July 14, 2015
Update From the Mill City Commons Membership Coordinator

Last week I was inspired by MCC members Penny Hunt and Penny Winton, who competed in the National Senior Games.  They both did a phenomenal job in their respective competitions.  But I was also impressed by the members who came out to the events to cheer them on.  It reminded me that this is part of being a village - providing support for other members when times are good but also when times are tough.  Thanks to all the members who encourage, support, and "cheer" for other members, both in public and behind the scenes.    
- - Mary Texidor

P.S. You can see a few photos highlighting both races here.
Author Celebration: Lori Sturdevant and Tom Swain
Wednesday, July 15, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Stone Arch Lofts, 600 S 2nd St, #701
Citizen Swain: Tales from a Minnesota Life is the memoir of Minnesota icon Tom Swain and an entertaining personal history of the state.  Join guests Lori Sturdevant and Tom Swain as they discuss their collaboration to make this book what it is: a rare glimpse into the inner workings of institutions and their leaders.  Tom Swain is a public servant with a knack for telling a story.  Lori Sturdevant is an editorial writer and columnist for the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune.  Peggy and Dave Lucas host.

MCC members sign up here.
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, July 16, 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. 

 

Men MCC members sign up here.

Sunday Brunch Soiree
Sunday, July 19, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Lourdes Square, 194 Bank St SE 
MCC members, join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Brunch Soiree hosted by Cathi and Jos Griffioen.  Please contribute to the potluck by bringing an egg dish, fruit, breakfast bread, muffins, or other brunch fare.  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.

Members sign up here.
Social Bridge
Wednesday, July 22, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Washburn Lofts Community Room, 700 S 2nd St (Note the new location)
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. 

MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, July 23, 10:00 - 11:30 am
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.  Penny Winton hosts and asks "What issue, local, national or international, grabs the most of your attention these days and why?"

Women MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, July 28, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE 
Join us for the Last Tuesday Happy Hour hosted by none other than the Men's Coffee & Conversation group.  Everyone will have the opportunity to enjoy their special meeting place - Elsie's Restaurant & Bar.  Catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites.  Dutch treat - no reservations required!  If you'd like to stay for dinner, make reservations directly with Elsie's by calling (612) 378-9701.

MCC members and guests.  No reservations required.
News from Members

MCC member Karla Ekdahl suggests that members see the Iranian movie About Elly, currently playing at the Lagoon Theater.  It is a psychological thriller that the Star Tribune review says "Go with your eyes wide open and your mind engaged and prepare to be astonished. This film is nothing short of a masterpiece."  The movie is currently showing through July 16.  To watch the trailer and see movie times, click here.

Looking for a job or know of someone who is?  MCC members Bud and Carol Hayden have learned of a part-time Executive Director position with the non-profit PET International, Inc.  The organization provides mobility to disabled persons in developing countries.  For details on the position, click here. 

MCC member Ellie Hands wants members to know that Atul Gawande, author of Being Mortal, is speaking in St. Paul on September 18.  This event will sell out so if you are interested in attending, purchase tickets soon!  Click here for more information.

Have special kids in your life?  MCC member Patty Connelly shares that the Museum of Russian Art is offering four summer tours (July 10 & 24 and August 7 & 21) for children ages 5-8 years old.  Docents will guide children and their chaperone(s) through the exhibition of Russian Samovars or Imperial Porcelain Eggs. For more information, click here.
Around Town

 

Izzy's Ice Cream Social

July 15, 4:00-6:00 pm, Gold Medal Park 

Cynthia Froid Group invites neighbors to the 2nd Annual Izzy's Ice Cream social in Gold Medal Park.  Free ice cream, lawn games, and fun with your neighbors! 

 

Funny Money! Theater of Public Policy to Enlighten-up the Conversation About Funding for Parks

July 23, 6:30 pm, Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave S

New parks may be a good idea along the riverfront in North and Northeast Minneapolis, but how are we going to find the money to fund them? Can we afford to expand our park system -- or would we be crazy not to? Join Jayne Miller, Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the Theater of Public Policy, who will shine a light on key questions through humor, insight, and interaction.  Pre-registration is suggested here; tickets are $5.

 

Book Arts Art Crawl

July 25, 6:00-9:00 pm, various locations

In celebration of Book Art Biennial 2015 (July 23-26) and MCBA's 30th Anniversary, four leading visual arts organizations present a coordinated "Book Arts Art Crawl" across Minneapolis, featuring six exhibitions all exploring the book as a contemporary art form. Receptions at all four venues are free and open to the public. 

 

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 July calendar here
View the August calendar here

 

July 15:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

July 15:  Author Celebration: Lori Sturdevant and Tom Swain.  Members click here.

July 16:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Male members click here; Guests email MCC.

July 19:  Sunday Brunch Soiree.  Members click here.

July 22:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

July 22:  Social Bridge.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

July 23:  Our Turn: A Conversation for Women.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

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

July 29:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

July 30:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

August 3:  Great Decisions.  Members click here.

August 4:  National Night Out.  No reservations required.

 
 

 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, Ste 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!  
 

MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities

 

Rendezvous

Readers' Book Chat
1st Wednesday of the month
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
   No reservations required.
Whisper Hollow
by Chris Cander

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
 July 23 & August 6
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact  Allan Burdick

MCC Caregiver Support Group
1st and 3rd Wednesdays
1:30-3:00 pm
A way to support members who are or have been in a caregiving role. For more information,   contact Tamra Nelson
 
Mill City Commons | 219 Main Street SE, Suite 401, Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.millcitycommons.org | info@millcitycommons.org  
612-455-3329