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Before vista pruning, unkempt trees will block your full view.

By Treena Parish

AECD Manager

As life in Big Canoe is finally starting to get back to some kind of normal, more people have returned to inviting friends to their homes. If you happen to be one of those people, don’t have those friends over if you can’t show off your spectacular view. After all, Big Canoe has some gorgeous vistas to share. However, when new growth on nearby trees blocks everything between you and the horizon, vista pruning is the only answer to restoring those amazing views.

To arrange for vista pruning:

Contact your preferred tree service and get on its schedule. The Architectural and Environmental Control Department (AECD) office has a list of tree services and will gladly give you its contact information.
The tree service will then call the AECD office to schedule time for the vista pruning supervisor. We have three supervisors, so there should be no wait times
When the big day arrives, the supervisor will stay onsite and document all cutting activity. Then, the owner and the tree service will both sign off on the documentation.
The charge for the supervisor’s time is $50 per hour billed directly to your POA account. Please take this into consideration when establishing your budget for this project.

For more information, please contact the AECD office at 706-268-3394, or send an email to tparish@bigcanoepoa.org.

The post Vista Pruning improves views on Big Canoe homes appeared first on Inside the Gates.

By Ann Lehr

Leadership Big Canoe is an organization dedicated to educating community volunteers about the history of Big Canoe, the philosophy around its formation and the opportunities for service in the area.

The group is now in its 17th year and has graduated over 375 Big Canoe residents. Most have gone on to provide the Big Canoe community and surrounding communities with essential volunteer services. Big Canoe could not function successfully without these services.

Each year, the organization works to provide students with the information they need to help better understand Big Canoe and serve the community, including roles in leadership and other volunteer positions. We are a volunteer community and participation of the residents is essential to maintaining this wonderful place where we reside.

During the program, the participants will learn about the history of the community, including information from the original developer and his philosophy of maintaining the natural beauty of this community.

The class is provided with a tour of all the facilities in the community and is given an opportunity to meet the people behind the scenes. There is interaction between the class and the
people who make Big Canoe tick. Also, there are classes on governance, finance, communications and marketing. There is a chance to hear from the local leaders of Pickens and Dawson counties and to learn about their plans for the future of the communities surrounding Big Canoe. POA representatives give insight into how the amenities and the events in Big Canoe are run. In addition, the long-range planning goals for the community are explained.

What does all this accomplish? This information is utilized by class members during the course to assist them in completing projects and other activities that would assist the community. For
instance, the signage at the garbage facility is a direct result of a Big Canoe class project. Previously, there was a great deal of confusion as to where to place items and what was recyclable. Also, the members of the class get to know one another and develop lifelong relationships.

Leadership Big Canoe recognizes not all people may want to participate in the governance of Big Canoe. It also recognizes many people have a desire to assist the community in some fashion
but are uncertain how to accomplish this. Through the program, participants learn of the many volunteer opportunities available and are given a chance to interact with many of the organizations
that need their assistance. Our community depends on volunteers for so many activities, from trail maintenance to helping at special events to service on the numerous POA committees. There is
something for everyone.

Come to the wine-and-cheese get-together in the Canoe Lodge tent from 5-6:30 p.m. Thursday, July 15, to meet the Leadership Big Canoe board and learn more about the organization and the requirements for acceptance. Please contact Sue Merrick if you have questions or are interested in attending at suehou714@yahoo.com.

The post Leadership Big Canoe wants and needs you appeared first on Inside the Gates.

By Donna Dibiaso

It is great to see so many new residents within the gates of Big Canoe. Many of these residents did not have the benefit of attending a new homeowner orientation meeting since these were cancelled in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, many people are unaware of all of the great services available within Big Canoe. One such service is the Big Canoe Medical Information Program.

The Wellness Collaborative and Big Canoe Public Safety Department jointly administer the Medical Information Program. The purpose of the program is to provide confidential medical and personal information to healthcare providers and first responders in case of an emergency. This can be critical in instances where an individual is unable to provide such information because of the circumstances around an emergency.

The medical information kit includes a two-page form to be completed by each member of the household. There are two forms within each kit, but additional forms can be obtained at www.bcwell.org/medicalform. The forms provide healthcare providers information regarding the homeowner’s primary care physician, any specialists, health insurance, allergies, prescriptions, medical conditions and more. Kits are also available at the fire station, Wellness Center or on the counter near the Wellness Collaborative bulletin board in the postal facility.

Public Safety Department’s first responders are trained to look for the medical information kit inside a resident’s refrigerator.

Once all members of the family have completed the form, all forms should be placed within the plastic bag provided with the kit and attached to the inside-left upper wall of your refrigerator. The plastic bag comes with double-sided tape, so it easily attaches to the refrigerator wall. The forms can be removed and taken with the homeowner if they need to be transported to a hospital or other medical facility.

In the event of a medical emergency, Big Canoe Public Safety’s first responders are trained to look for the medical information kit inside the resident’s refrigerator, so Public Safety encourages all residents to complete the kit and place it in their refrigerator as instructed.

