March 8, 2016
Update From the Executive Director

Allow me to draw your attention to this week's MCC program on Islam
here. It promises to be an illustrative evening offering insight and information on our Muslim neighbors; I hope you will be able to attend. In addition, MCC member, Karla Ekdahl, recommends viewing a dynamic TED Talk by Dahlia Mogahed here. Whether your schedule allows you to attend this week's program or not, please consider taking the time to view and listen to this young Muslim woman's perspective. Twenty minutes very well spent.

So many first quarter membership renewals already have made their way back to MCC's office - thank you! Not only do these renewals mark a positive affirmation of members' appreciation for MCC, but your quick response facilitates staffs' follow up - always a good thing!

Beneath the remaining vestiges of winter's snow piles, lays earth's quiet response to warming temps. Sweep out the garage; hose down the deck furniture; vacuum the grit from the old buggy's floor mats. Spring has sprung...and Day Light Savings begins this coming Sunday, March 13th. Set those clocks AHEAD!

MILL CITY COMMONS:  We learn. We share. We engage. We give.

~ Joan Wright 
What You've Always Wanted to Know About Islam and Muslims
Wednesday, March 9, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
The Towers Community Room, 15 S 1st St 
As the number of Muslims living in Minnesota has grown, have you wanted to learn more about Islam and Muslims? Two speakers from the Islamic Resource Group (IRG) will give us a better understanding of what Islam teaches and what Muslims practice. They'll also offer insights into the experience of being Muslim in Minnesota and how one maintains dignity in the face of bias, bigotry and ignorance. Sister Naaima and Brother Nehrwr from the IRG speakers bureau will present.
 
To see a video produced by "Minnesota Tonight" about countering Islamophobia in Minnesota with a sense of humor, click here.

MCC members sign up here
; guests email MCC.
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, March 10, 7:30 - 8:30 am
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE        
It's 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 topic is "Third World Reminders." MCC member Bill Davnie reports that a month in Cambodia reminded him of daily decisions he doesn't have to worry about here - as well as thoughts about how U.S. policy appears in that region. He asks: what have you learned in your travels to the Third World?

Men MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
Great Decisions: The United Nations Post 2015
Monday, March 14, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Winslow House Party Room, 100 2nd St SE
On the eve of the international organization's 70th birthday, the United Nations stands at a crossroads. This year marks a halfway point in the organization's global effort to eradicate poverty, hunger and discrimination, as well as ensure justice and dignity for all peoples. But as the UN's 193 member states look back at the success of the millennium development goals, they also must assess their needs for its sustainable development goals--a new series of benchmarks, which are set to expire in 2030. With the appointment of the ninth secretary-general in the near future as well, the next UN leader is bound to have quite a lot on his or her plate going into office. Our speaker, M. Jay Shahidi, is a board member of the United Nations Association-Minnesota and the American Refugee Committee. With the United Nations Association of Minnesota, he has co-chaired the Landmine and Advocacy committees. Bob Whitlock and Peggy Weber host at Winslow House.
 
Registration on the MCC website is required for Great Decisions members. Sorry, not open to guests; to join the MCC Great Decisions Discussion Group, email the MCC office at info@millcitycommons.org. 

MCC GD members sign up here.
Social Bridge
Wednesday, March 16, 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, March 17, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
212 Lofts, 212 N 1st St, #609
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, cohosts and discussion leaders Ginny Craig and Betty Grant invite you to come and share something essential about yourself in a 6-word memoir. It might be funny, inspirational, profound, mundane or deeply true--it's up to you. To get you thinking, here are a few examples:"Glass half full; pockets half empty." "Musician gone bad. Darn law school." "Curly haired sad kid chose fun." "Soul'd out so I could prophet." If you want to see other examples, go to www.sixwordmemoirs.com.

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
Understanding Hearing Loss
Tuesday, March 22, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Lourdes Square, 192 Bank St SE 
Are you or someone you're close to dealing with hearing loss? Join us to learn about the diagnostic process used at the University of Minnesota to assess hearing loss and the options available to aid the loss. Carly Kempton, Au. D, CCC-A Doctor of Audiology at Fairview, will speak. Scotty Gillette hosts at Lourdes Square.



