Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Dec 24, 2009 News
In these hard times it may seem that the severe weather is just one more added hardship. But as I stare out my window and look across the lots next to mine the quiet beauty of the snow fills me with calm I can’t explain. It makes me thankful to be here and appreciate my family and friends. My kids struggle with finding work in this economy and my son has gone back to school. We all hope for better days and strive to keep things together.
Here’s a photo I took not long ago of St. Olaf’s Old Main in moonlight.
I wish you all the best in the New Year and hope that your Christmas celebration is as warm and replenishing as mine. I am hoping to catch a plane tomorrow to visit my mother in California for a few days. We’ll see if I spend most of my Christmas day in the airport.
The health care overhaul’s effects on one Twin Cities small business | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ
Dec 22, 2009 Health Care, News
Here is a story about the impact of the Health Care reform bills on small business and an endorsement for a single payer system and the public option by a small business owner:
The health care overhaul’s effects on one Twin Cities small business | Minnesota Public Radio NewsQ.
CALL FOR WORK GROUP PARTICIPANTS ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER CORRIDOR CRITICAL AREA
Dec 18, 2009 Environment, News
As part of the process for establishing rules for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area, the Department of Natural Resources is seeking interested parties to participate in work groups to provide input on rulemaking for the MRCCA. The DNR is currently considering convening 1 to 4 work groups that will each meet 3 or 4 times from March 2010 – September 2010. Individuals and organizations interested in participating in a work group (or groups) must complete a statement of interest/self nomination form to be considered.
The 2009 Minnesota Legislature directed the DNR to establish rules for the MRCCA. The DNR is required to establish, by rule, districts within the MRCCA including:
determine the appropriate number of districts within each municipality, taking into account municipal plans and policies, and existing ordinances and conditions, and consider protection of key, identified resources and features.
and
establish, by rule, minimum guidelines and standards for the districts, which shall include:
– the intent of each district and
- key resources and features to be protected or enhanced.
and must take into account:
– municipal plans and policies, and
- existing ordinances and conditions,
and
establish a map to define bluffs and bluff-related features within the Mississippi River corridor critical area and develop guidelines and standards to protect or enhance (specified) key resources and features.
Flu Shot Update
Dec 11, 2009 Health Care, News
A list of clinics offering the H1N1 vaccine is available at the Minnesota Department of Health’s website. Minnesota should have received about 1 million doses of H1N1 vaccine. A link on that site allows you to find a location near your area code, or you can search for availability on a specific date. Simply click on the links under the “Find your flu shots” heading to use the tool.
Here are MDH responses to some of the common concerns:
MDH Testing
Health officials aren’t testing everyone with H1N1 symptoms. MDH indicates it is time-consuming and expensive to test everyone. In addition, most flu viruses now circulating are H1N1.
Vaccine Ingredients
Concerns have been raised about the presence of adjuvants and Thimerosol in H1N1 vaccines.
MDH reports there are no adjuvants in any of the flu vaccines. Some vaccines do have Thimerosol, but not FluMist or some single-dose vials. It is possible to ask for Thimerosol-free vaccine.
The CDC says the H1N1 vaccine is as safe as the seasonal flu vaccine because it is manufactured in exactly the same way. They only changed the virus strain, which is something they do every year when they make a new seasonal flu vaccine.
Immune Response Time
A good immune response develops within about 10 days of receiving the vaccination. However, children under 10 don’t develop a strong immunity with just one dose. They need a second vaccination within a month after the first one.
H1N1-Related Deaths in Minnesota
As of November 13, the Department of Health had confirmed 21 deaths related to the H1N1 strain and two additional flu-related deaths. Most victims had underlying conditions that contributed to their deaths. Those conditions ranged from asthma to obesity to weakened immune systems.
Minnesota Historical Society Seasonal Events
Dec 11, 2009 News
Where else can learning be so much fun? The James J. Hill House and the Alexander Ramsey House in St. Paul each have a number of seasonal events including storytelling by costumed characters, a hunt for fantastic creatures featured in the artwork of the Hill House, a doll display, horse-drawn carriage rides and more. Other events take place at the Oliver H. Kelley Farm, the Mill City Museum and at the Historical Society. To see your choices, go to the Minnesota Historical Society’s website.
FYI: Bridge to Benefits
Dec 1, 2009 News
The Children’s Defense Fund has implemented a multi-state project to improve the well-being of families and individuals by creating a website called Bridge to Benefits. The Bridge links people to public work support programs such as health care, food support, energy assistance, WIC, school meals, child care assistance, and tax credits. There is an eligibility-screening tool designed to help families understand if they are eligible for public programs and tax credits. By answering a few simple questions, families can learn if they qualify for programs, print out applications and get county-specific information about how and where to apply. The website will also connect families to organizations that provide one-on-one application assistance.
