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In Biking

The Hamptons seasonal bicyclist are out, share the road

May 22, 2018 In Biking 6 Mins Read

Hamptons Recreation: The Hamptons seasonal bicyclist are out, share the road. It has been a long cold winter and I for one am so excited to welcome the warm weather. Bike riding in the Hamptons has always been a favorite activity but now that we are quickly approaching the official start of the Hamptons season I thought it would be a good idea to go over some safe bike riding rules. It is unfortunate that there are not many roads in the Hamptons that have bike lanes and therefore Bikers, Drivers, Runners, Walkers and animals must share the road.

Many accidents that occur are usually with bicyclist and drivers who do not respect each others space, so let’s try to avoid these unfortunate and preventable accidents this summer. If you know of anyone who has recently got caught up in a bike accident, you may want to Click Here for more information. I’m sure they can do with all the help they can get in a situation like this.

Drivers and cyclists can work together to improve road safety through shared awareness, patience, courtesy and cooperation. Those who are involved in a bicycle accident in South Carolina could consider getting legal help from Bike Accident attorneys in North Myrtle Beach like those at the Jebaily Law Firm.

Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as any other driver of a vehicle, as is often noted by a Bicycle Accident Attorney when contacted. While a driver’s license is not required to ride a bike, bicyclists are required to know and obey all traffic laws such as stopping at stop signs and traffic lights and signaling before turning or changing lanes. Bicyclists should never, under any circumstances, ride against traffic.

A high percentage of all car/bike collisions result from cyclists going the wrong way. Stay to the right if you are moving slower than other traffic, maintain a constant position in the lane about three feet away from the curb or parked cars. Do not weave in and out of parked cars. Maintaining a presence on the road will help drivers see you and will reduce the chance that motor vehicles will pull in front of you. If lanes are too narrow to share with motor vehicles,?the safest place to ride your bicycle is in the middle of the lane. If the lanes become wider, move over to the far right side again.

Rules for Bicycles

Bicycles are the most vulnerable of all vehicles on the road, and extra safety precautions should always be taken when riding. Driving on roads requires care and courtesy whether you are driving a car or a bicycle. As road users, bicyclists must be predictable and highly visible; often drivers of vehicles have a difficult time seeing bicyclists in traffic. The following are some tips to help bicyclists Share the Road with vehicles.

Obey all traffic laws. Ride with traffic, obey stop signs, traffic lights and other traffic controls. Bicyclists do best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles.
Be aware of surrounding traffic, especially when riding in traffic with large trucks and buses that make wide right turns. Don’t sneak in between vehicles, and never assume that drivers see bicyclists or hand signals.
Ride with traffic. Ride on the right side, with the flow of traffic. Riding against traffic may cause you to miss traffic control devices, such as traffic signs and stop lights. Be especially careful when riding near or around trucks.
Be careful when riding too close to a large truck. Large trucks have blind spots in the front, back and on the sides, which make it difficult for drivers to see around them. If you’re involved in an accident with a truck then you may want to get in touch with lawyers like those of Valiente Mott to help you deal with the fallout of the incident if it has led to you suffering medically or financially.
Be visible and predictable. Wear bright colors, ride straight, signal before changing directions, and plan ahead to avoid obstacles.

Rules for Motorists

Driving on roads requires care whether you are driving a car or a bicycle. Motorists must respect the rights of other road users including bicyclists. Do your part by being a safe and courteous driver. The following are tips to help drivers Share the Road with bicyclists:

Allow three feet of passing space between the right side of your vehicle and a bicyclist just as you would with a slow-moving vehicle. Maintain this distance even if there are designated bike lanes.
Do not pass bicyclists if you will be making a right turn immediately afterward. Always assume bicyclists are traveling through the intersection.
Before opening your car door, look for bicyclists who may be approaching.
Do NOT pass bicyclists if oncoming traffic is near. Wait as you would with any slow-moving vehicle.
Reduce your speed when passing bicyclists, especially if the roadway is narrow.
Don’t blast your horn when approaching bicyclists – you could startle them and cause an accident.

Give bicyclists adequate space to maneuver. Recognize situations and obstacles which may be hazardous to cyclists, such as potholes, debris, and drain grates.

Special thanks to MARC for this information.

Bicyclist it is important to also pay attention to the rules about riding your bike down Main Street in most towns. I know in Sag Harbor you cannot ride your bike in Town, so bring a lock to park your bike if you would like to browse or have a bite to eat. Although many towns are safe there are still dishonest people everywhere.

If you are seeking to buy a Kayak or a Bike Amagansett Beach & Bicycle is my favorite place in the Hamptons. Lee & Barbara Oldak will take care of you, tell them Hamptons Mouthpiece sent you and I am sure they will give you a special savings off your total purchase. The Best kept secret is that not only can you rent a bike from them but they will deliver and pick-up from you in towns Montauk-Bridgehampton. You can also have your bikes repaired as well and you can trade in your old bikes and be given a credit towards a new bike. Amagansett Beach and Bicycle are at 624 Montauk Highway, Amagansett New York, 631-267-6325

Remember these words, they will save your life and others….“SLOW DOWN AND LIVE”

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In Consumer Information

Home Energy Assistance Program

March 2, 2018 In Consumer Information 3 Mins Read

Home Energy Assistance Program is back for 2017-18
HEAP is a federally funded program that assists low-income New Yorkers with the cost of heating their homes. HEAP also offers an emergency benefit for households in a heat or heat-related energy emergency. Nearly 1.5 Million Households Received Assistance Last Winter
Households that need help paying their heating bills are able to apply for assistance from the Home Energy Assistance Program. Those looking to lower their energy bills (or at least prevent them from rising) may benefit from the regular maintenance of their heaters and furnaces in order to keep them working efficiently and reduce the need for a full replacement – you can find information on such services here. The program provides financial assistance to help low-income and elderly New Yorkers keep their homes warm in the winter months and cool in the summer months, businesses aren’t in need of this Assistance Program due to being able to possibly achieve decreased utility bills thanks to being able to switch to Business Gas packages for example.
“The Home Energy Assistance Program is vital to helping struggling households afford the costs of heating their homes during the cold New York winters,” Governor Cuomo said. “It provides some much-needed relief, especially for low-income working families, as well as senior citizens on a fixed income. I encourage anyone in need of this assistance to apply before the coldest weather sets in.” With this being said, it is not only residents in New York that can find ways to lower their energy bills. It could be as simple as checking out these Pulse Power plans, for example, in the hopes of finding lower energy rates. This could help households save money too!

The Home Energy Assistance Program is funded by the federal government and is overseen by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Eligible households can receive a one-time benefit depending upon income, household size and heating source. For the 2017-18 season, a household of four can earn up to $53,484, or $4,457 a month, and still qualify for assistance.

Regular Benefit
Regular benefit component assists households that pay a high proportion of household income for energy.

Emergency Benefit
The Emergency benefit component assists qualifying low-income New Yorkers who are facing a heat or heat related energy emergency and do not have resources above the established limits. If you have an emergency, contact your local department of social services office.

Heating Equipment Repair or Replacement
The Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement benefit component help eligible low-income homeowners repair or replace primary heating equipment necessary to keep the home’s primary heating source functional. Alternatively, you can use Buric Heating and Air Conditioning for your furnace repair if you are not able to get this primary assistance for your home.

Cooling Assistance
The Cooling Assistance component provides for cooling assistance services to HEAP eligible households that include an individual with a documented medical condition that is exacerbated by heat. Because the amount of funding is very limited, cooling assistance services will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

Income Guidelines
HEAP Gross Monthly Income Guidelines

Questions regarding the HEAP program should be directed to your local department of social services office or the OTDA Hotline at 1-800-342-3009.

In Hamptons Happenings

Hamptons Happenings ..Learn how to make a Wreath

September 28, 2015 In Hamptons Happenings 1 Min Read

Hamptons Happenings…Learn how to make a Wreath..Attend Marders Fall 2015 Classes
MARDERS FALL 2015 CLASSES

All classes start at 10:00 AM on Sundays. Please call Marders Garden Shop to register and pay in advance.
MARDERS — 120 Snake Hollow Road . POBox 1261 . Bridgehamptons NY 11932 . (631) 537-3700 . info@marders.com

October 18
SILK & DRIED ARRANGEMENTS – DEMO
October 25
BITTERSWEET WREATH WORKSHOP
November 1
DRIED WREATH WORKSHOP
November 8
DRIED ARRANGEMENT WORKSHOP
November 15
DRIED WREATH WORKSHOP
November 22
NO CLASS
November 29
OPEN HO– — USE WEEKEND
December 6
BOXWOOD MAKING WORKSHOP
December 13
WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP
December 20
WREATH MAKING WORKSHOP

In Community News

Why Extreme Heat and Wind Chill Are Real Concerns for Student Athletes

September 9, 2015 In Community News 4 Mins Read

When Weather Is Not Just Weather

Let’s be honest. We live in a place where the weather likes to keep us guessing, and not in a charming seasonal way. For student athletes, extreme heat and brutal cold are not minor inconveniences. They are real safety risks.

