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Update from the Executive Director
A recent Mill City Commons program on Alzheimer's gave me pause. Consider the sobering statistics in this
info graphic.
Like so many others, I asked if Alzheimer's can be prevented. This question continues to pique researchers' interest and is the driver around many of today's new research studies. While no definitive answers have been forthcoming, many of the research studies are exploring the influence
exercise, diet, social and mental stimulation
play in the development of Alzheimer's.
A friend, who is navigating a recent diagnosis of dementia, shared a powerful Ted Talk link with me. Its content reveals the speaker's raw emotion, beautiful and poignant revelations and includes a strong call to action outlining her plan to prepare for what she believes is an inevitable dementia diagnosis. She is going to "be ready." I recommend you listen to or read the 6 minute talk
here.
Her call to action got me thinking. How will I be ready? What hands-on activities can I learn now that will keep me happier and easier to care for -- maybe even slow the progress of the disease, sustain and give me purpose -- should a dementia diagnosis be in my future? It's not easy to think about, but I've decided to include it in my 4th-stage of life plan.
I've returned to playing the piano, an old "art habit."
I was rusty at first, but it's remarkable how quickly my fingers have remembered. Mill City Commons is hosting a Support Your Art Habit discussion on July 24th. You can read more about it below and
register here .
Won't you join us?
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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Understanding Turkey Today
Wednesday, July 12, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Washburn Lofts Common Room, 700 2nd St S
 Few if any U.S. allies seem so troubled domestically-and so crucial to American success in the Middle East-as Turkey. It confounds the United States and Europe, and Turkey has many frustrations of its own, as well. How should one understand what is happening in Turkey, what are our interests with the country and the region around it, and what issues will determine Washington's ability to successfully pursue them? Speaker Ross Wilson is a distinguished senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, visiting lecturer in international affairs at George Washington University and chairman of the Board of Governors of the Institute of Turkish Studies. One of his posts in the course of a 30-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service was as American ambassador to Turkey in 2005-2008.
MCC members sign up here.
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Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, July 13, 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 Joel Kramer hosts on the topic of "Reflections on My Trip to Eastern Europe and Israel."
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Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, July 13, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Mill City Quarter Club Room, 322 2nd St S
 This week, Jeanne Ravich hosts on the topic of "How I Learned to Read." Interpret this in your own way. Maybe you remember the first time you figured out how to read. Perhaps you had a special teacher who encouraged you to become an avid reader. Were you the kid who spent summer afternoons in a cool library? Maybe you have fond memories of a parent reading to you at bedtime. Is there a childhood book that had a special impact on you? So many possibilities!
Our Turn meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Locations, hosts and topics change each time.
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. |
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden Tour
Friday, July 14, 10:30 - 11:30 am 
Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 725 Vineland Pl
Learn more about the art and artists of the newly reopened Minneapolis Sculpture Garden in this MCC walking tour. Discover new icons, such as Katharina Fritsch's "Hahn/Cock" or Robert Indiana's "Love," and hear more about beloved favorites. The reconstructed Garden has many new features-did you know "Spoonbridge and Cherry" now use recycled storm water? Explore how art and environment come together in this crown jewel of the city's park system. Meet our group in front of the Walker on the Wilf Family Plaza at the main entrance.
Registration is closed. To be added to the waiting list, email [email protected]. |
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Sunday Soiree
Sunday, July 16, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Phoenix River Room, 6th Fl, 222 2nd St SE
 Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soiree, hosted by Karla Ekdahl and Peter Hutchinson. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing a hearty hors d'oeuvre or main dish salad to serve at least 8. (We have enough desserts!) As you register, let us know what you'll bring by answering the "Question" that will appear on the screen. You are welcome to bring your own wine or beer to share.
MCC members sign up here. |
The President, the Press and Our Democracy
Monday, July 17, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 
La Rive Community Room, 110 Bank St SE
Joel Kramer, former editor and publisher of the Star Tribune and co-founder of MinnPost, will talk about the President, the press and our democracy through the first half year of Donald Trump's presidency. He'll explore the strains on the pillars of our democracy and how they're holding up.
MCC members sign up here.
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Social Bridge
Wednesday, July 19, 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].
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. |
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Minneapolis Madams: The Fascinating History of Prostitution on the Riverfront
Wednesday, July 19, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 
Stone Arch Lofts, 600 2nd St S, #701
Our downtown riverfront neighborhood once had three thriving red-light districts within easy walking distance, but only one purpose-built brothel remains standing. Using official city and court documents, historical researcher Penny Peterson will tell the story of the city's secret past and a group of now-forgotten, daring, entrepreneurial women who exerted enormous influence over the city. As a bonus, Penny's husband Ted, an avid researcher of Old-Fashioneds, will share drink history and samples at the evening's end!
