December 6, 2016
Update from the Business and Member Services Administrator

December is typically a busy month, with many traveling to see family and friends or anticipating visitors, plus numerous opportunities to celebrate the holidays with concerts, theater productions, shopping and more. You might want to find the time to fit in one more thing because our Program Committee and Program Coordinator didn't cut back on unique and interesting programs for MCC members and guests this month! I encourage you to look through the programs below and consider joining us. It's a great way to meet others in the neighborhood, learn something new and take a break from the the hustle and bustle of the season.  

MCC members, while you're at it, please take a few moments to complete the Aging Well survey that arrived in your email inbox on Thursday. If you need the link to the survey, simply hit reply to this newsletter and I will get it to you. We want to build on MCC's successful programming to enable our village to meet the needs of all members as they face transitions.

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

~ Mary Texidor
Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, December 7, 9:00 - 10:00 am (please note earlier start time)
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express, 818 2nd St S
Join us to discuss Delicious! by Ruth Reichl. Billie Breslin has traveled far from her home in California to take a job at Delicious!, New York's most iconic food magazine. Away from her family, particularly her older sister, Genie, Billie feels like a fish out of water--until she is welcomed by the magazine's colorful staff. She is also seduced by the vibrant downtown food scene, especially by Fontanari's, the famous Italian food shop where she works on weekends. Then Delicious! is abruptly shut down, but Billie agrees to stay on in the empty office, maintaining the hotline for reader complaints in order to pay her bills. To Billie's surprise, the lonely job becomes the portal to a miraculous discovery that eventually inspires Billie to come to terms with her fears, her big sister and her ability to open her heart to love.

If you'd like to read ahead, January's book is Euphoria by Lily King. Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email Barbara Goldner

MCC members and guests. No reservations required.
Social Bridge
Wednesday, December 7, 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 (612) 817-0466 or at   [email protected]  a nd she will assist you.

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, December 8, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE
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, Arvonne Fraser hosts the group on the theme of "Planning for the New Year." What are your hopes for 2017, and what do you plan to do to make your hopes a reality?

This meeting also marks the third anniversary of Our Turn, and we'll celebrate with wine and snacks in the La Rive party room. Please bring a small cash donation to help for cost of the room rental.

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
Minneapolis Police Strategic Information Center Tour
Friday, December 9, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Minneapolis Police Strategic Information Center, 25 37th Ave NE
Learn about the inner workings of the Minneapolis Police Strategic Information Center in this exclusive MCC tour. This real-time crime center and criminal intelligence facility is where many of the technologies used by the Minneapolis Police Department are brought together. Police officers and trained intelligence analysts work together to assist investigators and patrol officers by combining real-time information with database searches, complex link analysis, and information from public and private video systems.

MCC members sign up here.
Happy Hour
Tuesday, December 13, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Vic's Restaurant, 201 Main St SE
Kick off the holiday season at our Tuesday Happy Hour--this month on the second Tuesday instead of the last--at Vic's, hosted by Patty Canney, Joan Koosman and Nancy Reed. Catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Dutch treat--no reservations required! If you'd like to stay for dinner, reservations can be made by calling (612) 312-2000.
 
MCC members and guests. No reservations required.
Men's Coffee and Conversation 
Thursday, December 15, 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 Peter Heegaard will speak on the following topic: "To grow and remain healthy, Minnesota must implement evidence-based benefit analysis."

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
Turkey & Extra Helpings Volunteer Opportunity
Thursday, December 15, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
North Star Lofts Parking Lot, 117 Portland Ave
Join MCC members and friends for the 9th annual Turkey & Extra Helpings Holiday Drive! Our goal is to provide groceries for holiday meals for 50 families in North Minneapolis. 

If you would like to donate toward the Turkey & Extra Helpings Holiday Drive, click here for information on how to do so.

Registration is now closed; we have enough volunteers and drivers to deliver food on December 15. However, donations are still being accepted through December 10.
"Unknown Fabergé" at the Museum of Russian Art
Tuesday, December 20, 10:15 - 11:30 am
The Museum of Russian Art, 5500 Stevens Ave S
Join us for a look at a rich array of objects produced by the Fabergé jewelry firm in the late 19th to early 20th centuries. The exhibition reveals the art of Fabergé, a leading supplier to the Russian court, through more than 80 beautifully crafted pieces, many of them previously unknown. 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.

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
MCC Program Calendar

View the MCC December calendar here.
News from Members

Executive Director Joan Wright invites you and your family to attend the Candlelight Service of Remembrance in the Chapel of Westminster Presbyterian Church - Tuesday, December 6, 6:00 pm, 1200 Marquette Avenue. This service will offer an opportunity to light a candle in memory of those you love. A light dinner will follow in the Meisel Room at no charge. Orchestra Hall parking ramp tickets will be reimbursed.

MCC member Karla Ekdahl invites you to a special benefit event on December 14 featuring a sneak preview of Bill Pohlad's newest film, A Monster Calls. The event supports the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul and the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival, and their many efforts to bring you the best in international independent cinema. For more details and to purchase tickets, click here. Karla adds that in addition to the benefits listed for the Auteur's Circle package, "the benefits include 2017 Festival Gold Passes (value $435pp), and eligibility to join a small group traveling to an international film festival of note."
Around Town

A-Mill Maker's Market
December 10 & 11, A-Mill Artist Lofts, 315 Main St SE
Come see the wares of over 40 artists, including paintings, pottery, sculpture, photography, fiber arts, millinery, artisan goods and more. Refreshments and patisserie items. There will be an hourly raffle and entertainment by resident musicians, as well as a fashion show on Saturday. $2 entrance fee. For more details, click here.

Westminster Town Hall Forum
December 13, 12:00-1:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave
Join Thomas Friedman as he speaks on the topic of "Thriving in an Age of Accelerations." Friedman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning weekly columnist for The New York Times, focusing on foreign affairs, the Middle East, globalization and environmental issues. 

Global Conversations: Cuba and the U.S.
December 14, 6:00-7:30 pm, Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall
With President-elect Donald Trump set to take over in January, what's next for U.S.-Cuba relations? Gary Prevost will discuss how American and Cuban leaders today are trying to find common ground on issues of mutual interest even as they continue to see the world through very different lenses. Dr. Prevost is a political science professor at the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University and has published widely on Latin America and Spain. Register 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.  
 
Please Welcome MCC's Newest Members!
 
Dianne Iverson

Doug Verdier
 
MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities
 
Dutch Treat
Social Hour
Mondays, 4:00-5:00 pm
Jefe Urban Hacienda
Drop in for an afternoon coffee or drink and a casual chat. No reservations
 required.

Guthrie Play Reading
Stone Arch Group
Tuesday, December 6, 7:00-10:00 pm
Group will read  "The Lion in Winter" this month.

Rendezvous
Readers' Book Chat
1st Wednesday of the month, 9:00-10:00 am (note new time this month)
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
    No reservations required.
Delicious!
by Ruth Reichl

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 Thursday 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, September through 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
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
 December 8 & 22
 This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact  Allan Burdick.
 

 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.


 
 

 
Volunteer Opportunities 
 
Click here for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC website!  
 
Mill City Commons | 219 Main St SE, Suite 401, Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.millcitycommons.org | [email protected]  
(612) 455-3329