Masthead
October 8, 2013
Executive Director Update

With the leadership of MCC Members Arvonne Fraser and Peg Kavaney, the Mill City Commons women are starting their own discussion Group, "Our Turn: Coffee and Conversation for Women." Many thanks to all the MCC women who provided feedback on times, locations, topics etc. And to MCC Member Sage Cowles for offering to host the first meeting and adding the "Our Turn" to the title! The first meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 31. You'll find additional details below. -- Linnea
Guthrie Play Reading: Tribes 
Tuesday, October 8th, 6:30 to 9:30pm
Guthrie Livingston Conference Room, 818 South 2nd Street
GuthrieTribes
Join fellow MCC members for an exclusive reading of Tribes by Nina Raine. From the Guthrie's website: "Billy is a young man born deaf and raised in a loud, opinionated family and yet his parents and siblings never bothered to learn sign language, requiring him to adapt to the hearing world on his own. When he meets Sylvia, a young woman from a Deaf family who introduces him to sign language, Billy suddenly feels confidence and a sense of belonging to a 'tribe' he's never known before. Winner of the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play, Tribes is a biting yet poignant new drama about love, family and finding one's voice." A Guthrie dramaturg assigns parts.

Registration is now closed.
MCC Board of Directors Open Forum 
Wednesday, October 9, 4:00-4:20pm   
Cunningham Group Conference Room
201 Main Street SE, Suite 325
The first 20 minutes of the Board of Directors meeting is open for members to bring their suggestions and ideas.

MCC Members only. No reservations required.
Men's Coffee and Conversation 
Thursday, October 10, 7:30-8:30am 
Elsie's
Elsie's, 729 Marshall Street NE
Caffeine and camaraderie for the male members of MCC, this group meets every other Thursday and is hosted by various members who get the conversation going. Peter Heegaard will be our Conversation Leader this week. Peter has long been involved in public policy on the state and local level. He has focused on Cost-Benefit issues with Government and Non-Profits. Hear what Peter has to say and be prepared to offer your own opinions.

Space may still be available. Email MCC for details.
Sunday "Pig Roast" Soiree  
Sunday, October 13, 12:00-3:00pm
Spirit River Farms, 7903 80th Street, Princeton, MN
Mary Margaret MacMillan and Larry Neumann invite you to enjoy a pig roast at Spirit River Farms! Spirit River Farms is a 1300 acre corn and soybean farm owned by Larry, Mary Margaret and their son, Paul. It's a bucolic part of the country and well worth the 75 minute drive. We are asking members to contribute $10 payable to Mill City Commons to help with the cost of the pork and roaster. If you have yet to indicate what you are bringing, we still need side dishes and some munchies including fruits, veggies, and chips.

MCC Members only. Sign up here. In the notes section, please let us know what you are bringing as well as if you would like to join a carpool and/or would be willing to drive a group.
Great Decisions  
Monday, October 14, 7:00-8:30pm
The Towers Garden Room, 15 South 1st Street
The Great Decisions Discussion Group is centered on the Great Decisions briefing book developed by the Foreign Policy Association. This well researched annual publication provides eight timely global topics to be read by group participants prior to each session. This month's topic is "NATO." How has NATO's agenda evolved since its inception during the cold war? With its military commitment in Afghanistan winding down and a recent successful campaign in Libya, what are the Alliance's present-day security challenges?" Judy Healey and Linnea Tweed co-host.

 

MCC Members sign up here. 

Healthy Village: Long Term Care   
Tuesday, October 15, 3:30-5:00pm
Winslow House Community Room, 100 2nd Street SE
Mill City Commons provides tools and resources that help you maintain your lifestyle and live well in your home. Join us for this Healthy Village event as we discuss long-term care insurance. Living a long life is a probability. Preparing for it is a necessity. Join us as Deb Newman, founder of Newman Long Term Care, discusses the ins and outs of long-term care insurance and outlines what happens when you need help caring for yourself or your spouse. Ms. Newman has focused exclusively on LTCI for 23 years and has been featured in both local and national publications including the Star Tribune (February 18, 2013) and the Wall Street Journal.

MCC Members sign up here.
Social Bridge
Wednesday, October 16, 3:00 - 5:15 pm;
Stone Arch Lofts Community Room, 600 South Second Street

Join advanced or intermediate bridge players for a round of social bridge. You are expected to come with a partner at your level. (Advanced players play all the major conventions comfortably). If you need help finding a partner, contact Carol Jordan at 612-817-0466 or caroljordan@millcitycommons.org and she will assist you. Play begins immediately at 3:00 pm.

  

MCC Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.  

Aging Well: An Ongoing Conversation
Thursday, October 17, 3:30-5:00 pm;
Bridgewater, 215 10th Avenue South #604 
Join fellow members in table discussions around a topic picked by the host on the topic of aging well. This monthly conversation is part of our Healthy Village Series, programming designed to support quality aging. The topic, "Delicious Ambiguity," comes from of a quote by Gilda Radner: "Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it, without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity."  Barbara and Wallace Ritchie host.

 

MCC Members sign up here. 
Ranked Choice Voting: Let's Try It!
Thursday, October 22nd, 7:00 to 8:30pm
RiverWest, 401 South 1st Street

Learn how Ranked Choice Voting can ensure your vote counts. Voters cast their vote for their favorite candidate knowing that if he or she doesn't gather enough votes to win, their vote will count toward their second choice. It allows voters to rank candidates on the ballot according to their preference - 1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice, etc. We'll have a chance to practice during a ranked choice voting demonstration. Peggy Weber hosts.

 

MCC Members sign up here.  

Mark Your Calendars! Women's Discussion Group Starting Soon
Kicks Off on Thursday, October 31, 3:30-5:00 pm;
Washburn Lofts, 700 South 2nd Street #91   
MCC women, you are invited to attend the newly introduced women's discussion group, Our Turn: Coffee and Conversation for Women. Starting at the end of October, this group will meet every other Thursday alternating between morning and afternoon times. Sage Cowles has graciously volunteered to host the inaugural event and will lead us in a conversation about "Turning Points In Your Life." Email MCC if you are interested in hosting a women's discussion group or to share your ideas for discussion topics. Click here to register for the October 31 "Our Turn" conversation. 
News From Members 
 
MCC Member Toni Rosen would like to start a "New Yorker" MCC Interest Group. Toni says, "My dad subscribed and it has been in my life since the day I was born!  I am addicted, I read almost everything in every issue. Some of the best writing in print." If you are interested in participating in this type of discussion group, please email Toni. 

MCC Member Ellen Breyer wants members to know about Every Day is Election Day. Presented by WomenWinning, this event will take place October 10 at 5:30-7:30 pm at the Washburn Lofts Common Room,700 S 2nd Street. Have you ever thought of running for office, working on a political campaign, or wanted a behind the scenes peek at what it takes for a woman to win? If so, join our distinguished panel for a conversation about women's leadership, and hear first-hand stories of what it is like to run for and serve in public office as a woman. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online.   

MCC Member Susan Plimpton wants members to know about Minnesota International Center's 6th Annual Great Decisions Conference, Friday, October 11, 8:30am - 1:30pm, 3M Auditorium, Carlson School of Management, U of M, 321 19th Avenue S. This year's conference is on "Global Food Security." Keynote speaker, Dr. Jon Foley, director of the Institute on the Environment at the University of Minnesota, will speak about food security in the face of climate change, globalization and population growth. (Dr. Foley presented to Mill City Commons back in November 2011 as part of our Education Series.) Other conference speakers include Tom Hanson, a popular GD speaker, and Steve Hollingworth, President and CEO of Freedom from Hunger. Register online or at 612-625-4421. 

 

MCC Member Carol Jordan encourages those interested in genealogy to attend the Family History Fair at the Central Library located at 300 Nicollet Mall on Saturday, October 26 from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm. The fair includes speakers, computer help, more than 20 tables with specific ethnic genealogy information (Swedish, Polish, etc.), and more! Connect with genealogical experts and learn about local resources available to help you start or continue to build upon your family genealogy. Nearly 350 people attend each year! Click here to learn more and register today!   

 

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.

 

Around Town

Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park Master Plan Meeting  
Tuesday, October 8, 2013, 6:00-7:30pm
MPRB Administrative Offices, 2117 West River Road, Board Room Suite 255
The Minneapolis Park and Recreation board hosted a two-day event to gather public input for the Central Mississippi Riverfront Regional Park master plan. Stop by tonight, October 8, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm to hear an informal discussion the data collected. For more information, please visit the MPRB project page.
Shakespeare Crawl  
Sunday, October 13 and Monday, October 14, 2013, 6:00pm
Mill Ruins Park, West River Parkway and Portland  
Imagine a crisp and chilly autumn evening in 1594, as William Shakespeare saunters down the South Bank near the Thames River in London, working out one of his classic Shakespeare plays that is about to premiere at the Globe Theater. Come walk with us through the Mill City neighborhood, as we re-imagine some of his most iconic scenes, and come together as a community to tell our own present and unique ones. For more information: http://www.facebook.com/revitalizationtheaterproject.

Healthy Eating, Healthy Living  
October 29, November 5, & 11
Roth Living, 11300 West 47th Street, Minnetonka, MN  
Healthy Eating, Healthy Living is a three-night class featuring recipes, grocery lists, and cooking techniques that will inspire you to get into your kitchen and cook! Instructors Brenda Langton and Carolyn Denton will be joined by additional Center for Spirituality & Healing faculty. They will share stories and insights for making healthy eating and lifestyle changes. Learn more and register today!

Save 50% on Uncle Vanya Tickets 
The Guthrie Theater presents Uncle Vanya, a tragicomic story about unre. As an MCC member, the Guthrie invites you to save 50% when you attend any of the 7:30 pm performances from October 15 to October 19. Simply call the box office at 612-377-2224 and mention "H67" to receive the discount.

Talk of the Stacks with Dessa from the Friends of the Hennepin County Library 
Friday, October 25, 2013, 7:00pm
Hennepin County Library-Minneapolis Central, Pohlad Hall, 300 Nicollet Mall 
Talk of the Stacks is a reading series exploring contemporary literature and culture. Programs are free and open to the public. Join us as acclaimed singer, songwriter, performer, and author, Dessa and editor Eric Lorberer as they converse about Dessas latest literary release. Dessa has taught at McNally Smith College of Music, spoken at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, and published a book of poetic prose, Spiral Bound. Seating is first come, first served. Programs begin at 7 pm. Doors open at 6:15 pm. Books are available for sale. A special cocktail and signing party open to all attendees will follow the talk. 
Upcoming MCC Events        
 
View our detailed October Calendar here!
 
October 8: Guthrie Play Reading: Tribes. Learn more here.  

October 9: MCC Board of Directors Meeting. Click here for details.  

October 10: Men's Coffee and Conversation. MCC Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.   

October 13: Sunday Pig Roast Soiree. MCC Members sign up here. 

October 14: Great Decisions. MCC Great Decisions Discussion Group Members sign up here.  

October 15: Healthy Village: Long Term Care. MCC Members sign up here.   

October 16: Rendezvous on 5. Click here for details.

October 16: Social Bridge. Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.  

October 17: Aging Well: An Ongoing Conversation. Members sign up here. 

October 22: Ranked Choice Voting: Let's Try It! Members sign up here.  

October 23: Rendezvous on 5. Click here for details.

October 24: Men's Coffee and Conversation. MCC Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.

October 29: Nosy Neighbor Tour: Ford Center/HGA. Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.   

Mill City Commons   

In the Know!

 

  Do you sometimes wish you had a chauffeur with a private car at your beck and call? No driving frustrations, gas station searches, or parking hassles? No need to carry cash and make reservations for beat-up taxis with unpredictable arrival times and awkward tipping moments? MCC members are discovering "uber" car service that advertises it "connects you with a driver at the tap of a button".

  

The button tapping is on your cell phone, using an app.  You can request a ride, ask for fare quotes, and see an exact pick up time.  No advance reservations, just request a ride when you are ready and you will see how many minutes away a driver is. With cell phone GPS you don't even need to know a pick up address. You can be at a location in an unfamiliar neighborhood and your driver will find you.  

Sound expensive? Your fare quote is calculated on distance and time, and is in the range of taxi fares.   No tipping and no cash needed because your credit card information is on file. Payment is made with a click of your cell phone and a receipt is emailed.

This may sound a bit complicated, but the simplest things are often the hardest to explain. Go online, check out www.uber.com and see for yourself how easy it really is to enjoy the luxury and convenience of a private car at an affordable price.

MCC Member Jeanne Ravich
 

MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities

 

Rendezvous

Readers' Book Chat
First Wednesday of Every Month, 9:30-10:30 am
Guthrie's Level Five Express
    No reservations required.
November 6
Light between Oceans M.L. Stedman
December 4 
In Times of Fading Light
Eugen Ruge

Rendezvous on 5

Wednesdays, 9-10 am

Guthrie's Level Five Express

Drop in and join your friends and neighbors at this neighborhood haunt. Enjoy a cup of coffee and fellowship with other MCC members. The Guthrie's Level Five Express is open to employees and "friends" of the Guthrie before the building opens to the public at 11:00am. Please enter via the far right door on South Second Street. This weekly adventure requires no reservations!

    

Men's Coffee and Conversation  

 Thursday, October 10  
7:30 - 8:30 am

Elsie's Restaurant,

729 Marshall Street NE

Caffeine and camaraderie for the male members of MCC! This group meets every other week and is hosted by various members who get the conversation going. Sign up here. 

 

 

 

MCC Ongoing Fitness Opportunities


SBS Class

Mondays
7:35-8:35am 

(Stay tuned for a possible date/time change coming later in October)

and

Thursdays
2:00-3:00pm

501FIT,
501 Washington Avenue

Created exclusively for MCC, this class at 501F1T focuses on strength, balance, and stretching. 

Please register by contacting 501F1T at
612-767-4415.

  

  River Walkers

Tuesdays and Thursdays,

7:30-8:30am

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,

8:00-9:15am

Yoga Center Minneapolis, 212 3rd Ave N., Suite 205

This is an alignment-based class. 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 | 219 Main Street SE, Suite 401, Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.millcitycommons.org | info@millcitycommons.org  
612-455-3329