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Canton, GA April 2026

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April feels like a moment of quiet promise. The light lengthens. The spring smells, can you smell it? And with each steady breath of spring, our community reminds us that investment takes many forms. This month, we look beyond stocks and portfolios and toward the investments that shape character, opportunity, and collective well-being.

In the heart of Canton, a new rhythm of giving unfolds with Serv International’s meal-a-month pro gram. Each package of fresh ingredients and handwritten note is more than a week’s worth of dinner. It is a gesture that says, "We see you." That we share our table with our neighbors. In a world of digital pledges and distant benefactors, this initiative anchors generosity in presence and sustained care. My family is getting involved, and you should too.

Sports can also be an investment in community strength. Volleyball, once a niche pursuit in many parts of the United States, now stands among the nation’s most popular girls’ sports. Nearly half a million young women competed on high-school teams in the 2024-25 season, with participation rising year over year. That figure places volleyball near the top of girls’ team sports nationwide and reflects a long arc of growth that extends back decades. Club registrations have also climbed, with organized programs reporting significant increases in junior girls’ membership over the past decade. Locally, ATL Vibe Volleyball is showcasing that surge with athleticism and lifelong friendships. The sport’s popularity isn’t accidental. Volleyball offers teamwork, resilience, and a sense of belonging, qualities that enrich both body and community.

Film and creative arts are another landscape where meaningful investment takes shape. Across Cherokee County, the film industry has found fertile ground. From wooded trails to historic mills, our backdrops draw storytellers and crews, generating economic momentum while spotlighting our character and charm. These are investments that ripple outward: local businesses see new customers, young talent finds opportunities close to home, and our region’s stories reach audiences far beyond North Georgia.

And then there are those whose influence extends from global arenas down to personal kindness. Tim Tebow has built a brand around faith, purpose, and service, channeling attention into initiatives that lift children, families, and communities. His work reminds us that the greatest returns on investment are not measured in earnings but in transformed lives. Taken together, these efforts feeding families, empowering athletes, cultivating creativity, and serving others — shape a community that invests with both heart and mind. In North Georgia, we know that healthy roots yield stronger trees. When we invest in each other, we build a place where everyone can thrive.

April 2026

PUBLISHER

Chicka Elloy | chicka.elloy@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Jennifer Elloy | jennifer.elloy@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kelsie Chandler | kelsie.chandler@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sam Payne, Mathew Palazzo, Peter Ryan

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Matthew Burke, Naomi Hopkins

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Jamie Housh

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick Learn

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Yum - Thanks, Carter! Yummy Croissants at the Mill on Etowah 2: Annual GLOW NIGHT in downtown Canton. Warming up for Masters week.

3: Chris and crew got the cannon ready for the tee box at the Fairways 4: The RC pastoral staff monthly men’s lunch 5: Meow Cat Cat 6: Chief and Sheriff with Goshen Valley. Team Guns is finally taking home the win this year. 7: The annual Etowah Wildlife Expo had it ALL!

business monthly

Peach State Pull. Serv International

The Peach State Pull is a fundraiser for SERV International happening April 16 at Garland Mountain Sporting Clays in Waleska, Georgia. Participants can register as an individual shooter or join a team to help provide food and support SERV's mission locally and globally. The event offers sponsorship opportunities and benefits SERV’s efforts to feed neighbors near and far while fostering community involvement and impact. Visit: ServOne.org

The District on Etowah

Rising within the Mill on Etowah, The District on Etowah introduces refined apartment living to the heart of Woodstock. Designed with walkability in mind, the residences feature elevated interiors, curated amenities, and immediate access to dining, green space, and riverfront paths. Thoughtful architectural details nod to the site’s industrial heritage while offering a fresh, modern sensibility for daily life. Discover more at DistrictOnEtowah.com

