BigCanoeLiving_Vol3_Issue18 (3)

LIVING BLACK BEARS IN THE FALL WINE DINNER AT THE CLUBHOUSE SAFETY & SECURITY IN BIG CANOE September 4, 2026

Volume 3 | Issue 18

CONTENTS 4

Welcome & Farewell - Save the Dates

6

Clubhouse - Sunday Brunch, Wine Dinner, Shareable Meals

10

Wellness - September Calendar, New Hours

12

Racquet - September Calendar, Spectacular Seniors

14

POA - AECD Committee Application, POA Labor Day Schedule

16

Safety & Security in Big Canoe

18

Black Bears in the Fall

20

POA Fall Events - Fall Festival, Trunk or Treat

22

Clubs & Orgs Cover picture taken by Melanie Cooper

Greetings Big Canoe!

As fall approaches, Big Canoe is preparing for a season filled with opportunities to gather, learn, and enjoy everything our community has to offer.

In this issue of Big Canoe Living, you’ll find a preview of upcoming events and activities to help you begin making plans for the weeks ahead.

One special gathering will offer the community an opportunity to meet our new General Manager, Ben Brown, and his wife, Suzanne. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming them to Big Canoe.

We are also highlighting an upcoming Wine Dinner at the Clubhouse. With thoughtfully selected wines, a carefully prepared menu, and the inviting atmosphere of the Clubhouse, this special evening promises to be a memorable dining experience. Please review the details and make your reservation early.

Safety and security remain important priorities throughout our community. This issue takes a closer look at how Big Canoe’s Public Safety team works to protect residents, guests, and property, and shares helpful information about the role we each play in keeping our community safe.

Fall also brings increased activity from Big Canoe’s black bears as they prepare for winter. Inside, you’ll learn more about what our bears are doing this time of year and the simple precautions everyone can take to help protect both people and wildlife.

We hope this issue helps you stay informed, get involved, and make the most of the season ahead. As always, thank you for being an active and engaged part of the Big Canoe community.

Please Join Us For a

Welcome

Reception with Light Bites and refreshments Honoring

Ben & Suzanne Brown Ben has been named the next General Manager of Big Canoe POA

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

Wine Dinner 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.

$145 per person (includes tax and service charge) RESERVATIONS

Living | 6

Wine Dinner Menu September 17, 2026 6:00 PM 1st Course

BAKED BRIE CROSTINI WARM BRIE CHEESE, FIG JAM SPREAD, BUTTERY CROSTINI, CANDIED PECAN DUST, FRESH CHIVES

Crossbarn Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

2nd Course PAN SEARED SCALLOP U-10 SCALLOP WITH SAFFRON CREAM SAUCE, CHIVE OIL, MICRO INTENSITY GREENS

Paul Hobbs Winery Chardonnay, Russian River Valley

3rd Course FALL STONE FRUIT SALAD LADY GALA APPLES, BOSC PEARS, BABY MIXED GREENS, CRUSHED MARCONA ALMONDS, SUNDRIED CRANBERRIES, HONEY BALSAMIC DRESSING

Paul Hobbs Winery Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley

4th Course

TWIN WELLINGTON DECONSTRUCTED BEEF TENDERLOIN AND DOUBLE LAMB CHOPS, WILD MUSHROOM DUXELLE, SHERRY CREAM SAUCE, BAKED PUFF PASTRY, BABY CARROTS AND ASPARAGUS

Paul Hobbs Winery Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville

5th Course

COFFEE SHOP CLASSIC TIRAMISU, COFFEE AND CARAMEL CREAM, CHOCOLATE SHAVINGS, LADY FINGERS, CINNAMON DUST

Paul Hobbs Winery Pinot Noir, West Sonoma Coast Living | 7

LAST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH

CONCERT WITH

Y A D N SU

H C N U BR

Join us on Sunday, September 27 | 11 AM - 3 PM

Selections from the Great American Songbook Performance by Andy Marsano | 1 - 3 PM $34 adult | $14 children ages 5-12

Reservations

SHAREABLE MEALS FROM

CHECK IT OUT! Each week, our featured take-out meals come served with a fresh salad with your choice of dressing, warm rolls and butter, and a hearty, satisfying entrée perfectly sized for two.

