Masthead
October 28, 2014
Executive Director Update
 
Join us tonight for Last Tuesday Happy Hour at Day Block Brewing Company! They are known for their hand-crafted beers and are always brewing something new -- check out their latest lineup here before you go. MCC members Judy Healey and Penny Hunt host -- guests are welcome -- we hope to see you there! You'll find more details below.
-- Linnea
Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, October 28, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Day Block Brewing Company, 1105 Washington Ave S
Join us for the Last Tuesday Happy Hour. Catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Dutch treat - no reservations required!  Judy Healey and Penny Hunt co-host at Day Block Brewing Company.  We will be in the Tap Room, which is on the left as you enter the restaurant.

MCC members and guests welcome.  No reservations required!

Social Bridge

Wednesday, October 29, 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, October 30, 9:30 - 11:00 am
La Rive Community Room, 110 Bank St SE 
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 Carol Jordan and Arvonne Fraser host Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges, who will give women an update on current issues affecting Minneapolis. There will also be time for your questions to be answered by Mayor Hodges.

Women MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
In the Know: Ecumen's Mill City Quarter Senior Housing Project
Monday, November 3, 4:00 - 5:30 pm
Nicollet Island Inn, 95 Merriam St
Learn the latest on development in the neighborhood from Matt McNeill, Ecumen's Director of Business Development.  Mill City Quarter is the name of the parcel adjacent to RiverWest -- plans are to break ground next spring for two new multi-unit housing developments. Ecumen is developing half the parcel into independent senior housing with a memory care floor. Find out more about their plans to provide the neighborhood with more than senior housing, but public spaces as well. 

 

MCC members sign up here.

Encore!  Photo Tips: How to Make Fine Art Photographs
Tuesday, November 4, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Bottineau Library, 55 Broadway St NE
Back by popular demand!  In this program, MCC Member Mike Rosen will once again share some thoughts and techniques on how to raise your image quality to the level of an art form rather than simply postcard-like snapshots.  Mike is both a world traveler and serious fine art photographer.  He will use some of his favorite photos from around the world (including recent trips to the Columbia and Snake Rivers and Lake Superior's North Shore) to illustrate how you can notice, see the beauty in and clearly define your subjects, and then compose artistic, creative images.  The program will not cover how to use your cameras, exposure settings or editing.

MCC members sign up here.
Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, November 5, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Guthrie Theater, Level 5 Express, 818 S 2nd St
Join us to discuss Empty Mansions, by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr, the story of a fairy tale in reverse:  a bright, talented daughter, born into a family of extreme wealth and privilege, who secrets herself away from the outside world.  Empty Mansions is a rich mystery of wealth and loss, connecting the Gilded Age opulence of the 19th century with a 21st century battle over a $300 million inheritance.  At its heart is a reclusive heiress named Huguette Clark.  Though she owned palatial homes in California, New York, and Connecticut, why had she lived for twenty years in a simple hospital room, despite being in excellent health?  Why were her valuables being sold off?  Was she in control of her fortune, or controlled by those managing her money?

 

MCC members and guests.  No reservations required.

Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, November 6, 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 Ron Vantine will lead a discussion of what we have been reading this year. Come prepared to recommend one or two books that you have found particularly interesting or enjoyable. Feel free to bring a copy of any book that you recommend.

 

Men MCC Members sign up here; Guests email MCC.

At the Movies:  Bucket List
Thursday, November 6, 1:30 - 4:00 pm
RiverWest, 401 S 1st St, #1202
The movie Bucket List pairs two unlikely seniors who learn from one another on their extraordinary journey together.  A billionaire and a mechanic meet in a hospital room and each receive a terminal diagnosis.  They decide to fulfill their bucket lists together; finding joy and a renewed interest in life.  After the movie, discuss what type of journey has taken place, whether we have bucket lists that we do or don't take notice of, and whether the journey differs by gender.  If you'd like to watch the movie on your own, join us for the discussion at 3:15. 

