Dennis

I often go to the Toasted Yolk and get great food and service. It is not that I do not go anywhere else, but they are not in Mont Belvieu. I usually ask for Victoria because she lets me order my meal using sign language. I am hard of hearing and sometimes struggle to understand a person's voice. So, using sign language is the best way for me to communicate.  The Toasted Yolk is not the only place I use sign language. I hold three coffee chats (where the deaf, hard of hearing, or anyone who uses sign language will meet and chat (sign).  I also host a silent brunch (at the Toasted Yolk) every second Saturday.  I was told that Victoria was getting ready to go home. It was the end of her shift.  The person who met at the front door would be my waitress, that's fine, no problem.  I went to my table and looked over the menu. I had already made up my mind about what I wanted.  September is National Deaf Awareness Month, and the City of Mont Belvieu and the Chamber County Commissioner Court proclaimed it. I was told the Toasted Yolk was ordering unique t-shirts to honor Deaf Awareness Month, and that day, the waitress had the t-shirts on. I want to thank the Manager for ordering the shirt.  I have included a picture. I was waiting to place my order when I looked around and saw Victoria coming to take it. She came back, and I do appreciate her doing that, but that is just the kind, considerate, and understanding person she is.   That day, I ordered an egg sandwich with two pieces of beard, not as thick as Texas toast but just a big two eggs, bacon coming out both ends of the sandwich, and tomatoes and cheese. Delicious.  She came back a couple of times to check on me. I knew she was off shift, so I told her to go home. I would be ok.   My original waitress came back and bought my ticket. I have stated that I am hard of hearing, and sometimes, I do identify as deaf/hard of hearing. I struggle to understand a person but not to hear. I have hearing aids, but they do not help me understand people. I have told people that I am hard of hearing, but they keep talking just like I can understand everything they are saying, and I cannot understand. Sign language or writing notes is the best way for me to understand.

Dennis

I visited the Toasted Yolk on September 20 for lunch. When I arrived, the host picked a menu and showed me to a table; my waitress arrived and handed me a note. The note reads how I may help you.  I asked if a waitress I knew could use sign language was there. I did not want to change waitress, but I just wanted to say hi.  I apologize now to my waitress if I did not make that clear.  She told me to wait a minute and left.  When she came back, she sat down on the chair across from the table from me and had her phone with a message typed out; the message read may I help you?  I started to sign to her, and she typed, Do you see it on the menu?  I said, “I am trying to teach you some signs.” I showed her the sign for cow and the sign for boy. You put them together, and you get cowboy.  I could not find a sign for a scramble, so I fingerspelled it. She tried to fingerspell scramble several times but finally fingerspelled it right. Most people would not take the time to fingerspell scramble.  I appreciate her patience with me; many people lack that quality today.  If you put it all together, it is Cowboy Scramble.  She then pointed to the sides of hash browns or grits. I signed HB. When she brought the order to me, she set it down and gave two thumbs up. I signed one thumb up, and everything was fine. While I was eating, the people at the following table got their food. An elderly person was sitting with their back toward me. Their waitress went over to the elderly person and bent down so she could talk to the elderly person—another act of kindness. My waitress brought me a to-go box. Most of the meals there are too much for me to eat, so I need to take some home; however, I eat the egg sandwich there.  My waitress’s name is Makayla.    I am unsure how Makayla knew to write notes to me on paper and then on her phone, but that is one way to communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing if you do not know sign language.   Also, remember that not all deaf and hard-of-hearing people use sign language. When you stop by the Toasted Yolk, ask for Makayla. She is a patient, understanding, helpful, and intelligent young lady.   
what the Toasted Yolk can do in improve is train all wait staff how communicate with the deaf and hard of hearing. 



 

Dennis

You may want to know why I write these stories about people doing good deeds. Enough political jargon is happening, and some of it makes no sense. There is enough news about the bad things happening to make it seem there is no good news. People who are kind, considerate, and go beyond what others will do should be recognized and their stories told.  My friend Judge Sylia is giving out medals or coins, and I would like to encourage him to continue. Good people need to be recognized. I went to the Toasted Yolk on September 4 to eat lunch and to give them a copy of the proclamation proclaiming September 2024 Deaf Awareness Month for Chambers County.  I had taken a copy of the proclamation for September from the City of Mont Belvieu earlier, While I was there, eating my delicious Club Sandwich, I learned two things that I am incredibly excited about. The first one is the Toasted Yolk, which will display both proclamations in frames on the wall. The second one is the Toasted Yolk, which has ordered T-shirts with their logo on the front and a nicely designed graphic about Deaf Awareness on the back. 

