LIVING MAKE YOUR PLANS FOR A CLUBHOUSE THANKSGIVING MAKE TRUNK OR TREAT A FAMILY FUN NIGHT October 16, 2026
Volume 3 | Issue 21
CONTENTS 4
Trunk or Treat!
6
Clubhouse - Thanksgiving, Wine Dinner, Holiday Market & Tree Lighting
12
Wellness - New Hours
14
Racquet - Popup Fashion Show, Adult & Kid Tennis Clinics
17
Marina - Adrift with Lipkowitz, Christmas T-shirt Pre-sale
19
POA - Debbie Pickett Award, Board Election, Scott Auer Retirement, Coffee with the Board, Veterans Day Events
26
Clubs & Orgs
On the cover - Jim Conneely & family enjoying 2025 Trunk or Treat!
Hello Big Canoe! Fall is such a wonderful time in Big Canoe! With the leaves beginning to show their beautiful colors, cooler temperatures arriving, and a calendar full of activities, there's no shortage of reasons to get out, enjoy our community. One of our favorite fall traditions is just around the corner—Trunk or Treat! This fun-filled event brings our community together for an evening of costumes, candy, creativity, and plenty of smiles. We're looking for Property Owners, clubs, and organizations to join the festivities by decorating a trunk and handing out treats. Whether you create an elaborate Halloween display or keep things simple, your participation helps make this event extra special for the children and families who attend. We hope you'll consider signing up and joining the fun! As you explore this edition of Big Canoe Living, you'll find more ways to enjoy the season, from amenity activities to special events that celebrate everything we love about mountain living. Of course, fall is also a time to appreciate the people who make Big Canoe such a special place. Be sure to cast your vote for the Debbie Pickett Award for employees who truly make Big Canoe shine. So grab your favorite fall beverage, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and make plans to experience all that Big Canoe has to offer this season. Happy Fall, Big Canoe!
🍁
k n u Tr r o - t a e r T Saturday, Oct. 24 4:30 to 6:30 Wildcat Rec Soccer Field We're looking for Property Owners, clubs, organizations, and groups to join the fun by decorating their vehicles, handing out candy, and creating a memorable Halloween experience for our community's little ghosts and goblins!
🧙♀️🦇
🍭 The more trunks, the more treats, and the more fun for everyone!
REGISTER TODAY! Living | 4
NOVEMBER 26, 2026 SEATING TIMES FROM 11:00 AM to 3:15 PM ADULTS $58 | CHILDREN $20 ages 0 - 4 eat free | children are ages 5 - 12 price does not include tax and gratuity RESERVATIONS
Living | 6
TOSSED SALAD
Menu
Mixed Lettuces, European Cucumber, Shredded Carrots, Grape Tomato, Garlic Croutons, Champagne Vinaigrette and Buttermilk Ranch Dressings
SLOW ROASTED PRIME RIB Herb and Pepper Crusted Served with Au Jus and Horseradish Cream
GRILLED GROUPER
WINTER SPINACH SALAD
With Butternut Cream Sauce, Chives and Pumpkin Seeds
Baby Spinach & Arugula, Sundried Cranberries, Mandarin Oranges, Strawberries, Toasted Almonds, Feta Cheese, Balsamic Dressing
CHEF’S ASSORTED BREAD DISPLAY
DOMESTIC & IMPORTED CHEESE DISPLAY Local and Imported Cheeses, Baked Brie en Croûte with Candied Pecans, Fruits, Berries, Grapes, Garlic Crostini, Crackers, and Fig Jam
WINTER SEAFOOD DISPLAY Seasoned & Chilled Shrimp Cocktail, Lemon Wedges, Cocktail Sauce White Wine & Garlic Steamed Mussels with Grilled Crostini Whole Smoked Salmon & Deviled Eggs, Smoked Salmon Flakes, Fried Capers
TRADITIONAL ROASTED TURKEY Served with Pan Gravy and Orange Cranberry Sauce
TRADITIONAL SIDES Mashed Potatoes Southern Cornbread Stuffing Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Marshmallow Crust Green Bean Casserole Honey Glazed Carrots
CHEF’S SIDE CREATIONS Roasted Cauliflower & Broccoli with Corn Cream Sauce and Balsamic Drizzle Butternut Squash Casserole with Fresh Kale, Sundried Cranberries & Orange Zest Baked Cheddar Chive Biscuits with Cranberry Jam
THANKSGIVING SWEETS Apple Pie Pecan Pie Pumpkin Pie Chef’s Holiday Assortment of House Baked Treats
Living | 7
WINE
Dinner
Please join Chris Tyran, Director of Winemaking, for an evening of exquisite food pairings featuring wines from Cliff Lede Vineyards.