The Wellness Collaborative also reminds residents there are several mobile apps available for use with iOS and Android mobile phones and tablets that allow you to add your emergency contacts and other medical information without the need to know your phone’s password. Two such apps are ICE Medical Standard and ICE— In Case of Emergency. These apps are extremely important if a resident is found alone when first responders arrive. Both are free to download in either Apple’s App Store or on Google Play.

Taking the time to complete the form and placing it where indicated above, along with adding an app to your mobile phone or tablet with emergency contact info, could possibly save your life someday. The Wellness Collaborative strongly encourages everyone to participate in this program.

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If the guy driving the green mini-dozer on the hole # 8 of the Creek Golf Course looks like he’s having too much fun, it’s for good reason.

Big Canoe Property Owner Tim Furness, who also happens to be the lead shaper on the Creek 9 rejuvenation project, has a straightforward job: he moves around a lot of dirt.

But Furness revels daily in a more purposeful variation of that kid with a toy truck atop a backyard dirt pile. In his case, he takes it to creative heights with construction equipment that cajoles soil into the shape of a bunker here or a catch basin there – all according to the design of renowned golf course architect Bill Bergin.

“He takes what Bergin put onto paper,” says Golf Course Superintendent Lydell Mack, “and he makes it a reality in the dirt.”

An experienced shaper now working on his 52nd course, Furness had worked with Bergin long before last year when he caught wind of plans for the Bergin-designed Creek 9 project. He informed the architect of his interest. Bergin in turn alerted Sanders Golf, which is managing the project.

Furness was hired and has been playing a pivotal role in making the plan come alive. He’s savoring this particular assignment in part because most jobs he has taken in his 40 years in the field have required extensive travel. The closest assignment he has secured that was relatively close to his Big Canoe home was work at TPC Sawgrass in Jacksonville, Fla. For this job, he can walk to work.

Having Furness on the project is an added bonus for the Big Canoe community, says Mack.

“It’s such a benefit to have a Property Owner involved in this project,” he says. “This is his community and it’s the golf course he plays. He wants it to be the best it could possibly be.”

Furness follows Bergin’s design specs, but even the acclaimed architect grants the shaper some creative leeway.

“Bill does a fabulous job, better than most architects, of getting it really close,” says Furness. “But you get errors in the topographic maps that don’t quite blend in. We have to make adjustments in the field for unforeseen things, but he lets me add my flair.”

“Having Tim in the neighborhood makes the job that much better,” Bergin writes in an email, “with my only issue being to manage his desire to make the course even better than our budget allows!”

Furness started golfing when he was six, played throughout his youth and later on the golf team of a small Division II college in his native Michigan. While that pointed him toward his chosen profession, growing up on a farm pretty much sealed the deal.

“When I was in kindergarten, my grandfather would walk right into the classroom and say, ‘I need Tim to come and run the tractor,’ ” Furness recalls. “So I have been playing golf and running equipment since I was five years old.

“So, put the two together,” he said, “here I am building golf courses.”

The post Home is where the course is for Creek 9 lead shaper Tim Furness appeared first on Inside the Gates.

George E. Perry III’s military tribute banner flying on Lake Petit Dam might not seem especially different from the others lining the road from July 2 through July 11. It’s red, white and blue. Seven white stars run vertically along each side of the 18 x 36-inch piece of vinyl-based fabric, and a photo captures a moment of a young adult smiling at the prospect of life before him.

However, Perry’s banner, like the others lining the dam, has its own distinct back story—and a profound connection to a resident who has made Big Canoe home.

Perry was killed in action at the tail end of a tour in Vietnam in 1968. He was in Saigon waiting to return to the United States, but at the last minute chose to delay his imminent trip home by volunteering to go back to help a unit that was reportedly trapped. He never caught that plane back home.

Perry was a member of the same 1963 West Point class as longtime Big Canoe resident Dick Scharf. Both graduated with a tight-knit group of 26 classmates who served in Company H-2 of the U.S. Military Academy. The more than two dozen former cadets stayed close to one another over the years, often serving together and continuing to honor those among them who they’ve lost.

The banners, introduced to Big Canoe around Veterans Day in November 2021, are the result of a project run by the North Georgia Veterans in conjunction with Boy Scout Troop 20, the Big Canoe Woodworkers Club and the Big Canoe POA. Now, every Veterans Day, Memorial Day, and— for the first time—Fourth of July, Lake Petit Dam is transformed into a powerful memorial with banners going up to pay tribute to deceased family members and friends who served in the military.

The program has been a success, said Phil Anderson of North Georgia Veterans, with the first 82 banners flown over Veterans Day 2020. The recent Memorial Day weekend saw that number jump to 106. Ten more banners have been ordered since then. The Scouts will put up 116 fabric memorials, and, for the first time, fireworks over Lake Petit will provide a backdrop for the banners.

