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In the Town Hall presentation on Saturday morning, POA General Manager Scott Auer openly outlined the staffing challenges our Clubhouse is facing. Since our Executive Chef resigned in May, the Clubhouse has also lost its sous chef, its lead line chef, and several front-of-the-house employees. To exacerbate the situation, at the exact time that Scott was outlining the Clubhouse staffing situation, we had two more back-of-the-house employees resign.

As a result, this necessitated POA management to make the difficult decision to revise the dining schedule in a way that would guarantee a consistent, quality dining experience during a temporary transition period while addressing hiring and training.

We currently are in the final stages of securing a new executive chef and are actively recruiting to fully staff the food and beverage operation. In the meantime, Guest Chef Michael Gogolin is managing the kitchen.

Rather than stretch our staff, we have decided to put our energy into daytime service until we can guarantee a positive evening dining experience. As a result, the Clubhouse will:

Pause dinner service on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays while prioritizing lunch service from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will not affect clubs and organizations already scheduled at the Clubhouse.
Feature themed action food stations on Friday and Saturday nights, starting on Friday, July 21.
Each week, Sunday brunch will continue from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
To give Property Owners an additional dining option, Duffer’s is expanding its service until 7 p.m. – and not just on Sundays – on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

We apologize for the inconvenience that this creates. However, we are committed to providing the best Property Owner experience while we rebuild our food and beverage team.

Thank you for your patience.

Your POA Staff

 

 

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Big Canoe Fire Department recently received a donation of canned emergency drinking water from leading brewer Anheuser-Busch to help keep its responders hydrated.

Some 98 cases of Drinking water were dropped off by local Anheuser-Busch wholesaler partner Eagle Rock Distributing Company of Georgia. The water will help hydrate the  firefighters whether they’re fighting wildfires or doing the countless tasks around Big Canoe to keep us safe.

“Firefighters lose a tremendous amount of fluid during high-intensity training and emergency response such as battling structural fires and wildfires. Proper hydration is critical to ensure the safety of our firefighters and keep them performing at their best,” says Chief Ricky Jordan
“Thanks to this water donation from Anheuser-Busch and the National Volunteer Fire Council, we now have the resources to keep our firefighters hydrated and ready to respond.”

The water was donated by Anheuser-Busch through a partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). Anheuser-Busch has a longstanding tradition of pausing beer production each year to provide emergency drinking water and supplies for disaster relief efforts. The production pause enables the company to apply its production and logistics expertise to can clean, safe drinking water that is ready to distribute when disaster strikes.

Since 1988, the brewer has donated more than 90 million cans of emergency drinking water to communities impacted by natural disasters and other crises.

Building on this commitment, the brewer teamed up with the NVFC – the leading nonprofit membership association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, emergency medical, and rescue services – in 2019 to provide emergency drinking water to help firefighters stay hydrated and healthy when responding to wildfires and large incidents. To date, the program has donated nearly 6.5 million cans of water to more than 1,400 volunteer fire departments across nearly all 50 states. Learn more about the program at www.nvfc.org/water.

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We are pleased to announce that Big Canoe has been presented with seven exceptional Executive Chef candidates by top culinary recruiting team DZK. These chefs all have extensive industry experience from top restaurants, hotels, resorts and club properties. After an extensive review of our gorgeous property and F&B operations, all of them are “chomping at the bit” to be selected to lead our culinary team at Big Canoe.

General Manager Scott Auer and Director of Amenities Carrie Scott have conducted one-on-one interviews with these exceptional candidates and selected four to proceed to the second round of interviews. The review process was then expanded to include Property Owners with expertise in operations including Jim Conneely, Vice President of Student Affairs at the University of North Georgia.

Three of the executive chef candidates have advanced to our final selection process and will join us for in-person interviews in the next few weeks. Among them – and already leading our kitchen operations as a guest chef in the Clubhouse – is Michael Gogolin, who has graciously agreed to assist us during the selection process.

