400 Life May 2023

Shipley Do-Nuts debuts in Forsyth

Eatery now open at Hammonds Crossing

MAY

At John Megel Chevrolet, we have an excellent selection of new and pre-owned vehicles. You can also enjoy the current financing specials and lease offers we have on all of the most popular Chevy models in the lineup. We pride ourselves in being the used car dealer that has options for almost every kind of driver and budget.

When you want to shop with a car dealer that cares about customer satisfaction, you should find your way to us. Over time, we have served the automotive needs of many customers who were looking to find a car dealership they could trust to offer a full-service experience.

Shipley Do-nuts opened to the public on March 24. The business is owned by Oziel Rodriguez, above, and is located at Hammonds Crossing in north Forsyth.

‘IT’S A GOOD FEELING’

Feeding the community one donut at a time

Story by Alexis E. Abbott | Photos by Vicki Alsup Photography

“Ozzie” Rodriguez, who grew up with four siblings comprised of three brothers, one sister and whose father was a minister and mother “worked two jobs just to survive,” has grown to have a passion for getting “hands on” with business start-ups.

Oziel

From restaurants to donuts, he’s embarked on adventure after adventure with Shipley Do-nuts being his latest project. But something about Shipley, so far, is different.

Since its opening in March, people have been driving from as far as two hours away to get a taste of nostalgia from Shipley’s Do-nuts at Hammonds Crossing in Cumming, Georgia, where Oziel runs his business alongside his wife, Brenda Delgado.

“I know Shipley has affected many lives. People keep saying, ‘I grew up with Shipley in Texas. I grew up with Shipley in Louisiana.’

Shipley Do-nuts opened to the public on Friday, March 24. They are located at Hammonds Crossing in north Forsyth.

It’s a good feeling,” Oziel said.

Having grown up in McAllen, Texas without a Shipley Do-nuts nearby and being a Forsyth County resident for 21 years now, he said seeing the community response has been a shock.

“I am happy, honored, and humbled at the same time because it’s not just a business. It’s an experience,” he said.

“There are two key factors about me: Faith and Passion,” Oziel said.

Having grown up with a minister as a father, Oziel embraced faith throughout his own life, which led him to study for two years in Bible college. He has held the position as associate pastor, youth director, men’s director, and leader of education in the church.

As his business ventures continued, they demanded more and more of his time, so he decided to see where a career in business start-ups could take him. But as a member of El Shaddai Church in Duluth, he still holds strong in his faith and weaves it into his business philosophy.

“I have faith in my life and in everything I do. That is where my foundation is from,” he said. “In business there are risks but obviously the faith that I have secures any doubts of not being successful. Sure, you always make mistakes, but you learn from them and move on and grow.”

The other half of his business philosophy is being driven by passion. With his most recent venture with Shipley Do-nuts, every morning Oziel rises at 1 a.m., to be able to pick up his two dough starters and drop them off at the store by 2 a.m., to prepare before the manager comes in at 3 a.m., to then open to the public from 5 am to 5 pm.

“Without passion you cannot have the attitude at 1 [a.m.] in the morning to get up and get ready,” he said. “If it wasn’t for that passion, people would see it as more of a burden and it shouldn’t be that way. You’ll get burnt out and see more negatives than positives.”

“But I am so grateful for that passion to be able to see the simple freshness of a donut and the happiness it brings to people,” he said.

That happiness has been clearly seen as customers have driven from as far as two hours away just to revel in the nostalgia that Shipley Do-nuts brings them.

Due to lack of space, the location at Hammonds Crossing has no seating area and is walk-in and drive-through only.

Above, Caroline Joe drove from Atlanta to try a donut at Shipley Do-nuts, which is owned by Oziel ‘Ozzie’ Rodriguez, left.

For the next location, Oziel is looking forward to opening a store that will allow customers to sit and enjoy the simple luxury of a donut with friends and family and to allow a space for community.

Originally inspired by his boss that he worked for two years at Sunrise Management Company, he looked forward to being able to become an inspiration to others through his business success and get involved with his local community.

As a member of North Forsyth 400 Rotary Club for two years, sitting on the board of United Way of Forsyth County for a year and a half, and as vice president of the Forsyth Hispanic Alliance, Oziel takes his hard-earned ability to be involved in community outreach and support very seriously.