However, residents and visitors to Big Canoe don’t need some pyrotechnic extravaganza to appreciate their significance along Wilderness Parkway. Regardless of which direction a motorist is driving, upon emerging from the trees, the sight of the banners has a sobering effect that packs an emotional punch akin to visiting any war memorial or military cemetery.

Unlike some garden of stone, the succession of banners stands as a stark reminder of the men and women who dedicated their lives in service to their country. Some were killed in action. Others lived full lives as they dedicated their time to a military career. However they served, they all share one key characteristic: They were a family member, friend or comrade of someone living in Big Canoe.

If some of the last names appearing on the banners look familiar, it’s no coincidence, as many are related to those who call Big Canoe home. For the more unfamiliar names, the banners also list at the bottom those who sponsored each memorial. Sponsors are provided with a spreadsheet listing the exact location of their banner, which is put up and eventually taken back down by Boy Scout Troop 20.

For many, such as Anderson, it’s a chance to pay tribute to a family member: his dad, Roy G. Anderson. For others, it has another layer of meaning. For example, Scharf has put up banners for Perry and another member of his West Point group, Charles H. “Chuck” Kinsey, with whom he also served. He is also looking at soon adding a third for his senior-year roommate who died a few weeks ago.

“We are sort of a band of brothers who really cared about, looked out for and communicated with each other since 1963,” Scharf said. “It would be inappropriate for me not to recognize the fact they have had such an impact on my life. They served the country, they were stand-up citizens and they need to be recognized for what they did for us.”In many ways, the tribute banner program accomplishes that on a hyper-local level, giving everyone in Big Canoe the chance to reflect on the sacrifices made by so many connected to our community.

“The banner program is long overdue,” Scharf added. “We are a unique community of achievers and people who have been successful. For me, this is something we owe ourselves and we owe it to all of those who have helped get us where we are. This isn’t about me; It’s about us.”

For more information on the program or on ordering a tribute banner, contact NGV members Phil Anderson, anderspabc@aol.com, or Paul Goldstein, paul.f.goldstein@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

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The Black Bear Project has reported an uptick in bear sightings. The Big Canoe organization that promotes harmonious living with the area’s wildlife recently pointed us to a very informative article about the recent increase in bear sitings as reported by BearWise, the program developed by black bear biologists and supported by state wildlife agencies.

Among the key points raised in the BearWise article about interacting with bears, regardless of whether you are in Big Canoe:

More people in bear country. An increase of those in favor of the quiet life is moving from big cities to more rural areas. During the pandemic, people were also pushed to find entertainment somewhere much less people-y, which meant returning to the great outdoors. Bears have had to share their homes more and more. That means more bear sightings.
Another reason we are seeing more bear sightings on social media is the abundance of technology available. With the invention of smart security systems, doorbells linked to cameras, trail cameras, and more people working from home, bears are being caught on camera when previously they may have made it past our homes unseen.

Where are these bears going? Are they just passing through? BearWise also tells us that most bears out and about in June fall into three main categories:

Juvenile male bears that were denned with their mothers last winter and were kicked out by mom in the spring. Much like human teenagers, these juvenile males are still learning how to be an adult bear. They are wandering around trying to find a place to call their own and they will eat anything they deem food, also like a human teenager. These bears are inquisitive and will quickly learn the ins and outs of bearhood, so we need to be sure all of our garbage and food items are secure.
Adult male bear looking for a mate, usually starting in June. Bears may mate several times in the early summer, and while the female bears stick close to their territory, male bears wander far and wide to find mates during mating season.
The new mama bears who have many mouths to feed. Food sources available during the early summer months are not as nutrient-dense as foods found later in the year, so the bears must forage more this time of year. Cubs are also learning a lot during this time with mom. We can help the bears develop good habits by practicing them ourselves and making sure all food and garbage are kept in a secure, bear-proof place.

Remember that we are living in their home, not the other way around. While they can be fascinating and sometimes cute to watch, make sure that is your only interaction with our bear neighbors keeps all of us, including the bears, safe. Go to the BearWise website for other essential bear facts to ensure everyone’s safety.

 

The post The Black Bear Project: Expect More Bear Sightings appeared first on Inside the Gates.

The return of our first Fourth of July celebration in two years has much of Big Canoe primed for what should be a fantastic weekend.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Playfield Park will become a family-friendly Americana-themed cluster of attractions and eats celebrating Independence Day. On Sunday night, fireworks launched from Lake Petit dam will illuminate the sky for anyone on Playfield Park or on the lake.

Here is a complete schedule with details of all the weekend’s offerings.

But before making plans to visit the bouncy house with the kids, before sampling some amazing ice cream or lemonade, please consider these essential tips to ensure that you make the most of a festive and safe gathering.

Carpool – It bears constant repeating that parking will be limited. Do yourself and all of Big Canoe a favor by carpooling. There is not a slew of lot spaces in Big Canoe. Expect them to fill up fast.

