BigCanoeLiving_Vol3_Issue1 (2)

LIVING HOLIDAY PICTURE GALLERIES 2ND GENERAL ELECTION UPDATE WELLNESS COLLABORATIVE CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

VALENTINES DAY REGISTRATIONS January 9, 2026

Volume 3 | Issue 1

CONTENTS 4

2nd General Election

6

Candidate Closing Statements

10

Clubhouse - Valentines Day

14

Holiday picture galleries

16

Wellness - Fitness Friends

18

Racquet - Racquet Junior Camps

20

Golf - Golf Junior Camps, Guest Round Cards

22

Marina - Kids Fish Camp

22

Wellness Collaborative Celebrates 10 Years

24

POA information

28

Clubs & Orgs

Welcome to 2026!

On behalf of the entire POA team, we are so excited to kick off another year of Big Canoe Living. In this edition, we begin with a look back at the holiday season, featuring the photo galleries from Winter Ball and Santa Brunch. We hope scrolling through the pictures warms your heart as much as they do ours. A reminder: the pictures can be downloaded and shared with your friends and family.

On to making your annual plans and staying well in '26. Steve and his Wellness Center team are kicking off the third year of Fitness Friends in February. And, Jessica, John, and Mike have opened registration for their Summer Camps. Speaking of summer, beginning Monday, you will start to see construction on the Beach Club deck. Due to the deck's popularity, improvements are coming to make it better than ever. There will be no impact on those meeting upstairs at the Beach Club meeting space during the deck renovations.

You have asked, "How can I see everything that is going on from one day to the next in Big Canoe?" Not just amenities, but everything for the year, and meeting space availability in one place. And, how do I reserve space? We are delighted to share new website capabilities today that will help you do just that. Now, by clicking Calendars, you will see a Community Calendar. This was made possible by working closely with leaders of Big Canoe's vibrant Clubs and Organizations. It was no easy task, lengthy, and at times bumpy, but my team and Paul's are so thankful for your patience and kindness over the last several months to bring the 2026 calendar to the community. As you start using the new calendar and booking features on the website, please use Ask the POA to capture any feedback or great ideas that could enhance this new view of Big Canoe meetings and facilities.

We close with an opportunity and an invitation to help celebrate an incredible organization as it marks its 10th Anniversary of Neighbors Helping Neighbors. We have dedicated a special section of this edition to honor the Wellness Collaborative. Read on to learn more, celebrate them, and send them a special note by clicking the "kudos " link on their celebration page.

Cheers to a new year and making new plans together with gratitude and well-being!

Delaine Living | 3

ELECTION

SECOND GENERAL ELECTION IMPORTANT DATES JAN 17

BALLOTS START TO ARRIVE

FEB 24

BALLOTS DUE BY 5PM TO MAULDIN & JENKINS

FEB 26

ELECTED CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED AT FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING AND VIA EMAIL

ROGER HACKLER LYNETTE HOWARD

BOB KELLEY

BOARD ELECTIONS

Big Canoe Living | 20

BILL THURBER

Please visit the Election Page to view each candidates’ profile.

ELECTIONS

If you have any questions please submit them to Ask the POA.

ASK THE POA

HOW TO SUBMIT YOUR BALLOT

ELECTION

SECOND GENERAL ELECTION

BOARD ELECTIONS

Roger Hackler poa.rogerhackler.com | roger@rogerhackler.com | (404) 680-4682

CLOSING STATMENT Big Canoe is a special place—and it deserves a Board that is prepared, engaged, and focused on outcomes.

I’m running to bring an operations-first perspective to the Board—grounded in accountability and follow-through. Over my career, I’ve been responsible for delivering results: aligning stakeholders on priorities, managing budgets, reducing risk, and ensuring complex work stayed on schedule and within scope. Locally, my perspective is grounded in three years of service on the POA Finance Committee and other committee work, working through budgets, long-range planning, and the practical tradeoffs required to sustain a community of our size.

A strong POA starts with clear roles. The Board’s job is to set direction and priorities— strategy, policy, budgets, and measurable goals. The General Manager and staff execute the day-to-day work. The Board best serves property owners when it provides disciplined oversight and support without micromanaging operations.

