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Questions for School Board Candidates

Questions for School Board Candidates
The School Board Vote is quickly approaching….MAY 19 is the Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election.
What are the Responsibilities of a Board Member
Schoolchildren should always their ultimate focus, school board members act officially at the board table, working with other board members to serve students and accomplish the following:
Create a shared vision for the future of education
Set the direction of the school district to achieve the highest student performance
Provide rigorous accountability for student achievement results
Develop a budget and present it to the community, aligning district resources to improve achievement
Support a healthy school district culture for work and learning
Create strategic partnerships with the community stakeholders
Build the district’s progress through continuous improvement
Adopt and maintain current policies
Hire and evaluate the superintendent
Ratify collective bargaining agreements
Maintain strong ethical standards
Characteristics of a Board Member

The following are attributes that all effective board members should possess.
Effective Communicator: Can describe what he or she wants and describe what others want; a good listener
Consensus Builder: Capable of working toward decisions that all can support and willing to compromise to achieve goals
Community Participant: Enjoys meeting a variety of people, can identify the community’s key communicators and reaches out to the community
Decision Maker: Is comfortable making decisions and can support group decision-making
Information Processor: Can organize priorities and schedules to handle large amounts of verbal and written information
Leader: Willing to take risks, be supportive of board colleagues, district staff and community
Team Player: Helps promote the board’s vision and goals

HERE IS A LIST OF SOME QUESTIONS TO ASK CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE BOARD.
What motivates you to want to become a board member?
What attributes are essential for successful school board members?
What do you see as the board’s roles and responsibilities?
What role does policy play/have in the functioning of the board?
Do you have sufficient time/energy to devote to this position?
How would you handle the requests, if approached, by an individual? Special interest groups?
What qualities, behaviors should board members exhibit?
What is your vision for education in this community?
Do you understand the role of the superintendent? Describe the superintendent’s role.
Do board members/the board have a role in the day-to-day operation of the district?Can you/should you support a board decision that you were not in favor of?
What do you see as the primary work of the board?
What kind of relationship should a district/the board have with its community? With its parents and families?
How can a board know if its goals are being accomplished and its policies carried out?
Who should set the rules governing board procedures, methods and behavior? Who should enforce them?
With one or two meetings a month, all school boards are limited in what they can do. How does/should the board decide what’s most important?
How can the board be accessible to your community?
What responsibilities do board members have regarding advocacy?
What are the leadership responsibilities of school board members?
What are the current challenges facing education/school boards?
What is the most important responsibility of a school board?
What is the public relations role of a school board?

If the candidate is unable to answer many of these questions, then you might need to re-evaluate supporting them for a BOE Member.
REMEMBER EVERY VOTE COUNTS SO REMEMBER TO VOTE ON MAY 19TH 2015

Hamptons 2015….DUI, Dangerous and Costly

Hamptons 2015….DUI, Dangerous and Costly The busy Hamptons season is about to begin and with that tons of partying. If you’re headed up to the Hamptons this summer, it might be a good idea to hire your own driver if you plan on going out and drinking. If hiring your own driver is not financially feasible then UBER is an option or one of the many car services in the Hamptons. According to The Southampton Press in 2014, police departments across Suffolk County announced a concentrated crack down on drunk driving and boating. It is my hope that the East End DWI Task Force will enforce this crack down again this summer. “Hire a Sober Driver Tonight, not a Good Criminal Defense Attorney Tomorrow,” was the slogan around the Hamptons last year 2014. I think it should be the permanent slogan because it says it all. Hopefully Eddie Burke Jr. doesn’t get too many calls, but if bad decisions are made, call Eddie Burke. DWI charges in New York are not only very serious and expensive, they are extremely stressful, upsetting and even humiliating. If you have been arrested for a DWI charges in NY,you have only a short amount of time from the date of your arrest to successfully fight to keep your drivers license at your administrative license hearing, or your license could be automatically suspended. If you do need to hire a defense attorney, you should do so right away, don’t hesitate. You want the best legal advice right away to help you through your situation.
It is important to understand that a New York DWI/DUI conviction will always show in any kind of background check done on you in the future, that can cause a variety of other problems both professionally and socially for years to come. A typical DWI charge in New York will typically cost well over $12,000 in fines after you have paid bail, fines, fees, insurance and more, but the financial NY DWI costs don’t stop there and in the Hamptons that cost could be double. To stand a better chance of getting a more favourable result, reducing the financial impact and penalties, you may want to hire a defense lawyer. Ongoing costs can even double that over time. There are hidden or additional costs related to a DWI or driving under the influence charges in New York can include (but not limited to) loss of your current job, difficulty in obtaining job opportunities in the future, college and military, increased insurance rates – see DUI insurance, driver’s license surcharges, probation fees, and the hidden costs of the non-monetary effect on your friends and family. Driving under the influence of Drugs/Alcohol of both is irresponsible and dangerous for yourself and for the lives of innocent people who just happen to be around you. Your irresponsible driving will cost someone years of heartache. Many people come out to the Hamptons and think they can do WHATEVER THEY WANT…..NO ONE WANTS TO PURPOSELY STEAL YOUR FUN…BUT YOU NEED TO ACT RESPONSIBLE and remember “Hire a Sober Driver Tonight, not a Good Criminal Defense Attorney Tomorrow,” Have fun but Stay safe, and think about someone other than yourself. When you choose to make the bad decision of Driving under the Influence you have potentially ruined the lives of everyone around you. Make good choices! If you are the victim of another driver’s negligence, you might want to think about seeking help from a car accident attorney.