Don’t park illegally – Parking at the base of the Lake Petit Dam is not allowed. Nor is parking on any roadside or in front of a neighbor’s driveway. Opt for Big Canoe’s numerous parking lots. Keep in mind that availability is very limited – some lots are more accessible than others, but consider for example that there are only 40 total spaces in the Marina lot. Space is a premium.

Lake Petit Dam traffic shuts down at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 4 – Wilderness Parkway along the dam will be closed from 7 p.m. to about 20 minutes after the fireworks show concludes on Sunday. Plan any trip accordingly if you do have to drive at that time.

Bring your boat back home – If you plan to take in the fireworks show from your own boat on Lake Petit and you happen to live on the lake, you can avoid the post-show crowds at the Marina by parking your boat overnight at home.

Don’t plan to rent small watercraft from the Marina for the fireworks – Small watercraft such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards must be returned at 6 p.m.

Bring a lantern; wear a life jacket – Play is smart. If you have your own small watercraft – or any watercraft, for that matter – bust out the lifejacket. And carry an electric lantern so you are visible to other boaters. Expect the lake to busier than usual.

Get your food with tickets – All food is available only through tickets sold at Playfield Park 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 3. Tickets can be purchased by your lot number or with a credit card or cash.

Fourth of July beer – A selection of canned beer is available for purchase only with your lot number or cash from 5-8 p.m. Sunday.

The Clubhouse is booked up for Sunday – At this point, the Clubhouse is no longer taking dining reservations on the day of the firework show.

Sparklers are not allowed – Please don’t bring them to the festivities. For safety issues, all hand-held pyrotechnics not permitted. Leave it to the experts to light things up.

The post Tips, tricks and things to know to make the most of your Fourth of July weekend appeared first on Inside the Gates.

Elizabeth Devereux will be returning to the Wellness Center to provide in-person yoga classes starting Monday, July 26.

Full schedule:

Monday 9 am Flow & Glow – WC Studio and 5 pm Flow & Glow – Zoom

Tuesday 4:30 pm Align & Refine – WC Studio

Wednesday 3:45pm Beginners Yoga Series – dates TBA and 5 pm Flow & Glow Yoga – WC Studio

Thursday 9 am Flow & Glow – Zoom

Friday 9am Beach Yoga – on Lake Sconti behind the Canoe Lodge  – information here

The last Saturday of the month Deepening Practices 12 pm – 2 pm – Zoom

Sunday 3 pm Yin – Zoom

No reservation needed. All classes, except Beach Yoga & Beginners Series, are included in the Wellness Center membership. Non-Member drop-ins are welcome. For more information on the classes see the below information.

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Misinformation has recently been circulated by a few property owners regarding the state of our financial accounts, the most troubling being that $1 million may have been removed from the Restricted-Capital Reserve Fund. This is completely false.  A factual response follows for those interested in the accounting details.

POA CASH

In 2010, Property Owners voted to establish the Restricted-Capital Reserve Fund, which could only be used for emergency purposes or in years when capital needs of the Association exceeded budgeted depreciation. Prior to that time, the POA had little in reserves and Property Owners had recently voted against the creation a Capital Contribution Fee. This new fund was in addition to the Operating Account, where routine expenses (payroll, landscaping, maintenance, etc.) and capital (new vehicles, roofing, roads, etc.) were paid. The balance is shown every month in the POA balance sheet and has grown to $2.8 million over the last 10 years. It has never been used by the POA.

In 2020, the POA established two new accounts: the Board Designated-Capital Replacement Fund and Board Designated-Master Plan Fund. The Capital Replacement Fund account is used for routine capital expenses, rather than commingling those funds with our regular operating funds as was done in prior years.  An amount equal to the annual depreciation expense is transferred into this account throughout the year. If any additional funds are transferred from another POA account, which happened this year, it is recommended by the Finance Committee and voted on during a public Board meeting.

The Board Designated-Master Plan Fund account is used for Master Plan items, such as Creek 9 Golf Course rejuvenation or the Chimneys meeting center renovation. Capital Contribution Fees collected from the sale of homes, along with the $25/month capital component in general assessments, fund this account.

 

Total POA Cash as of April 30, 2021

Operating Cash                                                   $2,642,899

Board Designated-Master Plan Fund                  $1,509,168

Board Designated-Capital Replacement Fund    $1,599,137

Restricted-Capital Reserve Fund                         $2,831,848

$8,583,052

 

CAPITAL RESERVE STUDY

Our covenants require that we hire an independent firm to perform a Capital Reserve Study every 3 to 5 years. This study is a management tool and provides a roadmap for capital expenditures that may be required by the Association over many years. The Association can then consider if future assessment increases are required to fund those needs over time. A summary of estimated future repairs and replacements is also contained in our Audited Financial Statements as supplementary information required by accounting standards.

When the last Capital Reserve Study (CRS) was completed in 2016, there were only two accounts: Operating Cash and Restricted-Capital Reserve Fund. The beginning balance on the CRS was $2,500,000 and the balance held in our Restricted-Capital Reserve Fund was $2,584,597.

