|
Update from the Executive Director
Happy New Year and many thanks to members and nonmembers, alike, for your support of our wonderful organization. It's good to be connected, enjoying life in the neighborhood!
It's a new year and a wide array of wonderful programming awaits! Look over all that's offered below and register early. Some of these programs will fill up fast!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
|
|
|
Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, January 2, 10:00 - 11:00 am 
Abiitan's Porter Cafe, 428 2nd St S
Join us to discuss
Glass Houses by Louise Penny. When a mysterious figure appears in Three Pines one cold November day, Armand Gamache and the rest of the villagers are at first curious. Then wary. From the moment its shadow falls over the village, Gamache, now Chief Superintendent of the Surete du Quebec, suspects the creature has deep roots and a dark purpose. Yet he does nothing. What can he do? Only watch and wait. And hope his mounting fears are not realized. But when the figure vanishes overnight and a body is discovered, it falls to Gamache to discover if a debt has been paid or levied. Months later, on a steamy July day as the trial for the accused begins in Montreal, Chief Superintendent Gamache continues to struggle with actions he set in motion that bitter November, from which there is no going back. More than the accused is on trial. Gamache's own conscience is standing in judgment.
If you'd like to read ahead, February's book is Clock Dance by Anne Tyler. Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email Marsha Blumenthal.
MCC members and guests. No registration required. |
|
Social Bridge
Wednesday, January 2, 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].
|
Dinner for 5
Sunday, January 6, 6:00 - 7:30 pm 
Abiitan's 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, so register early!
MCC members sign up here. |
|
Hear for the Health of It
Monday, January 7, 2:00 - 3:30 pm
American Academy of Neurology, 201 Chicago Ave
 Did you know that untreated hearing loss can have other significant health consequences, such as higher risk of dementia, and increased fatigue, tension, stress and depression? Learn about these issues and more from Mary Bauer, the state of Minnesota's deaf and hard of hearing specialist. Mary will describe how to get an accurate diagnosis of hearing loss; explore no- and low-cost apps and devices; and share helpful communication strategies. A demonstration of assistive technology will be available after the presentation.
MCC members sign up here.
|
|
Meditation Circle
Tuesday, January 8 & 15, 9:30 - 10:30 am 
Mill City Quarter Club Room, 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.
For the January 8 session, MCC members sign up here; members sign up here for the January 15 session. |
|
Technology Help Desk
Tuesday, January 8, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
MCC office, 125 Main St SE, Ste 339
 Schedule time with a tech support guru and have your nagging technology questions answered during our complimentary Help Desk. Support for both Apple products and PCs is available. After you register, MCC will confirm the time of your 20-minute one-on-one session. Reminder: Installing or upgrading software and creating accounts cannot be included in the Help Desk session, as they exceed the allotted appointment time.
Registration is now closed; to be added to the waiting list, email Betsy Wray at [email protected].
|
|
Caregivers' Support Group 2
Wednesday, January 9, 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 April. Cost is $80 for the four-month (8-session) series, regardless of how many sessions you attend.
If you are interested in joining the new session in January, contact Betsy Wray: [email protected]. |
|
Theft, Cybercrime and Consumer Protections
Wednesday, January 9, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Winslow House Party Room, 100 2nd St SE
 Financial crimes including scams, identity theft and consumer fraud are the most frequently attempted crimes every day in the United States. Technology has made it easier for criminals to access personal information and financial accounts from anywhere in the world-and cover their tracks. Learn how you can better protect yourself and avoid liability for losses. This presentation is based on analysis of undercover FBI recordings of con-artists in action, consumer protection laws and reports from crime victims. Jay Haapala is Associate State Director of Community Engagement with AARP Minnesota and leads the state's Fraud Watch Network, which serves to educate consumers about fraud, scams and identity theft.
MCC members sign up here. |
|
M
en's Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, January 10, 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 Shane Bartleson will speak on "Life's Turning Points." A major turning point for Shane occurred when he was pursuing his master's degree in English literature in Illinois when his wife's kidneys failed. The rest of the story made medical history.
|
|
Day Trip: Faribault Woolen Mill
Friday, January 11, 9:45 am - 3:00 pm
Faribault Woolen Mill, 1500 2nd Ave NW, Faribault
 Join other MCC members for a day trip to the historic Faribault Woolen Mill in Faribault, MN. Nestled along the Cannon River, the 150-year-old mill is one of the last vertical woolen mills in America. Irreplaceable century-old machinery stands side-by-side with modern technology, where blankets, throws, scarves and accessories are being created. The 1.5-hour tour is accessible but will include a lot of walking. Afterwards, enjoy a dutch-treat lunch at nearby Depot Bar & Grill. Cost for the tour is $3. Carpools will be organized.