Fully Booked
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 4TH 6:00 PM $145 per person
(includes tax & service charge)
Living | 8
WINE DINNER MENU 1st Course SEAFOOD NAPOLEON LAYERS OF CRAB, SHRIMP, AVOCADO AND FENNEL WITH A LEMON CHIVE VINAIGRETTE CLIFF LEDE SAUVIGNON BLANC
2nd Course LOBSTER RAVIOLI DECONSTRUCTED OPEN-FACED RAVIOLI, SAFFRON POACHED LOBSTER, BUTTERNUT SQUASH, CORN CREAM, BALSAMIC GLAZE, HERB OIL, FRIED LEEK HAY CLIFF LEDE CHARDONNAY
3rd Course SHORT RIB OSSO BUCCO BONE-IN BEEF SHORT RIB, OVEN ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLES, POTATO CREAM STUFFED FINGERLING POTATOES, RED WINE DEMIGLACE, KALE CHIP CLIFF LEDE NAPA VALLEY CABERNET SAUVIGNON
4th Course MIDNIGHT CHERRY NOIR BORDEAUX DARK CHERRIES, CHOCOLATE GANACHE, COFFEE CREAM, SHAVED CHOCOLATE, POWDERED SUGAR CLIFF LEDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON RHYTHM
Holiday Market and Tree Lighting A Day of Joy & Celebration to kick off the Holiday Season!
Come celebrate Christmas with great company, festive vendors, delicious food, shopping, Santa Claus, Christmas Dancers, and a Big Canoe Christmas Tree Lighting!
November 27, 2026 11:00 AM - 6:30 PM
VENDORS
Sign up today to be a vendor and Save the Date!
t s e u G l a i Spec s u a l C a t n Sa
2026
OCTOBER
MONDAY
at Wellness
6:50 BOOT CAMP 8:00 PILATES 9:30 FLOW & GLOW YOGA 10:00 H20 AERO EXERCISE 2:30 CARDIO TAP 101 3:45 CARDIO TAP 201 5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA 7:15 TAI CHI TUESDAY 8:00 9:00 10:00 11:45 3:00 3:00
KICKBOX/CORE BODY BAR CARDIO SCULPT PT STRETCH ALIGN & REFINE YOGA H2O AERO/EXERCISE (10/27) 4:00 YOUTH SWIM TEAM 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 6:00 VOLLEYBALL 6:30 PING PONG
THURSDAY
9:00 BARS & BELLS 9:30 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA ZOOM 10:00 CARDIO SCULPT 11:45 PT STRETCH 3:00 H20 AERO/EXERCISE 4:00 YOUTH SWIM TEAM 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 (10/31)
SUNDAY 10:30 ZUMBA 2:00 LINE DANCE (10/25) 3:00 YIN YOGA-STUDIO & ZOOM 4:15 MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
*CLASSES IN GREEN ARE ADDITIONAL FEE CLASSES. FOR MORE INFORMATION AND LINKS TO OUR ZOOM CLASSES, PLEASE VISIT THE ONLINE CALENDAR.
Living | 12
Wellness Center
NEW WEEKDAY
Hours
Beginning Monday, November 2 The Wellness Center will now open at: 6:00AM | Monday - Friday
Monday to Friday: 6:00AM - 8:00 PM Saturdays & Sundays: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Living | 13
at Racquet 2026 OCTOBER
MONDAY
8:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 10:00 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 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 10:00 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 10:00 INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CHALLENGE PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY (10/6, 10/13, 10/20) 10:00 *BEGINNER PICKLEBALL DRILLS WITH COACH JOHN (10/20) 10:00 *THE COURT QUEENS: LADIES’ 3.5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 4:00 *PICKLEBALL 101: BEGINNERS PICKLEBALL CLINIC (10/20)
THURSDAY 9:00 BOCCE BABES: LADIES’ OPEN PLAY 10:00 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
FRIDAY 8:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 10:00 RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY 5:00 RACQUET CLUB RIBBON CUTTING (10/16)
SUNDAY 8:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 9:30 ADULT TENNIS CLINIC WITH COACH KIP 11:00 KIDS TENNIS DRILLS WITH COACH KIP 5:00 RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
Living | 14
SATURDAY 8:00 *THE ACE CREW: MEN’S TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 3.0-3.5 8:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY 10:00 RECREATIONAL PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
* REQUIRES REGISTRATION
LADIES’ POP UP
FASHION
SHOW
RACQUET CENTER OCTOBER 20 | 4:00 PM
TO 6:00 PM
EAT, DRINK, SHOP (LIGHT REFRESHMENTS & BUBBLY SERVED) LOCAL BOUTIQUES & VENDORS
ATR CHARCUTERIE BOARDS, BUTTER BRIGHTS, CELESTE NATURALS, FEATHER & STONE, THYME & AGAIN DESIGNS, BEE STILL FARMS
September 20 - October 25
Kids & Adults
Tennis Clinics WITH COACH KIP JOIN US EACH SUNDAY
ADULT CLINIC 9:30 - 11:00 AM
KIDS CLINIC 11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
REGISTER BELOW
REGISTER BELOW
10/11
10/25
10/11
10/25
REGISTRATION REQUIRED $35.00 Members | $45.00 Non-members & Guest Living | 16
ALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOME
Adrift with Lipkowitz Pirates Take Over the Lake! The Ladies of the Lake traded their shark fins for pirate hats and set sail for another fun-filled adventure! With a little help from the Marina staff, the ladies had Captain Bill “Sparrow” Hoffman walk the plank! Leave it to the Ladies of the Lake to find creative ways to bring smiles and laughter to everyone around them. A big thank-you to all the Ladies of the Lake for another wonderful season filled with fun, friendship and merriment!
