Gorgeous Grandma Contest

Art Explosions, a division of YouthCAN! a community non-profit located in Springdale, Arkansas, announces their first annual Gorgeous Grandma Contest!

Kids nominate in writing why "MY Grandma is the most gorgeous grandma in the WORLD!" The written piece can be handwritten by the child, or dictated by a younger child--but it must be dictated word for word! Or, the child can also enter a piece of art that demonstrates how gorgeous their grandma is!

Deadline for entries is July 15, 2005. Entries can be submitted to Art Explosions, 3480 N. Thompson, Suite 3, Springdale, Arkansas 72764, or call 479-927-2020 for more information.

Winners will be notified and asked to attend the July 30th Family Fun Day with their Grandma and present their entry to those in attendance. All Grandmas will be the guests of honor at the Family Fun Day, and all artwork and written entries will be on display.

The Family Fun Day will be hosted at Art Explosions on Saturday, July 30, 2005, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. This event is FREE to the public! For info, contact Art Explosions, LaDonna Meredith, 479.927.2020, www.artexplosions.org

Book Signing for Midnight in My Dreams by Carolina Hart

You are cordially invited to a wine tasting and reception for:
Carolina Hart
To celebrate the release of her book:
Midnight in My Dreams

Hosted By:
Double Tree Club Hotel
Post Familie Vineyard and Winery

Date: Friday, July 8, 2005
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Double Tree Club Hotel
4677 W. Sunset Ave., Springdale, AR

Please RSVP by July 4, 2005
(479) 872-1037

"Bridge Between Worlds" Reception at Iris Arts

"Bridge Between Worlds"
Tess Jordan - Cindy Wiseman - Jay McDonald
July 7 - August 3
Opening Reception Friday, July 8, 2005, from 6-9 pm

Please join Iris Arts on Friday, July 8, for a reception to introduce "Bridge Between Worlds," a show featuring Tess Jordan, Cindy Wiseman and Jay McDonald.

From Tess' abstract interior landscapes, to Cindy's meditative paintings that incorporate found objects, to Jay's macro images of the natural world, "Bridge Between Worlds" explores the extraordinary that can be found in the everyday.

"Bridge Between Worlds" will run from July 7 (preview night!) to August 3. Photos by Zac Lehr and new paintings by Kelly Moore will also be in the gallery.

And, finally, don't forget to stop by and see "Recent Works," the current show that is on display until Tuesday, July 5!

Regularly Scheduled FREE Networking Groups

Tuesday: 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. at Iron Horse in Rogers
Tuesday: 7:30 a.m.–8:30 a.m. at Siloam Springs at City Coffee Co., 1270 Highway 412 West, Suite H&I, Spring Creek Center (next to Holiday Inn Express)
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. at Panera Bread in Bentonville
Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. at Denny’s in Springdale-Hwys 412/540
Friday: 8:15 a.m.–9:15 a.m. at the Rick’s Bakery in Fayetteville on College
Friday: 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m. at the Market at Pinnacle
Information: Bring your business cards (enough for 25) and have a 60-90 second commercial ready to share with the group about your business. Remember this opportunity is FREE. And remember to bring a guest!

RabBoar Studio's Pilates Intro Class

Pilates, created by Joseph Pilates almost 80 years ago, is an exercise regimen to condition and strengthen the core muscles of the abdomen and back, while also strengthening and increasing the flexibility in the legs, arms and smaller muscle groups. Long embraced by dancers, Pilates has been adopted by professional athletes to help them reach peak performance.

You will learn a basic Pilates mat routine, including how to maximize the benefits of each move by using the Pilates scoop. You will learn correct breathing techniques, the Pilates stance and the Pilates way to prevent low back strain. We will also try some of the more advanced moves for those of you who want more of a challenge.

We will also spend about 1/2 the class learning exercises that are done on a large exercise ball. The exercise ball is a great way to strengthen the core muscles of the abs and back, and tone and strengthen the hips, gluts, thighs, arms and shoulders.

And at the end of the class, we will have 15 minutes of stretching to cool down and to keep our bodies flexible and maintain the full range of motions in our joints.

In our regular Monday/Wednesday Pilates classes, we include both mat routines and ball routines in each class, and always stretching.

If you are interested in attending the Pilates Intro class, it will be Saturday, July 30th, 9:30AM to around 11AM and cost $15. Please pre-register since we are going to keep the class size small: 5-7 people only.

Please send the $15 with your name, phone number and e-mail to: RabBoar Studio, 12807 E. Tucks Chapel Road, Rogers, AR 72756. You can e-mail me to hold your spot until I receive the check.

Thank you,
Pamela Porch
www.rabboar.com/studio

Identity Theft and Identity Theft Shield Seminar

Thursday, June 23rd, Noon
AQ Chicken House in Springdale

One-hour presentation on Identity Theft and the only
effective way to protect yourself from this heinous
crime. For more information please feel free to contact me
via e-mail or phone.

Beth Trepanier
Independent Associate
PrePaid Legal Services
etrepanier@prepaidlegal.com
www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/etrepanier
479-530-5749

Invitation and News from Red Cross

Just a quick reminder that the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross will host a 3-Chamber Ribbon Cutting at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28th, followed by an Open House, networking opportunity, refreshments and tours of our new facility until 6 p.m. Following the Open House we will hold our Chapter's annual meeting from 6 until 7 p.m. We hope you can join us as we embark on an exciting and challenging new year!

