the almanac J U LY 20, 2025
SOUTH HILLS COMMUNITY NEWS
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PETERS AREA BRIDGE CLOSURE IMPACTING BUSINESSES PAGE A5
PHOTOS: KAREN MANSFIELD/OBSERVER-REPORTER
Corey Harcha of Cecil, left, with his father, John Harcha, of McKees Rocks, and his son, Tucker, next to John Harcha’s 1939 Ford Deluxe Sedan. The three participated in the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Kick-Off Rallye at Dual Devils Garage in Houston on July 6.
PUMPED UP
Video games, social media fueling new generation’s passion for classic cars
UPPER ST. CLAIR’S CASEY DRAFTED BY TORONTO BLUE JAYS PAGE B1
By Karen Mansfield Staff writer
kmansfield@observer-reporter.com
When it comes to classic car enthusiasm, you might envision Baby Boomers nostalgically polishing their vintage Mustangs or ’67 Triumphs. However, change is afoot: It’s Gen Z and Millennials who are emerging as the most passionate about these automotive relics. Video games, TikTok and YouTube have kindled a new generation’s interest in classic cars. Specifically, auto racing games like Forza and Gran Turismo series – where you choose classic or contemporary cars to race, modify, and learn about – are turning kids and young adults into classic car enthusiasts. Movies like “Top Gear” and “Fast and Furious,” too, have Shawn Champlin, left, of Bethel Park, and his brother, Steve, are pictured with their spurred interest. 1985 Cutlass Supreme at the Mt. Lebanon Police Classic Car Show. The brothers are SEE CLASSIC PAGE A2 part of a younger generation of classic car enthusiasts.
‘SPLASH PARK’ AT THE DOG STOP HELPS KEEP PETS COOL IN SUMMER PAGE B3 What’s happening, B3 Real estate transactions, A3 Classifieds, B4-6
Horses with Hope founder receives American Red Cross recognition By Jill Thurston Staff writer
jthurston@observer-reporter.com
Anne Davis, executive director for Horses with Hope, was honored during the 2025 American Red Cross Power of Red Celebration of Heroes event in June at the Heinz History Center for her work in equine therapy with the special needs community. Davis said she was surprised by the recognition from the American Red Cross. “There’s so many deserving nonprofits in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh is a pretty special place for how diverse the communities are and all of the different nonprofits that are out there. There’s a lot of people doing a lot of good. I never really look at Horses with Hope as being considered in that league, so when I heard we were awarded, it was very humbling,” Davis said. Horses with Hope aims to help improve the quality of life for individuals with challenges through its therapeutic riding program as well as its equine assisted learning program, veteran and small animal programs. “We are all so proud of Anne. She knows every individual, every family who attends our programs. It is
JON ANDREASSI/OBSERVER-REPORTER
COURTESY OF HORSES WITH HOPE
Anne and Joel Davis with daughter Jamie
an immense honor to see her achieve this award,” said board member Raymond Perr. “The work we do is very special. We get to see little miracles each and every day,” Davis said. Benefits of therapeutic riding can lead to improvement in speech, trunk control, fine and gross motor skills and improvement in speech. “Therapeutic reading is immeasurably unique in that it is the horse who gives therapy to the individual. One visit to the farm changes your life. It is a nurturing environment,
an environment of peace and hope,” said Davis. Davis made the shift from the airline industry to therapeutic riding when she found out through amniocentesis during her pregnancy at age 40 that her daughter Jamie would be born with Down syndrome. “When I was doing the research about what Down syndrome was, I came across therapeutic riding and that’s when I knew that God had a different path for my life,” said Davis. SEE HORSES PAGE A2
The Bethel Park Schoolhouse Arts & History Center could potentially be added as a model to the Carnegie Science Center Railroad and Village.
Bethel Park Schoolhouse a candidate for Carnegie Science Center miniature display By Jon Andreassi Staff writer
jandreassi@observer-reporter.com
The Bethel Park Schoolhouse Arts & History Center has stood for more than a century, and could soon be part of a miniature railroad display at the Carnegie Science Center. The schoolhouse, which at one time was Bethel Township High School, is among three finalists to have a model built for
the science center’s Miniature Railroad and Village. “During the month of July, everyone has the opportunity to vote daily on which of the three candidates would be chosen to be the new building in the display,” said Bill Haberthur, a board member and secretary of the Bethel Park Historical Society. Haberthur explained that the building was originally built in 1905 as a high school, and
in 1934 swapped uses with the neighboring schoolhouse and became an elementary school. “It was used as an elementary school through the 1960s,” he said. By 2014 the building was in disrepair, and faced possible demolition. The historical society purchased the building for $1, and got to work on renovating. SEE DISPLAY PAGE A3