John
John Lipkowitz, Marina Manager
Living | 17
Marina Christmas Shirt Pre-sale
Hi all. I recognize this seems an early offering but it is necessary to have the number of shirts to be printed by November 1st. This is so the print shirt company can start production and have the finished product at the Marina for pickup starting the first week in December. This year there will be a kids' T-shirt in short sleeves only to choose from. In addition there will also be short sleeves and long sleeves for adults. They will only be offered in white, and once the order is placed, it will be locked in for print and delivery. Of course, this offering is contingent upon receiving the minimum quota to cover the cost of printing - as orders come in, we will keep you posted.
Hope you enjoy this year's pic as it is joyful and should bring smiles all around. If you are wondering why the canoe has wheels attached, it is in preparation for lowering the lake required for the spillway replacement.
John
Tshirt Pre-Order
John Lipkowitz, Marina Manager
$35 $25 Living Living | |1818
debbie pickett annual employee award In honor of the memory of Debbie Pickett, Big Canoe POA has established the Debbie Pickett Annual Employee Award recognizing an employee for the kind of exemplary performance that Debbie Pickett represented in her 35+ years with Big Canoe.
AWARD PROCESS Any employee or Property Owner of Big Canoe POA may submit an employee nominee for consideration for the Debbie Pickett Annual Award. Nominations for full-time Big Canoe employees are accepted through Oct. 31 and must be submitted to the Human Resources department using the Debbie Pickett Annual Award nomination form; they will be kept confidential until the review is complete. We will announce and present this award every year at Big Canoe’s Annual Meeting in December. Nomination Form
Living | 19
ASK
E TH CANDIDATE? Big Canoe’s future matters to all of us, and your voice is an important part of the conversation. Click the link below to submit a question for the candidates. These questions will be used in the
Candidate Q&As on November 7th
MEET THE CANDIDATES! SUBMIT A QUESTION Living | 20
MEET THE CANDIDATES SPONSORED BY THE ELECTION COMMITTEE & SMOKE SIGNALS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CLUBHOUSE OVERLOOK AN OPPORTUNITY TO MEET THE THREE CANDIDATES, HEAR THEIR PERSPECTIVES, AND PARTICIPATE IN A QUESTION-AND-ANSWER SESSION.
Charles Armstrong
Jonathan Foulkes
Joan Puls-Kirchner
GUESTS WILL ALSO ENJOY A
Taste of the Clubhouse SHOWCASING A VARIETY OF NEW MENU ITEMS, ALONG WITH BEER, WINE, COCKTAILS, DESSERTS, AND COFFEE.
Living | 21
Happy
RETIREMENT Scott Auer
Living | 22
Join us for
Coffee
ate D e Save th
Board with the
October 19, 2026
Canoe Lodge | 5:30 pm
Living | 24
VETERANS DAY EVENTS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2025
VETERANS DAY SERVICE 11:00 AM CHAPEL
VETERANS DAY BANNER WALK 12:00PM - 3:00PM TAKE A WALK ACROSS THE DAM AND VIEW THE BANNERS, READ THE NAMES AND SERVICE DATES, AND REFLECT ON THE DEDICATION OF THOSE HONORED.
