Greetings!
Winter may not be completely behind us, but spring and summer 2026 are drawing closer day by day. In this edition of Big Canoe Living, we invite you to start marking your calendars for the 2026 season.
First, we are in the final days of the Second General Election, and we encourage you to return your ballots if you have not already done so by Tuesday, February 24th. This year, you have three ways to return your ballot, and for those inside the gates next week, you have until 5 PM Tuesday to use the postal facility's dropbox. Then, join the Board Meeting in person or via the live stream on Thursday, February 26, at 5 PM, when our two new Board Members will be announced.
The Election Committee is kicking off its 2026 General Election plans this week by recruiting one to three additional property owners to join them. If you are interested in joining, please click the link on the Election Committee page in this edition.
The POA Amenity Managers and the Community Clubs and Organizations have numerous opportunities now through April to be informed, get outside, and be entertained. Bagpipes and Birdies returns for St. Patrick's Day. And speaking of April, read on and mark your calendars for the Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Brunch at the Clubhouse, and the annual Wildflower Bunch Plant Sale. Then watch for the March 6 edition of Big Canoe Living for all the Easter details.
Cheers,
Delaine
SECOND GENERAL ELECTION
LYNETTE HOWARD
ROGER HACKLER
BILL THURBER
BOB KELLEY
ThisWeekend!
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
Prime Rib Night
MARCH
TH
5 AT 5 P.M.
We’re excited to bring back a delicious monthly tradition at Big Canoe Prime Rib Night!
Join friends and neighbors for an elevated evening featuring a perfectly prepared 10oz Certified Black Angus Prime Rib, slow roasted and served with classic accompaniments.
Prime Rib Dinner – $39
• 10oz Slow Roasted Prime Rib
• Au Jus & Horseradish Cream
• Fresh Salad Bar
• Baked Potato Bar
Our Salad Bar includes baby mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes, shredded carrots, sweet red onion, sundried cranberries, parmesan, garlic croutons, and house dressings.
The Potato Bar features au gratin potatoes, baked russet and sweet potatoes with all the traditional toppings.
Prefer something lighter?
Salad
& Baked Potato Bar Only–$25
The full dinner menu will also be available, making this a perfect evening for everyone at the table.
We invite you to make Prime Rib Night part of your monthly Big Canoe tradition great food, great company, and a great reason to gather
Click the button and choose March 5 to make your reservation
Day
Wellness Center Wellness Center
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS CLASS? HAVE YOU TRIED THIS CLASS?
MONDAYS AT 3:45PM
A dynamic combination of aerobics and weight training, using light to medium dumbbells to tone legs, arms and core. Use of the ballet bar and mat exercises, plus a full body stretch. Led by Marilee Dalbey on Mondays at 3:45pm beginning 3/2. $7 per class.
2026
FEBRUARY at Wellness
MONDAY TUESDAY
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
7:15 TAI CHI
WEDNESDAY
6:45 BOOT CAMP
8:00 PILATES
9:00 LOW IMPACT AERO
10:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE
10:30 ZUMBA
2:45 EXERCISE 101
3:45 BEGINNER YOGA SERIES
4:00 WATER BALANCE
5:00 FLOW & GLOW YOGA
6:00 VOLLEYBALL
8:00 KICKBOX/CORE
9:00 BODY BAR
10:00 CARDIO SCULPT
3:00 H20 AEROBICS/EXERCISE
3:00 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA
5:30 PILATES
6:30 WP THEATER
THURSDAY
9:00 BARS & BELLS
9:30 ALIGN & REFINE YOGA - ZOOM 10:00 CARDIO SCULPT
3:00 H20 EXERCISE
5:00 PILATES
5:00 YOUTH SWIM TEAM
6:30 WP THEATER
FRIDAY SATURDAY
6:45 BOOT CAMP
8:15 STRENGTH JAM
9:00 DANCE JAM
10:00 H2O EXERCISE
10:30 TAI CHI
2:00 BALANCE & STREGTH
5:00 HATHA YOGA
9:00 DANCE EXERCISE 10:00 TOTAL BODY CONDITIONING
12:00 DEEPENING PRACTICES MINI RETREAT (2/28)
1:00 CARDIO TAP (2/21)
SUNDAY
10:30 ZUMBA TONING 11:00 ZUMBA
3:00 YIN YOGA-STUDIO ONLY & ZOOM 4:15 MINDFUL MEDITATION (2/22)
*CLASSES IN GREEN ARE ADDITIONAL FEE CLASSES.