MCC members sign up here.
News from Members

Are you attending the March 9 MCC program "What You've Always Wanted to Know About Islam and Muslims?" If you are, and even if you're not, MCC member Karla Ekdahl recommends that you consider watching this TED talk by Dalia Mogahed titled "What do you think when you look at me?"

MCC member Carol Vantine would like to share this article with MCC members. Many members participated in Jessica Finlay's dissertation research on aging in the right place.

Want to learn about the difference Project SUCCESS is making in the lives of 12,000 kids they work with each year? MCC member Karla Ekdahl invites you to save the date of April 19 at 8:00 am for a free, one hour breakfast that promises to be both inspiring and hope-filled. She would like to have several tables for MCC members so if you are interested in attending, please email Karla at karla.ekdahl@gmail.com. For details on the breakfast, click here.
Around Town

John Cage: Sonatas and Interludes for Prepared Piano Performed by Dr. David Shaffer-Gottschalk
March 14, 8:00 pm, Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave S
In a rare performance of work, you are invited to experience one of the masterworks of modern music. Come early to observe Shaffer-Gottschalk preparing the piano according to Cage's Table of Preparations, placing screws, bolts, nuts, strips of rubber, pieces of plastic and a rubber eraser inside the piano. Doors open at 4:30 pm (for piano preparing and discussion), and the concert begins at 8 pm. Tickets are free, but reservations are strongly recommended here.

Meet the Minnesota Book Award Finalists
March 18, 6:30-8:30 pm, The Loft at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave S
Join the Minnesota Book Awards and The Loft Literary Center for a celebration of this year's finalist books from eight award categories. Finalists will share brief excerpts from their books, followed by complimentary wine and light refreshments, book sales and signings. 

Happy Hour Concert with Pekka Kuusisto
April 1, 4:30 pm-7:00 pm, Ordway Concert Hall, 345 Washington St, St. Paul
Enjoy complimentary beer and cider in the performance hall during a one-hour concert featuring new Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra Artistic Partner Pekka Kuusisto. The program spans centuries, continents, and musical genres. Food trucks will also be parked outside before and after the concert with appetizers and dinner available for purchase. General admission tickets are $15 and can be purchased here.

As We Age: Trends. Transitions. Triumphs.
April 22, 8:00 am-4:30 pm, Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center
The Minnesota Gerontological Society's 40th Annual Conference will feature a keynote address by Cathy Wurzer of MPR, a physician's panel, an overview of aging demographics, as well as a selection of breakout sessions. Early bird registration ends March 31. For details and to register, click here.
 
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, volunteer opportunities, etc.  
MCC Upcoming Events  
View the March calendar here

March 9: Rendezvous on 5. No reservations required.
March 9: Caregiver Support Group.
March 9: MCC Board Meeting. MCC members click here.
March 9: What You've Always Wanted to Know About Islam and Muslims. MCC members click here; guests email MCC.
March 10: Men's Coffee and Conversation. MCC members click here; guests email MCC.
March 14: Dutch Treat Coffee Chat. No reservations required.
March 14: Great Decisions. MCC GD members click  here.
March 16: Rendezvous on 5. No reservations required.
March 16: Social Bridge. MCC members click here; guests email MCC.
March 17: Men's Dutch Lunch. No reservations required.
March 17: Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. MCC members click here; guests email MCC.
March 21: Dutch Treat Coffee Chat. No reservations required.
March 22: Understanding Hearing Loss. MCC members click here.
March 23: Rendezvous on 5. No reservations required.
March 23: Caregiver Support Group.
March 24: Men's Coffee and Conversation. MCC members click here; guests email MCC. 
March 24: A Government of, by and for the People (Who Have Money). MCC members click here.
March 28: Dutch Treat Coffee Chat. No reservations required.
March 29: Last Tuesday Happy Hour. No reservations required!
 
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
501F1T,
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 levels of walkers are 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

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.
Being Mortal
by Atul Gawande

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
2nd and 4th Wednesdays, January through April
10:30 am-12:00 pm
A way to support members and non-members who are or have been in a  caregiving role. For
more information,   contact Betsy Wray

Men's Dutch Lunch
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
 March 17 & 31
 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 St SE, Suite 401, Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.millcitycommons.org | info@millcitycommons.org  
(612) 455-3329