Masthead
September 9, 2014
Executive Director Update

After an absolutely gorgeous weekend, we're about to get a taste of fall weather. The 10 day forecast predicts summer will return next week (the fall equinox is still two weeks away!). Meanwhile, we have sweater weather ahead through the weekend. I'm planning on pulling out my favorite sweater and joining members for the Coldwater Spring Historical Nature Tour this Thursday at 10:00am. We're expecting cool but dry weather -- perfect for walking this park in progress, where oak savannah, prairie, and bluff top woodlands have been restored from a former Bureau of Mines site. Join me for a pleasant country-like walk and learn about the history and restoration -- our guide comes to us with high recommendations. Guests are welcome -- please register in advance via the link in the details below. Hope to see you soon!
 -- Linnea 
Bridging East and West:  Yi Kai
Wednesday, September 10, 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Artspace, 250 3rd Ave N, Jim Conaway's Studio, #204
Born and trained in China, Yi Kai moved to the United States to continue his artistic studies, including time at Artspace in Minneapolis.  He is well known in the local art community and was represented by Dolly Fiterman when he was working here.  His internationally acclaimed work blends art from east and west and his paintings serve as bridges between cultures.  Join this reception to see Yi Kai's new work and enjoy wine and refreshments.

MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Men's Coffee and Conversation 
Thursday, September 11, 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 conversation leader is Doug Baker whose topic is "Written legacies - how to share your life's stories and values with your descendants." 

 

Men MCC Members sign up here; Guests email MCC.

Coldwater Spring Historical Nature Tour
Thursday, September 11, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Coldwater Spring, 5601 Minnehaha Park Dr S
Come and walk along the banks of the first American settlement in Minnesota, where there is evidence of habitation 10,000 years ago.  Tour Coldwater Spring, a park in progress, where oak savannah, prairie, and bluff top woodlands have been restored from a former Bureau of Mines site and where the old springhouse and reservoir remain.  A pleasant country-like walk and interesting story of settlement, later use, and restoration come together on a terrain that is accessible to all (including wheelchairs). 

MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.

In the Know:  Vikings Stadium
Monday, September 15, 4:00 - 6:00 pm
American Academy of Neurology, Training Room A&B, 201 Chicago Ave
Interested in architecture?  Interested in what is happening in the neighborhood? Interested in sports?  If any of these things interest you then don't miss this special event!  Michelle Kelm Helgen, chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority will give us a presentation on the vision and progress of the new Vikings stadium and what to expect in the coming months.  The event will be held at the beautiful new Academy of Neurology, where we'll enjoy a glass of wine on the gorgeous balcony following the presentation.

MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Elderquest in Today's Movies:  An Introduction
Tuesday, September 16, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
RiverWest, 401 S 1st St
Don't miss the bus, boat, car, truck, or even the riding mower, for our elder heroes use them all to embark on the most important journeys of their lives. We call them Elderquests-the search for wisdom, connection, and integrity in later life-and they're providing us all with new, and more positive, narratives for successful aging. In this first session, Professor Robert Yahnke will introduce us to Elderquests in Today's Movies, developed by the University of Massachusetts Boston with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and disseminated through Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes around the country. A follow up session in two weeks will include an Elderquest film followed by a guided discussion.

MCC members sign up here.

Social Bridge

Wednesday, September 17, 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, September 18, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Stone Arch Lofts, 600 S 2nd St #602
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 is "Let's Talk About Laughter."  The Mayo Clinic and PBS pitch laughter to increase endorphins and dopamine, relax us, and reduce our pain and stress and even stimulate our organs. It can turn a disaster or embarrassment into a funny story. It comes in different flavors: witty, slapstick, raucous, wry, bawdy, dead pan etc.  Let's talk about humor in our lives (or the sorry lack of) and how it serves or saves us. Or tell a story that makes you grin and the rest of us feel better. Penny Winton hosts.

