Companies with a Conscience - Chili's Grill and Bar

Companies with a Conscience has been created  because I see companies that are striving to make their community a better place. I am tired of hearing news and seeing on Facebook about all the negative things organizations are doing, so I want to start focusing on the positive. One small positive thought in the morning can change your entire day. I want to highlight the positive and give notice for good actions.

This week's Company with a Conscience is Chili's Grill and Bar

When dealing with food allergies, many companies will compile a restrictive list of menu items that you cannot eat. Chili's has done the opposite. Chili's Grill and Bar has created a list of items that you can eat if you have a certain allergy. Check out the list! Due to cross-contamination, they obviously cannot assure complete safety when eating any item on their menu but to create an inclusive list of menu items it takes away the feeling of restriction due to your allergy. 

I give Chili's a lot of credit for the time it took to create an inclusive list, and for taking a step to removing the stigma associated with food allergies by being restrictive!

Congratulations Chili's for being a Company with a Conscience!

*If you would like to submit a "Company with a Conscience" for upcoming posts, please use this link Companies with a Conscience Submission Form *

Companies with a Conscience - Opa Greek Restaruant

Hello!

As promised this is my second post for Companies with a Conscience!

This bi-weekly post is to encourage positivity online and highlight restaurants that are doing good for the community.

For the weeks of 11/1/2015-11/15/2015 I am highlighting Opa Greek Restaurant!

I have chosen to highlight them due to their knowledge and ability to cater to the allergic community. I recently placed an order and when I asked my normal questions about latex gloves, possible allergens and my safety, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of knowledge the staff had. For the first time in a long time, while trying to receive answers pertaining to my allergies, I wasn't made to feel like I was burdening anyone.  I had an extensive conversation with them about my allergies and am so impressed with how allergy friendly they are. I would encourage everyone to visit Opa Greek Restaurant!

Opa Greek Restaurant
260 Islip Ave
Islip, NY 11751
631-650-0620
www.OpaGreekRest.com
Instagram: @OPSOFISLIP

Congratulations Opa Greek Restaurant for being a Company with a Conscience!

*If you would like to submit a "Company with a Conscience" for upcoming posts, please use this link Companies with a Conscience Submission Form *

"The Real World"

Growing up is such an amazing experience. For me, it is even more so because I have been stopping and reflecting on all of my "adult" decisions since graduating... Starting my job has been a great experience by itself, I have met so many hardworking, passionate, and genuine people, who inspire and encourage me every day, and I've realized it is very important to not only have co-workers like that, but people in your life who will always support you. It's a scary experience getting older and becoming more independent, but if you have a goal, and the support, it really does make a difference. 

I've watched myself change over the past few months, obviously it has been a positive change, and that is a really great feeling. In the past 6 months, I've graduated from college, started working full time, and gotten into a masters program. I have a 5 year and a 10 year plan, and I finally feel like I have a handle on life. Not everything is always good, but how can we learn to appreciate the good times, if we've never experienced bad ones? Those bad times are what allows us to notice the good times, otherwise, we would just take it all for granted. 

Part of my plan is to be a role model for those around me, and to be the best person I can be. I will never give up on my dreams, because a dream is a wish your heart makes, and I've learned you need to follow your heart. Life is too short to live with regrets, life is too short to be unhappy. Do everything that makes you happy and don't think about it twice. Be yourself because you are wonderful. Every single experience shapes who we are as individuals, embrace change, and never give up. These are lessons I would like to pass on because these lessons have been passed on to me. 

The real world isn't so scary, you just have to jump in and enjoy the ride. 

<3

Binghamton University Makes Advances in Offering Allergy Free Foods

Today I wanted to write about something that I found very interesting and amazing all at the same time.  I was walking through the dining room in C4 at Binghamton University, and noticed that a new station was opening up offering allergy friendly foods.  Binghamton University's food service is ran by Sodexo, which services many different campus' as well as other on-site services. These Allergen Free foods are made in a separate area in the C4 dining hall without the use of the top 8 allergens.  These allergens are Milk, Eggs, Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Soy, and Wheat.  I found this very interesting because as you know, I am an food and latex allergy advocate and have been for the past 7 years and to my knowledge there are no other universities that offer this. Binghamton already has a Latex Free Facility, so there is no use of Latex gloves in the food service establishments across campus, but this is something new. Through my online research, I have found that some universities have offered compromises for students suffering from allergies, but nothing like this has been done. Being a Binghamton University student, I expect nothing less than our University to set a precedent for other Universities across the country.

News as recent as January of this year, there has been a legal struggle against Lesley University in Massachusetts for not providing foods for allergy suffers and thanks to the students who were apart of the law suit, the allergy advocates world is celebrating from their strives.

"DOJ's Civil Rights Division announced last month that the Americans With Disabilities Act applies to students at Lesley University in Cambridge, Ma., who claimed that the school's food services and meal plans were inadequate for their needs. It was the first food allergy-related settlement under ADA in higher education, says a DOJ spokeswoman.

