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Update from the Executive Director
MCC welcomes new members Diane Robinson, John Campbell, and Keith & Polly Nelson. It's good to have you with us! These folks are easily identified by the New Member sticker on their name tags. Introduce yourself and consider inviting them to attend an upcoming event with you -- meeting new people is a significant benefit of membership!
A note to Great Decisions members:
The June 12 Great Decisions program on Afghanistan & Pakistan, led by MCC member Bill Davnie, will meet in the Carlyle Community Room, 100 3rd Avenue South, not at DeLaSalle High School. All Great Decisions members are required to register for each program. Register here.
A hallmark of MCC is its programming,
and the next two weeks are no exception. It's equally remarkable that eight of the twelve programs listed below not only are organized by members but also led by them. Won't you join us?
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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Sneak Peek: New Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Wednesday, May 31, 10:30 - 11:30 am 
RiverWest Community Room, 401 S 1st St
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden was dedicated in 1988 and expanded in 1992. Now, 2017 marks the completion of Walker Art Center's 19-acre campus, with the Sculpture Garden opening on June 3. Join us for an overview of these changes. Discover popular Sculpture Garden sculptures in new locations, infrastructure enhancements, and descriptions of public art commissions by local, national and international artists.
MCC members sign up here.
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Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, June 1, 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. MCC member Tyrone Bujold will be hosting guest speaker Dr. Lee Frelich, Director of U of M Center for Forest Ecology. Dr. Frelich will be discussing effects of climate change in Minnesota.
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Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, June 1, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
The Landings, 510 River St 
MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, Sylvia Kaplan hosts a "Show and Tell." She suggests bringing an object you love, or maybe a photo if it's too large or no longer available. Think about what you would be most unwilling to give up, leave behind when you move or mourn if it were lost. The value could be sentimental, aesthetic, nostalgic. It could be clothing, jewelry, household items, a bloom from your favorite tree. Be ready to share your story!
This group meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Locations and topics will change each time.
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A Perfect Pair: Oil and Vinegar
Monday, June 5, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Cooks of Crocus Hill, 208 1st St S
 Talk about a classic pairing: Olive oil and vinegar have teamed up for countless salads and marinades through the ages, but they can also hold their own. Learn about a variety of oils and vinegars from around the globe, sample the distinct flavors and understand how to enhance a recipe using these ingredients.
Each attendee will also receive a 15% discount to Cooks of Crocus Hill for that day. (Coupon is good for regular priced, in-stock merchandise. Excludes cooking classes, private events, gift cards, electrics and sale items.)
MCC members sign up here.
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Technology Workshop: Technology Tools for Travelers
Tuesday, June 6, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
American Academy of Neurology, 201 Chicago Ave, Training Room A 
Join us for the last 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 third class will cover information on convenient and fun techy travel accessories, tips for traveling securely and pointers on best ways to share travel photos. The workshop is limited to 12 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 full. If you would like to be on the wait list, email betsywray@millcitycommons.org. |
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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
caroljordan@millcitycommons.org.
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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.
MCC members sign up here.
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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 info@millcitycommons.org.
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. |
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Health Care in America: Views from 5 MCC Doctors
Thursday, June 15, 6:00 - 7:30 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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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.
Executive Director Joan Wright informs Musings readers to consider attending the FREE Saturday, June 10, 2017, Loring Park Music Festival. A wide variety of music entertainment will be available and many MCC friends will be performing with Friends of the Mill District Singers. To see more information and a list of featured artists, click here.
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Around Town
Northern Spark
June 10-11, 8:59 pm-5:26 am, on the Green Line between Minneapolis and St. Paul
Northern Spark 2017 is a free, all-night art festival that explores creativity and culture in the neighborhoods along the Metro Transit Green Line, including "The Commons" at Portland Ave and 5th St. Projects respond to climate change themes and artists were challenged to translate their project into an action attendees can do on the spot or in the future. For more information, click
here.
Open Streets Downtown
June 11, 11:00 am-5:00 pm, 1st Ave N from Eighth St N to Washington Ave and Washington Ave from 1st Ave N to 10th Ave N
Open Streets offers fun, family-friendly programming put on by local businesses and event partners. Take a chance to bike, walk, skate or play on car-free roads for an afternoon. Live music, group yoga, exercise classes and more! Learn more
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 Newest Members!
John Campbell
Keith & Polly Nelson
Diane Robinson
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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!
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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Volunteer Opportunities
Click
here for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC website!
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