Outback Deck Inc

Outback Deck Inc. designs and builds outdoor living spaces that feel like seamless extensions of the home. Custom decks and screened porches are crafted with structural integrity and an eye for proportion, while their dedicated window division enhances interiors with energy-efficient replacements and refined trim work. Each project reflects a thoughtful understanding of North Georgia’s climate, architecture, and the rhythms of daily family life. Explore more at Outbackdeck.net

Redefining MVP: TIM TEBOW’S LIFE BEYOND FOOTBALL

An exclusive Q&A with City Lifestyle

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

From championship trophies to global humanitarian impact, Tim Tebow’s journey has defied every standard playbook. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Tebow pulls back the curtain on the moments that truly defined him, from a humbling middle school church retreat to the life-altering shift of fatherhood. This isn’t just a look back at a career; it’s an invitation into the heart of a man driven by purpose. Read the highlights below, then join us for the full, unfiltered experience by scanning the QR code at the end.

Q: WE ALL KNOW YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, BUT TELL US ABOUT THE CURL CONTEST.

A: I was competing for my future high school team (my brother’s team), and I pushed myself way past what was smart. I ended up collapsing and needing medical attention. But what stayed with me wasn’t the pain, it was the lesson. Would I be willing to do something that others aren’t? For much of my life, I strived to bring my best for a game, but I hope that I can say at the end of my life I was willing to do that for things that actually matter.

Q: YOU’VE ACHIEVED SO MUCH IN SPORTS. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT NOW?

A: Becoming a dad. Nothing compares. From the moment I knew my wife was pregnant, I felt a new depth of love for our child, but when you bring your baby home, the responsibility hits you like nothing else. Suddenly, everything you see, every decision you make, you’re asking, “Is this corner too sharp? What happens if she reaches that drawer?” It changes how you see the world and how you see other people.

Q: YOU’VE SPOKEN OPENLY ABOUT DISAPPOINTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND FOOTBALL. HOW DID THAT SEASON OF LIFE SHAPE YOU?

A: I talked a lot about that very thing in my book Shaken . We all go through moments where our faith in our abilities and purpose feels rattled, but I believe it’s often in those storms when God can show us who we could become.

Q: YOU TALK A LOT ABOUT COMPARISON CULTURE. WHY DO YOU BELIEVE COMPARISON HAS BECOME SUCH A TRAP TODAY?

A: Because we’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel. Social media shows people’s “best day,” often filtered and staged, and then we measure our reality against that. There’s a reason filters are so popular—it’s not real. We end up scrolling through images that don’t tell the full story, and without realizing it, comparison starts to steal our joy and our gratitude.

“We’re comparing our real, everyday lives to someone else’s highlight reel... comparison starts to steal our joy.”

Q: YOUR FOUNDATION FOCUSES ON THE “MOST VULNERABLE.” WHERE DID THAT CALLING BEGIN?

A: When I was 15, I met a boy in the Philippines who was treated as a throwaway because he was born with physical differences. That moment changed me. I realized God was calling me to pursue a different kind of MVP, not “Most Valuable Player,” but “Most Vulnerable People.”

Q: FINALLY, WHAT’S ONE THING PEOPLE MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO KNOW ABOUT YOU?

A: I have some weird coffee habits, which include protein powder, collagen, and cream all mixed together. I love golf dates with my wife. And every night, I bring snacks to bed to share with our dogs. It brings me more joy than it probably should.

This conversation barely scratches the surface. Tim goes deeper into the moments that rattled him, the joys of fatherhood, and one story he has never shared publicly until now. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on Share the Lifestyle Podcast.

for the exclusive reveal and more with Tim Tebow unfiltered.
the first time ever, Tim shares the inspiration behind a project he’s been holding close to his heart.
Redefining MVP
FEATURING TIM TEBOW

Love Day = Canton

A community gathering rooted in connection, celebration, and shared hope

On April 18, Love Day will gather families, neighbors, churches, and local businesses at The Mill on Etowah for an afternoon designed to feel both joyful and deeply communal. After several years in downtown Atlanta, the annual event expands into Canton, focusing on partnerships and local engagement.