AVAILABLE TUESDAY - SATURDAY TO GO 3PM - TO 5PM PRICES VARY ACCORDING TO SELECTION CHECK FACEBOOK & WEBSITE FOR NEW DISHES EACH WEEK

https://www.facebook.com/BigCanoeEventsandHappenings/

https://www.bigcanoepoa.org/property-owners/dining-in-big-canoe/ Living | 9

Wellness

2026

SEPTEMBER

MONDAY

6:50 8:00 9:30 10:00 2:30 3:45 5:00 7:15

at Wellness

BOOT CAMP PILATES FLOW & GLOW YOGA H20 AERO EXERCISE CARDIO TAP 101 (9/21, 9/28) CARDIO TAP 201 (9/21, 9/28) FLOW & GLOW YOGA TAI CHI

TUESDAY 8:00 KICKBOX/CORE 9:00 BODY BAR 10:00 CARDIO SCULPT 11:45 PT STRETCH (9/8, 9/15) 3:00 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA 3:00 H2O AERO/EXERCISE (9/8, 9/15, 9/29) 5:30 PILATES 6:45 WOLFSCRATCH DANCE

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 6:00 VOLLEYBALL (9/9, 9/16, 9/23, 9/30) 6:30 PING PONG

THURSDAY

9:00 BARS & BELLS 9:30 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA ZOOM 10:00 CARDIO SCULPT 11:45 PT STRETCH (9/10, 9/17) 3:00 H20 AERO/EXERCISE 3:30 MOUNTAIN MOTION 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 (9/26) 2:30 MOUNTAIN MOTION

SUNDAY 10:30 ZUMBA 2:00 LINE DANCE (9/13, 9/27) 3:00 YIN YOGA-STUDIO & ZOOM 4:15 MINDFULNESS MEDITATION (9/20, 9/27)

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

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

2026

RACQUET

SEPTEMBER

at Racquet

MONDAY 8:00 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 6:00 MONDAY NIGHT BOCCE: MIXED OPEN PLAY

WEDNESDAY 8:00 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

TUESDAY

8:00 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

THURSDAY 9:00 BOCCE BABES: LADIES’ OPEN PLAY 9:00 INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CHALLENGE PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY (9/3, 9/10, 9/17, 10/1) 10:00 *ADVANCED PICKLEBALL DRILLS WITH COACH JOHN 10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES: MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 10:00 SPECTACULAR SENIORS (9/24)

SATURDAY FRIDAY 8:00 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 8:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 9:00 RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

SUNDAY 8:00 5:00

BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

Living | 12

* 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 | 13

Architectural & Environmental Committee Application The Architectural and Environmental Control Committee is accepting resumes to fill two open positions on the committee. Complete the digital form to apply, or you can pick up a paper form from the AECD office.

Application

Labor Day

POA HOURS POA Offices

CLOSED

Package Porch

CLOSED

Clubhouse

CLOSED

Wellness

5am - 8pm

Beach Club

10am - 6pm

Marina

8am - 6pm

Golf

8am - 6pm

Racquet

8am - 4pm

Living | 15

SAFETY AND SECURITY IN BIG CANOE The safety and security of Big Canoe remain shared priorities for the POA, Public Safety personnel, and the property owners who call this community home. Recent discussions with residents provided an opportunity to examine current procedures, identify areas for improvement, and better explain how emergencies and security concerns are handled within Big Canoe.

Living | 16

This is the first of several articles from our Chief of Public Safety, Ricky Jordan, that we will be running in Big Canoe Living. These short articles will explain our current procedures, where we are making improvements, and how Property owners can assist Public Safety in keeping our community safe and secure.

In an Emergency, Always Call 911 Understanding Big Canoe Public Safety Big Canoe maintains 24-hour Public Safety coverage, with four personnel assigned per shift to support fire, emergency medical and security needs.

Chief Ricky Jordan, Director of Public Safety Residents should call 911 whenever there is an immediate threat to a person or property, a suspected crime, a medical emergency, or another urgent situation. Calling 911 ensures the appropriate law enforcement, fire, or emergency medical resources are dispatched as quickly as possible.

Contacting an internal department first may delay the response.

When calling 911: Clearly describe the nature of the emergency.

Provide your location, including the street address or nearest recognizable landmark.

Share descriptions of individuals, vehicles, or suspicious activity when available.

Follow the dispatcher’s instructions and remain on the line until told to disconnect.