We will provide hiring updates as they become available.

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The Knowledge Series is sponsoring “Great Decisions,” an eight-week interactive non-partisan foreign policy discussion in the Village Station starting on Wednesday, Aug. 2.

In an effort to bring more life-long learning opportunities to the Property Owners of Big Canoe while making all of us better-informed citizens, the group will meet each week from 2 to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays through Sept. 20. All Big Canoe Property Owners are invited to join. 

The “Great Decisions Briefing Book” needed for the series is available for pre-ordered at www.fpa.org for approximately $35 plus, tax and shipping.

To reserve your spot, which is limited to the first 25 participants who sign up; or to have your questions answered, contact Bob Anderson at bobbyjoega@windstream.net or 706 579-1708.

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By Beverly Zimmermann

“All are architects of Fate, working in these walls of Time,” is a quote from the poem “The Builders,” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow that expresses truth. Suddenly the week is over; then the month and then the year. In the moment, it may not seem urgent to create our legacy and protect it with estate planning, but none of us know our exact “walls of time.”

So often, we go about our life moving from one task to another. We may fail to plan or even think about how we would like things handled should we have a sudden and unexpected change in our life. Who will step up for us? Have I given my instructions clearly? Will my wishes be honored? Has something changed since I thought about this previously? What kind of legacy have I created? These concerns and more can be
managed with competent estate-planning techniques. A regular review of these questions to make any needed updates is also important.

From 9:30 a.m. to noon on Sat. Aug. 5 in Cousins Hall at the Chapel, attorney Melissa P. Walker will lead a discussion on estate planning for residents of Big Canoe. Walker has been selected by her peers every year since 2004 as a “Georgia Super Lawyer in the area of Estate Planning and Probate” according to Atlanta Magazine.

“We are so fortunate to have an experienced attorney like Melissa Walker come and lead this discussion,” said Hamilton Gadd, a member of the Big Canoe Chapel Endowment Committee. “If you have questions about your estate plans and how to protect your legacy, then you should take the time to join us for this discussion. This is a great time to think about how to design your plans in a way that honors your wishes.”

Creating your legacy may take some thought. However, your time in accomplishing this task and then protecting it with the proper estate planning documents is important to you, your family members, and those that come behind you.

The Big Canoe Chapel Endowment Committee will sponsor this event as a service to the community. Walker will present a few basics of estate planning and then open the floor for questions and discussion.

Coffee and morning munchies will be provided. Plan to join us for this complimentary session.
Register at Big Canoe Chapel Event Calendar.

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Renew Big Canoe is a community-wide enhancement initiative that will touch so many aspects of our community, from the Postal Facility to the Canoe Lodge.

However, the piece of Renew Big Canoe that has sparked the most dialogue is the Clubhouse renovation. Like the Postal Facility proposal, the Clubhouse upgrade will be put to a Property Owner vote when ballots are mailed in late July.

While providing expanded opportunities for indoor/outdoor dining, the overall dining capacity of the Clubhouse will not increase. Additional staffing will not be necessary. If there is an increase in the number of patrons served, the uptick in revenue will support additional hiring.

On a side note, the Clubhouse continues to enjoy a record-breaking business. Revenue for the Clubhouse in June 2023 was $82,151 more than in June 2022. Year-to-date Clubhouse revenue is $260,905 more than 2022 – one of the highest years ever.

The Clubhouse renovation is being driven by Property Owners who in the 2021 T4 survey listed the facility as the second most important amenity or service (after the Postal and Trash facilities, in that order) in need of an upgrade. Enhancing the Property Owner experience while greatly improving operational workflow will be achieved by:

Increasing the size of the bar area
Connecting with the golf amenity and outdoor bar/dining area
Turning existing dining areas into four-season experiences with spectacular views
Expanding the meeting space for large groups, many of which need good acoustics but don’t require food service
Improving lines of sight for the hostess stand and optimizing workflow from the kitchen to the dining area.

