August 15, 2017
Update from the Executive Director

On Wednesday, September 6, the MCC men are launching a new evening group that will connect once a month over a speaker, tour or social event. This inaugural event, hosted by member Bob Rinek, will include a tour of the trading floor at Piper Jaffrey, with comments on sales, trading and capital markets from one of the traders; an overview of Piper Jaffray and the Merchant Banking business; and remarks from Lars Oddsson, founder and chairman of RxFunction, an early-stage medical device company. Those who are interested may conclude the evening at McCormick & Schmick's for a dutch-treat happy hour.  Register here!

It's no secret that MCC offers great programming.  What many may not realize, is that all of our programs and events are suggested, planned and executed by members with a strong assist from the program committee and program coordinator Betsy Wray. It is an active group committed to offering quality opportunities. 

To view all of September's program opportunities, 

MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.

~ Joan Wright
Refugees in Minnesota
Tuesday, August 15, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr, Room D104
Over the last three decades, Minnesota has welcomed more than 95,000 refugees and is now home to some of the largest Hmong, Somali and Liberian communities in the United States. Join us for a discussion about refugee resettlement in Minnesota, where we'll answer questions such as: Who is a "refugee"? What's the refugee journey to Minnesota like? What's the transformative impact of refugee communities in Minnesota? What's the future of refugee resettlement with President Trump's travel ban? How can I get involved? Speaker Molly Hayes was most recently Program Director at the International Institute of Minnesota, where she oversaw workforce development and education programs for New Americans (refugees and immigrants) across the Twin Cities. Previously, Hayes was a U.S. State Department foreign policy advisor focused on the Middle East and Africa.

MCC members sign up here.
Social Bridge
Wednesday, August 16, 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.
Twin Cities River Rats Waterski Show
Thursday, August 17, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
1758 W River Rd N
Minnesota is the birthplace of waterskiing, and the Mississippi River is the home of the Twin Cities River Rats Water Ski Show Team! Join MCC friends on the banks of the Mississippi for one of the Rats' hour-long shows, where they combine various waterskiing acts with skits and music. We'll meet at 6:00 pm to grab a viewing spot, and then order pizzas from nearby Broadway Pizza or visit the on-site concession stand (or bring your own picnic!). A development show (with newer or younger River Rats) starts at 6:30 pm, followed by The Big Show at 7:00 pm. Park on West River Road south of Broadway. Bring blankets or chairs. Guests are welcome!

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center Tour
Tuesday, August 22, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center, 1015 N 4th Ave
Join us for a tour of the Cora McCorvey Health and Wellness Center in Heritage Park. Part of a health and wellness campus, the Center is a "one-stop shop" of services developed specifically for mature/older adults. Learn how the Center was developed in collaboration with distinguished agencies and service providers to offer a wide range of services to older adults in our community.

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC
Annual Member Party
Wednesday, August 23, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Open Book / Minnesota Center for Book Arts, 1011 Washington Ave S
Join us for one of MCC's most popular events of the year - the Annual Member Party! This year's gala will take place right in the neighborhood at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts in the Open Book building. Happy hour starts at 5:30 pm on the second floor in the Target Performance Hall, followed by a buffet of hearty hors d'oeuvres from 6:30 to 8:00 pm in the Minnesota Center for Book Arts studio on the main floor. Enjoy a slideshow with a year's worth of MCC photos, and visit the MCBA gift shop, if you wish. Metered parking is available on the street; ramp parking is available in the Riverfront Ramp across from the Guthrie on 2nd Street.

This is an MCC members-only event. Registration is now closed. Questions? Contact [email protected].
Men's Coffee and Conversation 
Thursday, August 24, 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 every 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 Jeff Wright will recount his eclectic career, discuss the value of reinvention and taking on challenges, and reflect on the contrasts between our generation and young people today.

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, August 24, 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Stone Arch Lofts, 600 2nd St S, #602
MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, Penny Winton hosts with an intriguing discussion topic: You have your life to live over. What trait would you want more of - or less of?

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.
Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, August 29, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Bardo, 222 E Hennepin Ave
Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour at Bardo, East Hennepin's newest restaurant, helmed by chef Remy Pettus. Hosted by Cecily Hines & Tom Pettus and Dave & Peggy Lucas, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Dinner will not be available after Happy Hour, as Bardo is not normally open on Tuesdays-this special evening is just for MCC members and guests! Dutch treat-no reservations required.

MCC members and guests. No registration required.
MCC Program Calendar

View the complete MCC August calendar here.

Plan ahead! View the MCC September calendar here.
News from Members

MCC members extend their condolences to the family of MCC member Diane Radack on the recent death of her son, John, who passed away on July 29 after a short but spirited fight against cancer. John's funeral is Saturday, August 19. More information related to the funeral can be accessed  here.

MCC member Peggy Lucas wants members to know that Casablanca will be showing at Commons Park on August 24 at 7 pm. Bring a chair and enjoy an evening of open air film with your neighbors. Food trucks will be on site, but you are welcome to bring your own picnic and beverages (this is one event in Minneapolis where BYO beer and wine is permitted).
 
MCC ED Joan Wright shares that the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation has offered a $25,000 challenge grant to support East Side Neighborhood Service's food programs which now serve over 5,000 annually throughout Hennepin County. ESNS has until September 1st to raise $25,000 in new and increased gifts to ESNS. You can learn more here and give through GiveMN or consider mailing a check to Linnea Tweed at ESNS, 1700 2nd Street NE, Mpls, MN 55413 (Food Security in the memo). Any amount would be appreciated.
Around Town

Morning Meditation in the Garden of the Seasons

Every Friday through September, 7:00-7:30 am, Loring Park, 1382 Willow St

Join a free meditation group with your neighbors. Coffee, chairs and camaraderie provided. No experience necessary.

Vivify
August 18-20, various times, The Southern Theater, 1420 S Washington Ave
Vivify - A Still Life in Motion explores the kinetic possibilities of iconic visual art. Minnesota Dance Collaborative is excited by the challenge of reinterpreting classic works of art through the mediums of music and movement. Dancers will bring to life the elements of art with a focus of the visceral connection of color and emotion. Tickets can be purchased here.

One Day University
September 9, 9:30 am-4:30 pm, Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St S
One Day University® brings stars of the academic world to cities across the country to give their most thought-provoking talks. Students experience award-winning speakers and countless fascinating ideas - all in one day. The morning session ($115) will include: The Mind of Abraham Lincoln, The Genius of Leonardo da Vinci and Reinventing English: The Troubled Future of Reading, Writing and Thinking. The afternoon session ($55) will cover The Four Greatest Films in American Cinema. For information and to register, 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.  
 
Volunteer Opportunities 
 
Click here for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC website!  
 
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.
The Sympathizer
by Viet Thanh Nguyen

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.
 
 
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
August 17 & 31
 This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact  Allan Burdick.
 

 Mill City Commons

Ongoing Fitness Opportunities


SBS Class

                      Thursdays

2:00-3:00 pm

G-Werx Fitness,

428 2nd St S, #100
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.


 
 

 
 
Mill City Commons | 125 Main St SE, Suite 339, Minneapolis, MN 55414
www.millcitycommons.org | [email protected]  
(612) 455-3329