Big Canoe security personnel are not sworn law enforcement officers. They operate under an “observe and report” model and do not carry firearms or have arrest power. Their responsibilities include monitoring POA property, conducting patrols, responding to community concerns, documenting incidents, and contacting law enforcement when a situation requires police authority or investigation.

Because only County law enforcement is legally able to respond to security concerns at a private residence, Big Canoe Public Safety is not always notified of every Sheriff’s Office visit within the community. However, POA Chief Jordan regularly reviews the call logs of both Pickens County and Dawson County Sheriff’s departments and is in frequent communication with both of these agencies.

In summary, calling 911 for any security, medical, or fire concerns will increase response time and ensure the proper County and/or POA Public Safety resources are dispatched to provide assistance.

Living | 17

WHAT ARE BIG CANOE’S BEARS DOING THIS FALL? Fall is one of the busiest times of year for black bears. During September and October, bears spend much of their time searching for food and preparing for the colder months.

Understanding their seasonal behavior can help us enjoy Big Canoe’s wildlife while keeping both people and bears safe.

Eating Goes Into Hyperdrive In September, bears enter a period called hyperphagia.

During this time, they may search for food for up to 20 hours a day. When food is plentiful, a bear can gain two to three pounds each day and

Living | 18

may add 20% to 50% of its summer body weight before winter.

Natural Fall Foods Bears search for calorie-rich foods like berries, apples, acorns and nuts and may drink two to three gallons of water daily. As excellent climbers, they are willing to climb trees and break branches to reach their favorite wild-growing foods.

Mothers Prepare for Cubs Female bears that may give birth during the winter begin searching for safe den sites.

The more weight they gain during the fall, the better the

chances that their cubs will grow and thrive.

Please keep garage doors closed and lock all vehicles and exterior doors.

Curious Cubs Cubs become more independent during September and may wander farther from their mothers to explore and find food. However, they usually remain close enough to return quickly if they sense danger.

Still Eating and Sleeping Less Hyperphagia continues throughout October.

Bears may remain active nearly around the clock as long as food is available. Even bears that will not enter their dens until later in the year are still driven to eat as much as possible.

Pumpkins Attract Bears Please keep edible pumpkins indoors and consider using (AECDappropriate) artificial decorations outside to avoid attracting bears to homes and porches.

Please remember bird feeders are not allowed in Big Canoe during the months of March - November.

Watch for Wildlife on the Roads October is a particularly dangerous month for vehicle collisions with wildlife. Shorter days mean more driving around dawn, dusk, and after dark, when bears are often active. Bears searching for food may also cross roads more frequently. Slow down, scan both sides of the road, and pay close attention near wooded areas.

Searching for Winter Dens Many bears begin looking for den sites during October. Bears may den in hollow trees, beneath roots, inside logs, in dense brush or in small ground nests. Denning schedules depend more on food availability, weather and the bear’s health than on a particular date.

@TheBigCanoeBlackBearProject https://www.bigcanoepoa.org/property-owners/wildlife/bear-safety/ https://bearwise.org/what-bears-do-in-september/ https://bearwise.org/what-bears-do-in-october/

Help Keep Big Canoe’s Bears Wild Black bears are longtime residents of Big Canoe and are most active from mid-March through November. As our community grows, it is important to coexist safely by allowing bears to pass through without tempting them with non-natural food sources.

Living | 19

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 | 20

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!

Living | 21

CLUBS & ORGS

PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB

Annual Show 2026

JOIN US AT THE BEACH CLUB RECEPTION

FRIDAY, SEPT 25 4-8 PM Sip complimentary wine, savor cheese.

SHOW CONTINUES SATURDAY, SEPT 26 | 10AM - 6PM & S U N D A Y , S E P T 2 7 | 1 0 A M – 2 P M Living | 23

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

Living | 24

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

Living | 25

UPCOMING EVENTS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS Last Terrace Concert of the season

Terrace Amphitheater Saturday 5 | 7:00pm

Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band

TICKETS

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

September

5

2026

September

12 2026

September

14 2026

UPCOMING EVENTS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS

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

Movie Night

Big Canoe Chapel, Cousins Hall Mon, Sep 28 | 7pm Free event, open to all

REGISTER

Womens Fall Retreat

Big Canoe Chapel | Cousins Hall October 22 | 10am - 2pm

Registration $35

women.bigcanoechapel.org REGISTER

September

17 2026

September

28 2026

October

22 2026

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.