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Update from the Executive Director
Choice:
A range of possibilities from which one or more may be chosen.
Those of us fortunate enough to live near or along the Riverfront District have incredible choice: restaurants, shops, arts organizations, sport venues, houses of worship, transportation, workout facilities - including the great outdoors! You name it, our neighborhood affords choice in just about every imaginable category --
except housing.
A paucity of affordable housing exists in our neighborhood. It is expensive to live in most of the beautiful condos, town homes or apartments that dot the Riverfront District. This fact contributes, in part, to a situation many of us fail to recognize.
Homelessness is rarely a choice. Often, systemic issues such as racism and economic oppression contribute to it. Mental illness can be a component, as well. However the lack of affordable housing options, particularly within close proximity to a job-rich area, complicates elements of the very problem we seek to solve.
St. Stephen's Human Services offers "A Day in the Life" Tour,
an opportunity to "share conversation with people experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty and a unique opportunity to engage with and be educated by people who have experienced homelessness."
Today is the last day to register. All are welcome.
Details are featured below. Members can register
here.
Non members, please contact
Betsy Wray
.
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MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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Technology Workshop: Technology Tools for Travelers
Tuesday, April 11, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
American Academy of Neurology, 201 Chicago Ave, Training Room B
 Join us for the first in a three-part series focusing on useful apps, accessories and tips for traveling with your iPhone or iPad. The series will cover tools that can help you stay in touch, save money, navigate your way in a new place and discover interesting sites. This first class will cover apps to use for accommodations, transportation and airline travel, such as Airbnb, Lyft, Uber, Roadtrippers, FlySmart, My TSA and more. The workshop is limited to 15 attendees, and it will cover iPhones only, not Android devices. You do not need to participate in all three workshops to attend. Please make sure your device is fully charged, as electrical will not be available in the room.
Registration is now closed.
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Social Bridge
Wednesday, April 12, 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
caroljordan@millcitycommons.org.
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MN Public Policy: Gun Violence and What We Can Do to Prevent It
Thursday, April 13, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Winslow House, 100 2nd St SE
 After officiating at six funerals for gun violence victims, the Rev. Nancy Nord Bence, an ordained Lutheran pastor, felt called to leave parish ministry and join the gun reform movement. She now serves as Executive Director of Protect Minnesota, the only independent, state-based gun violence prevention organization in Minnesota. Protect Minnesota promotes a culture of health and safety for all Minnesotans by reducing gun deaths and injuries through education, organization and advocacy. Nord Bence will speak to us about gun violence and what we can do to prevent it.
MCC members sign up here.
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Waterfowl Walk
Monday, April 17, 8:00 - 9:30 am 
Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4235 E Lake Harriet Blvd
Each year, hundreds of thousands of birds stream through Minnesota on their annual migrations. The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is a great place to observe them. In this walk led by Jamie McBride, lead naturalist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, we'll be watching for geese, ducks, swans, pelicans and more. Bring binoculars and field guides, if you have them (we'll also have some to borrow). The April 17 session will meet at the Lake Harriet Bandshell.
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MSP International Film Festival Screening: "The Chocolate Case"
Monday, April 17, 1:00 - 3:30 pm
St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 Main St SE
 The Cynthia Froid Group hosts a special free screening for MCC members and guests of "The Chocolate Case." When a 2002 newspaper article casually reported the news of child slavery in the production of cocoa, Dutch journalists Teun van de Keuken, Maurice Dekkers and Roland Duong decided to try and make a difference. Working diligently, their research revealed that child labor was used in every chocolate product, even those with the Fair Trade logo on it, and that big corporations like Nestlé are eager to sweep such information under the proverbial rug. Frustrated that their efforts weren't getting more attention, van de Keuken came up with a novel idea: to sue himself, as a consumer of chocolate, for complicity in child slavery. The case really made it to court, and three years later a verdict was passed. Benthe Forrer's moving documentary is a captivating look at this little-known issue. A reception will follow the film in the River Room at the Aster Cafe.
