BIG CANOE NEW RESIDENT INFORMATION GUIDE Big Canoe Homeowners’ Association Physical Location: Brownstone Centre, Suite 209 171 Foothills Parkway Marble Hill, GA 30148 Mailing Address: 10755 Big Canoe Jasper, Ga 30143 Office Hours: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM Monday - Friday bigcanoehoa.org [email protected] 770-893-1594 © 2014 Big Canoe Homeowners Association (rev 9/14) Welcome to Big Canoe! The Big Canoe Homeowners’ Association (HOA) has developed this booklet to help you quickly get oriented to our community. I. MOVING TO BIG CANOE 1. Information Resources The Big Canoe Directory, published by your HOA, is a “must have”. The directory lists phone number, E-mail, street address, mailing address and lot number of any homeowner who wishes to be listed. It also includes frequently called phone numbers and E-mail addresses, a Big Canoe Road Map, and information about Big Canoe Chapel, amenities, clubs, activities, volunteer organizations, Smoke Signals (Big Canoe’s award winning monthly newspaper), Dawson and Pickens Counties. The Directory is free to HOA members. You can learn more about the benefits of HOA membership at bigcanoehoa.org. Annual dues are $50. You can join on-line, by visiting the HOA office, or by calling 770-8931594. Big Canoe Road Map will help you navigate the Big Canoe community. Copies are available at the gates, at the POA office (located at 12 Wolfscratch Drive) and in your HOA directory. Wall maps are available for $10 at the HOA office. 1 2. Utilities Landline phone service. Because Big Canoe is in two counties, we receive telephone service from two separate service providers. Generally, Big Canoe residents who live in Dawson County connect through the 579 exchange, and their service provider is Windstream (800-347-1991). Big Canoe residents who live in Pickens County are connected through the 268 exchange, and their phone company is TDS Telecom (770-735-2000). All Big Canoe residents are in the 706 area code. From either exchange, a call to the Atlanta metropolitan calling area (404, 770 and 678, and parts of the 706 area codes) is toll free and does not require a “1” when dialing. However, a call to most exchanges within area code 706 is a toll call and does require a “1”. When making a call, all ten digits of the phone number must be dialed. Cell Phone. Cellular service is available in Big Canoe, but coverage can be spotty. Most residents find AT&T has the best coverage. Electricity. Amicalola EMC (706-253-5200) amicalolaemc.com provides electricity. Report power outages to 706-253-0359. Water. Water service is provided by Big Canoe Utilities, (706-268-3400). The Waterford neighborhood gets water from Pickens County (706-253-8718). Gas. There is no natural gas service to Big Canoe. Gas appliances and fireplace logs require propane from a tank on your property. The HOA has established The Big Canoe Propane Consortium which negotiates a 2 group propane price for Big Canoe users. Contact the HOA for information. Cable TV. Windstream (800-251-6412) is the provider of cable service for all of Big Canoe. Satellite TV. Receiver services are available for those who have unobstructed view of the southwestern sky. Contact Direct TV at directv.com -- (800-280-4388) or Dish Network at dishnetwork.com -- (888-656-2461). 3. Setting up U.S. Postal Services The US Postal Service does not provide home delivery in Big Canoe. Residents can receive mail via a secure box system housed in the Postal Facility located in Wolfscratch Village in the center of Big Canoe. To get a new box number, you must first call the Jasper Post Office at 706-253-4300 with your physical address information. Then, go to our Postal Facility where they will give you your keys. The Postal Facility is generally open between the hours of 10:00 am and 2:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Noon is the best time to visit if you need to talk with a clerk. Stamps and package mailing services are available at the full service Post Office located at 12813 Highway 53 in Marble Hill (near Foothills Village). Every Big Canoe residence has THREE addresses: First, all U.S. Postal mail is delivered to your Big Canoe postal box, which has an assigned 5-digit box number in the form “XXXXX Big Canoe, Jasper, GA, 30143. PLEASE NOTE: Do not write “PO BOX” in your address. 3 Your second address is your Street Address, used for parcel deliveries made by UPS or FEDEX (which, ironically, DO deliver directly to your physical street address). The street address is also used as a 911 locator as it represents thousandths of a mile from the end of the street. This address must be shown horizontally on your street post. We suggest you use the following four-line address example that includes both your Big Canoe box number and the street address, especially if you are not sure which shipping mode the sender may use: John and Mary Doe 123 Wilderness Parkway 10999 Big Canoe Jasper, GA 30143 Your third address is your Lot Number. This represents the lots established by Big Canoe’s developer. You will need to remember this number as it is used for POA Billing and charges to your Big Canoe account. You can get an account card from the POA by calling 706-2681092. With your card, you get 10% off clubhouse food purchases. 