By Karla Wennerstrom

“I sit beside 17 other survivors every week in our chemo chairs, sometimes in wonder and silence, sometimes in tears, sometimes in laughter,” Kris Mortenson writes on her CaringBridge site.

It’s been 17 months since she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Kris and her husband Jim will be celebrating their 17th anniversary on July 17. Kris was 17 when they met.

Both of their mothers were born on the 17th. Jim’s mother died of lung cancer on the 17th .

The following are some tips for a fun Fourth of July we've compiled:

Kiddie parade essentials
Children ages 10 and younger are invited to participate in the annual Kiddie Parade at 11:15 a.m. Sunday. Meet at the Community Center to line up at about 10:30 a.m. The route heads across the walking bridge to Round Lake Park where it ends up near the entertainment stage.

Click here to share your Relay story: http://www.edenprairienews.com/community/forums/todays-topic/share-your-...

EPHS teacher Skaar Meier is this year’s Relay for Life Honorary Chair for July 16-17 event

By John Molene

A goal-setter and a late blooming athlete, Pam Skaar Meier isn’t one to shy away from a challenge.

“I’m kind of like the Energizer Bunny – nothing can stop me,” Skaar Meier said.

In video six from Keila Rector of the Weight Loss Challenge classes through Eden Prairie Community Education, she talks carbohydrates:

Teens Alone, a west suburban nonprofit that provides free counseling to young people, ages 13 to 20, and their families in the western suburbs, is hosting two groups at their downtown Hopkins office this summer.

Wednesdays at noon, young people, ages 16-20, who are either homeless or concerned about their living situation, can attend THRIVE!, a group to enhance independent living skills. Thursdays at noon, GLBT young people, ages 13-18, are invited to attend OUTWEST, a place for conversation and building community, according to a news release.

Editor's note: Scroll down for tips, plus allergy trivia

By True Grimes

Although Minnesotans greet warm and sunny weather as if it’s a long, lost friend, the season brings with it a curse. And with this warm up, the curse has been especially cruel.

Going from cold to warm has caught people who have fought seasonal allergies off guard, yet again.

In the Eden Prairie Community Ed Weight Loss Challenge we've been following, Laurie was the biggest loser last week.

Watch the video below for more from instructor Keila Rector:

In the Eden Prairie Community Ed Weight Loss Challenge we've been following, Mary was the biggest loser last week.

Watch the video below for more from instructor Keila Rector:

Stacy Desai of Eden Prairie is a new member of the Ridgeview Foundation Board. Other new members recently elected include Dermot Cowley, Darla Holmgren and Charles Spevacek.

In the Eden Prairie Community Ed Weight Loss Challenge Class we've been following, last week, two participants lost more than four pounds. Ann lost 4.6 and Laurie lost 4.3. Three participants have lost over 10 pounds in four weeks with a total of 68 pounds lost thus far by the class.

Click on the video below to hear more from instructor Keila Rector: