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Update from the Executive Director
Mill City Commons membership continues to grow.
With membership at
210 (a 9-year high), program participation is up, the number of member-to-member volunteers has increased and many new friendships have formed. Subsequently, we receive almost daily contacts requesting more information about our wonderful organization!
Won't you join us? Call and talk with a member of our staff to learn more. We're happy to answer your questions and invite you to be our guest for an upcoming event. 612-455-3329.
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, June 7, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Abiitan's Porter Cafe, 428 2nd St S
 Join us to discuss Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf. In the familiar setting of Holt, Colorado, home to all of Kent Haruf's inimitable fiction, Addie Moore pays an unexpected visit to a neighbor, Louis Waters. Her husband died years ago, as did his wife, and in such a small town they naturally have known of each other for decades; in fact, Addie was quite fond of Louis's wife. His daughter lives hours away, her son even farther, and Addie and Louis have long been living alone in empty houses, the nights so terribly lonely, especially with no one to talk with. But maybe that could change? As Addie and Louis come to know each other better--their pleasures and their difficulties--a beautiful story of second chances unfolds, making Our Souls at Night the perfect final installment to this beloved writer's enduring contribution to American literature.
If you'd like to read ahead, June's book is A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email Barbara Goldner.
MCC members and guests. No registration required. |
U of M Bee Lab Tour
Wednesday, June 7, 2:00 - 3:00 pm 
University of Minnesota Bee Lab, 1634 Gortner Ave
The University of Minnesota Bee Lab moved into the new Bee and Pollinator Research Lab on the St. Paul campus last fall. This state of the art building is home to the honey bee and native bee labs of Maria Spivak, Ph.D, and Dan Cariveau, Ph.D. It also houses the Bee Squad, the Extension and education arm of the Bee Lab. Join us for a tour of the facility and the pollinator gardens. If you'd like to carpool, meet in the Stone Arch parking lot no later than 1:30 pm. Find a campus map here.
Optional: After the tour, visit the U of M's Dairy and Meat Salesroom, where dairy products made in the pilot plant of the Dept. of Food Science and Nutrition, as well as meat products from the meat lab, are sold. The salesroom is open from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays; cash or credit cards only. The salesroom is located in Room 166 ABLMS, 1234 Eckles Ave. Find more information here.
MCC members sign up here.
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Social Bridge
Wednesday, June 7, 3:30 - 5:30 pm *Note the new time (for 6/7 only)
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].
Registration is now closed. |
Sunday Soiree
Sunday, June 11, 5:00 - 7:00 pm 
Stone Arch Lofts Rooftop, 600 2nd St S
Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soiree, hosted by Dave & Peggy Lucas and Marcia Townley. Our hosts will provide Kramarczuk brats and all the fixings. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing a salad, wine, beer or a dessert. As you register, let us know what you'll bring by answering the "Question" that will appear on the screen.
Registration is now closed. To be added to the waiting list, email [email protected].
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Great Decisions: Prospects for Afghanistan and Pakistan
Monday, June 12, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Carlyle Community Room, 100 3rd Ave S
 Major internal conflict has plagued Afghanistan for four decades. The U.S., for its part, has conducted military operations in the country nearly continuously since 9/11. Today, war with the Taliban persists, and tensions between the U.S. and Pakistan have gradually deteriorated. As his time in office drew to a close, President Obama limited further withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. The new administration has a choice: Will it maintain the status quo, completely reverse the Obama administration drawdown or withdraw completely? Does the U.S. face a no-win situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan? MCC member and speaker Bill Davnie served in the Foreign Service of the Department of State for 27 years, principally in Southeast Asia and the former Soviet Union, as well as Iraq. Bill and his wife Charlotte continue to travel internationally, and Bill writes and speaks on foreign policy issues in the Twin Cities area.
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 [email protected].
MCC GD members sign up here.
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"Textile Artists on Tuesday" Tour
Tuesday, June 13, 10:00 - 11:00 am 
Textile Center, 3000 University Ave SE
Join MCC member Scotty Gillette as she leads us on a personalized tour of "Textile Artists on Tuesday" at the Textile Center. Scotty and 12 other textile artists have been meeting on Tuesday mornings at the Center since 2014 to make their art. This exhibit features their diverse, inspiring and creative work. The Center is across the street from the Metro Green Line's Prospect Park station.
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. |
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, June 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 ev
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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 Gerry Timm will speak on "The Insatiable Cravings of a Curious Mind." Gerry will talk about his personal journey from a small dairy farm in west central Minnesota to the faculty of the University of Minnesota, where several medical devices were devised leading to the formation of five medical device companies.
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Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, June 15, 10:00 - 11:30 am 
Flour Sack Flats, 521 2nd St SE, #512
MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, Peg Kavaney hosts a discussion on "Remembering Our Firsts." This time for storytelling and sharing memories from our childhood or teenage years could include firsts such as the first time you were allowed to wear something that was not a skirt to school, the first time you had pizza, your first job, the first time you had a TV, your first time living away from your parents. Pick two "firsts" to share with the group.
This group meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Locations and topics will change each time.