Dennis

Dennis

The West Chambers Deaf Social was held at the Toasted Yolk on September 14.  I met my friend Rhonda there. Not long after two other people showed up i thought both were deaf.  I knew one of the people, and I knew he was deaf. The person turns out to be an ASL teacher from a high school about 40 minutes away. When we were ready to order, I started signing to our waitress. She politely said she did not understand. I explained what I signed and how she could take an order from a deaf person by letting them point to what they wanted on the menu. We were about halfway done eating when one of the teacher's students showed up with her younger brother. We were in a booth, so there was room for only four people. They rearranged two tables for us (putting them end to end and, in doing so, got a new waitress). She did not use sign language either, but the student did not use sign language to order. When I was ready to leave, one of the young men there helped me get up (remember, my left leg is fused, and I have a problem getting up).  You may wonder why I do not report on any other restaurants.  I have eaten at other restaurants, but not in a while. Why should I?  I do not have much money to eat out, so I go to a place where I know they will try to communicate with me how I best communicate to the best of their ability.  

Dennis

On Saturday, August 10, I held the West Chambers Deaf Social at the Toasted Yolk Mont Belvieu. There will be plenty of noise when you go there, but that is ok because people come to have a good time with their families and friends. And they have a good time because of the excellent atmosphere. I am not complaining about the noise; I am just trying to tell you it is a problem because I am hard of hearing. I can hear a man's voice better than a woman, and sometimes, I do not understand either.   When I go to any place where a lot of sound is coming from all directions, I cannot pick out one voice to understand.  In this instance, I like to use American Sign Language to communicate.  However, when I entered the restaurant, I was told the waitress, who knows ASL, was not there. I have been there enough they know me.  I then asked for a table for four people, and the hostess showed me to my table. I think she told my waiter that I was hard of hearing.  When my waiter came over to take my order, he wrote me a note on his order pad and knelt beside the table.  I told him to give me time before ordering more people who might be coming.  He returned later; he let me point to the item I wanted on the menu. and I ordered my favorite meal, the Southwest Breakfast Bowl.  He checked on me several more times, waiting until I looked at him and gave the thumbs up to ask if things were ok and filled up my water glass.  He brought us a box to take my leftovers home (I cannot eat all of it). He got me my check, knelt beside the table, and wrote on his order pad if I needed anything else.   He helped me stand up (I am 80 years old and sometimes need help).  He walked me to the door, made sure   the path was clear (I walk with a cane and sometimes need extra room), and then opened the door.   I could not have received any better service that day.  The name of my waiter that day was Lucas.  I want to add that this is how a waiter or waitress should wait on a deaf or hard-of-hearing person if they do not know sign language.  The best way to communicate with a deaf or hard-of-hearing person could be by using American Sign Language or lip reading. or writing notes. It is best to ask the person.  I do want you to know that you do not have to be an expert in sign language to use sign language to communicate with a deaf person. About 50 basic signs would be a good start.
The Toasted Yolk need to train more of their staff some basic sign language or at least in the proper way to communicate with deaf and hard of hearing customers without the use of sign language.

Dennis

Toasted Yolk June 8 I held the West Chamber Deaf Social at the Toasted Yolk in Mont Belvieu, Texas, on Saturday, June 8. This time, one person participated. Her name is Rhonda. I met her at another restaurant where we held the Deaf Social, but I did not remember her initially.  We talked some about a story that I had written about the café.    We talked about things related to the deaf community.  I related to her some things I would like hearing people to know about deaf individuals.  Things like how to get a deaf person's attention.  There are different ways to communicate and communication rules for a deaf person. I would also like the government entities to let the deaf community know what happens if a deaf or hard-of-hearing person appears in your court system. Do I get an interpreter according to the ADA I do.  How about our emergency services? If my house is on fire, I am not going to pick up the phone and call you.  I am not going to call for an ambulance. What if I am stopped by one of your fine law enforcement officers? What about communication? Do you have a VRS (video relay service)?  What about communication before that connection is made, or what if the connection can be made?  She then mentioned she had a ride scheduled on her motorcycle soon, and I remembered who she was. We talked about her ministry and how she uses her motorcycle to sometimes draw people near so she can witness to them about Jesus. We then talked about something dear to my heart: the MATA EXPO.  This expo is geared toward the deaf community. You will find jewelry and t-shirts with American Sign Language designs. All the shows and games will be in sign language. So, if you know sign language, come to the Pasadena Concertation Center on October 5, 2024. Stop by the Loving Hands Deaf Ministries booth and say hi. We will be there.