Q: For readers unfamiliar with Love Day, what can they expect?

Led by Mathew Palazzo, Love Day is a family fun festival open to the entire community. The afternoon will include live music, a DJ, children’s games, tug of war, bounce houses, and a petting zoo. Families can arrive early, settle in, and let children move freely while neighbors reconnect. As the music continues, brief personal testimonies will be woven between sets, offering moments of reflection amid the celebration.

Q: What will the day itself feel like for families?

From the opening music to the final song, the atmosphere is designed to feel welcoming and unhurried. Children will find themselves at the center of the afternoon, moving between games, bounce houses, and a petting zoo while parents

gather in conversation nearby. The rhythm of the day balances celebration with meaning, creating space for both laughter and reflection. It is structured to feel approachable, whether someone arrives with family or simply comes for an afternoon with neighbors.

Q: What outcomes have past Love Day events produced?

In previous gatherings in Atlanta, more than 300 individuals made life-changing decisions that connected them with local churches and support networks. Organizers have seen families restored, individuals step out of addiction into sobriety, and community members move from isolation into belonging. Those outcomes, they say, are the quiet heartbeat behind the festival atmosphere.

Q: Why attend?

Because community is built face-toface. Love Day offers space for children to laugh, for music to carry across the green, and for conversations that may not happen elsewhere. It is an invitation to gather, to celebrate, and to participate in strengthening Canton’s shared life. For more info, visit LoveDayATL.com

take me to the best credit union in Canton

coosa valley credit union

number. At Coosa Valley Credit Union, we are committed to banking with kindness, and just doing what is right.

Every day. Every member. Come join us.

AN Investment IN COMPASSION FOR Cherokee County

One dinner given, one family fed uplifted by SERV International’s Meal a Month initiative.

For more than two decades, SERV International has quietly extended hope from Canton to communities around the globe. What began as a mission to meet both physical and spiritual needs internationally has grown into a steady local presence in Cherokee County, where more than 1,000 food boxes are packed and distributed each month to neighbors facing food insecurity.

Founder and CEO Steve Kasha speaks with clarity and conviction about the work. “We believe people need a hand up, not just a handout,” he says. That philosophy shapes SERV’s newest initiative, Meal a Month, a program designed to invite the community into a shared rhythm of generosity.

For $35 each month, individuals, families, small groups, churches, and local businesses can sponsor one of those 1,000 food boxes. Inside the SERV center, a wall of blue cards represents each family served. As sponsors commit, the cards are turned to orange and often signed, a quiet but visible reminder that someone has chosen to stand in the gap.

Meal a Month is simple in structure yet profound in effect. It asks participants to give up one meal and replace it with another. In doing so, it transforms an ordinary dinner into an intentional investment in Cherokee County's well-being. What emerges is not only provision for families in need, but a renewed sense of connection among those who call this community home. SERV’s local outreach has expanded steadily over the past five years, even as food costs have doubled and, in some cases, nearly quadrupled. Rising prices have required thoughtful recalibration, but not retreat. Instead, leadership saw an opportunity to bring the community closer together.

Local Outreach Director Zip Cain describes the heart behind the initiative. “There are so many people in our community who want to help. They just need a clear and meaningful way to do it,” he explains. Meal a Month provides that clarity. It offers a starting point and a sustainable path forward, allowing SERV to plan with consistency while inviting broad participation.

Each food box contains carefully selected staples assembled by volunteers who understand that dignity matters as much as nutrition. Sponsors are encouraged not only to give financially, but also to engage personally. They can join packing days, distribute boxes, and meet the families whose lives are touched by their investment. The experience often reshapes the giver as much as the recipient.

In an April investment issue, the language of return feels particularly resonant. The return here is not measured in percentages, but in strengthened neighborhoods and restored hope. When a family receives a box accompanied by a note and a prayer, they encounter more than groceries. They encounter care.

