The post Len’s Daily Message – November 20, 2020 appeared first on Big Canoe Chapel.

When asked about Thanksgiving dinner, Jimmy Fallon quipped, “A new survey found 80 percent of men claim they help cook Thanksgiving dinner. Which makes sense, when you hear them consider saying ‘That smells good’ to be helping.” 

While many opt to cook the big bird and bolster it with sides held dear in the family recipe box for decades, some of us don’t relish conjuring up cranberries pummeled with our own hands to serve in Grandma’s crystal compote. Nor do we want to open four cans of French-style green beans to mix with mushroom soup and dried onions to add Cousin Billy’s absolute favorite dish to the table.

Although Clubhouse buffet tables won’t be serving as groaning boards for every imaginable feast treat this Thanksgiving, our excellent culinary team can save your day. The Clubhouse is offering salads, soups, squash, turkey breast, ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, garlicky green beans, sweet potatoes, roasted asparagus, and yeast rolls, all for take-out.

Save room for dessert – your choice of a big old-fashioned apple, pecan, or pumpkin pie. Worried about serving your fancy dinner in mundane aluminum trays? No frets, Clubhouse dishes will come in pretty bowls and platters. Of course, you can always transfer food to your own dishes and claim gourmet glory.

The full menu and pricing are on the POA website, www.bigcanoepoa.org. The Clubhouse will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but your order can be picked up on Wednesday, November 25 between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Please email your orders to Dot Grogan at dgrogan@bigcanoepoa.org or call her at (706) 268-2420. Orders must be placed no later than 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 20.

Get your fat pants ready!

The post Happy Turkey Day! appeared first on Inside the Gates.

The post Len’s Daily Message – Nov 18, 2020 appeared first on Big Canoe Chapel.

By Judy Bellenger  

Now more than ever, children need hope. As the world struggles with the coronavirus pandemic, we are praying for even greater opportunities to reach boys and girls with the Gospel. We want to let them know God loves them and has not forgotten them. The best way to get involved is to pack a shoebox. Simple enough. For many children around the globe, the gift-filled shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.  

Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has collected and delivered more than 178 million shoebox gifts to children in more than 160 countries and territories.

In 2020 Operation Christmas Child hopes to collect enough shoebox gifts to reach another 11 million children in countries like Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, and Ukraine. More than 10.5 million shoebox gifts were collected worldwide in 2019, with more than 8.9 million collected in the United States.

Boxes are now available and can be picked up at the Big Canoe Chapel on Tuesdays and Fridays from 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. or anytime at the Postal Facility. Shipping labels are included with the boxes. The deadline for returning shoeboxes is November 16 and they can be returned to the racks at the Chapel and inside the Postal Facility.

This year a variety of free items will be available when you pick-up your shoebox to fill. Those who prefer to do their own shopping are welcome to do so. Instructions on packing a shoebox and a suggested list of items to include can be found at bigcanoechapel.org/shoeboxes.

For those who cannot get out or may not feel comfortable shopping, Build-A-Box is an option. Information on how to Build-A-Box is available at bigcanoechapel.org/shoeboxes. The cost is $25 which includes $9 for shipping.  

Many people like to know where their shoeboxes are going. By making a simple donation for shipping and other program costs, those who pack shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child can discover the country where their gifts are sent. Samaritan’s Purse will email a special label which, when attached to each shoebox packed, allows the donor to know the country of destination. Instructions on tracking can also be found at bigcanoechapel.org/shoeboxes.

The Big Canoe community has packed a lot of shoeboxes over the years and this year will be no exception. This is something everyone can do to help kids around the world.

The post Be part of Operation Christmas Child appeared first on Inside the Gates.

Information submitted by Teri Sawyer

For those moms, dads, and grandparents looking for something to entertain the family as the holidays approach, you’ll want to put a big red bow circling Saturday, December 12 on your calendar. The fun starts at 6:00 p.m.

Big Canoe Program and Events is hosting a Wilderness Wonderland Drive which will wind around interesting places and stations in the Village area. Christmas lights will twinkle everywhere as Big Canoers make merry to salute the season. 

Santa himself will reign in the fire station bay, but don’t expect hugs from the big guy in red. Remember, social distancing and masks are key requirements for the Wilderness Wonderland Drive, as well as any social interaction in Big Canoe.

You’ll want to invite the family up for this magical ride through the community. Our Santa Brunch, longtime favorite event kids enjoy, won’t happen this year but there will be plenty of twinkles, sparkles, and low belly chuckles when lights welcome the holidays in Big Canoe.

The post Wind thru the Village on a Wilderness Wonderland Drive appeared first on Inside the Gates.

Information submitted by Amanda White

Remember when there were dozens of Christmas trees, wreaths, bows, elves, stars, and nutcrackers along with miles of wispy tulle decking The Clubhouse as the Christmas season drew close?

All that joyous decorating was done pretty much in one day – the Friday after Thanksgiving. Big Canoe’s Hospitality Committee and talented volunteers led by Clubhouse staff donned their elf ears and transformed the Sconti into a winter wonderland.

Even with the pandemic, our Clubhouse staff and volunteers will make magic happen yet again. There may not be as many trees as in years past, but The Clubhouse will be gorgeously warm and wonderful in fine style. 

Something new this year. The trees by the Clubhouse flagpole will be lit as a welcome to all who enter.

This will certainly be an unusual Christmas holiday for us, but we’ll all carry the wondrous spirit of the season in our hearts. Let your eyes smile as you meet and greet masked friends and neighbors to wish them well. Make merry!

The post Decking the halls of The Clubhouse for Christmas appeared first on Inside the Gates.

Information submitted by Bob Mackey and Steve Papke

A favorite New York watering hole has a wooden sign hanging over its polished mahogany bar, heavily embellished with blazes of brass. The sign simply proclaims, “I drink bourbon and I know things.”

Thirty-five to fifty Bear Society members will learn how much they might not know about the Kentucky libation at a Bourbon Tasting at The Clubhouse on November 18 from 4:00-6:00 p.m.

Rod Arnold, known nationally and internationally as “The Bourbon Whisper,” will give a presentation of ultra-fine bourbons which will include sips to savor. To learn more about what’s on tap, so to speak, check out bourbonwhisperer.com. 

The cost is $85 per person which includes six plus hearty pours, focusing on “Barrel Select” bourbons. For those not in the know, these are bourbons taken from barrels from a batch not mixed. This bourbon is chosen from individual casks and bottled direct, resulting in a high-quality drink.

With pandemic restrictions in place, only fifty or fewer sippers can enjoy this late afternoon delight. The tasting will conclude right around dinner time, a good opportunity to enjoy a meal at The Clubhouse, and pull out your tasting cards to compare favorites.

We expect a quick and great response but no worries if you aren’t among the elite. Another tasting can be scheduled so more can imbibe and learn.

For additional information, contact Bob Mackey at bobmackey3@gmail.com. This first tasting event is offered to Bear Society members exclusively.

As winter approaches, here’s a thought to keep in mind…Whiskey is by far the most popular of all remedies that won’t cure a cold. But maybe it will work on COVID, you never know.

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