At the Mayor’s South Side Task Force Oct. 25 hybrid meeting held in the NCC Fowler Center, Chairperson Janine Santoro announced an official budget address will be held in November.

Scheduled for Nov. 11 from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at ArtsQuest, the event led by Mayor J. William Reynolds is sponsored by the Bethlehem Chamber, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.

Santoro reminded attendees about the next day’s “Building a Bethlehem for Everyone: What You Told Us and What’s in Store” event. So far, 600 people have responded to the city’s survey.

Santoro mentioned the South Bethlehem Community Center feasibility study is to be launched in 2023. A Request for Proposal is in the early stages of being drafted.

According to Santoro, Councilwoman Olga Negrón was chosen as Parade Marshal for the Bethlehem’s Halloween Parade.

SouthSide Arts District Downtown Manager Erin Zebertavage announced the neighborhood’s Christmas tree lighting will be held at Touchstone Theatre’s Barrio Stage Nov. 26. She reported the 26th annual ChiliFest sold out.

Susan Vitez from Steelworkers’ Archives and Rev. Suzanne Trump from St. John’s Windish Lutheran Church promoted the Steeples and Steel Tours. The bus tours for Oct. 29 were nearly sold out. Vitez mentioned additional tours are scheduled for Nov. 12.

“We’re getting back into the swing of things,” remarked Adrienne McNeil from Lehigh University, as she described a successful Spooktacular held at the Alumni Memorial Building. It brought in more than 400 families from the community on Oct. 22.

Christine Wieder from the Bethlehem Area Public Library South Side Branch listed South Side Stitches: Sewing for Kids, Playtime at the library, and Preschool Storytime, along with continuing programming for children and adults. A PA CareerLink kiosk is coming soon to the branch.

Eric Fontanez and Benita Draper from the Bethlehem Area School District’s Office of Equity Initiatives discussed happenings at the schools.

Glorilex Vasquez from State Rep. Steve Samuelson’s office provided good news for seniors about the state’s increased mortgage and rent rebates, with an additional 70 percent added to them. This is a one-time expansion on the program. SEPTA in Philadelphia is offering free passes for those 65 years old and over that will allow them to travel on SEPTA trains, buses and trolleys at no charge.

With PPL prices going up for electricity, she mentioned that sign-up for financial assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) began Nov. 1.

Staffers at the rep’s office are available to help residents sign up for these programs, as well as with Pennsylvania’s REAL ID.

Community Action Development Corp Bethlehem (CADCB) Southside community organizer Samantha Mravlag mentioned that they have been working with Samuelson’s office and other community partners on various initiatives, including coordinating services.

Northampton Community College Community Outreach Manager Toni Fernandez praised the state representative’s office and the Bethlehem Police for their contributions to the neighborhood.

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