SERV’s global reach continues across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond, yet its local focus remains steadfast. By inviting Cherokee County residents to give up one meal each month, Meal a Month reframes generosity as a shared discipline. In a community known for hospitality and pride of place, it feels both natural and necessary.

Get involved! ServOne.org/Mealamonth

Why One Meal Matters

•$35 a month sponsors a food box filled with essentials and hope.

•Each sponsored box is prayed over before it goes out.

•Packs and deliveries are volunteerdriven, creating shared purpose.

•Meal a Month fosters a rhythm of giving that strengthens both community and spirit.

WHERE STORIES LAND

Film investment shapes Cherokee County’s economy, workforce, and creative future from the ground up.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHEROKEE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

The rise of film in Cherokee County is neither accidental nor ornamental. It is the result of a sustained strategy led by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED) and guided by Director of Film Molly Mercer, whose work bridges logistics and long-term vision.

“When students see a viable pathway from classroom to career within their own community, it changes how they imagine their future,” Mitch Olson, Executive-producer of Signing Tony Raymond.

Productions such as Ozark and American Made, starring Tom Cruise, spent meaningful time in the community. Other recognizable titles, including Hidden Figures, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Hawkeye, and The Founder, featuring Michael Keaton, have used Cherokee locations for pivotal scenes. A courthouse façade, a historic theater marquee, a stretch of road that feels untouched by time. What appears briefly on screen often represents weeks of coordinated effort behind the scenes.

Mercer’s priority is in building relationships — connecting productions with the community and helping them navigate scouting, permitting, and local coordination so projects move smoothly through the county.

The objective is simple: center relationships, and both the community and the productions benefit.

The economic impact extends well beyond camera crews. Offduty officers, electricians, carpenters, and painters find paid work close to home. The tax revenue generated by lodging and

related spending flows back into community assets, including parks and shared spaces that elevate residents' daily lives.

Film, here, is not spectacle. It is infrastructure.

If the global reach of film establishes Cherokee County on a wider stage, its local workforce ensures that investment remains rooted at home.

COED’s commitment to workforce development means working closely in partnership with CCSD’s Audio, Visual Technology and Film (AVTF) pathway instructors across all six county high schools. These students are not observing from a distance. They are building morning broadcasts, managing live visuals for packed football stadiums, and producing short films that reflect both technical skill and emerging voice.

Each winter, the Cherokee Student Film Summit gathers these young creatives for a full day of industry exposure. Professionals from across Georgia share their expertise, from set design artisans who helped construct the world of Stranger Things to Academy

Award-winning programmers whose motion capture innovations shaped films like Avatar. College representatives connect with students over lunch, sparking interest in academic and training experiences yet to come.

The Summit serves as a springboard for the annual Cherokee Student Film Festival, culminating in a public screening where families and neighbors fill the theater to watch original short films created under tight timelines and creative constraints. Winning entries are later featured at the Peaberry Film Festival in Canton, widening the audience and reinforcing the idea that serious creative work can begin here.

Mitch Olson is an Atlanta-based writer, producer, and educator whose work bridges industry and classroom with unusual clarity. He executive-produced the feature Signing Tony Raymond , which enjoyed a national theatrical release in 2026 and serves as Associate Professor of Screen and TV Writing at Kennesaw State University, where he contributes to curriculum development for the Georgia Film Academy.

For Olson, regional film growth is not simply a matter of production volume. “When students see a viable pathway from classroom to career within their own community, it changes how they imagine their future,” he says. His ongoing involvement in both professional and student film summits continues to align higher education with the working industry, reinforcing a creative economy that is both aspirational and accessible.

