Just How Bad IS the Erie Economy?

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MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER Volume 7, Issue 3 March 2017 o Just How Bad IS the Erie Economy? By MCRC Board Member James A. Kurre, Ph.D.

news (2/27) and PBS Frontline (2/15). Unfortunately both of these tended to focus on Erie s lost manufacturing jobs and talked to people who want to bring back those good old days.

But a focus on that single sector of the economy will almost necessarily guarantee a story that sounds like a melancholy Bruce Springsteen song: these jobs are going boys and they ain't coming back.

Let s start with a look at the data. (Hey, I m an economist, what did you expect?) First: manufacturing.

1 MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER Volume 7, Issue 3 March 2017 o Just How Bad IS the Erie Economy? By MCRC Board Member James A. Kurre, Ph.D. Director Emeritus, Economic Research Institute of Erie Penn State Behrend, Black School of Business Erie has been getting some national press lately, including less than flattering stories on CBS news (2/27) and PBS Frontline (2/15). Unfortunately both of these tended to focus on Erie s lost manufacturing jobs and talked to people who want to bring back those good old days. In both cases, perhaps the editors wanted to focus on manufacturing jobs because of President Trump s promise to bring those back. But a focus on that single sector of the economy will almost necessarily guarantee a story that sounds like a melancholy Bruce Springsteen song: these jobs are going boys and they ain't coming back. So to counterbalance those, let s take a look at some of the positive things that are going on in good old Erie, PA--things that these stories chose NOT to look at. Let s start with a look at the data. (Hey, I m an economist, what did you expect?) First: manufacturing. Manufacturing employment peaked in Erie County in late 1950 just shy of 50,000 jobs, which was about half of all Erie employment then. After declining through the 1950s it grew through the Soaring Sixties to a near-peak of about 49,500 in Since then it has fallen to about 23,000 jobs in 2015, or about one job in seven. So it is clear that manufacturing has declined locally in terms of employment; that part of the story is true. But remember that this has been the story of manufacturing nationally, not just in Erie. Has the rest of the Erie economy declined along with manufacturing employment? To answer that, let s look at the period since the 1974 near-peak in manufacturing. The graph below shows some key indicators of how Erie is doing, with all of them converted to percentages of their 1974 values so we can compare them directly, apples to apples. Coming Events April 1 April Fool s Day April 2 International Children s Book Day April 2 World Autism Awareness Day April 5 Ram Navani April 7 World Health Day April 9 Palm Sunday April 10 Passover Begins April 13 Holy Thursday April 14 Good Friday April 16 Easter Sunday April 18 Income Tax Day April 18 Passover Ends April 22 Earth Day April Lailat-al-Miraj April 26 Admin Professionals Day April 27 Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day April 28 Arbor Day Multicultural Community Resource Center of Erie Michael Burns, Esq., Board President Joanna R. Cherpak, Executive Director MCRC Noticias Editorial Team: Cathie Whitmire, ESL Instructor Carol Brigham, Education Manager Gregg Sikora, IT Specialist Jordan Cherpak, Wellness Coordinator 554 East 10 th St., Erie, PA Ph: FAX: MCRC@mcrcerie.org

Cont d from Page One P A G E 2 First, are people leaving town in droves for greener pastures? The blue line shows that Erie County population has remained remarkably stable since 1974.

But that number is only 1.8% off the 1976 peak. While population loss is not good news, it s clearly not a will the last person out of the county please turn out the lights scenario.

But the orange line shows that total employment is now about 22% higher than it was in 1974.

In the last few decades, we ve added quite a few jobs in the health care and higher education sectors ( eds and meds ) and quite a few of those jobs are higher-paying.