As of 2020, the newly established accounts (Board Designated-Capital Replacement Fund and Board Designated-Master Plan Fund) are now the funds used for capital needs, rather than Operating Cash and Restricted-Capital Reserve Fund. Therefore, the 2021 Capital Reserve Study finalized in May reflects those accounts and does not include the Restricted-Capital Reserve Fund. $1.864 million, noted as the opening balance in Part 1 Reserve Management Plan, is unrelated to the $2.8 million in the Restricted-Capital Reserve Fund as opposed to missing. The Restricted-Capital Reserve Fund is still intact, grows slowly over time and has never been used.

That $1.864 million amount is comprised of the balance of the Capital Replacement Fund at the end of 2020: $796,210, plus the exact amount of surplus cash generated from 2020 operations – $1,068,365 – which was to be transferred to the Capital Replacement Fund early in 2021. When the transfer ultimately occurred, for convenience it was rounded up to $1,100,000.

The POA has a very competent staff, a Board whose members take their duties very seriously, and excellent Finance and Audit/Risk committees comprised of dedicated Property Owners who bring a wealth of finance and accounting knowledge from their decades as successful professionals. Having to answer questions and address doubts spurred by erroneous information that attacks our financial condition and integrity is time consuming and destructive.

Those seeking to disparage the POA should get the facts before making inaccurate or misleading public statements. We are always open to answering questions, including face-to-face meetings, and have even have extended an invitation to join the Finance Committee  — all of which were declined.

Our independent accounting firm, Maudlin and Jenkins, will be presenting results of the annual audit during this week’s Board meeting on Thursday. Anyone with further questions or concerns should attend that meeting, ask questions, and get the facts.

Amy Tropfenbaum

POA Board Treasurer

The post A message from POA Board Treasurer Amy Tropfenbaum on Big Canoe’s Finances appeared first on Inside the Gates.

We want to ensure all of our recycling can be accepted please check that only the below items are being placed in all recycling bins. Remember if in doubt, throw it out!

Items that can be placed in Big Canoe bins:

Aluminum foil or pie plates (clean only): Big Canoe Recycling bin

Aluminum beverage cans: can only bin at trash facility

Books: If they are not in good shape take the cover off and recycle the pages

Cans: Steel/tin (vegetable, fruit, beans, etc.) Leave label on and place in Big Canoe scrap metal bin OR remove label if possible, rinse out and place in Big Canoe recycling bin.

Clean Cardboard: remove any non-cardboard packing material/ NO pizza boxes, soiled, wax or plastic coated of any kind that includes orange juice or milk cartons.

Corrugated Cardboard: Flatten or cut larger boxes into smaller pieces and put in the Big Canoe cardboard bin.

Moving boxes: Post for free on the Big Canoe Residents Online Exchange or place in cardboard bin after flattening or reducing size

Ceiling fans: Remove, if possible, the non-metal parts of the fan and discard in bulk trash. The metal part remaining can go in the Big Canoe scrap metal bin.

Christmas tree lights: Big Canoe Scrap Metal Bin

Egg Cartons: Cardboard type only in the Big Canoe Cardboard bin

Electronics: Computer towers, circuit boards, and cords can go in the Big Canoe Scrap Metal Bin

Magazines: Big Canoe recycling bin

Metal: Grills, appliances, bicycles, metal pipes, yard stakes, racks, window screens, and white wire closet shelving can all go in the Big Canoe Scrap Metal bin (If an item is part metal, such as a foldable chair or patio umbrella, remove the cloth part, if possible, and discard. Throw remainder in the Big Canoe scrap metal dumpster.

Paper Bags: Big Canoe recycling bin

Paperboard (Kleenex or cereal boxes): Big Canoe Cardboard bin

Paper Envelopes with or without Window: If possible, remove the window part and place in Big Canoe recycling bin or just place the entire envelope in the recycling bin

Plain Paper: computer paper, phone books, ad inserts, and newspaper can go in the Big Canoe recycling bin

Plastic Containers: Only #1 PET: Soda bottles, waters bottles, etc. and #2 HDPE: Milk jugs, detergent bottles, spray bottles, etc. can go in the Big Canoe recycling bin

Below is a full list of where to recycle and dispose of all waste, as well as contact information for local facilities.

Updated June 1, 2021

The lists below are not intended to be comprehensive, but are instead intended to show the recycling, disposal, and donation sites most convenient to Big Canoe. If you are in doubt about a particular item, please call the facility to check on the item in question. Links are listed below. If you have other nearby locations to suggest, please contact trashtogo@gmail.com. The lists are
updated quarterly.

Aerosol and Spray Cans (Empty): Big Canoe Trash bin NOT recyclable

Aluminum foil or pie plates (clean only): Big Canoe Recycling bin or Dawson County Recycling. If they are DIRTY place in Big Canoe trash bin or Cove Road as they consider it trash.

