The Inaugural John Updike Society Biennial Conference
Returning Rabbit to Reading

By Maria L. Mogford
Photos courtesy of Alvernia University

Celebrating the 50th anniversary since the publication of Rabbit, Run, The John Updike Society held its first biennial conference at Alvernia University on October 1-3, 2010.

Updike scholars, critics and enthusiasts – 99 in total – gathered in John Updike’s native Berks County to celebrate his life, works and legacy. National and international scholars filled the halls of Alvernia University to share current research and criticism and more importantly, to see the locations Updike so poignantly described in his works.

Scholars from America, Canada, France, Ireland, England, Serbia, Japan and India presented papers on topics ranging from a Maslovian interpretation of Rabbit, Run to Rabbit and the Pennsylvania Dutch.

This inaugural conference attracted a great deal of attention in the media including articles in The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Boston Globe, The Los Angeles Times, The Huffington Post, The San Francisco Examiner, NPR and CBS News. When asked why all the attention, Society President, Jim Plath says, “Some of it was because of the newness, I’m sure, with this being the first gathering of Updike scholars in Pennsylvania, the state that meant so much to him. When all is said and done, it’s simply a tribute to John Updike that people cared, and cared that much.”

On the first day of the conference, the participants were treated to an inside look at John Updike’s home life. A family panel was assembled to share memories about Updike and answer questions regarding the writer as a man, father and husband. The panel consisted of his first wife, Mary Weatheral, and three of John Updike’s four children: Elizabeth Coblah, Miranda Updike and Michael Updike. The children fondly recalled their weekly summer trips to Berks County.

By Amanda Dietrich Zeigler
Photo by Heidi Reuter

Your wallet already hurts from all the holiday presents you’ve purchased this season, so unless Santa cashes in before December 25th, funds may be tight for a whole new holiday wardrobe. Well, here’s an early Christmas present from The Look – there are plenty of pieces of holiday attire out there for you to treat yourself to some holiday cheer without having to rob Blitzen to pay Rudolph. Great deals are decking the halls and now you can deck yourself in Holiday Look for Less!

Christmas Morning Cozies

Wrap up in some comfort and joy on Christmas morning! You’ve donned your best, now cozy up to the fire and unwrap your presents in something casual. The ever popular black skinny ponte pants are the perfect complement to a holiday red sweatshirt. Like a bow on top of a present, finish your look off with tartan plaid ballet flats and a stylish earring for the finishing touch!

Black Ponte Knit Skinny Pants, $24.99, Target

Norma Kamali Red Pocket Front Sweatshirt, $15, Walmart

Red Plaid Ballet Flats, $22.99, Payless

A Little Sparkle Ivory Crocheted Earrings, $20, Hello Blue Bird

GOGGLEWORKS CENTER FOR THE ARTS HELD ITS 5TH ANNIVERSARY GALA, FABULOUS 5! The evening featured 5 floors of art, culture, music, food, live and silent auctions including artwork by GoggleWorks’ artists, a gourmet dinner and performances by GoggleWorks’ Arts Partner organizations. Proceeds benefit the GoggleWorks and help the arts center fulfill its mission to nurture the arts, foster creativity, promote education and enrich the community!

Photos by Donn Shire Photography

Our sincere apology for errors that appeared in the “Must Haves” section of the October issue. The correct information is:

Hot Glass Pumpkin Workshops at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts provide the opportunity for you to spend the day in the hot shop, twisting, turning, coloring and blowing your very own glass pumpkin creation. For the class schedule and to register, visit goggleworks.org. Hot Glass Pumpkin Workshop, $65, at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington St., Reading; 610.374.4600; goggleworks.org.

Halloween party invitations set the mood for a great spooky event! Miaz Jungle in Black, Meri Meri and Paper so Pretty, custom designed in house, at Taste Buds on the Avenue, 530 Penn Ave., West Reading; 610.374.5140.