MCC members sign up here. |
|
Understanding Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Monday, January 14, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE
Terrorism seems to be everywhere these days. At least that is what we are led to believe in the news. Do we really understand what terrorism is, how it comes into existence, and, perhaps most importantly, how to defeat it? Jon Olson, retired commander and intelligence officer in the U.S. Navy, will provide a primer on terrorism and discuss in depth the efforts to combat terrorism.
MCC members sign up here. |
|
Sourdough Bread Baking with Sunrise Mills
Wednesday, January 16, 1:30 - 3:30 pm
The Legacy Community Room, 1240 2nd St S, 2nd fl
 Do you wonder why so many people have trouble digesting products with gluten? Is gluten-free the answer? Perhaps you remember your mother or grandmother having a bowl of dough going on the counter all the time and tasting the wonderful-smelling, fresh bread she made every week. In this session, taste some of those breads again and learn why they didn't make people sick. Marty and Darrold Glanville of Sunrise Flour Mill from the Mill City Farmers Market will teach us about sourdough bread baking using heritage wheat. There will be handouts and tasting as well as an informal presentation on this and other food inaccuracies we've been led to believe. Gustavo Gomez and Cheryl Grasmoen host at The Legacy.
Metered parking, enforced until 10 p.m., is available on the street.
MCC members sign up here.
|
|
MCC Program Calendar
View the full calendar of MCC's January events
here.
|
|
News from Members
MCC member Barbara Goldner shares that the Psychiatry Department with University of Minnesota Health is now offering an Integrative Wellness Program. Classes will be offered at Mill City Primary Care Clinic and Behavior Health Clinic for Families (BHCF). Two classes that may be of interest include
Introduction to Brain Health and Emotional Wellbeing and
Movement and Breath Work for Mental Health. Classes start in February. For further information on the classes, including descriptions, costs and more, click
here. To register, please email
[email protected] or call (612)-273-9827.
|
Ar
ound Town
John Holmquist: Retrospective Concert in Honor of His Career as a Musician and Teacher
January 4, 7:00 pm, MacPhail Center for Music, 501 2nd St S
The evening is a chance to honor classical guitarist John Holmquist, who was earlier this year diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer. The concert will include performances as well as some audiovisual and spoken tributes by a number of John's former students, many distinguished in their own right, who are traveling from afar to pay tribute to their former teacher and mentor. No tickets required; free and open to the public.
Bird Watching: Winter Woodpeckers
January 5, 4:00-5:30 pm, North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Ct
Winter is the perfect time to spot bright flashes of woodpeckers on the bare trees. Participants will hike through prairie, woodland and along the river. Binoculars provided, if needed. Free, but advance registration is requested
here.
raw
January 10, 6:00-8:00 pm, MCBA, 1011 Washington Ave S
Join Minnesota Center for Book Arts at an opening reception for their new exhibit,
raw.
Raw features work by eleven MCBA Artist Cooperative members. Exploring the intersection of ideas, objects, and emotions, artistic methods represented include handmade lace paper, photogravure prints, monotype, intaglio, chapbooks, experimental books, and broadsides. For more information, click
here.
Floyd Collins
January 19 & 20, The Lab Theater, 700 1st St N
In 1925, while chasing a dream of fame and fortune by turning a Kentucky cave into a tourist attraction, Floyd Collins himself became the attraction when he got trapped 200 feet underground. Alone but for sporadic contact with the outside world, Floyd fought for his sanity and ultimately his life as the rescue effort above exploded into the first genuine media circus. This haunting musical -- one of the most acclaimed in recent years -- tells the transcendent tale of a true American dreamer. For information and tickets, 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
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.
MCC Women Connect
Join MCC women as they connect and grow, sharing experiences and learning from each other as they adapt to life's changes and transitions. This group meets the fourth Thursday morning of the month.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
January 3 & 17
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
|
|
