First Posted: 11/24/2014
On Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23, the Waverly Community House hosted its 31st annual Artisans’ Marketplace, which was sponsored by the Waverly General Store and Marworth. It showcased the works of art and talent of more than 30 artisans and craftspeople.
One of the artisans was Clarks Summit’s own Raisa Statuto, who makes wreaths and centerpieces for the holidays. Inspired by wildlife, she uses natural items, such as birch, boxwood, feathers, and bird’s nests in her centerpieces.
“I like to bring nature home,” she said.
Statuto said that she makes things in a positive way and that her first ingredient is passionate love. She has been showcasing her work for 20 years, and always comes up with something new.
Pat Litz and her daughter Lisa Litz, whose brother Gene Litz owns Thirteen Olives in Chinchilla, sold and gave free samples of many varieties of olive oils and vinegars inside the Comm.
Thirteen Olives offers more than 60 flavors of vinegars such as balsamic, strawberry, and raspberry. Their olive oils are made from countries in the southern hemisphere such as Chile, Peru, and Australia. They also sold homemade jams including blueberry and balsamic.
This is the first time that Pat and Lisa had a stand at the marketplace.
“I love seeing all the different artworks and artists,” said Lisa. “It’s a nice selection.”
South Abington resident Meegan Possemato, whose business is called Vintage Meegan, makes candle holders out of old soda bottles, such as ones of 7-Up and Scranton’s own Crystal Club.
“The customers are really nice,” she said. “Everybody seems to like the product.”
Possemato also makes purses out of old material.
John Saint of Saint’s Nicks has been coming to the marketplace for 25 years vending his Santa Claus dolls, which are made from recycled material and furs from fur coats for decoration. He always enjoys coming to the marketplace.
“I think it’s the best show in northeastern PA,” he said. “The women (customers) are wonderful.”
Each of Saint’s Santa dolls holds a sack with a certain theme in it.
Sassy Albert Soaps, a store in Tunkhannock, was vending all-natural soaps, creams, and lotions.
There were also vendors from places outside the Abington area including Creations in Wood from Madison Township, Cakes & Scones Bakery from Greentown, Sweets by Denise from Hazleton, and Chocolates by Leopold from Montrose.
New this year to the marketplace was a gift wrapping station, which was chaired by Tara Atkins and ran by a group of women from Waverly United Methodist Church. There was also an artisan raffle, which featured a gift basket donated by Caravia in Clarks Summit.
A luncheon, catered by Bazil Ristorante in Clarks Summit, was offered in the Scout Room. It had pasta fagioli, cheese ravioli, and turkey wraps. A bake sale also took place in Grandma’s Kitchen, a room inside the Comm.