GreetingsfromWellness!
This month, the Wellness Center turns 25 With over 1,800 members, the Wellness Center provides incredible benefits to Big Canoe. It has strengthened thousands of muscles, improved flexibility, and balance for those vulnerable to falls, provided necessary stress relief, assisted with the rehab of hundreds of new knees and hips, offered social connection for those in need of a friend, and put smiles on many, many faces.
However, with age comes the need for updates and facility improvements. We are thankful for your feedback on the recent amenity satisfaction survey, which confirmed our 2025 capital project plans for the Wellness Center. Indeed, we are deeming 2025 "The Year of Wellness."
This is the high-level list of updates you will see in early 2025
Natatorium
Natatorium HVAC – This system will control the humidity, air, and lap pool water temperature 1
Replace the current Sauna with a new commercial-grade Sauna 2
New rubber pool deck flooring 3
Revitalized pool deck shower 4
Paint steel beams 5
Repair doors and windows 6
Exercise Area
Replace the carpet with hard vinyl flooring. 1
Replace all 20 pieces of cardiovascular equipment (treadmills, bikes, ellipticals, etc.) 2.
Replace all of the personal viewing monitors on the cardio equipment with smart screens for streaming capability 3.
Replace the lobby furniture 4.
Repair the locker room’s drop ceilings 5. Paint6.
The Wellness Center's goal is to continue providing a safe, clean, well-equipped, and maintained facility with qualified and helpful staff to help Big Canoers meet their health and wellness goals. And speaking of your health and wellness, an all-new Fitness Friends program arrives on Jan 7, called Fit-Go! Read on for all the details on how our members and your friends can participate, and mark your calendars to join us and our partners, The Wellness Collaborative and Northside Hospital Cherokee, to kick off the program
Cheers, Steve
Yes, Yes, We Are OPEN We Are OPEN in January! in January!
Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Monday 11AM-5PM 11AM-8PM 11AM-8PM 11AM-9PM 11AM-9PM 11AM-3PM CLOSED h o u r s
ThirdThursday
ineTasting
Thursday, December 19 | 5:00PM - 7:00PM
Lakeside Bistro
Julie Mitchell from Fetzer Family Wines will join us to pour and guide you through a variety of Sparkling & Big Red wines. Reservations are not required to attend this complimentary event.
Casillero del Diablo Devil's Brut
Faire La Fete Sparkling Rose
Trivento Maximum Red Blend
Bonterra Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
The McNab Cabernet Sauvignon
The Butler Red Blend
ITALIAN NIGHT
Three course meal | Complimentary glass of house wine $35 Reservations tax&gratuity notincluded
DECEMBER 12, 2024
Seating begins at 4:30pm
ITALIAN NIGHT
$35 P E R P E R S O N
Ensalata
C a e s a r S a l a d
Chopped romaine hearts, herbed croutons, white anchovy, shredded parmesan and creamy Caesar dressing
C a p r e s e S a l a d
Cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls with fresh basil, olive oil, salt & pepper and balsamic glaze
Secondo
B e e f R a v i o l i
"Princess Sauce" - marinara with the perfect touch of cream and a hint of basil
C h i c k e n A l f r e d o
Grilled chicken breast over fettucine tossed with broccoli and creamy Alfredo
P a s t a P r i m a v e r a
Cavatappi pasta with Italian vegetables and pesto
Dolce
C o p p a F r u t t i d i B o s c o
Rich, creamy mousse topped with mixed berry marmalade
Layered chocolate cake and chocolate mousse topped with chocolate ganache, and chocolate curls
C o p p a T i r a m i s u
Gluten free sponge topped with mascarpone cream, finished with cocoa powder
C a n n o l i
Pastry shell coated in chocolate and filled with ricotta, candied fruit and chocolate chips
ChristmasCocktail
White Christmas Dream
Vodka, Amaretto and Heavy Cream served up, sprinkled with Ground Nutmeg
Your Choice
Lemon Juice, Rosemary Sage Syrup, Soda, Rosemary and Fresh Raspberry garnish
Gin,
Southern Local Nuts will be selling your favorite stocking stuffers outside the Lakeside Bistro
Tuesday, Dec. 17 & Wednesday, Dec. 18 from 10:30AM - 4:30PM
Wellness Center Wellness Center
HAVE YOU TRIED THIS CLASS? HAVE YOU TRIED THIS CLASS?