Cherokee’s film ecosystem now includes quarterly meetups for working creatives and a growing network of independent producers — and COED’s commitment extends far beyond supporting visiting production teams or student filmmakers. A diverse base of film professionals now lives and works in Cherokee, contributing to Georgia’s thriving film industry while investing their time, talent, and leadership in the community they call home. To strengthen those relationships, COED hosts quarterly gatherings and its flagship event, the Metro Atlanta Film Summit, which returned on March 13, 2026. This annual convening brings together state and regional partners, along with a wide array of expert panelists and speakers, as more than 250 creatives come together to help chart the path forward for Georgia’s film production industry.

To round out the comprehensive economic impact, COED invites users to download the Filmed in Cherokee mobile app, which maps recognizable shooting locations throughout the county. Residents can stand where a scene unfolded and perhaps, for the first time, understand how intimately their hometown is woven into larger cultural narratives. This layered investment, from global productions to high school classrooms, is what distinguishes Cherokee’s trajectory. It is not chasing a moment. It is cultivating continuity. In a season defined by investment, film offers a compelling case study. It is visible enough to inspire pride, yet structured enough to generate measurable return.

“When a production like Ozark or a film starring Tom Cruise chooses Cherokee County, it signals more than cinematic appeal. It affirms that our community is equipped, talented, and ready to carry stories of global scale.” - Heath Tippens, President at COED

Canton’s recent recognition as one of Georgia’s notable places to film affirms what many in Cherokee County have sensed for years. The region offers architectural character, logistical accessibility, and a collaborative civic environment. More importantly, it offers people who understand that growth must be shared to be meaningful.

COED’s efforts create the foundation for sustainable growth, opening doors to new projects, collaboration, and creative opportunities that benefit both the industry and the community – all built on the relationships and infrastructure cultivated today. It will also include continued stewardship to ensure that the film enhances rather than overwhelms the character of North Georgia communities. For residents curious about locations, workforce data, or ways to engage with the local film community, resources are available at CherokeeGA. org/film-media. The invitation is not merely to watch what is filmed here, but to understand how thoughtfully it is built.

GAME. SET. GROWTH

COLLEEN CRAIG: TURNING VISION, GRIT, AND COMMUNITY PURPOSE INTO OWNERSHIP AND LAUNCH OF ATLANTA VIBE, GEORGIA’S GROUNDBREAKING ENTRY INTO MAJOR LEAGUE PRO WOMEN’S VOLLEYBALL

ON THE COURT WHERE A DREAM TOOK SHAPE

On January 24, 2024, inside a roaring Omaha arena, the Atlanta Vibe clinched a fiveset thriller in the firstever Major League Volleyball match. For Colleen Craig, standing amid the noise, tension, and celebration, the moment was more than a win it was the realization of a dream years in the making. “I don’t know if you can beat that… maybe the next big inflection point is when you see it at State Farm Arena.” Colleen says. That victory marked a powerful beginning for Georgia’s first professional women’s volleyball team and for the woman determined to build something meaningful for the city and community.

A MISSION GROUNDED IN PURPOSE

To Colleen, life’s north star comes down to a guiding principle: “How can I utilize my God-given talents to do the greatest good?” “How can I give back?” These principles have defined her path from Cornell, where she walked on as a two-spot athlete in

track and volleyball, to earning her MBA at Harvard, to a successful career in finance and entrepreneurship.

Each chapter prepared her for this one leading the professional women’s volleyball team in Georgia and participating on the Major League Volleyball Board of Governors. Finding home in Atlanta, Colleen, who is the first female owner in Major League Volleyball, wasn’t sure she would stay in Atlanta for more than a few years. Colleen was born in Buffalo, NY and first moved south after receiving her MBA in 1996. She returned in 2013 after years in the NYC financial services industry to raise her three sons near family. It didn’t take long for Atlanta to win her over. “You get down here and immediately realize Atlanta is special… Many people are transplants…folks are so nice…there are Fortune 100, Fortune 500 companies... not to mention great weather. I fell in love with it.” she says. Her growing love for Atlanta, combined with a desire for meaningful impact, pushed her to search for new opportunities especially through sport.

