“Spread the cheer, free parking is here,” quipped Stephanie Augello from the mayor’s office as she announced free two-hour parking on Saturdays for holiday shoppers at the Mayor’s South Side Task Force meeting Nov. 26. Sponsored by Lehigh Valley Health Network, vehicles can be parked for two hours at no charge at 278 green-bagged meters located around the Southside Arts District and Historic Bethlehem Main Street. This continues through Dec. 21.

She mentioned that the city is discussing options for improved lighting for the Southside. Although there won’t be a city property tax increase, a state-mandated storm water fee is set to take effect in 2020, she said.

In response to Task Force Chairman Roger Hudak’s previous inquiry about the city’s Christmas lighting being extended east from Hayes Street, Augello said they do not have the resources now, but it may happen sometime “in the near future.”

Augello described a new play area for children in the Greenway at Webster Street that will feature a “sound garden” with outdoor musical instruments. Funded by a grant, construction is to begin in May 2020. She also provided photographs of progress being made on construction of three pools at Memorial Pool. The project is still on schedule to be ready for the 2020 season.

The mayor’s office continues to work on ways to raise awareness about the upcoming national census, according to Augello.

Hudak reported the annual “Holiday on the Southside” was scheduled for Dec. 13 Tranquility Park, 727 E. Fourth St. After the tree lighting, the event moved indoors in the Bethlehem Area Public Library South Side Branch for crafts, cocoa and cookies.

Janine Santoro, representing the Bethlehem Area Public Library, said a used book sale is scheduled for Jan. 14, 15, 16 and 18 at the Southside branch, located at the corner of E. Fourth and Webster streets. This will be the first of three books sales for 2020.

She mentioned there is a class on how to make a felt ornament on Dec. 19. Ongoing programs include Vocational ESL and Conversational Spanish classes. Some activities require registration. For information: bapl.org.

Accompanied by his adult son Michael, State Rep. Steve Samuelson (D) said the Lynnfield Community Center toy drive is seeking donations through Dec. 20. Toys will then be distributed during the center’s Christmas event on Dec. 21. He said Roy Ortiz, the center’s director, can be contacted at 610-860-6478 for information.

Samuelson also spoke about his office’s current diaper drive. This is being done in partnership with the Hispanic Center WIC Clinic. Donations of new diapers will be collected through mid-January at both locations.

According to Samuelson, 96 co-sponsors in the Pennsylvania House have signed up to support legislation to end gerrymandering by establishing an independent redistricting commission. Property tax and rent rebates for 2018 are still available to constituents through Dec. 31, Samuelson added.

Director of Student Services and Minority Affairs for BASD Vivian Robledo-Shorey highlighted the district’s participation in the recent Latino Convention held at the Hotel Bethlehem. She also talked about offering mentoring sessions at Lynnfield for Freedom students in place of Saturday morning detention at the high school.

Ed Vogrins who owns property on the south side, mentioned that he is involved with a group that places holiday wreaths on veterans’ graves in the Fountain Hill Cemetery.

The Mayor’s South Side Task Force meets regularly on the last Tuesday of the month at Northampton Community College’s E. Third Street campus. There will be no meeting in December. The next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 28.