In the agreement with DOJ, Lesley is required provide gluten- and allergen-free food options in its dining halls, offer special meal plans for students with allergies, and pay $50,000 in damages to the students who filed the claim in 2009, among other measures." NPR News

The day the station at Binghamton opened up, I decided to stop and speak with Tammy Coroa the manager of C4 and asked her a few questions that were on my mind about cross contamination and the station itself.  With food allergies specifically, there is a very high risk of cross contamination and usually very hard to prevent it in a setting like the resident dining halls.  Ms. Coroa had explained to me that her employees are trained and continue to be trained about the severity of allergies, as well as how to avoid cross contamination.  All of the utensils and cooking supplies for the Allergy friendly section are a light purple color, indicating to staff that they are only to be used in this one section. I had noticed they are using this kit in this facility, as well as other supplies from the same company, San Jamar. I also came across this video explaining their products  

Also they are trying to prevent cross contamination by not allowing students to place their trays down on the counter by the food, as well as giving each student a new plate if they order food from this station.  I think the concept is a great idea, and a step in the right direction to help students with food allergies feel less excluded as well as provide safe meals for them.  Like I said, definitely a step in the right direction.  

This dining service is calling Simple Servings which I think fits perfectly because again, it does not scream "I have an allergy" and I believe that is extremely important. I know I am very proud to be going to a school that is constantly making strives to keep everyone healthy and safe and is constantly setting precedents for other Universities.

There also is nothing mentioned on their website about the new allergy friendly options, so I am not sure if and how they plan to advertise this, but when they do, I think it will become a great success. As an Allergy Advocate, I love seeing this type of progression, especially when its at the school I attend!

If there are any advancements with this I will be sure to share! 

Feel free to contact me with any questions or opinions about this! I would love to hear and share with Sodexo!

Jaimie Hope, Author and Advocate

I had the opportunity to speak with Jaimie Hope, a children's book author with a powerful message and a wonderful attitude towards life. Jaimie is the author of The Adventures of Baby Jaimie which is the story of a young girl with a disability and how she copes with that.  Jaimie herself having a physical disability, does not let that define who she is. When we spoke, you could hear her smile through the phone, and her positive attitude was enough to make that sun shine on that rainy day. We spoke about the message she wanted to send to people everywhere, to which she replied that she wanted to teach non disabled children what it is like to be disabled, while teaching disabled children that they are not alone and that someone out there went through the same thing they are going through now.

Not only is Jaimie an author of Children's books, but she also has written and published young adult novels, a Biography and is working on her second biography in her trilogy to be released on Halloween 2013. To purchase any of her books, visit Jamie Hope's Online Store.  Jaimie donates 50% of her proceeds from book sales to Spina Bifida Research.

Jaimie was born with Spina Bifida and unfortunately was faced with bullying in junior and senior high school.  She said she never stood up for herself but wants others in the same situation to know that it is important to be your own advocate, and that you will never be okay unless you stand up for yourself.  On a recent Blog Post, Jaimie writes "Bullying has been a recurring theme since junior high for me. I have remained silent for far to long about it, but that part of my life is done. If you ever wish to bring about real change on this topic that has become a worldwide epidemic take a stand and clearly denounce it, I have." Jaimie stands up for herself in more ways than one.  She raises funds for organizations supporting Spina Bifida research, with her current focus being on the Walk-n-Roll happening in Orlando, Florida.  The WALK-N-ROLL® for Spina Bifida is a family-friendly walk event being held to raise awareness about Spina Bifida and celebrate the accomplishments of the over 166,000 Americans living with it. All proceeds benefit the Spina Bifida Association of Central Florida's programs and services for individuals living with Spina Bifida. Please consider donating to Jaimie's online donation page with only 100 days left, Here

Jaimie also hosts her own online talk show called This Is How We Roll, if you want to appear on her show, please click here.

You can now see why I think this women is so incredible, she is so inspiring because despite her physical disabilities she is determined to be an advocate and encourage others to do the same.

Want to follow Jaimie? Take a look at her Blog, Twitter, Facebook Page, or Website.

So Happy!!

Last week was the Summer Lifestyle and Fashion Expo and it went so Amazing!!! I am so proud of all we accomplished raising funds for a wonderful charity Have a Heart Children's Cancer Society! A Special thanks to Thatched Cottage and Jellyfish both located in Centerport, NY for providing the venue for this amazing event! Thank you to all of my friends and family who came out to support this event and the charity!!

Long Island Pageant Ladies!
L-R Marina Montez, Miss LI 2011; Lauren Doherty Miss LI Teen 2013
Jessi Ricco Miss LI 2013; Sabrina Mastrangelo Miss LI Teen 2012/NY Teen 2012

Fabulous Models and Friends

Me and Gino 

Fellow Binghamton Graduate, and Talk show host, Stephanie Ovadila

Have a Heart Children's Cancer Society 

Gail King and Bridget O'brien

L-R Bridget O'brien; Raquel Bromwell; Nora Schweihs

Vic Latino

Gail King and I

Celebrate More Birthdays Donation Page!

