LIVING
RETURN YOUR BALLOT TODAY! RETURN YOUR BALLOT TODAY!
FAT TUESDAY
CELEBRATION
FAT TUESDAY CELEBRATION
TRAILS COMMITTEE CHALLENGE:
25 IN 2026
TRAILS COMMITTEE CHALLENGE: 25 IN 2026
It Takes a Village!
In this week's edition of Big Canoe Living, we invite you to take part in all that February 2026 will bring From Valentine's Day, to the completion of our Second General Election, to educational forums and a trail hiking challenge by Clubs and Organizations, our community is buzzing with activity And we would also like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU!
Over the last two weekends, we experienced numerous weather watches, warnings, and advisories. These events are not easy, and we are very proud of how the POA Leadership, Staff, and community came together to ensure all of our safety It truly takes a village
Here is a quick look by-the-numbers of the activities that we completed together during Winter Storm Fern, January 20 - 27, 2025.
POA Staff and Volunteers:
Daily briefings with the National Weather Service, followed by the POA Ops team's action plan meeting
2 staff members winterized facilities — 10.5 hrs
Plowing coverage Fri–Sun with 9 staff on-site, 2 stayed through Monday
2 Clubhouse team members hosted a warming shelter all weekend
BCVFD: 300+ volunteer hours - added emergency personnel on-site
2,800 gal brine + 14 tons sand/gravel spread throughout Big Canoe
Post-storm cleanup: ~200 lbs of ice melt applied
POA Communications and YOU:
10 emails - read 24,367 times
11 social media posts - viewed 16,636 times
1,048 visits to the Public Safety pages on our website
You stayed off the roads and remained engaged and vigilant throughout. Thank you again.
As a reminder, as we close out the first week of February, please return your Second General Election ballots no later than Feb 24. The convenient drop box in our Postal Facility is the easiest and speediest way to make sure your ballot is received by the deadline! If you need ballot support, please send an Ask the POA.
Scott Auer, Big Canoe General Manager
E L E C T I O N
SECOND GENERAL ELECTION
IMPORTANT DATES
FEB 24
BALLOTS DUE BY 5PM TO MAULDIN & JENKINS
BOARD ELECTIONS
FEB 26
ELECTED CANDIDATES ANNOUNCED AT FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING AND VIA EMAIL
HACKLER
Please visit the Election Page to view each candidates’ profile.
If you have any questions please submit them to Ask the POA.
HOWARD
ELECTIONS
ASK THE POA
LYNETTE
ROGER
BILL THURBER
BOB KELLEY
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.
$75 PER PERSON | 88 SEATS AVAILABLE RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Sunday February 22, 2026
Brunch
11:00am - 2:00pm
$28 adult | $12 children ages 5-12
In the Clubhouse surveys, you said you would like to see the return of Sunday Brunch. We are delighted to welcome you back on the last Sunday of every month The Lunch and Bar menu are also available Reservations recommended.
Click the button and choose Feb. 22 to make your reservation
Brunch Reservations
ASSORTED DANISH
SCRAMBLED EGGS
HASHBROWN POTATOES
APPLEWOOD SMOKED BACON
FRENCH TOAST STICKS – Maple syrup
TURKEY RICE SOUP
FRESH FRUIT DISPLAY - Honeydew, cantaloupe, pineapple and strawberries
SEARED SALMON ENGLISH MUFFIN –Seared salmon on toasted English muffin with hollandaise sauce
CHICKEN FLORENTINE – Grilled chicken, sauteed baby spinach, oven dried tomato, basil olive oil
FAT TUESDAY BUFFET
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
Let the good times roll! Celebrate Mardi Gras at the Clubhouse with a festive buffet full of bold flavors, classic favorites, and sweet treats. Grab your beads, bring your friends, and come hungry!
Seating available at 5:00 p.m. | 5:30 p.m. | 6:00 p.m. | 6:30 p.m.
