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Update from the Executive Director
Be prepared.
This well-known scout motto
shaped much of my growing up years. As an Eagle Scout, my dad was always prepared. His four-year-long naval experience, serving as Bosun (Boatswain's mate) aboard the U.S.S. Texas, sealed his love for the open sea and burnished his commitment to teaching and assisting others. My sisters and I learned valuable life skills along the way, not the least of which is how to tie a handy slip knot! Our childhood experiences prepared us for adult life.
My dad's sudden death at age 61 sent shock waves through our family. No one had prepared for it, except my dad. His estate, insurance and personal finances were in order, accessible and actionable, and his business partnership was insured. What a gift!
Recently, MCC member Dr. David Plimpton presented a program on health care directives. He talked about the importance of having a clear idea of one's values, beliefs and goals related to the end of life so they can be effectively communicated to one's health care agent and family members. Admittedly, this is stern discussion material, but being prepared for the inevitable offers individual peace of mind and a priceless gift to loved ones.
If you have questions about health care directives and Minnesota law related to them, MN Department of Health has the information you'll need to be prepared.
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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Technology Help Desk
Tuesday, December 5, 1:00 - 2:30 pm 
MCC office, 125 Main St SE, Ste 339
Schedule time with a tech support guru and have your nagging technology questions answered during our complimentary Help Desk. Support for both Apple products and PCs is available. After you register, MCC will confirm the time of your 20-minute one-on-one session. Reminder: Installing or upgrading software and creating accounts cannot be included in the Help Desk session, as they exceed the allotted appointment time.
A 1:00 pm time slot has just opened up. If you are interested, please call Betsy Wray at (612) 455-3329 to secure your spot.
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Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, December 6, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Abiitan's Porter Cafe, 428 2nd St S
 Join us to discuss Lab Girl by Hope Jahren. In this debut memoir, acclaimed scientist Hope Jahren has built three laboratories in which she's studied trees, flowers, seeds and soil. Lab Girl is a book about work, love and the mountains that can be moved when those two things come together. It's told through Jahren's remarkable stories: about her childhood in rural Minnesota with an uncompromising mother and a father who encouraged hours of play in his classroom's labs; about how she found a sanctuary in science and learned to perform lab work done "with both the heart and the hands;" and about the inevitable disappointments, but also the triumphs and exhilarating discoveries of scientific work. Yet at the core of this book is the story of a relationship Jahren forged with a brilliant, wounded man named Bill, who becomes her lab partner and best friend. Their sometimes-rogue adventures in science take them from the Midwest across the United States and back again, over the Atlantic to the ever-light skies of the North Pole and to tropical Hawaii, where she and her lab currently make their home.
If you'd like to read ahead, January's book is The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck. Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email [email protected].
MCC members and guests. No registration required.
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Social Bridge
Wednesday, December 6, 3:00 - 5:00 pm 
Washburn Lofts, 700 2nd St S
Join bridge players for a round of social bridge; levels of expertise and experience vary. Bring a partner if you can, and remember to register both yourself and your partner. Questions? Contact Carol Jordan at [email protected].
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Author Celebration: Lee Lynch
Wednesday, December 6, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Stonebridge Lofts Community Room, 1120 S 2nd St, 2nd fl
 Join us as Minnesota advertising legend Lee Lynch shares some of the little-known, quirky and fascinating facts about Minnesota from his just-published book,
Amazing Minnesota: State Rankings and Unusual Information. How do we compare against other states or localities? What are some of the unusual facts even locals don't know about our amazing state? Find out in this fun evening! Lynch retired in 2008 from Carmichael Lynch, the firm he co-founded in 1962, and now spends his time immersed in other businesses and nonprofit activities.
MCC members sign up here. |
MCC Annual Meeting
Monday, December 11, 4:00 - 4:30 pm 
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE, 2nd fl
Learn about the direction of your Mill City Commons as our current board chair passes the gavel to next year's chair and welcomes new officers and board members. The regular monthly meeting of the board will follow at 4:30 pm. Members are welcome to stay for the board meeting also.
MCC members sign up here.
