Greetings Hamptons Mouthpiece readers…well LIRR has done it again….Once again Montauk branch riders will be inconvienced YET AGAIN!…Earlier this year when a truck damaged the bridge in Hamptons Bays, LIRR shut down service between Speonk and Montauk to fix the tunnel, then Irene came and the trains were once again shut down because LIRR is NEVER prepared for bad weather. This week on the 29th, we had a Lightning storm and thousands of passengers were stranded with no way of getting home and all LIRR exceutives would say is I am sorry…..We all want safety but for one of the largest form of transportation this is crazy that they cannot get their act together…Then the audasicty to raise fares, so whenever the rails are not working and you have to find an alternate route to get to work or get home. Will we be reimbursed by LIRR if we have bought weekly or monthly passes….

This is especially signifigant if you are on the Montauk branch, monthly passes are $429.00 whenever the trains are cancelled riders are forced to take the Hampton Jitney and that cost is $30.00 one way. The Hampton Jitney is a comfortable ride and definately more flexible but unfortunately it is double the monthly investment than the LIRR even if you buy the value pack at $240(10)….

EFFECTIVE 9/29/2011 THRU 2014

Now the new changes for the LIRR will effect what branch? The MONTAUK BRANCH….yet again…readers this will affect the weekend service and Monday Mornings service, this is very important you be made aware of these changes…There are only 3 ways of getting in NYC from the Hamptons….Car, Train, Bus…The LIRR is the most economical way of traveling if you travel to NYC everyday, the bus is comfortable but too expensive for me and traveling by car is just wear an tear on your car and exhausting.

Project Underscores MTA Long Island Rail Road’s Long Term Commitment to Improved Service on the Montauk Branch

The $26.2 million rehabilitation of three aging MTA Long Island Rail Road bridges in Hampton Bays is getting underway next month, a major East End infrastructure improvement financed by the Federal Transit Administration and the MTA Capital Program.
The work on the North Highway Bridge, the Montauk Highway Bridge and the Shinnecock Canal Bridge, all constructed in the early part of the 20th Century, will take two years to complete and is expected to extend the life of each bridge by 35 to 40 years. The reconstruction will be carried out in large part over the next two years by a private contractor who will employ approximately 45 workers at the height of the project.The LIRR’s North Highway Bridge was built in 1907, the Montauk Highway Bridge in 1929 and the Shinnecock Canal Bridge in 1931. Based on routine bridge inspections, the LIRR determined that these bridges were in need of rehabilitation. “They are showing their age, no question about it.” Williams said. “So it’s important that we reverse that. The project will help ensure reliability and on-time performance on the Montauk Branch.” LIRR inspections found that the superstructures of the bridges are in fair to good condition, but in need waterproofing and painting. The substructures of the bridges, including abutments, wing walls and pedestals, are in poor to fair condition. All deteriorated superstructure and substructure elements will be repaired. The above-deck waterproofing, drainage system, bearings and bridge seats will be replaced. Additional work includes painting and other site improvements. As part of the repairs, the vertical roadway clearance of Montauk Highway and North Highway Bridges will be increased by approximately 5 inches to reduce the potential for today’s larger trucks and buses to strike the bridge overhead. This is an improvement the Railroad is making during all bridge modernizations where necessary.

If you are traveling to or from the Hamptons on Weekends and Monday mornings prepare for delays to lessen your frustration…These projects are necessary and it could be worst they could choose to do the construction during the week. Hamptons Mouthpiece if you want to know what’s happening in the Hamptons.

Greetings Hamptons Mouthpiece Readers today in Bridgehampton is the Bridgehampton Race Circuit… There will be a Poker road rally today in Bridgehampton going through Southampton and East Hampton and to make it more fun there will also be a history component which includes clues along the route for teams to discover throughout the route. All clues pertain to windmill. Celebration of the old Bridgehampton track later today. Admission is free. There are 1-2 spots left, car must be 1959 or older and 1st Race Rally starts @ 12 noon. All are welcome to stop by now to see these beautiful cars. For more information on the history of the Bridgehampton Race Car Circuit is http://www.na-motorsports.com/Tracks/NY/Bridgehampton.html

Good Morning Hamptons Mouthpiece readers…this morning I had to get gas as I was on empty and needed to go to Riverhead. In my moment of desperation I had to resort to stopping at the Getty station in Sag Harbor where I paid $4.09 for regular, I only put in $10.00 and waited to fill up in Riverhead where gas is $3.65 for regular. This my friends is serious price gauging.

Greetings Hamptons MouthPiece friends…It’s the first day of Fall and I absolutely love the Fall  especially in the Hamptons…the beauty is simply breath-taking, the trees line the roads and the colors are magical. On Saturday, September 24th, Southampton Village will come alive with the 1st annual SeptemberFest celebrating the beginning of Fall and the unique spirit and beauty of the Village. Come out enjoy the fun roster of events, Southampton like many of Hamptons does not go on hiatus on Labor Day…it goes on and gets better and better. There are many reasons to visit the Hamptons after the summer ends..The Festival will take place RAIN OR SHINE SATURDAY 9/24!

SeptemberFest is a collaboration between the Southampton Cultural Center, Southampton Chamber of Commerce, the Southampton Historical Museum, Rogers Memorial Library, the Parrish Art Museum, the Village of Southampton and you, the merchants and businesses who are the lifeblood of this Village!
SeptemberFest events include:
• The annual Harvest Fair at the Southampton Historical Museum with their ever popular demonstrations, wagon rides, bluegrass music and much more.

• A live carving demonstration by the Maniac Pumpkin Carvers taking place on the steps of Village Hall along with a pumpkin painting area for the kids.

• Farmers market and family activities including a performance by “Jester Jim” (sponsored by the Friends of the Rogers Memorial Library), juggling, face painting and air brush tattooing, all on the grounds of the Parrish Art Museum.

• Keith Davis of Golden Pear is organizing a Chowder Contest featuring local restaurants, caterers and cafes. It will be judged by event-goers and will take place in Agawam Park. Food and wine vendors will offer a “Taste of Southampton”. The Chowder Contest will culminate with a free Concert in the Park featuring one of the Hamptons’ favorite bands, New Life Crisis.

 
• Live outdoor music (at a respectable volume!) on Main Street, Jobs Lane and in Agawam Park including Jim Turner, Nick Kerzner, Ahmad Ali, Charles Certain and American Idol contestant Leah Laurenti.

• The Southampton Cultural Center will host a juried art show by local, national and international artists and Center Stage will offer a production of John Steinbeck’s classic “OF MICE and MEN” directed by Michael Disher.

Check out the calendar of events (www.southamptonseptemberfest.com) and look for them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SouthamptonSeptemberFest for updated info.

Among the fun-filled roster of fun events 3 of my favorite entertainers will be performing so make sure you check them out.

Monica Hughes….New Life Crisis and Leah Laurenti…Unfortunately I will be unable to attend as I have a wedding to attend but I know that this Festival will be fantastic!!!!