HIRING
BigCanoePOAislookingforsmiling,happyfacesofall agestofillsummerpositions.Wehaveopenpositionsas lifeguards,watercraftattendants,shuttledriver,outdoor poolsupervisororfrontdeskattendants.Youshouldbe energetic,possessgoodcommunicationskillsandhave reliabletransportation.BigCanoePOAwillpayforyour lifeguardcertificationanduniforms.Ifyouwanttowork withateaminafunoutdoorresortlikeenvironment, applytodayatbigcanoepoa/employment!
Junior Junior
$325 $325
GOLF CAMP GOLF CAMP
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
July7-10
July21-24 June2-5
Adrift with Lipkowitz
The “SHACK STAMPEDE” is on again! It has been decided to have the fireworks display on the Lake Petit dam on Saturday, July 4th. This means the reservations for that morning (8 AM until 2 PM) and that afternoon/evening (4 PM until 11 PM) pontoon rental time blocks will take place on Friday, March 27, 2026. The “SHACK STAMPEDE” will commence with the opening of the Shack’s doors at 8:00 AM. For those arriving before 8 AM, please do your best to keep track of the order of arrival times amongst yourselves.
Kids Fish Camp is nearly halfway full for the June and July dates. If you know your schedule, don't delay signing up. Volunteers for the July camp are welcome and needed.
Please note that the “SHACK’S office hours for March will be 8 AM until 5 PM. Starting in April the hours will be 8 AM until 6 PM.
Kid’s Kid’s FISH CAMP FISH CAMP
LAKEPETIT,BIGCANOE
LEARN TO 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
$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.
Junior JuniorTENNIS & PICKLEBALL TENNIS & PICKLEBALL CAMPS CAMPS
9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Click on date to register
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
July 14-17 Tennis Camps Pickleball Camps perstudent $300
June 9-12
June 9-12
July 14-17
2026 FEBRUARY at Racquet
MONDAY
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
FRIDAY
9:00 BOCCE BOYS: MEN’S OPEN PLAY
10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY
SUNDAY
9:00 BOCCE BOYS
MEN’S OPEN PLAY
5:00 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 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
FEB 21 BOCCE 8-PLAYER MEETING 10:00AM * REQUIRES REGISTRATION
Upcoming Events
Bocce 8
21 FEB
10 AM
BOCCE PLAY BEGINS 17 MAR
Kick Off Meeting
REGISTRATION EXTENDED & START DATE PUSHED BACK - CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS & TO REGISTER.
Spring Bocce League
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.
TUES. & THURS. AT 5 PM
Big Canoe POA Board Meeting
Big Canoe POA Board Meeting
Live in The Overlook, our new community meeting space in the renewed Clubhouse.
Thursday, February 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
I. Opening Comments
II. Second General Election Results
III. Administrative Report
IV. Financial Report
V. Business
VI. Trending Topics
VII. Closing Comments
Q & A with the Board
FOLLOW OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL FOR LIVE VIDEO STREAMING
POA Board Election
ELECTIONS COMMITTEE
The Elections Committee plays a vital role in the governance of Big Canoe. The Committee is responsible for coordinating and supervising the annual election cycle, as well as actively recruiting and qualifying candidates for the Board.
One - Three additional Property Owners are needed to serve on the Elections Committee for the upcoming term. Per our bylaws, Election Committee members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years.
We encourage interest from the full spectrum of our community — including full-time residents, part-time residents, and non-resident lot owners. Broad representation helps ensure a balanced and inclusive election process. Property Owners who are interested in serving should submit:
A brief resume
A short statement outlining why they are interested in serving on the Elections Committee
Applications must be submitted through the form linked below. The deadline to apply is March 6.