“We are being distracted by so many things in today’s life and it’s separating us from that community,” he said. “Today, we are lacking the opportunity to connect from all different backgrounds and lifestyles and people from different areas.”

If we can work on continuing to be involved and connect, it’s what makes us stronger and lead in a way that we can be here for each other.

He even has a slogan that he runs his business on that says: “Thank each guest for the opportunity to serve them and allow us to contribute to the community we serve.”

It was that very community that drove Oziel to venture with Shipley Do-nuts in the first place.

In Texas, Oziel’s younger brother worked at a Shipley Do-nut location that survived the COVID-19 pandemic thanks to the drive-through.

Seeing this success and having encouragement from his brother led Oziel to sign on to open five stores in the Forsyth/Dawson/

Dahlonega areas so Hammonds Crossing is just the beginning of Shipley Do-nuts’ presence in Georgia.

Be sure to visit Shipley Do-Nuts for your very own taste of the simple joy a fresh donut can bring.

After you enjoy a donut for breakfast, if you’re looking for a nice place for lunch or dinner, visit his other eateries: Palapas Bar & Grill on Browns Bridge Road or the Terrazas Bar & Grill in Johns Creek, which has plans to open in April.

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SHIPLEY DO-NUTS

3225 Keith Bridge Rd, Cumming, GA 30041 (470) 839-2135, www.shipleydonuts.com

Since its opening in March, people have been driving from as far as two hours away to get a taste of nostalgia from Shipley’s Do-nuts at Hammonds Crossing in Cumming, where Oziel Rodriguez runs his business alongside his wife, Brenda Delgado.

How to Protect Yourself from Malware, Phishing, and Scandalous Emails

As a lawyer many people approach me to discuss what steps they can take to punish those who engage in cybercrimes. Unfortunately, most cybercrimes are too small for effective and economical legal action to be taken.

As an example, Google blocks close to 100 million scandalous, phishing emails a day. Yet, there are still 3.4 billion spam emails being sent out daily all around the world which jeopardize individuals› and business email accounts on getting hijacked. The words malware, phishing, and scandalous emails all connect by the same idea. These words reflect the “art” of crime called cybercrime.

Steven Leibel

Phishing, being the leading cybercrime in 2023 thus far, is a cybercrime caused by individuals opening malicious links and websites. This causes personal information and even credit card numbers to be released. Malware is directly linked to phishing because of the effect of the scandalous emails on the electronic devices which cause unwelcomed software and viruses. Although this all sounds scary, there are ways you can prevent and protect yourself from phishing, malware, and scandalous emails.

One way to protect personal and business email from malicious emails is by not clicking unknown links. Another is to click on the address purporting to be from someone you know. Most often phony addresses will hide underneath a legitimate looking name.

Clicking only on the purported name shows the actual email address hiding underneath. Links sent by people trying to commit fraud are not lawful nor safe. Refrain from opening links that look suspicious. In addition, take the warning sounds and symbols before you click on a rudimentary link seriously.

Many links that your computer does not trust will put up a warning before you go to the unknown website. Take measures in making sure all spam or potential spam emails get sent to your junk folder.

Identity Theft is way too common to ignore. Social Security numbers, dates of birth and credit card information are often under attack. Hackers find ways to steal your information so they can sell personal information. They look for new targets by sending out emails disguised as yours.

These hackers find information from you from phishing. Phishing leads to more phishing if you do not take the precautions of safely protecting your email account. An important key is NEVER to open an email asking you to open a bank account or other financial transaction. Use a bank’s own app to transact business.

If you have a Microsoft email account, check the rules in the software to make certain it has not been altered with rules you did not authorize. Use secure links to banks and financial persons so as to stop sending personal information through unprotected emails and websites.

Cyberpunks are those criminals that use people whom they know you are close to with tricks to have  them open infected links. This causes their information to be stolen or lead viruses to their devices. Under the Identity Theft statute of Georgia, it is a felony to steal someone else›s identity even though there are thousand upon thousand hackers today who flaunt the law.

Steps like changing password settings can help  stop phishing attempts and ultimately can save your email account and identity. Although malware and phishing can seem spine-chilling, using the right tools and skills to prevent such activity can help overcome the fright of hackers.

Good wishes in keeping your email safe!

