Happy Holidays & End-of-Year News

Hope you are reading this at your leisure while relaxing with loved ones. Happy holidays and thanks for your support of our little construction information business for another year.

The end of 2018 is not is still busy with RFPs and interviews that will carry over into a running start to 2019. CMU is taking proposals from PJ Dick, Massaro and Mosites on its next new dormitory, a $45 million residence hall to be built along Forbes Ave. near Beeler. Duquesne University selected PJ Dick for its renovation of the A. J. Palumbo Center. Volpatt Construction was awarded the $4.5 million 2 South Renovation project at Canonsburg General Hospital.  Walsh Construction was the low bidder on the Section 55-C2-1 of the Southern Beltway at $174,300,000. Trumbull Corp. and Beaver Excavating were second and third at just over $183 million (separated by 0.1%).

Happy New Year!

Drew Parish (far left) from the Mario Lemieux Foundation accepts the $7,000 donation from the proceeds of MBA YC Holiday Party. Representing the YC are Sean Fischer from Massaro Corp., and the MBA’s Jack Ramage, Connie Churchel, and Mary Chuderewicz. Photo courtesy of Mario Lemieux Foundation.

Tammy and David – Ceremony at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish and Reception at Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Tammy and David met in Indianapolis at a mutual friend’s party and had their first date at an EDM concert. (Their wedding website says the party was themed “wear as much denim as you can” – which is a very good party theme!) David was so kind – taking all the photos Tammy wanted throughout the day. We had such a great time with them!

Tammy had her hair and make-up done in the Chemistry Room at the Embassy Suites. Plenty of room for her, the mothers and her bridesmaids. She had the cutest pink sneakers she switched to after the ceremony!

Our limo driver Rex from Tortorice Limousine was great! He knew exactly how to avoid the parkway because of a weekend of paving. We were able to smoothly get to the ceremony and the portrait location without missing a beat.

The couple had rented a vintage bus to take guests from the hotel to the church.

The couple did a toast in the limo to their bridal party – thanking them for being here on the special day. It was cloudy when we entered Tammy’s hometown church in Munhall, but the sun came out with that autumn glow just as we headed to Mellon Park.

Mellon Park Walled Garden is a beautiful spot for portraits. We ran into three other bridal parties while we were there! There are several different locations to shoot in the park. These two have a 1.5 foot height difference – it was fun to play off that for the posing!

David had a groom’s cake with his college mascot. And that’s not all the reception fun – I don’t want to forget to mention the late night eats – delicious nachos and hot dogs at the end of the night. I heard a rumor that SOME VIP’s were even pouring nacho cheese all over their hot dogs – but it wasn’t me!

Throughout the entire day, the theme of La Vie en Rose was evident – in Tammy’s pink shoes, in the bridesmaid dresses and floral, and in the reception decor. The hashtag was #lavieenrusk as a play off David’s last name and their aesthetic. I don’t make a habit of plagiarizing here on the blog, but Tammy and David put it best on their wedding website by explaining this theme. “La Vie en Rose” is a song made famous by Edith Pilaf in the 1940’s and its title literally translates to “life in pink”. But a more befitting translation when taking into account the meaning of the song’s lyrics would be “life in happy hues”, “life in rosy hues”, or “life seen through happy lenses”. The spirit of this song romanticizes la vie; live a life of happiness filled with cheerfulness and merriment. It’s about a state of bliss when everything around you feeds this idea of joyfulness. This is the state we find ourselves in when we are deeply in love.

And these two are deeply in love. It was my honor to be a part of this special day.

Note to the couple:

Tammy and David, it was a pleasure to work with the two of you! We thank you for choosing Kristen Wynn Photography and wish you a lifetime of love and happiness always. Congratulations!

Be sure to see our full galleries here!

Vendors:

Invitation: The Paper Store

Prep location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Gown Designer: Essense of Australia

Bridal Salon: Brides by Young

Shoes: Ted Baker London

Maid of Honor’s Dress: Donna Morgan

Bridesmaid Dresses: Adrianna Papell

Men’s Formalwear: Jos. A. Bank

Florist: One Happy Flower Shop

Hair Stylist: Classic Hair & Makeup

Make-Up Artist: Classic Hair & Makeup

Hotel Accommodations: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Transportation: Tortorice Limousine

Ceremony venue: St. Therese of Lisieux Parish

Reception venue: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Cake: Grandview Bakery

Catering: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Entertainment: Modern Era Weddings – DJ Thomas P. Walter

Rings: Robert Goodman Jewelers

Linens:Linen Hero by Chair Covers and Linens

Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental

Alterations: Brides by Young

Additional KWP Team Member for this wedding: The Yellow Rose Studio

Photographer: Kristen Wynn Photography

Tammy and David – Ceremony at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish and Reception at Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Tammy and David met in Indianapolis at a mutual friend’s party and had their first date at an EDM concert. (Their wedding website says the party was themed “wear as much denim as you can” – which is a very good party theme!) David was so kind – taking all the photos Tammy wanted throughout the day. We had such a great time with them!