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Great Decisions: Trade, Jobs and Politics
Monday, April 17, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr, Rm D104 
The U.S. political mood toward trade has gone sour. One need look no further than the 2016 presidential contest for the popular narrative: Trade means that China wins, at America's expense. But do the numbers support that conclusion? The metrics used to gauge economic strength-gross domestic product and balance of trade-have not kept up with the realities of modern manufacturing. Obtaining an accurate picture of U.S. economic stature requires a critique of those numbers. Only then can the U.S. develop appropriate policy solutions for the challenges at hand. Our speaker, Ambassador Ross Wilson, is a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council and a visiting lecturer in international affairs at George Washington University. In his 30-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, he served as American ambassador to Turkey and Azerbaijan, held assignments at several U.S. embassies and served in numerous State Department roles.
Registration on the MCC website is required for Great Decisions members. Sorry, not open to guests; to join the MCC Great Decisions Discussion Group, email the MCC office at info@millcitycommons.org.
MCC GD members sign up here. |
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Overland Gallery Tour
Wednesday, April 19, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Overland Gallery of Fine Art, 5916 Pleasant Ave S
 Join us for a tour of the Overland Gallery of Fine Art, a full-service gallery housing both the largest collection of Russian art outside of Russia and an extensive art restoration workshop. The tour will offer a chance to view some of the collection and to observe the skill of the conservators and restorers as they work on parts of the collection. MCC members may have seen some of the Gallery's paintings on exhibition at the Museum of Russian Art, as Overland has generously loaned several of its works to the museum.
MCC members sign up here. |
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, April 20, 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. This week, MCC member Bob Whitlock will be talking about, in his own words, "the unremarkable life of Bob Whitlock thus far."
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Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, April 20, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Stone Arch Lofts, 600 2nd St S, #303
 MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, Anne Carrier hosts at Stone Arch Lofts on the topic of "Do we have elephants in the room?" We'll discuss what we're experiencing in our leadership and what we might contribute as private citizens.
This group meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Locations and topics will change each time.
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Sunday Brunch Soiree
Sunday, April 23, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
The Landings, 510 River St 
Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Brunch Soiree hosted by Sam and Sylvia Kaplan. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing brunch fare to share. As you register, let us know what you'll bring by answering the "Question" that will appear on the screen. You're also welcome to bring your own wine or beer to share.
MCC members sign up here.
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Waterfowl Walk
Monday, April 24, 8:00 - 9:30 am
Meet up location to be announced
 Each year, hundreds of thousands of birds stream through Minnesota on their annual migrations. The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is a great place to observe them. In this walk led by Jamie McBride, lead naturalist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, we'll be watching for geese, ducks, swans, pelicans and more. Bring binoculars and field guides, if you have them (we'll also have some to borrow).
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MSP International Film Festival Screening: "Ministry of Love"
Monday, April 24, 1:00 - 3:30 pm
St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 Main St SE 
The Cynthia Froid Group hosts a special free screening for MCC members and guests of "Ministry of Love," with the film's director attending. Desperately searching for ways to trim their bloated budget, Croatia's government officials hatch a unique plan: send spies to follow the country's many war widows and try to uncover clandestine lovers, nullifying the meager pensions that the state owes them. Thus is created The Ministry of Love, and one of its most hapless bureaucrats is poor Kreso, a 40-year-old man desperate for money and respect, a biologist whose true vocation seems utterly worthless in his country, a lonely soul stuck in a dead-end marriage. When the opportunity arrives to become a spy for the Ministry, our hero takes a chance at this potential for redemption, and finds a lot more than he bargained for. "The Ministry of Love" is a witty romantic comedy that celebrates good people seeking elusive dreams. A reception will follow the film in the River Room at the Aster Cafe.
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"A Day in the Life" Tour
Tuesday, April 25, 9:30 am - 1:00 pm
St. Stephen's Shelter, 2211 Clinton Ave S
 Homelessness is a significant problem in our community, but not well understood by most of us. St. Stephen's Human Services works to meet the needs of homeless people by providing food, shelter and services to help them return to a more stable life. "A Day in the Life" will help us better understand the causes of homelessness and programs working to address it. We'll visit a mix of shelters, drop-in centers and other services to learn about homelessness. This is a walking tour covering several miles, but accommodation is possible. At the end, our group visits a place that serves free lunch, where we'll have the opportunity to talk with people and better understand their experience. Cost for the tour is $40 per person; reservations are due by April 11.
More information is available
here
.