Big Canoe benefits from leaders with impressive experience outside our gates. But Big Canoe also has its own operating model—amenities, infrastructure, staffing, vendors, budgets, covenants, and processes that don’t behave like a city or a corporation. New Board members (including me) inevitably face “unknown unknowns”—things we don’t know we don’t know. Prior service on formal POA committees is one practical way to reduce those blind spots. Committee work doesn’t make anyone omniscient, but it does provide real exposure to how Big Canoe actually runs and where the risks and dependencies are. That insight helps a director contribute effectively from the beginning— especially during leadership transitions.

The next Board will also navigate leadership transitions over time. When those moments come—selecting a General Manager or other key leaders—the Board’s responsibility is to define the skill set Big Canoe needs, run a disciplined selection process, and then empower management to execute while holding the organization accountable to clear goals.

Click Here to View Full Statement

Living | 6

Lynette Howard lynettehoward625@gmail.com

CLOSING STATEMENT Our Big Canoe residents are engaged, interested and actively involved in our community--as evidenced by the final 42% turnout in the recent vote. I appreciate your continued support as we finalize the election and hit the ground running in 2026!

My priorities continue in conservation & zoning; life safety & emergency planning; communication with residents; & meeting space concerns. Please consider my unique qualifications as you cast your vote.

Non-Profit Boards & Leadership • Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful • Gwinnett Convention & Visitors Bureau • Viewpoint Health • Neighborhood Cooperative Ministries • Atlanta Regional Commission Community Engagement I Love Big Canoe!

• POA Board Dam Committee (grants, legislative support, County and State outreach) • Graduate, LBC • Former President, Wildflower Bunch • Ridgerunners • Still Young at Heart • Thrift Store Volunteer Jasper Questions? Just ask! Phone (770)402-5667 electlynette@gmail.com Former Gwinnett County Commissioner • Experienced in working with Community, Developers, Non-Profit Regulatory, and City/County Issues • Strong background in seeking community input and grassroots efforts on complex issues and appearing in public forums to answer questions

Click Here to View Full Statement

Bob Kelley bobkelley@bellsouth.net

CLOSING STATEMENT As we all go into a final vote for the two open POA Board positions, you have an opportunity to evaluate your selection choice one last time and I ask for your vote. I am very qualified for the position and want to serve you on the board. My platform has been consistent, straightforward, and very inclusive throughout the entire campaign process. I pledge to protect the Mission Statement of Big Canoe; to provide a high quality of life for all residents in a natural setting; and to protect the Vision of Big Canoe of Big Canoe, to maintain a safe and secure residential community where the natural beauty of the mountains harmoniously integrates with high-quality amenities and wellmaintained infrastructure of Big Canoe. We are a gated residential community; we will not be a resort! I am a communicator; I have always given back to the community and have always been involved in strategic planning.

My goal is to create a sense of belonging for everyone, to include all residents in an open communication process with the board, allowing for better transparency and better information flow for everyone within our gated community. We need to have a strong strategic plan for allow for growth of Big Canoe. Over the past 5 years we have seen a 40% growth in our community and we should expect continued growth and realize change will occur over the next 3 to 5 years, and it will continue over the next 10 years. Strategically we must make sure our infrastructure, our professional staff, and our amenities and our planning are prepared for these changes and this growth.

Our current finances are on a solid foundation; we must continue to focus on our financial planning for the future. We should strive to insure all residents understand how the POA finances work and explain them in such a way that easily understood. Thank you for your support and your vote. Please support your vote for me by contacting your friends and neighbors and ask them to spread the word and support my candidacy for the board seat and the future of Big Canoe.

If you are not voting for me, please take the time to complete your ballot and mail it in early so your ballot is counted. It is important that you take an active part in the benefit of living in America, take advantage of your right to free elections and your right to vote !

Click Here to View Full Statement

Living | 8

Bill Thurber Thurber.bill@gmail.com | (678) 576-9128

CLOSING STATEMENT Greetings once again fellow Big Canoers... I’m Bill Thurber and I’m a candidate for the POA board of directors. First off, thanks to everyone for hanging in there through this long and somewhat arduous election cycle. Our annual board elections are important, and I want to give a sincere thank you to those of you who voted, and in particular those who voted for me the first time around.

