Masthead
December 3, 2013
Executive Director Update
  
We've raised $1,870 of our $2,250 goal so far for groceries for the MCC Turkey, Dressings and Extra Helpings (TDEH) drive. That will provide 41 families with groceries for meals the week between Christmas and New Year's Day when children are home from school and food budgets are stretched. Our goal is to provide groceries for at least 50 families. If you haven't yet participated and would like to, there is a link to a TDEH flier with details in this newsletter's right hand column. Many thanks to all who have already contributed!!

In addition to financial donations, we are looking for donations of cold weather clothing and small gifts for the "Dressings and Extra Helpings" part of our Holiday drive. You'll find a large "gift" box in the lobby of North Star Lofts, 117 Portland Avenue, where you may drop off your gifts. We are also collecting here in the office if that is more convenient.
 
With gratitude, Linnea
World View:  A Conversation with Sylvia and Sam Kaplan 
Tuesday, December 3, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
The Landings, 510 River Street
Join new MCC members Sylvia and Sam Kaplan as they share public and private aspects of their diplomatic experience in Morocco.  They will discuss how diplomacy did and didn't work in Morocco as well as their current perspective on the role of diplomacy. They will also talk about what it was like to leave their active lives in the U.S. four years ago, and in a moment, be vital parts of a whole different world.

  

MCC Members sign up here. 

Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, December 4, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Cerasota Atrium (near Eddington's), 155 5th Ave South 
(*Note the NEW LOCATION this month)
Join us to discuss In Times of Fading Light, by author Eugen Ruge.  The story begins in September 2001 as Alexander Umnitzer, who has just been diagnosed with terminal cancer, leaves behind his ailing father to fly to Mexico, where his grandparents lived as exiles in the 1940s.  The novel then takes us both forward and back in time, creating a panoramic view of the family's history:  from Alexander's grandparents' return to the GDR to build the socialist state, to his father's decade spent in a gulag for criticizing the Soviet regime, to his son's desire to leave the political struggles of the twentieth century in the past.  With wisdom, humor, and great empathy, Eugen Ruge draws on his own family history as he masterfully brings to life the tragic intertwining of politics, love, and family under the East German regime.  Come and participate, even if you haven't read the book!

MCC Members and Guests. No reservations required.
Men's Coffee and Conversation

Thursday, December 5, 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 Thursday and is hosted by various members who get the conversation going.  This week John Crosby has invited Adam Duininck from the Metropolitan Council to join him in leading a conversation about "This land is your land:  how we should use it."

 

Men MCC Members sign up here. Guests email MCC. 

Our Turn: A Conversation for Women 

Thursday, December 5, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Lourdes Square, 174 Bank St SE

MCC women, come and join other women in conversation! This group will meet every other Thursday alternating between morning and afternoon times. Hosts and topics will change each time, too!  Beverly FitzGerald hosts on the topic "How is this stage of your life different (or not) from previous stages?"

 

Women MCC Members sign up here.  Guests email MCC.

Holiday Happy Hour (and a Half!)
Tuesday, December 10, 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Charley's at The Depot, 225 3rd Ave South
Join us for December Happy Hour (and a Half) hosted by Sabina Sten.  Catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Dutch treat.

MCC Members and Guests. No reservations required.
Social Bridge 
Wednesday, December 11, 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, December 12, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Kenwood 15th Floor Community Room, 825 Summit Ave
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 programming, designed to support quality aging.  Lloyd Beebe and Pat Saunders co-host on the topic of "What is your holiday tradition no matter the time of year?"
  
MCC Members sign up here.
World View:  Scenes from India
Monday, December 16, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Washburn Lofts, 700 South 1st St, #62
Join us for a World View program and experience contrasting scenes of India.  The first part of the program will show Rajasthan, the historic part of India many western visitors visit.  In the second part of the program, we journey to Calcutta and the surrounding areas to learn about microfinance programs that pair with other important development services, such as education and health protection, and how these are impacting India's poorest of the poor.  Ellen and Jan Breyer and Susan Plimpton co-host.
  
MCC Members sign up here.
News From Members 
 
MCC member Merle Minda says, "Our favorite French expat, Terrance Gelenter, has just published a new e-book that is terrific: 'Terrance's 50 favorite Paris Bistros and Restos.' It is available only by e-book and one can order it on Amazon. It is really handy because it calls out restaurants, bistros and cafes arrondissement by arrondissement, so you can find something good no matter where you are in Paris. I ordered it and like it!"
  
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
   

A Peace of My Mind, American Stories

December 5, exhibit opens at 6:30 pm, program at 7 pm, square dancing at 8 pm

Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Avenue South

A Peace of My Mind invites you to a timely dialogue exploring the human condition, sharing stories from the road as the event organizers develop their second book, A Peace of My Mind, American Stories. Since 2009, award-winning Minnesota photographer and author John Noltner has asked people from diverse backgrounds the simple question, "What does peace mean to you?"  

 

National Theatre Live: Hamlet

December 7, 1 pm, St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 Main Street SE

NT Live is a groundbreaking initiative of London's National Theatre that broadcasts the world's finest stage performances to cinema screens in 22 countries around the globe. Tickets are available through the Film Society and are $20 Regular; $15 Film Society members. For more information: click here. 

 
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      
   
  

December 3: World View:  A Conversation with Sylvia and Sam Kaplan.  Members sign up here.

December 4: Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat.  No reservations!

December 5: Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members sign up here.  Guests email MCC.

December 5: Our Turn:  A Conversation for Women.  Members sign up here.  Guests email MCC.

December 10: Holiday Happy Hour (and a Half)!  No reservations!

December 11: Rendezvous at Cerasota.  No reservations!

December 11: Social Bridge.  Members sign up here.  Guests email MCC.

December 12: Aging Well:  An Ongoing Conversation.  Members sign up here. 

December 16: World View:  Scenes from India.  Members sign up here. 

December 17: Turkey, Dressings, and Extra Helpings volunteers meet. 

December 18:  Rendezvous at Cerasota.  No reservations!

December 19:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members sign up here.  Guests email MCC.

December 19:  Our Turn:  A Conversation for Women.  Members signs up here.  Guests email MCC.
 
Mill City Commons   
In the Know!
  
MCC's Sixth Annual Turkey, Dressings, and Extra Helpings
drive is in full swing.  Our goal is to provide groceries for 50 families in North Minneapolis for their holiday meal, winter clothing to our neighbors at People Serving People, and gift items to individuals and families at Exodus Residence and Mary's Place.  Donations are  requested by December 12. Thank you!
  
 

MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities

 

Rendezvous

Readers' Book Chat
First Wednesday of Every Month, 9:30-10:30 am
Cerasota Atrium
    No reservations required.
December 4 
In Times of Fading Light
by Eugen Ruge

Rendezvous at Cerasota

Wednesdays, 9-10 am

Cerasota Atrium

Drop in and join your friends and neighbors for fellowship at this neighborhood haunt.  This weekly adventure requires no reservations!

 

Our Turn  

 Thursday, December 5

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

9:30-11:00 am 

Relax and chat with other MCC women. This group meets every other week and alternates between morning and afternoon times. Look for details in the body of this newsletter.

Men's Coffee and Conversation  

 Thursday, December 5
Thursday, December 19
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

7:30-8:30am

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