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Update from the Executive Director
One of the member benefits Mill City Commons offers
is online access to its First Stop Guide, a compilation of member-vetted health and wellness and other service recommendations. Members who've used it, swear by it! It's located under Resources on our website.
Log in and check it out!
This afternoon's Health Challenge program features a panel of local resource people who represent various organizations noted on our resource page. I hope you will join us!
An on-going member benefit is access to the rich and varied selection of programs featured each month. A quick review of what's coming up, listed below, confirms this.
In addition to today's Health Challenge program, this Thursday evening
MCC is fortunate to host an expert in climate and energy policy at the state and national levels--J. Drake Hamilton and ranks among the top 12 climate communicators internationally. It will be good to learn how Minnesota became a national leader in wind and solar energy, as well as in carbon reduction. Guests are welcome!
Finally, don't miss Forced From Home the free interactive exhibit on display at The Commons through Sunday. Full details below in Around Town.
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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The Health Challenge: When the Unforeseen Hits, Part 2
Tuesday, September 11, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Phoenix River Room, 222 2nd St SE, 6th floor
 Do you know how you'd react if you, your spouse or partner suddenly had a medical emergency? In this follow-up presentation to our June program, a panel of community resources will offer you the benefit of their hard-earned wisdom through stories about how they've helped others respond to accidents, medical emergencies in far-away places, and the changing health of a spouse. They'll share with you what they've learned about realities, resources and resilience. Panelists include Pathfinder Care Management's CEO Kathleen Dempsey, geriatrician Dr. Tom Pettus, Mill City Commons staff member Mary Texidor and Senior Linkage Line's Community Outreach Specialist Lukus Zuker.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Caregivers' Support Group 2
Wednesday, September 12, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Cobalt Condos, 45 University Ave SE, 2nd floor Conference Room 
Members of Mill City Commons have created a second Caregivers' Support Group and invite other caregivers to join them. This guided discussion group with professional facilitation supports MCC members and nonmembers who are in a caregiving role for a spouse, partner or other family member. Caregivers' Support Group members share experiences, issues and concerns about caregiving, as well as give and receive support around this critical role. This four-month series, meeting the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 1:00-2:30 pm, runs through December. Cost is $80 for the four-month (8 session) series, regardless of how many sessions you attend.
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Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, September 13, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Mill City Quarter, 322 2nd St S
 MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, host Katie Searl has invited Susan Hartman to speak on caregiving. Susan is a retired family life educator and clinical psychologist.
Note: During the last part of the meeting we will be discussing the Our Turn Survey results and some of the possible changes we can make to our program. Attached please find the raw data from the survey as well as a discussion guide outlining potential action items based on the recommendations of Cathi, Carol, Corin and Ginny, the core group that has been working on this all summer.
Our Turn meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Hosts and topics change each time.
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Minnesota's Leadership on Clean Energy
Thursday, September 13, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 
Winslow House, 100 2nd St SE
Energy decisions are critical to both economic development and environmental performance. Minnesota has used bipartisan policy to grow our clean energy economy, including almost 60,000 family-supporting jobs. Business is also leading the way on renewable energy. We are national leaders in wind and solar energy, as well as in carbon reduction. Learn about next steps and get inspired at this energizing forum. Speaker J. Drake Hamilton is science policy director for Fresh Energy and an expert in climate and energy policy at the state and national level.
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Dinner for 5
Sunday, September 16, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Smith & Porter Restaurant, 428 2nd St S
 If connecting with and getting to know other MCC members in a smaller, more intimate social setting interests you, this new 10th Anniversary program idea just might be for you! Join other MCC members for a casual evening of dining in Abiitan's Smith & Porter Restaurant. The meal is dutch treat. Space is limited to five people, so register early!
MCC members sign up here.