American flags: Outside bin at Pickens Community thrift store or bin in Big Canoe postal facility

Batteries
Automotive: O’Reilly Auto Parts in Jasper

Alkaline household batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 9-VOLT): Dawson County Recycling, trash, or Batteries Plus Bulbs (https://www.batteriesplus.com/t/recycling for complete list, there may be fees)

Computer: Pickens County Recycling

Lithium: CHaRM or Batteries Plus Bulbs

Rechargeable batteries, both power tool and household items (large size only): Home Depot, Lowes, or Batteries Plus Bulbs

Specialty: (Watches, hearing aid, etc.) Batteries Plus Bulbs

Books: Thrift Stores or Chapel at times during the year. If they are not in good shape, take hard cover off and recycle the pages.

Bubble Wrap: Small bubbles preferred for wrapping paintings. Text Kathy Wood 918-706-6072

Bulk Trash: The last Saturday of the month in January, April, July, and October and is located behind the trash facility in the maintenance parking lot. Nominal fee charged. Bulk trash is not for household garbage but broken furniture, lumber, TV’s , mattresses, and other items that do not fall into the household trash category for the regular garbage dumpsters in the trash facility. If an item may be able to have another life, post on the Online Exchange for free. Someone may be able to use it and it will save the effort of taking it to bulk trash day.

Cans
Aluminum beverage cans such as beer and soda: Separate “cans only” bin at the trash facility

Steel/tin (vegetable, fruit, beans, etc.): Leave label on and place in Big Canoe scrap metal bin OR remove label if possible, rinse out and place in Big Canoe recycling bin.

Cardboard: Remove any non-cardboard packing materials. Clean cardboard only. NO pizza boxes, soiled, wax or plastic coated of any kind that includes orange juice or milk cartons.

Corrugated Cardboard: Flatten or cut larger boxes into smaller pieces and put in the Big Canoe cardboard bin.

Paperboard (Kleenex or cereal boxes): Big Canoe Cardboard bin

Moving boxes: Post for free on the Big Canoe Residents Online Exchange https://www.facebook.com/groups/248392878993591 or place in cardboard bin after flattening or reducing size

Ceiling fans: Remove, if possible, the non-metal parts of the fan and discard in bulk trash. The metal part remaining can go in the Big Canoe scrap metal bin.

Clothing, Fabrics, curtains, tablecloths, and sheets (even if you think they are trash worthy): Thrift Stores. Pickens Community Thrift Store will recycle the fabrics to another source if they are not sellable.

Christmas Trees
Natural: No tinsel. North Marina after the holidays. They are sunk in the lake for fish habitat.

Artificial: Bulk Trash if no longer in good shape. Thrift stores or post on the exchange if in working condition.

Christmas tree lights: Big Canoe Scrap Metal Bin

Egg cartons: Foam type only to Publix in bins in front of stores; Cardboard type to Big Canoe cardboard bin; Plastic to trash if no recycle number

Electronics (Computer towers, circuit boards, cords): Big Canoe Scrap Metal Bin

Best Buy and Staples also offer a lot of options for your electronics
Best Buy: https://www.recyclingcenternear.me/best-buy-recycling/
Staples: https://www.recyclingcenternear.me/staples-recycling/

Eyeglasses: Jasper Eye Associates donates to the Lions Club. https://visionsource-jaspereye.com/

Furniture (Gently used): Thrift Store. If it is a little more than gently used, place on the Big Canoe Residents Exchange for free (https://www.facebook.com/groups/248392878993591) before taking it to bulk trash or Pickens or Dawson County Recycling as someone may want to repurpose it.

Gas cans (used): Hazardous waste

Glass
Glass bottles and jars: Cove Road Recycling or Dawson County Recycling (NO drinking glasses, ceramics, china, pyrex dishes, pottery, light bulbs, or window glass in Cove Road Recycling.)

Drinking glasses, ceramics, china, pyrex dishes, or pottery: If not broken, take to thrift store.

Glass: Glass artist, Lisa Schnellinger, collects various types of glass, listed below. 770-905-5107
– Intact tabletops; shower doors and shelves, in any condition; up to 38” x 70”; Broken glass tabletops and shelves, of any size; Intact picture frame glass; Lead crystal in any condition, including broken; Unframed window glass

Greeting Cards: Joyce Raley collects new and used greeting cards to recycle into bookmarks, tiny boxes, etc. Email Joyce and let her know when you will drop the cards in her alpha box. Joyce.R.Raley@gmail.com

Hazardous waste: Unfortunately, currently there is no place to take your hazardous waste except to CHaRM in Atlanta where they safely dispose for a small fee. Keep it is a safe place until it can be safely disposed.

Household cleaning products: If a cleaning product is water based, it can be poured into the sink with lots of water. Check the website or label of product to determine if it is water based.
Do not mix ammonia and bleach products! (Water based paint cannot go down the drain. See Paint for disposal guidelines.)