Hamptons Favorite and Best Beaches

Hamptons Favorite and Best Beaches 2015…….It’s that time of the year again to start thinking about summer vacations and Hamptons Mouthpiece is all about keeping you in the know….The Hamptons is a quick 1 day getaway from all areas in Connecticut, Westchester, NYC, LI(Nassau & Suffolk) and New Jersey. Renting in the Hamptons is an option that many people tend to do, it can be affordable you just need to do your homework to find those places. Remember when renting to always ask about a beach pass for many of the local beaches, the daily rates can add up and become expensive. Some people like to dock their boats in the area too, although it must be useful to invest in boat dock bumpers first. Another necessary expense that you might have to indulge in is a wetsuit, especially if you are a keen surfer. No one likes missing out on the waves, but a wetsuit from Ann’s Cottage can certainly help you brave the cold. If you are visiting for a day, there are some beaches where the fee is affordable but you might want to bring a couple of friends to share the expense.

If you would like to save on Parking Fees here are some suggestions:

Park outside of the beach Parking lot…Caution make sure you can park there legally, the tickets will cost you more than the daily beach pass and in the town of Southampton your car might be towed.
Biking to the beach is always an option and it is free
Go after 5pm when parking is free….NOTE*Lifeguard duty might be over
Hamptons Free Ride
Walk
Have someone drop you off

If you want to go to a beach in East Hampton-Montauk an alternative to driving is this service Hamptons Free Ride offers free shuttle service in Southampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk beginning on Memorial Day. check them out to see the routes http://hamptonsfreeride.com/

I asked my network for their opinions on the their favorite Beaches in the Hamptons…and I thought I would share the top 10 Favorites…These are all public beaches….For more information on these beaches SEE INFO LISTED BELOW*** Coopers Beach in Southampton and Main Beach in East Hampton have made Dr. Beach’s world’s top ten list year after year.

Main Beach **East Hampton
Coopers Beach**Southampton “Village Beach”
Sagg Main**Sagaponack
Ditch Plains**Amagansett/Montauk
Wainscott Main**Wainscott
Scott Cameron**Bridgehampton
Indian Wells**Amagansett “Village Beach”
Peters Pond Beach, Sagaponack
Flying Point Beach, Watermill
Mecox Beach, Bridgehampton?

Click on Links below: For 2015 Updated information on beaches in the Hamptons and beach passes.

SOUTHAMPTON TOWN BEACHES INFORMATION

SOUTHAMPTON VILLAGE BEACHES

WESTHAMPTON VILLAGE BEACHES

EAST HAMPTON TOWN BEACHES INFORMATION

EAST HAMPTON VILLAGE BEACHES

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Hamptons: Studio 89 celebrates 6 years

Hamptons: Studio 89 celebrates 6 years

I was sitting in Golden Pear having a cup of coffee and Rich Decker walks in dressed in workout attire to have breakfast. I started talking to him and asked what was new at Studio 89, he told me that he was celebrating his 6th year anniversary in April. It seems like it was just yesterday that he opened Studio 89, I was happy to hear this. I have a friend who lost over 100 pounds with Rich and his team, and has kept it off for nearly 3 years. Studio 89 is not just about loosing weight but developing a way of life.

Studio 89 is a boutique Private fitness facility, it is not a gym, you will not find machine-based workouts- the emphasis at Studio 89 is that you are the Machine. The focus is on Core, Agility, Flexibility, Strength Suspension and Gravity Training to give you The Ultimate One-on-One Training Experience. Your workouts are personalized to match your goals, and those who have worked out with Rich love his approach to training.

By using suspension, gravity, resistance and strength training without machines, your body actually becomes the machine. Rich Decker says.. “With all of our training techniques your core is engaged for every movement while you target every muscle in your body. You’ll work more efficiently yielding better results, faster.”

April 2015 will be Studio 89, 6th year anniversary and to CELEBRATE they are offering unlimited classes for just a dollar a day $365/annually.