MCC members sign up here.
Great Decisions 
Monday, November 10, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
The Towers Garden Room, 15 S 1st St
This month's Great Decisions Discussion Group will respond to the chapter on Israel and the U.S.  Modern Israel's struggles with the Palestinians have turned what was meant as a safe haven for Jews into the center of a decades-long conflict.  The U.S. has stepped in as Israel's ally due to the two countries' shared values, providing years of unparalleled military and diplomatic support.  But now those ties are being tested.  This month's speaker is Henry Berman, a retired associate of Ecolab Inc. in St Paul, where he had a 34 year career, working in both domestic and global markets.  He has strong personal ties to the Middle East and is a frequent visitor to the Region.  He is particularly interested in the politics of this volatile area.  This event is for members who have signed up for Great Decisions 2014 and is hosted by Pamela and Robert Berkwitz. 

MCC Great Decisions members sign up here.
Cooking for a Crowd
Tuesday, November 11, 10:00 - 11:30 am
The Landings, 510 River St
Just in time for the holiday season, Restaurateur Sylvia Kaplan leads a program and discussion on how to cook for a crowd. Sylvia says the secret to success is having a strategic plan and making food ahead to reduce stress and make it fun for everyone. She will share both tips and stories. Members are encouraged to bring their own stories of the travails and successes of entertaining.

MCC members sign up here.
News from Members

MCC members Karla Ekdahl and Peter Hutchinson and Frances and Frank Wilkinson invite you to join them for New Cinema Now, an event with fabulous auction items, delicious hors d'oeurves, a premiere screening and an exclusive film party on November 14 at 6:00 pm.  All proceeds benefit the Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul.  Tickets can be purchased here.  If you have any questions, contact Susan Smoluchowski.  

MCC member Laura Crosby invites members to Soo Visual Arts Center's 11th Annual Juried Exhibition:  Untitled 11.  The show runs from November 15-December 28 and there is an Opening Reception on November 15 from 6:00-9:00 pm at 2638 Lyndale Ave S.  One of Laura's photos, Sex Trafficking Via the Rear View Mirror, will be featured in the exhibit.
Around Town

Thursday Morning Artist Series:  Peter Arnstein

November 6, 10:30 am, MacPhail Center for Music, 501 S 2nd St

A winner of international competitions in both composition and piano, Peter Arnstein is a pianist and composer who has appeared with the Minnesota Orchestra and has accompanied many members of the Twin Cities' two main orchestras and college music faculties.  Individual tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 or there are annual series membership subscriptions for $75 general/$65 seniors.  

 

Native Cooking

November 9, 1:00-3:00 pm, Weisman Art Museum, 333 East River Rd

Learn ancestral cooking traditions with James Champagne, a Native chef and member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa.

 

How'd They Do That?  The Cocktail Hour

December 6, 9:00-11:00 am, Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St S

What was the inspiration for the set?  Was the play rewritten in rehearsals?  Aren't those wigs itchy?  Through these eye-opening workshops, you can learn how the Guthrie's artists and staff create a production - from early development and designs to rehearsals, costume fittings, and staging of the play.  $15/person per workshop. Click here for tickets.

 

River Trip Planner

Want to have fun, stay fit, and reduce environmental impact while exploring a national park?  The National Park Service - Mississippi National River and Recreation Area has a easy-to-use Google-based map that will help you plan a route anywhere in the park.  Click here for more information.  

 

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 October Calendar here
View the November Calendar here

 

October 28:  Last Tuesday Happy Hour.  No reservations required!

October 29:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

October 29:  Social Bridge.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

October 30:  Our Turn:  A Conversation for Women.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

November 3:  In the Know:  Ecumen's Mill City Quarter Senior Housing Project. Members click here.

November 4:  Encore! Photo Tips: How to Make Fine Art Photographs.  Members click here.

November 4:  Program Committee Meeting.

November 5:  Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat.  No reservations required.

November 6:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

November 6:  At the Movies: Bucket List.  Members click here.

November 10:  Great Decisions.  GD 2014 Members click here.

November 11:  Cooking for a Crowd.  Members click here.

November 12:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

November 12:  Social Bridge.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

November 12:  Board of Directors Meeting.  Members click here.

November 13:  Our Turn: A Conversation for Women.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

November 16:  Sunday Soiree.  Members click here.

MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities

 

Rendezvous

Readers' Book Chat
1st Wednesday of the month
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
   No reservations required.
Empty Mansions
by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell, Jr.

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
 Oct. 30 & Nov. 13
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact  Allan Burdick
 

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 of 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.

 
Volunteer Opportunities 

  Click here for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC Website!  
 
Mill City Commons | 219 Main Street SE, Suite 401, Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.millcitycommons.org | info@millcitycommons.org  
612-455-3329