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Health Care in America: Views from 5 MCC Doctors
Thursday, June 15, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr, Room D104 
The subject of health care in America has been in the news for decades, and lately we've seen or heard something about it every day. It has consumed countless hours of time for members of Congress, state legislators, insurance companies, physicians and any citizen who has been sick or injured. MCC Drs. Walt Bailey, Rebecca Bahn, Michael Brennan, Tom Carrier and David Plimpton will share some of their professional experiences with the American health care system and their concerns for the future.
MCC members sign up here.
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A Close-up Tour of the ANWR
Monday, June 19, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 
Winslow House, 100 2nd St SE
In the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, there are no roads, no trails, no landing strips and no people living there. Join us for a close-up tour of this region when speaker Ian Foote tells us about his experience with a team of five young men who ventured on foot hundreds of miles into the Arctic Brook Mountain Range. For 50 days, they had no contact with the outside world, with only a satellite phone in case of an emergency rescue. Hauling 90-pound backpacks, they encountered 24-hour daylight, blizzards and hypothermia. Ian will share how this expedition led him toward a future career in forestry and environmental science as he heads to college this fall.
MCC members sign up here.
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Exploring Meditation
Tuesday, June 20, 10:00 - 11:00 am
618 3rd Ave SE
 Mill City Commons members are launching a six-week summer meditation series that will offer the opportunity to explore a regular meditation practice. The meditation will be a peaceful guided experience that is intended to increase a feeling of calm, reduce stress and clear the clutter in your mind. Members Joan Patterson and Linda Dolan are facilitating the summer series, which will meet on consecutive Tuesdays from 10:00 to 11:00 am through August 1 (skipping July 4). Please sign up for the June 20 session if you'd like to participate in the series; registration will close after the first session.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Exhibit: The Life of a Swiss Guard
Tuesday, June 20, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm 
Basilica of St. Mary, 88 17th St N
Join MCC friends on a tour of a new traveling art exhibit at the Basilica of St. Mary, "The Life of a Swiss Guard: A Private View." This exhibit features 86 photographs by Fabio Mantegna as well as uniforms and paraphernalia from the pontifical Swiss Guards, and was curated by Dr. Romina Cometti, restorations project manager for the Vatican Museums. There is no fee, but a $1 or $2 donation would be appreciated. If you'd like to carpool, meet in the North Star Lofts parking lot at 11:00 am.
MCC members sign up here. |
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MCC Program Calendar
Plan ahead! View the MCC June calendar
here.
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News from Members
MCC member Linnea Olesen recommends that members attend "Refugia" at the Guthrie Theater. It is "well written and produced and timely!" Performances run through June 11. The play is a riveting investigation of those who find themselves at the crossroads of transition and is composed of nine interconnected chapters that explore exile, borders and the displacement of people. Learn more here.
MCC member Lou Burdick invites you to visit the Loring Park Music Festival at 2:00 pm Saturday, June 10, when the Mill District Singers (including a number of Mill City Commons members) led by J.D. Steele will be presenting a 45 minute performance featuring a wide variety of vocal selections. The choir will then take a hiatus until the fall when all will be invited to participate in the weekly Saturday singing. To see more information and a list of featured artists at the Festival, click here.
MCC ED Joan Wright wants members to know that East Side Neighborhood Services is offering a Tai Ji Quan class now through August 30. This Tai Chi class reduces the risk of falls by improving balance, muscle strength, flexibility and mobility through mindful movements in a slow, flowing motion. The class meets twice a week on Mondays and Wednesday mornings from 10:30-11:30 am. To register or learn more, click here. |
Around Town
Preserve Minneapolis Walking Tours
Various dates and times, starting June 8
Preserve Minneapolis has announced the line-up of the latest season of its popular Walking Tours of the city's historic neighborhoods. During the summer and early fall of 2017, Preserve Minneapolis will offer over 20 unique tours that highlight the built, natural and cultural treasures found throughout the City. These tours typically sell out so you may want to purchase tickets now! Details can be found
here.
Stone Arch Bridge Festival
June 16-18, Water Power Park, Historic Main St and Father Hennepin Park
Shop for unique artwork, listen to great music and view the beautiful scenery of the Mississippi River. The Stone Arch Bridge Festival features 200+ artists and brings dozens of live performances on three performance stages to the Minneapolis Riverfront, along with family activities, the Art of the Car Show and the Stone Arch Beer Sampler. For more information, click
here.
Canoe RAVE
June 17, 12:00-4:00 pm, North Mississippi Regional Park, 5116 N Mississippi Dr
Explore the river, learn about significant wildlife and cultural features and do some good by joining a River Action Volunteer Event (RAVE)! For this RAVE, participants will explore the northern end of the national park aboard partner Wilderness Inquiry's 24-foot voyageur canoes and along the way hear river stories from national park rangers. Participants will paddle out, land at River Park to do a service project and then paddle back to where they started. Learn more and RSVP
here.
Craft Talk: The Author/Editor Relationship
June 17, 7:00-8:30 pm, Open Book Performance Hall, 1011 Washington Ave S
The Loft presents recent Minnesota Book Award winning novelist Peter Geye in conversation with his acclaimed editor Gary Fisketjon of Knopf. Peter and Gary will discuss the importance of the writer/editor relationship and how it informs and deepens craft. To purchase a ticket 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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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
Aster Cafe
125 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.
Our Souls at Night
by Ken Haruf
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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Ongoing Member-Led Activities
MCC Caregiver Support Group
2nd and 4th Wednesdays,
May-August,
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
June 8 & 22
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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