Tammy had her hair and make-up done in the Chemistry Room at the Embassy Suites. Plenty of room for her, the mothers and her bridesmaids. She had the cutest pink sneakers she switched to after the ceremony!

Our limo driver Rex from Tortorice Limousine was great! He knew exactly how to avoid the parkway because of a weekend of paving. We were able to smoothly get to the ceremony and the portrait location without missing a beat.

The couple had rented a vintage bus to take guests from the hotel to the church.

The couple did a toast in the limo to their bridal party – thanking them for being here on the special day. It was cloudy when we entered Tammy’s hometown church in Munhall, but the sun came out with that autumn glow just as we headed to Mellon Park.

Mellon Park Walled Garden is a beautiful spot for portraits. We ran into three other bridal parties while we were there! There are several different locations to shoot in the park. These two have a 1.5 foot height difference – it was fun to play off that for the posing!

David had a groom’s cake with his college mascot. And that’s not all the reception fun – I don’t want to forget to mention the late night eats – delicious nachos and hot dogs at the end of the night. I heard a rumor that SOME VIP’s were even pouring nacho cheese all over their hot dogs – but it wasn’t me!

Throughout the entire day, the theme of La Vie en Rose was evident – in Tammy’s pink shoes, in the bridesmaid dresses and floral, and in the reception decor. The hashtag was #lavieenrusk as a play off David’s last name and their aesthetic. I don’t make a habit of plagiarizing here on the blog, but Tammy and David put it best on their wedding website by explaining this theme. “La Vie en Rose” is a song made famous by Edith Pilaf in the 1940’s and its title literally translates to “life in pink”. But a more befitting translation when taking into account the meaning of the song’s lyrics would be “life in happy hues”, “life in rosy hues”, or “life seen through happy lenses”. The spirit of this song romanticizes la vie; live a life of happiness filled with cheerfulness and merriment. It’s about a state of bliss when everything around you feeds this idea of joyfulness. This is the state we find ourselves in when we are deeply in love.

And these two are deeply in love. It was my honor to be a part of this special day.

Note to the couple:

Tammy and David, it was a pleasure to work with the two of you! We thank you for choosing Kristen Wynn Photography and wish you a lifetime of love and happiness always. Congratulations!

Be sure to see our full galleries here!

Vendors:

Invitation: The Paper Store

Prep location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Gown Designer: Essense of Australia

Bridal Salon: Brides by Young

Shoes: Ted Baker London

Maid of Honor’s Dress: Donna Morgan

Bridesmaid Dresses: Adrianna Papell

Men’s Formalwear: Jos. A. Bank

Florist: One Happy Flower Shop

Hair Stylist: Classic Hair & Makeup

Make-Up Artist: Classic Hair & Makeup

Hotel Accommodations: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Transportation: Tortorice Limousine

Ceremony venue: St. Therese of Lisieux Parish

Reception venue: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Cake: Grandview Bakery

Catering: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Entertainment: Modern Era Weddings – DJ Thomas P. Walter

Rings: Robert Goodman Jewelers

Linens:Linen Hero by Chair Covers and Linens

Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental

Alterations: Brides by Young

Additional KWP Team Member for this wedding: The Yellow Rose Studio

Photographer: Kristen Wynn Photography

Tammy and David – Ceremony at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish and Reception at Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Tammy and David met in Indianapolis at a mutual friend’s party and had their first date at an EDM concert. (Their wedding website says the party was themed “wear as much denim as you can” – which is a very good party theme!) David was so kind – taking all the photos Tammy wanted throughout the day. We had such a great time with them!

Tammy had her hair and make-up done in the Chemistry Room at the Embassy Suites. Plenty of room for her, the mothers and her bridesmaids. She had the cutest pink sneakers she switched to after the ceremony!

