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Update from the Executive Director
Interested in learning about MCC's Trial Membership?
Be sure to "tune in" next week to learn about this one-time opportunity!
300+ nonmembers subscribe to this weekly newsletter. Not only do they receive a window into MCC's upcoming programming, but also a snapshot of a wide variety of event and program options going on in and around the community.
Today's is no exception. Whether you are interested in learning more about the ways in which Habitat for Humanity helps our low-income neighbors to stay living in the homes they love, getting a current snapshot of the local real estate market, touring Abiitan's beautiful new space, taking in a concert at MacPhail or hearing more about Expo 23 Minnesota, a careful read through is in order! As always, please contact me if you would like to be my guest at an upcoming MCC event! 612-455-3329. Also, if you know of someone who wants to receive this newsletter, please
have them contact
[email protected]. We'll be happy to add them to the broadcast!
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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Helping Our Low-Income Neighbors Stay in Their Homes
Wednesday, February 22, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Village Lofts Community Room, 100 2nd St NE
 The Twin Cities housing stock as well as its homeowners are rapidly aging. Yet many folks want to remain living in their homes for as long as possible. Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, which is best known for its home buyer program, is also working with low-income homeowners to rehab, repair and retain their current homes so they can live there as long as they'd like. Join Pat Lund, Program Developer at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, as he shares how the organization is impacting our community and beyond through programs and services like neighborhood revitalization, advocacy, age in place, home thrift stores, global village trips and owner-occupied rehabs. and how you can be involved in helping preserve homes and homeownership in partnership with low-income families.
MCC members sign up here. |
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, February 23, 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 ev
e
ry 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 community partner Scott Parkin will lead a discussion this week on the status of the downtown real estate market and the existing and planned new construction in our neighborhoods. Scott is a realtor/broker and owner of Verve Realty. He has more that 16 years' experience in residential sales, leasing and management. His passion for architecture and design keeps him well versed in current trends in residential housing. Prior to joining the firm in 2003, Scott was a condominium association manager overseeing many of the premier communities along the riverfront.
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Our Turn
Thursday, February 23, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Stone Arch Lofts, 600 S 2nd St, #105
 MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, Marcia Townley hosts the discussion around the questions of "How do you let off steam?" or "What is the role of anger in your life?". Guests can speak to one or both of the questions.
This group meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Locations and topics will change each time.
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On Stage: "Anna in the Tropics"
Monday, February 27, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Village Lofts Community Room, 100 2nd St NE 
Join us for a stimulating theater presentation and discussion led by local actress and teaching artist Thomasina Petrus and Harry Waters Jr., Chair of the Theater Department at Macalester College. Actors will read from two scenes in "Anna in the Tropics," which opens February 11 at the Jungle Theater. The readings will be followed by a discussion of the themes, tying in current events, personal values and narratives, and stimulating critical thinking. "Anna in the Tropics," winner of the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is set in a Cuban cigar factory in Florida in the 1920s. The cigars are hand-rolled, and the lectors read workers stories while they work. A lector starts reading them Tolstoy's
Anna Karenina, and the play starts to take on the form of Tolstoy's play.
On Stage has arranged for discount tickets to the Jungle production, if you'd like see the show. Click
here for additional details.
MCC members sign up here.
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Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, February 28, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Smith and Porter, 429 2nd St S
 Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour at Abiitan's new Smith & Porter Restaurant + Bar. Abiitan residents Carole & Doug Baker, Ellie Hands, Peter & Scotty Gillette and Dick & Martha Olson host. 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) 378-0020.
MCC members and guests. No registration required.
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Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, March 1, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express, 818 2nd St S 
Join us to discuss Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese. Growing up in the care of the "old man" he was entrusted to at birth, Franklin Starlight has never really known his biological father, Eldon. The fleeting moments he shared with the alcoholic man have only ended in disasters that haunt the boy. But when father, coming to the end of his alcohol-ruined life, reaches out to 16-year-old son, their first and last journey together begins. Hesitantly, Franklin obliges his dying father's wish--to be buried as a warrior--and together they hazard the rugged and dangerous beauty of the backcountry to find an appropriate burial site. Through the fog of pain, Eldon relates to his son the desolate moments in his life, as well as the times of hope--the family history Franklin has never known. As Father tells the tale, the Son, and the reader, live for the stories, in the hope that they will shed light on the mysteries of a tortured past.
If you'd like to read ahead, April's book is Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance. Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email Barbara Goldner.
MCC members and guests. No registration required. |
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: Abiitan
Wednesday, March 1, 11:00 - 12:30 pm
Abiitan, 428 2nd St S
 If you missed MCC's tour of Abiitan in January, here's your second chance to get a look at one of the newest buildings in the neighborhood! This comprehensive tour will include stops in the restaurant, café, activity room, memory care floor, sky room and terrace, and several of the apartments. The visit will conclude with a complimentary lunch in Abiitan's dining room. Limit of 20 people.