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Minneapolis' Comprehensive Plan: What the Next 20 Years Hold
Monday, December 11, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Minnesota Tech Center, 1100 Washington Ave S
 Minneapolis 2040 is an update to the City's Comprehensive Plan, a document that shapes how Minneapolis will grow and change. The plan will cover topics such as housing, job creation and the design of new buildings, and how we use our streets. Brian Schaffer, principal project coordinator in the city's Long Range Planning Division, will provide an overview of the timeline and steps to develop the Comprehensive Plan and engagement content. For more information visit www.minneapolis2040.com.
MCC members sign up here.
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Exhibit: Fest! Merry Mansion - Nordic Holidays
Wednesday, December 13, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave 
Join us for a tour of the American Swedish Institute's 2017 exhibition of Nordic Holiday Rooms. Explore the unique and interactive displays of customs and traditions from the five Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland, plus this year's special guest, Romania. Cost is $13 for this guided tour. (Please bring cash, if possible, to speed up the check-in process.) Optional: Join your tourmates for a beverage at Fika afterwards.
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Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, December 14, 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, MCC member John Crosby will host guest speaker Tom Evers, executive director of the Minneapolis Parks Foundation. Tom will talk about the River First Initiative for the Upper Mississippi, which spans from the Stone Arch Bridge to the northern border of Minneapolis at I-694. He'll give a status report on the the plans to upgrade the shorelines along this stretch and provide long overdue connections and access to residents of North and Northeast Minneapolis.
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Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, December 14, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Mill City Quarter, 322 2nd St S 
MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, Susan Higgins hosts on the topic of Favorite Holiday Memories. Bring a story or two about any holidays throughout the year.
Our Turn meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Hosts, topics and occasionally locations change each time. Please bring your own refreshments. Our Turn participants who wish to continue socializing after our morning session are invited to join others for a "dutch lunch" at Abiitan's Porter Cafe next door.
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. |
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Sunday Soiree
Sunday, December 17, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Washburn Lofts Common Room, 700 2nd St S
 Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soiree, hosted by Margee & Will Bracken and Anita Kunin at Washburn Lofts. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing a hearty hors d'oeuvre, main dish salad or dessert to serve at least 8. As you register, let us know what you'll 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. |
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Exhibit: "A Campus Divided"
Monday, December 18, 2:00 - 3:00 pm 
University of Minnesota Andersen Library Atrium Gallery, 222 21st Ave S
Join us for an archivist-led tour of the compelling exhibit, "A Campus Divided: Progressives, Anti-Communists, Racism and Anti-Semitism at the University of Minnesota, 1930-1942." With archival materials, the exhibit illustrates how U of M presidents, deans and other administrators routinely subjected students and faculty to surveillance and attacked progressive student activism in order to create a campus in the narrow and distorted image of an "America First" nation. If you'd like to carpool, meet in the Stone Arch parking lot at 1:30 p.m. Otherwise, meet on the third floor of Andersen Library, where the exhibit starts.
MCC members sign up here.
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Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, December 19, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Wilde Cafe, 65 Main St SE
 Join us for Tuesday Happy Hour at Wilde Cafe. Hosted by Ginger & Walt Bailey, this gathering is a time to 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) 331-4544.
MCC members and guests. No registration required.
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A Movie & Dinner
Thursday, December 28, 4:00 - 7:30 pm
St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 Main St SE 
Join MCC members for a dutch-treat mid-week movie and dinner! The movie and exact movie time will be announced the week before and communicated on the website and in Musings. We'll follow with dinner at a nearby restaurant, also to be announced. Members and guests are welcome to join us for the movie, dinner or both.
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New Year's Eve Dinner
Sunday, December 31, 7:00 - 10:00 pm
Winslow House Party Room, 100 2nd St SE
 Join other MCC members for a festive catered dinner in a condo party room along the riverfront! The menu includes Chicken Kebabs with Tzatziki Dipping Sauce; Salmon Kebabs with Ginger Soy Dipping Sauce; Israeli Couscous with Tomato, Onions, Mushrooms, Spinach and Garlic; Grilled Asparagus and Baby Carrots; Harvest Salad with Apple Cider Dressing and dessert bars. Cost will be approximately $35 per person. Members are asked to bring beverages to share.
