October 13, 2015
Update From the Executive Director

Public Policy: an important part of our life together. Last evening's presentation by Jay Shahidi, Board Member of the United Nations - Minnesota, addressed the role sectarianism has on the larger narrative of the Middle East. It was a fascinating and sobering evening. You are highly encouraged to attend the next MN Public Policy event at the Minneapolis Foundation. Curbing Violent Extremism.

Living in Minneapolis is a rich experience on so many levels. This afternoon, members are invited to attend a docent-led tour of Mia's Collection of American Modernism, a portion of the Kunin Collection. See details, below. Also, if you appreciate living along the Mighty Mississip' as much as I, don't miss this week's Our Turn conversation. Come prepared to share a favorite river recollection or experience and be ready to learn about plans for the Upper Harbor. See details, below. Finally, this month's Soiree is the first to be held at Mill and Main. Thanks, in advance, to Bob and Pam Berkwitz for hosting. Soiree: Mill and Main.

Enjoy this beautiful weather - the essence of fall!
~Joan Wright
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. Don't miss the opportunity to share with other MCC women your observations, connections and experiences with the downtown Minneapolis riverfront at "Our Turn" this Thursday hosted by Merle Minda at Village Lofts.  The meeting will kick off with a short briefing from a terrific speaker, Kathleen Boe, Executive Director of the Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership, a non-profit that focuses entirely on the health and welfare of our Mississippi. Kathleen knows it all - you'll learn what's happening, the latest developments in new projects ... and more!  We'll have plenty of time for questions and to share our observations about living so near the river. Please join us at 10:00 am.  

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 Jean Sazevich, Philanthropic Advisor, Catherine Gray, Director of Impact Strategy, Civic Engagement and Mr Hamse Warfa who will add detail about the Foundation's work with the Somali community and some of the specific issues the community is working on at this time.
 
Snacks and drinks will be provided.  Parking will be validated if you park in the IDS ramp, accessible from Marquette Ave.  For parking details, visit the Minneapolis Foundation's Contact/Find Us page.

MCC members sign up here.
Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday, October 21, 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.  This is 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 22, 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 Peter Lefferts leads a discussion on "Magnificent Failures" in one's life...and the opportunities that followed.  Participants will discuss differing attitudes/definitions about "failure," reflect on situations that (at the time) may have seemed to be such setbacks but brought insights and led to wonderful new experiences.  Please come prepared to share (briefly) a magnificent "failure" that you have experienced...or (better still) a "failure" that you created...how key people in your life responded, downstream outcomes, etc. Remember that what is shared at Elsie's stays at Elsie's!

Men MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Perspectives on Iran
Thursday, October 22, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Stone Arch Lofts, 600 S 2nd St, #701
Iran may not be a top tourist travel destination but an adventurous group of 13 MCC members and friends travelled to Iran in late September and early October.  Come hear more about their journey to ancient cities, glorious mosques, and archaeological sites.  Members will share their perspectives of Iran today, as well as a bit of the extraordinary history of the area.  Peggy and Dave Lucas host.

MCC members sign up here.
Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, October 27, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Eastside Restaurant, 305 Washington Ave S 
Join us for the Last Tuesday Happy Hour.  Catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites.  Dutch treat - no reservations required!  Karla Ekdahl and Peter Hutchinson host at Eastside Restaurant.  If you'd like to stay for dinner, please call 612-208-1638 to reserve a table or make your reservations online.


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

MCC members Bob Callahan and Carol Jordan invite you to an evening benefit for the downtown library.  Maria Jette will perform, along with pianist Dan Chouinard, Nov. 5th, at Hennepin County's Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall.  The event - from 5:30-8:00 - is part of a fundraiser to support historic collections and programs unique to the Central Library.  Jette and Chouinard will perform works from the Central Library's extensive music collection.  Examples from the library's Preservation Department, including significant historic works, will also be on display.  Cost is $50 per person.  Light hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served.  For more information and to register, send an email to minneapoliscentral@suppporthclib.org.   

Like to sing? Join Mill City Commons members Ellen Breyer & Lou Burdick plus riverfront neighbors and participate in a free Downtown community choir led by J.D. Steele.  The Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA), MacPhail Center for Music and Emmanuel Housing have partnered to bring this new choir to life.  Singers of all abilities (or inabilities) are welcome. Rehearsals are scheduled for 2:00-3:30 pm on Saturdays on October 24th, 31st, November 7th, 14th, December 5th, and 12th at Central Covenant Church (810 S 7th St). Email Joan Bennett to pre-register. Registration is free. Additional information is available here.

MCC member Peggy Lucas invites members to attend a Forward Global Women event on October 22 from 7:00-8:30 pm.  The fundraiser will feature Jordanian singer and world music artist Farah Siraj.  For more information, click here.
Around Town

Age of Love Documentary Screening
October 19, 12:30 pm, Sabes Jewish Community Center, 4330 S Cedar Lake Rd
Follow the humorous and poignant adventures of thirty seniors in Rochester, NY who sign up for a first-of-its-kind speed dating event exclusively for 70-90 year olds. From anxious anticipation through the dates that follow, it's an unexpected tale of intrepid seniors who lay their hearts on the line, and discover how dreams and desires change or don't change from first love to the far reaches of life.  To reserve a free ticket, click here (space is limited).

The Meaning in 'Mockingbird': Putting a Classic in the Continuum of Civil Rights, Race Relations and Social Justice
October 19, 7:30 pm, Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St S, Wurtele Thrust Stage
The Guthrie will host a thought-provoking panel discussion. Panelists will include Joseph Crespino (Jimmy Carter Professor and Chair of the Department of History at Emory University in Atlanta) and William D. Green (associate professor and Sabo Senior Fellow in the Department of History at Augsburg College). Free, but tickets are required. Reserve by calling the box office at 612-377-2224.

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 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.

October 28:  Rendezvous on 5. No reservations required.

October 28:  Pattern Glass Museum. MCC members click here.

October 28:  Social Bridge. MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

October 29:  Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.

November 2:  Dutch Treat Coffee Chat.  No reservations required.

November 2:  Program Committee Meeting.

 
 

 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