Dennis

Toasted Yolk June 8 I held the West Chamber Deaf Social at the Toasted Yolk in Mont Belvieu, Texas, on Saturday, June 8. This time, one person participated. Her name is Rhonda. I met her at another restaurant where we held the Deaf Social, but I did not remember her initially.  We talked some about a story that I had written about the café.    We talked about things related to the deaf community.  I related to her some things I would like hearing people to know about deaf individuals.  Things like how to get a deaf person's attention.  There are different ways to communicate and communication rules for a deaf person. I would also like the government entities to let the deaf community know what happens if a deaf or hard-of-hearing person appears in your court system. Do I get an interpreter according to the ADA I do.  How about our emergency services? If my house is on fire, I am not going to pick up the phone and call you.  I am not going to call for an ambulance. What if I am stopped by one of your fine law enforcement officers? What about communication? Do you have a VRS (video relay service)?  What about communication before that connection is made, or what if the connection can be made?  She then mentioned she had a ride scheduled on her motorcycle soon, and I remembered who she was. We talked about her ministry and how she uses her motorcycle to sometimes draw people near so she can witness to them about Jesus. We then talked about something dear to my heart: the MATA EXPO.  This expo is geared toward the deaf community. You will find jewelry and t-shirts with American Sign Language designs. All the shows and games will be in sign language. So, if you know sign language, come to the Pasadena Concertation Center on October 5, 2024. Stop by the Loving Hands Deaf Ministries booth and say hi. We will be there.

Dennis

On April 13, 2024, I held the West Chambers Deaf Social at the Toasted Yolk Café in Mont Belvieu, Texas.    The restaurant manager, Halie, was outside when I arrived and greeted me. She asked me if I wanted Victoria as my waitress because she knows sign language.  I replied yes.   When I enter the restaurant, I sit down across from the hostess station. The hostess helped some other people who had come into the restaurant and then came over to me and asked if I was waiting on someone (I want to point out that she came over to me; she could have just yelled at me from where she was but did not yell at me).  I informed her that I had met Halie outside, and she arranged for me to sit at a table in Victoria’s area.  When my table was ready again, the hostess came to me and told me it was ready when she took me to the table (I have a fused leg, and she also made sure I stood up ok). I placed my order using sign language, and most communication between me and Victoria was in sign language.   On the way out, I passed by Victoria, and she signed. Have a good day.  Also, Halie stopped me and told me she was sorry none of my friends showed up to eat with me.  The staff and management of the Toasted Yolk Café in Mont Belvieu, Texas, have always been kind and considerate of me.  It is a great place to take your family.   You may ask why this is important.  The last time I visited the Toasted Yolk, on April 18 I met a friend for lunch.  My friend had already arrived when I got there so I just sat down at the table with him. Our waitress took our drink order and left us to figure out what we wanted to eat.  I have been trying different meals because I want to tell people that when they come to eat it will be delicious and it is delicious, but I do have my favorite Southwest Breakfast Bowel.  When I looked at the menu, I found that I could not read the portion of the menu where the club sandwiches were located because of the background color and the text color was so close I could not read the description of the sandwiches.  Our waitress did not know sign language, so she got some help.  The person who came to help was able to communicate with me and read the descriptions for me so I could select which sandwiches I wanted (I am very thankful for her reading the menu for me).  Our waitress did not leave us she took our food order and came back to check on us several times and even refilled my water glass.  Why is it important because of the way deaf people have been treated in the past?  Sometimes it takes a deaf person several different salespeople to get someone to wait on them.  They have been told to leave we do not want your kind around here, I even read of times that police have been called to escort them off the premises. When you get someone that will stay with you and help as much as they can even if it takes them beyond their comfort zone.  You have found at least to me a very valuable person.  Our waitress to me is a very valuable waitress and person.   When you find just one person like that you feel very good but when you have found a whole restaurant full of very valuable people it is like finding a gold mine and that is what the Toasted Yolk of Mont Belvieu is to me.  When you visit the Toasted Yolk in Mont Belvieu and you are deaf, hard of hearing, non-verbal, or use sign language is anyway ask for Victoria she would be happy to communicate with you.     

