by Stefan Klosowski
As the Neighborhood Manager for the Sisters of Saint Joseph Neighborhood Network (SSJNN) Elm Street Program, Gretchen, like most managers, wears many hats. Prior to her initial work with SSJNN of managing the children’s programs, Gretchen was a writer for a daily newspaper and a teacher. She now spends time on development, marketing and grant writing with a focus on Little Italy’s (as the neighborhood is sometimes referred to) gardens and farmers market. In 2014 Gretchen was recognized by the United Way and Unified Erie with an award for her work with youth and gardens while also selected as one of “Erie’s 40 under 40” by Erie Reader.
Other notable awards through the years include:
2017 - Urban Farm Project from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
2011 - Outstanding Support of the Champs after-school program, Erie School District
There are plenty of neighborhood-wide changes taking place including eight gardens, the Urban Farm which supplies the flourishing farmer’s market and a local restaurant, Alkeme. The Namaste Garden together with several Bhutanese and Nepalese neighbors have been growing unique vegetables and herbs. On Mondays during market season, nearly 200 visitors on average visit the local farm stands where you’ll find many neighborhood teens often helping to sell what, in most cases, they’ve planted, tended, and harvested.
The physical face of this neighborhood has also changed. Since 2012 more than 100 facades have been completed through many generous funding partnerships that include the NAP and NPP tax credit program and the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority. These facades and the rich stories told through 16 neighborhood murals make for a dramatically visible change. Along with replacement sidewalks, these improvements demonstrate care and give residents a sense of pride.
None of the neighborhood revitalization and progress would be possible without the 300 plus volunteers and because of their efforts and accomplishments they’ve been recognized by the Junior League of Erie and the Neighborhood Resource Organization. This consistency of volunteer presence and the relationships formed gives Gretchen a deep sense of gratitude.
Beyond the special event days at Little Italy Farmer’s Market, the neighborhood celebrates National Night Out and hosts two notable fundraisers, the La Nuova Aurora Society in September featuring a celebrity bar tending event and each spring the Guess That Tune Gala with 500 or so attendees.
Gretchen attended Mercyhurst Prep High School in Erie, and received her BA from Clarion University, majoring in English with a concentration in Writing. Gretchen earned a Secondary Education Teaching Certificate from Edinboro University and dedicated a year of service with AmeriCorps NCCC western region, based in Sacramento, CA.
Personally, Gretchen enjoys gardening, cooking and preserving foods, reading, traveling, and outdoor activities such as hiking and kayaking on Lake Erie. She is a member of Saint Patrick Church and Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Northwestern PA. She loves Erie and spends time with friends and family, including husband Dave and Irish setter, Rowdy.
Plan to see for yourself much of what has been highlighted here during this year’s conference in Erie.
The following are a few funny interesting vignettes that will bring a ‘neighborly smile to your face'!
In early December a few years ago, a volunteer had just finished stringing lights on a little pine tree near the front of the International Flavors Community Garden. When Gretchen left the building it was already dark and the tree looked great all aglow. As she drove past the garden, she saw four little girls from the apartment house nearby all holding hands around the tree and singing Christmas carols. Out from their little apartment and there in the cold in their tattered jackets - it was a magical moment to see.
One day last summer at the farmers market a little boy, maybe 7, came up to her as he was finishing an apple he’d just gotten from the market. He said he really loved it and tried some other foods for the first time that day. He gave her three seeds from his apple and said he wanted her to plant them so more people could have these apples to eat like he did.
Once at the farmers market a dear neighbor came by to say hello. She is a regular at the market and doesn’t miss a Monday. She told Gretchen that she cancels her meals on wheels during the summer months because she so enjoys coming to the market, buying veggies herself and visiting with everyone. This is a reminder of the other benefits of having the market. It is much more than fresh food.
From our former director: One afternoon several years ago a young girl walked into her office and just quietly sat there. When asked what she wanted she replied “Nothing, I just need to be here for a while.” There are various activities we have to support our neighbors, but she said the little girl’s words speak to the needs of the area – it is the presence, support and hope of the Sisters in the inner city that is important. We just need to be there!