2 Cont d from Page One P A G E 2 First, are people leaving town in droves for greener pastures? The blue line shows that Erie County population has remained remarkably stable since It actually peaked at 281,400 in 1976 and has slid some since then. The trend has been a bit down in the last few years, and this week we got the official Census Bureau estimate for 2016: 276,207. But that number is only 1.8% off the 1976 peak. While population loss is not good news, it s clearly not a will the last person out of the county please turn out the lights scenario. The red line shows that manufacturing employment has fallen to just 46% of what it was in 1974, as discussed above. But the orange line shows that total employment is now about 22% higher than it was in So Erie has added other jobs at a rate fast enough to make up for those manufacturing losses-- and then some. But non-manufacturing jobs pay less, don t they? Some do, but others pay even more. In the last few decades, we ve added quite a few jobs in the health care and higher education sectors ( eds and meds ) and quite a few of those jobs are higher-paying. If we look at total personal income per capita (the green line) we see that income locally has actually risen by over 52% since And this is real income after we ve adjusted for inflation. Not too shabby. If we re looking for other good news about Erie, let s remember that in 2015, the average commute time in Erie was just 19.0 minutes one way. The national average commute time of 25.9 minutes is 36% higher. It might not sound like a lot, but over 50 weeks of work a year, that translates to 57.5 hours more free time that Erieites have compared to the national average; it s like an extra week and a half of vacation! One other good news item to note is that housing costs in the Erie area have typically run about 15% or more below the national average. Given that housing typically accounts for somewhere between a quarter and a third of a household s expenses, that can make a significant difference in a family s quality of life. Other good news includes the recently announced investment plans by groups such as Erie Insurance, UPMC Hamot, Allegheny Health Network-St. Vincent, Gannon, Penn State Behrend, Velocity Network, several Bayfront projects, and others. All of these are planning to invest many millions of dollars in Erie s future. Clearly these groups don t think Erie s on the skids, and are willing to put serious money behind their opinions. And recently there have been several major planning efforts occurring, most with a long-term view, such as Destination Erie/Emerge 2040, Erie Refocused, and the Downtown Master Plan to name three. Groups such as the Bayfront East Side Taskforce and Our West Bayfront are springing up to help make those plans reality, adding momentum to the push to focus on Erie s future rather than just looking back fondly to idealized glory days. Moreover, nine different candidates have thrown their hats in the ring for the mayoral race, providing Erie citizens with the opportunity to effect real change and help move the region forward. What does all this have to do with the MCRC? As you probably know, Erie has welcomed more than its share of immigrants and refugees in recent years. According to the U.S. Department of State s Refugee Processing Center, in 2016 alone Erie adopted 882 people from 16 countries. That was nearly one quarter of all those who came to Pennsylvania. Immigrants and refugees have been helping to keep the local population from falling as much as it otherwise would, and they bring skills and talents that are needed. As willing workers and entrepreneurs, as well as consumers, they help keep the local economy humming. And, most fundamentally, weren t we all immigrants at some point in our family histories? Erie can be proud that it s continuing America s melting pot tradition and clearly benefits from it too. Now before I get a slew of angry s saying that I ve ignored all the bad stuff let me admit that yes, I have. For this particular piece I wanted to focus on some (and there are many more) of the positives, to help counteract those negative only stories. We can t afford to close our eyes to the real problems that Erie is facing, but we can t afford to just look at the problems, either. Let s recognize the positives that will help keep hope and progress alive here. So although I love the music of The Boss, maybe what we need now is Chumbawamba: I get knocked down, but I get up again. You're never gonna keep me down. Everybody sing along now As part of the acculturation portion of the Elder Program, refugee elders from Bhutan learn how to make an American favorite Rice Krispie Treats. We think this would make an nice ad campaign, don t you agree?

Who Wants to be a U. S. Citizen!? P A G E 3 Dust off your History books and check out those current events because its trivia time again! MCRC will be hosting its 3rd Annual Who Wants to be a U. S. Citizen? Trivia Competition on Friday, April 28, 2017 beginning at 5:30 PM.

3 Who Wants to be a U. S. Citizen!? P A G E 3 Dust off your History books and check out those current events because its trivia time again! MCRC will be hosting its 3rd Annual Who Wants to be a U. S. Citizen? Trivia Competition on Friday, April 28, 2017 beginning at 5:30 PM. The focus of trivia for this year s event will be American History, Pop Culture and U.S. Citizenship information. The competition will once again be held in the main concourse of the Prep and Villa Event Center located at 501 West 12th Street and returning for their second year at the mic as emcees will be the comedy duo of Jim and Gail Kurre. This fun filled evening will include trivia, food, raffles, and prizes! In addition to a prize for the first and second place teams, this year everyone is encouraged to come dressed in their best Americana. Prizes will be awarded for the best individual and best team costumes. Dinner will include salad, breadsticks, pizza and non-alcoholic beverages. There will also be a cash bar available. Entry is $30 per person or $220 for a team of 8. For more information or to register your team, please visit: Here s one for a warm-up! Remember, no cell phones, computers or electronic devices may be used! Answers will be in next months issue!