BULK TRASH DAY
RESCHEDULED 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.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
BAGPIPES & BIRDIES BAGPIPES & BIRDIES
Description/Format/Rules:
9-Hole 4-Person Team Scramble Limited to first 12 Teams of four Teams will consist of four (4) golfers of ANY gender Only three (3) clubs, plus a putter, will be allowed in each golfer's bag Each golfer must only use the clubs in her/his bag Each golfer will tee from location chosen during sign-ups.
Prizes: (Big Canoe Golf Shop Credit) 1st, 2nd, 3rd and Last Place Team Prizes $50 $50 ENTRYFEE ENTRYFEE
PRIZES
Scoring: Team Handicap will be deducted from the Gross Team score Handicap: Handicap Index must be listed on Registration Form Food & Beverage: Your entry fee includes Keg before, during, and hopefully after the round Local Rules for event: Entry fee includes (1) traveling mulligan per person Lift, clean, and place everywhere (must stay in same condition)
Longest Drive
Longest Drive
Closest to Pin
Closest to Pin
acoustic showcase A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS
‘THE LISTENING ROOM’ AT THE OVERLOOK
BYBRADMORGAN
What started 14 years ago as an informal jam session for Big Canoe musicians at the Canoe Lodge has grown into one of the community’s most consistently attended events. The Acoustic Showcase now draws nearly 100 residents and guests each month for its first-Thursday performances.
In March, the showcase moves to the newly renovated Clubhouse Overlook, where organizers anticipate even larger crowds for its rethemed production, “The Listening Room.” For the past decade, the Beach Club (formerly the Swim Club) has served as the event’s home. Since January 2019, committee members Tom Kilpatrick, Bob Knysz, and Brad Morgan have led the showcase, transforming it from a casual gathering into a polished production featuring talented artists in an “In the Round” format.
“While the Beach Club has been an excellent venue for our monthly events, the move to the Overlook will provide greater flexibility, more seating and parking, and immediate access to all Clubhouse amenities,” said Bob Knysz.
On March 5th, doors open at 6:30 p.m., allowing guests to secure seats, enjoy refreshments from the Horseshoe Pub bar, and mingle with musicians and fellow attendees. The performance begins at 7:00 p.m. Inspired by Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café, the new “Listening Room” format emphasizes attentive listening, with a 10-minute intermission added for those wishing to visit the bar without disrupting the show.
Outside food and beverages are not permitted, per Clubhouse guidelines. The revamped format features six performers in the round, sharing songs alongside the personal stories behind them. “This diverse mix of music and storytelling creates a unique entertainment experience unlike any other in the community—especially in the beautifully renovated Clubhouse Overlook,” added Tom Kilpatrick.
The Clubhouse now offers a monthly Prime Rib Dinner on the first Thursday. (Dinner Reservations Required) Guests can enjoy dinner and then step next door for 90 minutes of live music. Admission to “The Listening Room” performances remains free.
“As emcee and host, the greatest joy comes from witnessing the happiness that live music brings to our community,” said Brad Morgan. “I will always treasure the magic of the Beach Club over the past decade, but I am confident the Overlook will exceed expectations and become the ideal new home for our monthly gatherings.”
RSVP in advance for dinner reservations and plan to attend the March 5 showcase at the Clubhouse Overlook. “The Listening Room” continues on the first Thursday of each month, offering residents and guests an evening of exceptional local talent.