Also, the improved layout will make the Clubhouse a more pleasing place to work.

Learn more about plans for the Clubhouse by watching the video of the June 24 presentation by architect J.C. Chi or by going to the Renew Big Canoe website.

The post Renew Big Canoe Frequently Asked Question: The Clubhouse appeared first on Inside the Gates.

Big Canoe is getting a patriotic jump on the Independence Day holiday with a weekend packed full of music, food, fun and, of course, fireworks. Below is a rundown of all things Fourth of July, starting on Saturday, July 1.

Patriotic Dog Parade Diamond Dog Park at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 1. The pooch procession will feature a pack of patriotic doggies that will be awarded prizes (for large and small dogs) in such categories as the most patriotic, pup and parent lookalike, most creative, and best in show. Note that the event is restricting parking to the Wildcat Recreation Area parking lot as there will be no parking allowed at the dog park. Pro tip: dogs must be leashed at all times. Donations will be accepted to cover the expenses of dog park improvements including chairs, umbrellas, pools, etc. Info: Sherry Evans at srevans284@gmail.com or 404-317-9858.

Fun in the Sun Carnival on the Playfield, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 1. Join the community for carnival games, inflatables, music, and such classic eats as burgers and dogs, refreshing drink faves, the annual watermelon-eating contest, and plenty of souvenirs!  Grab lunch from the Clubhouse Grill tent and enjoy your meal at the picnic tables before jumping into the activities such as climbing the Ninja Tower, racing your friends in the Hungry Hippo, or zooming down the Water Slide. Top it all off with a Kona Ice shaved ice or indulge in a treat from Decorative Funnel Cakes. Uncle Sam will be on hand for photos.

SkynFolks performing at the Terraces, 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 1. $25. The Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band will put to rest once and for all whether this bird cannot change. Tickets available here. Tres Jardines and Eggroll Boyz food trucks.

Pre-order and pick up a takeaway rib dinner, 3 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 2. Pre-order your picnic dinner no later than Tuesday, June 27, to enjoy before the pyrotechnics. Order a full rack of ribs for a takeaway meal that also includes mac ’n’ cheese, a mini corn cob, and cornbread for $25; or a half rack of ribs for a take-away meal that also includes mac ’n’ cheese, a mini corn cob, and cornbread for $20. Available pick-up times are 3 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Place your order here.

Annual Fireworks extravaganza over Lake Petit, approximately 9:45 p.m. Sunday, July 2. Attendees can secure their Playfield seats for the Fireworks starting at noon. At 5 p.m., King of Pops will sell all-natural, handcrafted frozen dessert pops while the Clubhouse Beer Wagon will have draft beer and canned cocktails for purchase. DJ Kevin Tillery will kick off the music at 5:30 p.m.

IMPORTANT MOTORIST ALERT: On Sunday, July 2, Wilderness Parkway will be closed to traffic along Lake Petit Dam from 4 p.m. until one hour after the Fireworks display has concluded.

 

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The Racquet Club has seen more than its share of fundamental changes since it reopened on April 15.

The historic building, which crews had to lift off of its foundation for essential repairs, has been rejuvenated and turned into a versatile space catering to amenity members and non-members alike.

Linda Powell

Consistent with the theme of Renew Big Canoe, a similarly fundamental change is taking place with the Racquet Club team and the return of Linda Powell, who was named the interim Racquet Club manager.

While Linda’s familiar face was long associated with pickleball and tennis in this upgraded facility, she’s quick to highlight how her staff is poised to help Racquet Club tap its incredible, even broader potential.

“To all those people, members or otherwise, who have been sitting on the fence to see what we were going to do,” Linda says, “we want to encourage you to just come for a visit. You don’t even have to play tennis or pickleball or bocce. Just come and check out the shop.”