MCC members sign up here. |
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Support Your Art Habit!
Monday, July 24, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Bridgewater Community Room, 215 10th Ave S
 Have you heard? Significant research concludes that healthy aging in older adults is enhanced through active participation in the arts. Do you like to sing, dance, write, paint, act or play an instrument? Have you ever wanted to learn more? Now's your chance! Join MCC members Corin Kagan, Judy Healey, Sonia Cairns and Joan Wright for a "springboard discussion" on ways MCC members can actively participate in the arts. A 15-minute overview of neighborhood classes, lessons, chorale, writing or acting opportunities will be provided, after which participants will divide into four arts affinity group brainstorming sessions to talk further about creative options. A discussion leader will be provided in the following areas: Music/Dance, Theater, Visual Arts and Writing.
MCC members sign up here.
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Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, July 25, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Bev's Wine Bar, 250 3rd Ave N 
Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour at Bev's Wine Bar. Hosted by Linda and Rod Dolan and Cheryl Grasmoen and Bill Van Essenfeldt, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. For nearly 20 years, Bev's has been a local hotspot, serving perfect pours of house-selected wines, beers and cocktails. It features an intimate atmosphere with fantastic views of the downtown skyline. Dutch treat-no reservations required!
Bev's doesn't serve dinner. If you'd like to make reservations for dinner afterwards, nearby restaurants include the Monte Carlo (612-333-5900), Haute Dish (612-338-8484) and Spoon & Stable (612-224-9850).
MCC members and guests. No registration required. |
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Historic Milwaukee Avenue Walking Tour
Wednesday, July 26, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Milwaukee Avenue Historic District, Milwaukee & Franklin Avenues
 The Milwaukee Avenue Historic District in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis is a half-hidden two-block-long landscaped walking lane with small workers' cottages, whose gingerbread porches in front of brick gabled facades are set right up to the walkway. Its historic designation recognizes this place for its immigrant history as the first homes in America in the late 19th century for Scandinavian and northern European factory worker households, and for its unique architecture and sense of place. The area was slated for demolition in a 1970s neighborhood-wide urban renewal program, but a neighborhood organization thwarted that plan. Their rehabilitation-oriented renewal program preserved their neighborhood's older character. Architect, activist and author Bob Roscoe will lead the tour. Meet at the corner of Milwaukee and Franklin Avenues. (Milwaukee Avenue is between 22nd and 23rd Avenues, east of Hiawatha.)
MCC members sign up here. |
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MCC Program Calendar
Plan ahead! View the complete MCC July calendar
here.
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News from Members
MCC member Linnea Olesen shares that In the Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre has brought back
The Story of Crow Boy for a special three night run, July 13-15, at 7:30 pm. The story explores the difficult life yet compassionate vision of artist Taro Yashima. Linnea reports that she saw the last production and was awed by its story. Details can be found
here.
MCC member
Jim Conaway wants members to know about Senior Center Without Walls, a resource for adults 50+. Senior Center Without Walls is an excellent source of programming via phone or computer for those who are homebound, either long-term or temporarily while recovering from an illness or following rehab. Click
here to view the Summer session calendar; participation is free. To learn more, click
here.
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Around Town
Mill City Farmers Market Night Market
July 18, 3:30-7:30 pm, The Commons, 425 Portland Ave S
Pick up farm fresh, organic produce and local artisan foods for an easy weeknight meal. Prepared food vendors will be cooking up seasonal recipes all evening, so come hungry, stay, listen to live music and have a picnic supper in The Commons. The Night Market will be an ongoing event every Tuesday through September 26.
Lumières Françaises
July 20-27, St. Anthony Main Theater, 115 Main St SE
The Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul invites you to a week-long festival highlighting the brightest talent in French independent cinema. Lumiéres Françaises introduces an exciting new generation of rising French-language talent on both sides of the camera, from rebellious comedies to exquisite dramas and vivid documentaries. All films presented with English subtitles. For details, click
here.
Siyaasada Maanta "The Politics of Today"
July 26-28, 7;30 pm, The Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave S
This gripping political drama examines the intellectual curiosity of the Somali diaspora and its interpretation of "Siyaasada Maanta," by providing an in-depth look into the lives of young Somali millennials burdened by expectation and duty. For tickets and 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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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.
Guthrie
Play
Reading
Stone Arch Group
Tuesday, July 11,
Groups will read "Native Gardens" 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.
A Gentleman in Moscow
by Amor Towles
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
Exploring Meditation
Every Wednesday, June 20-August 1,
10:00-11:00 am
Reduce stress, clear the clutter in your mind and increase a feeling of calm. For more information on future meditation opportunities, email
Betsy Wray.
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
July 20 & August 3
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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