Masthead
July 15, 2014
Executive Director Update

The Internet is an incredible tool, but only when it is working! The MCC office was without Internet access all day yesterday and until noon today. Please accept our apologies for any late responses.
The August calendar is now on the website and available via link under MCC Upcoming Events. Many thanks to our Program Committee led by MCC members Patty Connelly and Peggy Lucas for continuing to come up with original, exclusive programming! If you would like to get involved by planning an event or hosting a program such as a Sunday Soiree or Last Tuesday Happy Hour, please let me know!
Hope to see you at an upcoming event!  -- Linnea
Great Decisions 
Tuesday, July 15, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 
The Towers Garden Room, 15 S 1st St
Ukraine's recent political upheavals, Russia's assertiveness and Western uncertainty have combined to raise concerns of a new Cold War, a fresh need for NATO - or a sense that this isn't really an outsider's fight.  MCC member Bill Davnie has been in Ukraine pre- and post- independence, and served in Moscow.  He will seek to untwist some of the strands of this complex and worrisome situation.  This event is for members who have signed up for Great Decisions 2014.
 
MCC Great Decisions members sign up here.
Men's Coffee and Conversation 
Thursday, July 17, 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.  Tom Carrier will be this week's Conversation Leader and will be introducing Executive Director Mary Pat Lee and her colleague Joel Bergstrom who will talk about their work at the Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery.  Last year, 4500 children in Minnesota suffered abuse and neglect and 7 died as a result.  Come hear how the Crisis Nursery works to end abuse and neglect and create strong, healthy families.  

 

Men MCC Members sign up here; Guests email MCC.

Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show 
Friday, July 18, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
1758 West River Rd N
During daring and beautiful acts on water including barefooting, pyramids, doubles, and more, a storyline will unfold.  Bring a blanket or chair and grab a spot on the river to watch this public Aquatennial Water Ski Show.  Concessions are provided on-site.
 
MCC members and guests.  No reservations required.
Sunday Salad Soiree 
Sunday, July 20, 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Humboldt Lofts, 750 South 2nd St #901
Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Salad Soiree hosted by Mary and Tom Racciatti. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing an appetizer, salad, bread, or dessert and your own beverage.  As you register, let us know what you will be bringing by answering the "Question" that will appear on the screen. Registration closes on Friday at 12 pm.

 

 

MCC members sign up here.

Social Bridge

Wednesday, July 23, 3:00 - 5:00 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, July 24, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
401 N 2nd St, #302
MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn:  A Conversation for Women. This group meets every other Thursday alternating between morning and afternoon times. This week's topic will focus on four questions that may help us create a journey and set goals.  Ask yourself: "How do I want to spend my time? What daily activities make me want to leap out of bed?  What do I want to learn?  Who do I want to hang out with?  Talk with?  Collaborate with?"  Susan Hartman hosts.

Women MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Target Fireworks 
Saturday, July 26, 10:00-11:00 pm
West River Parkway, along the Mississippi River
One of the largest annual firework shows in the country, the Target Fireworks will light up the Minneapolis sky at 10 pm with a spectacular pyrotechnic display in celebration of the 75th Aquatennial.  
 
MCC members and guests.  No reservations required.
A Day at Canterbury Park  
Sunday, July 27, 12:00-3:00 pm
1100 Canterbury Rd
The presidential suite at Canterbury Park has been reserved to provide members with a special day at the racetrack, as well as an opportunity to meet members of the Daybreakers Breakfast Club and the Minneapolis University Rotary Club.  Enjoy the delicious Sunday buffet brunch, 7 TVs, private bar, and a private betting window. The cost is $26.95 per person and includes admission and brunch.  The first race goes off at 12:45 pm but anyone who wants to bet the daily double may want to arrive between 11:30 and 11:45 to do their handicapping. Races run until 5 pm.  Guests can come early and stay as long as they wish.  The fee can be paid in advance to MCC staff.  Those signing up this week will be assigned Club House table seating but will have access to the Presidential Suite.
 
MCC members sign up here by July 16.
Nosy Neighbor Tour:  Hennepin Cultural District
Tuesday, July 29, 3:30-5:00 pm
Cowles Center, Target Room, 528 Hennepin Ave
Engage in conversation with leaders of the Hennepin Cultural District and discuss plans for a re-energized, walkable Hennepin Avenue and unified cultural district stretching from the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden to the Mississippi Riverfront.  Hear some short presentations about adding more cultural activity to make the Avenue, the heart of the downtown district, and surrounding areas a more inviting place.  Ask questions of Scott Mayer of the Hennepin Theatre Trust, Wendy Holmes of Artspace, Lynn Von Eschen of the Cowles Center, and Ryan French of the Walker Art Center. 

MCC members sign up here.
Last Tuesday Happy Hour 
Tuesday, July 29, 5:00-6:00 pm
Mason's Restaurant and Barre, 528 Hennepin Ave
Join us for the Last Tuesday Happy Hour. Catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Dutch treat - no reservations required!  John and Sonia Cairns host at Mason's Restaurant and Barre.  Should you want to stay for dinner, make reservations directly with Mason's at 612-206-3600.
 
