August 11, 2015
Update From the Mill City Commons Membership Coordinator

Last night I attended the St. Paul Saints game with fellow members and was struck by how lucky I am to be part of MCC.  As I watched members switch seats to talk to each other, then turn around and talk to guests or members they knew less well, I was reminded of how important community is.  Even though going to a baseball game isn't what I would normally choose to do, I found myself having a really good time!  It was a beautiful summer evening and I was surrounded by a group of people who had made a conscious decision to be a part of something more.  I hope that you'll consider doing the same...try going to an event that you wouldn't normally attend or start a conversation with a member you don't know.  Or, if you haven't joined Mill City Commons yet, call me to learn about some other benefits of belonging to a "village" in the city!

-Mary
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, August 13, 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 Tony Hofstede has invited guest Doug Niemela, National Director of Save the Boundary Waters, to speak.  Doug will share about the Campaign to Save The Boundary Waters, which was organized by local residents in and around Ely, Minnesota, to create a national movement to protect the clean water, clean air and forest landscape of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its watershed from toxic pollution caused by sulfide-ore copper mining.  To learn more about the organization, click here.

 

Men MCC members sign up here.

Dutch Treat Coffee Chat
Monday, August 17, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
Aster Cafe, 125 Main St SE
Do you find it hard to really get to know members at our large programs ... or those featuring a speaker?  This spontaneous event might be just right for you!  Join us for a casual conversation on the patio of the Aster Café.  In case of inclement weather, we'll hold a table indoors.  Take this opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with some you haven't seen lately.  Dutch treat - no reservations required.

MCC members and guests.  No reservations required.
Nosy Neighbor Tour: Hennepin Energy Recovery Center
Tuesday, August 18, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Hennepin Energy Recovery Center, 435 N 5th St 
Join us as we tour the Hennepin Energy Recovery Center (HERC).  HERC is a waste-to-energy facility that burns garbage to generate energy.  About 365,000 tons of garbage is burned at HERC and sold to Xcel Energy each year.  Through a steam line, HERC provides steam for the annual gas needs of buildings in downtown Minneapolis, as well as Target Field.  Be prepared for noise, dust, smells, climbing several flights of stairs and walking outdoors.  Everyone must wear close-toed shoes, and long sleeves and pants in order to enter the Center.   Note that this address is that of a visitor entrance door on the top level on the Target Field Station Parking Ramp (googling the address will send you to the wrong place).  For information on parking and HERC policies, click here.

MCC members sign up here.
Social Bridge
Wednesday, August 19, 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, August 20, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Washburn Lofts, 700 S 2nd St, #91
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.  Locations and topics will change each time. Anita Kunin hosts.  We'll reflect on our lives as we compare & contrast it with the way our mothers lived & what our mother's values & aspirations were.  What have we lost & where have we made improvements?  If there is time, we'll make the same comparisons with the next generation.....our daughter's & son's lives.

Women MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, August 25, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Red Cow, 208 N 1st Ave
Join us for the Last Tuesday Happy Hour at Red Cow North Loop hosted by Bob Callahan and Carol Jordan.  If the weather is nice, we'll be socializing on the outdoor patio.  Catch up with friends and neighbors over dutch treat drinks and small bites.  Consider staying for dinner, too; no reservations required!

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

MCC member Ken Searl wants members to know that there is free yoga in Gold Medal Park on Saturdays from 8:00-9:00 am through September 12 sponsored by the Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DNMA).  
Around Town

Creative City Market
August 13, 4:00-9:00 pm, Minneapolis Convention Center Plaza, 1301 2nd Ave S
Participate in an evening under the setting sun surrounded by Minnesota-made art, wares, and interactive experiences.  You can browse original goods created by local artists and creators, learn about medicinal plants, watch a fashion show, listen to live music, and watch MN Made MSPIFF short films and more!  

From Lutefisk to Lake Street: Immigration & the New Minnesota Workforce
August 19, 6:00 pm, Varsity Theater, 1308 4th St SE
In this Policy and a Pint, host Steve Seel will be joined by guest panelists to talk about how we build stronger social ties between the old and new Minnesota and better understand the changes happening in our schools, neighborhoods, health systems, and workplaces.  For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.

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 August calendar here
View the September calendar here

 

August 12:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

August 12:  MCC Board of Directors Meeting.  Members click here.

August 13:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

August 17:  Dutch Treat Coffee Chat.  No reservations required.

August 18:  Nosy Neighbor Tour: Hennepin Energy Recovery Center.   Members click here.

August 19:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

August 19:  Social Bridge.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

August 20:  Our Turn: A Conversation for Women.  Members click here; Guests email MCC.

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

August 26:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

August 27:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

August 31:  Technology Helpdesk.  MCC members click here.

September 1:  Program Committee Meeting.  

September 1:  Twins Game.  Registration is now closed.
 
Please Welcome MCC's Newest Members!
 
Barbara Broker

Gail Asher

Doug & Julie Craven
 
Ongoing Member-Led Activities

 

Men's B&BS Lunch
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
 Aug 20 & Sept 3
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
 

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.

 

 

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