Second, in advance of the second election, I wanted to share a couple of thoughts for property owners to consider as they make their choice for those they wish to serve on the board of directors. I hope everyone has taken the time to learn about the four (4)candidates, as each of us offers skills and experiences that would serve the community well.

More specifically to my background, I’ve been a property owner for 18 years, have been very involved in the community (2020/2021 LBC graduate), and offer a career spanning 45+ years in financial management, as a treasurer/CFO in the corporate world. As most know by now, the POA will be searching for and transitioning to a new general manager during 2026. Additionally, during the next board’s tenure the POA will likely be searching for and transitioning other key staff positions. Serving 5+ years on the finance/audit committee (chair in 2023/2024) has provided me with a deep understanding of how Big Canoe operates as well as our financial performance and the overall financial health of the community (which is quite strong!). These are important positions, and a successful transition is critical to our continued success. If elected to the board of directors, I will leverage my background and experience to provide valuable insight and counsel to new senior staff members as they learn about and immerse themselves in our community.

Additionally, during the initial election cycle, I mentioned publicly that making the community’s financial performance easier for property owners to understand is a key objective of mine. I remain committed to educating property owners about important aspects of our financial results, as I believe that the more we all know about them the better off we’ll be.

Click Here to View Full Statement

EXPERIENCE

Valentine’s Day AT T H E C L U B H O U S E

CHOOSE HOW YOU CELEBRATE! Make Valentine’s Day unforgettable with three distinct experiences at the Clubhouse—each designed to suit a different style of celebration, all on the same night. In the Main Dining Room, enjoy our regular à la carte menu alongside special chefinspired features. Head to the Overlook and Black Bear Pub for the Sweetheart Dance, where you can dine from a delicious buffet and dance the night away. For a more elevated and romantic evening, reserve your place in the Seasons Room for an indulgent four-course dining experience.

Feb. 14

ONE NIGHT. THREE WAYS TO CELEBRATE. Choose the experience that fits your Valentine’s style and make it a night to remember in Big Canoe.

Living | 10

CLUBHOUSE

Dinner Date

Feb. 14

Enjoy a romantic evening in our main dining room and lounge with our regular à la carte menu and Valentine-inspired chef specials.

Reserve your spot now through OpenTable on our website.

Chefs Specials Lobster Newberg $38 Sauteed lobster in a creamy lobster sauce on butter egg noodles, topped with puff pastry hearts, and a side of broccoli.

Chargrilled Flat Iron Steak $40 8oz Black Angus flat iron steak, Dauphinoise potato, grilled asparagus, and portobello mushroom Napoleon, classic bearnaise sauce, and fresh chives.

Sweethearts Chocolate $15 Shareable plate with chocolate mousse in a chocolate cup with ganache chocolate bourbon sauce, accompanied by chocolate-dipped strawberries.

R E S E R VAT I O N S

Fully Booked Elevated Dining This Valentine’s Day join us in the Seasons room and indulge in a luxurious four-course Valentine’s dinner featuring premium entree selections such as Filet Mignon, Seabass, Rack of Lamb, or ButterPoached Lobster Tails, finished with an elegant chocolate dessert.

MENU

R E S E R VAT I O N S $9 5 PE R PE R S O N | 3 6 S E AT S AVA I L A B L E R E S E R VAT I O N S R E Q U I R E D

Living | 12

CLUBHOUSE

Sweetheart Dance - Feb. 14 Celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Overlook and Black Bear Pub with an evening of dinner, music, and dancing in a lively, romantic atmosphere. Enjoy a festive Valentine’s buffet, a cash bar, and music by DJ Fernando F to keep you on the dance floor all night long. The cash bar opens at 5 p.m., the buffet begins at 6 p.m., and DJ music plays from 6 to 10 p.m.