Our limo driver Rex from Tortorice Limousine was great! He knew exactly how to avoid the parkway because of a weekend of paving. We were able to smoothly get to the ceremony and the portrait location without missing a beat.

The couple had rented a vintage bus to take guests from the hotel to the church.

The couple did a toast in the limo to their bridal party – thanking them for being here on the special day. It was cloudy when we entered Tammy’s hometown church in Munhall, but the sun came out with that autumn glow just as we headed to Mellon Park.

Mellon Park Walled Garden is a beautiful spot for portraits. We ran into three other bridal parties while we were there! There are several different locations to shoot in the park. These two have a 1.5 foot height difference – it was fun to play off that for the posing!

David had a groom’s cake with his college mascot. And that’s not all the reception fun – I don’t want to forget to mention the late night eats – delicious nachos and hot dogs at the end of the night. I heard a rumor that SOME VIP’s were even pouring nacho cheese all over their hot dogs – but it wasn’t me!

Throughout the entire day, the theme of La Vie en Rose was evident – in Tammy’s pink shoes, in the bridesmaid dresses and floral, and in the reception decor. The hashtag was #lavieenrusk as a play off David’s last name and their aesthetic. I don’t make a habit of plagiarizing here on the blog, but Tammy and David put it best on their wedding website by explaining this theme. “La Vie en Rose” is a song made famous by Edith Pilaf in the 1940’s and its title literally translates to “life in pink”. But a more befitting translation when taking into account the meaning of the song’s lyrics would be “life in happy hues”, “life in rosy hues”, or “life seen through happy lenses”. The spirit of this song romanticizes la vie; live a life of happiness filled with cheerfulness and merriment. It’s about a state of bliss when everything around you feeds this idea of joyfulness. This is the state we find ourselves in when we are deeply in love.

And these two are deeply in love. It was my honor to be a part of this special day.

Note to the couple:

Tammy and David, it was a pleasure to work with the two of you! We thank you for choosing Kristen Wynn Photography and wish you a lifetime of love and happiness always. Congratulations!

Be sure to see our full galleries here!

Vendors:

Invitation: The Paper Store

Prep location: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Gown Designer: Essense of Australia

Bridal Salon: Brides by Young

Shoes: Ted Baker London

Maid of Honor’s Dress: Donna Morgan

Bridesmaid Dresses: Adrianna Papell

Men’s Formalwear: Jos. A. Bank

Florist: One Happy Flower Shop

Hair Stylist: Classic Hair & Makeup

Make-Up Artist: Classic Hair & Makeup

Hotel Accommodations: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Transportation: Tortorice Limousine

Ceremony venue: St. Therese of Lisieux Parish

Reception venue: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Cake: Grandview Bakery

Catering: Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Pittsburgh

Entertainment: Modern Era Weddings – DJ Thomas P. Walter

Rings: Robert Goodman Jewelers

Linens:Linen Hero by Chair Covers and Linens

Rentals: All Occasions Party Rental

Alterations: Brides by Young

Additional KWP Team Member for this wedding: The Yellow Rose Studio

Photographer: Kristen Wynn Photography

What statewide legislation are we pushing for in 2019?

BikePGH’s (and PPAC’s) 2019 Statewide Legislative Priorities

Any laws that govern our streets are forged in Harrisburg. The City of Pittsburgh cannot, for example, decide to pass its own Idaho Stop law, nor create a special license for bicyclists. While BikePGH is not a statewide organization in scope, we do weigh in on statewide issues including policy that dictate how our streets operate locally.

Since 2013, Scott Bricker, our executive director, has served on Pennsylvania’s Pedalcycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (PPAC) which has adopted the following 2019-2020 legislative priorities. The list of these initiatives were approved by a majority of voting members of the Committee. This past Fall, PPAC presented the following priorities to PennDOT Secretary, Leslie Richards. In addition to these bicycle and pedestrian-focused priorities, BikePGH also wants to make sure a bill is passed that makes e-standing scooters (like Bird and Lime scooters) street-legal in the state of Pennsylvania.