BUFFET $45 PER PERSON PLUS TAX AND SERVICE CHARGE
RESERVATONS
FATTUESDAY BUFFETMENU
S TA R T E R S
Cajun Peel ‘n’ Eat Shrimp with Remoulade Sauce
Old Bay Lobster Hushpuppies with Lemon Spiced Aioli
Louisiana Gumbo with Oyster Crackers
S A L A D S
Four Bean Salad - Kidney beans, garbanzo beans, green beans, black beans, sweet red onion, chive vinaigrette
Cucumber & Tomato Salad - Hot house cucumbers, grape tomato, pickled red onion, balsamic glaze
Mixed Green Salad - Baby mixed greens, shredded carrots, roasted sweet corn, sundried cranberries, candied pecans, buttermilk ranch, and champagne vinaigrette
E N T R E E S
Cajun Seared Grouper - Cajun crawfish cream sauce, fresh chives
Shrimp ‘n’ Grits - Creamy Logan Turnpike grits, julienne peppers and onions, sauteed shrimp, Old Bay onion crisp
Blackened Chicken & Sausage -Served with red beans and rice
S I D E S
Fried Okra, Cajun Boiled Potatoes, Louisiana Grilled Corn, Dirty Rice
C H E F’ S D E S S E R T S Beignets
Mardi Gras Cookies
White Chocolate Banana Bread Pudding with Bourbon vanilla bean sauce
FEBRUARY at Wellness
MONDAY
6 : 4 5 B O O T C A M P
8 : 0 0 P I L A T E S
9 : 3 0 F L O W & G L O W Y O G A
0 : 0 0 H 2 0 A E R O E X E R C I S E
5 : 0 0 F L O W & G L O W Y O G A
5 : 0 0 Y O U T H S W I M T E A M
6 : 1 5 C A R D I O T A P
7 : 1 5 T A I C H I
T U E S D A Y
8 : 0 0 K I C K B O X / C O R E
9 : 0 0 B O D Y B A R
1 0 : 0 0 C A R D I O S C U L P T
1 1 : 4 5 P T S T R E T C H ( 2 / 1 0 , 2 / 1 7 )
3 : 0 0 H 2 0 A E R O B I C S / E X E R C I S E
3 : 0 0 A L I G N & R E F I N E Y O G A
5 : 3 0 P I L A T E S
6 : 3 0 W P T H E A T E R
W E D N E S D A Y T H U R S D A Y
6 : 4 5 B O O T C A M P
8 : 0 0 P I L A T E S
9 : 0 0 L O W I M P A C T A E R O
1 0 : 0 0 H 2 0 A E R O B I C S / E X E R C I S E
1 0 : 3 0 Z U M B A
2 : 4 5 E X E R C I S E 1 0 1
3 : 4 5 B E G I N N E R Y O G A S E R I E S
4 : 0 0 W A T E R B A L A N C E
5 : 0 0 F L O W & G L O W Y O G A
6 : 0 0 V O L L E Y B A L L
6 : 3 0 P I N G P O N G ( 2 / 1 8 )
6 : 4 5 B O O T C A M P
8 : 1 5 S T R E N G T H J A M
9 : 0 0 D A N C E J A M
9 : 0 0 B A R S & B E L L S
9 : 3 0 A L I G N & R E F I N E Y O G A - Z O O M
1 0 : 0 0 C A R D I O S C U L P T
1 1 : 4 5 P T S T R E T C H ( 2 / 1 2 , 2 / 1 9 )
3 : 0 0 H 2 0 E X E R C I S E
5 : 0 0 P I L A T E S
5 : 0 0 Y O U T H S W I M T E A M
6 : 3 0 W P T H E A T E R
F R I D A Y S A T U R D A Y S U N D A Y
1 0 : 0 0 H 2 O E X E R C I S E
1 0 : 3 0 T A I C H I
2 : 0 0 B A L A N C E & S T R E G T H
5 : 0 0 H A T H A Y O G A
9 : 0 0 D A N C E E X E R C I S E
1 0 : 0 0 T O T A L B O D Y C O N D I T I O N I N G
1 2 : 0 0 D E E P E N I N G P R A C T I C E S M I N I R E T R E A T ( 2 / 2 8 )
1 : 0 0 C A R D I O T A P ( 2 / 2 1 )
1 0 : 3 0 Z U M B A T O N I N G
1 1 : 0 0 Z U M B A
: 0 0
Z O O
Water Balance:
Fourspecialclasses offeredonWednesdays inFebruaryat4pm,Feb11,18,25 ledbyNewBeginningTherapeuticServicesto focusonbalance,coordinationandstrength.