4. UPS and FedEx United Parcel Service (UPS) has a drop box in the Postal Facility. The last pick up is at 4:00 PM Monday – Friday. The closest FedEx drop box is located at the Chevron station in Marble Hill. 5. Voter registration Voter registration forms are located in the information racks at the Big Canoe Postal Facility. 4 6. Automobile Identification for gate entry Big Canoe is a controlled-access community. Residents are identified by a transponder on their automobile windshield that electronically activates the gates. These transponders may be obtained at either entry gate using your POA ID card or your property warranty deed along with vehicle registration in the resident’s name and proof of auto insurance. 7. Bringing Guests to Big Canoe The POA provides an Online Visitor Management System at bigcanoeguest.com. This allows you to designate permanent guests (such as family members), temporary guests, deliveries, construction, etc. You can set up your account to get e-mails and/or text messages when your guests pass through the gate, view guest history, and track usage. You can also create turn-byturn directions to your house from either gate. Call Public Safety at 706-268-3376 to set this up. 8. Key Releases Call POA accounting at 706-268-1114 if you want to leave a key to your home with Security for release to authorized individuals. There is an annual $25.00 fee for this service. 9. Schools: Pickens County students must attend schools in that county. Dawson County residents, however, can elect to attend either Dawson or Pickens County public schools. Buses pick up students at the Wildcat Recreation Area parking lot (near the North Gate). Wildwood Christian Academy is an accredited independent school serving pre-k through high school 5 students. It is located at 695 Whitley Rd South, off Steve Tate Highway in Marble Hill. Check them out at wildwoodchristianacademy.com or call 770-893-3300. II. COMMUNICATIONS IN BIG CANOE 1. Using the Internet The HOA provides a computer with DSL connection in the Fitness Center lobby. Wi-Fi access is also available at the Clubhouse for users with wireless connectivity. High speed DSL internet service for your home is available through your telephone provider. If you plan to use a dial-up connection, check with your Internet service provider (ISP) to get numbers without toll charges. 2. Cable Channel 12 Big Canoe events and amenity hours and information are broadcast on this Windstream Big Canoe cable system channel only. Channel 12 is not available on satellite TV. 3. POA Website The POA website at bigcanoepoa.org provides comprehensive amenity, activity calendar and governance information. 4. HOA Website A wealth of current events, activities, and other useful information is available on the Big Canoe Homeowners' Association website at bigcanoehoa.org. 6 5. Chapel Website Big Canoe Chapel’s website at bigcanoechapel.org provides information about worship services, activities, and contacts. 6. Consolidated Website Access Access to the HOA, POA, Smoke Signals and Big Canoe Chapel websites has been consolidated at bigcanoetoday.com. Put this link in your internet browser “Favorites” for quick access. 7. Big Canoe Directory The HOA publishes the Big Canoe Directory annually in January. Your listing includes name, phone number, Email address (optional), Postal Facility box, street address, and lot number. The deadline for listing information in the print directory is September 30. HOA members can access a continually updated Directory online. To provide or update your information, E-mail [email protected], visit the HOA website at bigcanoehoa.org or call the HOA office at 770-893-1594. 8. Area Phone Books Bulk quantities of surrounding north Georgia community phone books and yellow pages are periodically dropped at the Big Canoe Postal Facility. 9. Newspapers Smoke Signals, Big Canoe’s award winning community newspaper, is a free monthly publication by the HOA. You can pick up a copy at the Postal Facility as well as at local surrounding area sites. You can reach Smoke 7 Signals staff at [email protected] or 770-893-1594. Smoke Signals Online at bigcanoenews.com is the online version of the newspaper with breaking news and archived stories from the newspaper’s current and back issues. Inside the Gates published monthly by the POA is available on the POA website and at several locations in Big Canoe. Pickens County Progress (706-253-2457) is the Pickens County weekly and is available by mail. Dawson Community News (706-265-3384) is the Dawson County weekly. Dawson News & Advertiser (706-265-2345) 10. E-Blasts You can opt in (or out) to periodically receive communications from the POA and HOA. This is a great way to keep informed about what is happening in Big Canoe. For the HOA, please visit the Communications tab on the HOA website, bigcanoehoa.org, or contact Kim Cooper, [email protected]. For the POA e-blasts, contact the POA at 706-268-3326. III. ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES 1. Activities Big Canoe is a community of active people. Besides the many amenities, there are numerous organizations and programs for residents eager to pursue their interests and talents with other members of the community. 8 There are also many opportunities for residents to volunteer their time and talents. You can find out more about these activities in Smoke Signals and the local papers, and through the POA, HOA and Chapel. Contact information is also in the Big Canoe Directory. 2. Amenities Call the POA at 706-268-1092 for amenity membership questions. Marina – Lake Petit is the primary recreational boating and fishing lake. The Marina offers pontoon boat rentals, paddle boards, kayaks, Jon boats, and canoes. Call 706-268-3303 for boat rentals, fishing permits, boat slips and boat racks. Fitness Center -- An indoor facility that sports a full array of exercise equipment, an indoor lap pool, a racquetball/squash court and an aerobic exercise room. Call 706-269-3441 for fitness membership, daily rates, spa services, classes and hours. Golf -- Features 27 holes of golf, a practice range, putting and chipping greens, and a Pro Shop in the Lake Sconti clubhouse. There are many opportunities to participate in groups and organized events. Call 706-268-3323 for tee times, lessons, and clinics. Tennis/Pickleball -- Located in Wolfscratch Village near the Chapel offering both hard and clay tennis courts, pickleball courts and indoor tennis courts at the Fitness Center. Call the Tennis Center at 706268-3367 for court reservations and lessons. Bocce -- Courts are located in the Wildcat Recreation area. Bocce court scheduling is available 9 through the Tennis Center. Information about the Big Canoe Bocce League is at bigcanoebocce.com. Swimming -- Big Canoe has two outdoor pools, one located near the Fitness Center and one at the Wildcat Recreation Center near the North Gate. In addition to a sand swimming beach, Lake Disharoon offers canoeing, paddleboats, rock slide, and a snack bar. Contact the Swim Club at 706-268-3317 or the Wildcat pool at 706-268-3880. 3. Children’s/Family Activities Canoe Cubs at www.canoecubs.com is a place for kids and families in the Big Canoe area. The site is updated regularly with family things to do in and around the Big Canoe community. You can find other kids activities by clicking on the “Programs” tab on the HOA website or going to bigcanoehoa.org/programs/kid-s-activities Summer Day Camp: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in June and July. Contact the Chapel Office. Golf, Tennis and Fishing Summer Camps. Contact the respective amenities. Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts. Contact the Chapel Office. 4. Dining in Big Canoe: The Black Bear Pub is open for lunch and dinner, and features a covered Veranda area and a beautiful view of Lake Sconti. Call 706-268-1253 for reservations to-go orders and hours of operation. Duffer’s (706-268-3273) is located by the golf cart area and offers breakfast and lunch items as well as snacks. 10 5. Worship Big Canoe Chapel is a multi-denominational Christian congregation that welcomes all faith traditions. Call 706-268-3203 or go to bigcanoechapel.org, for worship times and Chapel sponsored organizations and activities. Information about worship opportunities outside Big Canoe is available in Smoke Signals, local newspapers and on bulletin boards in the Postal Facility. 6. Organizations & Clubs: There are many opportunities to become involved in clubs, activities and volunteer organizations. Check out the Big Canoe Directory for contact information. 7. Big Canoe Events and Activities: Here is a sampling of activities in Big Canoe: Easter Egg Hunt Mountain Twilight Concert: a great picnic event held in early September The Knowledge Series hosts speakers on a wide range of interesting topics Terraces Concerts held throughout the Summer July 4th Celebration: Family activities during the day; Fireworks show over the dam after dark. Oktoberfest: Fall celebration “Trunk or Treat": Halloween tailgate party for kids and adults Travel Club to learn about travel and destinations Flu shots Blood drive AARP Defensive Driving Program 11 8. Big Canoe Wellness Collaborative has been formed to help provide residents with non-emergency, nonmedical services wellness services such as temporary inhome assistance, local transportation, home delivered meals and programs for families. 9. Big Canoe Chapel Women’s Guild: All women in Big Canoe are invited to attend the Guild's monthly meetings and take part in the many outreach activities serving others here in our community, as well as our neighbors in Pickens and Dawson Counties. 