Executive Director Update: End-of-Life Issues

"Although the issue of end-of-life preferences presents itself as a medical issue, choices are a complex product of social, emotional, spiritual and cultural dynamics." This is how the Citizens League introduces a summary of their work on Honoring Choices. When they learned that MCC had developed a Legacy Series that covers a number of end-of-life topics, they asked if we would participate in a focus group on advance directives. They are looking for five to eight MCC members who either have not yet put an advance directive in place, or are still uncertain how it will work for them. Let me know if you're interested in participating, and I will give you more details. You'll find a summary of Citizens League Project Director Stacy Becker's discussions with previous groups by clicking here.   - Linnea 

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. 

Goldstein 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 published by the Foreign Policy Association. 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 Lace

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...  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.  

Social Bridge 

Wednesday, April 20, 3:00-5:30pm.  Stone Arch Lofts Community Room, 600 S 2nd St. 

An accredited American Contract Bridge teacher, Mignon Nearmyer, will begin the session with a 10-15 minute lesson and discussion on a particular aspect of the game.  When formal play begins she will give instructions and be available to answer questions throughout the afternoon. Even if you have played social bridge before, we are sure you will learn something new. You are expected to come with a partner. If you need help finding a partner, contact Linnea Tweed at 612-455-3329. Plan to arrive early as we will begin play immediately at 3:00 pm. MCC Members and Guests.  Cost:  $6.00/person  Members, sign up  here. Guests, email us.  

Around Town   

St. Anthony Falls Historic District  

Walker Art Center ... Jewelry Mart

Just in time for Mother's Day, nineteen local jewelry artists and designers will be at the Walker Art Center for the Local Jewelry Artist Mart in Medtronic Gallery. All proceeds support the Walker's artistic and educational programs. 

For more information click here.

Mill City Times 

MCC members, Kim Eslinger and Dave Tinjum, have created a metro website devoted specifically to our neighborhood.  It's a place to go to find out what's happening - whether it's a new restaurant opening, a local event, proposed new construction, etc.  Check it out at: MillCityTimes.com  

Upcoming MCC Events

View our detailed April Calendar 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.