A parking protected bike lane in Chicago

Parking Protected Bike Lanes

According to a 2018 PennDOT General Counsel opinion, current PA Vehicle Code language prevents the construction of certain types of Parking Protected Bike Lanes. While cities have some flexibility on their own streets, many streets within the city are owned by PennDOT, who will refuse to install this type of infrastructure on their roads. The existing code requires vehicles to park within 12 inches of a curb, so placing the bike lane between parking and the curb is questionable and may not meet the requirements of the law. Given that 2017 saw the highest number of PA bicycle fatalities in five years, this type of infrastructure should be a tool in our roadway engineers’ toolboxes.  As a solution to this problem, lawmakers have drafted legislation, currently sitting in committee, that allows parked vehicles to be within 12 inches of the outside line of the bike lane’s buffer area , in addition to the curb. (SB788/HB1657 in 2017-2018 Session)

Radar for Local Law Enforcement

Pennsylvania is the only state in the country that does not allow municipal police to use Radar or LIDAR to catch dangerous speeders. Currently, only the Pennsylvania State Police are allowed to use this technology to enforce the speed limit. Legislation is on the table to allow municipalities (after adopting an ordinance) to use this radar technology to monitor traffic speed. The bill caps the amount of revenue a municipality can retain and sets calibration standards for RADAR guns. It is supported the Coalition to Eliminate the Prohibition Against Municipal Police Using Radar. (SB251 from 2017-2018 Session).

Prioritize Vulnerable Users

A “Vulnerable Highway User Protections” bill is needed to increase the penalties for careless drivers who inflict bodily injury, or worse, death, upon others. Today, a careless driver who kills a pedestrian is fined $500; who causes serious bodily injury – $250. Vulnerable users, according to the bill’s language, are defined as pedestrians, bicyclists, people in wheelchairs, motorcyclists, skateboarders, horseback riders, horse and carriages and farm equipment. A future bill should similarly increase fines for reckless drivers and require four feet of passage for pedestrians, disabled persons and buggies. HB1646 from 2017-2018 would need to be amended to include increased fines for reckless drivers and 4 foot passage for peds/buggies.

Limit Motorists’ use of cell phones

Prohibit those older than 18 to talk on cell phones without hands-free accessories, prohibits those under 18 from using a cell phone at all, and adds three points to the $50 penalty for violating the law. (HB1684 from 2017-2018 Session)

Require motorists to stop for pedestrians instead of just yielding.

Currently, Pennsylvania requires motorists to yield to pedestrians in any portion of the roadway. Other states impose stricter laws:

• Minnesota requires motorists to stop in any portion of the roadway.
• Six states and D.C. require a motorist to stop when a pedestrian is “upon the same half of the roadway or within one lane of the lane that the motorist is traveling upon.”
• Three states require a motorist to stop when a pedestrian is upon the same half of the roadway or approaching closely enough from the opposite side of the roadway to constitute a danger.
• New Jersey requires motorists to stop for a pedestrian within a marked crosswalk, but must only yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection.  HB2614 of 2012 session would have required motorists to stop if a pedestrian “is upon, or within one lane of, the half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is traveling or onto which it is turning.”)

Allow bicyclists to yield on stop signs

Allow bicyclists approaching intersections under certain conditions to yield instead of stopping and/or to come to full stop and then move through the intersection. As an example of how one state handled this issue, this is Delaware Code Relating to Yield on Red – Bicycle approaching or entering intersection.

Increase fines for not yielding to pedestrians

Currently, the fine for not yielding to pedestrians is $50 (Section 3542 of Title 75) and should be increased.

A truck side guard (Robin Young/Here & Now)

Mandate side guards on all trucks

Nationwide, half of bicyclists and one quarter of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes are killed by trucks during the first impact with the side of the truck (USDOT Volpe Center.) Following the national side guard mandate in the UK, there was a 61 percent drop in cyclist fatalities and a 20 percent drop in pedestrian fatalities in side-impact collisions with trucks. Boston, Orlando, Seattle, San Francisco, New York City and Washington, D.C. all have various requirements for side guards on city-owned and private trucks.

In Pennsylvania, apparently, Act 90 prevents municipalities from mandating that private haulers install side guards. PennDOT could conduct an evaluation to 1) evaluate scale of this problem statewide, 2) determine if state law prevents municipalities from adopting side guard mandates and if so, 3) propose legislation to permit municipalities to institute mandates.

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The post What statewide legislation are we pushing for in 2019? appeared first on BikePGH.

IRS raises business mileage deduction for 2019

In addition to low gas prices, there was more good news for drivers from the Internal Revenue Service: the federal agency is increasing the standard mileage rate used to determine the deductible cost of using a vehicle for business.

Taxpayers who use their cars, vans, pickups or panel trucks for business purposes will be able to deduct 58 cents per mile driven in 2019, up 3.5 cents from a year ago. Those using their vehicle for medical or moving purposes will be able to deduct 20 cents per mile,…