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Update from the Executive Director
A startling statistic on loneliness, equating its health dangers to cigarette smoking, was used during one of the plenary sessions at last week's National Village Gathering in San Diego. George Will wrote an
Opinion piece
on the topic recently for the
Washington Post
.
"Research demonstrates that loneliness is as physically dangerous as smoking 15 cigarettes a day and contributes to cognitive decline." Read the article. A clarion call to action.
The disintegration of our social infrastructure poses multiple challenges. Reconnecting with our neighbors, cultivating a culture of help and support is one of the ways to repair and rebuild that infrastructure. Villages understand this and are unified in their commitment to foster connections, build relationships, support and assist others to build valuable community.
I hope you'll join me and other MCC members this morning who attended last week's Conference to hear our take-aways, learn about new Village initiatives and share your insights on how Mill City Commons can grow and improve as a Village. See details below.
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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Village to Village Conference: What We Learned
Tuesday, October 16, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm 
Mill City Quarter Club Room, 322 2nd St S
Join several Mill City Commons members and Executive Director Joan Wright for a panel discussion about what they experienced, learned and took away from this year's Village to Village Annual Gathering in San Diego.
MCC members sign up here.
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Current Events: A Conversation with Bill
Wednesday, October 17, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Winslow House Party Room, 100 2nd 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 week, he'll talk about "Shaping the Policy Battlespace: How We and the Media Create Enemies (and Friends)."
This ongoing program is held on the third Wednesday of the month. Topic ideas for each monthly gathering are welcome.
Just one spot remains! MCC members sign up here.
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Social Bridge
Wednesday, October 17, 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, October 18, 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 O.J. Fawcett hosts. O.J. moved to Abiitan in 2017 to be close to children and grandchildren after retiring from a career as a funeral director in Winona. He'll introduce a leader from the U of M's Program of Mortuary Science. Currently a part of the Medical School, it was established in 1908 and was the first program of its kind in this country to be organized at a state university.
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The Minneapolis Fed on "Too Big to Fail"
Thursday, October 18, 2:00 - 3:30 pm 
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE
The financial crisis is about 10 years past. Despite efforts to address its causes, the Minneapolis Fed continues to believe that many of America's banks are still "too big to fail." Ron Feldman, chief operating officer at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, will discuss the Fed's Minneapolis Plan to End Too Big to Fail (TBTF). He'll also field your questions on the Fed's role as the nation's central bank.
MCC members sign up here.
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Sunday Brunch Soiree
Sunday, October 21, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Cobalt Condos, 45 University Ave SE, #606
 Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soiree, hosted by Carol & Ron Vantine at Cobalt Condos. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing brunch fare--such as an egg dish, salad, sausage, bacon or a breakfast bread--to serve at least 8. 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. |
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Driven to Discover: Making Wine in Minnesota
Monday, October 22, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Stone Arch Lofts, 600 2nd St S, #701 
Commercial grape production and the winery industry in the Minnesota continue to grow. Innovations at the University of Minnesota have helped to propel this $80 million industry. This includes developing cold-hardy grape varieties that can produce quality wines despite Minnesota's harsh environment. Dr. Matt Clark, assistant professor of grape breeding and enology, will present a brief history of grapes in Minnesota and discuss the process of breeding grapes. With the improvements in technologies and skills, today's award-winning Minnesota wines continue to improve. Minnesota wines will be served!
This is one in an ongoing MCC program series under the banner "Driven to Discover." The series features University of Minnesota faculty and students sharing current research and programming at the University.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Meditation Circle
Tuesday, October 23, 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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Caregiver's Support Group
Wednesday, October 24, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Cobalt Condos, 2nd floor Conference Room, 45 University Ave SE 
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.
MCC member and guests. Contact Betsy Wray ([email protected]) if you'd like to join. |
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Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, October 25, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Mill City Quarter, 322 2nd St S
 MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, Linda Grong hosts on the topic of gifts and gratitude. What is the best gift you've ever been given? In what way were you able to express your gratitude? What does gratitude mean to you? What expressions of gratitude have meant the most to you?
Our Turn meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Hosts and topics change each time.
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What is an End-of-Life Doula?
Monday, October 29, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Phoenix River Room, 6th floor, 222 2nd St SE 
Jane Whitlock, a trained end-of-life doula, recently gave a TEDx talk about her experience as an end-of-life doula. Jane will share her TEDx talk, plus more details about what a doula does, how one becomes a doula, and what members of the community can do to support those who are dying. Jane became an end-of-life doula after taking care of her husband, who died after a four-month illness with kidney cancer. She learned first-hand what might be beneficial for others as they walk this path. Although supported medically by hospice, it would have been very helpful to have a calm presence by their side, someone with wisdom gained from experience with death, someone who could have helped them enter the sacred nature of this time, someone who could stay with them as long as they needed: an end-of-life doula.