MENU

R E S E R VAT I O N S

$75 PE R PE R S O N | 8 8 S E AT S AVA I L A B L E R E S E R VAT I O N S R E Q U I R E D

CLUBHOUSE

Thank you for a Wonderful Santa Brunch Gallery 1

Gallery 2

Gallery 3

Winter Ball 2025

Winter Ball Gallery

CLUBHOUSE

WELLNESS

TRY IT FOR FREE!

CELEBRATING 3 YEARS OF FITNESS FRIENDSHIP! Ready to start your new year's resolution, but hate to go it alone? The Wellness Center has you covered! Join Fitness Friends, a Wellness Center introductory event. Open registration for Fitness Friends at the Wellness Center the week of Feb. 1 Already a member? Become a sponsor. Bring your friend to sign up.

Non-members will receive 5 free visits, including any complimentary classes currently available. Add years to your friendship with Fitness Friends!

Join Wellness by the end of February and get a 2026 Fitness Friends shirt.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE WELLNESS CENTER

706-268-3441 Living | 16

MUST BE A PROPERTY OWNER TO PARTICIPATE IN FITNESS FRIENDS.

2026 JANUARY

MONDAY

at Wellness

6:45 BOOT CAMP 8:00 PILATES 9:30 FLOW & GLOW YOGA 0:00 H20 AERO EXERCISE 5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA 5:00 YOUTH SWIM TEAM 6:15 CARDIO TAP (1/19,1/26) 6:45 WPA THEATER 7:15 TAI CHI

TUESDAY

8:00 9:00 10:00 11:45 3:00 3:00 5:30 6:45

KICKBOX/CORE BODY BAR CARDIO SCULPT PT STRETCH (1/13,1/20,1/26) H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE ALIGN & REFINE YOGA PILATES WP THEATER

THURSDAY WEDNESDAY 6:45 8:00 9:00 10:00 10:30 2:45 3:45 5:00 6:00 6:30

BOOT CAMP PILATES LOW IMPACT AERO H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE ZUMBA EXERCISE 101 BEGINNER YOGA SERIES FLOW & GLOW YOGA VOLLEYBALL PING PONG (1/7,1/21)

FRIDAY 6:45 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

9:00 9:30 10:00 11:45 3:00 5:00 5:00 6:30

BARS & BELLS ALIGN & REFINE YOGA - ZOOM CARDIO SCULPT PT STRETCH (1/15,1/22,1/29) H20 EXERCISE PILATES YOUTH SWIM TEAM WP THEATER

SATURDAY 9:00 DANCE EXERCISE 10:00 TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING 1:30 CARDIO TAP (DEC 13) 12:00 DEEPENING PRACTICES MINI RETREAT (1/10,1/31)

SUNDAY 10:30 ZUMBA TONING 11:00 ZUMBA 3:00 YIN YOGA-STUDIO ONLY & ZOOM

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

Junior

RACQUET

TENNIS & PICKLEBALL CAMPS 9:00 am - 12:30 pm

$300 per stu dent

Ages 8 - 14

About Our Camp

Click on date to register

Get ready for an action-packed morning on the courts of Big Canoe! Our Junior Tennis and Junior Pickleball Camp is perfect for kids ages 8–14, from beginners to intermediate players. Campers will build skills, learn the fundamentals of tennis or pickleball, and enjoy plenty of games and friendly competition—all while making new friends. Best of all, lunch is included, so the fun keeps going!

Living | 18

racquetclub@bigcanoepoa.org

Tennis Camps

June 9-12 July 14-17 Pickleball Camps

June 9-12 July 14-17

2026 JANUARY

MONDAY

at Racquet

9:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 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 9:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY 10:00 *THE MATCH POINT MAVENS: 4.0 LADIES’ TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 6:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

TUESDAY

9:00 BOCCE BOYS MEN’S OPEN PLAY 10:00 *THE COURT QUEENS: LADIES’ 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 4:00 *PICKLEBALL 101: BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC

THURSDAY 10:00 BOCCE BABES: LADIES’ OPEN PLAY 10:00 *PICKLEBALL 101 BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC 10:00 *THE RALLY RENEGADES: MEN’S 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN

SATURDAY 9:00

FRIDAY 9:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 8:00 *THE ACE CREW: MEN’S TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 3.0-3.5 10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY JANUARY 17 - BOCCE 8 LEAGUE KICKOFF MEETING AT 10:00

