House of Blurbs

Phil Sees No Shadow
According to the website of the Groundhog Club out of Punxsutawney, Pa., the following poetic proclamation was announced on their website Feb. 2: Punxsutawney Phil, the King of the groundhogs, seer of seers, prognosticator of prognosticators, weather prophet without peer, was awakened from his burrow at 7:28 a.m. with a tap of the president’s cane.

Phil and President Deeley conversed in Groundhogese and Phil directed him to the chosen Prognostication scroll. The president tapped the chosen scroll and directed Phil’s Prediction be proclaimed:

My new Knob entrance is a sight to behold. Like my faithful followers, strong and bold. And so ye faithful, there is no shadow to see. An early Spring for you and me.

Nonprofit Training
The Center for Nonprofit Communication at Drury University will conduct a free, four-hour training on Thursday, Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the university’s new site, located at 1404 S.E. Eagle Way, Suite 8 in Bentonville.

The “Speak Up” training is designed for those associated with nonprofit organizations (including health care, education, charitable, faith-based, civic and public sector/government). Executives, staff, volunteers and board members of organizations from Northwest Arkansas and surrounding communities are invited to the session to gain valuable information on these topics: Forming clear, concise key messages, developing a message platform, collaborations through community connections and media management.

RSVP required. Register at www.npcomm.org/the-2013-nonprofit-communication-workshop or email request with name and organization to CNC@Drury.edu.

Weatherization Kits
The City of Fayetteville Community Services Division now has home energy efficiency weatherization kits available for qualifying low-to-moderate income homeowners living in Fayetteville at no charge.

The kits include compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), a standard faucet aerator, a swivel faucet aerator, a water and energy efficient showerhead, an indoor window insulating kit, a triple-seal door sweep, two packs of weather stripping, two tubes of caulk, a hot water gauge card, a refrigerator thermometer, a wall plate thermometer, and a switch and outlet sealer kit. To apply for the program, please visit the Community Services Division at 125 W. Mountain St. or call (479) 575-8260 for more information.

The Shed
The Shed is Fayetteville’s newest studio and exhibition space downtown at 546 W. Center St., Unit E. It is a place for artists to show work that comes out in the making process and may have come about after starting a new direction or changes in the process. When beginning any new skill set or work, it is challenging to un-hide it from the studio and put it into a public space. This work — still new, fresh and vulnerable — is encouraged to be unveiled at The Shed. Run by Donna Smith and Angelina Bowen, The Shed encourages discussion, exchanging of skills and ideas, and the general merriment that occurs when bringing together artists from the region.

The Shed had grand opening events on Jan. 12 and Jan. 19, The Shed hosted a Pop-Up shop. And on March 2, from10 a.m. to 5 p.m., local artisans will bring in their goods and wears for another Pop-Up Shop. Already scheduled are vintage remakes from Bailey Tyler, hand-drawn patterned dishware and serveware by Angelina Bowen, handmade guitars from vintage cigar boxes by Payton Parker, and collages by Donna Smith. Madelynne Rae Products, including hand-made phone cases, notebooks and jewelry also will be featured. Check them out online at www.Facebook.com/TheShedFayetteville.

Affordable Care
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched a new Web page and blog dedicated to educating small business owners about the Affordable Care Act. The new tools will serve as a gateway for small business owners connecting them with information. The Affordable Care Act has many beneficial measures, specifically for small businesses, including slowing premium cost growth and increased access to quality, affordable health insurance. SBA’s new web page: www.sba.gov/healthcare.