MCC members and guests.  No reservations required.
News from Members

 
MCC member Sabina Sten is volunteering for the Mill District Block Party on National Night Out and is wondering if others would like to volunteer.  Help is needed with set-up at 4:30 pm or clean-up at 9 pm on Tuesday, August 5.  If you're interested, email Cynthia Kriha or call 612-940-3827.
 

Hearing loss keeping you away from the movie theater?  MCC members Allan & Lou Burdick have discovered a solution. Regal Theatres in Minneapolis and Brooklyn Center offer closed caption glasses which project text of the actors' dialogue about 10 feet in front of the user (invisible to other patrons).  Just ask for them at the box office when you buy your ticket. Regal Cinema's CEO, whose son is deaf, was inspired to develop the technology that allows hearing accessibility for every show time, for every feature.

 

MCC member Carol Jordan invites members to an interesting author talk sponsored by the Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library on July 17 at 6:30 pm in the Doty Board Room at the Central Library.  Listen to Bryan D. Palmer, author of "Revolutionary Teamsters:  the Minneapolis Truckers' Strikes of 1934," to mark the 80th anniversary of "Bloody Friday" and the strikes that had state-wide significance and galvanized the labor movement in Minnesota.

 

MCC member Patty Connelly wants members to know that the Plymouth Playhouse has a new Broadway show opening on July 18.  "Ring of Fire" captures the life and music of Johnny Cash.  For more information, click here.


Around Town

 

Kayak Tour to the River Rats Water Ski Show

July 23, 6:30-9:30 pm, Above the Falls Sports, 120 3rd Ave N

The Cynthia Froid Group is thanking clients and neighbors for their support by offering a free kayak tour to watch the River Rats Water Ski Show.  RSVP by July 18 to admin@cynthiafroid.com or (612) 568-8571.

 

Minnesota Center for Book Arts Unabashedly Bookish Bash

July 19, 7:00-10:00 pm, MCBA in the Open Book building

Take a trip to the tropics and support MCBA's programs that are offered to artists. Tickets are $30 and include food, open bar, live music, and great art.  View the "Art Mart," featuring donated work by local, national, and international artists and the "Cover-Up" gallery of altered book covers.  To purchase tickets, click here.

 

Once Upon a Mattress

July 31, reception at 5:30, performance at 7 pm, Lundstrum Center, 1617 N 2nd St

Join the opening night performance of Once Upon a Mattress, featuring students of the Lundstrum Center.  Tickets are $30 and include a pre-show party, with refreshments and hors d'oeurves, the show, and the opportunity to meet the director and cast.  To purchase tickets, call 612-521-2600 or email tickets@lundstrumcenter.org.   

 

Global Conversation

August 13, 5:30-7:30 pm, Minneapolis Central Library, Doty Board Room

A new program series has been created in partnership with the Minnesota International Center and Friends of the Minneapolis Central Library to be held the 2nd Wednesday of the month starting in August.  This month's topic will be "Food and Climate" with guest speaker Mr. Jamshed Merchant, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis, who was formerly a soil scientist.  To register, 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 July Calendar here
View the August Calendar here

 

July 15:  Great Decisions.  Members click here.

July 16:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

July 17:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here.  Guests email MCC.

July 18:  Twin Cities River Rats Aquatennial Water Ski Show.  Members click here.

July 20:  Sunday Salad Soiree.  Members click here.

July 23:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

July 23:  Social Bridge.  Members click here.  Guests email MCC.

July 23:  Torchlight Parade.  Members click here.

July 24:  Our Turn:  A Conversation for Women.  Members click here.  Guests email MCC.

July 26:  Target Fireworks.  Members click here.

July 27:  A Day at Canterbury Park.  Members click here.  Guests email MCC.

July 29:  Nosy Neighbor Tour:  Hennepin Cultural District.  Members click here.

July 29:  Last Tuesday Happy Hour.  No reservations required.

July 30:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

July 31:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here.  Guests email MCC.

August 5:  Program Committee meeting. 

August 5:  National Night Out.  Members click here.
Mill City Commons   
Did You Know?

...about the My Health Care Wishes app?

This new app, released by the American Bar Association, enables you to manage and share important health care wishes using your smartphone.  You upload your completed advance directives and have immediate access to it in an emergency.  The "lite" app is free or you can pay $3.99 for the "pro" version.

 For more information, click here.
 
Ongoing Member-Led Activities
 
Men's B&B Lunch
Elsie's Restaurant,
729 Marshall St NE
Alternating Thursdays at 12 pm
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact  Allan Burdick
 

MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities

 

Rendezvous

Readers' Book Chat
1st Wednesday of the month
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
   No reservations required.
Driftless by David Rhodes

Rendezvous on 5

Wednesdays

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  

Elsie's Restaurant,

729 Marshall Street NE

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

Our Turn: A Conversation for Women 

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