Wednesdaysat4PM
$12 per class
BigCanoePOAislookingforsmiling,happyfacesofall agestofillsummerpositionsWehaveopenpositionsas lifeguards,watercraftattendants,shuttledriver,outdoor poolsupervisororfrontdeskattendants.Youshouldbe energetic,possessgoodcommunicationskillsandhave reliabletransportation.BigCanoePOAwillpayforyour lifeguardcertificationanduniformsIfyouwanttowork withateaminafunoutdoorresortlikeenvironment, applytodayatbigcanoepoa/employm !
Junior Junior
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Clickondate toregister
About Our Camp About Our Camp
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!
Ages8-14
June 9-12
July 14-17 Tennis Camps Pickleball Camps
June 9-12
July 14-17
2026 FEBRUARY atRacquet
MONDAY
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S : M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 * C H I C K S W / S T I C K S : L A D I E S
T E N N I S R O U N D R O B I N *
2 : 0 0 * T H E C O U R T L E G E N D S :
M E N ’ S 4 . 0 + T E N N I S R O U N D R O B I N
4 : 0 0 * T H E A C E C R E W : M E N ’ S 3 . 0 - 3 . 5
T E N N I S R O U N D R O B I N
4 : 0 0 M O N D A Y N I G H T B O C C E :
M I X E D O P E N P L A Y
F E B 9 B O C C E B E G C L I N I C 4 : 0 0 P M
W E D N E S D A Y
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S : M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 * T H E M A T C H P O I N T M A V E N S :
4 . 0 L A D I E S ’ T E N N I S R O U N D
R O B I N
6 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
F R I D A Y
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S : M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
S U N D A Y
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S
M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
5 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
T U E S D A Y
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 * T H E C O U R T Q U E E N S : L A D I E S ’ 3 . 5 T E N N I S R O U N D R O B I N
4 : 0 0 * P I C K L E B A L L 1 0 1 : B E G I N N E R S
P I C K L E B A L L C L I N I C
T H U R S D A Y
1 0 : 0 0 B O C C E B A B E S : L A D I E S ’ O P E N
P L A Y
1 0 : 0 0 * P I C K L E B A L L 1 0 1 B E G I N N E R S
P I C K L E B A L L C L I N I C
1 0 : 0 0 * T H E R A L L Y R E N E G A D E S : M E N ’ S 3 5 T E N N I S R O U N D R O B I N
S A T U R D A Y
9 : 0 0 B O C C E B O Y S : M E N ’ S O P E N P L A Y
8 : 0 0 * T H E A C E C R E W : M E N ’ S T E N N I S
R O U N D R O B I N 3 0 - 3 5
1 0 : 0 0 P I C K L E B A L L O P E N P L A Y
F E B 2 1 B O C C E 8 - P L A Y E R M E E T I N G
1 0 : 0 0 A M
* R E Q U I R E S R E G I S T R A T I O N
B O C C E
Upcoming Events
Beginner Bocce Clinic
FREE & OPEN TO ALL PROPERTY OWNERS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
21 FEB 10AM
Bocce 8
Kick Off Meeting
REGISTRATION EXTENDED & START DATE PUSHED BACK - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS & TO REGISTER.