 

Women MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Technology Helpdesk
Monday, September 22, 4:30 - 6:00 pm
MCC Office, 219 Main St SE, Suite 401
Schedule time with a Tech Support Guru from Backpack Tactics and have your nagging technology questions answered during our complimentary Helpdesk. Backpack Tactics can provide support for both Apple products and PCs.  When you register, MCC will confirm the time of your 20-30 minute one-to-one session. Reminder:  Installing or upgrading software and creating accounts cannot be included in the Helpdesk session, as they exceed the allotted appointment time.

Members sign up here.
News from Members

MCC member Carol Jordan invites members to "Global Conversations:  China's Foreign Policy" at the Minneapolis Central Library on September 10 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.  The event is free but pre-registration is required.  For more information or to register, click here.  

MCC member Marcia Townley wants to bring members' attention to the book launch of The Opportunity Equation in St. Paul on Wednesday, September 17, from 5:30-7:30 pm.  The book is part personal narrative, part Citizen Schools founding story, and ultimately a chronicle of educational opportunity in America.  The hope is that the book will help to advance and change the national education conversation, and to lift up Citizen Schools and similar mentoring and hands-on learning programs in a meaningful way.  To RSVP to the free book reading and discussion, click here.  
Around Town

 

Trapped by History:  the Past and Future of the Upper Mississippi River

September 9, 7:00 pm, 84 Church St SE, Best Buy Theater

Dr. Anfinson, National Park Superintendent, will discuss the transformation of the Mississippi River's physical and ecological character.  He will answer whether we're trapped by history's decisions surrounding the river or if changes can be made to ensure that the river's ecosystem is healthy and abundant.  The program is free and open to the public.  For more information, click here.

 

Entrants Sought for Mill City Farmers Market Fourth Annual Bread Festival

September 13, Mill City Farmers Market, 704 S 2nd St

Enter your home-baked bread and have it judged by local experts!  The competition highlights the tradition of bread baking right at the heart of the historical milling landmark.  There are two categories:  quick breads and yeasted breads, with extra points going to those who use local ingredients.  To register, click here.  

 

Ukrainian Heritage Festival

September 21, 12:00-5:00 pm, Ukrainian Center, 301 Main St NE

Join in the fun to celebrate all things Ukrainian! There are carnival games, an outdoor beer garden, Ukrainian food, live concerts, and a pierogi eating competition. For more details and the concert schedule, 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 September Calendar here

 

September 9:  Program Committee Meeting.

September 10:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

September 10:  MCC Board Meeting.  Members click here.

September 10:  Bridging East and West: Yi Kai.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

September 11:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

September 11:  Coldwater Spring Historical Nature Tour.  Members click here.

September 15:  In the Know:  Vikings Stadium.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

September 16:  Elderquest in Today's Movies:  An Introduction.  Members click here.

September 17:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

September 17:  Social Bridge.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

September 18:  Our Turn: A Conversation for Women.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

September 22:  Technology Helpdesk.  Members click here.

September 24:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

September 24:  Somali Artifact and Cultural Museum's Pop Up Gallery.  Members click here.

September 25:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

September 26:  Minnesota Twins:  Behind the Scenes With a Curator.  Members click here.

September 30:  Elderquest the Movie:  Central Station.  Members click here.

September 30:  Last Tuesday Happy Hour.  No reservations required.
 
Volunteer Opportunities 

Click here to learn about community volunteer opportunities on the MCC website!
 

Looking for a healthy fitness program? Enjoy exercising with friends at one of

 

  Mill City Commons

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.

 

MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities

 

Rendezvous

Readers' Book Chat
1st Wednesday of the month
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
   No reservations required.
The Art Forger
 by B.A. Shapiro

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.

 

 
Ongoing Member-Led Activities

 

Men's B&BS Lunch
Elsie's Restaurant,
729 Marshall St NE
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
 September 18 and October 2
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact  Allan Burdick
Mill City Commons | 219 Main Street SE, Suite 401, Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.millcitycommons.org | info@millcitycommons.org  
612-455-3329