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 *

Education...the Key to Saving Lives

So, I have been doing quite a bit of eating out recently, and have had some interesting experiences that I wanted to share.  By now, we all know my devotion to food and latex allergy awareness, and how important it is for someone with allergies to share with their food server and the establishment that they have an allergy.  If I didn't check the gloves that restaurants used I would just always be in the hospital.

**Disclaimer: These are my experiences with the restaurants at my time of service, I do not know current policies or changes in gloves.  If you have a latex allergy or sensitivity, I would suggest you check each time you go to a food service establishment before eating there, in case there are any changes**

There are a couple of restaurants that I would like to discuss here today, Medieval Times (Lyndhurst, NJ), Houlihan's (Bridgewater, NJ) and then a hotel located on Long Island.

Let’s start with Medieval Times, this is a HUGE chain with locations everywhere, hundreds of people per show, certainly not concerned with one individual...WRONG.  My experience at Medieval Times was rocky to start, but the initiative that was taken by the manager changed my experience completely.  I first sat down, and immediately asked my waitress if I could see the box of gloves because I have a latex allergy.  She seemed to know what she was talking about and said "oh I'm sorry they are latex! Are you allergic? I will bring you anything pre-packaged that I can so you can still eat!" Obviously, this was a very accommodating environment as she was willing to do extra work so that I could still enjoy my time; but from her information, they used latex gloves and I just accepted that.  A couple minutes later the manager walked over with a box of gloves and said, "You have a latex allergy? I just wanted to let you know that there is no latex in our kitchen, and I wanted to bring you the box to show you."  I was so impressed with his professionalism and care in regard to allergies. This manager made my experience very enjoyable and made me feel safe because of how concerned he was.  According to Medieval Times main hotline, they are each individually owned and operated so there is no corporate latex-free policy.  (I reached out to the castle to find the manager’s name so that he may get the proper credit, so as soon as I hear back, I will post it here with the proper thank you!)

Houlihan's was also a mixed experience, I had called ahead to find out what kind of gloves they used, the hostess who answered the phone told me they used latex, when I asked her if she could read the box to make sure, she seemed very annoyed but did it anyway. She came back to the phone and told me that they used vinyl and then hung up on me.  I was naturally upset with her lack of understanding, but went to eat there anyway.  When I got there, I asked the waiter to see the box of gloves, and was greeted by the manager shortly after, who had the box and seemed knowledgeable on allergies and the risks involved.  I told her about my experience on the phone, and she was very apologetic and compensated us with an appetizer. From then, everyone was nice and understanding of allergies so I felt comfortable enough to go a second time. The second time I went, our waitress was fantastic! She asked as soon as we got to the table if there were any allergies she should be aware of so she could tell the kitchen and I rattled them off to her.  I was impressed that she asked at all, because it’s very rare that waiters and waitresses ask, let alone are aware of it.  We spoke briefly and she shared with me her concern for those of us with allergies, even though she does not have one herself.  Because of the kindness shown by employees of Houlihan's in Bridgewater, I feel very comfortable eating there and feel like it is a safe environment.

I had a negative experience at a hotel, and I rather not share the name but I wanted to explain why it is so important to continue to be an advocate for your allergies, so those who don't have an understanding of what we go through every day can learn a little bit more. I had asked the waitress what kind of gloves they use in the kitchen (which as you can tell, I ask everywhere I go) and she immediately said "latex", naturally, because of my experience, I asked her if she could go check the box, her response... "Seriously?!" with the biggest attitude I have ever had a waitress respond to me with.  (The gloves were in fact not latex).  We will all have experiences like I just explained, but it is important to not let people who are just unaware affect how you feel.  For a brief moment, I actually felt embarrassed to have asked, like I did something wrong. It wasn't until this moment that I realized how I was letting her control how I was feeling.  I was giving this random waitress the power to make me feel ashamed.

I quickly escaped this mind set, but was reminded of an important lesson.  Even with an allergy, you should let that empower you, not limit you.  Through education we can come together and encourage one another to be advocates.  There will always be bullies in life, there will always be people who will try to bring you down, but it is up to you to educate those people and stand up for yourself, and the millions of us who suffer from allergies.  Eight years ago I made the decision to be my own advocate and demanded to be heard about the severity of these allergies.  We can change the lives of many, make a difference, and we can all help the cause. 

Thank you for helping change the way of looking at allergies, and for helping spread awareness regarding severe allergic reactions! Education is key to saving lives!

-Leanne

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

June Events and the Summer Lifestyle and Fashion Expo!

This summer is packed with all typed of benefit events and fundraisers and I am so happy to be able to attend them!

Last week, I went to the Long Island Hospitality Ball benefiting the American Red Cross, I was able to meet some amazing people as well as have the time of my life!!  Located at the Crest Hollow Country Club this event just got better and better!

I had such a wonderful time not only with the people I do know, but meeting new people and making new connections, all while raising money for a wonderful charity!

Yesterday, I attended the book release of author Doreen Guma who just wrote "If I knew then what I know now" a book about happiness, and was able to not only listen to the wonderful stories of others who helped with the book, but was able to get to know wonderful people!

Leanne Pinard and Gail King of MaKING a Difference with Gail

Today, I am attending the Village Connection's Speakeasy Soiree at Jellyfish.  Jelly Fish is a beautiful restaurant/bar that is filled with amazing detail and is just an incredible place to be! If you've never been there I suggest going right now!  I can't wait to post pictures from this fantastic event!!!  Take a look at my facebook for more photos from all of the events I attend!  www.facebook.com/LeanneMPinard

**update** I have a BLAST at last nights event at Jellyfish! The music was amazing, the people in attendance were incredible and the event overalls was just fantastic! 

If you are available on June 19, from 7-10pm stop by The Historical Thatched Cottage for the Summer Lifestyle and Fashion Expo that will benefit Have a Heart Children's Cancer Society!! Myself and members from The Dream Network have been working very hard to put this event together and would love to see you there!!  Tickets are being sold on Summerexpo.eventbrite.com for $25 per ticket, and will be offered at the door for $35 per ticket!  If you are interested in becoming a vendor, please contact me at 631-745-0745! Facebook page for the event!

xoxo

-Leanne

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

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