Spring Bocce League 09 FEB 4-6PM
PLAY BEGINS
REGISTRATION OPEN NOW THROUGH 3/3. LEAGUE PLAY BEGINS 3/17 AND ENDS 4/23. PLAYOFFS & CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BE HELD ON 5/9. MATCHES WILL BE PLAYED ON TUES. & THURS. AT 5:00 PM. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.
17 MAR
TUES.& THURS. AT5PM
GOLF CAMP GOLF CAMP Junior Junior
$325 $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
Golf Guest Rounds & Receive a Major Discount
Cardsonsalenowat theGolfProShop!
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
BULK TRASH DAY
TO FEBRUARY 28
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.
February Distribution Dates of the Smoke Signals Directories
Property Owners may pick up one copy per household between 11 AM & 5 PM at the Postal Facility
Friday, Feb. 6
Saturday, Feb. 7
Friday, Feb. 13
Saturday, Feb. 21 If
In2026,we’reinvitingBigCanoeresidentstotakeona simpleCOMMUNITYCHALLENGE:walkall25milesofourtrail systemoverthecourseoftheyear.
That’sthefulllengthofBigCanoe’sinterconnectedtrails,spread outovertwelvemonthsanddoneatyourownpace. Nodeadlines,nopressure.Justwalkingonetrailsection atatime,wheneveritworksforyou.
Ourtrailswindthroughforestsandalongcreeks, pastparks,waterfalls,historicsites,andsomeof themostbeautifulcornersofBigCanoe.Many residentsknowonlyasmallportionofthis network.Thischallengeisanopportunity toexploremoreofit.
Thechallengeisalsoaboutcommunity.Alongtheway,youmay discovernewfavoritespots,runintoneighbors,andgainadeeper appreciationforthesharedgreenspacesthatmakeBigCanoespecial.
Howyoucompletethechallengeisuptoyou:
• Walkamileortwoaweek.
• Tackleonetrailsectionatatime.
• Gosoloorwalkwithothers.
• Ifmobilityisaconcern,shortersegmentscount too.Everymilematters.
Trailmapsareavailableattrailheadkiosks, thepostoffice,andonlineat bigcanoetrails.org.
Asimpletrackingspreadsheet islinkedinthisarticletohelp youfollowyourprogress.
Ayear-longchancetogetoutside, explore,andwalkBigCanoe’s trails,onemileatatime.
Trails Committee ng Sheet
building foundations for caregiving
Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can be very challenging. The presentation will explore the role of caregivers, building a support network, and managing caregiver stress. Presented by Robin Reid, Program Manager for the Alzheimer's Association.
Big Canoe Chapel’s Cousins Hall at 2:00pm. MAR 2
SPRING FINE ART SHOW
Opioid Abatement Forum
JoinusastheRotaryClubandthe
BigCanoePOApresentCaptainChrisLeake,whowillspeakabout opioidprevention,education,andreductioninourlocalcommunity.
TheBigCanoecommunityhashistoricallyhadalarger-than-averageolderpopulation, withmanyresidentsmanagingmedicalconditionsthatrequiremedication.Often, whenthesemedicationsarechangedordiscontinued,theyendupbeingstoredor thrownawayinsteadofbeingdisposedofproperly.Someofthesedrugs,including narcoticopioids,canposeseriousriskstochildrenorindividualsstrugglingwith addiction.Havinganappropriatedisposaloptionwithinthecommunitywouldgive residentsasafeandaccessiblewaytoeliminatethesepotentiallydangerous substances.Theprogramwillconcludewithapaneldiscussion.
Thursday,19February 05:00pm
Clubhouse, Overlook
UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS
CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS
Women’s Fellowship
Women’s Fellowship Books & More Collections
Women’s Fellowship is collecting book donations for Books & More: Ye Old Book Nook. Donation bins are located at both ends of the Postal Center and outside the Chapel office for easy drop-off
Jan 1 thru Mar 31
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.
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