Chairperson Janine Santoro announced an upcoming “We Build Bethlehem” event at the Mayor’s South Side Task Force Sept. 27 hybrid meeting held in the NCC Fowler Center.

“Building a Bethlehem for Everyone: What You Told Us and What’s in Store” is scheduled for Oct. 26 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the NCC Fowler Center. Santoro asked those interested in attending to register at: https://bit.ly/webuildbethlehem.

With National Hispanic Heritage Month continuing through Oct. 15, Santoro, Toni Fernandez from Community Outreach of Northampton Community College, and others spoke about several community events celebrating it happening around the city.

Benita Draper and Eric Fontanez from Bethlehem Area School District’s Office of Equity Initiatives described what Bethlehem schools are doing to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.

The Bethlehem, Easton and Allentown school districts in collaboration with Lehigh University, are offering conferences for male students on self esteem and social skills.

Downtown Manager Erin Zebertavage spoke about Festival Unbound and the LUAG’s upcoming “What Matters Most” opening reception and community celebration scheduled for Oct. 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the South Bethlehem Greenway near Webster Street.

Lizzette Melendez from Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley described services offered at the Basilio Huertas Senior Center for Northampton County seniors. Other HCLV programs include a food pantry, social services, legal consultations and COVID-19 information. The nearby Fowler Community Wellness Center provides health and nutrition assistance to women, infants and children, employment help, and comprehensive care to uninsured and underinsured individuals dealing with HIV/AIDS.

Adrienne McNeil, assistant from Lehigh University, said they are bringing back the Fall Southside Clean Up. Run by Lehigh students, it is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Farrington Square on Oct. 15.

Christine Wieder from the Bethlehem Area Public Library South Side Branch mentioned upcoming events like Housing Assistance Information for Nov. 15 and a Puzzle Tree Painting Workshop on Oct. 15. She also highlighted programs including After-School Homework Help, Conversational Spanish and South Side Stitches!

National Museum of Industrial History CEO Kara Mohsinger and Susan Vitez from Steelworkers’ Archives promoted the Steel Weekend and Steel Workers Reunion 2022 free event held at NMIH Oct. 15 and 16.

Vitez mentioned they were involved with the free Northampton County Festival Oct. 8 at Louise W. Moore Park in Easton. Steeples and Steel Tours will start Oct. 29.

Southside Community Police Officer William Rodriguez said the Bethlehem Police Department participated in the National Coffee with a Cop Day at Zekraft Café Oct. 5.

Delia Marrero introduced herself as the new YWCA Bethlehem executive director and described an anti-racism initiative and other programs.

State Rep. Steve Samuelson (D) rushed in at the end of the meeting to share information on the recently-passed state budget, with increased funding for education, mental health and affordable housing programs. He said there will be a one-time funding boost in the state’s property tax and rent rebate program for seniors.

Samuelson discussed the recently passed bill featuring five amendments to the state constitution. He said he voted against the bill. It would need to pass a second time before going on the ballot.

The Mayor’s South Side Task Force regularly meets on the last Tuesday of the month.