|
Update from the Executive Director
A long-distance relative called me yesterday to ask what stage of "grieving" I was in now that the Super Bowl hoopla had passed. She's known for her sarcasm.
We talked about myriad family happenings, among which was our genuine grief over the recent passing of a much-loved family member.
The suffering that grief produces can take a toll on one's emotions and health. Having others with whom we can share and process our grief, who "get it," is often helpful.
The
Downtown Council for Grief Support offers such support.
Twin Cities residents who have experienced the death of a friend, family member or partner have access to it. The Saturday morning meetings are free and open to the public and provide a safe and understanding environment for grief education, comfort and recovery. The volunteers and trained facilitators each have experienced personal loss and offer both personal and professional support. Perhaps you or someone you know can benefit from this gem of a resource. More information can be found here.
Today's Musings is chock-full of local history, local volunteer, and health and wellness opportunities. In addition to perusing MCC's diverse calendar of events listed below, a careful review of News from Members and Around Town is a must. So much opportunity
to learn, to share, to engage and to give! If you are not an MCC member but are interested in attending one of our remarkable programs, please
contact me to be my guest.
A reminder that both the Republican Party of Minnesota and the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party will hold precinct caucuses this evening. To learn more about the process and the location of your precinct caucus, click
here.
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
|
|
|
Driven to Discover: Minnesota Women's Healthy Brain Aging Project
Tuesday, February 6, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Phoenix River Room, 6th Fl, 222 2nd St SE
 What's the secret to healthy brain aging? Are there modifiable lifestyle factors that might help preserve cognitive function and overall brain health well into late adulthood? Dr. Lisa James, director of the Minnesota Women's Healthy Brain Aging Project, will discuss research on healthy brain aging, describe the Minnesota Women's Healthy Brain Aging Project, and demonstrate how Mill City Commons gets it right in terms of supporting healthy brain aging. Dr. James is an associate professor of Neuroscience and the Anita Kunin Professor of Healthy Brain Aging at the University of Minnesota.
This is one in an ongoing MCC program series under the banner "Driven to Discover." The series features University of Minnesota faculty and students sharing current research and programming at the University.
MCC members sign up here. |
|
Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, February 7, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Abiitan's Porter Cafe, 428 2nd St S 
Join us to discuss Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury's 1953 novel set in a bleak, dystopian future. Guy Montag is a fireman. In his world, where television rules and literature is on the brink of extinction, firemen start fires rather than put them out. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television "family." But then he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn't live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television. When Mildred attempts suicide and Clarisse suddenly disappears, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known. He starts hiding books in his home, and when his pilfering is discovered, the fireman must run for his life.
If you'd like to read ahead, March's book is Epitaph by Mary Doria Russell. Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email [email protected].
MCC members and guests. No registration required. |
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, February 8, 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 guest Jim Davnie will talk about daily life as an elected official. Jim, member Bill Davnie's brother, is in his ninth term in the Minnesota House, representing District 63A in Minneapolis.
|
|
"Russian Sacred Art" at the Museum of Russian Art
Friday, February 9, 10:15 - 11:30 am
Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave S 
Join us for a tour of "Russian Sacred Art," an exhibit of more than 50 19th century icons and other religious objects. The exhibition is the first presentation in North America of the artworks, coming from a remarkable private collection of 19th century icons. A distinctly realistic style of icon painting emerged during the reign of Peter the Great, whose westernizing reforms brought new art styles to Russia. Docent Ruth Ann Benson will be our guide. You're welcome to invite guests! Admission is free for TMORA members, $8 for seniors (65+) and $10 for adults.
|
|
True Farm to Table: A Local Perspective
Monday, February 12, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Village Lofts River Room, 100 2nd St NE
 Learn the journey of food to your plate and how the way it's grown affects your body, your health and your planet. This will be an energetic, upbeat look into modern food production from Dean Engelmann, co-owner of Tangletown Gardens and its accompanying farm, where sustainable agriculture is an everyday practice.
