Mill City Musings
 MillCityCommons.org                                                                                    March 29, 2011

Executive Director Update: Tai Chi    

Don't miss the opportunity tomorrow afternoon to learn about Tai Chi from Natural Step School Founder, Colin Snow. We're meeting at Washburn Lofts community room, 700 South 2nd Street from 4:00-5:00. We'll be asking participants for feedback after the workshop to determine if we'll continue this as an ongoing activity. See you there!    - Linnea             

Last Tuesday Happy Hour - TODAY!    

March 29, 5:00-6:00 pm. Aloft Wxyz Bar, 900 Washington Ave S.

Kim Eslinger and Dave Tinjum host at Aloft's Wxyz Bar. Catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Dutch treat! No reservations necessary!

Tai Chi Workshop   

Tai ChiMarch 30, 4:00-5:00 pm. Washburn Lofts Community Room, 700 S 2nd St.

Colin Snow, founder and principal instructor for Natural Step School will introduce Tai Chi's holistic approach to harmonizing body, mind and spirit. Tai Chi is easy to learn and can be a benefit to anyone regardless of health or fitness level. Please wear loose, comfortable clothing. Members, sign up here.

Technology Helpdesk   

Monday, April 4, 7:00 - 8:00 pm. MCC Office, 17 4th St SE.

Get all those nagging technology questions answered and find out how to make the most of your technology at our complimentary helpdesk, staffed by MCC's tech guru, Andy Trawick! Call the MCC office to sign up for a 20-minute one-to-one session with Andy during the helpdesk.  Times are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Members, sign up here.

Nosy Neighbor Tour: Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center 

Wednesday, April 6, 10:30-11:30 am. 350 S 5th St.   

Have you ever wanted to see emergency dispatch in action?  View 911 operators and police and fire dispatchers from the MECC observation deck!  Learn about 911 calls, services, and procedures.  Enter the building from 4th Street, between 3rd and 4th Avenues.  The group will meet at the Father of Waters statue inside the entrance and proceed to the MECC.  Members, sign up  here. 

Smart HouseGoldstein Museum Smart House Tour 

Thursday, April 7, 5:00-8:00 pm.  

McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Ave, St Paul.  

Join MCC for a private tour of the exhibit Smart House, Livable Community, Your Future. Then stay for the premier screening of "Smart House, Livable Community," a TPT production based on the exhibition, followed by a question and answer conversation and reception. Members, sign up here.

Great Decisions Discussion Group 

Monday, April 11, 7:00-9:00pm. The Groveland Community Room, 317 Groveland Avenue.    

A Great Decisions Discussion Group is composed of interested individuals who want an opportunity to learn and participate in the foreign policy decision-making process. Groups are centered around the Great Decisions briefing book. This well researched annual publication provides timely global topics to be read by group participants. This month's topic is Sanctions and Nonproliferation. David and Susan Plimpton host speaker (and MCC member) Roger Hale. Discussion Group Members, sign up here.

Guthrie Play Reading: Arsenic and Old LaceArsenic Art

Tuesday, April 12, 6:30-9:30pm. Guthrie Theater, 818 S 2nd St, 8th floor, Livingston Conference Room. 

Play readings are hosted by a member of the Guthrie Staff or an Artist affiliated with the play. Participants will be assigned parts for reading and may rotate parts as necessary. No theater experience necessary, come one and all!   

An American classic, Arsenic and Old Lace (Wurtele Thrust Stage, April 9-June 5) is a perfectly written farcical black comedy. Spinster sisters Abby and Martha Brewster are devoted to charity and family. But the sisters have taken on another project as well - befriending lonely older gentlemen and then poisoning them with arsenic-laced elderberry wine.  Cost: MCC Members: Free; MCC Guests: $10 (cash or check payable to Mill City Commons). Members, sign up here.  Guests, email us.  

Education: Succeeding in the Knowledge Economy

Monday, April 18, 7:00 - 8:30pm.  Winslow House Community Room, 100 2nd St SE.

We live in a global knowledge economy, with education the greatest means of developing human capital.  From Pre-K to infinity, education is integral to our students, our workforce, and our future.  Todd Otis will discuss the education and support children need to prepare for kindergarten.Todd Otis is the founder and CEO of Ready 4 K, a nonprofit with the mission to assure that every young child in Minnesota enters kindergarten encouraged, supported, and fully prepared for learning success. The event is free. Members, sign up  here. Guests, email us.  

Legacy Series:  Talking About End of Life Choices 

Tuesday, April 19, 3:30-5:00 pm.  Winslow House Community Room, 100 2nd St SE.

Ellie Hands will facilitate a group exploration of conversations that matter. How and when should you start? What can you do to keep dialogue open and positive?

MCC Members.  Members, sign up here.  

Around Town   

 

I'm Still Here! The Alzheimer's Journey 

Thursday, March 31, 6:00-7:30 pm. United Theological Seminary, 3000 5th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112.

This exhibit is a collaboration between MCC member Laura Crosby, photographer, and Anne Simpson, poet, designed to allay some of the fears of dementia while acknowledging the reality. The exhibit shows that persons whose minds are diseased are still present, body and soul; they are real people who deserve love and respect. Meet the artists at 6:00 pm.  They will discuss their work at 6:45 pm. No reservations or preregistration required. Click here to learn more.  

   

Westminster Town Hall Forum - David Brooks

Thursday, March 31, 7:00 pm.    Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Avenue 

David Brooks is a columnist for the New York Times and a regular contributor to PBS's The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer and NPR's All Things Considered. He is widely recognized for his savvy analysis of politics, foreign affairs, and the American way of life. In his latest book, The Social Animal, he explores recent the discoveries in neuroscience and cognition that reveal how life is shaped by imagination, emotion, and intuition.  Free and open to the public.

 

Neighborhood Poetry Reading 

Saturday, April 9, 2:00 pm. Stone Arch Lofts Conference Room, 600 S 2nd St.

Poet Mary Willette Hughes (sister of MCC member Jan Willette) will read from her third book of poetry.  Don't miss it!

 

Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival 

April 14-May 5. St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main St.

The Film Society of Minneapolis-St. Paul will present over 170 films from some 50 countries at the five-screen St. Anthony Main Theatre. For three weeks, the Twin Cities celebrates the arrival of the best of international and independent filmmaking in the region. Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Events

View our detailed March Calendar here!    

View our detailed April Calendar here! 

March 30: Tai Chi Workshop - Members, sign up here.

March 31: Men's Coffee and Conversation - MCC men, sign up here.  

April 4: Technology Help Desk - Members, sign up here.  

April 6: Nosy Neighbor Tour - Minneapolis Emergency Communications Center - Members, sign up here.  

April 7: Goldstein Museum Smart House Tour - Members, sign up here.

April 11: Great Decisions - Discussion group members - sign up here.

April 12: Guthrie Play Reading: Arsenic and Old Lace - Members, sign up here.  Guests, email us. 

April 14: Men's Coffee and Conversation - MCC men sign up here.

April 18: Education: Succeeding in the Knowledge Economy-Members, sign up here.

April 19: MCC Legacy Series: Talking About End of Life Choices - Members, sign up here.

April 20: Social Bridge - Members, sign up here.

April 21: Learning Life Forum - George and Sally Pillsbury - Learn more here.

April 26: Last Tuesday Happy Hour - Members and guests learn more here.

April 28: Men's Coffee and Conversation - MCC men sign up here.

April 29: James Ford Bell Library Tour - Ricci Map - Members, sign up here.  

MCC Membership Update   

 

 We've been offering a discounted membership to members who renew by their annual renewal date. About two thirds of our members renew their memberships April 1. If you're one of them and haven't yet sent in your renewal form, please do so by March 31 to take advantage of the discount. If you're a member who has already renewed, thank you! Your membership is appreciated! 

 

Attention, Aspiring Bridge Players:    

 

Are you a beginning bridge player?  Would you like to learn to play bridge?  Some MCC members have expressed interest in private bridge lessons.  If  interested, email Linnea

 

MCC Marketplace Update

 

We are looking for member recommendations of service providers in the following areas:

  • Appliance Repair 
  • Home Cleaning
  • Mechanic
  • Mover/Household Organizer
  • Personal Assistance
  • Pet Services
  • Tailor 

If there is a business you think we should know about, please contact Linnea.  

For more information on our preferred service providers, visit the

service provider directory

on our website.

 

MCC in the News

 Mill City Times named MCC a Mill District Community Cornerstone, an honor bestowed on organizations that contribute to the culture and community of our neighborhood.  Thank you, Dave Tinjum and Kim Eslinger, for recognizing MCC!  Read the press release here.

 

MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities

 

Rendezvous on 5 

Wednesdays, 9-10 am

Guthrie Theater

Level Five Express

818 S 2nd St 

Drop in and join your friends and neighbors at this neighborhood haunt. Enjoy a cup of coffee and fellowship with other MCC members. This weekly adventure requires no reservations!

 

Men's Coffee and Conversation 

Every other Thursday,

7:30 - 8:30 am

Nicollet Island Inn, 95 Merriam St.

See Upcoming Events for dates. 

Caffeine and camaraderie for the male members of MCC! This group meets every other Thursday at Nicollet Island Inn and is hosted by various members who get the conversation going.

 

MCC Ongoing Fitness Opportunities


SBS Class

Mondays, 7:35 - 8:35 am

Thursdays, 3:30-4:30 pm

Created exclusively for MCC, this class at 501F1T focuses on strength, balance, and stretching. Follow this link to sign up!   

 

  River Walkers

Tuesdays and Thursdays,

7:30 - 8:30 am

Stone Arch Lofts Riverside Parking Lot

All level of walkers welcome for this early morning walk along the banks of the Mississippi River. An MCC volunteer leads each walk.

 

Hatha Yoga

Wednesdays and Fridays,

8:00 - 9:15 am

This alignment-based class is held at the Yoga Center of Minneapolis, 212 3rd Ave N, Suite 205.

Purchase a 12-class pass for $132 directly from YCM to use as your schedule allows, or drop in on a class for $12.50.

Contact Dena at 612.436.4700 for details.

Drop-ins welcome!  

Mill City Commons | 17 Fourth Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414
millcitycommons.org
| info@millcitycommons.org | (612) 455-3329

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