Household Chemicals: If it has any of these words: flammable, combustible, petroleum distillates, corrosive, acetone, xylene or methoylene chloride: hazardous waste and needs to be disposed of
properly, not down the drain or in the ground.

Ink cartridges: Near alpha boxes at postal facility or Pickens County Recycling

Kerosene cans: Hazardous waste

Light bulbs: Batteries Plus Bulbs: https://www.batteriesplus.com/t/recycling for complete list. May be fees.

CFL (Curly bulbs): Home Depot; Lowes; Batteries Plus Bulbs

Incandescent: Wrap in paper bag or newspaper to prevent someone getting hurt by the sharp glass or puncturing the garbage bag. Then place in BC trash bins.

Fluorescent bulbs, specialty bulbs: Batteries Plus Bulbs.

Magazines: Big Canoe recycling bin

Mattresses:
Clean, not stained or torn: Ric Rack.
Stained, torn: Big Canoe Bulk Trash, Pickens County Recycling (fee), or Dawson County Recycling

Medical Equipment: Big Canoe Chapel or Pickens Community Thrift Store

Medicine Bottles: Remove pills from bottle and put in baggie and take to marked container in the lobby of the Pickens County Sheriffs office. 2985 Camp Road. Recycle plastic bottle if #1 or #2. Discard cap. CVS-Jasper also takes empty pill bottles.

Metal (Grills, appliances, bicycles, metal pipes, yard stakes, racks, window screens, white wire closet shelving): BC Scrap Metal bin, If an item is part metal, such as a foldable chair or patio umbrella, remove the cloth part, if possible and discard. Throw remainder in the Big Canoe scrap metal dumpster.

Mirrors: Big Canoe bulk trash

Motor Oil: Dawson County Recycling, Pickens County Recycling or O’Reilly Auto Parts, Jasper

Moving Boxes: Post for free on the Big Canoe Residents Online Exchange https://www.facebook.com/groups/248392878993591

Oil Filters (metal used): O’Reilly Auto Parts, Jasper

Packing Paper: Post for free on the Big Canoe Residents Online Exchange https://www.facebook.com/groups/248392878993591

Packing Peanuts: UPS–Jasper; Big Canoe trash bin

Paint
Latex paint and craft paint are both water-based paints. Add equal amount of kitty litter, stir,
and let dry. Leave lids off and place in Big Canoe trash bin once totally dry.

Dried out paint cans: Big Canoe trash bin

CHaRM recycles paint for a small fee
Atlanta Paint Disposal recycles paint for a small fee
– Water Soluble Clues Oil / Solvent / Alkyd Based Clues
– Soap and water clean up Clean up with Mineral Spirits/Paint Thinner
– Ingredient list includes water Ingredient list may include linseed oil
– Warning label does not mention anything about Fire. Warning Label- Flammable Combustible
– Factory packaged in a Metal or Plastic Container Factory Packaged in a Metal Container

Oil based paint: CHaRM or Atlanta Paint Disposal

Paper
Bags: Store your recyclables to bring to the Big Canoe recycle bin

Paper Envelopes (with or without window): If possible, remove the window part and place in Big Canoe recycling bin or just place the entire envelope in the recycling bin.

Plain Paper: computer paper, phone books, ad inserts, and newspaper can go in the Big Canoe recycling bin

Paper towels, tissue paper: Big Canoe trash bin

Phones: Drop in the donation box by the alpha boxes at the Postal Facility and include the charger. The SIM and SD card (if you have one) should be removed and the phone wiped by using
factory reset. Donated to charities such as seniors, soldiers, veterans, or abuse victims. Questions? kricka1022@icloud.com

Pictures/Printed photographs: Do not recycle but add to Big Canoe trash bin.

Plastic Containers: Only #1 PET: Soda bottles, waters bottles, etc. and #2 HDPE: Milk jugs, detergent bottles, spray bottles, etc. can go in the Big Canoe recycling bin.

Containers #3-#5 and #7: Dawson County recycling or Big Canoe trash bin

#1 PET: Soda bottles, waters bottles, etc…
#2 HDPE: Milk jugs, detergent bottles, spray bottles, etc…
#3 PVC: Loose-leaf binders and plastic pipes, etc…
#4 LDPE: Dry cleaning bags, produce bags, squeezable bottles, etc…
#5 PP: Medicine bottles, drinking straws, ketchup bottles, sour cream/butter tubs.
#6 PS: Compact disc jackets and plastic tableware, etc…
#7 Other: Reusable water bottles, certain kinds of food containers and Tupperware.