BUILDING THE BASE: LAKEPOINT AND RALLY VOLLEYBALL

Stepping away from her hedge fund career in New York City, Colleen reflected on what helped her succeed in the business arena. A common denominator was her sports experience. She dug deep into the process conducting her own primary research, immersing herself in the industry and meeting with stakeholders across the country. She saw quickly where she could help. She noticed a fragmented volleyball ecosystem coupled with massive participation and significant upside potential. “They need to apply some basic business principles… I can help with that.” Her early foothold came at LakePoint Sports in Cartersville, which inspired an even larger vision. In 2014, she launched Rally Volleyball a platform supporting youth, collegiate and adult participation through leagues, tournaments and volleyball programming.

A DEFINING MOMENT AT THE AVCA CONVENTION

By 2022, she was searching for the “top of the pyramid” a way to elevate the sport at its highest level. That moment arrived at the American Volleyball Coaches Association Convention, where she learned about Major League Volleyball’s initial franchises. Within weeks, she knew Atlanta should have one too. By February 2023, Colleen signed to launch the Atlanta Vibe, with a debut

season scheduled for 2024. “This is a traditional pro sport… You own a franchise.. You operate in your city. This is a no brainer.”

LAUNCHING THE VIBE: A TEAM ROOTED IN COMMUNITY

Now in their third season, the Vibe compete in a deep and talented Major League Volleyball landscape while forging a presence in three distinct arenas: the consciousness of sports fans in Georgia, on the floor against their opponents and in an impactful way in Atlanta communities. The 2026 Vibe schedule includes 12 home matches at Gas South Arena in Duluth and two in downtown Atlanta at the Georgia State Convocation Center, a deliberate choice to reach diverse communities. “We represent a wide swath of the city.” Colleen sees this opportunity as building a community asset, not a private venture. She brings a startup mindset to build smart, strong, and with purpose.

A VISION THAT EXTENDS FAR BEYOND THE COURT

For Colleen, the Omaha win remains a cherished memory, but it’s only the beginning. She imagines bigger arenas, broader reach, stronger pathways for women athletes, and a sustainable future for professional volleyball in the U.S. Atlanta Vibe isn’t just a team it’s a movement, a mission, and a statement about what’s possible when passion, purpose and community come together.

atlantavibe.com

The Atlanta Vibe
Vibe Staff
Reser ve You r Event Today! • Kate lyn n Cowen, Spec ial Events D irector • EventSer vic es@ fair waysofc anton c om

Dr. Stacy Stewart

Dr. Stacy Stewart is a double-board-certified family medicine and lifestyle medicine physician specializing in primary care. Her philosophy of care rooted in the belief that every patient is unique, with their own experiences, values, and personal health journey. She strives to treat the whole person, not just the diagnosis, by taking time to truly listen, understand concerns, and provide compassionate, individualized care.

LOOK TO NORTHSIDE FOR ADVANCED CARE CLOSE TO HOME

I’m following the new food pyramid, but I struggle with constipation. What helps with regularity?

The new pyramid emphasizes whole foods, which are naturally high in fiber and support regularity. High protein does not always translate into constipation. It is important in any meal plan to get the proper amounts of fiber and water, which, together, help prevent constipation. Naturally fermented foods, such as kimchi and sauerkraut, can help maintain a healthy gut and aid in digestion. A daily probiotic is also recommended to support digestion and gut health.

Should I walk after meals, even if it’s just around the office?

Yes. Walking and other physical activity support digestion and help offset the effects of a sedentary workday. After heavy meals, it is important to avoid lying down or going straight to sleep, as this can lead to reflux, insomnia and excess calorie storage. Short walks are ok for the office, but longer walks, when time permits, are always recommended for overall health and digestion.

I rely on pre-made protein drinks for breakfast. What should I look for?

