1. B e r k s C o u n t y L i v i n g | S e p t e m b e r 2 0 0 6
t o w n
out for the “Wee Wall,” a collec-
tion of miniature and smaller paint-
ings from participating artists.
The FRHMC, formerly the Aux-
iliary, is a volunteer organization
committed to serving the hospital
by raising funds to support hospital
services and construct new facili-
ties. Proceeds from the Art Show
will benefit this organization.
Jumping-Jacks Shoes
Teach your children that everyone
deserves a well-fitted shoe. Jump-
ing-Jacks Shoes is Berks County’s
own full-service shoe store special-
izing in fitting quality shoes for chil-
dren. Because children cannot speak
for their ailing feet, make sure they
don’t ache in silence. With a wide
range of shoe sizes accommodat-
ing infants to pre-teens, all children
are measured for fitting in order to
provide maximum foot comfort and
protection. This traditional shoe
store offers numerous athletic and
casual choices. For playtime at the
sandbox, try casual Nike, geox or
Skechers brands. If you’re looking
to dress up your toddler, this store
carries MERRELL and Nina for kids
in addition to European brands
Primigi, ECCO and Aster. In their
seventeenth year, owners Don and
Nancy Reuter go the extra mile to
make sure customers are satisfied by
sending out three-month reminders
for small children with fast-grow-
ing feet. Jumping-Jacks Shoes also
carries children accessories offer-
ing back-to-school backpacks and
insulated lunch packs along with a
plentiful sock collection. Make sure
your child never feels the agony of
ill-fitted shoes by stopping by Jump-
ing-Jacks Shoes located in the Park
Plaza Shopping Center, 840 North
Park Road. Hours: Mon., Tues.,
Wed., Fri. 10am.-6pm., Thurs. 10am-
8pm. and Sat. 10am-4pm. Call 610-
371-0788 for more information.
Berks | ’Bits
By Juliann Payonk
Reading Hospital
Medical Center Art
Show is BACK!
After many requests from Berks
residents, The Friends of The Read-
ing Hospital and Medical Center
(FRHMC) are bringing back their
annual art exhibit, Art Show. It will
be held in the lobby and adjacent
corridors of the new N-Building at
Reading Hospital on Nov. 3 from
10am-8pm and Nov 4, 10am-6pm.
Because Art Show was held in con-
junction with the Hospital Garden
Party each June, it had to be put
on hold in 2001 after the Garden
Party was moved to a non-secure
location for art. But now it’s back!
Over 75 artists are participat-
ing, some well-known and some
new. Returning artists include wa-
tercolorists Julia Longacre, Regina
Gouger Miller and Linda Henry
along with folk art painter Bar-
bara Strawser and charcoal artist
Mary Lou Creyts. The nationally
acclaimed Scherenschnitte artist
Marilyn Diener will also be show-
ing. First time participants include
oil painter Bill Price, hooked rug
artist Annie Harlin and emerging
young artist Shawn Button, 2006
Wyomissing High School graduate.
Mary Lou Mikes of FRHMC scoured
the Berks area to personally invite
each artist to this event. Artists will
do painting and craft demonstra-
tions during show hours. Also look
ASplashofRed
If you have an ap-
preciation for original
handcrafted art, follow
your taste to A Splash
of Red in Oley. After
months of selling home
décor and at-home
consultations for “dec-
orating on a budget,”
owner Margie Kraft felt
inspired to take her shop in a new direction—quality, handcrafted work.
If you’re looking for a unique gift for a friend or even yourself, this store
has a myriad of treasured creations from greeting cards, dolls, pottery,
watercolors and hand blown glass to soaps, gift bags, mirrors and copper
craft. Need something for the hard-to-please person in your life who has
everything? Try solar wind chimes which hang inside windows and chime
with sunlight or tasteful toothbrush holders sculpted in the shape of nude
men and women. Because it specializes in American-made, handcrafted
work, you can be sure that whatever you buy at this shop is quality art.
A Splash of Red is a jewel in its own right, too. The store comprises the
first floor of Kraft’s home, a 200-year-old stone barn that she and her
husband renovated over two years. Come check out this olden haven of
quality little things located at 325 Snyder Road in Oley. Hours: Thurs.-
Sat., 11am-5pm and Sun. 12pm-5pm. or visit www.asplashofred.com.
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