LIVING NATATORIUM RENOVATIONS COMPLETE POA BOARD CANDIDATES ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS SAVE THE DATE WELCOME & FAREWELL August 21, 2026
Volume 3 | Issue 17
CONTENTS 4
Welcome & Farewell
6
Clubhouse - Seafood Buffet Night, The Vibe, Sunday Brunch, Wine Dinner
10
Wellness - Natatorium Improvements Complete, Updated Hours, Indoor Volleyball
14
Racquet Calendar, Spectacular Seniors
16
August - POA Board Meeting
18
2026 Board Election - Candidates Q&A
22
POA - Fall Festival Vendor Registration & Trunk or Treat
25
Clubs & Orgs
Hello and greetings from Big Canoe! As we enjoy the final weeks of summer, we’re also looking ahead to the exciting months to come. This issue of Big Canoe Living offers a first look at many of the events and activities coming up soon. But first, we’re pleased to celebrate the completion of the improvements to the Natatorium at the Wellness Center! New tile, fresh plaster, a new pool deck, and an updated grate system have given the space a whole new look and feel. If you’re a Fitness Member, we hope you enjoy these enhancements. If you’re not yet a member, click HERE to sign up and discover the exceptional fitness and wellness experience that only Big Canoe can offer. There’s more good news from the Wellness Center—NEW WEEKDAY HOURS! The Wellness Center will now open at 5 a.m. on weekdays, giving our busy Property Owners greater flexibility to fit fitness into their schedules. We’re excited to offer more opportunities to focus on your fitness, wellness, and overall health. Next, this year’s Board of Directors election is also quickly approaching. In this issue, you’ll have the opportunity to hear directly from the candidates as they answer questions submitted by you, our Property Owners. Lastly, we are hosting two special events to mark the transition of General Managers. On September 13, we invite the community to a special gathering to meet Ben Brown, our new General Manager, his wife, Suzanne, and welcome them to Big Canoe. We also hope you’ll save the date for a special farewell honoring Scott Auer, our current General Manager. This will be an opportunity to thank Scott for his hard work, leadership, and dedication to Big Canoe during his time with our community.
Please Join Us For a
Welcome
Reception with Light Bites and refreshments Honoring
Ben & Suzanne Brown
Sunday, September 13, 2026 Clubhouse Overlook 2pm - 4pm
Living | 4
FAREWELL & Retirement
PARTY Let’s come together to celebrate the dedication and determination of
SCOTT AUER October 9, 2026
Clubhouse Overlook 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Living | 5
CLUBHOUSE
ONLY 18 SPOTS LEFT
Seafood Night Buffet FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 7:30PM $49 ADULTS $20 KIDS (5-12YRS) PER PERSON ++
(TAX AND SERVICE CHARGE NOT INCLUDED) REGULAR À LA CARTE MENU NOT AVAILABLE RESERVATIONS MENU
Living | 6
BRINGING THE VIBE TO FRIDAY NIGHT AT THE CLUBHOUSE
AUGUST 28TH | CLUBHOUSE OVERLOOK
6:00pm-9:00pm TICKET PRICE
FREE!
erform P l a i a ec
e nc
AT T E N D I N G S E A F O O D N I G H T N O T REQUIRED TO GO TO MUSIC NIGHT
Sp
THE BLACK BEAR PUB WILL BE OPEN!
LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH
Y A D N SU
H C N U BR
Join us on Sunday, August 30 | 11 AM - 3 PM 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
Reservations
Wine Dinner SAVE THE DATE
September 17 | 6:00 PM What Awaits You Please join Amy Jones of Winebow Distributing and Harley Aveiro of Paul Hobbs Winery for an evening of exceptional food and wine pairings. Founded in 1991, Paul Hobbs Winery is renowned for elegant, world-class wines that showcase California’s finest vineyards. Meticulous vineyard care and thoughtful winemaking create wines of exceptional depth, balance, and sophistication.