Our quarterly newsletter is now posted at www.nwarkansasredcross.org/newsletter/front.html, so be sure to visit us online!

Fayetteville Young Professionals Volunteer Recruitment Initiative

My name is Kristin Wattinger, and I am on the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Committee. We are a new committee within the chamber and our goal is to get young professionals involved in the community.

We are planning an event on July 28th, and we would like you and your organization to join us. We are using this event to show young professionals the many ways they can get involved in the community. We would like a representative from your office to set up a booth with information about volunteering with your organization. We can provide the tables as long as we know that you are coming. This networking event will be held at the University of Arkansas Alumni Center on July 28th at 5:30 p.m. Please respond if you are interested in participating. This should be a great opportunity for you to gain some wonderful volunteers.

Thank you,
Kristin Wattinger
Account Executive
The Northwest ArkansasBusiness Journal
Gray Matters
2790 S. Thompson, Suite101
Springdale, AR 72764
phone 479-725-0394
Fax 479-725-0395

Get Connected7th Annual Northwest Arkansas Business Women's Conference

Our special guest and keynote speaker will be Academy Award and Golden Globe-winning star of Mr. Holland's Opus, Moonstruck, Steel Magnolias and the top-rated PBS mini-series Tales of the City, Olympia Dukakis.

The Northwest Arkansas Business Women's Conference is for women at all career levels and will provide an excellent environment for networking and professional development. Learn how to "Get Connected" at all levels of life - home, business, financial and personal.

Hosted by the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce and the Rogers/Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce, the 2005 conference is scheduled for Tuesday, September 27th, at the Clarion Hotel and Convention Center in Bentonville. Tickets for the day-long event are $75 per person, including continental breakfast, elegant lunch, Speaker's Reception and conference materials. To order tickets, contact the Bentonville/Bella Vista Chamber of Commerce at (479) 273-2841.

June Announcements

Benton County Business & Health Expo, July 7-8, 2005
The 2005 Benton County Business & Health Expo will be held July 7 - 8 at Embassy Suites NWA, 3303 Pinnacle Hills Parkway, Rogers. The Expo is presented by Universal Financial Systems Inc. (U.F.S.) and features over 125 businesses. This annual event provides exhibitors with the opportunity to showcase their products and services to residents and businesses of Benton County, and all of northwest Arkansas. Admission is free with a business card or $3 without a card. For more information call the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce at 479-636-1240 or visit www.RogersLowell.com.

June Savings for the Vulcanized: 10%-50% Off to Update Your Web Site and Business Cards
Get details here:
http://www.design.vulcancreative.com/forge/vulcan.asp

ArkWIT Professional Development Luncheon Series
ArkWIT is conducting a luncheon every other month. In July we have an informative finance luncheon covering estate planning, tax, and investment for women with Brenda Vassaur Taylor, Karen Byers, and John Ervin - what a team! In September, Elise Mitchell will be speaking on PR and communication - she's dynamic and shouldn't be missed.

For more info, contact:
Amy Robinson
ArkWIT, Executive Director
http://www.worldwit.org
amyr@worldwit.org
We connect women with answers!

Professional Women's Network Benton County
Our Benton County counterpart meets every 1st Tuesday of the month at Studio 55 at 11:30 a.m. To be added to the distribution list, contact Jackie Lais at jackie@studio55photos.com.

About PWN

The informal overarching mission of Professional Women's Network is to build relationships with area businesswomen, promote community involvement and inspire one another in general. PWN of Washington County meets every third Tuesday of the month at 11:30 a.m. at Bo's Muddy Water in Colt Square. Contact Jeannette Balleza at jeannette@vulcancreative.com for more information.

Small Intro To New Location: Bo's Muddy Water
Organic coffee, delicious sandwiches, signature wraps and exquisite desserts. To place an Order ahead of time: 479.521.7474. Hours M-F 5:50 a.m.-7:53 p.m.; Saturday 7:50 a.m.-2:05 p.m. and closed on Sunday. At this time, Bo's Muddy Water only accepts cash and personal checks. Menu prices range from 1.00 for beverages to 6.25 for a gourmet wrap. Lunch specials available. Brown bag lunches are totally acceptable as well. Wireless Internet available. For more info, pick up the latest NWA Business Journal.

Bo's Muddy Water is located in Colt Square in Fayetteville. Click here for a map.

If you're coming from up north, take 71B/College going S. You'll reach the intersection at Township (Walgreens to your right and Butcher Block to your left). Take a R onto Township at the stoplight. You'll pass a Montessori School on your left. Take a L onto Green Acres Road immediately following the Montessori School. You'll get to a stop sign. Look straight ahead, and Bo's Muddy Water is located in the strip of businesses directly behind the Colt Square sign. Closeby landmarks: Where? Clothing for Women, The Art of Motion, Shoelaces, etc. It's very close to the Vulcan Creative Labs office.

If you're coming from southern Fayetteville, take a L at Township from 71B/College, and then proceed in the same way listed above.