“I’ve been working at Community Action for four years now. Also, my church is a block away, so I really enjoy the ability, on lunch hour, to go to mass, and still be part of the neighborhood, to be someone that works here and someone that worships here.
“I dislike the lack of housing for a lot of the people that come into my office. Their income is not allowing them the possibility of living in Bethlehem or being close to people they know, people they grew up with. It’s hard, even if you have a full time job, to live where you want to, because it’s not very affordable, and I really hope that housing becomes a better situation.
“I think a lot of what I like is the diversity you can find here, and the fact that you can feel safe, feel at home, even with all the different types of people. You kind of just see them as part of the makeup of Bethlehem.”
– Estefania Perdomo
“I grew up on the North Side, by Musikfest. And as a child, I actually went to Touchstone, so that’s pretty cool! I also was the director of the senior center up here at the Spanish Council, so South Side is important to me.
[Thoughts on where Bethlehem is now?] “That’s a hard question, because I see both sides, as a minority and as a business owner. Obviously, the community development part is important to me because of my store, and we want more people to come to this area. But I think it’s very important for everyone to try to be united, as these changes go on, and to be informed, for everyone to know what’s going on. Unfortunately, a lot of minorities maybe don’t know what’s going on, but there are other programs, to try and keep educated. It is growing and changing very fast, which– with my business hat, that makes me excited.
“I’m all for the change. But I see both sides of it.”
– Carolyn Dornevil
“I’ve been here 50 years exactly in July. My husband was a pilot, and he flew for Bethlehem Steel.
[How have things changed since the Steel closed?] “In one sense, there hasn’t been a great change, because the spirit of the city has pretty much remained the same. There’s a great spectrum of people, from all kinds of backgrounds, and all are welcome. There certainly are ethnic groups that stick together, but when it’s the Puerto Rican festival, everyone’s out there enjoying together. I like that about the city – no matter what’s going on, people are willing to take part. Whether it’s their group or not.
“The thing I’ve seen really develop are the arts. And I hope that continues. Just two weekends ago, I went to a poetry reading at the Ice House, and it was marvelous. I wish that more people would take advantage, because for a small city, I really think we have a thriving arts presence. I hope we continue to look at the city, not just as a source of revenue, but keeping things beautiful.”
– Margaret Capozzolo
“I have always lived in Bethlehem. I have lived here for eleven years. It is a wonderful neighborhood. Just all the people you get to meet, I guess, because everyone has a wonderful personality.
“I’m not really that scared of anything happening in Bethlehem.
[If you could say something to Bethlehem, what would you say?] “Change in a good way, not in a negative way!
– Jonathon Pringle
So love these profiles and perspectives. Keep ’em coming Festival UnBound! A particular shout out to Estefania who was perhaps the first community partner, volunteer, on this Festival. She’s supported us with her ideas, her enthusiasm, and her hard work since the first day we floated this monster of an endeavor. Thank you, Estefania. Thank you, for all you do.
Thank you Touchstone and Bill for your hard work and dedication to Unbound. Many blessings to all on this new adventure!