Insight to the end of 412's unending construction finally came to light at the Mayor's South Side Task Force meeting on Feb. 24. Director of Public Works Mike Alkhal said the work on Route 412 will be "substantially completed by the end of the year… lanes should be opened by the end," which should be a great relief to everyone. For years this project has been ongoing, contributing to endless frustration, and now, the light at the end of the tunnel has appeared.

On the other hand, Alkhal revealed the construction on the Fahy Bridge will begin in September. This year's work will be limitede to the sidewalks. Unfortunately for joggers and pedestrians, commuting across the bridge will not be so easy, unless a shuttle is arranged, which may very well be the case. Actual work on the lanes will wait for 2016.

More information on Fahy Bridge project will be revealed closer to its start date.

For those intrigued by the inner workings of the Mayor's SSTF, a brand new Downtown Bethlehem Association assistant manager has joined the team. Emily Gerber has taken the task of replacing Chairman Roger Hudak's email complications by creating a newsletter via email as well as maintaining a blog, a Facebook page titled "The Chamber," a twitter account and other varying forms of social media to keep Bethlehem informed.

Beyond an update on construction, Hudak led a very productive and relaxed meeting where other members of the public brought to light some exciting events for the community. For instance, as reported by Adult Services Technician Olga Negron, the Bethlehem Area Public Library's Southside branch offers a homebound service for residents who may be unable to travel. Services include delivering books, films and audio books. The library also provides a conversational Spanish class on Saturday afternoons led by Negron. Furthermore, the library will provide story time for children Thursday mornings beginning March 5. With so much activity booming around the Bethlehem library it's definitely time to make a trip and see what they think of next.

Despite this grim winter, Bethlehem thrives on festivals, concerts and high school musicals all throughout the area. March 4 holds the Kira Willey benefit concert at the Zoellner Arts Center, a fantastic family event, suitable for all ages. March 19 marks the first night of Freedom HS's production of "Hairspray," and in April, Liberty will perform Tim Rice and Elton John's "Aida."

Among other events like the Banana Factory's Urban Arts Festival and Spring on Fourth Festival, there is far too much to get excited about to let winter dampen the city's spirits.