In my last post, I let you guys know that if you were planning on getting me a gift this year, to please use that money instead to donate to a cause that helps spread awareness on early detection.  I have set up a page through the American Cancer Society to raise money in honor of my birthday!

My goal is $421.00 because my birthday is on 4.21 and I will be turning 21.  Please help me reach my goal by donating.

Leanne's More Birthdays Page!

Thank you all for your continued Love and Support!!!

-Leanne

Early Detection Saves Lives!

Happy April Everyone!

I wanted to share something very personal, in hopes that it will educate at least someone about early detection.  When I was 8 years old my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, this was obviously very devastating news for our family, she had many options for surgery but chose the DIEP Flap performed by Doctor Alex Keller (http://www.breastflap.com/).  Dr. Keller was an amazing surgeon and saved my mothers life.  Now 12 years later my mom and I had to overcome another challenge.  Just last week my mom went into surgery again, this time for a bilateral oophrectomy (ovary removal) to see if she had Ovarian Cancer.  This procedure was shorter than her last one but just as scary. Thankfully her surgeon (Doctor Lisa Dos Santos) was incredible and again took great care of my mom!  I would like to thank the staff at North Shore LIJ for taking such great care of my mom during this stressful time in our lives, I could not be more grateful for your devotion to patient care.

Lucky, the results from the frozen section came back negative, which means my mom is still cancer free, but it was an eye opening moment for me, one that I wanted to share with everyone...Early detection is key.

This is a message that I have always known, but never really put into action, you always think that these things will never happen to you, but as scary as it sounds, it can.  I have worked with many organizations in the past spreading awareness about early detection, and I will continue to work with these organizations because again, early detection is more important than one realizes.

Cancer Schmancer is just one of the organizations that promote early detection for all cancers, consider hosting a Trash Cancer Party to inform your friends and families about the benefits of early detection.  Check out their early detection cheat sheets to help compare your symptoms and learn about warning signs.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, I urge you to do research, tons of it, especially about all of your options, doing your own research can open up a ton of possibilities for the treatment that is right for you.  If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, my mom and I personally recommend the DIEP Flap.  My mom would be willing to speak to anyone about this option, so please contact me if you would like to get in touch with her.  For a list of doctors that perform this surgery please click here.

As some of you know, my 21st birthday is this month (April 21) and I wanted to share with you my plans for this upcoming birthday, I will be advocating for early detection, not only because early detection saved my mothers life, but because it can save another life too.  So for my birthday, I would like each and every one of you reading this, to do the same, advocate for early detection, check yourself, and as the American Cancer Society would say celebrate more birthdays.  I myself will be joining the More Birthdays movement in honor of my upcoming birthday.

I would like to also add, that if anyone was planning on getting me a gift for my birthday this year, please use that money instead to donate to an organizations advocating for early detection, for example Cancer Schmancer or the American Cancer Society.

Thank you all for reading my blog, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help you or your family, and remember early detection saves lives.

Peace, Love, Health, and Happiness always

Leanne

Hanging with the best!

 As my next semester at Binghamton approaches quickly, I had the pleasure of spending the day with my beautiful Long Island Pageant sisters!!! =]  We met at Hotoke in Smithtown, and had a fantastic time!! We got the chance to know the brand new Miss Long Island Teen 2012, Catherine Manett!  The reason we are crowning a new Miss Long Island Teen 2012, is because, Sabrina Mastrangelo became Miss New York Teen 2012!!!!!!! =] 

Jess Pinckney, Catherine Manett, Sabrina Mastrangelo

We had a great time getting to know our new queen Catherine, and congratulating Sabrina on her achievements! We truly are proud of both of them! =]

Leanne Pinard, Jamie Bellittieri-Hamill, Kim Taff, Catherine Manett, Sabrina Mastrangelo, Jess Pinckney

The time I have spent getting to know the Long Island Pageant girls, have been life changing, and incredible, each girl has something different to offer, and they are all so incredibly smart, and beautiful! I am so proud to be apart of this family, and I really do not know where I would be without them! 

Now that I am beginning to pack again for the spring 2012 semester at Binghamton University, I am constantly reminded of all I am capable of accomplishing, and how important it is to be confident in oneself, and to remain positive no matter what challenges life throws at you.  I am a firm believer in everything happens for a reason and I know that whatever gets thrown my way, I have the strength to overcome it, and to make the best of my life.  

Thank you to my Long Island Pageant Family for this reminder, and I am so honored, and lucky to have you all in my life! 

"Think like a queen.  A queen is not afraid to fail.  Failure is another steppingstone to greatness." 

-Oprah Winfrey

Congratulations again to 

Miss Long Island Teen 2012, Catherine Manett 

&& 

Sabrina Mastrangelo, Miss New York Teen 2012!!!!!

The Teen Queens!

The Miss Queens!

Leanne Pinard, Miss Long Island Teen 2010, Jamie Bellittieri-Hamill Miss Long Island 2010