Living | 25
Stream on player.insidethegatesradio.com
INSIDE THE GATES RADIO
THE BLACK BEAR PROJECT October 21, 6:30 pm
“How To Live In Harmony Alongside Bears in Big Canoe” Tune in to learn more about bears! Jeff Weigl of Big Canoe Radio will talk with The Black Bear Project about how we can all learn to live safely and confidently alongside these majestic wild creatures in Big Canoe and across the North Georgia Mountains. It's sure to be a "beary" insightful conversation!
Download the Inside the Gates Radio App today! Search for InsidetheGates Radio
Living | 26
PICKENS DAY OF SERVICE
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
Big Canoe Serves connects volunteers with meaningful opportunities to strengthen our community and support local organizations.
Neighbors Serving Neighbors BURNT MOUNTAIN CENTER
PICKENS COUNTY HISTORIC JAIL & MUSEUM
USO CARE PACKAGES
FAMILY CONNECTION
ONGOING COMMUNITY PROJECT In partnership with the American Red Cross, volunteers help provide and install smoke alarms in local homes.
Find your place to serve Sign up to Serve
CLUBS & ORGS
WELLNESS COLLABORATIVE
NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Emergency Preparedness Classes presented by Public Safety & the Wellness Collaborative Stop the Bleed
CPR
OCTOBER 29, 2026
NOVEMBER 12, 2026
$35.00
$45.00
All classes begin at 9:00 a.m. at the Big Canoe Fire House.
Email groups.bigcanoewc@gmail.com to register!
These courses require 6 students to be offered.
Veterans Helping Veterans Hosted by the
Bear Society November 12 | 5pm-8pm The Clubhouse Overlook Special Guest: Bill Pound
Raffle Tickets: $10 each or 4 for $30 | Free drink ticket for the first 125 guests! | Raffle & Live Auction | Wine & Beer Specials | Live Music by The Dreamcatchers
Living | 29
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
Golf for a Cure
Thursday, October 29 2:00 PM
Saturday, October 31 9:30 AM
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 Living | 30
Seminar for a Cure
Friday, October 30 7:00PM
Saturday, October 31 9:00 AM
Live Concert with Mother’s Finest Terraces Amphitheatre
Bocce Tournament Bocce Courts
CLUBS & ORGS bcwell.org
A CONVERSATION ABOUT
ALZHEIMER’S
Part of Paint Big Canoe Purple THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29TH | 2:00 PM BIG CANOE CHAPEL | COUSINS HALL Join Clay Jacobs, Georgia Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association, and Sterling Kenyon, a Georgia state advocate, for a conversation about the latest Alzheimer’s research, early detection, and advocacy.
REGISTER AT: education.bigcanoewc@gmail.com
CLUBS & ORGS
HOWL-O-WEEN FUNDRAISER PARTY SATURDAY, OCT. 31 | 1:00PM DIAMOND DOG PARK | REGISTRATION OPENS AT 12:45PM CALLING ALL GHOULS, GOBLINS, KIDS & CANINES! Bring the whole family, two-legged and four-legged, for a HOWLING good time supporting the Meadows Dog Park Fencing Project! Costume Contest for Pups & Their People | Live Music | Giveaways & Doggy Bags | Bring Your Drink of Choice Parking at Wildcat recreation center. Costume Categories: Best Howl-O-Ween Costume | Best Pup & Parent Duo | Best pup & Family All dogs must remain on a leash Thank You to Our Sponsors: Red Barn Kennels • Kimberly Hackler, REALTOR® • Stacy Cantrell of geekTink • Twist Consignment Boutique
Living | 32
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UPCOMING EVENTS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS Womens Fall Retreat
Big Canoe Chapel | Cousins Hall October 22 | 10am - 2pm
Registration $35
women.bigcanoechapel.org REGISTER
Grief Share
Big Canoe Chapel Board Room Sun, Nov. 8 | 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Books are available at event for $12 REGISTER
October
22 2026
2026
November
8
2026 2026
Operation Christmas Child
Deadline
Big Canoe Chapel
November
Boxes available at Chapel, Postal Facility, Wellness Center & Clubhouse Deadline for return November 13th
13
More Information
2026 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS Crafting yours Sparkle
Big Canoe Chapel | Cousins Hall Nov. 12 | 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Event cost: $20 Register at: women.bigcanoechapel.org
Casseroles to Go Fundraiser
Holiday Dinners Made Easy!
Sun, Nov 15 | 10: am and 11:30 am Cousins Hall at the Chapel Online Sales: Oct. 29 - Nov. 12 Order Online: women.bigcanoechapel.com
Music in the Mountains November 15th | 4:00 PM Big Canoe Chapel Free concert The Jared Cooper String Trio will perform works by Mozart, Reger and more.
November
12 2026 2026
November
15 2026
November
15 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.