MCC members sign up here.
|
|
Exploring Meditation
Tuesday, February 13, 9:30 - 10:30 am 
Mill City Quarter, 322 2nd St S
Mill City Commons members are invited to join in a five-week winter meditation series that offers the opportunity to explore a regular meditation practice. The meditation will focus on inner peace and self-awareness. Facilitators Carole Baker, Linda Dolan and Lois Libby Juster will explore the importance of breath, visualization and the role of music in relieving stress and enhancing meditation. The group will meet on Tuesdays, January 9, 16, 23 and February 6 and 13 from 9:30-10:30 am at Mill City Quarter. Cost to participate is $10 per session. You do not need to attend all sessions to participate, and you'll pay for only the sessions you attend. Fees will be collected at the end of the series.
MCC members sign up here.
|
|
Social Bridge
Wednesday, February 14, 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].
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
|
|
Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, February 15, 10:00 - 11:30 am 
Mill City Quarter Club Room, 322 2nd St S
MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, Penny Hunt hosts a discussion around MCC's 10th Anniversary this year. In the past, we've talked about our childhood experiences, life events, teachers who've impacted us--to name a few of the many topics. Join MCC friends for this session to share how MCC has changed the way you live in community and may continue to in the future, and how we can best celebrate this important anniversary. Your input will help shape our celebration.
Our Turn meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Hosts and topics change each time.
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. |
|
Sunday Soiree
Sunday, February 18, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Carlyle Great Room, 100 3rd Ave S
 Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soiree, hosted by Bill & Charlotte Davnie at the Carlyle. 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. |
|
The King of Skid Row
Monday, February 19, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE 
Join us as author James Eli Shiffer takes us into a time when the heart of downtown Minneapolis was a densely packed neighborhood of bars, flophouses, liquor stores, rescue missions and second-hand shops catering to the last generation of seasonal laborers that had been part of the city's history from the beginning. It was all cleared away in a massive urban renewal project in the Gateway District that started in 1959 and ended in 1963. Shiffer has been a professional journalist for 25 years and is currently a columnist and editor at the Star Tribune. His book, The King of Skid Row, was published by the University of Minnesota Press in 2016.
MCC members sign up here. |
|
"Eat Street at 20" at the Hennepin History Museum
Tuesday, February 20, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Hennepin History Museum, 2303 3rd Ave S
 How did Eat Street, the length of Nicollet Avenue famous for its range of delicious destinations, develop? Who were the men and women who built these businesses, and how did they shape the street? How has the neighborhood changed over the years? And why is it called Eat Street? Find out in a tour of Hennepin History Museum's "Eat Street at 20: In their Own Words." The exhibit turns the spotlight on the evolution of one of Hennepin County's favorite streets, as told through the stories of restaurant owners and business proprietors who were instrumental in the development of Eat Street as a culinary destination, a model of community revitalization and cross-cultural collaboration, and a home to vibrant immigrant communities. Admission is $3 for seniors, $5 for adults.
OPTIONAL: Join your tourmates for lunch afterwards at an Eat Street restaurant.
|
|
Balance Training - Part 1
Friday, February 23, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Fifth Avenue Lofts Community Room, 5th Floor, 401 N 2nd St 
Learn strength and balance exercises to improve your health and wellness! Siobhan McMahon, RN, is head researcher in a University of Minnesota study, "Ready Steady: A Wellness Program," which is exploring the effectiveness of a variety of activities elders can use to improve their balance. In the first session, McMahon will present an overview of why we fall and demonstrate and guide us through several balance movements. In the second session on March 2, she'll review those movements, add a couple more and talk about her research project. Wear comfortable clothes! You don't need to attend both sessions to participate.
