May 5, 2015
Executive Director Update
 
The weather forecasters were predicting possible showers for this morning, but the weather cooperated and members enjoyed the first of this month's four Birding Walks! Walks are scheduled for early Tuesday mornings throughout May -- rain or shine. In addition to Birding Walks, we've scheduled two Nosy Neighbor Tours and an architecture tour at the U of M this month. Wonderful opportunities to experience life and springtime in our fabulous neighborhood. But tours aren't all that's happening -- take a look at details below and go online for the entire Mill City Commons May calendar for ways to stay informed, get connected and enjoy the season! Hope to see you at an upcoming event -- please read on for details!!  
-- Linnea  
Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, May 6, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express, 818 S 2nd St 
Join us to discuss Middlemarch by George Eliot.  Middlemarch is a complex tale of idealism, disillusion, profligacy, loyalty and frustrated love. This penetrating analysis of the life of an English provincial town during the time of social unrest prior to the Reform Bill of 1832 is told through the lives of Dorothea Brooke and Dr. Tertius Lydgate who illuminate the condition of English life in the mid-nineteenth century.

 

Get started now:  June's book will be The Lowland by Jhumpa Lahiri (subject to change).  Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat?  Email Barbara Goldner.  

 

MCC members and guests.  No reservations required!

Nosy Neighbor Tour:  New St. Paul Saints Ballpark
Wednesday, May 6, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
CHS Field, 360 N Broad St, St. Paul
Join architect Julie Snow for a behind-the-scenes tour of the St. Paul Saints new stadium.  Julie is known for her exceptional design of condos and museums and was thrilled at the opportunity to do a ballpark.  Snow's stadium design includes many upgrades while maintaining old traditions with an emphasis on the fan experience.   Learn about the sustainability features that are hidden within the design, including permeable paving on the concourse and storm water retention below the field.  We'll meet at the CHS Field ticket windows at Broadway and Fifth.  Worried about rush hour traffic?  Take the green line and/or stay for dinner after the tour!  Please note:  space is limited.

MCC members sign up here.
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, May 7, 7:30 - 8:30 am
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE 
Caffeine and camaraderie for the male members of MCC and guests!  This group 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.  MCC member Doug Baker will lead a conversation on "humor while traveling."  Doug will share a few funny things that have happened while traveling with his wife, and members will have a chance to share their own humorous stories.

 

Men MCC members sign up here.

Great Decisions:  U.S. Policy Toward Africa
Monday, May 11, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Winslow House Party Room, 100 2nd St SE

Africa is home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world, and it's become a draw for foreign investors from across the globe.  The U.S. has promised to promote "strong institutions, not strong men," and to favor good governance and healthy economies over profit.  How can U.S. policy live up to its promise and values while securing its interests in the region?  Our guest speaker is Thomas O'Toole, Professor Emeritus at St. Cloud State University.  As a scholar and teacher, he is the recipient of four Fulbright awards, a Wenner-Gren, and a Danforth.  He has written widely on democracy, the environment from a global perspective, and Africa.  He holds a doctorate from Carnegie Mellon University and an MA from the University of Minnesota.  Hosted by Ellie Hands at the Winslow House Party Room.

 

Sorry, not open to guests; to join the MCC Great Decisions Discussion Group, email the MCC office at info@millcitycommons.org.  Registration on the MCC website is required for Great Decisions members.

 

MCC Great Decisions members sign up here.
Birding Walk II
Tuesday, May 12, 8:00 - 9:30 am
TBD
Celebrate spring with the second of four bird watching walks along the river!  We hope to see migrating warblers and other songbirds.  Jamie McBride, Lead Naturalist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation board, will lead the walks. The starting location will be announced the week before, based on where birds have been spotted.  

MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
U of M Tour: New Architecture Along the Scholars Walk
Tuesday, May 12, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
University of Minnesota, STSS Building, 222 Pleasant St SE
A wide pathway featuring elegant oak trees and lighted monuments, the Scholars Walk celebrates the research and classroom accomplishments of the U's award-winning faculty and students.  Join us for a springtime walk and be "in the know" about the enhancements, additions and new construction on the buildings adjacent to the walk. Starting from the Science Teaching & Student Services building across from the Weisman Art Museum, we'll proceed to the Historic Mall, pass the Tate Lab of Physics, through Lind Hall, tour the 1st floor labs of the new Physics and Nanotechnology Building and more. The students will still be on campus so we'll get the full campus experience.  Click here for the tour map.

MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Social Bridge
Wednesday, May 13, 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 the 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.
Annual Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 13, 3:30 - 4:00 pm
Cobalt Condos Conference Room, 45 University Ave SE
Join the MCC Board of Directors for our Annual Meeting from 3:30-4:00 pm and for an Open Forum from 4:00 - 4:30 pm.  Please use the security phone and dial Lou Burdick to enter the Cobalt. The conference room is on the second floor -- take a right off the elevator to the end of the hallway.

MCC members welcome.  No registration required.
Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, May 14, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Flour Sack Flats, 521 SE 2nd St, #512
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.  Peg Kavaney hosts MCC member Peggy Lucas to join us for a discussion on being a Regent for the University of Minnesota.  Peggy will share some of her experiences in the academic environment of a public university. Please join us in hearing about the accomplishments and challenges in present day higher education. 

Women MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Technology Workshop
Thursday, May 14, 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.
Salad Soiree and Send-Off for Linnea Tweed
Sunday, May 17, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Washburn Lofts, 700 S 2nd St, #62
MCC members, join your friends and neighbors for the Salad Soiree to send off MCC's Executive Director Linnea Tweed with your well wishes.  Please contribute to the potluck by bringing a hearty salad, appetizer, bread, or fruit.  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.  Hosted by Ellen and Jan Breyer.

MCC members sign up here.
Birding Walk III
Tuesday, May 19, 7:00 - 8:30 am
Location TBD
Celebrate spring with the third of four bird watching walks along the river!   We hope to see migrating warblers and other songbirds.  Jamie McBride, Lead Naturalist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation board, will lead the walks.  

MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
News from Members

MCC member Sonia Cairns recommends that members read the following article: As We Age, Keys to Remembering Where the Keys Are. 

MCC members Frances and Frank Wilkinson invite you to cocktails and hors d'oeuvres for a "meet and greet" and reading of Dark & Stormy's upcoming production of Extremeties by William Mastrosimone, directed by Mel Day, at their home May 12th at 6:00 pm. Please RSVP by May 10th to frwilkinson@gmail.com or 612-940-4989. For more details, click here. 

MCC members Peggy Lucas and Ellie Hands are recruiting Athlete Registration volunteers for the National Senior Games on July 3-16.  This opportunity will be a great way to meet other MCC members while serving as an ambassador for our city! For more information, click here.

MCC member Merle Minda invites members to attend C'est Chic Boutique's Mother's Day event on May 7 from 6:00-8:00 pm at 210 N 2nd St to benefit Mill City Summer Opera. Enjoy live opera, wine, and cheese while shopping for French fashions and accessories. For details, click here.

MCC member Ellie Hands invites members to attend the Vital Aging Network's Forum on the National Senior Games on May 12 from 1:00-3:00 pm on the East Bank of the U of M, 1815 4th St NE.  You'll have a chance to learn about the feats of the impressive athletes, as well as see a demonstration of pickleball, an easy to learn game for people of all ages.  To register, click here.
Around Town

 

Above the Falls Sports is offering discounts in the month of May to Mill City Commons Members. Mention that you read it in Musings and get various discounts on tours and group tours. They will continue to offer their Minneapolis to Minnehaha Falls Tour until the lock closure June 10, 2015. Contact info: (612) 825-8983 or info@abovethefallssports.com.  

 

Mill City Times and River Hub

Mill City Times is 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.  You can also check out River Hub, a comprehensive listing of events related to the Minneapolis Riverfront.

MCC Upcoming Events  
View the May Calendar here

 

May 5:  Program Committee Meeting.

May 6:  Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat.  No reservations required!

May 6:  Nosy Neighbor Tour: New St. Paul Saints Ballpark.  Members click here.

May 7:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 11: Great Decisions: US Policy Toward Africa.  GD Members click here.

May 12:  Birding Walk II.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 12:  U of M Tour: New Architecture Along the Scholars Walk.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 13:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations needed.

May 13:  Social Bridge.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 13:  Annual and Monthly BOD Meeting.  Members click here.

May 14:  Our Turn:  A Conversation for Women.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 14:  Technology Helpdesk.  Members click here.

May 17:  Salad Soiree and Send-Off for Linnea Tweed.  Members click here.

May 19:  Birding Walk III.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 20:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

May 20:  Nosy Neighbor Tour:  Scottish Rite Temple.  Members click here.

May 21:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 26:  Birding Walk IV.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

May 26:  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.
Middlemarch
by George Eliot

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
 May 14 & 28
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact  Allan Burdick
 

 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