Masthead
December 9, 2014
Executive Director Update

MacPhail's Giving Voice Chorus had its first public concert December 6th. Giving Voice is a community chorus created for those who live with Alzheimer's and their caregivers and celebrates and nurtures the joy of singing. Several of our members have been very involved. MacPhail has received some wonderful publicity from MPR, KARE 11 and USA Today. Check it out here!

 

There's still time to participate in our Turkey, Dressings and Extra Helping drive. So far we've raised $2075 for food (we need at least $2500 to make 50 food baskets). Members and friends are also generously dropping off clothes and small gifts -- we're accepting both cash and gifts through the weekend. We so appreciate our generous members and neighbors who have contributed. Thank you!    -- Linnea 
Social Bridge
Wednesday, December 10, 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 begins immediately at 3:00 pm.

 

MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.

At the Movies: Driving Miss Daisy 
Rescheduled to Thursday, January 15, 1:30 - 4:00 pm
Driving Miss Daisy tells the story of a strong-willed Atlanta matron and her patient but equally determined chauffeur.  For two different people, they have a lot in common.  The bumpy road they travel leads to the friendship of a lifetime.  Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman star in this award-winning film.

This program has been rescheduled to January 15.
Author Celebration: Linda Mack
Thursday, December 11, 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Cobalt Condos, 45 University Ave SE, #606 
Join us as we hear from author Linda Mack on her motivation to write the book Madeline Island Summer Houses: An Intimate Journey.  She'll be discussing some of the challenges and surprises she experienced along the way.  The book visits 27 summer places and shares the stories of the families that cherish them.  Linda served as the architecture columnist for the Minneapolis Star Tribune for more than 20 years and was the former editor of Architecture Minnesota magazine.  She writes about architecture, historic preservation and urban design.

MCC members sign up here.
Burnet Gallery Opening Reception
Friday, December 12, 6:00 - 9:00 pm
Burnet Gallery, Le Meridien Chambers, 901 Hennepin Ave
Join us for artist Drew Peterson's show, Waterworks, at the Burnet Gallery, a commercial gallery located in Le Meridien Chambers.  Drew is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.  View his collection of watercolor monoprint/screen prints, while enjoying complimentary wine.

MCC members and guests.  No reservations required.
Holiday Happy Hour
Tuesday, December 16, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Rachel's, 222 E Hennepin Ave
Join us for our Holiday Happy Hour hosted by Mill City Commons. Catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites.  Dutch treat - no reservations required!  If you'd like to stay for dinner after Happy Hour, make a reservation directly with Rachel's by calling (612) 379-3345.

MCC members and guests.  No reservations required!

ASI Neighborhood Holiday Open House
Wednesday, December 17, 5:00 - 8:00 pm
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave
Come explore the American Swedish Institute's winter wonderland.  Travel through the holiday traditions of the five Nordic countries, view the holiday exhibits, make a holiday handcraft or relax around the bonfires in the ASI Holiday square.  Free museum admission and complimentary refreshments by ASI's café, FIKA.

MCC members and guests.  No reservations required.
Men's Coffee and Conversation 
Thursday, December 18, 7:30 - 8:30 am
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE 
Caffeine and camaraderie for the male members of MCC!  This groups meets every other Thursday and is hosted by various members who get the conversation going. Please register by the Monday prior to  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  This week's conversation leader is Dick Kavaney, who asks "Are the holidays a time of joy or melancholy or some of each?  Let us share some of the stories that come to us this time of year."

MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.

Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, December 18, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
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. The topic this week is "What do the holidays do for you?  Are they stressful, fun, or what?  Looking toward 2015, what are your hopes, wishes or worries for it..."  Arvonne Fraser hosts. The first half hour will be spent with a glass of wine and any little holiday treat anybody wants to bring...feel free to bring guests and, if you are willing, make a small contribution to pay for the party room we use.  See the website for more information on parking.
 
MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Turkey, Dressings, and Extra Helpings
Friday, December 19, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Meet at North Star Lofts, 117 Portland Ave 
Turkey, Dressings and Extra Helpings (TDEH) volunteers are needed to help load and unload food for families from Ascension School.  We'll meet in the North Star Lofts parking lot, 117 Portland Avenue at 10:30 am, drive to Cub Foods at I94 and Broadway, 701 Broadway, to pick up groceries and then drive to Ascension School, 1726 N Dupont Avenue, to drop them off. Please register and answer the question on whether you have a large vehicle to help transfer food. Thank you!