Water should remain your primary daily beverage. For protein powder or ready-made drinks, try to find one with simple ingredients — 10 or fewer — and low added sugar. Added sugar per serving should be less than 10 grams. Nondairy or whey-based products depend on individual tolerance. If you have a dairy or lactose intolerance, choose a non-dairy option over whey-based products.

If I’m using a GLP-1 medication for weight loss, should I adjust the new food pyramid?

The new pyramid endorses high protein targets, which are important for GLP-1 users. Due to decreased appetite with GLP-1 use, meal choices and balance are important, with whole foods and protein playing a primary role.

Does meal timing and snack spacing matter?

The short answer is simple: eat when you are hungry and do not eat when you are not. Eat foods that promote healthy blood sugar levels. Always pair processed foods with a protein or whole food for sustainability, and avoid snacks that cause blood glucose spikes. For example, pair snack crackers with string cheese or peanut butter to avoid carb-only snacks.

What fruits are best if I’m in the prediabetes range?

Fruit is not a villain. Some fruits have a lower glycemic index (e.g., berries, green or Granny Smith apples) and avoid blood glucose spikes. Higher-glycemic-index fruits, such as mango, very ripe bananas, and watermelon, are healthier alternatives to sugar-filled desserts. Focus on limiting high-sugar, highly processed desserts, and keep in mind that fruit has healthy fiber that desserts lack.

I have high cholesterol and follow a Mediterranean-style diet. What nuts are best?

All nuts are ok, the portion size is what’s most important. Limit to no more than a handful for a snack. Peanuts are not considered a traditional food pyramid nut, like tree nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.). Also, extra-virgin olive oil is a great choice for the Mediterranean-style diet. Cold-pressed avocado oil is recommended for recipes that call for higher temperatures due to its greater heat tolerance. Stick with olive oil for salad or simple sauté recipes.

APRIL 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

APRIL 18TH

Street Dog Dash 5K

Etowah River Park, 600 Brown Industrial Parkway, Canton, GA. | 9:00 AM

This family and dog-friendly charity run raises funds for local and international animal rescue partners along a scenic paved route beside the Etowah River. Support the cause and join the fun. Register at Streetdogdash5k.org

APRIL 23RD

Dream Again Dinner

Cherokee Conference Center at the Bluffs | 6:00 PM

Serenade Heights’ Dream Again Dinner invites the community to an evening of connection and support for single moms as they rebuild and renew their aspirations through mentorship, celebration, and shared stories of hope. Visit: SerenadeHeights.org/events

APRIL 25TH

Blue Ridge Trout & Outdoor Adventures Festival

Downtown Blue Ridge City Park, Blue Ridge, GA | 10:00 AM

Celebrate Georgia’s official trout festival with outdoor gear vendors, fly-fishing demos, live music, craft food and family activities. Learn about fishing, biking and paddling amid mountain scenery and community spirit. Join the spring festival experience and enjoy downtown Blue Ridge.

APRIL 25TH

5th Annual Garden in the Park

Cannon Park, 130 East Main Street, Canton, GA | 11:00 AM

Canton’s spring celebration brings handmade art, flowers, plants and crafts to historic Cannon Park. Local makers and gardeners share their creations and blooms under open skies, with live spirit and community warmth at the heart of the day. Join the gathering and explore downtown.

MAY 2ND

Cherokee Chase 5K

Etowah River Park | 8:00 AM

The Cherokee Chase is an Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race Qualifier. A community 5K and fun run supporting Cherokee Christian School’s athletic programs and student initiatives, winding through scenic park paths with activities, vendors, and festivities for all ages. Visit: CherokeeChristian.org/cherokee-chase

MAY 16TH

BBQ & Brews Ball Ground

Ball Ground | 12:00 PM

An afternoon of slow-smoked barbecue, regional craft brews, and live music in the heart of Ball Ground. Local pitmasters and breweries gather for friendly competition and community celebration, creating a relaxed spring gathering filled with flavor, music, and small-town North Georgia charm.

PRIVATE PRACTICE OPEN IN CANTON

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