Helen Buckelew

When there are dangerous road conditions, they shuttle stranded residents from near the gate or from stranded cars to their homes. Every day, in spite of the weather, they provide emergency services and transport to victims of all kinds of misfortune. Though they would appreciate a wave or a few words of thanks, perhaps it would be more meaningful if we do our part by respecting the 25 m.p.h. speed limit, staying within our lane, having a properly maintained fire extinguisher in our kitchen, and our chimneys cleaned each year.

Every year, the HOA and POA present the Outstanding Service Award to a resident of Big Canoe for their exceptional volunteer service to our community. As a property owner, you may nominate another property owner for the 2008 Outstanding Service Award. Please submit the candidate's name and record of service to Kay Born, HOA, or John Seferian, POA, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . You may also put the information in their alpha boxes. Nominations must be submitted by March 1.

The HOA has successfully met one of its goals to increase community participation on our eight committees. On some committees, the participation has increased to eight to 10 homeowners. We appreciate the commitment, talent, and energy of our volunteers. Our most innovative ideas have come out of our committees. Over 1,470 HOA members thank you.

HOA liaisons instrumental in gathering information

Among the many activities of the HOA are the liaisons to other organizations both inside and outside of Big Canoe. Some liaisons are HOA Board members. Others are homeowners who accept our invitation to serve. Liaisons keep communication lines open so that the exchange of information and opinions is accurate and timely.

This year, Bill Rawson, a graduate of Leadership Big Canoe, is our liaison to the Long Range Planning Committee. George Thurman, Carl Deane, and Kay Born are our liaisons to Wildcat Communities, Inc. , an association of HOAs in the Burnt Mountain area of Dawson and Pickens counties.

Wildcat Communities identifies ways that member HOAs can support one another. Last year, we worked together to have the community center included in the Dawson SPLOST. In 2008, fire protection and emergency preparedness are included in the initiatives. Wildcat Communities, Inc. has been designated as one of the first multi-community Firewise/USA associations in the nation.

The Firewise program emphasizes the responsibility of homeowners and community leaders in the design of a safe community, and individual responsibility for safer home construction and design, landscaping, and maintenance. That very topic is on the agenda of the Leadership Big Canoe forum on Feb. 8 when Robert Ferris, Interim Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, will review their role in fighting forest fires in Big Canoe and discuss how Big Canoe can become a Firewise community.

Some reminders:

Census 2008 will be distributed in February. Please fill out the Census promptly. Among other things, the Census informs the long range planning for Big Canoe.

Music Review, Feb. 15 and 16 at the indoor tennis center. Jazz on the 15th will be followed by country western on the 16th. The Big Canoe Art Club will also display some of their work in the aerobics room that weekend.

The Bunny will be on the Play Field from 3 to 5 p.m. on March 23, Easter Day. There will be photos with the Easter Bunny and a petting zoo. The egg hunt is divided into three age groups and will begin at 3 p.m. sharp.