SUNDAY 9:00 5:00

BOCCE BOYS MEN’S OPEN PLAY PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

* REQUIRES REGISTRATION

Living | 19

r o i n Ju

GOLF CAMP

$325

FOR KIDS AGES 5-15 YEARS OLD

Whether your camper is new to the game or looking to sharpen their skills, our Junior Golf Camp is the perfect place to grow their knowledge of the game, make new friends, and have a blast on the course. Golf Instruction by: Mike Miller, PGA Joan Delk, LPGA Roger Keller, PGA Assistant Golf Professional Justin Luysterborg Assistant Golf Professional Kathryn Densmore

8AM - 12PM | LUNCH PROVIDED June 2 - 5 July 7 - 10

REGISTER TODAY

July 21 - 24

Living | 20

706-268-3323

www.bigcanoepoa.org

GOLF

Pre-Purchase Golf Guest Rounds & Receive a Major Discount Cards go sale Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Golf Pro Shop!

This year, we are bringing back our popular Accompanied Guest punch card. While supplies last, this benefit is for golf amenity members and allows you to pre-pay for future accompanied guest rounds at a reduced rate.

Amenity members will be able to purchase up to 2 cards per golf amenity lot. Each card will be good for 10 accompanied guest rounds of golf.

Cards will cost $600 for 10 rounds. At $60 per round, you save 35% off the standard accompanied guest rate of $93, for a total savings of $330.

Only 50 cards will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Terms and conditions apply, contact the Golf Pro Shop for more details (706) 268-3323

MARINA

Adrift with Lipkowitz SHIRTS Welcome to a new year at the Marina – so what’s new? Our clothing guru, Steve Shannon, has procured a new line of short and long sleeve shirts. The short sleeves are offered in a range of soft pastel colors which are very pleasing to the eye. The long sleeve shirts not only have the Big Canoe logo on the front but also carries BIG CANOE running vertically down the side of the sleeve in big block lettering. The shirts are all by Custom Colors which are 100% ring spun cotton. Steve was able to establish a new supplier relationship with SWAG, a shirt and baseball cap print shop out of Jasper, Georgia. SWAG is very appreciative of this new supplier arrangement and the Marina is very pleased with the quality of the shirts they have delivered. Come down and see the new shirt offering.

GATES By the end of January, the security gates to all four docks will have been activated for the protection and privacy of the property owners craft assigned to a given slip. Security camera systems for the docks will be installed as soon as they can be procured and installed.

FISH CAMP And lastly, the signup for KIDS FISH CAMP this year will be made on line. Signup on the adjacent page.

John

John Lipkowitz, Marina Manager Living | 22

MARINA

K i d ’s

P M A C FISH

G CANOE I B , T I T E P E K LA

LEARN USE A ROD & REEL, BAIT A HOOK AND MORE! FISH FROM A PONTOON ON LAKE PETIT!

9am - 12pm Ages 5 - 15 YO Online registration only!

Choose your dates below!

June 17, 18, 19

July 22, 23, 24

815-979-7671

$150 COST INCLUDES A FISHING ROD AND REEL. SWIMMING IS ALLOWED DURING THE LAST HOUR OF EACH CAMP DAY WITH CUSTODIAL ADULT PERMISSION. WATER IS PROVIDED. FOOD IS NOT PROVIDED DUE TO ALLERGIES, ETC. EACH CHILD IS WELCOME TO BRING THEIR OWN LUNCH/SNACK.

CLUBS & ORGS

Celebrating

YEARS

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.

SEND KUDOS

Living | 24

A Message From the Wellness Collaborative I have never been very good at making accurate predictions.

Betting on a horse race? Forget it. Forecasting next week’s weather?

Nope. Predicting the outcome of a Falcons game? Are you kidding?

Allan DeN iro

That said, I am 100% confident in predicting that 2026 will be a very good year for one of Big Canoe’s finest organizations.

In early January, the Big Canoe Wellness Collaborative will celebrate our 10th anniversary – and that means nothing but good things to recognize, remember and be thankful for.