I am writing this not as a worried sports mom in the moment. My daughter was a multi sport student athlete who played three sports throughout the school year and graduated high school in 2017. I am writing this because years later, I still see parents and communities brushing off weather related risks as “part of the game.” It is not.

Extreme temperatures put stress on the body. Heat and cold can cause preventable injuries, exhaustion, and long term health issues. Coaches do their best to manage conditions on the field, but the conversation has to start at home. Parents need to understand the risks so student athletes take them seriously.

The guidelines below come from the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA). Policies can be updated, so parents and student athletes should always check the NYSPHSAA website directly for the most current information at nysphsaa.org.

Heat Safety and the Heat Index

The heat index is not just the temperature on your phone. It reflects how hot it actually feels when humidity is factored in. This matters more than people realize.

Modified Heat Alert

When the heat index reaches approximately 88 degrees:

Forced water breaks are required every 10 to 15 minutes
Student Athletes should wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. Mesh fabrics are recommended
Rest breaks in shaded areas are mandatory
For football and lacrosse, helmets must be removed during water breaks
Athletes not involved in contact drills should not wear helmets

During games, officials are required to allow additional time outs for rest and hydration. Yes, this can slow the game down, and that is intentional. Safety comes first.

Full Heat Alert

When the heat index reaches 95 degrees or higher:

No physical activity is permitted in any sport
Team meetings are allowed
Practices, conditioning, and games are not permitted

This is not overreaction. This is how heat exhaustion and heat stroke are prevented.

Parents should also pay attention to “RealFeel” or “Feels Like” temperatures on weather apps. That is what the body actually experiences.

Wind Chill and Cold Weather Safety

Cold weather can be just as dangerous as heat. It is often quieter about it, but the risks are very real.

NYSPHSAA uses wind chill calculations to determine safe conditions for outdoor sports. Wind chill measures how cold it feels on exposed skin when wind is factored in.

General Wind Chill Guidelines

Above 40 degrees wind chill
Normal play is permitted. Standard hydration and warm ups are sufficient.
36 to 20 degrees wind chill
Cold weather caution zone. Extra layers are encouraged and warm up breaks should be frequent.
19 to 10 degrees wind chill
Wind chill watch. Athletes should be fully layered, with hats and gloves strongly recommended.
9 to minus 10 degrees wind chill
Wind chill warning. Practices may need to be shortened, modified, or postponed. Frostbite risk increases.
Minus 11 degrees or colder
No outdoor activity should take place. Games and practices should be suspended.

If a student athlete cannot feel their fingers, toes, ears, or face, that is not toughness. That is danger.

What Parents Should Do

This is the practical part that matters most.

Make hydration non negotiable in hot weather
Make proper layering non negotiable in cold weather
Encourage athletes to speak up when something feels wrong
Check local weather conditions, including RealFeel temperatures
Visit the NYSPHSAA website regularly for updated safety policies

Final Real Talk

It takes a village to raise a child, and it takes adults paying attention to keep them safe.

Extreme weather is not character building. Ignoring warning signs is not grit. No practice or game is worth a preventable injury.

Real talk. Real people. Real responsibility.

In Design

2015 Hamptons Designer Showhouse featuring Stanton Carpet

July 30, 2015 In Design 5 Mins Read

2015 Hamptons Designer Showhouse featuring Stanton Carpet
Hamptons Mouthpiece visits the 2015 Hamptons Designer Showhouse presented by Traditional Home,benefiting the Southampton Hospital. featuring Stanton Carpet.
233 Old Sag Harbor Road
Sag Harbor, New York, 11963
Open Daily Monday to Sunday
Sunday, July 26 to Monday, September 7 11AM to 5PM
Admission is $35 and includes a Journal.
Tickets may be purchased at the door or may be purchased in advance.
No admission 30 minutes before closing.
No strollers, infants, children under 6, or pets are admitted.
House built by Christopher Tufo Design & Build