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Great Decisions: Turkey - A Partner in Crisis
Monday, September 17, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr
 Of all NATO allies, Turkey represents the most daunting challenge for the Trump administration. In the wake of a failed military coup in July 2016, the autocratic trend in Ankara took a turn for the worse. One year on, an overwhelming majority of the population considers the United States to be their country's greatest security threat. In this age of a worsening "clash of civilizations" between Islam and the West, even more important than its place on the map is what Turkey symbolically represents as the most institutionally Westernized Muslim country in the world. Ambassador Ross Wilson is a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council and a visiting lecturer in international affairs at the George Washington University. He served as American ambassador to Turkey from 2005-2008.
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 Betsy Wray at [email protected].
MCC Great Decisions members sign up here. |
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Meditation Circle
Tuesday, September 18, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Mill City Quarter, 322 2nd St S
 Mill City Commons members are invited to join in a weekly drop-in meditation hour. This is a time for self-guided meditation; if you're new to meditation, we'll provide a brief explanation to help you get started. Our hope is that meditating with each other may help each of our practices and create a shared energy among participants. Drop-in sessions are on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 am at Mill City Quarter, across the parking lot from Abiitan. An MCC member will be there to greet you at 9:30 a.m. Please register for sessions you plan to attend so we have an idea of how many to expect. All sessions are free.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Current Events: A Conversation with Bill
Wednesday, September 19, 10:30 - 11:30 am 
La Rive Community Room, 110 Bank St SE
Current international news and U.S. foreign policy provide an endless trove of topics for learning and discussion. Retired foreign service officer and MCC member Bill Davnie will identify a topic in advance, although news can always lead us in a fresh direction. This month he'll talk about diplomatic glitches and "How Asymmetric Needs Complicate Trade Discussions."
This ongoing program is held on the third Wednesday of the month. Topic ideas for each monthly gathering are welcome.
MCC members sign up here.
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Social Bridge
Wednesday, September 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].
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M
en's Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, September 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 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 David Plimpton will speak on "An Update in Medical Aid in Dying - in Minnesota and Nationally."
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: Hennepin Healthcare
Friday, September 21, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Hennepin Healthcare, 715 8th St S
 Hennepin Healthcare has cared for patients in our neighborhood for more than 100 years, and they're inviting MCC members and guests for a tour of their innovative new Clinic & Specialty Center and nationally recognized Hyperbaric Chamber. We'll learn about the new advanced MRI system in the Clinic & Specialty Center, as well as have a chance to enjoy the amazing collection of original and custom art pieces in this warm, welcoming place to receive medical care. In the Hyperbaric Medicine area, we'll see how specialized treatment provides patients with 100 percent oxygen in a pressurized chamber to aid in healing of infections, tissue injury and poisonings, including carbon monoxide poisoning. Finally, we'll hear about volunteer opportunities within the Hennepin Healthcare system.
Meet in the M. Thomas Education and Community Center located on the first floor of the new Clinic and Specialty Center at 715 8th St. S. An underground parking ramp and valet parking are available in that building, as well as metered parking on the street.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Meditation Circle
Tuesday, September 25, 9:30 - 10:30 am 
Mill City Quarter, 322 2nd St S
Mill City Commons members are invited to join in a weekly drop-in meditation hour. This is a time for self-guided meditation; if you're new to meditation, we'll provide a brief explanation to help you get started. Our hope is that meditating with each other may help each of our practices and create a shared energy among participants. Drop-in sessions are on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 am at Mill City Quarter, across the parking lot from Abiitan. An MCC member will be there to greet you at 9:30 a.m. Please register for sessions you plan to attend so we have an idea of how many to expect. All sessions are free.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, September 25, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Milwaukee Road Restaurant & Bar at the Marriott, 225 3rd Ave S
 Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour at the Milwaukee Road Restaurant & Bar at the Marriott! Hosted by Delia & Tyrone Bujold, Martha Gabbert and Barbara & Mike Goldner, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. The event is dutch treat--no reservations required! If you'd like to stay for dinner, reservations can be made by calling (612) 375-1700.
MCC members and guests. No registration required.
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MCC Program Calendar
View the full calendar of MCC's September events
here.
