Masthead
May 6, 2014
Executive Director Update
 
I'm in a class this week called "Working With Seniors: Health, Financial, and Social Issues." It has required a lot of reading in preparation, and I'm finding it very interesting. Life is full of adventures and the aging journey is a big one! I will have very limited access to either voice mail or email the rest of this week, however, Mary Texidor is available to answer your questions @ marytexidor@millcitycommons.org or 612-455-3329. 

Mary and I are working with the Program Committee and other MCC members to update our Healthy Village Series to incorporate "Aging Journey" curriculum. Look for an "Elderquest" series in the fall and more on "Bumps in the Road." The adventure continues...  -- Linnea
Milkweed Editions:  A Local Publisher 
Tuesday, May 6, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Open Book, Target Performance Hall, 1011 Washington Ave S
Please join fellow members to hear Daniel Slager, Publisher & CEO of Milkweed Editions, discuss publishing stories of several upcoming titles from the Milkweed press. Founded in Minnesota in 1980, Milkweed Editions is an independent literary press dedicated to identifying, nurturing and publishing transformative literature, and building an engaged community around it. In addition to learning how a story develops from a manuscript to a printed book, we'll hear his perspective on the future of independent publishing.
 

MCC Members sign up here; Guests email MCC.

Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat 
Wednesday, May 7, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express, 818 N 2nd St
This month's Book Chat offers a special opportunity!  We will be discussing The Monuments Men, an intriguing story of men who volunteered for service during World War II in order to save as much of the culture of Europe as possible.  The group had expertise as curators, art scholars, educators, museum directors and artists, yet they went into combat to find and protect art being pillaged by Hitler's forces.  One of the Monument Men was from Minneapolis; and his niece will join us to share stories about Walter Huchthausen, the American killed in Germany while working on the Monuments project. 
 

MCC Members and Guests welcome.  No reservations required.

Men's Coffee and Conversation 
Thursday, May 8, 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's host is Tony Hofstede who will introduce Peter Wagenius, the Senior Policy Aide to Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges.  Mr. Wagenius will update members on the Southwest LRT project and will comment on some of the mayor's priorities in the year ahead.

 

Men MCC Members sign up here; Guests email MCC.

Great Decisions 
Monday, May 12, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Winslow House Party Room, 100 2nd St S
This month's Great Decisions Discussion Group will respond to the chapter on Islamic Awakening. The aftermath of the Arab Spring has resulted in unforeseen changes in the political landscape in many countries, especially regarding the role of Islam and democracy.  How have the countries in the Maghreb reacted, including Tunisia, where the Arab Spring began?  Is U.S. foreign policy adapting successfully to all of the changes in the region?  MCC Member Sam Kaplan is our guest speaker.  Bud and Carol Hayden host.
 

MCC Great Decisions Members sign up here.

Birding Walk I 
Tuesday, May 13, 8:00 - 9:30 am
East end of the Stone Arch Bridge

Celebrate spring with the first in a series of three bird watching walks along the river!  We hope to see migrating warblers and other songbirds.  Jamie McBride, Lead Naturalist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, will lead the walks.  We will leave from the east end of the Stone Arch Bridge at 8:00 am.  Or join us at 7:45 am on the west side and walk across.  Parking is available at meters or in the Stone Arch Lofts parking lot on West River Road.

 

MCC Members sign up here; Guests email MCC.

Social Bridge

Wednesday, May 14, 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 sign up here; Guests email MCC. 

Our Turn: A Conversation for Women 

Thursday, May 15, 9:30 - 11:00 am

The Landings, 512 River St

MCC women, come and join other women in conversation!  This week's topic is "High School Best Friends:  What happened and where are they now?" hosted by Toni Rosen.


Women MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC. 

Nosy Neighbor Tour:  Hydrology Lab
Thursday, May 15, 3:00-4:00 pm
Hydrology Lab Hennepin Island, 2 Third Ave SE
Learn about the Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory, a research facility situated on Hennepin Island and affiliated with the University of Minnesota.  Built in the 1930's with funds from the Works Progress Administration and the University, the laboratory began its work in hydraulic and river engineering research as part of the Department of Civil Engineering.  The current foci of the lab include areas of energy, environment, and human health.  The lab is unique in that it uses the hydraulic head from the waterfall to provide water for many of its experiments. Please note that space is limited for this event.

MCC members sign up here.
Sunday Salad Soiree 
Sunday, May 18, 5:00-7:00 pm
Lourdes Square, 192 Bank St SE
Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Salad Soiree hosted by Scotty and Peter Gillette.  Please contribute to the potluck by bringing an appetizer, salad, bread, dessert or wine.  As you register, let us know what you will bring by responding to the "Question."  There is guest parking at both ends of the block. 
 
MCC members sign up here.
Aging Well:  What's Next? 
Monday, May 19, 3:00-4:30 pm
River West, 401 S 1st St, #1202
Join fellow members to discuss the future of our Aging Well Conversations.  This monthly conversation is part of our Healthy Village Series, programming designed to support quality aging.  Marion Kagan hosts and will lead the discussion.

