October 6, 2015
Update From the Executive Director

This Musings is being written ahead of time in anticipation of my attendance at the 7th Annual National Village Gathering in Seattle, October 5th, 6th and 7th. Joining me will be Lou Burdick and Ellen Breyer. Look out, Seattle! We hope to learn about some great ideas and initiatives for improving our very own village. Ask us about it. We look forward to sharing what we've learned. 

Next week's Great Decisions discussion on Sectarianism in the Middle East is timely. Mill City Commons Great Decisions Members sign up here! (Sorry, not open to guests; to join the MCC Great Decisions Discussion Group, email the MCC office).

Art is a beautiful thing! You just may want to consider taking a docent-led tour of the many American Modernist paintings and sculptures at The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), on loan from the Kunin Collection, in honor of its centennial celebration.  See details below.

These fall days are precious. Enjoy the beauty. I hope to see you in and around the neighborhood!

~ Joan Wright
                                                              
Peruvian Textiles Demonstration
Tuesday, October 6, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Humboldt, 750 S 2nd St, #901 
Join us for a reception to welcome Pascuala and Engracia, two Peruvian Back-Strap Weavers from Chinchero, Peru.  The weavers are a part of Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco, which has been successful in preserving indigenous culture through the production and marketing of their fine weavings.  Peruvian textile craft represents their identity and national heritage, dating back to pre-Incan times.  The weavers will demonstrate their rich Quechua culture and will have a selection of textiles for sale.  Melanie Ebertz, founder of ArtAndes and designer of Andean Textiles and Travel, has been working with their founder since 2001 and is sponsoring their visit.  Check out ArtAndes for other fall events planned around their stay.  MCC members Mary Racciatti and Peggy Lucas co-host.

MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, October 7, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express, 818 S 2nd St
Join us to discuss The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah.  The book illuminates an intimate part of history seldom seen: the women's war during World War II. The Nightingale tells the stories of two sisters, separated by years and experience, by ideals, passion and circumstance, each embarking on her own dangerous path toward survival, love, and freedom in German-occupied, war-torn France--a heartbreakingly beautiful novel that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the durability of women.  Come for the chat whether you've read the book or not.
 
Want to read ahead?  November's book will be A Chosen Exile by Allyson Hobbs (subject to change).

MCC members and guests.  No registration required.
Caregiver Support Group Launch
Wednesday, October 7, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Cobalt Condos 2nd Fl Conference Room, 45 University Ave SE
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 individuals 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.  Today's meeting will launch a three month series, meeting the first and third Wednesday each month.  Participants will be asked to pay $60 for the three month series (six sessions) regardless of how many sessions they are able to attend. Confidential scholarships are available - contact Membership Coordinator Mary Texidor.  To enter Cobalt, buzz Tamra Nelson at the Cobalt Security Phone, take the elevator to the 2nd fl, turn right and walk to the end of the hallway.

MCC members sign up here; Non-MCC members are welcome and can email MCC to register.
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, October 8, 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. Tyrone Bujold will lead the conversation on this topic: "My memories of my youth tend to be self-congratulatory.  But as I approach my 80's I find that I am forced to surrender to that irksome demon known as candor.  In 1955, I was able to make life-changing decisions on my own.  And so I did.  In that year of my life I won a generous scholarship to Harvard.  But in less than two months I rejected the offer and took a competing offer from Marquette University.  How about you?  Has your life been marked by youthful choices that if you had to make them now you would choose a different path?"

Men MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Great Decisions: Sectarianism in the Middle East
Monday, October 12, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE
Many of the current conflicts in the Middle East have been attributed to sectarianism, a politicization of ethnic and religious identity.  The struggle between Sunni and Shi'i groups for dominance is tearing apart the region and shows no signs of abating. But for all the religious discourse permeating the conflict, much of its roots are political, not religious. How does sectarianism fit into a larger narrative of the Middle East? How have governments manipulated sectarian differences? And finally, what is the U.S. doing about it?  GD guest speaker Jay Shahidi speaks from a personal perspective as well as from astute observation of today's events in the Middle East.  He is a board member of the United Nations Association-Minnesota and the American Refugee Committee (ARC), as well as co-founder and current President of the Iranian-American Society of Minnesota.  Elisabeth Bennett hosts at La Rive's 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.
Mia's Collection of American Modernism
Tuesday, October 13, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 3rd Ave S 
The Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia) is celebrating its centennial year with an incredible exhibit of American Modernist art.  Members will have a docent-led tour of paintings and sculptures on long-term loan from the Kunin family, which includes works by Georgia O'Keefe, Marsden Harley and Paul Cadmus.  The Kunin Collection is widely considered to be one of the most important privately held collections of American art in the world.  The artworks span the diverse artistic styles and movements of the early 20th century, from abstraction to American realism.  