MCC members sign up here. |
|
MCC Program Calendar
Plan ahead! View the full calendar of MCC's February events
here.
|
|
News from Members
MCC member Camille Burke encourages members to consider contributing to "Downtown View." Downtown View, a five-story housing development and partnership between Project for Pride in Living (PPL) and YouthLink, will give equal access to opportunities for youth experiencing homelessness. They are seeking items for gift baskets that youth will receive when they move in, as well as meals while their kitchen is being remodeled. To purchase gifts on their Amazon wish list, click
here. To sign up to prepare or sponsor a meal, click
here.
Do you want to share your love of literacy?
MCC member Claudia Kittock wants members to know that the Cedar Riverside Community School has a fun opportunity for you to be a Guest Reader in a 1st or 2nd grade classroom. You can share one of your grade appropriate favorites or well-liked children's book with the class as a read aloud. For more details on this one-time volunteer opportunity, click
here. Note: There are still plenty of dates left, especially for the 2nd grade class!
MCC member Merle Minda wants members to know that Out of the Box Opera is performing "
Live at the Weisman" on February 10 at 7:00 pm. Experience a unique fusion of opera, jazz and soul in the beautiful galleries of the Weisman Art Museum (333 E River Pkwy). This performance is open to everyone from seasoned opera lovers to opera first-timers. Tickets can be purchased
here.
Do you like movies?
MCC member Will Craig compiled a list of all the movies nominated for various awards. Click
here to see the 2017 movie award nominees and winners (winners denoted in red). MCC also asked Will for his own recommendations, which are noted in the spreadsheet. If you enjoy watching and discussing movies, consider joining the MCC: Movie Chat forum. Contact
Mary Texidor to learn more.
MCC Executive Director Joan Wright shares that the Alzheimer's Association of MN/ND and Mayo Clinic's Meeting of the Minds Dementia Conference is on March 3 from 7:45 am - 4:10 pm in St. Paul. The conference unites people impacted by dementia for a day of education, information and support. For more information, click
here.
|
Around Town
Prince from Minneapolis
Now through June 17, Weisman Art Museum, 333 E River Rd
Prince from Minneapolis features photographic images of the late, acclaimed and globally-celebrated musician made by Twin Cities-based photographers. Planned in collaboration with the Spring 2018 University Symposium, the exhibition considers the forces at work in Minneapolis that helped allow for and shape Prince. The exhibition explores through the images, many taken in the Cities, and attendant mappings projects also on display, the superstar and this place he called home.
Valentine's Day Stargazer Snowshoeing
February 14, 7:00-8:30 pm, North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Ct
Spend Valentine's Day on a snowshoe hike through the park to look at the stars. Discover the wonders of astronomy, and hear various cultural tales of the constellations while sipping hot cocoa. They will have a telescope set up and binoculars available. $5. For information and to register, click
here.
Pillsbury A Mill Tour
February 18, 1:00-2:30 pm, A-Mill Artist Lofts, 415 Main St SE
Discover how the Pillsbury A Mill building functioned during the flour milling era, see the architectural highlights of the recently completed A-Mill Artist Lofts built within the historic mill buildings and learn about the new hydroelectric plant that helps to power the complex, which is the largest and best-preserved waterpower system in Minneapolis. The tour includes about 1.5 miles of moderately-paced walking indoors and outdoors with some uneven surfaces. For information and tickets, 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 and more.
|
|
|
|
|
Volunteer Opportunities
Click
here
for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC website!
|
|
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.
Guthrie Play Reading
RiverWest Group
Tuesday, 2/20,
6:30-9:30 pm
The group will be reading "Familiar" this month.
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.
Fahrenheit 451
by Ray Bradbury
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.
|
| 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.
|
|
Ongoing Member-Led Activities
MCC Caregivers' Support Group
2nd and 4th Wednesdays,
January - 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.
Exploring Meditation
Mill City Quarter,
322 2nd St S
Every Tuesday,
9:30-10:30 am
Clear the clutter in your mind, reduce stress and increase the feeling of calm in your life.
Men's Dutch Lunch
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
February 15 &
March 1
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
|
|