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News from Members
MCC member Carol Jordan invites members to attend
Second Chance at the Minneapolis Central Library outdoor amphitheater
. Second Chance is a new play that explores what a second chance looks like for people experiencing homelessness and is produced by zAmya Theater Project. The performances are free and will take place September 11-September 13 at noon and September 14 at 5:00 pm. Learn more
here.
MCC member Bob Rinek shares that TPT will be airing the Minnesota Experience series with their first show on Flour Power, a history of the milling industry in Minnesota. The show will give the history behind why Minneapolis became the hub of the milling industry and why this neighborhood became known as the "mill city". The show will premiere on TPT at 9:00 pm on Monday, September 17. Click here to watch a short clip about the program and here to learn about the Minnesota Experience series.
MCC member Peggy Lucas wants members to know that Green Minneapolis will be presenting The Commons flagship event - a free Minnesota Orchestra concert on September 25 from 6:00-7:00 pm, to celebrate the opening of their 2018-19 season. The Orchestra will be presenting a dramatic mix of classical and popular works. The Commons is located at 425 Portland Ave. Click
here to learn more about sponsoring this event.
MCC member Linnea Olesen is planning to attend a falls prevention program called Stepping On. Stepping On has been researched and proven to reduce falls in older adults. During the seven week, small-group workshop you will learn simple strength and balance exercises, how to get back on your feet correctly after a fall, identifying safety hazards inside and outside your home, and more. Click
here for more details. Linnea would be happy to drive up to three members who register for the program. She can be reached at
[email protected].
MCC member Carol Hovey thought members might be interested in a series of programs at the Minnesota History Center. She notes that last year's speakers were interesting and informative and this year's topics may appeal to members. Learn more about the 2018-2019 history forum schedule and topics by clicking
here.
MCC Executive Director Joan Wright invites members to attend a launch of the book
When Republicans Were Progressive, written by Senator David Durenberger and Lori Sturdevant. The book launch will be at the Minnesota History Center (345 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul) at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, October 16. It will include a one-hour presentation by the authors, followed by a dessert reception and book signing. You can learn more
here.
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Around Town
Forced From Home
Now through September 16, The Commons, 425 Portland Ave
Visitors to this free, interactive, outdoor educational exhibition gain a deeper understanding of the global refugee crisis, the dangerous journey made by those who have been forced from home and the humanitarian assistance offered by Doctors Without Borders. Open weekdays from 9:00 am-1:00 pm and 4:00-8:00 pm and weekends from 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Note: the entrance to
Forced From Home is on S 5th St, on the footpath opposite The Armory. Learn more
here.
Celebrating 125 years in the Federal Depository Library Program
September 17, 1:00-4:00 pm, Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall
Remarks by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, followed by a panel discussion on "We the People: Using Government Information in Every Day Life." Refreshments provided.
Dr. Falstaff and the Working Wives of Lake County: A Picnic Operetta
September 30, 3:00 pm, Loring Park, 1382 Willow St
This show places the silly characters of Shakespeare's comedy alongside contemporary questions about industry, job creation and the environmental impact of capitalism. Writer Scotty Reynolds, a native of Silver Bay, MN, adapted this story following his research on Minnesota's ecological and economic history and the landmark legal battle, United States vs. Reserve Mining. RSVPs are recommended; free, but $15 donation is suggested. Click
here to learn more.
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
North Star Group
Wednesday, 9/26,
6:30-9:30 pm
The group will be reading "Playing with Fire" 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.
September's book is
Sing, Unburied, Sing
by Jesmyn Ward
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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Mill City Commons
Ongoing Fitness Opportunities
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.
Meditation Circle
Tuesdays
9:30-10:30 am
Join us for a weekly
self-guided meditation hour.
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Ongoing Member-Led Activities
MCC Caregivers' Support Group
2nd and 4th Wednesdays,
September-December,
10:30 am-12:00 pm & 1:00-2:30 pm*
A way to support members and non-members who are in a caregiving role.
*Note: There are still openings in the afternoon group. For more information, contact
Betsy Wray.
Men's Dutch Lunch
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
September 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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