P A G E 4 Volunteer Spotlight This month s volunteer spotlight features two very special friends of MCRC, Roger Scarlett, and his therapy dog Willie Nelson.

He spends most of his time with some of our Intermediate and Beginning ESL students, assisting with classroom activities, conversation skills, and generally brightening up our dreary

Willie Nelson was certified as a therapy dog by Therapy Dogs United (TDU) two years ago. He is a four year-old Australian Shepard, who loves people, and does tricks on command.

The main purpose of his recent visit here was to introduce some of our newest arrivals to the idea of pets as part of American culture, in a safe environment.

4 P A G E 4 Volunteer Spotlight This month s volunteer spotlight features two very special friends of MCRC, Roger Scarlett, and his therapy dog Willie Nelson. Roger came to MCRC as a volunteer in July of He spends most of his time with some of our Intermediate and Beginning ESL students, assisting with classroom activities, conversation skills, and generally brightening up our dreary Monday mornings! Recently, he caused quite a stir in the main building, when he was joined by his therapy dog, Willie Nelson. Willie Nelson was certified as a therapy dog by Therapy Dogs United (TDU) two years ago. He is a four year-old Australian Shepard, who loves people, and does tricks on command. When not visiting MCRC, he enjoys greeting college students at Edinboro University, and being read to by children at the local library. The main purpose of his recent visit here was to introduce some of our newest arrivals to the idea of pets as part of American culture, in a safe environment. Some of the students showed guarded interest, and kept their distance, while others wanted to interact and pet him. It was a unique opportunity to relax and learn, and Willie Nelson did his best to make everyone smile! The participants in the Elder Program enjoy exercise to help keep them young! Here they are in one of their recent dance sessions with Selina Uglow from the WAY to Healthy Living. Selina graciously donates her time to come and lead our elders in movement classes.

P A G E 5 A Letter of Thank You to MCRC 2017

Excellence Unity Ball was held on Saturday,

Club. The afternoon was filled with musical and

throughout the community for the gift basket

5 P A G E 5 A Letter of Thank You to MCRC 2017 Unity Ball The third annual Charter School of Excellence Unity Ball was held on Saturday, February, 25th, 2017 at the Erie Maennerchor Club. The afternoon was filled with musical and dance performances representing a variety of cultures. Donations from individuals and businesses throughout the community for the gift basket auction, a 50/50 raffle, and ticket sales to over 100 guests! All proceeds benefited MCRC and the CSE ESL Program

These religions account for the majority practitioners, but some people practice more spiritual based faiths.

6 P A G E 6 7 Chakras Currently the world population sits at about 7.5 Billion people, and an estimated 84% identify with a religion. There is a strong religious presence in the world especially with Islam, Judaism and Christianity. These religions account for the majority practitioners, but some people practice more spiritual based faiths. Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism believe in a subtle body, or nonphysical body comprised of spiritual beings. Vital energy and life energy flow through channels called Nadi. Nadi will then meet at certain points on the subtle body referred to as Chakras. Within the body there 88,000 Chakras; 7 are considered principal or Major Chakras. Major Chakras are aligned vertically along the middle of the body and represented by a special lotus flower and color. Starting from the top is Sahasrara (Crown Chakra), represented by the violet thousand petal lotus. It is the essence of wisdom and understanding and how actions relate to mental and emotional being or Karma. Ajna (Brow Chakra), commonly called the Third-Eye, is symbolized by deep blue or indigo two petal lotus. This Chakra constitutes perception and intuition, and ability to use self-guidance. In essence, it is total awareness. Effective communication and creativity are both important attributes for any person. Vishuddha (Throat Chakra) reflects the ability to express your own unique being; symbolized as a 16 petal turquoise (pale blue) lotus with a silver crescent within a circle. The fourth Chakra correlates to expression, dealing with emotions. Anahata (Heart Chakra) is the essence of love, which is typically associated with the heart. A circular, green 12 petal lotus with intersecting triangles symbolizes all forms of love and emotions. Most Chakras represent a spiritual or non-physical part of the human body, but some are physical as well. Manipura (Solar Plexus/Navel Chakra) is located at the navel, and serves two functions. Physically it works digestion, converting food to energy and nutrients, while spiritually it provides the will to complete your goals. A yellow, ten petal lotus with downward triangle symbolizes willpower and related emotions. The sixth chakra, Svadhishthana (Sacral Chakra) has both a spiritual and physical aspect similar to Manipura. Svadhishthana represents the reproductive organs in the physical realm, or our desires and sexuality in the spiritual realm; symbolized by an orange 6 petal lotus with a crescent moon. Muladhara (Root Chakra) is the 7th Chakra, representing the survival instinct. It is symbolized by a red 4 petal lotus. Having a sense of security is something that most desire and Muladhara controls our Fight or Flight response to a given situation. It gives the strength to face a challenge head on, in a way that fits your individuality. To have belief that energy comes from inside, does not mean that you have to be Buddhist or Hindi. Faith in yourself will give you necessary strength to overcome a difficult situation. Maybe we all need to channel our Chakras sometimes.