MCC members sign up here. |
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MCC Program Calendar
View the full MCC December calendar
here.
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News from Members
MCC member Patty Canney invites members to her open studio this Saturday, December 9 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at the California Building (2205 California St SE, Studio # 406). She also notes that Art Resources Gallery is hosting a Holiday Gift Pop Up Shop Show at International Market Square (275 Market St, Ste 166) featuring affordable art perfect for grab and go gifts including glass, ornaments, small paintings, jewelry and more one of a kind items.
MCC member Claudia Kittock wants members to know that Friends of the Mill District and the Guthrie are co-sponsoring a youth acting program for youth from Youthlink, MacPhail and the Mill District. They would like to provide a meal to the youth during their rehearsal and have the following dates available: January 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 19, 24 and 25. If you would like to help provide a meal, contact Claudia at
[email protected].
Did you attend September's program on "
Is the North Loop Losing Its Cool?"
MCC member Will Craig wants you to know that the final exhibit of Dr. Fernando Burgo's land use class is on December 8 at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs Atrium. Drop in anytime from noon - 6:00 pm to see more than 131 posters based on planning policy projects focused on resilience in the City of Ramsey.
MCC Executive Director Joan Wright invites members to attend the opening night party and performance of "Light the World" on Thursday, December 14 at the Lab Theater (700 N 1st St). The reception starts at 6:30 pm; showtime, 7:15 pm. The performance includes song, dance, aerial arts, live music and a DJ. A portion of every ticket sold for the entire run will go to the Page Foundation, supporting Minnesota's students of color pursuing post-secondary education. Learn more and purchase tickets
here.
MCC member Peggy Lucas recommends the Gingerbread Wonderland Twin Cities exhibit at the Norway House (913 E Franklin Ave), where you'll find familiar Twin Cities buildings and landmarks, all created out of gingerbread. Bring the grandkids! Admission is $5 for adults and children over 12, and free for Norway House members and children 12 and under. Find more information
here.
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Around Town
Pillsbury A-Mill Maker's Market
December 9, 10:00 am-6:00 pm, A-Mill Artist Lofts, 315 Main St SE
It's a chance to buy unique gifts from over 40 artists, enjoy musical entertainment by local musicians, view a textile show at the A-Mill Art Gallery, eat delicious food and enjoy hot beverages to warm up the winter day. Guests are also invited to enter a holiday raffle in support of local charities.
Learn more
here
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Giving Voice Concert
December 16, 11:00 am & 4:00 pm, MacPhail Center for Music, 501 2nd St S
Giving Voice Chorus is a unique and joy-filled choral experience for people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Enjoy a performance from their fall session. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased by calling MacPhail at (612) 321-0100.
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.
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Please Welcome MCC's Newest Members!
Shane Bartleson
Gary & Nancy Blasberg
Susan Guzmich
Laurice Jamieson
Dodd & Ginger Wilson
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Volunteer Opportunities
MCC's 10th Annual Turkey & Extra Helpings Drive is kicking off! Click
here to learn more.
Click
here for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC website!
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MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities
Dutch Treat
Social Hour
Mondays, 4:00-5:00 pm
Jefe Urban Hacienda
219 Main St SE
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
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
No reservations required.
Lab Girl
by Hope Jahren
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!
Social Bridge
Every other Wednesday, 3:00-5:00 pm
Washburn Lofts,
700 2nd St S
Enjoy a round of social bridge. Be sure to register on the website!
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 Thursday and alternates between morning and afternoon times. Look for details in the body of this newsletter.
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| Mill City Commons Ongoing Fitness Opportunities
G-Werx Fitness,
An exclusive opportunity for members, this weekly class focuses on strength, balance
and stretching to keep you fit and strong.
First time participants, please contact G-Werx Fitness 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.
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Ongoing Member-Led Activities
Exploring Meditation
Every Tuesday, September 19 - December 5,
9:30-10:30 am
Clear the clutter in your mind, reduce stress and increase the feeling of calm in your life. For more information on future meditation opportunities, email Betsy Wray.
MCC Caregivers' Support Group
2nd and 4th Wednesdays,
September-December
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
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
December 7 & 21
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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