December 1, 2015
Update From the Executive Director


Many thanks to all who have sent in monetary contributions or dropped off winter clothing for the 8th Annual Turkey, Dressings, and Extra Helpings Holiday Drive! Donations are being accepted through December 14th, so you're not too late! Details.

Got photos? Consider joining today's technology workshop. Don't forget your Apple device! Details, below.

Members gather each week at The Aster Cafe for Dutch Treat Coffee Chat. It's a great place to stop and warm up with your favorite beverage after an afternoon out and about! Please note the new meeting time: 4-5pm.

We're pleased to announce 100% membership retention this last quarter and the addition of seven NEW MCC members. This is fantastic news! Please consider joining us at Mill City Commons. We are growing and we'd love to have you join us!

~ Joan Wright
Technology Workshop
Tuesday, December 1, 4:00 - 5:30 pm
American Academy of Neurology, Training Room A, 201 Chicago Ave 
From phones to point-and-shoots to DSLRs, we're taking more photos than ever. But what are you doing with those photos? This workshop will give an overview of tools for organizing, sharing and being creative with your digital photos. We'll have an open format to allow for questions throughout the session. You are welcome to bring your own laptop or mobile device. NOTE: We will be focusing on Apple devices and computers. Technology consultant Kealani Cameron will lead the workshop.

MCC members sign up here.
Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, December 2, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express, 818 S 2nd St
Join us to discuss Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky. For as long as she can remember, Dana Clarke has longed for the stability of home and family. Now she has married a man she adores, whose heritage can be traced back to the Mayflower, and she is about to give birth to their first child. But what should be the happiest day of her life becomes the day her world falls apart. Her daughter is born beautiful and healthy, and in addition, unmistakably African-American in appearance. Dana's determination to discover the truth about her baby's heritage becomes a shocking, poignant journey. A superbly crafted novel, Family Tree asks penetrating questions about family and the choices people make in times of crisis. Come for the chat whether you've read the book or not.
 
Want to read ahead? January's book is The All-Girl Filling Station's Last Reunion by Fannie Flagg.

MCC members and guests. No reservations required.
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, December 3, 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 Walt Bailey hosts on the topic of "A Student's Traumatic Story - A Bit of Theology."

Men MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, December 3, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Stone Arch Lofts, 600 S 2nd St, #701 
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. Can stable housing reduce recidivism? That's one of the questions that will be discussed on December 3 when Sonia Cairns and Peggy Lucas co-host the topic of the Great River Landing (GRL) housing project to be built near the North Loop in 2017. Sonia Cairns co-chairs the GRL Task Force, which is partnering with Better Futures to employ, house and counsel former offenders as they transform their lives. Dr. Thomas Adams, head of Better Futures, will lead a conversation about how the project benefits the men and the community.

Women MCC members sign up here; Guests email MCC.
Nutcracker (Not So) Suite
Friday, December 4, 8:00 - 10:00 pm
Cowles Center, Goodale Theater, 528 Hennepin Ave 
Myron Johnson's highly inventive and irreverent production of the Nutcracker (Not So) Suite is set in the '60s, beginning on the Upper East Side and careening into a beatnik downtown vibe with a life-size Barbie doll. The production is full of colorful characters, all accompanied by a musical mash-up of hip-hop, R&B, contemporary tracks and Christmas carols. If you'd like to purchase a ticket, call the MCC office. Tickets are $35, payable to MCC. 

MCC members and guests contact the MCC office to register: 612-455-3329 or email MCC.
Dutch Treat Coffee Chat
Monday, December 7, 4:00 - 5:00 pm (Note the new time)
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 at the Aster Café. 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.
Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, December 8, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
The Freehouse, Volstead Lounge, 701 N Washington Ave
Kick off the holiday season at our Tuesday Happy Hour at The Freehouse, hosted by Patty Connelly and Ginger and Walt Bailey. Catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Dutch treat--no reservations required! If you'd like to stay for dinner, please make reservations directly with The Freehouse online here or by calling (612) 339-7011. There's ample free parking in a public parking lot on the west side of The Freehouse, as well as in a lot on the south side marked "Contractors Only Until 5 pm."

