September 15, 2015
Update From the Executive Director
The morning River Walkers are lucky: fresh air, exercise, camaraderie and a front-row seat to the morning's changing light as it interacts with the river and the city. Departure is at 7:30am from the Stone Arch parking lot each Tuesday and Thursday morning. As temperatures cool and leaves change color, consider starting your day with this welcoming bunch. You won't regret it!

Next week's MN Public Policy discussion with Sean Kershaw still has room for registrations. Part of Sean's presentation will focus on the coming demographic change as baby boomers retire. You won't want to miss it! Click here to register.

Over the week-end, a MCC member was kind enough to include me in another member's health-updates.  I am grateful to receive information of this nature, as helping one another, whenever possible, is an important part of our mission. Confidentiality will be maintained as we work to help members in whatever way may be of benefit to them.  Thank you for your discretion and willingness to talk with me about this important topic. Enjoy this beautiful autumnal weather!
                                                                                                                      
~ Joan Wright                                                                      
Social Bridge
Wednesday, September 16, 12:00 - 2:00 pm (note the new time)
Washburn Lofts Community Room, 700 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. 

MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Safe Travel Advice
Wednesday, September 16, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Washburn Lofts, 70 S 2nd St, #61
Come hear practical travel advice born from years of experience!  Former FBI and CIA executives will be addressing some of the following questions:  How do you protect yourself when traveling abroad? Do you know how quickly a foreign government can clone your computer? Do you know who to contact and how to reach them during a crisis overseas? Do you need to worry about identity theft?  Join us for an engaging, educational and entertaining program!  Keith and Mary Bednarowski host.

MCC members sign up here.
Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, September 17, 10:00 - 11:30 am
610 Ramsey St NE 
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. MCC member Diane 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.  Diane has a special connection to the Boundary Waters; for more information, click here.

Women MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Sunday Soiree
Sunday, September 20, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Stonebridge, 1120 S 2nd St, #1210
MCC members, join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soiree hosted by Michael Brennan & Rebecca Bahn.  Please contribute to the potluck by bringing a hearty hors d'oeurve or dessert.  You are welcome to bring your own white wine or beer to share.  As you register, let us know what you will bring by answering the "Question" that will appear on the screen.

Registration is now closed.  If you would like to be added to the waiting list, email MCC.
MN Public Policy: Sean Kershaw
Monday, September 21, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Winslow House Party Room, 100 2nd St SE
Join us as Sean Kershaw of the Citizens League discusses today's most important State and Metropolitan governance issues that remain unsolved.   Sean will discuss the coming demographic change as baby boomers retire.  He will also discuss what he sees as emerging matters that need attention in the next decade and what the barriers may be to solving those issues.  For over 63 years, the Citizens League has created common ground across parties and ideologies to solve some of the biggest challenges facing Minnesota including schools, taxes and transportation by creating solutions to achieve the common good.  In 2003, Sean Kershaw became just the sixth Citizens League Executive Director in its 60-plus-year-history.  This program is open to all MCC members.

MCC members sign up here.
Overland Gallery Tour
Wednesday, September 23, 1:00-2:30 pm
Overland Gallery, 5916 Pleasant Ave S
The Overland Gallery houses the largest private collection of Russian paintings in the United States, consisting of thousands of Russian realist and impressionist paintings of the very highest quality.  On this tour, we will explore the physical and cultural landscapes of Russia through the great art of its master painters, and the stories of this collection.  We will also observe Overland's world-class conservation unit where they make sure that every painting is clean and stable.  Ray Johnson, the owner of the gallery, is the founder of the Museum of Russian Art in Minneapolis.  The gallery is open by appointment only.
 
MCC members sign up here.
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, September 24, 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. This week's conversation leader is MCC member David Plimpton who will lead a discussion on the Minnesota Compassionate Care Act, which will be reintroduced to the Minnesota State Legislature during the 2016 session. It deals with the issue of Physician-Assisted Dying.

Men MCC members sign up here.
News from Members

Mill City Commons members have created a Caregiver Support Group and invite other caregivers to join them. This guided discussion group with professional facilitation was created to support MCC members and their neighbors/friends who are or have been in a caregiving role. Caregiver Support Group members will share experiences, issues and concerns about caregiving as well as give and receive support around this critical role.
  • The Caregiver Support Group launches Wednesday, October 7, meeting the first and third Wednesday each month from 1:30-3:00 pm for three months.
  • Participants will be asked to pay $60 for the six sessions, regardless of how many sessions they are able to attend. Confidential scholarships are available - contact Membership Coordinator Mary Texidor at marytexidor@millcitycommons.org.
  • The Caregiver Support Group is open to MCC members and guests.
Please contact MCC member Tamra Nelson at tamranel@msn.com to join the group and/or with your questions. Thank you!  
--MCC Caregiver Support Group

MCC member Carol Jordan shares that there is an interesting speaker coming to the Minneapolis Central Library on September 29 from 7:00-8:00 pm in the Doty Board Room.  William D. Green, author of Degrees of Freedom, The Origins of Civil Rights in Minnesota, 1865-1912, will discuss what questions he sought to answer in his book and will reveal little-known historical characters and leaders among the black men and women who moved to MN following the Fifteenth Amendment.
Around Town

MovementWise
Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm, Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Ave
An invigorating, 10-week community-oriented dance class for adults 55+ who love a healthy, active lifestyle. MovementWise participants explore a wide variety of dance forms, from social dance and modern to ballet and percussive dance. Whether you're a veteran of dance or a newcomer, you are welcome.  For more information, click here.

Westminster Town Hall Forum
October 1, 7:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Nicollet Mall and 12th St
Tavis Smiley will speak on the topic of "No One Left Out: Creating Communities of Justice."  Tavis is a PBS talk show host, social justice advocate and co-author  of The Rich and The Rest of Us: A Poverty Manifesto.  

Staying Sharp: 9 Keys for a Youthful Brain through Modern Science and Ancient Wisdom
October 8, 6:00 pm, Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall, 300 Nicollet Mall
A strong memory and a healthy brain aren't as difficult to maintain as one might think; Drs. Henry Emmons and David Alter show that vibrant aging is within reach. Together they demonstrate how to blend the best of modern science and Eastern holistic medicine to form a powerful drug-free program to maintain a youthful mind and a happy life.  For more information, click here (this event will likely sell out).

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 September calendar here
View the October calendar here

 

September 16:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

September 16:  Social Bridge (new time!).  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

September 16:  Safe Travel Advice.  MCC members click here.

September 17:  Our Turn: A Conversation for Women.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

September 20:  Sunday Soiree.  MCC members click here.

September 21:  Dutch Treat Coffee Chat.  No reservations required.

September 21:  MN Public Policy:  Sean Kershaw.  MCC members click here.

September 23:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

September 23:  Overland Gallery Tour.  MCC members click here.

September 24:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

September 28:  Dutch Treat Coffee Chat.  No reservations required.

September 29:  Last Tuesday Happy Hour.  No reservations required.

September 30:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

September 30:  Social Bridge.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

October 1:  Our Turn: A Conversation for Women.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

October 5:  Dutch Treat Coffee Chat.  No reservations required.

October 5:  Technology Workshop: Facebook.  MCC members click here.

October 6:  Peruvian Textiles Demonstration.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.
 
MCC is Hiring! 

 Click here to see the Program Coordinator job posting!  Applications are due by September 30.
 
Volunteer Opportunities 
 
 Click here for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC Website!  
 

 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.

 

MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities

 

Dutch Treat

Coffee Chat

Mondays

Aster Cafe

Drop in for an afternoon coffee or drink and a casual chat.  No reservations
 required.

 

Rendezvous

Readers' Book Chat
1st Wednesday of the month
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
   No reservations required.
The Nightingale
by Kristin Hannah

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
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
 Sept 17 & Oct 1
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