The City of Bethlehem has a new Sister City, its fifth, as Mayor Bob Donchez and Italian Mayor Dr. Michelantonio Maffeo consummated a Sister City agreement between Bethlehem and Foiano di Val Fortore on Oct. 1.

The Sister City relationship culminates a roughly 18-month process to connect the two communities, which was headed by Bethlehem area residents Maria DelGrosso, Frank Facchiano and Mark Iampietro.

“We went from zero to 60 very quickly,” said Iampietro, who expressed deep appreciation for the support given by Donchez.

Known simply as Foiano, the small Italian town is located in south central Italy, said Iampietro, who compared it with a community like Freemansburg in terms of population.

Many familiar family names in Bethlehem can trace their immigration to the United States from Foiano. The DelGrossos, Capuanos, Morganellis, Iampietros and Ruggieros, to name a few, came seeking economic opportunity. Most settled in what used to be the borough of South Bethlehem and they went to work at Bethlehem Steel Corp. and in factories and entered trades like masonry and shoe-making.

Donchez praised Italian-Americans’ contributions in the areas of government, industry and business.

“They helped build the fabric of Bethlehem,” Donchez said.

Foiano Mayor Maffeo remarked how strong the Italian-American community has remained over a century later.

“I’m very thankful for everyone in attendance,” Maffeo said. Vice Mayor Dr. Giuseppe Antonio Ruggiero noted the “courageous leap of faith it took for them to start a new life” coming to the United States.

After a flag-raising outdoors on Payrow Plaza, the assembly reconvened inside city hall for the official signing of the Sister City documents. Musical selections by tenor Lane Conklin McCord accompanied by Bethlehem Bach Choir Artistic Director and Conductor Greg Funfgeld on keyboard were followed by an exchange of ceremonial gifts between Donchez and Maffeo.

A reception was held afterward in the Bethlehem Area Public Library’s Bob Cohen Room.