Forty years ago, on February 15th, my father died quite unexpectedly. In many ways, it seems a lifetime ago, and in others, just like yesterday.

Losing a loved one is emotionally challenging no matter one's age. What most helped our family to move through the ensuing days of shock and despair were those folks in and around our small town community who offered their gifts of sympathy, support, time and presence. Each, in their own way, became a part of the fabric of our grief as well as our healing. 

Community does that. Being part of a community with which one can share not only the joy and delight of day to day living, but also that from which one can draw support and nurture is, in and of itself, a rare gift. Building community takes time, effort and commitment. It reaps rich rewards and taps our better selves. It supports, challenges, engages and sustains. Community is life-giving. 

At its core, Mill City Commons builds community through shared experiences.

If you would like to learn more about our community, I'd be happy to share information with you. 612-455-3329

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. This week, we're holding our first book exchange (an honest exchange of books you would recommend to others, not ones you want to get rid of). Some suggestions: Fiction, biography, autobiography and memoir, as well as books that are really good examples of contemporary issues in economics, politics and social areas. Please limit the number of books you bring to three. Paperbacks are preferred, but if you have hardcovers to share, bring those, too. And you don't have to bring a book to take one! Arvonne Fraser and Corin Kagan lead the discussion; Ginny Craig hosts.