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Great gifts for moms from all walks of life

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to show moms how much they’re loved and appreciated.

Though many moms may insist they don’t want anything beyond spending the day with their children, gifts are a big part of Mother’s Day. No two moms are the same, and though standards like flowers and greeting cards will always have a place on Mother’s Day, the following are some gift ideas that can put smiles on the faces of moms from all walks of life.

FITNESS ENTHUSIAST

Some moms simply love to get in a good workout. Shoppers whose mothers or wives love to break a sweat might want to look into home gym equipment, as many fitness enthusiasts transformed part of their homes into exercise areas during the pandemic.

If that sounds like the mom on your shopping list, then a suspension training system won’t take up much room but can provide an intense, full-body workout. A new yoga mat, some wireless Bluetooth headphones or a compression stretching mat are some additional gifts that might make exercise-loving moms smile this Mother’s Day.

BOOKWORM

There’s no end to the gift options for mothers who love to curl up with a good book. Of course, some new books may delight Mom, but gifts that can improve the reading experience also merit consideration.

For example, an ergonomic backrest reading pillow can make bedtime reading sessions more comfortable and ensure mom’s neck and back get ample support as she reads the latest page-turner. A nightstand book holder also can be ideal for moms who can’t seem to keep track of their bookmarks.

TRAVELER

Moms whose children still live under the same roof may not have much opportunity to travel, but empty nesters and grandmothers might.

For such moms, a foldable, hanging travel bag can make it easy and convenient for mom to carry all her toiletries and access them without taking up what’s often minimal hotel room counter space.

For moms who want to document their excursions, a leather travel journal encourages them to note their experiences and gives them something they can revisit for years to come.

Of course, some new luggage can make the perfect gift for newly retired moms who can’t wait to start visiting places on their travel bucket lists.

BUSINESSWOMAN

Millions of moms manage to juggle the obligations of family life with a challenging career.

Mother’s Day can be a great time to recognize that balancing act. A self-heating coffee mug can ensure mom’s morning cup of Joe doesn’t go cold as she traverses her way through a hectic morning routine. Another great gift is a charging mouse pad that can charge all of mom’s devices even while she’s working. If you want to help mom remain calm as she navigates her way through a day filled with personal and professional obligations, an essential oils diffuser can create a sense of relaxation on the most hectic of days.

No two moms are the same. Fortunately, great gifts can be found for moms from all walks of life this Mother’s Day.

The epidemic of loneliness

By Sudie Crouch | Health & Wellness columnist

Remember the song ‘People?’

In it, Barbara Streisand sang how people who need people were the luckiest people in the world. It was a hit song for the singer, but it also gave us some truths about how people truly do need one another. We’ve learned over the course of the last few years how being isolated and away from others can impact our overall well-being.

Being unable to socialize and connect with others took a hard toll on many of us, even the introverts to a degree. Even prior to the pandemic, there had been numerous studies about how despite all of our technological advances in being able to communicate, at least

17 percent of the population struggled with feelings of loneliness and one researcher even called it a modern day epidemic.

Then we encountered a disruption to our everyday lives and those feelings of isolation were magnified. We didn’t have connection, we didn’t have interaction, and in our seclusion, we soon learned that it made life a bit harder simply because we didn’t have people around us.

Even though that isolation was meant as a means of self-preservation, for many it proved harmful. In fact, loneliness can be detrimental to our overall health and wellbeing in many ways.

How loneliness hurts us

Before we dive into looking at how loneliness can affect our health, it’s important to also recognize the difference between being lonely and being alone. Loneliness can be the absence of connection to others or to things that give us that sense of belonging, care, and purpose.

Being alone can differ in that there may be more of a choice to be by oneself to use it as a time for reflection, solitude, and to recharge. Being alone is often not a lengthy period of time either, whereas loneliness may be prolonged.

Loneliness begins by affecting us on an emotional level, and from a whole-person perspective, we can see that spill over into other areas of our lives as well. Depression is a serious result, as when we’re depressed we tend to withdraw even further from things and people we love and that perpetuates the cycle.

As that depression grows, we may see ourselves gaining or losing weight, disruptions in our sleep cycles, and can lower our immune system, making us sicker as a result. We’ve heard of people dying from a broken heart, but perhaps there is some truth to that as loneliness does make our heart weaker.