Containers (no numbers): Big Canoe trash bin

Dry cleaning bags: Publix; Dawson County Recycling

Grocery bags (clean and dry plastic retail store bags): Publix, Walmart, Kroger, Ingles, IGA or garbage bin

Soft plastics #2 and #4 (kind that can be scrunched into a ball): Publix or Dawson County Recycling

Overwrap (such as on a 12 pack of toilet paper): Publix

Saran type: Big Canoe trash bin

Shredded paper: Pickens County Recycling. They bale it and sell Sporting Goods: Pickens Community Thrift Store, Youth organizations

Styrofoam:
Foam cups (empty, clean and dry): Publix or Big Canoe trash bin

Foam egg cartons (empty, clean and dry): Publix or Big Canoe trash bin

Foam take out containers (empty, clean and dry): Publix or Big Canoe trash bin

Large pieces: CHaRM or Big Canoe trash bin

Televisions (usually for a fee): CHaRM in Atlanta or Pickens Recycling

Tires (fee charged): Pickens County Recycling, or Dawson County Recycling

Toiletries: Thrift stores, CARES, or shelters

Towels-used/new: BCAR (Big Canoe Animal Rescue)

Transmission Fluid: O’Reilly Auto Parts, Jasper

Wood pallets: Text Kathy Wood-918-706-6072

 

RECYCLING & DISPOSAL SITES
NOTE: Each location limits the type of items it will accept; check with them first.

Atlanta Paint Disposal: https://www.atlantapaintdisposal.com/ 404-333-8763
Batteries Plus Bulbs:  https://www.batteriesplus.com/t/recycling Dawsonville 770-232-9292
Best Buy: https://www.recyclingcenternear.me/best-buy-recycling/
CHARM (Center for Hard to Recycle Materials): https://livethrive.org/charm/ 404-600-6386
Cove Road Recycling: https://pickenscountyga.gov/recycling-waste/ 770-893-2644
Dawson County Recycling and Waste: https://www.dawsoncounty.org/publicworks/page/dawson-county-solid-waste-and-recycling 706-344-3645 No residency restrictions
Home Depot: Jasper 706-301-5615
Lowes: Ellijay 706 – 515-1800
O’Reilly Auto Parts:  https://locations.oreillyauto.com/ga/jasper/autoparts-1765.html 706-301-9056

Pickens County Recycling: https://pickenscountyga.gov/recycling-waste/. 706-253-8871 No residency restrictions
Publix: https://blog.publix.com/publix/how-to-recycle-at-publix/
Staples: https://www.recyclingcenternear.me/staples-recycling/
UPS: https://locations.theupsstore.com/ga/jasper/744-noah-dr 706-253-4238

Where can I recycle other stuff?
Earth911.com, 1800Recycling.com, or doing a basic Google search should find you the right spot.

THRIFT STORES
If desired, check the websites or call to make sure they will take your items.

Goodwill Dawsonville: https://goodwillng.org/locations/dawsonville-donation-center-30534/ 404-420-9900
No Longer Bound: https://nolongerbound.com/ Dawsonville They will not accept pressboard furniture, only wood.
Pickens Community Thrift Store: https://www.pickenscommunitythriftstore.org/donations/ 706-253-7770 Offers pick up service.
Ric Rack Thrift Store, Dawsonville: http://ric-rack.org/  706-265-1371 Offers pick up service
St. Vincent de Paul Society-Dawsonville: 991 Kilough Church Rd, Dawsonville, GA 30534 706- 265-2106
St. Vincent de Paul Society-Jasper: 1908 Waleska Highway 108, Jasper, GA 30143 706-692-7604

CHARITABLE DONATION LOCATIONS
The needs at these locations change often. Please contact them for their current wish list items. Some needs are art and office supplies, furniture, clothing, cleaning supplies, detergents, food, etc.

ANIMALS
– BCAR (Big Canoe Animal Shelter): http://www.bigcanoeanimalrescue.org/wishlist/ 706-268-1346 No kill shelter

CHILDREN
– ACES (Appalachian Children's Emergency Shelter): https://acesyouthhome.org/how-to-help/ 706-273-2225 Non-profit; provides services/ shelter to abused/ neglected youth

– Kare for Kids: http://www.kareforkids.org/donate.html 706-216-KARE Dawson county help for children

– Boys and Girls Club of North Georgia: https://bgcng.org/in-kind/ 706-253-2582 Serves the youth of Pickens, Gilmer and Fannin Counties to provide safe places where children can find
learning, recreation and companionship in the afternoons and evenings.

– Weekend Snack Program: https://www.facebook.com/Weekend-SNACK-Program-Feeding-Pickens-County-GA-Students-165155247381062/ 770-735-1434 Provides food for children in Pickens County

FAMILIES
– CARES: https://caresforpickens.com/ 706- 253-4777
Food Pantry and emergency financial assistance
– North Georgia Family Partners: 706-253-6488

Supplies

– Joy House: https://thejoyhouse.org/make-a-donation/ 706-256-7569
Christ centered restorative care for struggling teens, families and individuals

MEN

Timothy House: https://www.timothyhouse.org/other-services/ 706-253-5840
A 9-24 month drug and alcohol rehab facility for adult men

WOMEN
Ruth House: https://ruth-houseministries.squarespace.com/contact/ 706-334-8888
Residential recovery for women of addiction

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