7 VOLUME 7, ISSUE 3 PAGE 7

MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER 554 East 10th Street Erie, PA 16503 Phone: 814-455-0212 Fax: 814-453-2363 Web: www.mcrcerie.org Kudos to All!

, Erie, PA 16503 or donate online at www.mcrcerie.org. MCRC is a 501 ( c)(3) charity and all donations are tax deductible. MCRC volunteer opportunities exist for one-time or continuing activities.

org/ agencies/mcrcerie To inquire, send an email to MCRC@mcrcerie.org. Be sure to include your name and phone number in your message.

8 MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER 554 East 10th Street Erie, PA Phone: Fax: Web: Kudos to All! In 2017 the following staff will have been with MCRC 5 years or more: Your Donation is Appreciated To make a financial gift to MCRC, send it to Joanna Cherpak, Executive Director, 554 East 10th St., Erie, PA or donate online at MCRC is a 501 ( c)(3) charity and all donations are tax deductible. MCRC volunteer opportunities exist for one-time or continuing activities. Please visit the Volunteer tab at our Website at or look for us on the Get Connected Erie website at agencies/mcrcerie To inquire, send an to MCRC@mcrcerie.org. Be sure to include your name and phone number in your message. Deborah Pazmino, Director of LS & Immigration 29 years Cathie Whitmire, ESL Teacher 23 years Paul Jericho, Associate Director Programs 19 years Srđan Ninković Associate Director Operations 18 years Elvedina Vakufac, Child Care Group Supervisor 15 years Volodymyr Karnaukh, Driver 13 years Fatima Ali-Mohamed, RSS Case Worker 13 years Fran Davis, ESL Teacher 13 years Nemat Abdelrahman, Child Care Worker 13 years Mary Schmidt, Healthcare Navigator 13 years Anna Tischenko, Director of Refugee Services 12 years Eddie Ocasio, Job Developer 12 years Liliya Solovyanov, Child Care Worker 12 years Carol Hofmann, ESL/Life Skills Instructor 12 years Kathy Marzka, Accountant -11 years Cecilia Manus Child Care Worker 10 years Nirmal Gurung RSS Case Worker 8 years Joanna Cherpak Executive Director 7 years (+3 years) John Rai LS & Immigration Specialist 7 years Petr Kovalevich Maintenance Worker 7 years Sharian Abduljameed Child Care Worker 6 years Carol Brigham Education Manager 6 years Jordan Cherpak Wellness Coordinator/Child Care Worker 6 years Maria Curry, LS Office Manager - 6 years Merelin Lopez Receptionist 6 years Kennedy Moo RSS Case Worker 5 years Dilli Timsina RSS Case Worker 5 years We are all in this together and will continue to be for ages to come! Genuinely yours, Joanna R. Cherpak, Executive Director Proudly serving the needs of the Hispanic and refugee communities since 1975.

Proposal to encode chakra symbols in Unicode

L2/15-307 2015-11-02 Proposal to encode chakra symbols in Unicode Department of Linguistics University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, California, U.S.A. anshuman.pandey@berkeley.edu November 2, 2015