In 2015, several wise and caring individuals – our founders – began sharing ideas about the growing health and wellness needs of the Big Canoe community. They raised issues about aging in place, which often fell between the cracks in the traditional healthcare system. They aimed to help those who were overly reliant on their family for support, to confront the reality that loved ones living so far from our community were not always positioned to provide the immediate assistance when needed.

These women and men created the Big Canoe Wellness Collaborative in October of that year, and I, along with thousands of other beneficiaries of their vision, am forever grateful.

Today, that tradition is carried forth proudly by our wonderful volunteers. Over 120 of them make and deliver meals to the homebound or those recovering from medical procedures. They visit homes to give caregivers a break; drive clients to medical appointments; pick up prescriptions; and provide helpful wellness information, from giving referrals to coordinating health and wellness experts at learning events.

And that doesn’t even account for the varied additional services, from blood drives and vaccinations to cardiovascular screenings and grief support groups.

And who are these volunteers? Your neighbors! And who are they helping? Their neighbors! In fact, they have so far logged nearly 5,000 instances of assistance!

We also celebrate the hard-working members of the Wellness Collaborative Board, who provide wise counsel to insure the quality and focus of our current and future endeavors; to our steering committee members, who so wonderfully guide and deploy our volunteers; and to our many supporters in the Big Canoe POA, particularly the POA Board and Big Canoe Public Safety, along with and the Big Canoe Chapel.

Watch for more exciting Wellness Collaborative announcements coming your way.

And thank you, Big Canoe, for your support!

Allan DeNiro Wellness Collaborative Board President

CLUBS & ORGS

The Wellness Collaborative offered cardiovascular screenings at the Big Canoe Chapel in 2024.

JUST THE FACTS:

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE BIG CANOE WELLNESS COLLABORATIVE ON ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY

By Mark de la Viña, from the Wellness Collaborative

Living | 26

The Big Canoe Wellness Collaborative marks its 10th year as an invaluable, volunteer-run nonprofit helping residents “age in place,” a familiar question arises: What exactly is it – and what does it do?

Founded in November 2015 by Big Canoe property owners aiming to aid residents with non-emergency, non-medical services, the Wellness Collaborative has logged over 4,500 instances of assisting individuals. Its offerings now range from blood drives and vaccine clinics to educational sessions on diabetes, late-life financial planning, and more.

A recent informal survey by a Wellness Collaborative board committee found that, despite its track record, some longtime Big Canoe residents remain unaware of the organization or its purpose. Others say they are familiar with the Collaborative and will reach out when its services are needed.

Independent and volunteer-driven The Wellness Collaborative is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, unaffiliated with the Big Canoe Property Owners Association. However, the POA has long worked with the Collaborative and its 125 volunteers The Collaborative’s four core services Rides – The most-used Collaborative service helps neighbors with non-emergency transportation within a 60-mile radius of Big Canoe. Medical visits or trips to a pharmacy are most typical. Drivers are vetted and certified by the Georgia DMV. Visits – Provides non-medical companion visits to relieve caregivers; excludes assisted care.

Meals – Short-term meal delivery for those recovering from illness, surgery, or loss.

Info – A help line at 706-268-3334 fields assistance requests and offers a service directory with resources beyond what the Collaborative offers.

CLUBS & ORGS

Along with its core services, the Wellness Collaborative programs a series of healthfocused educational presentations.

Eligibility Residents qualify if they face short-term challenges with personal care, mobility, preparing meals, or transportation, have sensory or cognitive issues preventing them from driving, or have recently suffered a loss, such as the death of a spouse or family member.

Pairing with Public Safety The Collaborative often works with Big Canoe Public Safety on classes such as CPR and Stop the Bleed; on educational events; and on the distribution of medical information program forms, which residents complete and store in their refrigerator as an emergency information source if Public Safety is called.

The most widely used Wellness Collaborative service is its rides program.

Unaffiliated with the Wellness Center Sometimes mistakenly associated with the Big Canoe Wellness Center, the Wellness Collaborative is not connected to what long timers still refer to as the Fitness Center. The Wellness Collaborative adopted its name five years before the Fitness Center was dubbed the Wellness Center.