Dennis

On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the West Chambers Deaf Social met at the Toasted Yolk in Mont Belvieu, Texas.  For some reason I was the only one to show up that day, maybe it was the weather because it was cold and windy (at least 15 miles per hour or more). Not sure what the wind chill was. When I arrived, they opened the front door (they do this for everyone). I gave the hostess my name and how many I thought would be attending. The waiting area was full, so I found a place to stand up against the wall (my left leg is fused, and I walk with a cane).  After about 2 minutes some people got up and went to their tables. A family before me was going to sit down but the man told me to take his seat (there are still nice people). When I sat down my left leg stuck out in front of me and I was sitting close to the entrance where people go in and out of one side of the restaurant, but no one asked me to move they just walked around me. When I checked in, I gave them my phone number and they texted me, but I had my ringer silent being in a busy business.  I am also hard of hearing and sometimes it is hard for me to understand voice or even hear in a busy place because of the noise.  When my table was ready the hostess came and told me it was ready. When I got up to walk, she made sure that stood ok before we started walking, there was also a man seated near who reached out to help; me. We got to the table she made sure my chair did not move while I sat down.

Dennis

The West Chambers Deaf Social was held at the Toasted Yolk Café Mont Belvieu on February 10, 2024.  Several people got there early so I had to hurry up and get dressed to go to social.  When I got there the place was so full that I could not find a parking place up front, so I had to park in back, and just barely found a parking place then.  The person that got there early, and it was a good thing they did, reserved us a place for 10 people.  Even though they were swamped, they reserved all 10 places for us for at least an hour before they asked us if we would use the other table.  We only had 5 people show up 3 adults and 2 children.  One of the children attends the Texas School for the Deaf, the other child attends a local elementary school but started to attend a sign language club at her school and because very interested in ASL.  I also found out at the social that the Texas School for the Deaf, in Austin, is going to take some of the students out to eat for Valentine's Day.  The restaurant, I got the name of the restaurant, that is hosting the event and sent them a note asking them to send someone who knows sign language to teach them some basic signs so they can better serve their guest.  I think the restaurant asked if they could invite other businesses to the sign language class also. I think this is wonderful because I have yet to find a restaurant in the Mont Belvieu area willing to learn sign language in order to better wait on deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Our waiter did not know any sign language but was very cooperative with everyone when they ordered.  Our food came quickly and hot. Our waiter came back several times to check on us and to take the order of those that came later. My suggestion for Toasted Yolk Café is to train all their waiting staff in some basic signs to better serve their deaf and hard-of-hearing customers.

Dennis

I visited The Toasted Yolk to talk to the manager about having the West Chambers Deaf Social at the Toasted Yolk.  I am not sure if this is the way they treat every guest, but I have a fused leg, so I walk with a cane and park in the handicapped parking, I walk toward the door, and the maître d’ had open the door waiting for me to enter the restaurant.  I walked in and she asked me if I would eat alone, I said yes.  She took me to a table and handed me a set of menus.  There was one large menu and one small menu both printed on both sides.  Plenty of good food to choose from, my choice was gravy and biscuits.  Mainly because I like gravy and biscuits, especially with sausage gravy.  I did not have to wait long for my order to arrive nice and hot.  It was delicious.  I did talk to the manager about the deaf event, and she was willing to host the event in February.  I had a deaf friend visit the week before and he talked to the manager and got the same willing attitude.  I talked to her about waiting on a deaf person would be different than a hearing person and left her with a deaffriendly learning Quick Start Guide.  This should help the waitresses or waiters to serve the deaf people who come to the event.   What they can do to improve let the waitresses and waiters read the Quick Start Guide I left with them and then learn so basic sign language that applies to the restaurant industry.