Dear Mill City Commons Members and Friends:     

We had a fabulous turnout for our first Legacy Series program Monday. Doug Baker shared ideas on starting written legacies. He gave us much food for thought. Thank you Doug! Please join us on February 22 for Revisiting Estate Planning. A full list of the series is available by clicking here.

I hope to see you tonight at Last Tuesday Happy Hour. Please see details below.  
Warm regards,  Linnea Tweed  

For this month's membership marketing event, join us for a docent-led tour of The Museum of Russian Art. Current exhibitions include The Art of Vasili Nechitailo, Dinner with the Tsars: Russian Imperial Porcelain, and The Enchanted Art: A Legacy in Russian Lacquer.

The tour is limited to 25 people, and we have just a few spots left.  Members, click here to sign up! 

Behind the Scenes: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom

February 3, 12:30-2:00 pm. Guthrie Theater Stage Door, 818 S 2nd St.

Join MCC for a special look at Penumbra Theatre's production of Ma Rainey's Black Bottom by August Wilson. Set in Chicago during the 1920's blues era, it is an unflinching look at the devastating effects of racism, the injustice and denigration that black Americans endured, and the scars-both literal and figurative-carried forward through the generations.

Penumbra Artistic Director Lou Bellamy will talk about Penumbra, August Wilson, and what participants are about to see during the play rehearsal.  The group may stay for one scene or the full first act of the play, leaving at a natural break in the work to avoid disrupting the actors.  Space is limited to 30 people.  MCC members, sign up here!

Nosy Neighbor Tour: Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts

February 4, 12:45-2:15 pm. 528 Hennepin Ave.

Join MCC for a private hardhat tour of the newly renovated Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts.  The tour will include the opportunity to see a distance learning class on African dance!  Guests should wear boot/shoes that are appropriate for walking on uneven ground and concrete.  Members, click here to sign up.

Living Longer, Living Better - Ecumen Forum Discussion

Tuesday, February 8, 4:00-5:30 pm. Washburn Lofts Community Room, 700 S 2nd St.

Join Ecumen at this exclusive opportunity for Mill City Commons members. Help steer Minnesota's conversation on entering the new era of aging.  Minnesota is experiencing record longevity, but is our state prepared today to pay for this new era of aging? Join leaders who are actively shaping our state's future in a provocative discussion on how to afford living longer.  Ecumen President and CEO Kathryn Roberts hosts panelists Marcia Townley, MCC Board Chair; Paul Thissen, District 36A Representative and Minority Leader of the Minnesota House of Representatives; Peter Hutchinson, President of the Bush Foundation (and MCC member!); and Stacy Becker of the Citizens League.  MCC members, email Linnea to RSVP.

Nosy Neighbor Tour: Northern Clay Center

February 10, 2:00-3:00 pm. 2424 Franklin Ave E.

The tour will include a look at the sales gallery, classrooms, glazing areas, studio spaces, and kiln room. See work from various artists and gain an understanding of the process of creating and firing a pot! The tour will also visit the current exhibitions "Three Jerome Artists" and "Fogelberg and Red Wing Artists", both of which feature the recent ceramic work of Minnesota's emerging ceramic artists. Northern Clay Center will provide refreshments. The tour is limited to 25 people.  Members, click here to sign up.

Upcoming Events
January 25: Last Tuesday Happy Hour - Members and Guests
January 26: MCC Singles' Prix Fixe Dinner - Members, register here.
January 27: Tour of The Museum of Russian Art - Members, sign up here.
February 3: Behind the Scenes: Ma Rainey's Black Bottom - Members, sign up here.
February 3: Men's Coffee and Conversation - MCC Men, sign up here.
February 4: Nosy Neighbor Tour: Cowles Center for Dance and Performing Arts - Members, sign up here.
February 8: Ecumen Living Longer, Living Better Forum - Members, email Linnea to sign up.
February 10: Nosy Neighbor Tour: Northern Clay Center - Members, sign up here

February 14: Great Decisions - GD Discussion Group Members, sign up here
February 16: Social Bridge - Members, sign up here
February 16: Complete Scholar - The Discovery of Ancient Egypt Past and Present: The History of Egyptology - Guests email Linnea; Members, sign up here
February 17: Men's Coffee and Conversation - MCC Men, sign up here