June 14, 2016
Update From the Executive Director

"In recent years the question how can I help? has become meaningful to many people. But perhaps there is a deeper question we might consider. Perhaps the real question is not how can I help? but how can I serve?"

So begins an essay written by Rachel Naomi Remen: author, teacher, and promoter in integrative medicine. Her view being that serving is different from helping and fixing. (Read essay)

"We serve life not because it is broken but because it is holy."

As we move through each day surrounded by world events, this idea of 'serving life because it is holy not because it is broken' resonates and brings me comfort -- a cherished commodity.

Friends, family, community: people who ground us, bring us comfort and a place to belong. 

Mill City Commons: We Learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
This Chair Rocks: How Ageism Warps Our View of Long Life
Wednesday, June 15, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Washburn Lofts Common Room, 700 2nd St S
Author and activist Ashton Applewhite will tell us why the more you know about old age, the better it looks. Applewhite debunks myth after myth about late life and exposes the ageism that underlies all the hand-wringing. The talk is as funny as it is fierce, and it will change the way you envision the rest of your life. Applewhite has been recognized by the New York Times, National Public Radio and the American Society on Aging as an expert on ageism.

MCC member sign up here; guests email MCC. 
Men's Coffee and Conversation 
Thursday, June 16, 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. MCC member Peter Lefferts hosts this week on the theme of "Breaking Ice with Baseball Bats." Peter, a sports fan and amateur participant, has found sports enthusiasm, especially in baseball and soccer, to offer welcome bridges across many "moats" of nationality, language, culture, affluence, gender and politics. For Peter, baseball has been a particularly positive ambassador for U.S. culture and a welcome common ground for collegial conversation with skeptical new acquaintances. Peter will recap a few such ice-breaking experiences from his own life and then invite others to share their own stories.

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
Technology Workshop: Dropbox and Online Photo Storage
Tuesday, June 21, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
American Academy of Neurology, Training Room B, 201 Chicago Ave 
Fact: We're all shooting more photographs these days. Why not? Cameras on our phones are becoming more professional-grade quality with each new model. New iPhones tout cameras shooting 12 megapixel photos, a feature of many digital cameras selling for $3,000 for more. However, keep in mind that the file sizes of these high-resolution photos is escalating, and adequate file storage has become an essential feature of modern computing. Join us as we discuss cloud solutions to this growing storage issue. We'll take a look at Dropbox and others for successful back-up and storage of those photos of your precious grandchildren and memorable travels.
 
MCC members sign up here.
Social Bridge
Wednesday, June 22, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Washburn Lofts, 700 2nd St S 
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 caroljordan@millcitycommons.org or 
(612) 817-0466 and she will assist you.

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, June 23, 10:00 - 11:30 am 
The Landings, 504 River St
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, Jeanne Ravich hosts on the topic of "Pleasures, Pastimes and Passions." Share what you love to do, from crafts to cooking, games to gardening, your favorite worthy cause, or even something on your "wish list." No restrictions--just a brief description of your interest(s). You may find kindred spirits to start a group, or you may give the rest of us some good ideas.

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, June 28, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Elsie's Restaurant and Bar, 729 Marshall St NE
Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour on the patio at Elsie's Restaurant and Bar, hosted by Patty Connelly and Diane & Tony Hofstede. Catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Dutch treat--no reservations required! If you wish to stay for dinner, reservations may be made by calling (612) 378-9701.
 
MCC members and guests. No reservations required.
Preserving Your Life Stories
Wednesday, June 29, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
American Academy of Neurology, Training Room B, 201 Chicago Ave
Very few things in life are more precious or can enrich our families than sharing memories, history, humor and wisdom. Mike Ransom and Vinson Valega, Minnesota members of the Association of Personal Historians, will provide tips and tricks on how to begin this meaningful journey. Methods discussed will include memoir writing, audio storytelling and legacy video production. Topics include: How to get started, what to organize, the importance of deadlines, working with family members, producing your own finished legacy document, options for sharing and examples of finished projects. Ransom and Valega have helped dozens of people capture their memories and will share essential information and real-life examples.

MCC members sign up here.
News from Members

MCC member Jim Conaway invites members to participate in a Plein Air painting workshop on June 18 and 19. The Mississippi National River and Recreation Area provides scenic landscapes perfect for plein air painting. Groveland Gallery is offering four different workshops taught by experienced local artists at various points along the riverfront. To learn more about the workshops and instructors, click here. 
 
Want to join us for a ballgame this summer? MCC is going to watch the Twins take on the Houston Astros on August 11 at 12:10 pm. We will have a chance to hear the Mill City Emmanuel Singers (which claims several MCCers as members) sing during the 7th inning. If you want to purchase a ticket ($25), email Betsy Wray. 
Around Town

Yoga in Gold Medal Park
Saturdays through September 3, 9:00-10:00 am, Gold Medal Park
Grab your mat (or a towel) and a neighbor and meet by the letters. The sessions are free of charge and sponsored by Friends of the Mill District. Come salute the sun and enjoy the beauty of our neighborhood with your friends and neighbors.

2016 Juneteenth Celebration
June 18, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, North Mississippi Regional Park, 5114 N Mississippi Dr
The Juneteenth Festival observes the June 19, 1865, proclamation of the abolition of slavery in Texas and celebrates the freedom for people of all racial backgrounds. The festival will include a free breakfast from 8:00-9:00 am, food, fun and entertainment. For more information, click here.

Westminster Town Hall Forum
June 23, 7:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave
Kathleen Hall Jamieson presents on "Campaign-Speak: What the Candidates are Really Saying." Kathleen is a professor of Communication and Director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. The Annenberg Center runs FactCheck, which is committed to examining the accuracy of the US political campaign advertisements.

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 and more.  
 
Volunteer Opportunities 
 
Click here for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC website!  
 

 Mill City Commons

Ongoing Fitness Opportunities


SBS Class

                      Thursdays

2:00-3:00 pm
501F1T,
501 Washington Ave
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,

7:30-8:30 am

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,

8:00-9:15 am

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.
The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully
by Joan Chittister

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, May through August,
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
 June 23 & July 7
 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