Volunteer keeps the 'dying arts' alive

By Eric Reinagel
Meadville Tribune

WEST MEAD TOWNSHIP August 24, 2006 10:39 pm

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Bertha Mesarch has volunteered at exhibit building No. 1 since the 1970s.
The building is full of clothing, needlework, wall hangings, toys, pillows, cushions, dolls, quilts, afghans, baked items and canning. Mesarch, who co-chairs two of the building’s main departments with Linda Powell, said she volunteers so artisans are recognized for their work.
“When does a person get recognized for their talents? This is why we make sure all the items we have in our department, their names are getting exposed,” said Mesarch. “At least this way people can see what you do. We’re interested in showing your talents and what you have to offer and we don’t want some of these things to become a dying art.”
Mesarch said it’s great to see how many family members accompany the exhibitors and how proud they are when special awards are given out, such as the 4-Star Homemaker honors.
Mesarch, who lives in West Mead Township, enters the canning category herself. It’s a skill she learned after having a family, and she still practices with an empty nest.
“Why should you can for one or two people? At least you know what’s going in the can compared to what’s on the shelf,” said Mesarch, who explained she doesn’t even recognize the names of some of the ingredients put into processed, store-bought can products.
Mesarch learned some of the trades attending Penn State University, where she graduated with a degree as a home economist.
After graduation she was able to find a job working for the Penn State Cooperative Extension Service in Crawford County, left the eastern side of the state and has stayed here ever since.
“I came up here to civilize the people of northwest Pennsylvania,” joked Mesarch, “and guess what, I civilized one person — my husband (Richard).”
Mesarch said she hopes in the coming years to find an understudy to take over her departments and to “get new blood involved.”

Eric Reinagel can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at ereinagel@meadvilletribune.com

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