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. Reservations are due today, April 11. |
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Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, April 25, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Radisson's Red Oui Bar + Ktchn, 609 3rd St S 
Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour at the new Radisson Red's Oui Bar + Ktchn. Hosted by Jan and Linda Willette, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Dutch treat-no reservations required! The Oui Bar + Ktchn is graciously preparing an array of complimentary appetizers for our group as a way to introduce MCC members to this new dining venue. The bar has Happy Hour pricing until 7:00 p.m. If you'd like to stay for dinner, reservations can be made by calling (612) 252-5400.
MCC members and guests. No registration required.
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MCC Program Calendar
View the MCC April calendar
here.
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News from Members
MCC member Patty Connelly wants members to know that there is an Open House on Wednesday, April 26, from 4:00-7:00 pm at the new North Loop Clinic and Pharmacy located at 800 Washington Ave N, Ste 190. There will be clinic tours, health demonstrations, a chance to meet health providers and refreshments.
Like to bike? MCC member Penny Hunt invites members to join her on April 26 from 5:30-7:00 pm to learn about a wonderful, fun cycling event this summer that will combine great biking with fundraising to support cancer research at the University of Minnesota. The event will be in her home with guest Tom Lennox, cancer survivor and former Executive Director of Pelotonia, speaking about the opportunity to participate in Chainbreaker, a 25, 50, 100 or 180 mile ride on August 12. Click here for more information. RSVP to pennhunt@gmail.com.
MCC member Suzanne Joyce invites you to attend Beyond Standing Rock at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. Suzanne's daughter, Alisa Barba, is the Executive Producer of this documentary. The film shines a spotlight on the conflict surrounding the Dakota Access pipeline and the struggle for Native American sovereignty. Click here to watch the trailer. The screening will be on April 29 at 2:20 pm. Tickets can be purchased here. Director Brian Malone will be present to discuss the film.
MCC member Patty Connelly shares that East Side Neighborhood Services has their annual wine tasting on May 14 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Nicollet Island Pavillion. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the door. Tickets and proceeds benefit the many programs of Eastside Neighborhood Services. For more details, click here.
MCC member Barbara Goldner wants members to know that Debbie Cohen will be leading a yoga retreat at The Turning Point Retreat Center, Block Island, off the coast of Rhode Island in June. The retreat will be Monday June 5 through Thursday June 8. If you are interested contact Debbie at (617) 470-4313 or email drc@coreyoga.com.
Want to watch a mid-week, mid-day Twins game with other MCC members? MCC member Allan Burdick invites you to contact him about purchasing tickets. You can choose the number of tickets you want to purchase ($22/ticket) and the number of games. All seats are in 3rd Deck - Sections 310, 321 or 322 and usually rows 6, 7 and 8. The seats are mostly under cover to protect from sun/rain. For details on games, click here. To purchase tickets, email alburd4057@gmail.com. |
Around Town
A Tale of Two (Contradictory?) Poles: Sea Ice and Climate Change
April 12, 5:30 pm, Aster Cafe River Room, 125 Main St SE
At this month's Sip of Science, Katy Barnhart will discuss how seemingly contradictory information about climate change provides a case study where we can investigate what the public perceives about sea ice and climate change. Learn more
here.
Mississippi River Care and Prairie Planting: Mill Ruins Park Area
April 21, 1:00-4:00 pm, Mill Ruins Park, 102 Portland Ave
Care for our Mississippi River together by helping plant native prairie plants, pull up invasive vegetation and clean up our riverfront parks, while learning about the area from National Park Service rangers and Mississippi River community leaders. Gloves and bags are provided by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. For information, a schedule and to register, click
here.
Friends of the Mill District Singers
Various dates and times
Like to sing? The Friends of the Mill District Singers invite you to their next rehearsal on April 22 at 2:00 pm on the 8th floor of the Guthrie. If you're interested, contact
cjkittock@gmail.com. Would you rather watch a performance? The Friends of the Mill District Singers are also scheduled to perform on May 16 at 7:00 pm at the Capri Theater and June 10 at the Loring Park Music Festival. For details, 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.
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Please Welcome MCC's Trial Members!
Sandy Bolich
Bill Van Essendelft
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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.
North Star Group
Tuesday, April 18,
6:00-9:00 pm
The group will read
"The Bluest Eye"
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.
The Rosie Project
by Graeme Simsion
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
April 13 & 27
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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Volunteer Opportunities
Click
here for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC website!
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