Masthead
November 5, 2013
Executive Director Update
  
It's a busy week with today's priority getting out to vote. I'm lucky to have my polling place in the lobby of my home at The Towers. I was worried about the snow and sleet predicted for 4:00pm slowing down the vote, but lots of neighbors were voting at 5:00pm when MCC Member Charlotte Davnie, who is volunteering as an election judge, found my name on the voters registration list. I saw many familiar faces and feel very lucky to be part of this Riverfront neighborhood! 
Tomorrow join fellow members in the morning for our Rendezvous Readers Book Chat at the Guthrie's Level Five Express. In the afternoon we'll enjoy the beauty of orchids at MCC Members Marsha and Malcolm Blumenthal's loft. And don't miss the Nosy Neighbor Tour of the Lundstrum Center Thursday evening where we will watch its talented students practice for the Center's Annual Legacy Event. More details on all these programs below.  See you soon!  
-- Linnea
Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, November 6, 9:30-10:30am
Guthrie Theater Level Five Express, 818 South Second Street
(Enter Second Street far right hand door) 
Join us to discuss The Light between Oceans by M.L. Stedman. Described as "irresistible...seductive...with a high concept plot that keeps you riveted from the first page" by O, The Oprah Magazine. This story is about a married couple who lives on an isolated island, who, after years of not being able to conceive, find a dead man washed ashore with his living baby. Two years later, after deciding to raise this child, the couple returns to the mainland to be reminded that there are other people in this world, and how their choice has devastated one of them. Come and participate, even if you haven't read the book!

MCC Members and Guests. No reservations required.
Orchids 101
Wednesday, November 6, 2:30-4:00pm
Whitney Lofts, 150 Portland Avenue #501
Come to visit the orchids Malcolm and Marsha Blumenthal grow in their Whitney Loft. Marsha will introduce us to a few of the more than 20,000 orchid species and suggest how to care for and hopefully re-bloom them in our own homes. We'll also enjoy tea, coffee and cookies.

 

MCC Members sign up here. 

Men's Coffee and Conversation

Thursday, November 7, 7:30-8:30am
Elsie's Restaurant, 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. Roland Minda will lead a conversation on My Short-Cut Plan for Cultural Literacy. As one of our most traveled, most well-read, and most senior members, Roland will give us some tips, insights, and resources that will enhance our lives. Check out Roland's blog in advance at www.retirement-dance.com.   

 

Men MCC Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.

Nosy Neighbor Tour: Lundstrum Center 
Thursday, November 7, 7:00-8:30pm
Lundstrum Center, 1617 North 2nd Street
Ten blocks up the Mississippi River is a dynamic and vibrant performing arts center that teaches musical theater technique and performance (voice, dance and drama) to children, teenagers and adults. The Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts offers a systematic musical theater curriculum taught by professional actors, dancers, and singers. Join us as we tour the center; view three of the classes preparing for a musical theater performance; and meet with Executive Director and former Broadway actor Amy Casserly Ellis, as well as a teaching artist and a student. Come prepared for a fun, rich and stimulating evening.

MCC Members sign up here. Guests e-mail MCC.
Great Decisions
Monday, November 11, 7:00-8:30pm
Stone Arch Lofts, 600 South 2nd Street #701
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 China in Africa - What interests govern China engagement in Africa? Should China growing emphasis on political ties and natural resource extraction inform U.S. Relations with African nations? Peggy and Dave Lucas host.

MCC Great Decisions Members sign up here.
Guthrie Play Reading: Born Yesterday
Tuesday, November 12, 6:30-9:30pm
Guthrie's Livingston Conference Room, 818 South 2nd Street
Enjoy this month's Guthrie Play Reading of Born Yesterday, a deliciously witty comedy about a corrupt businessman trying to get ahead. Harry Brock, a junk-dealer millionaire on the rise, heads to Washington with his chorus girl girlfriend Billie Dawn in tow, hoping to influence a senator in some personal business dealings. But he soon gets advice suggesting that his seemingly dim-witted girlfriend will need a little polish to get ahead in D.C. society. Brock hires a newspaperman for the task but gets more than he bargained for when, in a deliriously funny turn of events, he discovers a little bit of learning can be a dangerous thing! A Guthrie dramaturg will assign parts.

 

MCC Members sign up here. Guests email MCC. 

Social Bridge
Wednesday, November 13, 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.
Our Turn: A Conversation for Women 
Thursday, November 14, 9:30 - 11:00 am
The Landings, 504 River Street
MCC women, come for the coffee and stay for the conversation! This group will meet every other Thursday alternating between morning and afternoon times. Hosts and topics will change each time, too! Jeanne Ravich hosts this session. The topic: "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!"
Topic question:
What experiences still give you your "wow, life is good!" moments?

MCC Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.
Sunday Soup Soiree 
Sunday, November 17, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Lourdes Square, 186 Bank Street SE
Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Soup Soiree hosted by Gail Hogg. Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish to share. Please let us know in the notes when you register what dish you plan to bring. Ideas include soup, salad, bread, cookies, or bars. We hope to see you there!

 

MCC Members sign up here. Guests email MCC. 

Nosy Neighbor Tour: Eyebobs 
Tuesday, November 19, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Eyebobs, 1401 Glenwood Avenue - Please enter through the front door
When Julie Allinson found herself in need of reading glasses, her distinctive style left her with a strong aversion to cheap drugstore readers, and the designer frames seemed outlandishly expensive. Out of this perceived need, Julie founded Eyebobs in 2001. Join us as Julie gives us a tour of her unique business and answers our questions. She will discuss the entrepreneurial start-up of Eyebobs and the partnerships she developed as well as her business perspectives that have led to the success of this fashion-conscious business.

 

MCC Members sign up here. Guests email MCC. 

News From Members 
 
Happy Hour at the Guthrie
Kathy Lenzmeier and the Guthrie Community Engagement Committee Invite You to Attend 
November 6, 5:00pm, Guthrie's Pohlad Lobby, Level 9 
Special guest will be David Goldstein, author or Skiing of Broken Glass, which plays in the Dowling Studio through November 17th. Come have a drink, mingle with friends, then stay for the show if you like.

Cabaret for Care: A Night with Oscar
Bud & Carol Hayden Invite You to Attend
Saturday, November 23, 6:00pm, Illusion Theatre, 528 Hennepin Avenue
MCC members Bud and Carol Hayden invite you to bring your friends and enjoy a fun night out to support a great cause - The Annex Teen Clinic. Doors open at 6:00 for silent auction, appetizers, and a cash bar. Starting at 7:30, you will be treated to music from the Oscars from a live quintet. No set admission, though a minimum contribution of $25 is requested. Open to the public. Learn more and register today.      
  
MillCityTimes.com Metro Website
Created by Kim Eslinger and Dave Tinjum
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
 
Arab Uprisings and the Reshaping of the Middle East   
November 5, 4:30-6:00pm, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 301 19th Ave South 
Shibley Telhami, a world-renowned scholar engaged in issues of foreign policy and international relations, will speak about changes in the Middle East and the impacts on regional and international politics. This event is free and open to the public. Click here to register.  
 
Westminster Town Hall Forum   
November 7, 7:00pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Nicollet Mall & 12th Street 
The Westminster Town Hall Forum engages the public in reflection and dialogue on the key issues of our day from an ethical perspective. Join us November 7 for a lively conversation on Finding Hope in a Hungry World. No reservations required.
Mill City Farmers Market: Winter Market   
November 9, 10:00am-1:00pm, Mill City Museum, 704 South 2nd Street   
The Winter Market, located inside the Mill City Museum, will take place on the second Saturday of each month from November through April. On- and off-street parking is available via meters and parking ramps on Chicago Avenue and South 2nd Street. Visit the Mill City Farmers Market website for more information.

Cuningham Group Architecture 11th Annual Creative Exhibition  
November 16, 7:00pm, Minneapolis Event Center, 212 2nd Street SE
Make plans to attend the 11th Annual Creative Exhibit. Participate in a silent auction featuring art created by Cuningham Group employees, friends, and family. All proceeds go to local non-profit the Environmental Justice Advocates of Minnesota. Enjoy music, light appetizers, and an open bar.
No reservations required.

Lundstrum Center's Annual Legacy Fundraising Event 
November 21, 6:00pm, Lundstrum Center, 1617 North 2nd Street
Spend an evening previewing musical theater and designer fashions during the Lundstrum Center's Annual Legacy Event: Broadway Meets Runway. Proceeds benefit student scholarships. Tickets available online. 

Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District Calendar (DID)
The DID website has a calendar feature with lots of great information! It covers many downtown venues with current happenings and performances including all of the theaters, Target Field, Convention Center, etc. It's really a worthwhile site to keep in mind when you're looking for things to do downtown. To check it out, use this link.
 
Upcoming MCC Events        

View our detailed November Calendar here!
 

November 6: Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat. Click here for details.   

November 6: Orchids 101. Members sign up here. 

November 7: Men's Coffee and Conversation. Members sign up here. Guests email MCC. 

November 7: Nosy Neighbor Tour: Lundstrom Center. Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.   

November 11: Great Decisions. Members sign up here. 

November 12: Guthrie Play Reading: Born Yesterday. Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.

November 13: Rendezvous on 5. Click here for details.  

November 13: Social Bridge. Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.

November 14: Our Turn: Coffee and Conversation for Women. Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.   

November 17: Sunday Soup Soiree. Members sign up here.
November 19: Nosy Neighbor Tour: Eyebobs. Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.  

November 20: Rendezvous on 5. Click here for details.

November 20: MCC Board Meeting

November 21: Men's Coffee and Conversation. Members sign up here. Guests email MCC.

November 21: Aging Well: An Ongoing Conversation. Members sign up here.
November 26: Last Tuesday Happy Hour. No reservations!   

Mill City Commons   

In the Know!

 

The Science of Happiness -- An Experiment in Gratitude. 

From MCC Member Karla Ekdahl: "I wonder if we might put this link in the newsletter or somehow spread the word about these wonderful, inspirational pieces available online.    As winter sets in, people need sparks of light that come right into their homes..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHv6vTKD6lg 

 

 

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
The Light between Oceans by M.L. Stedman
December 4 
In Times of Fading Light
by 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, November 7
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.

Our Turn  

 Thursday, November 14 
9:30-11:00 am

Thursday, December 5

3:30-5:00 pm
Thursday, December 19

9:30-11:00 am 

Join fellow MCC women for coffee and conversation. This group meets every other week and alternates between morning and afternoon times. Look for details in the body of this newsletter.

 

Movie Group 

Friday, November 9
2:45-5:00 pm
Hosted by Marion Kagen
401 South 1st Street 
    Movie To Be Selected by the Group:
  • Wild Strawberries
  • Topsey Turvey
  • Bird
  • Singing in the Rain 

 

 

MCC Ongoing Fitness Opportunities


SBS Class

Mondays

7:30-8:30am

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