Masthead
November 4, 2014
Executive Director Update
 
It's with sadness that we say goodbye to two Mill Commons members who passed away late last week: Bill Joyce and Barbara Ritchie. Both died surrounded by love. Our condolences go out to their many friends and family. Although both Bill and Barbara will be dearly missed, they will forever be present in our hearts and our memories.  -- Linnea
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 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.

Social Bridge

Wednesday, November 12, 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, November 13, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
RiverWest Party Room, 401 S 1st St
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.  Sabina Sten and Susan Hartman host this week's conversation asking "What challenging event in your life made you stronger?  How?"

Women MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Sunday Soiree
Sunday, November 16, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
The Landings, 512 River St
Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soiree hosted by Mike and Toni Rosen.  Please contribute to the potluck by bringing a heavy hors d'oeurve or dessert.  You are welcome to bring your own wine or beer.  As you register, let us know what you will bring by answering the "Question" that will appear on the screen.

MCC members sign up here.
Technology Helpdesk
Tuesday, November 18, 4:30 - 6:00 pm
MCC Office, 219 Main St SE, Ste 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.

 

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.

MCC member Arvonne Fraser wants members to know that the University of Minnesota's Center for Bioethics has two interesting events coming up.  The first is a conversation with Rebecca Skloot, author of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on November 10 at 7:30 pm and the second is a conversation with the Lacks family and Dr. Ruth Faden on November 14 at 9:45 am.  Both events are free and open to the public.  For more information, click here.
Around Town

Global Conversations:  Turkey's Challenges
Nov. 12, 5:30-7:30 pm, Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, 2nd fl
Ross Wilson, former U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, will lead a conversation on Turkey's rich history, evolving identity, and the critical role it plays as a U.S. ally in the Middle East. Ambassador Wilson will be joined by five Minnesota teachers who recently visited Turkey on a 2-week study tour.  Register here for this free event.

American Craft Council Library Salon Series: Crafting the Spirit: Native American Craft and Culture
Nov. 12, 7:00 pm, American Craft Council Library, 1224 Marshall St NE, Ste 200
Join local artist Douglas K. Limon and the new Assistant Curator of Native American Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Dr. Jill Ahlberg Yohe for a provocative dialogue on the classification and interpretation of Native American art and culture. For more information, click here.  

Nuruddin Farah: Hiding in Plain Sight
Nov. 13, 7:30 pm, The Loft at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave S
From an acclaimed African writer, Hiding in Plain Sight is a novel about family, freedom, and loyalty.  It is an exploration of the tensions between freedom and obligation, the ways gender and sexual preference define us, and the unexpected paths by which the political disrupts the personal.

Public Comment Hearing on Minneapolis' Proposed 2015 Budget
Nov. 18 and Dec. 10, 6:05 pm, City Hall, 305 S 5th St, Room 317
Join your City Council members for a public comment hearing on the proposed 2015 property tax levy and budget.  If you can't attend, you can watch on Minneapolis 79, or watch on a smart phone, tablet, or computer from the city website.

An Intimate Evening with Broadway Legend Tommy Tune
Nov. 20, 6:30-8:30 pm, Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts, 1617 N 2nd St 
Live music and performances by Lundstrum Center students and alumni, an inspirational conversation with Tommy Tune, and a special surprise with Tommy and kids.  Tickets range from $125 to $500 and support student scholarships.  Visit their website to purchase tickets or call Susanna Mennicke at (612) 564-4130.

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 November Calendar here

 

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.

November 18:  Technology Helpdesk.  Members click here.

November 19:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

November 20:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

November 25:  Nosy Neighbor Tour:  Fulton Brewery.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

November 25:  Last Tuesday Happy Hour.  No reservations required!

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
 Nov. 13 & Dec. 11
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