building foundations for caregiving
MUSIC | WINE & APPETIZERS Saturday, March 21 | 10 AM - 6 PM LIVE ART DEMOS Sunday, March 22 | 12 PM - 4 PM LIVE ART DEMOS
Join us at the Beach Club! Join us at the Beach Club! Friday, March 20 | Reception 5-8 PM MUSIC | WINE & APPETIZERS Saturday, March 21 | 10 AM - 6 PM LIVE ART DEMOS Sunday, March 22 | 12 PM - 4 PM LIVE ART DEMOS Friday, March 20 | Reception 5-8 PM
For more information, contact Barb Taylor at 678-438-4342 or bcchalet@gmail.com For more information, contact Barb Taylor at 678-438-4342 or bcchalet@gmail.com
GetReadyfor Springwiththe WldfÑe« B¼ch
FOR THE LOVE OF A FOREST - MARCH 4
PRESENTED BY CYNTHIA HENDRY
Wildflower Bunch starts the 2026 season with a bang with the unexpected return of Cynthia Hendry presenting “For the Love of a Forest” at the opening program. All Big Canoe residents are welcome. Having lived and loved Big Canoe since the 4th of July, 1987, she has followed Big Canoe’s conservation story and plans to review its high points with the audience. She plans to frame the story with her favorite flowers, successes and perhaps a few failures. Be sure not to miss it at the Clubhouse at Lake Sconti on March 4 starting at 10 AM.
CONTAINER GARDEN WORKSHOP - APRIL 1
The Wildflower Bunch program for April is a Container Gardening Workshop that will be held on April 1 in the Wildcat Pavilion at 10 am. The workshop will be sponsored by Whispering Springs and led by Lindsey Kenner, a landscape designer with 18 years of design experience and a resident of Big Canoe. Pre-registration is required because there will be a fee to build your own container garden, or you can just observe at no charge. The plan is to offer a variety of annuals, perennials, and herbs so participants can create a container they will love and that will grow in their location. You can purchase a container at the workshop or bring one from home. Lindsey will discuss the various plants to choose from with additional tips on creating a successful container garden.
WILDFLOWER BUNCH PLANT SALE!
SAT APRIL 18 • 9AM-3PM
WILDCAT PAVILION
Spring is in the air, and the Wildflower Bunch (WFB) invites you to cure your spring fever at its Annual Plant Sale on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Wildcat Pavilion in Big Canoe. This popular community event is a wonderful chance to connect with neighbors, share gardening stories, and shop a wide variety of plants in one convenient location. The sale also serves as a fundraiser for the club, with 10% of proceeds supporting projects and initiatives that benefit Big Canoe and the surrounding area. Please bring cash or checks, as some vendors may not accept credit cards or Venmo.
This year’s participating vendors include:
Whispering Springs Nursery (Jasper) – A family-owned garden center specializing in woodland plants. They will offer annuals, perennials, ferns, shrubs, and trees, along with beautifully designed container gardens and whimsical fairy gardens.
Green Trade Nursery (Jasper) – A wholesale nursery bringing a selection of favorite perennials, trees, and shrubs well-suited to Big Canoe landscapes.
Del Vecchio Nursery (Cumming) – Specializing in Japanese Maples, with a wide variety available in sizes from one to fifteen gallons, perfect for containers or in-ground planting.
Bird Houses by David Call – Big Canoe resident David Call will offer Bluebird houses, houses for Screech Owls, Nuthatches, and Wrens, as well as bat boxes and Carpenter Bee traps.
Willow Gate Gardens – Big Canoe resident Laura McDonald will feature indoor flowering and foliage plants, including orchids and bromeliads.
In addition, Wildflower Bunch will offer a limited selection of native perennials from Plant Life Nursery in Rome.
Experienced WFB members will be on hand to help you select plants that thrive in Big Canoe’s unique growing conditions. Whether you are looking for trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, or garden accents, you’re sure to find something to enhance your landscape. A limited number of carts will be available, so you may want to bring your own folding cart. Invite your friends and neighbors and celebrate the beauty of spring!
SAVE THE DATE
Easter Egg Hunt
SATURDAY, APRIL 4
PLAYFIELD PARK
JOIN US FOR OUR EASTER EGG HUNT!
EVENT IS WEATHER DEPENDENT.
Easter Brunch SAVE
SUNDAY, APRIL 5
UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS
CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS CLUBS & ORGINIZATIONS
Big Canoe Chapel
Women’s Fellowship Books & More Collections
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Men’s Fellowship Movie Night & Dinner
Jan 1 thru Mar 31
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Big Canoe Chapel
Music in the Mountains
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Big Canoe Chapel Lunch & Learn
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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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