10. Dinner for 8: This is a great way to meet new friends and enjoy an evening together. Four couples gather at each other’s houses for four months. If you would like to join a new group, please call Susan Willson at 7 0 6 5 7 9 - 2 6 4 0 or email her at [email protected]. 11. Ridgerunners: A social organization for all women providing friendship and fun with an educational perspective. Monthly meetings followed by lunch and other functions such as the Spring Fashion Show and Luncheon and the Christmas Luncheon. Ridgerunners also sponsors book clubs and bridge groups. Contact numbers are listed in the Big Canoe Directory. 12. Big Canoe Animal Rescue: BCAR provides rescue, shelter, training and adoption services for stray dogs found in Big Canoe. Contact them at 706-268-1346. 13. Friday Morning Men’s Fellowship: Meets every Friday morning at 7:00 AM for Christian fellowship, presentations, and discussion. Check out their website at ngafmmf.info. 12 14. Squires and Stags: A men’s forum providing monthly breakfast meetings featuring stimulating current topics and interesting speakers. 15. Trails: Big Canoe’s trails feature hundreds of acres of green space that include streams, waterfalls and lakes. Rhododendron, mountain laurel, ferns, and native azaleas are commonly seen along the trails. Deer, turkey, and birds are abundant, along with the occasional black bear (do not approach!). Pick up a trails map at the POA office or the Fitness Center. 16. Wildcat Recreation Area: Offers facilities for baseball, soccer, basketball, bocce courts, an outdoor pool, walking trails and a dog park. IV. HOA and POA 1. The POA: Big Canoe Governance The Big Canoe POA is the authorized governing body for Big Canoe. Learn more about the POA at their Web site, bigcanoepoa.org, call 706-268-3346 or stop by the POA offices located at 12 Wolfscratch Drive. Open POA Board of Directors meetings start at 9:00 AM on the third Wednesday of each month. 2. HOA: Enriching Life in Big Canoe The Big Canoe Homeowners’ Association is a voluntary organization supported by its members through $50 annual dues. The purpose of the HOA is three-fold: (1) to be an advocate for its members; (2) to promote the 13 health, safety and welfare of its members; and (3) to enhance and preserve our quality of life through: Publishing the annual Big Canoe Directory and community map. Sponsoring activities, events and programs that are entertaining, family oriented, promote a healthy lifestyle, and save owners money. Identifying and promoting open dialogue on social, political and environmental issues that impact life both inside and outside Big Canoe. Publishing Smoke Signals, Big Canoe’s newspaper. You can contact the HOA at 770-893-1594 or check out the website at bigcanoehoa.org. 3. Trash Disposal: Big Canoe residents use a centralized trash collection system located near the North Gate for household trash and garbage, cardboard, and singlestream recycling for paper, plastic, glass, etc. On the fourth Saturday of each month, furniture, appliances and other bulky items can be brought to the POA facilities parking lot (behind the regular trash dumpsters). Charity services provide trucks for donations of reusable items. A large dumpster is also available for throw-away items of any size. Periodically, secure shredding services are available as well. 4. Architectural Control: Before making any change to the exterior of your home or landscape, including pruning or removing trees, call the POA Architectural Control Department at 706-268-3394 to work out a plan that meets Big Canoe’s rules and covenants. 5. Storage Yard: Call the POA at 706-268-5546 to arrange for storage space for boats, RVs, etc. 14 NOTES ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ 15 Quick Reference: Emergency HOA Smoke Signals POA – Administration – Membership – Accounting Public Safety Public Works Fire Department Architectural Control Black Bear Pub (and to-go orders) Clubhouse Duffers Golf Pro Shop Fitness Center Swim Club Wildcat Pool Tennis Marina Big Canoe Chapel Terraces Concerts Ace Hardware Amicalola EMC Blossman Propane United Water TDS Telecom Windstream Telephone Windstream Cable Dish Network Direct TV 16 911 770-893-1594 770-893-1594 706-268-3346 706-268-1092 706-268-1114 706-268-3376 706-268-3390 706-268-1792 706-268-3394 706-268-1253 706-268-3326 706-268-3273 706-268-3323 706-269-3441 706-268-3317 706-268-3880 706-268-3367 706-268-3303 706-268-3203 770-893-1299 770-893-4111 706-253-5200 770-386-6268 706-268-3400 770-735-2000 800-347-1991 800-251-6412 888-656-2461 800-280-4388 Quick Reference: Big Canoe Today bigcanoetoday.com Smoke Signals Website Email bigcanoenews.com [email protected] HOA Website Email bigcanoehoa.org [email protected] Website Email bigcanoepoa.org [email protected] POA Big Canoe Chapel Website Email bigcanoechapel.org [email protected] Gate Access Management bigcanoeguest.com 17
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