoe's most social activities.

REGISTER HERE FOR THE BEGINNERS CLINIC!

Living | 17

MARINA

P M A C G N I H 6 S 2 0 FI 2 , E PHOTO GALLERY JUN

Living | 18

Golf Camp July 2026

PHOTO GALLERY 1 PHOTO GALLERY 2

GOLF

Wine & Cheese Reception 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.

Click Here to Register Living | 20

Email or call Roger Pearson (rprsn50@gmail.com 470-323-6220) with any questions.

POA

Town Hall Meeting Saturday, July 25, 2026 10 a.m.

Big Canoe Chapel

FOLLOW OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR LIVE VIDEO STREAMING

Living | 21

A Reminder to Stay Safety Aware This Summer From Chief Ricky Jordan The safety and well-being of everyone in Big Canoe remains a top priority. In collaboration with the Pickens County Sheriff's Office, we have compiled these summer safety reminders to help property owners, residents, guests, and visitors enjoy all that Big Canoe has to offer while staying safe and aware throughout the busy summer season.

As we enjoy one of the busiest times of the year, with residents, families, guests, and visitors spending time throughout Big Canoe, we encourage everyone to remain aware of their surroundings and practice simple safety habits. A little awareness can go a long way toward helping keep our community safe.

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 suspicious activity, leave the area if necessary and report your concerns.

Please remember to lock your vehicle, keep valuables out of sight, and secure personal belongings whenever you leave your vehicle. If you’re spending time alone in a more secluded area, consider letting a family member or friend know where you’ll be.

Big Canoe has always been a community where neighbors look out for one another. If you observe suspicious or concerning activity, please don’t assume someone else has already reported it. Your information may help Public Safety respond quickly and effectively.

For non-emergency concerns, please contact Big Canoe Public Safety Dispatch at 706-268-3346. If you are experiencing an emergency or believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 immediately.

Thank you for helping keep Big Canoe a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable community for everyone this summer.

Living | 22

Big Canoe Travel Series

SAVE THE DATE Tickets go on sale soon!

Get ready for an incredible day at Truist Park! Braves tickets for Hank Aaron Terrace are on sale!

Enjoy a stress-free, all-in-one experience: All-you-can-eat ballpark buffet included No parking hassles No driving in traffic Great seats with fantastic views Clean, convenient restrooms

September 10, 2026 Braves vs. Rays

$150

per ticket

Includes ticket with private pregame space buffet included for 2 hours, transportation to and from the game.

No ordinary game seats - tour the Hank Aaron Terrace below.

Hank Aaron Terrace Tour

Comfortable motorcoach transportation We’ll be traveling together on a motorcoach bus, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip. Experience the Hank Aaron Terrace, one of Truist Park’s best group experiences— combining great indoor and outdoor views of Braves baseball.

MORE QUESTIONS? ASKTHEPOA

The Racquet Center

Living | 24

Stream on player.insidethegatesradio.com

INSIDE THE GATES RADIO

TULSA SOUND JULY 22, 6:30 pm

Tune in to hear Mitch Waldman and Jeff Weigl talk about artists like J.J. Cale. Leon Russell.

Eric Clapton and more! Three legends whose fingerprints are all over one of the most quietly influential movements in American music — the Tulsa Sound.

On July 22nd, join Mitch Waldman and Jeff Weigl as they take you deep into the laid‑back groove that blended blues, country, rock, and soul into something unmistakably its own.

You’ll hear the stories, the sessions, the players, and the behind‑the‑beat magic that shaped decades of music.

Download the Inside the Gates Radio App today! Search for InsidetheGates Radio

Living | 25

MUST HAVE YOUR MEMBER ID CARD

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.

Living | 33

f o n o i t a r b e l e C l a i n n Cente

GOLF YOU’RE INVITED TO THE

i t n o c S e k a L

s 100 Year

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2ND AT 3 PM

Big Canoe Lodge | 3:00pm - 6:00pm 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!

Big Canoe Living | 11

CLUBS & ORGS

College Football Kick-off Community Dinner ALL COLLEGE August 21 | 5:00P.M. - 8:00P.m.

AT THE CLUBHOUSE $38 PER PERSON

FOOTBALL FANS WELCOME!

Reservations

Reserve your spot today !

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.

Living | 28

Fall

FESTIVAL

26

SEPT

FESTIVE FOOD KIDS ACTIVITIES VENDORS LIVE MUSIC

12:00PM - 6:00PM Vendor Registration Here!

Hosted by Black Sheep Promotions

Living | 29

NORTH GEORGIA

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Schedule

JULY

28

AUG

25

SEPT

25

Speaker Casey Hendrix SLP GROUP DISCUSSION GROUP DISCUSSION 12:30 PM, 4TH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH NEW BEGINNINGS THERAPEUTIC SERVICES 371 NOAH DRIVE, JASPER, GA 30143

CONTACT: MARIE HEAD AT 770.940.0150 OR JEANNETTE WALDROP AT 706.299.4972 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. PARKINSON’S FOUNDATION HELPLINE 1-800-473-4636 For More Info on WC Services go to: bc.well.org or Call 706-268-5334

CLUBS & ORGS

In partnership with

Many veterans face loneliness and isolation after service or later in life.

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 Ongoing friendships This program is simply about veterans helping veterans through connection, understanding, and kindness.

Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer another veteran is our time

HOW CAN YOU HELP OR NEED A VISIT? Know a Veteran Who Could Benefit From a Visit?

Join the Mission of Connection Sign Up to Volunteer or Request a Visit

“BECAUSE BROTHERHOOD DOESN’T END WHEN SERVICE DOES.” For more information visit: ngvetshelpingvets@gmail.com or bcwell.org 706-268-3334

Living | 31

UPCOMING EVENTS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS Restock the Shelves Cousins Hall Benefit Fashion Show

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

DONATION ITEMS

July

September

1320 2026

2026

Big Canoe Chapel

Wednesday Night Dinners 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

REGISTER

Terraces Concert Save by the Yacht

Terraces Amphitheater Sat, July 18 | 7pm TICKETS

July

18 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS

What’s the Scoop Ice Cream Party

Cousins Hall Wed, July 22 | 2pm - 4pm No Cost Registration required | July 1- July 15 women.bigcanoechapel.org

July

22 2026

Speaker’s Series Breakfast July September Benefit Fashion Show Cousins Hall Thurs, July 23 | 8am - 10am Registration Required between June 18 and July 16

REGISTER

23 2026

2026 Charity Golf Tournament

Big Canoe Golf Course Wed, August 19 | 8am • Wednesday, August 19th, 2026 • 4-player scramble format open to all men and women • Check-in begins at 8:00am, shotgun start at 9:00am • Includes lunch, fellowship, and prizes

$600 per TEAM Register online atChapelwebsite orscan theQR code A portion of the proceeds goes to Eagle Ranch, Timothy House & No Longer Bound

$600 per team Register online atChapelwebsite A portion of the proceeds goes to Eagle Ranch, Timothy House & No Longer Bound REGISTER

Aug

19 2026

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.