For info about requesting a service, volunteering, or donating, go to the bcwell.org or call 706-268-3334.

CLUBS & ORGS

THE WELLNESS COLLABORATIVE AT 10:

A DECADE OF NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

By Mark de la Viña, of the Wellness Collaborative

Those familiar with the Big Canoe Wellness Collaborative know that the volunteer-run nonprofit has more than established its reputation among residents – by providing rides to medical appointments, dropping off meals to housebound neighbors, or sitting in for a caregiver in need of a break.

Perhaps overlooked in all the bustle is that Wellness Collaborative is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary of neighbors helping neighbors.

Since the Collaborative began offering its nonemergency/non-medical services in November 2015, its volunteers have provided more than 4500 instances of assistance to individuals in Big Canoe. In subsequent years, the Collaborative added a help line for referrals and coordination on health and wellness resources; blood drives; vaccines; CPR classes coordinated with Big Canoe Public Safety; and an ever-expanding education program.

Living | 28

CLUBS & ORGS “There was a feeling in the community that if people are going to be able to stay in Big Canoe, they need to be able to age in place,” said Rhonda Stock, who was part of the first Collaborative board, established in 2014 to get the organization off the ground. “The initial idea was to have services that made it easier to stay in the community that we loved so much.”

The issue that the Wellness Collaborative aimed to address was how to assist an independent-but-aging population that, although able-bodied, occasionally required a ride to a doctor’s appointment or a meal dropped off when recovering from surgery at home.

Early on, some residents declined help, explaining that their church or neighborhood groups had their back. Others were uneasy about simply requesting any help.

To many, the Collaborative offers services that aren’t thought about until they’re truly needed. Akin to purchasing a new set of tires, requesting a Collaborative service is not front-of-mind for most residents until it becomes necessary. Sometimes the Wellness Collaborative is mistakenly associated with the unrelated, POA-affiliated Wellness Center, formerly known as the Fitness Center.

Word of mouth remains one of the Wellness Collaborative’s most effective communications tools – it’s how many clients catch wind of available services, either from someone who has benefited or from one of the organization’s 125 tireless volunteers.

A regular volunteer who has helped with meals, visits and the Wellness Collaborative info line, Jeannie Mauldlin unexpectedly became a client after husband John died of a heart attack on Sept. 4. Switching from her role as assistant to recipient has been an adjustment, especially for someone like her who “thinks if it needs to be done, I’ll just do it myself,” she said.

But Mauldin explained that she is ultimately grateful she reached out.

“Realizing I needed help – and asking for it – was hard,” she said. “But I’m glad I did. It’s been like having a best friend you didn’t know was coming to take care of you and help you out.”

For more information, to request a service, or to inquire about volunteering for the Wellness Collaborative, go to https://bcwell.org/ or call 706-268-3334.

Collaboration With Big Canoe Public Safety Is Key for the Wellness Collaborative Big Canoe Public Safety has always been central to keeping its residents secure – a priority that helped shape the creation of the Big Canoe Wellness Collaborative in 2015.

While Public Safety has long provided essential services such as sending out EMTs or responding to life-threatening fires, the founders of the Wellness Collaborative identified an unresolved, lingering issue relating to the department.

“Emergency response was not the problem we were trying to solve,” explained Rhonda Stock, one of the residents who led the formation and establishment of the Wellness Collaborative. “It was helping people with short-term issues, understanding that they could come out the other side and continue to live here and maintain their independence.”

Living | 30

By Mark de la Viña, of the Wellness Collaborative

In the Collaborative’s ongoing mission of ensuring that residents can “age in place,” as the founders phrased it, the volunteer organization has worked closely with Public Safety since day one with: Stop the Bleed, CPR and other public health and medical emergency classes staffed by

That’s when Public Safety directs residents to the Wellness Collaborative to address non-emergency, short-term needs – or to get referrals for a range of services.

Public Safety.

The creation and distribution of medical information forms, the Collaborative provides to Public Safety for residents to fill out and keep in their refrigerator. First responders can fetch the completed forms to access valuable patient information if they encounter a resident who is disoriented or unconscious.