MCC members sign up here.
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Social Bridge
Wednesday, March 1, 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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MCC Program Calendar
View the MCC February calendar
here.
View the MCC March calendar
here.
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News from Members
MCC member Ron Vantine shares that there is a "Healthcare Access, Cost and Coverage - What's Next?" presentation on March 23, 5:00-8:00 pm at the Food Building, 1401 Marshall St NE. Jim Eppel, President & CEO of UCare will lead the discussion with remarks by Ralonda Mason, Legal Aid Supervising Attorney. This presentation is part of "Bar Examination: Legal Topics Served Straight Up," a series of events presented by Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid and partners that examine key legal and policy issues in an informative and lively presentation format.
MCC member Susan Plimpton
wants members to know about "One Day University: 5000 Years of History," which will be held at the Guthrie Theater on April 8 from 9:30 am-4:15 pm. One Day University offers participants the opportunity to hear award-winning professors from top universities speak on a variety of topics. For more details, click
here
. Cost is $195; however, discounts are available for first time attendees and the Star Tribune is currently offering a coupon.
MCC member Sabina Sten invites members to attend
We Are Proud to Present at the Guthrie Theater's Dowling Studio. It is part of the Level Nine Series, devoted to community dialogue about today's most significant topics and questions. Performances run February 21 through March 12. For more information and to purchase tickets, click
here. If you are interested in attending with other MCC members, email
Sabina Sten.
MCC ED Joan Wright wants members to know that they are invited to a conversation on Expo 2023 Minnesota with former Secretary of State Mark Ritchie. Since his retirement from elected public office in 2015, Mark has led the effort to bring the 2023 World's Fair to Minnesota with a focus on health, healthy living, wellness and wellbeing. The presentation will be February 22 at 10:30 am, followed by a buffet lunch at 11:30 am, at Abiitan, 428 S 2nd St. RSVP by calling (612) 249-5550 or emailing
[email protected]. Details
here.
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Around Town
Outing to Karmel Mall
February 22, 12:00-1:30 pm, Karmel Mall
Get to know your neighbors and support refugee-owned businesses at Karmel Mall in South Minneapolis. You'll meet members of the Somali community, see how business is done at Karmel and even try your hand at making a sambusa - a popular East African treat, followed by lunch and discussion. RSVP by emailing
[email protected] or calling (612) 608-6486.
zAmya Theater Open Workshops
February 23-April 13, 6:00-8:00 pm, Ebeneezer, 2722 Park Ave
Get involved with the theater of change! zAmya Theater Project is offering open workshops to help you learn performance skills, create skits and songs, and tell your story. Call (612) 760-4804 to register. Click
here for more information. zAmya Theater Project is a unique creative process that brings together homeless and housed individuals to create and perform a theatrical production.
Briefing on South Sudan
February 23, 6:00-7:30 pm, American Refugee Committee, 615 1st Ave NE
Renewed conflict in South Sudan has impacted millions of lives. David Acuoth, himself a refugee and Lost Boy from South Sudan, will share reflections from his visit this month to South Sudan. He'll be joined by ARC President Daniel Wordsworth. RSVP by emailing
[email protected].
Water Over the Dam: The Past, Present and Future of St. Anthony Falls
February 28, 6:00-7:30 pm, Mill City Museum, 704 2nd St S
What does the future hold for St. Anthony Falls? That is the main question to be addressed by a panel discussion, as part of Minneapolis Riverfront Partnership's Riverfront Vitality Forum series. Today, the falls represent different things to different people: a tourist attraction, a pleasant view from their living rooms or the center of a vital cultural heritage. Come hear how each perspective views the future of the falls. Pre-registration is encouraged
here.
Thursday Morning Artist Series
March 2, 10:30 am, MacPhail Center for Music, 501 2nd St S
This free concert will be a Francophile Concert showcasing French composers and those inspired by France. Performers will include: Living Concert Notes with Guest Moderator David Evan Thomas (composer); Deanne Mohr (piano); Colleen Batty (mezzo-soprano); and Will Richardson (cello).
Arrive early to this concert series and enjoy free coffee and donuts in the lobby starting at 10:00 am.
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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Volunteer Opportunities
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
Drop in for an afternoon coffee or drink and a casual chat. No reservations
required.
Guthrie Play Reading
Stone Arch Group
Tuesday, February 21,
6:30-9:30 pm
North Star Group
Tuesday, February 28,
6:00-9:00 pm
"King Lear"
this month.
Rendezvous
Readers' Book Chat
1st Wednesday of the month, 9:30-10:30 am
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
No reservations required.
Medicine Walk
by Richard Wagamese
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.
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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
Abiitan's Porter Cafe (Note the new location)
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
March 2 & 16
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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| Mill City Commons Ongoing Fitness Opportunities
SBS Class
Thursdays 2:00-3:00 pm 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.
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.
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