According to a news release from the Hopkins School District: "Hennepin County and Minnesota Visiting Nurses Agency will be providing H1N1 flu shots to all children, youth and adults at the following times at Hopkins and Minnetonka locations:

"Tuesday, Feb. 2
Minnetonka: Hennepin County Ridgedale Service Center, 12601 Ridgedale Drive, 2 to 4 p.m.

"Wednesday, Feb. 10
Hopkins: ResourceWest, 915 Mainstreet, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

By Kristin Holtz

In today’s environmentally conscious society, natural is the way to go – even when it comes to deciding the right time to have a baby.
More couples are turning to natural family planning as a way to achieve or postpone a pregnancy. Whether for religious, health or environmental reasons, these couples are shying away from contraceptives and having the family they always wanted.

“It just made sense,” said Juli Currie, a mother of seven from Chanhassen. “This fits with that we believe.”

By Stuart Sudak

Greg Albrecht knows a thing or two about triathlons.

The Eden Prairie man has completed more than 200 triathlons over 23 years. And, for the past 10 years, Albrecht has coached hundreds of triathletes to swim, bike and run farther than they ever imagined.
At 55 years old, the thrill of competition to be found on the road or water keeps him moving and moving, though the miles and laps don’t whisk by as quick as they once did.

No matter. He’s still enjoying himself.

By Stuart Sudak

The tranquil music soothes. So, too, does the heated treatment table.

Still, trepidation builds. Needles have a way of doing this.

Staring at the ceiling, I nervously brace myself for Eden Prairie acupuncturist Kristianne Seelye to insert the tools of her trade into my hands, legs and feet. Seelye offered this treatment as a way to ease my left knee aching from miles on the treadmill.

I scrunch my eyes as she pops the first needle into my hand. There is a tiny bit of a pinch … but not much else.

“How are you doing?” Seelye asked.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum grounds are now entirely tobacco-free, effective immediately.

According to a press release, "No smoking or use of tobacco is permitted on the grounds of the 1,137-acre University of Minnesota public garden and research facility located in the west metro suburb of Chanhassen.

Hennepin County has changed the location for an H1N1 vaccination clinic. From 2:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan 13, the county will offer H1N1 flu vaccine to anyone 6 months and older at Hennepin Technical College, 13100 College View Drive, Eden Prairie.

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By Unsie Zuege

They have several good reasons for doing this.

One: It’s an homage to legendary pop icon Michael Jackson.

Two: It’s a tribute to his music and dancing genius.

Three: It’s sure to bring down the house at any party, disco or wedding dance, guaranteed.

For the last six weeks, nearly 50 women from Chanhassen, Chaska, Excelsior, Deephaven, Minnetonka and Mound have been attending an 8:30 p.m. dance class at Dance Warehouse in Chanhassen, learning the dance “Thriller.”

The city of Eden Prairie is reminding residents who might be leaving the city for the winter to take a few steps to keep their homes safe this winter.

* Turn the water off if leaving the residence for more than three weeks

* Call the city’s Utility Division at 952-949-8530 with any questions related to turning your water off.

* Leave the thermostat at 50 degrees

* Have someone check your property on a monthly basis

* Give your neighbors an emergency number

* Make sure the Eden Prairie Police Department knows who to contact in case of an emergency

The following winter natural gas safety tips are offered by CenterPoint Energy:

Keep the natural gas meter area and a path to the meter clear of snow and debris.

Do not use a snow blower or shovel near the meter or attempt to remove ice from the meter yourself. Use a broom to clear snow around and on top of the meter assembly.

If there is ice on the meter, or one or more of the following conditions, call 612-321-5200 or 1-800-722-9326:

* Snow or ice formations are visible above the meter

* Meter is located below a downspout

From the American Red Cross:

Do you know what to do if snow is predicted for your area, or what the difference is between a winter storm watch and warning? Don’t worry—the American Red Cross has the answers, and can get you ready for when those white flakes start falling.

 A winter storm watch means a winter storm is possible in your area. If a storm watch is issued, watch for changing weather conditions and avoid unnecessary travel.