Menu and reservations information coming soon! Living | 9
Wellness
2026
MONDAY
6:50 8:00 9:30 10:00 3:30
AUGUST
at Wellness
BOOT CAMP PILATES FLOW & GLOW YOGA H20 AERO EXERCISE CARDIO TAP 101 (8/24, 8/31) 5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA 7:15 TAI CHI
THURSDAY
9:00 BARS & BELLS 9:30 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA - ZOOM 10:00 CARDIO SCULPT 11:45 PT STRETCH (8/27) 3:00 H20 AERO/EXERCISE 3:30 MOUNTAIN MOTION 5:00 PILATES
TUESDAY 8:00 KICKBOX/CORE 9:00 BODY BAR 10:00 CARDIO SCULPT 10:00 H2O AERO/EXERCISE 11:45 PT STRETCH (8/25) 3:00 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA 3:00 H2O AERO/EXERCISE (8/24, 8/31) 4:15 CARDIO TAP 201 (8/25) 5:30 PILATES
WEDNESDAY
6:50 BOOT CAMP 8:00 PILATES 9:00 LOW IMPACT AERO 10:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE 10:00 BODY BAR 11:00 ZUMBA 2:45 EXERCISE 101 3:45 BEGIN YOGA SERIES 5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA 6:30 PING PONG (8/19)
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 (8/29)
SUNDAY
10:30 ZUMBA 2:00 LINE DANCE (8/23) 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 | 10
Wellness Center
NEW WEEKDAY HOURS Beginning Tuesday, September 1 The Wellness Center will now open at: 5:00AM
Monday to Friday: 5:00AM - 8:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM More time. More flexibility. More opportunities to focus on your wellness.
Living | 11
Wellness Center D DIID D Y YO OU U K KN NO OW W??
INDOOR VOLLEYBALL
THE WELLNESS CENTER OFFERS INDOOR, COED, ADULT, FRIENDLY VOLLEYBALL.
Wednesdays 6:00pm Wellness Center Racquetball Court No cost for Wellness members guest fees apply for non-members Living | 12
Wellness Center
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS CLASS?
PILATES
TUESDAYS AT 5:30PM
WEDNESDAYS AT 8:00AM THURSDAYS AT 5:30PM
Pilates focuses on building core strength, improving posture, and increasing flexibility through controlled, low-impact movements. Be prepared to strengthen your abdominal muscles while enhancing overall balance and stability. Classes are instructed by Dawn Polson and Angela Attaway and are designed for all fitness levels, from beginners to experienced participants.
Free for Wellness Center members. Guests are welcome, daily guest rates apply.
2026
RACQUET
AUGUST
at Racquet
MONDAY 9:00 9:00
BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY RECREATIONAL 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
TUESDAY
9:00 BOCCE BOYS MEN’S OPEN PLAY 9:00 INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CHALLENGE PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY 10:00 *BEGINNER PICKLEBALL DRILLS WITH COACH JOHN 10:00 *THE COURT QUEENS: LADIES’ 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 4:00 *PICKLEBALL 101: BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC 6:00 BOCCE SHARKS
THURSDAY WEDNESDAY 9:00 9:00
BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY 10:00 *THE MATCH POINT MAVENS: 4.0 LADIES’ TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 6:00 INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CHALLENGE PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
9:00 BOCCE BABES: LADIES’ OPEN PLAY 9:00 INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CHALLENGE PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY 10:00 *ADVANCED PICKLEBALL DRILLS WITH COACH JOHN 10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES: MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN
SATURDAY FRIDAY 9:00 9:00
BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
8:00 *THE ACE CREW: MEN’S TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 3.0-3.5 9:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 9:00 RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
SUNDAY 9:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 5:00 RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
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* REQUIRES REGISTRATION
NORTH GEORGIA
SPECTACULAR SENIORS Thursday September 24 10:00 - 12:00
Lunch following at the Clubhouse. Racquet members play for free. $5.00 fee for non-members & guests (lunch is not included). We hope to see you there! Call to register.
706-268-3367 Register Here Hosted by The Racquet Club Living | 15
POA
Big Canoe POA Board Meeting Join us in The Overlook meeting space at the Clubhouse or Via Live-stream on the Big Canoe You Tube channel.
Thursday, August 27 at 5:00 p.m. FOLLOW OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR LIVE VIDEO STEAMING
Living | 16
Q&A
BOARD MEETING
A reminder to Property Owners that questions for the August 27th POA Board meeting should be submitted through the online form at least 48 hours before the meeting. Questions submitted by the deadline will be read and answered during the meeting, whether or not you can attend. Property Owners may submit up to two questions per Board meeting. If you have operational questions, you may submit an Ask the POA and receive your answers via email sooner. SUBMIT A QUESTION
ASK
E H T CANDIDATE?
Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve asked you— the Big Canoe property owners—to submit questions for the POA Board candidates. This question was submitted by a Big Canoe property owner through the “Ask the Candidates a Question” process announced in Big Canoe Living. The same question was sent to all candidates, who were given the same word guidance and the same deadline, and their responses appear in the pages that follow. Responses are published as submitted. We hope their responses are helpful as you learn more about each candidate’s perspective and approach to this important issue. If you have additional questions you’d like the candidates to answer, please click below to submit them. We appreciate your participation and engagement in the election process.
The views expressed are solely those of the individual candidate and do not represent the positions of the Big Canoe POA, its Board of Directors, its committees, or its staff. The POA distributes candidate content as a neutral election service and does not endorse any candidate.
SUBMIT A QUESTION Living | 18
BOARD CANDIDATE Q&A WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE SAFETY OF BIG CANOE, AND WHAT DO YOU OFFER THE RESIDENTS ON THE ISSUE? JOAN PULS-KIRCHNER Growing up in a military family and living throughout the United States, I’ve experienced many different communities. Big Canoe is the safest community I have ever lived in, and I deeply value that sense of security. I support routine review of our security practices with the goal of being proactive, not reactive. We should balance protection with personal privacy rights while preserving the character of the community we all cherish. Ultimately, security is a shared responsibility. Each of us plays a role by maintaining situational awareness, practicing common‑sense safety, and working together as a community.
There are several practical steps worth considering: Review permanent guest lists to ensure they accurately reflect who should have ongoing access. Explore after‑hours delivery drop‑off at the North Gate for non‑perishable items, offering convenience while maintaining access control. Improve factual understanding by asking Smoke Signals to publish crime statistics again, giving residents accurate information about what is happening in our community. Strengthen emergency preparedness. Fire and severe weather are our greatest risks, residents would benefit from clearer, more accessible information from both counties and Public Safety about evacuation procedures, shelter locations, and how coordination works during a fast‑moving event. My position is that Big Canoe should not become a heavily monitored or restrictive community. A thoughtful, fact‑based review of our security measures and reasonable improvements before problems occur are the best ways to remain proactive and ensure that Big Canoe continues to be the safe, welcoming community we all value.
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BOARD CANDIDATE Q&A WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE SAFETY OF BIG CANOE, AND WHAT DO YOU OFFER THE RESIDENTS ON THE ISSUE? JONATHAN FOULKES Safety is one of the core reasons many of us chose a gated community, and keeping Big Canoe secure is an essential responsibility of the Board. In my 26 years here, it has been a safe place to live, and my commitment is to ensure it stays that way. That means being attentive to residents' concerns and willing to act on them, not simply giving reassurance. Real security comes from steady, practical improvements, applied where they do the most good while spending our money wisely.
I support expanding camera coverage in our amenity parking areas and at our gates. That strengthens both deterrence and our ability to respond when something happens. I also want to close the gaps where limited cell coverage can leave residents unable to call for help. Several well-used areas sit in dead zones that a signal booster could resolve, improving safety for everyone, whether the need is a medical emergency or simply reaching help quickly. We cannot eliminate every risk, and the most expensive proposals deserve honest cost-benefit review. But we can make meaningful, timely improvements, coordinate with Public Safety, and keep residents informed.
Living | 20
BOARD CANDIDATE Q&A WHAT IS YOUR POSITION ON THE SAFETY OF BIG CANOE, AND WHAT DO YOU OFFER THE RESIDENTS ON THE ISSUE? CHARLIE ARMSTRONG Big Canoe's safety has to be addressed the way I approach every decision: gather the facts, ask hard questions, and build solutions that last, not react out of fear or settle for a quick fix. I've led through serious security challenges before, including at Paramount Pictures, where I was accountable for public safety across a large, complex campus. When September 11 changed the security landscape overnight, we had to reassess our risks and adapt—a reminder that conditions change, and leadership means meeting those new needs, not standing still. That experience taught me effective security is never one-size-fits-all. It must be grounded in real risk, reviewed regularly, and balanced against convenience and cost. It also taught me the Board's role. We don't run Public Safety day-to-day — that's staff's job. The Board's job is to lead, set direction, ask hard questions, hold staff accountable, and make sure the right resources and processes are in place. If elected, I'll push for an independent review of current practices, stronger coordination among POA leadership, Public Safety, and emergency agencies, and clear, consistent communication to residents. Protect our residents. Preserve the trust that makes Big Canoe home. Living | 21
POA
Fall
FESTIVAL
26
SEPT
FESTIVE FOOD KIDS ACTIVITIES VENDORS LIVE MUSIC
12:00PM - 6:00PM Vendor Registration Here!
Hosted by Black Sheep Promotions Living | 22
k n u Tr r o - t a e r T
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, Oct. 24 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!
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Town Hall MEETING Tuesday 25 August, 2026 5:30 PM
Big Canoe Chapel
www.mywater.us/georgia
CLUBS & ORGS
Quilt Show
STARS, STRIPES AND STITCHES AN AMERICAN ART FORM
26
SEPT
BIG CANOE CHAPEL BROYLES CENTER AT THE FALL FESTIVAL
12:00PM - 6:00PM DRAWING SEPTEMBER 26 QUILT SHOW INCLUDES, KID'S SCAVENGER HUNT, BAKED GOODS, QUILTS OF VALOR AND MUCH MORE
TICKETS
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PAINT BIG CANOE
Purple
Three Days One Community One Mission
OCTOBER 29 - OCTOBER 31
A CHARITY EVENT BENEFITING THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION Three Days. Four Events.
JOIN US IN PAINTING BIG CANOE PURPLE MORIES ME
MATTER AL
Seminar for a Cure
Golf for a Cure
Thursday, October 29
Saturday, October 31
Alzheimer’s Educational Seminar Big Canoe Chapel
Golf Tournament Big Canoe Golf Course
Concert for a Cure
Bocce for a Cure
FIGHT AGAINST
Z H EI M E R’S
LEARN MORE & GET INVOLVED CLICK HERE REGISTER
Friday, October 30
Saturday, October 31
Live Concert with Mother’s Finest Terraces Amphitheatre
Bocce Tournament Bocce Courts
A Survey of Ferns Presented by Louise Billings
Wednesday, September 2 10AM | The Clubhouse: Overlook
The Wildflower Bunch is excited to spotlight one of the most abundant and beautiful native plants growing in Big Canoe. “A Survey of Ferns,” presented by Louise Billings, will introduce you to the fascinating world of ferns and the many varieties found throughout our community. Louise is excited to share her passion with you, but be warned, ferns are addictive! Living | 28
CLUBS & ORGS
CONTINUOUS CARE COMMUNITIES EDUCATION EVENT Monday, August 24 | 2pm Big Canoe Chapel Cousins Hall Register at education.bigcanoewc@gmail.com Navigating Senior Living Options Planning for future living arrangements can be challenging. Join Randall Hudson, Residency Counselor at Park Springs with more than 30 years of experience, as he discusses senior living options, the importance of planning ahead, and how to make informed decisions. Representatives from The Lodge in Jasper and Holbrook Woodstock will also be available to answer questions and share information about their communities. Visit: bcwell.org
Living | 29
UPCOMING EVENTS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS Men’s Fellowship Bible Study
Big Canoe Chapel, Room C 103 Wednesdays | 10am Free workbooks will be provided.
Rotary Club Beach Bash
Lodge at Old Mill 230 Old Mill Road August 29 | 5pm - 9pm
Tickets $40
BBQ | 50 - 50 Raffle | Wine Toss | & More REGISTER
Community Library
Big Canoe Chapel Saturday | 10am Big Canoe’s Best Kept Secert
August
5th
-
November
4th
2026
August
29 2026
2026
August
29 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS Protect your Legacy
Cousins Hall
Saturday 12 | 9:30am - 12pm Presented by Big Canoe Chapel Endowment Committee
REGISTER
What your Heart & Brain need from you Monday, September 14 | 2:00 PM Presented by Dr. Eric Nelson Board Certified | Northside Heart Institute Register at education.bigcanoewc@gmail.com
Benefit Fashion Show
Cousins Hall
Thurs, September 17 | 11am - 2pm Online Registration: July 15 - Sept 3 $75 person, open seating or $700 reserved table for 8 women.bigcanoechapel.org
September
12 2026
September
14 2026
September
17 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.