Providing extra sets of ears and eyes, as Collaborative members have alerted Public Safety to residents in need.

“The Wellness Collaborative has become a real resource for us,” said Ricky Jordan, director of Public Safety, “especially when we answer a call where somebody’s been recently injured or hurt, and they're like, ‘I don't know what I want to do. I can't get to the grocery store.’ ”

Public Safety will continue working with the Wellness Collaborative on existing initiatives, such offering classes in 2026, based on interest from residents; a possible Public Safety Day; and the adoption of a digital alternative for mobile devices to complement medical information forms, Jordan added.

Whether they are accompanying a resident when a caregiver is unavailable or “bringing them meals or providing transportation,” said Jordan, “our guys just know that the Collaborative is an option.”

To get in touch with the Wellness Collaborative: 706-268-3334 or bcwell.org/contact

CLUBS & ORGS

AT BIG CANOE CHAPEL MCCORMICK HALL

BLOOD DONATION SAVES LIVES Thursday, February 5 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Make an online appointment.

Walk-ins welcome. Apheresis and Double Red blood Cell donations can also be made.

Register For more information email groups.bigcanoewc@gmail.com or visit bcwell.org Ask the POA Living | 32

NORTH GEORGIA

PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP

Schedule

JAN

GROUP DISCUSSION

27

FEB

CARE PARTNER FOCUS

24

MAR

31

GROUP DISCUSSION 1:00 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 BCWELL.COM PARKINSON’S FOUNDATION HELPLINE 1-800-473-4636 For More Info on WC Services go to: bc.well.org or Call 706-268-5334

POA

Rent or Lease your property?

If you rent or lease your property in Big Canoe, submit your digital Residential Lease Registration form no later than Friday, Jan. 31.

Lessees for any unregistered rental properties will not be permitted inside the gates, and lessors may receive a $1,000 fine.

Residential Lease Registration Form

Submit any questions to Ask the POA Ask the POA

Living | 34

POA

! t e g r o Don’t F

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS MUST BE REMOVED WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE HOLIDAY.

POA

NO SHREDDING AVAILABLE THIS MONTH

BULK TRASH DAY JANUARY 31, 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 thrift store on-site for bulk trash day.

Living | 36

Living | 33

POA

THANK YOU FROM THE ACCESS CONTROL TEAM

Ernest Hensley

Access Control Supervisor

Your Public Safety gate attendants wish to express their appreciation for the gifts, including many generous & scrumptious goodies, provided to the gates during the Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year holidays.

Your expressions of kindness and thoughtfulness truly serve to make our workplace a more joyful environment while adding a few extra pounds!

Be assured that your Public Safety gate attendants will continue to provide excellent customer service as we all begin the New Year!

Happy New Year 2026!

UPCOMING EVENTS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS

Women’s Fellowship

Scarves, Sweaters, and Savory Soups Wear your favorite scarf and/or sweater and enjoy wonderful fellowship.

REGISTER

jan

22 2026

Women’s Fellowship

Women's Fellowship Winter Bible Study

Women's Fellowship invites all women to take part in our 2026 Winter Bible Study, meeting each Wednesday from February 4 through March 18, from 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

feb

4 2026

REGISTER

Women’s Fellowship

For the Love of Tea While enjoying a lovely cup of tea and some yummy treats, we will be celebrating Jesus’s love for us.

REGISTER

Living | 38

feb

13 2026

Vintage

JAZZ MUSIC NIGHT

in the Overlook

Join Inside the Gates Radio for an unforgettable evening with hits from the American Songbook, big band, classical jazz, a little Ray Charles and even some Steely Dan... The Past never sounded so good! Enjoy a hearty winter buffet dinner, dancing and a full night of the best music and memories. Business casual and dancing shoes!

DENISE MOORE

MICHAEL EWBANKS

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2026 $75 PER TICKET INCLUDES TAX & GRATUITY GET YOUR TICKETS

PRESTON CORN

KAREN GREENE

BLACK BEAR PUB OPENS AT 5PM CASH BAR AVAILABLE BUFFET 5:30-6:30PM SHOW STARTS AT 7PM

MENU

Copyright © 2025 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.