Further impacts can include cognitive decline, increased cortisol (the stress hormone), which can also trigger inflammation that leads to other chronic health risks.

On a social level, when people are struggling with any of these concerns, it can make it hard to want to connect with others – even when that is what they may need the most. Interpersonal interactions may be challenging or strained, as most people do not want to admit they are lonely or that they are having a difficult time.

How to connect with others

Probably the most challenging step is reaching out to others and letting them know you’re feeling lonely. Maybe that’s what Streisand meant when she sang that they are the luckiest people in the world; they knew they needed those connections and had people to reach out to.

Finding some social supports can be incredibly beneficial. If there are any interests or hobbies you enjoy, you can look to see if there are any local community groups that you can join. Church can be a great resource for support, too; even if you aren’t affiliated with a specific denomination, there may be some events or groups that are open to the public. Volunteering can be a great idea, as feeling and being needed can be very beneficial!

Having a pet can also help alleviate some of the effects of loneliness. Pets provide interaction and companionship, and knowing there is a little soul counting on you can give us purpose and meaning too.

And, if someone you know has maybe had a life change or circumstance that has caused them to be isolated lately –medical issues or even loss of spouse or partner are two big reasons that keep people homebound – try to check on them. Even a phone call can help them feel connected and help offset some of the loneliness.

It’s not just older populations who are lonely

While typically older populations are the most predominantly impacted by loneliness, younger people may feel isolated and disconnected as well. It’s easy to think they are interacting with friends because technology does make it easier, but it can also feel more isolating when someone isn’t responding – you may worry if you’ve been ‘ghosted.’

Finding ways to overcome loneliness can take time and compassion – we all need each other and those connections with others in so many ways.

UPCOMING EVENT:

According to The Environmental Protection Agency definition, household hazardous waste is any unwanted household products that contain corrosive, ignitable, toxic, or reactive ingredients. The average U.S. household generates more than 20 pounds of hazardous waste per year.

Common waste found in most homes includes cleaners, oils, fuels, batteries, fluorescent light bulbs, herbicides, pesticides, glue and electronics.

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful became the main local resource for household hazardous waste disposal and recycling in 2004 with its first electronics recycling event. Paint was added to the event in the fall of 2015.

The 2023 Keep Forsyth County Beautiful household hazardous waste events are set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 6, and Nov. 4, at the Cumming Fairgrounds’ Parking Lot 3, 235 Castleberry Road.

Online pre-registration for the May event begins Monday, April 17 at keepforsythcountybeautiful.org. Pre-registration is required. Availability is on a first come, first served basis until the maximum number of vehicles are registered. Attendees are staggered across half hour pre-assigned slots to ensure a quick and easy drop off experience with an average wait time of about 13 minutes.

The event is for Forsyth County residents and only residential waste is accepted. Limit 10 gallons of paint per vehicle. There is no charge for dropping off household hazardous waste during the event. However, a $5 donation is requested to help support Keep Forsyth County Beautiful, a 501c3 non-profit organization.

Items accepted include corrosive, ignitable, toxic and/or reactive household hazardous including paints, cleaners, oils, fuels, batteries, fluorescent or HID light bulbs, herbicides, pesticides and more. Items that will not be accepted include medical waste, needles, ammunition, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and non-hazardous items.

A full list of accepted materials and more details on the event can be found at keepforsythcountybeautiful.org. For more information, email KFCB@ forsythco.com or call (770) 205-4573.

— Courtesy Keep Forsyth County Beautiful

When, where you can dispose of household hazardous waste

Make the most of this summer

All Together Now!

at your local libary

We may be in the homestretch of the school year, but your public library is excitedly gearing up for our annual Summer Reading Fun program! Everyone needs a little “R & R” over the summer. Forsyth County Public Library can help ensure that the second “R” stands for Relaxation instead of academic Regression. Here’s how:

SO LONG, SUMMER SLIDE!

Studies have shown that without regular reading and learning activities, students can lose roughly one month of school-year achievement over the summer. This is known as learning loss or summer slide.

Good news: summer slide is avoidable through enriching activities and daily reading.

Better news: FCPL offers myriad free materials, programs, and resources to help your kids say “So long!” to summer slide and become lifelong learners.

ALL TOGETHER NOW!

