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Update from the Executive Director
Volunteering is a way of life for many Mill City Commons members. The projects and means of participation may vary,
but each carry significant and meaningful impact for our community.
Every little bit helps!
This morning, a team of MCC members will purchase and deliver food to Ascension School. Later in the week, a delivery of donated small gifts will be delivered to two neighborhood transitional housing programs, Exodus Residence and Mary's Place -- telling signs that MCC's annual Turkey, Dressing & Extra Helpings (TD&E) Holiday Drive is on track and reached its goal!
In January, MCC members will prepare and serve a meal at First Covenant Shelter. First Covenant feeds its homeless guests every night and relies on groups of volunteers to prepare and serve the guests. To learn more about this volunteer opportunity, or to indicate your willingness to participate,
click here.
Other local volunteer opportunities are listed under the
Member Volunteer page on the website.
Neighbors helping neighbors strengthens the entire community. Thank you for your support and participation!
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, December 18, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Milwaukee Road Bar at the Depot, 225 3rd Ave S
 Join us for Tuesday Happy Hour at the Depot's Milwaukee Road Bar! Hosted by Sue Bennett, Camille Burke, Ellie Hands and Marcia Townley, 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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Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, December 20, 1:30 - 3:00 pm 
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE
MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, Cathi Griffioen hosts an end-of-the-year party at La Rive. We'll take a look back at 2018 and forward to 2019, expressing a gratitude or thanks for something in 2018 and what you hope for individually or publicly in 2019. We'll also hold our annual book exchange. Bring a book you've read that you'd like to give away and take one you'd like to read. Contributions of wine or goodies, as well as a small cash donation for the room fee, are welcomed!
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. |
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M
en's Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, December 27, 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 Keith Nelson hosts on the topic of "Traditions: Alive & Well or Fading?". After sharing his own story, he'll ask each attendee to share a short story at their table about a tradition enjoyed with family or friends, past or present, from any season of the year.
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A Movie & Dinner 
Thursday, December 27, 4:00 - 7:30 pm
St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 Main St SE
Join MCC members for a dutch-treat mid-week movie and dinner! Well be going to see the late afternoon screening (exact time TBA) of "Mary, Queen of Scots," a historical drama being released in the U.S. on December 7. We'll follow with dinner at Pracna. Members and guests are welcome to join us for the movie, dinner or both.
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. |
New Year's Eve Dinner
 Monday, December 31, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Smith & Porter Restaurant, 428 2nd St S
Join your MCC friends and celebrate a year well-lived with a New Year's Eve meal at Smith & Porter! You'll order off the menu, and the meal is dutch-treat.
Make your reservation on the MCC website by December 21.
MCC members sign up here.
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MCC Program Calendar
View the full calendar of MCC's December events
here.
Plan ahead! View the full calendar of MCC's January events
here.
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News from Members
MCC's recent program, A Minnesotan's Story About Saving Rhinos, provided insight into what's happening to rhinos, who's involved, why they are so valuable to poachers and why they are worth saving.
Executive Director Joan Wright encourages those interested in learning more to check out the Wild and Free Foundation's website
here.
Have you heard rumors about the 3rd Avenue bridge closing?
MCC member Allan Burdick received an update on the upcoming bridge closure from
MCC member Doug Verdier and the MNDOT website
and shares it
here
.
MCC Executive Director Joan Wright shares that MacPhail Center for Music is looking for volunteers to help staff their welcome desk. You can see the job description and learn more here. And don't forget that the MCC website lists other local volunteer opportunities under the Member Volunteering page.
Do you like movies?
MCC member Will Craig compiled a list of all the movies nominated for various awards. Click
here to see the 2018 movie award nominees; the spreadsheet will be updated as the awards are announced and winners will be listed in red. If you enjoy watching and discussing movies, consider joining the MCC: Movie Chat forum. Contact
Mary Texidor to learn more.
MCC member Allan Burdick thinks
this article titled "More Than Ever, Americans Age Alone" in the Wall Street Journal makes a good case for membership in Mill City Commons.
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Around Town
Last Call: A Holiday Market
December 22, 3:00-8:00 pm, Food Building, 1401 Marshall St NE
Make your way over to the Food Building for some last minute shopping. Co-hosts Fulton Beer and Lowry Hill Meats will be serving tasty beer, and tacos while you wrap your gifts in their totally stocked and FREE gift wrapping station. Movies and music and more. More than 20 vendors will be on-site. Learn more
here.
History Discussion Club: The Great Depression
January 9, 10:30-11:30 am, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave
As part of the Magnet Senior Center, join others in a monthly discussion of history. January will focus on one of America's hardest tribulations where few weren't impacted by tough economic times. To read ahead, you can ask for a reading packet at the Minneapolis Central Library's 4th floor iDesk.
2019 Foreign Policy Update
January 16, 6:00-8:00 pm, University of Minnesota Coffman Theater, 300 Washington Ave SE
Join Global MN for the ever-popular annual U.S. Foreign Policy Update with Diplomat in Residence and former career Foreign Service Officer, Tom Hanson. Tom will explore and explain the latest foreign policy developments, trends, and challenges facing the U.S. in the upcoming year, including the rise of populism in Europe, The Middle East, nuclear negotiations, trade with China, and the U.S.-Mexico relationship. Tickets are $10-20 and can be purchased
here. This event typically sells out, so advance purchase is suggested.
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
Jefe Urban Hacienda
219 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, 10:00-11:00 am (note the new time)
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
No reservations required. The next
book is
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,
January-April,
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. *There are openings in the afternoon session.
Men's Dutch Lunch
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
December 20 & January 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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