Classes include: JustAbs, TRX, Spin, Power Pump, Power Sculpt, Stretch Core, Gentle Yoga, Les Milles Body Pump, Body Combat and Body Flow.

The spin classes are not for the masses, it is just you and 15 other cyclist moving and jamming to some great music. No need to bring shoes, they provide shoes & weights. The instructor has an opportunity to give you personal attention. This is how many of their classes are, small groups and individual instruction. If you are really focusing on training then Studio 89 is for you.

Click here for schedule, times and instructors

Now through April 30th all registries will be ENTERED TO WIN 2 FREE TRAINING SESSIONS with Rich Decker!!!! ($300 value)

They offer a wide variety of One on One training tools including BodyWedge21,(invented by Studio 89 founder Rich Decker) Bosu’s half ball, Weighted Med Balls, Swiss Balls, Slide Board, Jump Ropes, Exer Tubes, Stability Discs, Boxing, Free Weights, Octane Ellipticals, Cybex Treadmills, Cybex Recumbent Bike , TRX Suspension System, and The EFI Gravity System. Rich Decker says “All our tools require your body to be The Machine and ensure that you stabilize every move with your core.”

Studio 89 is located @ Clay Pit Rd is off of Bridgehampton Turnpike
right at Estia’s Restaurant onto Clay Pit Rd.

631-899-4310*Website: www.studio89fitness.com

Outdoor will open as soon as there is a break in the weather.

Hamptons :DEC Temporarily Closes Shellfishing Areas in Nassau and Suffolk Counties

Hamptons :DEC Temporarily Closes Shellfishing Areas in Nassau and Suffolk Counties
Press Release 12/11/2014: NNew York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
Temporarily Closes Shellfishing Areas in Nassau and Suffolk Counties until the DEC deems it safe for the public to eat.
Closures Follow Widespread Heavy Rainfall
Shellfish harvesting areas in several Towns in Nassau and Suffolk Counties have been designated as uncertified (closed) for shellfish harvesting, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. These temporary closures were implemented following the extraordinarily heavy rainfall and stormwater runoff that affected Long Island. More than three inches of precipitation fell within 12 hours in all the affected areas; a daily record was set at Long Island MacArthur airport.

This action was taken to protect the public health. Excessive stormwater runoff caused by heavy rainfall carries bacteria and other pathogens into adjacent surface waters, adversely affecting water quality in the enclosed creeks, coves, harbors and bays and causing shellfish in those areas to have an increased potential to be hazardous for use as food.

The closures in Nassau County and the Town of Huntington went into effect at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9. The closures in Southampton and East Hampton are effective Wednesday, December 10. All the closures will continue until a determination is made that conditions no longer exist that may make shellfish hazardous for use as food.

The following areas are designated as uncertified and the harvest of shellfish is temporarily prohibited:

Towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay (south shore): All that area of Hempstead Bay, East Bay and South Oyster Bay and their tributaries in the Towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay.
Town of North Hempstead: All of Hempstead Harbor lying south of a line extending from Prospect Point to Matinecock Point.
Town of Oyster Bay (north shore): All of Oyster Bay Harbor and all of Cold Spring Harbor lying southerly of a line extending easterly from the stone house on Plum Point (Centre Island) to the northerly side of the beach pavilion at West Neck Beach (Town of Huntington) on the eastern shore of Cold Spring Harbor; and all of Hempstead Harbor lying south of a line extending from Prospect Point to Matinecock Point.
Towns of Babylon and Islip: All that area of Great South Bay and its tributaries lying westerly of the northbound span of the Robert Moses Causeway bridges.
Town of Huntington: All of Northport Bay, Duck Island Harbor, Centerport Harbor, Lloyd Harbor and Huntington Bay lying southerly of a line extending easterly from the southernmost point of East Beach to the southernmost point of West Beach (also known as Sand City Beach), and, Cold Spring Harbor.
Town of Southampton: All of Sag Harbor and its tributaries and a portion of outer Sag Harbor.
Town of East Hampton: All of Northwest Harbor lying easterly of a line extending northeasterly from the westernmost point of land at the entrance to Northwest Creek, to the foot of Mile Hill Road; all of Northwest Creek; and a portion of outer Sag Harbor.
DEC will re-open areas as soon as possible based on the results of water quality testing to be conducted on samples that will be collected from the affected areas over the next several days.

A recorded message that advises harvesters of the status of these shellfish areas may be heard at (631) 444-0480. The message will be updated during the course of the temporary closures. For a more detailed description of the closed areas please call DEC’s Marine Resources office during normal business hours at (631) 444-0492. Additionally, information about temporary shellfish closures will be available on DEC’s website.