MCC members sign up here.
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Meditation Circle
Tuesday, October 30, 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, October 30, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Finnegans Brew Co, 817 5th Ave S 
Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour at Finnegans Brew Co.! Hosted by Dave & Peggy Lucas and Jeff & Joan Wright, 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! Look for our group in a reserved corner of the Tap Room.
MCC members and guests. No registration required!
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: Federal Reserve Bank
Thursday, November 1, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Federal Reserve Bank, 90 Hennepin Ave
 Experience the priceless opportunity to learn about the nation's central bank and financial system in a 75-minute walking tour of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. Observe how U.S. currency makes its way to your local bank. Find out what it means when the media says the Fed is setting interest rates. Discover how the work of the Federal Reserve affects you. Registration deadline: October 24
Note: Please arrive 10 minutes early for the security screening process. You must bring a valid photo ID. Not allowed are any bulky or oversized items (backpacks), electronics, cameras, pocket knives (or any weapons), food or beverages.
MCC members sign up here by October 24. |
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MCC Program Calendar
View the full calendar of MCC's October events
here.
Plan ahead! View the full calendar of MCC's November events
here.
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News from Members
Are you looking for a great place to exercise?
MCC member Christine Kaehler encourages members to try out Studio Me Fitness (219 Main St SE, #115). Studio Me Fitness offers yoga, rowing, personal training sessions and more. Learn more
here.
Reminder to members that recommendations like this can be found on the members-only website under the First Stop Guide!
MCC member Bob Rinek invites members to attend an open house at Twin Cities PBS (172 E 4th St, St. Paul) on October 16 from 6:00-8:30 pm. Take a tour of the studios, meet TPT staff and enjoy beverages and hors d'oeurves. RSVP is requested to this free event by emailing
[email protected] or calling (651) 229-1417. This is a great chance to take a look at TPT, especially if you missed the well-received After Hours Connect tour of Alamanc. Click
here for more details.
MCC member Ellie Hands invites members to attend a panel discussion on
Gender and Culture Change in STEM with Dr. Fraizer Benya on October 22 from 4:00-5:00 pm in the Mississippi Room of Coffman Memorial Union (300 Washington Ave SE). Join an open conversation in response to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine's 2018 Report on Sexual Harassment of Women: Climate, Culture,and Consequences in Academic Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The program will address both issues and remedies relating to harassment, bullying, micro-aggression, gender identity, and discrimination.
MCC member Merle Minda wonders if members would like to join her in attending a program with John Leland, New York Times reporter and author of the best-seller "Happiness is a Choice You Make; Lessons From a Year Among the Oldest Old." Leland will speak about his unexpected experiences and reflections on old age. The event takes place October 24, 7:00 pm at Temple of Aaron, 616 Mississippi River Blvd, St. Paul. Tickets are free
here. Learn more about John Leland and his book
here.
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Around Town
Understood
Now through October 28, Soma Studios, 79 13th Ave NE, Studio 212
Chris and Julie are young, married, liberal and struggling. After the bizarre disappearance of their dog Jack, their relationship fractures and sends each of them on a crash course with strangers who hold vastly different worldviews. As they search for answers in a world divided by politics and unflinching beliefs, they start to wonder, "Is it ever possible to truly understand someone?" Better Angels, a national citizens movement to reduce political polarization will sponsor a moderated post-show discussion on Thursdays and Sundays. Purchase tickets
here.
A Semester in a Day
October 27, 9:30 am-1:15 pm, Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St S
One Day University brings together professors from the finest universities in the country to present special versions of their very best lectures live. $159. This semester's lectures include "The Future of Lying and Trusting," "World War I: What Really Happened, and Why it Matters" and "What's So Great About Beethoven? A Surprising Look at a Musical Genius." For information and to register, click
here.
Theatre 55 Auditions
November 5-7, Wonderlust Productins, 550 Vandalia St, St. Paul, Room 253
Theatre 55 was formed with the purpose of developing lifelong learning through theatre performance and education. Their vision is to enrich the lives of elders, as artists, audiences and lifelong learners. Theatre 55's inaugural production of
Hair, performed by those who lived it! is having auditions. Rehearsals are Nov 26 - Jan 30, with time off during the holidays, and runs from Jan 31 - Feb 10 at Mixed Blood Theatre. To sign up, 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.
September's book is
Exit West
by Mohsin Hamid
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
Mill City Quarter,
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.
Men's Dutch Lunch
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
October 25 & November 8
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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