Marinelli has lived in Forsyth County for 20 years with her husband and three children and is the Communications Manager at Forsyth County Public Library.

Keep reading this summer with FCPL’s reading incentive program. This year’s theme, “All Together Now!” will keep everyone in the family engaged through fun, free activities, and the chance to earn incremental incentives all summer long. Sadly, fewer kids than ever are reading for pleasure according to a Pew Research study. Reading incentive programs “gamify” reading, making it feel more fun and like less of a chore. Plus, rewards and recognition of reading achievements help motivate students to keep reading. For reluctant readers, the activities element of summer reading programs can draw them in and serve as a gateway to reading.

What better way is there to see (and show off) your reading progress than by sporting a spiffy summer reading library lanyard filled with custom-designed, themed buttons earned for each reading milestone?

So sign up! This program is for all ages, including adults. Track your summer reading and participate in fun activities to earn points. Readers will receive a ticket for every 500 points they earn to put toward grand prize drawings. This year, our K-12 participants will have the opportunity to earn lanyards and buttons that correspond to some of the virtual badges they can earn.

Early registration for Summer Reading Fun begins on May 1, and the program runs May 25 through July 30. Visit forsythpl. beanstack.org to register.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

FCPL also provides a fantastic array of free summer events for all ages! From magic shows, professional storytellers, and “explosive” STEAM programs for school-aged kids, to pop culture fandom series

for teens, and bass fishing secrets from one of the South’s most experienced and skilled anglers, there is something for everyone at FCPL this summer. Best of all, every program is free and open to the public.

Sign up for our Weekly Program Planner at www.bit.ly/fcpl-wpp and we’ll deliver a list of our highlighted programs for the weekend and week ahead to your inbox every Thursday.

START YOUR SUMMER WITH A BANG!

Library summer reading kickoff events are the perfect way to set the tone that this summer is going to be a blast!

Don’t miss these amazing kickoff events this month at our libraries. Additional kickoff events will be happening the first week of June.

SUMMER STARTS WITH MAGICIAN ARTHUR ATSMA!

Sharon Forks Library, 11-11:45 a.m. and 3-3:45 p.m., Tuesday, May 30.

Let’s get “All Together Now” for this year’s Summer Reading Fun Kickoff event! Join us for a family friendly magic show featuring Arthur Atsma. Prepare to be amazed as we celebrate books, reading, and MAGIC.

SUMMER READING FUN KICKOFF

Crafts, Games, and Activities

Post Road Library, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday, May 31 (drop in event)

Forsyth County Public Library cards are available at no charge to Forsyth County residents, property or business owners, employees of Forsyth County government, currently enrolled students or employees of any public or private educational institution in Forsyth County.

For more information about FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY or any resources or upcoming events, visit WWW.FORSYTHPL.ORG or connect with FCPL on social media @forsythpl

Leslie

Don’t forget this brunch staple

Sunday brunch is a popular tradition for many families and groups of friends. Restaurants typically prepare special menus for Sunday brunch, and some families even gather at home after church services to break bread and leisurely enjoy a meal that isn’t quite breakfast or lunch.

Sunday brunch menus vary, but one staple you’re sure to find on brunch menus at your favorite restaurant is the Bloody Mary. Brunch hosts can offer guests their own versions of a Bloody Mary, be it a ‘Virgin Mary’ or an ‘Experienced Bloody Mary,’ thanks to this recipe from Betty Rosbottom’s ‘Sunday Brunch.’

Experienced Bloody Marys

t 1 recipe Mary Mix (see below)

t 6 lime wedges

t 6 1-inch pieces of celery

t 9 ounces vodka

For Experienced Bloody Marys: Prepare as directed, but stir 11/2 ounces of vodka into each glass before serving.

Virgin Marys

t 1 recipe Mary Mix (see below)

t 6 lime wedges

t 6 1-inch pieces of celery

For Virgin Marys: Add the mix to six 10- to 12-ounce glasses filled with ice. Spear a lime wedge and a piece of celery on each of six skewers for the garnish. Serve immediately.

Mary Mix

t 1 1/2 cups tomato juice

t 1 1/2 cups V8 juice

t 1 1/2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

t 11/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

t 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

t 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

t 3/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

t 3/8 teaspoon celery salt

Add all of the ingredients to a large pitcher. Stir well to mix. The mix can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated.