Masthead
February 4, 2014
Executive Director Update
 
MCC member, friend and neighbor Joan Mondale passed away Monday afternoon surrounded by her husband, sons and family members at Mount Olivet Careview Home. Services will be held Saturday at noon at Westminster Presbyterian Church in downtown Minneapolis. We send our sincere condolences to husband Walter and sons Ted and William. Joan will be missed by not just our community, but by the many friends she made around the country and around the world.

You'll notice in this issue of Musings that all event links direct you to email. Because we are transitioning to our new website, (we hope to launch it tomorrow if everything goes as planned) we ask you to email us your registration between now and launch time and we will add your registration to the new website. Again, if all goes as planned, all members will receive an email tomorrow with directions on how to log in to the new site. Please be patient with us during this transition!

-- Linnea
Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, February 5, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express, 818 S 2nd St
Join us to discuss Being Esther by Miriam Karmel.  Born to parents who fled the shtetl, Esther Lustig has led a seemingly conventional life- marriage, two children, a life in suburban Chicago.  Now, at the age of eighty-five, her husband is deceased, her children have families of their own, and most of her friends are gone.  Even in this diminished condition, life has its moments of richness, as well as its memorable characters.  Being Esther is an exploration of aging, a search for meaning, and about the need, as Esther puts it, for better roadmaps for growing old.  
 
MCC Members and Guests.  No reservations required. 
Social Bridge
Wednesday, February 5, 3:00 - 5:15 pm
Stone Arch Lofts Community Room, 600 S 2nd St
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 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 beings immediately at 3:00 pm.

Members and Guests email MCC.

Our Turn: A Conversation for Women 

Thursday, February 6, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Security Warehouse Lofts, 404 N Washington Ave

MCC women, come and join other women in conversation! This week's topic is "So...how's that retirement going for you?" hosted by Carol Jordan.  Please note that this is a secure building, and attendees will need to dial 247 on the security system to call the community room and get buzzed in.  There will be an MCC Member at the door until 3:35 pm to help direct participants to the community room so please plan to arrive early.

 

Women MCC Members and Guests email MCC. 

Sunday Soup Soiree
Sunday, February 9, 5:00 - 7:00 pm 
RiverWest Community Room, 401 S 1st St 
Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soup Soiree hosted by Peggy Weber, Bob Whitlock, and their neighbors at RiverWest.  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, side dish, bread, cookies, bars, or wine.  We hope to see you there!

MCC Members email MCC.
Great Decisions 
Monday, February 10, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
The Towers Community Room, 15 S 1st St
The Great Decisions Discussion Group is centered on the Great Decisions briefing book developed by the Foreign Policy Association.  John Harrigan, retired professor of Political Science at Hamline University, will discuss Energy Independence.  Taking the bargaining chip of oil dependence off the table would be good for American foreign policy.  But the very technological advances that make independence possible have created a dilemma for lawmakers.  In a government with fixed resources, should the U.S. encourage more traditional fuel production or invest in the young technology of renewable resources?  LLoyd Beebe hosts.
 
MCC Great Decision Members email MCC.
Finishing Well Part II:  Rest in Peace 
Tuesday, February 11, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Winslow House Community Room, 100 2nd St SE
This presentation by the Funeral Consumers Alliance of Minnesota is laced with facts and humor about the history, growth, and current status of the funeral industry, and includes non-traditional alternatives such as green cremation, home care of the body, and green burial.  Additional information will be provided regarding the Funeral Home Price Survey.

MCC Members email MCC.
Men's Coffee and Conversation 
Thursday, February 13, 7:30 - 8:30 am
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE

Coffee 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, Keith Bednarowskiwill has invited Wade Lau, the President and CEO of Founders Properties LLC to speak. Founders does limited partnerships that invest in commercial and industrial real estate. Wade will give examples how real estate investments are found, purchased, managed and then sold. 

 
Men MCC Members and Guests email MCC.

Burnet Gallery Tour:  Anne Labovitz
Tuesday, February 18, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Burnet Gallery at Le Meridian Chambers, 901 Hennepin Ave
 
Join us for artist Anne Labovitz's solo show, "Layers" at the Burnet Gallery, a commercial gallery located in Le Meridian Chambers.  View Ms. Labovitz's collection of portraits - composite, multi-tiered works consisting of layer upon layer of woodcuts and drawings to create a singular impression.  Each portrait is constructed over time with 100 or more layers of images and includes several different individuals, speaking to the different aspects within each of us.  The Weisman recently acquired two of the artist's pieces in this exhibit.  Appetizers will be provided by MCC member Madeline Betsch, who has several works by Anne in her home.  A cash bar will be available.  

MCC Members and Guests email MCC.  
News From Members 

MCC member Katie Searl invites you to a fashion show and gourmet luncheon fundraiser for Friends of the MIA Thursday, March 6th featuring dugo, a premier clothing store at the Galleria in Edina. dugo is prepared to delight you with fashions from Armani, Escada and other designers. Check-in at 11:30am MIA Reception Hall. Tickets are $75 ($40 tax-deductible) at (612) 870-3000 tickets@artsmia.org.
 
MCC Member Sabina Sten shares an opportunity to hear from three leaders in our neighborhood at the East Downtown Council Business Forum on Thursday, February 20, at the Guthrie Theater. Guest speakers Kyle Carpenter, MacPhail Center for Music CEO, Joe Dowling, Director, Guthrie Theater and Dr. Jon Hallberg, Medical Director at the Mill City Clinic and NPR commentator will discuss the unique synergies their organizations bring to the Mill District. Registration, lunch and networking start at 11:30am, with the EDC Update and guest presentations starting at noon. Please RSVP no later than Monday, February 17, at 4:00pm by sending an email to info@edcmpls.org. The cost is $15 paid with cash or a check at the door.

 

MCC member Dick Olson would like to invite other MCC members to get involved as Beta Testers for a new computer application identified by AgePower Tech Search (jointly supported by Ecumen and MOJO Minnesota). AgePower locates and promotes new innovations that could have a positive impact on aging. They have identified a number of businesses including ForMyChildren which is enlisting people to try out their product code and report on any problems during a Beta Test. Two videos will introduce ForMyChildren as a secure storage for important values, memories, pictures and documents. You will need a password for both videos: LifeDepositBox2014.Those involved with the test will be given free support for a year. Please contact Dick at aromolson@gmail.com for details. Intro (2.5minutes): Vimeo.com/81889796  Product demo (5 minutes): Vimeo.com/82431979 

MCC members were buzzing about these New York Times articles at last week's Happy Hour. Exercise to Age Well, Whatever Your Age and The Older Mind May Just Be a Fuller Mind

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
   

"Fluxjob" Exhibition presented by the Minnesota Center for Book Arts

February 7, 6-9 pm Opening Reception, 1011 Washington Ave S

Join the MCBA for a new exhibit titled "Fluxjob," an exploration of contemporary artists who create interdisciplinary anti-art that is ephemeral, inexpensive, and interactive.  Work by over 75 artists will be featured, representing a wildly diverse cross-section of work from around the world.  For more information, click here.  

 

Out of the Pan Into the Fire presented by the Moving Company

February 7 - March 2, Lab Theater, 700 N 1st St

Out of the Pan Into the Fire uses the world of fairy tales as its jumping off point and features The Moving Company's signature physical imagery.  With magic, music, and a contemporary narrative, the production leads the audience to a place Grimm and grotesque, nasty and naive.  Shows at 7:30 pm Thursday-Sunday.  Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets, click here.  


Ten Thousand Things presents "The Music Man"

February 14 - March 9, Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave S

In its hallmark barebones musical style, Ten Thousand Things re-examines Meredith Wilson's story of a town and its people, who hardened by life, find themselves taken on a journey that allows them to trust again.  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday shows at 8 pm. Sunday shows at 4 pm.  Tickets are $25.  To purchase tickets, 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      
   
February 5:  Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat.  No reservations required.

February 5:  Social Bridge.  Members and Guests email MCC.

February 6:  Our Turn:  A Conversation for Women.  Members and Guests email MCC.

February 9:  Sunday Soup Soiree.  Members email MCC.

February 10:  Great Decisions.  MCC Great Decisions members email MCC.

February 11:  Finishing Well Part II:  Rest in Peace.  Members email MCC. 

February 12:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations necessary.

February 13:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members and Guests email MCC.

February 18:  Burnet Gallery Tour:  Anne Labovitz.  Members email MCC.

February 19:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations necessary.

February 19:  Social Bridge.  Members sign up here.  Guests email MCC. 

February 20:  Our Turn:  A Conversation for Women.  Members and Guests email MCC. 

February 20:  Aging Well:  An Ongoing Conversation.  Members email MCC.

February 23:  World View:  The Baltics.  Members email MCC. 

February 25:  Finishing Well Part III:  Grief Resources.  Members email MCC. 

February 25:  Last Tuesday Happy Hour.  No reservations necessary.
Mill City Commons   
In the Know!
 
Here are a couple of tips on using the new site:
1.  There's a floating menu on the right-hand side of the screen.  The third button allows you to adjust the font size on the page.  The fourth button allows you to jump back to the top of the page.  
2.  If there's an event coming up soon, you can simply click on the event title on the homepage and it will take you to the registration page (if you're signed in).  Or, you can go to the Calendar and click on the event title to see more information and register.  To register, simply click "Register Now."
 
 Warning:  We have heard that a "glitch" with our new website provider is that on occasion, an email may be sent out to a member without our knowledge, specifically regarding membership renewals.  We hope this will not happen but if it does, we will try to let you know as quickly as we can that the email was sent in error.
  
-- Mary Texidor
 

MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities

 

Rendezvous

Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, February 5, 9:30-10:30 am
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
    No reservations required.
Being Esther by
Miriam Karmel 
 

Rendezvous on 5

Wednesdays, 9-10 am

Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express

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

 

Men's Coffee and Conversation  

Thursday, February 13
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.

Our Turn  

Thursday, February 6

3:30 - 5:00 pm 

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.

 

 

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