MCC members sign up here.
Social Bridge
Wednesday, October 14, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
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.
Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, October 15, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Village Lofts Community Room, 150 2nd 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 Merle Minda has invited guest Kathleen Boe, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership to speak.  Kathleen will talk about what the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership does (inform, engage, accelerate) and then focus in on some of the changes being seen along the river based on their updated Riverfront Vitality Report, their successes at getting people to the river, and introducing members to the opportunity of the Upper Harbor area.

Women MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Sunday Soiree
Sunday, October 18, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Mill & Main Community Room, 401 Main St SE
Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soiree hosted by Bob and Pam Berkwitz.  Please contribute to the potluck by bringing a hearty hors d'oeurve or dessert.  As you register, let us know what you will bring by answering the "Question" that will appear on the screen.  You are welcome to bring your own white wine or beer to share.  

MCC members sign up here.
MN Public Policy: Curbing Violent Extremism
Monday, October 19, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Minneapolis Foundation, 80 S 8th St, 800 IDS Center
This year marks the 100th Anniversary of The Minneapolis Foundation, one of the first Community Foundations in the world.  The Foundation both responds to the issues of the day -- and helps define them. We've asked the Foundation to briefly touch on key points in their history and describe their current priority issues with an emphasis on how influencing public policy is incorporated into their work.  For an in-depth example of their current work, they will spotlight the Foundation's engagement with the Somali community regarding the federal pilot program to counter violent extremism.  The program's featured speakers will be Catherine Gray, Director of Impact Strategy, Civic Engagement and Luz Maria Frias, Vice President, Community Impact.  

MCC members sign up here.
News from Members

MCC member Carol Jordan shares that there is an interesting speaker coming to the Minneapolis Central Library on October 15, from 7-8 pm in the Doty Board Room.  The program title is Given Life Twice - The Story of Holocaust Survivor Hinda Kibort.  Joni Sussman will be sharing stories gleaned from interviewing her mother, Hinda Kibort, for the Steven Spielberg Shoan Foundation Midwest Holocaust survivor's project.  Kibort was a survivor of Stuthof Concentration Camp and a human rights activist in Minnesota.
Around Town

An Evening of Fine Wine and Fine Books
October 6, 6:00-9:00 pm, The Shop at MCBA, 1011 Washington Ave S
In one evening, explore new work from more than 100 artists from around the world, representing the range of contemporary artist's books from self-published chapbooks to fine press limited editions. Sample a delectable variety of wines and cheeses while viewing the latest offerings from outstanding book artists. Free and open to the public. For more information, click here.

Minneapolis Riverfront Summit and Film Festival
October 26, 5:30 pm, Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd St
Screen the winners of the Mississippi Minute Film Festival, which are sure to inform and amuse. John Anfinson, Superintendent of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, will also preview the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. To register for this free event, click here.

Inspired! Bakken Trio's 2015-2016 Program Series
Various dates, 4:00 pm, MacPhail Center for Music Antonello Hall, 501 S 2nd St 
As Minnesotans we recognize and embrace the change of seasons, and this year the Bakken Trio programs reflect the thanksgiving for and memories of autumn, the life of the mind during winter, and the release of spring's lighthearted energy!  Individual or season tickets are now on sale, including a season pass for seniors. Click here for more information.

Mill City Times
Mill City Times is a local 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.  
MCC Upcoming Events  
View the October calendar here

 

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

October 7:  Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat.  No reservations required.

October 7:  Caregiver Support Group Launch.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

October 8:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

October 12:  Dutch Treat Coffee Chat.  No reservations required.

October 12:  Great Decisions.  GD members click here.

October 13:  Program Committee Meeting. 

October 13:  Mia's Collection of American Modernism.  MCC members click here.

October 14:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

October 14:  Social Bridge.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

October 14:  MCC BOD Meeting.  MCC members click here.

October 15:  Our Turn:  A Conversation for Women.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

October 18:  Sunday Soiree.  MCC members click here.

October 19:  Dutch Treat Coffee Chat.  No reservations required.

October 19:  MN Public Policy:  Curbing Violent Extremism.  MCC members click here.

October 21:  Rendezvous on 5.  No reservations required.

October 21:  MCC Caregiver Support Group.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

October 22:  Men's Coffee and Conversation.  MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

October 22:  Perspectives on Iran.  MCC members click here.

October 26:  Dutch Treat Coffee Chat.  No reservations required.

October 27:  Last Tuesday Happy Hour.  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!  
 
Ongoing Member-Led Activities

 

Men's B&BS Lunch
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
 October 15 & 29
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

 

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.

 

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