STRENGTH JAM
FRIDAYSAT8:15AM Beginning1/3/2025
Experienceafun,choreographedresistanceclass designedtotargetallthemajormusclegroupsfromhead
DECEMBER atWellness
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h r i s t m a s
Racquet Pro Shop
S H O P B I G C A N O E
T H I S C H R I S T M A S !
DECEMBER atRacquet
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S A T U R D A Y
10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY 8:00 *MEN’S TENNIS ROUND ROBIN 3 0-3 5 10:00 PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY 10:00 *LADIES’ 3 0-3 5 TENNIS ROUND ROBIN * R E Q U I R E S R E G I S T R A T I O N SPECIAL EVENT Racquet is closed for the Christmas holiday at 12pm on Dec. 24, 8am-4pm on Dec. 25, reopening Dec. 26 at 10am | Racquet is closed Dec 31 at 12pm and Jan 1 8am-4pm, reopening at 10am Jan 2 for the New Year Holiday.
A musical celebration of the christmas season
DEC 15 3:305:00PM Sunday
PropertyOwner AnnualPontoonReservationforJuly5 The Marina
THE MARINA WILL RENT PONTOON BOATS IN TWO SHIFTS BEGINNING THURSDAY, JAN. 2 FOR THE JULY 5 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION WITH EVENING FIREWORKS. IN-PERSON RESERVATIONS WILL START AT 8 AM AT THE MARINA SHACK. RESERVATIONS BY PHONE WILL ALSO START AT 8AM THERE ARE TWO PONTOON RENTAL TIME SLOTS ON JULY 5, 8AM - 2PM AND 4 PM - 11 PM PROPERTY OWNER COST FOR THE MORNING SHIFT IS $240 AND FOR THE EVENING SHIFT $280. THERE IS A 24-HOUR CANCELLATION POLICY TO AVOID CHARGES. GUEST PONTOON RENTAL IS $100 AN HOUR AND MUST BE PAID AT TIME OF RESERVATION. IF YOU DO NOT GET A RESERVATION, THE MARINA WILL HAVE A WAITLIST AVAILABLE. FOR QUESTIONS CALL THE MARINA AT 706-268-3303
WINTER SERIES LEAGUE
PLAY WITH A PRO PLAY WITH A PRO
The Pro Staff has started a friendly competition amongst The Pro Staff has started a friendly competition amongst themselves and need your help to best one another! We will be themselves and need your help to best one another! We will be hosting a “Play with a Pro - Winter Series League” for members hosting a “Play with a Pro - Winter Series League” for members starting on December 19th with the last round on March 13th. starting on December 19th with the last round on March 13th.
FORMAT:
2 BEST BALL
ROUND 1
December 19th
ROUND 2
January 9th
ROUND 3
January 30th
ROUND 4
February 20th
ROUND 5
March 13th
Team captains Mike, Justin, Katherine, Rick and Josh will select 3 golfers from the participant list for each round to complete their team for that week. Sign ups will be emailed to members two weeks prior to the round listed above and they will close within 7 days.
After signups for each round close, there will be a drafting process for the teams. If selected, players will receive an email by the Monday prior to play with team information and tee off time.
Portal Page
This will be a fun way to engage with other members as well as play with a pro! It will be cold! So make sure you bundle up, no excuses! :)
THE CLUBHOUSE RENOVATION UPDATE
By Sam Harman
Property Owner’s Representative
The veranda slab has been installed, Dogwood Room is getting insulation, Terrace decks are being added!
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.
POA
December 7, 2024
10:00am
Big Canoe Chapel
WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS CHECK LIST
CHIEFRICKYJORDAN
Gather supplies before the weather hits Have a 72-hour supply of food and water stocked in your home, but a week’s supply is recommended. Make sure to have your prescriptions filled as well as a good supply of over-the-counter meds and first-aid provisions.
Protect your pipes from freezing by allowing them to drip continuously until the weather warms up.
Backup power and heat are recommended. This could mean a backup generator or alternative heat source, such as a fireplace, that can be used if the power fails.
If you have a wood fireplace, stock up on wood as soon as possible, and use fireplace safety best practices.
If you use a space heater, be sure to keep it at least three feet away from furniture and drapes. Electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements are the safest
In the event of a power outage, please call Amicalola Power at 706-253-0359.
