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Update from the Executive Director
"MinnPost's Community Sketchbook focuses on the economic and social challenges facing communities, especially low-income communities and communities of color, and how people are trying to address them. It is made possible by sponsorship support from The Minneapolis Foundation."
How do we respond?
The city has indicated it's working on a short-term solution to move these folks inside, hopefully as soon as early October.
Kare 11 Article.
They also are in the process of forming a new
Advisory Committee on Housing in an effort to address a long-term solution to homelessness in our city.
The committee will include 12 resident members reflecting the diversity of Minneapolis and perspectives from renters, homeowners, people who have experienced homelessness, rental property owners and affordable housing advocates. Applications are being accepted through October 5.
We each are affected by homelessness, either indirectly or directly. News from Members below offers a list of Community Action Partners whose mission is to assist those in need. Thank you for considering how you might best support them.
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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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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Caregivers' Support Group 2
Wednesday, September 26, 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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Driven to Discover: Planetarium Tour at the Bell Museum
Wednesday, September 26, 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W
 Explore the cosmos at the new Bell Museum! Start your Bell Museum journey with a discussion featuring Denise Young, Ed.D, executive director of the Bell Museum, and Sally Brummel, M.Ed., Planetarium Program Manager. You'll learn about the new, state-of-the-art digital technology and capabilities of the Whitney and Elizabeth MacMillan Planetarium. Then enjoy a planetarium experience that explores the unique geological history of Minnesota in the original production of "Minnesota in the Cosmos."
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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Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, September 27, 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, Cathi Griffioen hosts on a thought-provoking topic: "Is it sexist to say women are superior to men?" Join us for a lively discussion, based on a recent opinion piece broadcast on NPR, that delves into this subject (find it here). We'll share some recent research that breaks down the numerous ways women are superior to men, including physically! You may want to scan the opinions of men in your life and bring that input to the discussion, too.
Our Turn meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Hosts and topics change each time.
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The Anatomy of a Story: Behind the Scenes at the Star Tribune
Thursday, September 27, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE
 How did the
Star Tribune develop its recent and ongoing story on sexual assault? Join us as
Star Tribune Team Leader Dave Hage and reporter Jennifer Bjorhus tell how they explored this issue and ultimately published a highly read series of articles. While working on a story about a rape at the University of Minnesota three years ago,
Star Tribune reporters kept hearing from law enforcement sources that police in Minnesota often do a poor job of investigating sexual assault reports. To test that premise, they obtained and reviewed more than 1,000 individual case files from police agencies across the state and checked them against widely accepted best practices for sex assault investigations--and then asked dozens of women to tell their stories. The result was "Denied Justice," an ongoing
Star Tribune investigation. Find the first story in the series
here.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Sunday Soiree
Sunday, September 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Mill & Main West Community Room, 401 Main St SE 
Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soiree, hosted by Bob & Pam Berkwitz, Karen Grabow, Keith Halperin, Jane Helsing and Christine Umhoefer at Mill & Main. 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.
Walking or carpooling is recommended, as parking is limited around Mill & Main. Meters on Main St. are enforced until midnight; meters on 6th Ave SE are free on weekends. There are no meters on 5th Ave SE or 2nd St SE.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Saying "Yes" to Your Dreams: The Story of a Cross-Country Cyclist
Monday, October 1, 10:30 - 11:30 am
RiverWest Common Room, 401 S 1st St
 Cross-country cyclist Lin Bruce will tell us about her latest 800-mile bicycle trip around Lake Michigan. This ride experience had "learning" opportunities that Lin had not anticipated. She'll share her unfolding awareness with change and challenge as she continues her personal stretch with biking. Lin is a retired massage therapist and late-blooming cross-country cyclist who has biked across the U.S. four times.
MCC members sign up here.
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Meditation Circle
Tuesday, October 2, 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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MN Orchestra: Sharing Humanity and Music in South Africa
Tuesday, October 2, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Washburn Lofts, 700 S 2nd St, #61
 The Minnesota Orchestra's trip to South Africa in August marked the first tour by a professional U.S. orchestra to that country. Join us for a recap of this historic journey. Minnesota Orchestra musicians Kristen Bruya (principal bass) and Andy Chappell (trombone) and new CEO Michelle Miller Burns will share their joys, challenges and memories. Margee & Will Bracken and Dave & Peggy Lucas host. South African wine will be served.
MCC members sign up here.
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MCC Program Calendar
View the full calendar of MCC's September events
here.
Plan ahead! View the full calendar of MCC's October events
here.
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News from Members
For those interested in offering their time, talent or financial support to area community partners that work to serve our low income and homeless neighbors,
MCC Executive Director Joan Wright suggests you check out
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County's Resource Guide. Click on the service you're interested in supporting for a complete listing of agencies involved. Click on a specific agency to access their website where you can read about their mission, volunteer opportunities and how to support them financially.
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].
The Mae Tao clinic in Thailand, which has provided medical services for nearly 30 years to refugees and displaced persons coming across the border from Burma/Mynmar, was founded by Dr. Cynthia Maung, herself a displaced person. Dr. Maung is the recipient of the 2013 Sydney Peace prize and will be in town to speak at the University of Minnesota's Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility on Oct. 4. This event is open to the public; learn more and RSVP
here. In addition,
MCC member Susan Guzmich and husband Tim Kunin invite you to an event in their home at 192 Bank St SE to honor Dr. Muang on Friday, October 5, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Please email
[email protected] to let them know if you're interested in attending.
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
Thursday Musical
September 20, 10:30 am, MacPhail Center for Music, 501 S 2nd St
Kicking off the new season is a
free concert,
including a pre-concert reception at 9:30 am. On the program making their TM debuts are
Sofia Ardalan,
soprano and
Catherine Ramirez,
flute. Ms. Ardalan will be performing eight selections from Jean Sibelius in honor of the 61st anniversary of his death. Ms. Ramirez will feature works by Georg Philipp Telemann, Marilyn Bliss, and Richard Strauss.
Click
here
for more information on Thursday Musical's 2018-2019 season.
Westminster Public Forum
September 25, 12:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave
Join speaker Clint Watts as he presents on "Hackers, Terrorists, Russians and Fake News." Watts is a former FBI agent, specializing in cyber security, terrorism, and social media.
Conversations about Sleep with Peng Wu and Dr. Michael Howell
September 27, 7:00-9:00 pm, Weisman Art Museum, 333 E River Rd
Join artist in residence Peng Wu and sleep researcher Dr. Michael Howell for an open conversation about the culture of sleep and sleeplessness. This conversation marks the beginning of their collaborative project to rethink approaches to sleep therapy by combining their individual, cultural, artistic and scientific perspectives. For more information, click
here.
Schubert Club Mix
October 2, 7:30 pm, Aria, 105 1st St N
Schubert Club Mix kicks off their season with Scottish violinist Nicola Benedetti, Schubert Club's first annual Featured Artist, together with collaborative pianist Alexei Grynyuk. Benedetti is one of the most sought after violinists for solo and orchestral performances. Her Schubert Club Mix performance will explore Brahms's music and life story through the lens of the violin sonatas. Click
here
to purchase a ticket.
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 27 & October 11
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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