MCC members sign up here.
ASI Winter Solstice Celebration
Sunday, December 21, 3:00 - 7:00 pm
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave
Celebrate the shortest day of the year by warming yourself in front of a bonfire at the American Swedish Institute.  Make Scandinavian S'mores in the Holiday Square, take a self-guided tour of the Turnblad Mansion's holiday exhibit, or enjoy a festive dinner and glögg (Swedish mulled wine) at ASI's cafe.  The festivities are included with Museum Admission (free for ASI members).

 

MCC members and guests.  No reservations required.

News from Members

MCC member Linnea Olesen wants members to know that Love's Labour's Lost is a great opportunity to enjoy the Moving Company's brilliant work.  The show is a spectacle to behold and plays every Thursday-Sunday through December 21 at the Lab Theater.  For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

MCC member John Cairns shares the following article:  Why Elders Smile.

Need some help with the housework this winter?  MCC member Toni Rosen would like members to know about her trustworthy and excellent cleaning people.  For their contact information, log in to the website and go to the First Stop Guide/Service Providers/Housekeeping Services and look for Sherri and Kari.  Toni would also like to recommend the Rosen's personal trainer, Rob Hanson.  His contact information can be found at First Stop Guide/Health & Wellness/Fitness. Feel free to email Toni with any questions.
Around Town

Winter Solstice Celebration
December 20, 2:00-4:30 pm, North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Ct
Celebrate the shortest day of the year with light, music, and cheer!  Explore the origins of holiday traditions from around the world.  Hike or snowshoe to "tie down" the sun in the prairie.  Create winter art scenes and sun catchers while enjoying refreshments by a bonfire.  Cost is $5.  To register, click here. 

Zumba Classes

January 3-March 27, Lundstrum Center for the Performing Arts, 1617 N 2nd St

Join a new zumba class in 2015.  It's a fun and effective workout system that is combined with Latin and international music.  Zumba Gold is offered on Wednesdays from 5:00-6:00 pm for those who are 55+.  Open classes are Mondays from 5:00-6:00 pm and Saturdays 10:00-11:00 am.  $10/class or $96 for the 12 week program.  Call 612-521-2600 to register.

 

Mount Rushmore: The Carving of an Icon

January 5, 1:30-3:00 pm, Catholic Eldercare, Main Street Lodge, 909 Main St NE

More than 2 million people each year visit Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills of South Dakota.  It took 14 years, 400 workers, 450,000 tons of rock, and nearly 1 million dollars to carve.  Come hear the rest of the story behind this icon.  Free and open to the public.  Registration required by calling (612) 362-2450.

 

The Earl's Library: Private English Libraries in the Age of Downton Abbey

January 14, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Elmer Andersen Library, 222 21st Ave S

This talk will explore some of the fascinating tales, details and perhaps even mysteries bound together in an earl's resplendent library.  Together we will look at the "Downton Abbey" library and those of surrounding neighbors, exploring the richness of the English bibliographic countryside.  For details, 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 December Calendar here

 

December 10:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

December 10:  Social Bridge.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

December 11:  At the Movies: Driving Miss Daisy.  Rescheduled to January.

December 11:  Author Celebration: Linda Mack.  Members click here.

December 12:  Burnet Gallery Opening Reception.  Members click here.

December 16:  Holiday Happy Hour.  No reservations required.

December 17:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

December 17:  ASI Holiday Open House.  Members click here.

December 18:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

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

December 19:  TDEH Volunteer Opportunity.  Members click here.

December 21:  ASI Winter Solstice Celebration.  Members click here.

December 24:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.
Volunteer Opportunities 

Mill City Commons' 7th Annual
Turkey, Dressings, and Extra Helpings Drive has begun!  Click here to learn more about donating to this great cause and for more information on a volunteer opportunity to deliver the food baskets to a local school. 
 
 Click here for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC Website!  
 

MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities

 

Rendezvous

Readers' Book Chat
1st Wednesday of the month
Charley's Grill at the Depot
   No reservations required.
Changing Habits
by Debbie Macomber

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
 Dec. 11 & Jan. 8
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.

 
Mill City Commons | 219 Main Street SE, Suite 401, Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.millcitycommons.org | info@millcitycommons.org  
612-455-3329