The Racquet Club is at once a historic structure and a modern facility, with changes afoot everywhere – from instructor John Murphy’s recent certification as a pickleball coach, which enables him to teach all levels of play, to critical work on clay courts in need of maintenance and improved irrigation and hydration.

Linda added that anyone looking to try their hands at pickleball or tennis, regardless of whether they have the gear, can get the equipment and coaching

The new Racquet Club now features a much broader range of Big Canoe-branded items, including hiking gear, pet supplies and athleisure wear.

they need by signing up for a beginner’s clinic.

As she addresses the needs one would expect from the Racquet Club – they can string your racquet in two to three days – the building’s retail offerings have exploded. Now, visitors can purchase Big Canoe-branded athleisure wear, hiking gear and pet provisions to go with tennis, bocce and pickleball supplies. Pro tip: The Pro Shop has its own selection of varied merchandise unavailable at other amenities.

Then there is the patio, which is now an inviting gathering place where both visitors and members can enjoy a beverage.

“Yes, we have coffee and beer,” she says. Along with coffee, Michelob Ultra and Sweet Water 420 are for sale at the Pro Shop.

It’s not a coincidence that the Racquet Club has a more tangible, can-do vibe. The proactive team in place has already:

Reopened the Junior Tennis Camps to new signees, ages 8-14. Camps are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on June 26-30, July 10-14, July 17-21 and July 24-24. Cost: $300.
Jumpstarted the official Racquet Club Advisory Committee and is working to form a new team, which will proactively address the needs of tennis, bocce and pickleball players.
Encouraged visitors to enjoy the re-opened indoor tennis viewing area in the Wellness Center.
Met with some of the most active bocce players to map out a season and identify any areas that need to be addressed.
Established a new open pickleball playtime for those who work from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays starting on June 27. Cost: free to amenity members; $15 for Property Owners; $20 for visitors.

“I consider it truly an honor to be here, even if it is only on an interim basis,” Linda explains. “As we work to make the reimagined Racquet Club the best that it can be, we know with a little patience we can get this place back into the swing of things.”

For questions about pickleball, bocce, tennis or the Pro Shop merchandise, contact Linda at lpowell@bigcanoe@poa.org or 706-268-3367.

 

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Paul Sayegh is an award-winning photographer and Big Canoe resident who has traveled the world in a lifetime pursuit of capturing unique images of wildlife in their natural habitat.

He will host a Big Canoe Expert Series presentation at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 22, at the Beach Club that will offer tips and tricks – leave the tripod at home! – on how to find and photograph wildlife.

From Antarctica to the North Pole, Paul has photographed elephants, whales, bears, hummingbirds, eagles (including the convocation that lives on Lake Petit), and hundreds of other species in stunning detail.

Paul has won numerous awards and has been published in numerous magazines. He is a staff photographer for Smoke Signals newspaper, for which he won second place in the Georgia Press Association Better Newspaper Contest for “Postcards from Big Canoe,” a spread featuring shots from Big Canoe’s 2022 Fourth of July weekend gathering.

Expert Series programs are free, and open to the community without prior registration. A part of the Knowledge Series, the Expert Series taps Big Canoe residents for presentations on their areas of expertise. For further information, contact Cal Johnson at 404-373-0748.

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The Big Canoe Water Committee seeks qualified members to serve a three-year term on the BCWC.

Candidates must be Property Owners in good standing with professional experience, skills, and abilities that will assist in advising the POA Board on matters related to the water/sewer services agreement between the POA and Utilities Inc. of Georgia.

Ideally, candidates have experience in water/sewer system management; water/sewer system legal/environmental compliance (including experience with regulatory agencies); financial management (CPA, CFE); MEP design, construction or engineering. Submissions are due by July 31. Monthly meetings are most often on Friday mornings.

For info, or to submit your bio/resume: John Lamberski (lamberskijohn@gmail.com) and Tom McGuire (tom@talentgrowthadvisors.com).

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