MCC members sign up here.
Birding Walk II 
Tuesday, May 20, 8:00 - 9:30 am
Location TBD

Celebrate spring with the second bird watching walk along the river! We hope to see migrating warblers and other songbirds.  Jamie McBride, Lead Naturalist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, will lead the walk and determine where the second walk takes place based on where birds have been spotted.

 

MCC Members sign up here; Guests email MCC.

News From Members 
 
MCC member Dick Kavaney wants members to know that on May 8, at 7:30 am, the Northeast Network will have presentations about issues, solutions, and initiatives surrounding aging in place.  This event takes place at Eastside Co-op, 2551 Central Ave NE, in the Granite Studio. 
 
MCC member Jeanie Watson invites members to the Interact pARTy on May 14 at the Minneapolis Central Library from 6:00-9:00 pm.  To purchase an advanced ticket or to learn more, click here.
 
MCC member Patty Connelly wants to let members know that there's an EDC business forum on Thursday, May 15, on "The Minnesota Vikings: New Game Day Experience" to better understand what game day will look like in 2016.  The forum is from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, at 1010 Metrodome Square and costs $15 for lunch.   RSVP by May 12 by emailing the EDC. 
 
Several MCC members will be participating in Art-A-Whirl.  Katie Searl will be at her studio at the Northrup King Building, 1500 Jackson St NE, #300 on May 17 & 18 from 12-5 pm and Patty Canney's studio doors will be open May 16 from 5-10 pm, May 17 from 12-8 pm, and May 18 from 12-5 pm at 2205 California St NE, #406.

MCC members Barbara McBurney, Pat Hoven, and Penny Hunt invite members to join them at the World Savvy Gala on May 29.  See how World Savvy students and teachers convert Knowledge to Action to create change in their communities and the world.  RSVP by May 20 by clicking here.
 
MCC member Dick Kavaney shares an article on Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's trail of the month: Minnesota's Dinkytown Greenway.
Around Town

 

Mill City Farmer's Market - - Opening Day

May 10, 8 am - 1 pm, Chicago Avenue between 2nd St S and West River Parkway

Kick off Mother's Day weekend and celebrate the much awaited spring season with farm-fresh foods, live music, and local fine arts and crafts.  For details on the market, click here.

 

The Soap Factory Presents:  We Are Water

May 10-June 7, Soap Factory, 514 2nd St SE

An exhibition by Wang Ping, We Are Water is the culmination of the five-year Kinship of Rivers project linking the spiritual cultures on the Yangtze and Mississippi rivers.  Artists bring poetry and stories to life with art installations, music, and performance. Learn more by clicking here.

  

Input Sought on Statewide Bike Plan

May 15, 4:00-6:00 pm, University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center, 2001 Plymouth Ave N

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is holding workshops to provide a brief project overview and gather input on the bike plan.  For more information or to learn alternate ways of submitting input, click here.

 

Northern Spark Volunteer Opportunities

June 14, 9:00 pm - 6:00 am, Various downtown locations

Northern Spark is an all-night arts festival that lights up Minneapolis the second Saturday in June.  Northern Spark planners are currently looking for volunteers who know the neighborhood to sign up for shifts! For more information, click here.

 

Mill City Times

It's a metro website devoted specifically to our neighborhood and a place to go to find out what's happening, whether it's a new restaurant opening, a local event, proposed construction, etc.  Check it out at MillCityTimes.com.

MCC Upcoming Events 
                    
View the May Calendar here

 

May 6:  Milkweed Editions: A Local Publisher.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 7:  Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat.  No reservations required.

May 8:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 12:  Great Decisions.  MCC Great Decisions members click here.

May 13:  Birding Walk I.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 13:  Program Committee Meeting.  

May 14:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

May 14:  Social Bridge.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 14:  MCC Annual and Monthly Board Meeting. Members click here. 

May 15:  Our Turn:  A Conversation for Women.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 15:  Nosy Neighbor Tour:  Hydrology Lab.  Members click here.

May 18:  Sunday Salad Soiree.  Members click here.

May 19:  Aging Well:  What's Next?  Members click here.  

May 20:  Birding Walk II.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 21:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

May 22:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 27:  Birding Walk III.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 27:  Last Tuesday Happy Hour.  No reservations required!
Mill City Commons   
Did You Know?
 
... that May is Older Americans Month?
This year the Administration for Community Living is focusing on injury prevention to help older Americans stay active and healthy.  

Did you know that unintentional injuries result in 6 million medically treated injuries and 30,000 deaths each year?  It's important to know that the leading causes of injuries are falls, motor vehicle-related incidents, suffocation, medication overdose, and fires/burns. 

Here are some tools that could help prevent unintentional injuries: a Home Fall Prevention Checklist and a Safety Tip Sheet.
 
 

MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities

 

Rendezvous

Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, May 7 
9:30-10:30 am
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
    No reservations required.
The Monuments Men by Robert Edsel
 

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, May 8
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: A Conversation for Women 

Thursday, May 15

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.

 

 

MCC Ongoing Fitness Opportunities


SBS Class

                            Thursdays

2:00-3:00pm
501FIT,
501 Washington Avenue
Created exclusively for MCC, this class at 501F1T focuses on strength, balance, and stretching. 
First time participants, please contact 501F1T at 612-767-4415 and arrive 20 minutes early to complete paperwork. Cost varies depending on commitment.

  

  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