Have multiple flashlights ready, which you should also test out. If you use candlelight, watch the flame carefully to avoid a surprise fire.
Avoid traveling as much as possible, even when roads appear clear. Black ice, especially on our hills, is a nearly invisible and highly dangerous hazard.
If you see Public Safety vehicles traveling with ease, it’s likely because we have installed heavy-duty tire chains or are in a track-equipped vehicle. Do not try to follow a Public Safety vehicle unless you are told to do so
Consider stocking up on foods that do not require cooking.
Be sure to have a manual can opener on hand.
If you must travel, a good idea is to have a cell phone charger that you keep fully charged, boots for cold and wet weather, snacks, food, water, and blankets in your vehicle in case you become stranded.
When driving through Big Canoe, be aware that our rapid elevation changes mean that some areas in Big Canoe are colder than others While it may be raining at the North Gate, it could be snowing on Cox Mountain Drive.
If you are stranded in our community, try to find a nearby home to stay in while you wait for help Public Safety will attempt to access anyone stuck in a bad place, but they can’t guarantee a quick arrival if the conditions are an issue.
Please be patient! Big Canoe has a large fleet of road-clearing equipment to make roads passable as quickly as possible; however, due to our elevation and temperatures, if the roads are plowed and cleared too soon, an icy film will freeze, resulting in black ice.
WILDFIRE AND EVACUATION UPDATE
CHIEFRICKYJORDAN
On November 9, Pickens Fire crews and the Georgia Forestry Commission responded to a wildfire on Highway 136. While this event posed no threat to Big Canoe, it generated discussion in the community on what Big Canoe's public safety and POA response would be if there were to be a similar event near or inside the gates. Please take a few minutes to understand the roles of the County EMA Director, the POA, and each Property Owner in planning for your safety and the best outcomes in any event, including those requiring evacuation.
1. Review FEMA's Ready.Gov site to develop your family's personal emergency plan. While all of the steps on Ready.Gov may not apply to living in Big Canoe, there are best practices to prepare for your safety in weather or other disasters, including evacuations, on this site.
2. FEMA's first recommendation is to sign up for your county's EMA alerts, and we recommend the same. This is the most critical step for receiving notifications from the county, which will take the lead role in notifying Big Canoe Property Owners of impending disaster events, as well as evacuation orders and instructions if needed. Reminder: Big Canoe Public Safety is a support organization for the County's leadership in an evacuation event. In an emergency event, Big Canoe Communications will be re-distributing the county's messaging using all our available communication channels. Still, the primary communication will come from the county EMA via their alert systems.
3. Understand Big Canoe's evacuation routes and the use of emergency access points. Big Canoe's Main Gate and North Gate entrances with paved two-lane roads will be the first choice in any county-ordered evacuation. As a further precaution, FEMA's best practices include familiarizing yourself with your closest alternative evacuation routes. We encourage you to learn the location of the two closest Big Canoe Emergency Access Points to your home by locating them on the Big Canoe Map. Please locate them, but do not drive onto these routes as they are one-lane emergency-only routes with no turnarounds. The main purpose of these access points is for Emergency Access, and their secondary role, only when directed by County EMA, is evacuation.
4. Please also keep in mind that at no time should a Big Canoe Property Owner self-select evacuation routes. The County EMA will provide instructions to property owners and POA staff during evacuations. Please do not drive onto these routes in non-emergency situations, as they are one-lane emergency-only routes with no turnarounds.
We know that this topic and the prospect of disasters can be scary. We hope this information will support you and your family's emergency planning. Please do not hesitate to send us an Ask the POA if we can provide additional service.
Our best to you,
Chief Ricky Jordan Big Canoe Public Safety
Ask the POA
Big Canoe Map
WREATH GREEN GREEN
DURINGTHEHOLIDAYS
Our wreath has green bulbs. Each time there is a fire safety incident in December, a bulb is changed to Red. Keep the Wreath green!
Christmas HolidaySchedule HolidaySchedule
December 24
POA Offices are closed
Lakeside Bistro closes at 3pm
Racquet and Wellness closes at 12pm
Duffer’s closes at 2pm
December 25
POA Offices are closed
Package Porch is closed
All amenities are closed
Duffer’s is closed
The Bistro is closed
December 26
Racquet opens at 10am
The Bistro is closed
UIGVolunteersRebuildFire HydrantTrailBridge, BenefitingBigCanoeTrails andBCAR
Last Friday, three employees from Utilities Inc. of Georgia (UIG) went above and beyond their professional duties to volunteer their time and expertise for the Big Canoe Trails Committee (BCTC).