MCC members and guests. No reservations required!
Social Bridge
Wednesday, December 9, 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.
Textile Center of MN Tour
Thursday, December 10, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Textile Center of MN, 3000 University Ave SE
Tour and learn about this national center for fiber art, which honors textile traditions and promotes excellence and innovation in fiber. See the current Lila Nelson show in the Joan Mondale Gallery. Find great fiber art gifts for all in the expanded Holiday Gallery Shop.

MCC members sign up here.
Sunday Soiree
Sunday, December 13, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Stone Arch Lofts, 600 S 2nd St, #303
It's the last Soiree of 2015! Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soiree hosted by Anne and Tom Carrier. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing a hearty hors d'oeuvre 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 wine or beer to share.  


MCC members sign up here.
Nosy Neighbor Tour: Hennepin Energy Recovery Center
Tuesday, December 15, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
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.
News from Members

MCC member Lou Burdick passes on an invitation to a new neighborhood holiday event: Concert, Carols, and a Christmas Tree on Sunday, December 6, opening with a concert at 2:00 pm and closing with a Christmas tree lighting outdoors at 4:00 pm at St. Anthony Padua Chapel at Catholic Eldercare. Free and open to the public. For details, click here.
Around Town

Reflection: Made Here
December 3, 5:00-9:00 pm, 600 Hennepin Ave
You're invited to the launch of Reflection: Made Here, a project of Hennepin Theatre Trust. Made Here fills windows and other underused spaces throughout the downtown Minneapolis Cultural District with art, featuring the work of more than 60 artists and 20 students, exploring the "reflection" theme. This event is free and open to the public. The launch features live performances, guided walking tours, and a Made Here Holiday Market in City Center. For details, click here.

Holiday Craft Hop
December 5, 12:00-5:00 pm, Grain Belt Brewhouse, 1224 Marshall St NE
Find the best in handmade holiday gifts from more than 50 Minnesota artists and artisans. For more information on invited artists, click here.

Mill City Winter Market
December 12 & 19, 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd St
The Mill City Market has moved indoors! Pick up some fresh and local foods while enjoying live music. Starting in January, the Market will be held on the second Saturday of the month through April.

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 December calendar here

 

December 1: Program Committee Meeting.
December 1: Technology Workshop: Managing Photos Online. MCC members click here.
December 2: Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat. No reservations required.
December 2: Caregiver Support Group.
December 3: Men's Coffee and Conversation. MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.
December 3: Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.
December 4: Nutcracker (Not So) Suite. MCC members click here.
December 7: Dutch Treat Coffee Chat. New time: 4:00-5:00 pm! No reservations required.
December 8: Tuesday Happy Hour. No reservations required.
December 9: Rendezvous on 5. No reservations required.
December 9: Social Bridge. MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.
December 10: Textile Center of MN Tour. MCC members click here.
December 13: Sunday Soiree. MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.
December 14: Dutch Treat Coffee Chat. No reservations required.
December 15: Nosy Neighbor Tour: Hennepin Energy Recovery Center. MCC members click here.
December 16: Rendezvous on 5. No reservations required.
December 16: Caregiver Support Group.
December 16: Artist's Open House. No reservations required.
December 17: Men's Coffee and Conversation. MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.
December 17: TDEH Volunteer Opportunity. MCC members click here.
December 17: Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. MCC members click here; Guests email MCC.
December 21: Dutch Treat Coffee Chat. No reservations required.
 
Volunteer Opportunities 
 
MCC's 8th Annual Turkey, Dressings, and Extra Helpings Holiday Drive kicked off November 30!  Click here for more details.
 
Click here for other 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, 4:00-5:00 pm (New Time!)

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, 9:30-10:30 am
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
   No reservations required.
Family Tree
by Barbara Delinsky

Rendezvous on 5

Wednesdays, 9-10 am

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 at 7:30 am 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

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

Men's Dutch Lunch
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
 December 10
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact  Allan Burdick
 
Mill City Commons | 219 Main Street SE, Suite 401, Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.millcitycommons.org | info@millcitycommons.org  
612-455-3329