Over 25 designers have transformed this farm house into a beautiful summer retreat. The designers Abby Modell Contemporary Art Glass, Art Works & Designs, Inc., Baltimore Design Group, Barbara Page Home, Black & Poole, Brady Design, CricketsCrush LLC, Denise McGaha Interiors, Dyfari Interior LLC, Elise Som Design Studio, Elissa Grayer Interior Design,Flynnside Out, Gasper La Rosa Landscaping, Hagins & Mortimer Design, Katharine Jessica Interior Design, Madcap Cottage, Mancaves, Marlaina Teich Designs, Melanie Roy Design. Meredith Ostrom, Ovadia Design Group, Patricia Fisher Design, Robert Brown Interior Design, Scot Meacham Wood Design, Timothy Brown Studio, Tyler Steven Pankratz Design, Vintage Interior Design Inc.

I had an opportunity to speak with the builder Christopher Tofu of Christopher Tofu Design & Build about the design and layout of the home. This is Christopher’s first time working with the Hamptons Showhouse. His wife Hedy who is a Real Estate Broker with Sotheby’s International found out they were seeking candidates, so they submitted the house over the winter and the organizers decided this was the house and that is how it got started. What a beautiful selection, the more I look at the house the more I like it. There are 7 bedrooms and 7 bathrooms, the doors in each of the rooms are custom made and not your standard 1 3/8 door. You will notice that half of the house is vertical and the other half is horizontal…Christopher indicates that they wanted to break up the line and give it more of a Modern Style, stand out from all of the other Hamptons luxury homes, they wanted to be different. You can hear more of my conversation with Christopher in the video above.

I then went to speak to Keith Baltimore the designer of the Master Bath, another one of my favorite rooms in this gorgeous home. It was a bathroom fit for a Hamptons Home, Keith said a bathroom fit for a Prince and Princess. I loved the shag carpet by Stanton Carpet, the stunning frameless shower doors who’s engineering I still can’t quite get my head around, the oversized Vanity Table that was the centerpiece in the room and the chandelier that was breath-taking. Keith’s room was 100% his personality, fun, engaging, stylish, approachable and comfortable. Keith suggested we should do the interview in the tub, but I was being a stick in the mud, next time Keith drinking Champagne of course….

Designer: Keith Baltimore, Carpet by Stanton Carpet

I also had time to speak to Elissa Grayer whose room was Sponsored by Stanton Carpet. Elissa was responsible for the Foyer area, and the staircase to the upstairs..the grand entrance of the house. I loved it, it was warm and inviting, looked like a real family lived here. I think I’ve seen some familiar pieces of furniture in The Khazana furniture store so they must be on trend. I had an opportunity to sit and talk with Elissa about new trends in flooring and tips for homeowners seeking to add carpeting to their staircase. Elissa stated she uses Stanton Carpet all of the time for her clients because she loves the mix and match prints, and how they bring a room to life. I love the area Stanton Rug she selected it really stood out in this room. You can hear more of my conversation with Elissa in the video above.

Designer: Elissa Grayer, Carpet by Stanton Carpet

This Modern built Barn House is 6500 sq, ft, 7 bedroom, 8 bathroom house, on 3.4 acres complete with finished lower level, playroom, large exercise room, movie theatre, tennis court & swimming pool. The house is also equipped with exterior lighting, similar to what Lighscapes South Ontario offers, making the outdoor space usable at nighttime, making a great excuse for skinny dipping. The exterior lighting also highlights the beauty of the house and its gardens in the evening time when the sun goes down. Many homes this size feels cold and somewhat un-inviting, but this house felt very warm and comfortable. Overall my favorite designed rooms were the Foyer Area, the Dinning room, the Living Room, the Kitchen, the Master Bedroom, Master Bathroom and the back deck area, I love Frontgate and I am told they were a Sponsor for most of the outdoor furniture used. The living room is certainly one of the best rooms in the house as it provides such a calm and relaxing atmosphere but also provides a space where people can come together. They have some of the best accent chairs for living room spaces and the whole room is tied together so nicely. I would certainly replicate this look in my own home if I had the space!

Elissa Grayer, Tamara Stephenson, Libby Langdon, Ayme Sinclair

All photo by: Kurt Leggard of Photography by Kurt
Video editing: Photography by Kurt