LIZSCHERER|NOVEMBER19,2024
Their mission? To rebuild a rotting bridge on the Fire Hydrant Trail, a pathway used by volunteers walking dogs for Big Canoe Animal Rescue (BCAR). The project, completed in the early hours of the morning, exemplifies the spirit of community collaboration and generosity.
The initiative began a week earlier when UIG reached out to me, Liz Scherer, co-chair of the Trails Committee, with an offer to donate three hours of their employees' time to assist the BCTC. The timing couldn’t have been better; the bridge had been on the committee’s to-do list for some time, but carpentry is not our strong suit.
UIG’s involvement was not their first contribution to Big Canoe's trails Earlier in the year, they provided labor and expertise to address drainage issues and rebuild the Cabin Loop Trail, showcasing their commitment to supporting the community.
PLANNING AND PREPARATION
With a holiday on Monday, I quickly organized a site visit with Larry Welch, one of the UIG volunteers, to assess the bridge Larry identified that only the stringers the horizontal support beams needed replacing, sparing the top boards and railing When I asked how many additional hands he’d need, Larry assured me that he and his teammate could handle the job with ease. He provided a materials list, which I forwarded to the Property Owners Association (POA).
Despite the tight timeline, the POA Maintenance Department pulled through, delivering the necessary materials by Thursday morning. That afternoon, BCTC member Joe Cano, who also volunteers with BCAR, cleared the trail of leaves and helped carry materials to the bridge site
A PRE-DAWN EFFORT
The work was scheduled for 6:30 a m on Friday to accommodate the volunteers’ schedules one wrapping up a night shift and another starting a day shift. To my surprise and delight, three UIG employees arrived: Larry Welch, Patrick Haddad, and Dane Duncan, all armed with tools and flashlights. Dane, notably, had also participated in the Cabin Loop Trail work earlier in the year.
Working in the dark, the team dismantled the bridge, flipping it on its side to replace the 14-foot, pressure-treated 2x8 stringers. They used battery-operated power tools, ensuring efficiency and precision. Once one side was complete, they flipped the bridge again to address the remaining stringers Finally, they reattached the railing and stabilized the bridge with cap blocks
COMMUNITY IMPACT
This project highlights the power of partnership. What seemed like a daunting task for the BCTC was easily accomplished by UIG’s skilled team. Their expertise in carpentry ensured the bridge was not only repaired but also reinforced for longevity.
BCAR volunteers and their dogs now have a safe, secure bridge to cross, and the Trails Committee can shift focus back to our primary mission of building and maintaining trails. We are immensely grateful to UIG for their generosity and skill. Special thanks to UIG’s team leader, Ashley Wedeles, for coordinating this effort, and to Larry, Patrick, and Dane for their hard work and dedication.
Their efforts have left a lasting impact on the Fire Hydrant Trail and the community it serves The next time you walk this trail, take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship of UIG’s volunteers a bridge built not just with tools, but with heart.
https://bigcanoetrailscom/articles/2024/11/19/uig-volunteers-rebuild-fire-hydrant-trail-bridge-benefiting-big-canoe-trails-and-bcar
Employee Fund
Big Canoe has a long-standing tradition of caring for our employees. Each year, you show your appreciation for the POA staff by contributing to the POA employee holiday fund.
There are three ways to share your contribution: drop it off at Canoe Lodge, the POA drop box on the ATM side of the postal facility, or by mailing it in the pre-addressed green envelope. Personalize your contribution with a note to a specific team
INFLAMMATION &OURBODIES
Thispresentationaimstoprovideinsightsintotheimpactof inflammationonhealthandstrategiesformanagingiteffectively. Thewellnesspresentationwillfeatureapanelofexperts,including Dr.LarryAnderson,aPrimaryCareprovider,andDr.AshleyAbbott, aRheumatologist,alongwithaClinicalDietitianAmyO’Donnell. Thesespecialistswillsharetheirinsightsoninflammation,itseffects onthebody,andapproachestomanagingitthroughmedicalcare, lifestylechanges,andnutrition.
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www bigcanoepoa org
ASKthePOA
