By Helen Bucklew
HOA President

After the holidays have passed, there is often a letdown. The trees are bare, the skies are grey, and family and friends have returned to their usual activities.

Winter is the perfect time to inquire about the many clubs and organizations in Big Canoe. So, hop out of that chair and turn off the television so that you can pursue new interests, challenge yourself to learn something new, join the Fitness Center, or begin daily walks along our many trails.

You will find an amazing number of clubs, activities, and volunteer organizations on pages 26-27 in the 2008 HOA Directory, in Smoke Signals, or on our website: http://www.bigcanoehoa.org/.

In January, the HOA Board of Directors will lay out its plan for the remaining six months of its term. High on the agenda is the 2008 Census.

The primary objective of the census is to track demographic, amenity and facility trends since the last census done in 2003. The census will obtain demographic information, housing characteristics, amenity satisfaction, and attitudes about current issues of significance.

It provides valuable information for long-range planning so please fill it out as soon as you receive it and return it promptly.

The 2008 Directory has been widely distributed, but if you have not picked yours up, please go to the POA office at the Canoe Lodge. Glenda Wood will provide HOA members with a free copy. Non-members are charged $10. Maps and atlases are available for $15 to members and non-members. To make additions or update information, use the form on page 21 in the Directory, or go to http://www.bigcanoehoa.org/.

New homeowners receive free HOA membership for the remainder of the first year they live in Big Canoe. Membership thereafter is $35 per year. The membership application form is on page 21 in the Directory, or on the HOA website mentioned above.

Some reminders for upcoming activities:

• Readings by the Big Canoe Writers Group, Jan. 25 at the Canoe Lodge. HOA members, $5; non-members, $7.50.
• Music Review, Feb. 15-16 at the indoor tennis center. Jazz on the 15th will be followed by country western on the 16^th. The Big Canoe Artists' Club will also display some of their work in the aerobics room at the Fitness Center that weekend.
• Watch for more details about these and other events on Round-the-Mountain online and in Smoke Signals.

The HOA Board of Directors wishes all who live and work in Big Canoe a happy, healthy 2008.