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Update from the Executive Director
Thanks to Sonia Cairns for sharing this article from the New Yorker:
Can We Live Longer But Stay Younger? by Adam Gopnik (see News from Members, below). Reading it introduced me to several new ideas.
I was captivated by the description of the "sudden aging" suit. Joseph Coughlin, founder and director of the AgeLab at Massachusetts Institute of Technology asks, regarding our extended longevity: "Why don't we...create new stories, new rituals, new mythologies for people as they age?" I am still pondering these quotes from Mr. Gopnik: "Old people will not buy anything that reminds them that they are old." and "We would rather suffer because we're old than accept that we're old and suffer less."
Taking a different approach, the Harvard molecular biologist George Church optimistically reports regarding genetic-engineering: "...we've already had success reprogramming embryonic stem cells: you can take a really old cell and turn that back into a young cell." He also states, "The goal is youthful wellness rather than an extended long period of age-related decline."
If you get a chance to read the article, I'd love to hear your thoughts. What stands out for you? Send me an email at
[email protected] or give me a call: 612-455-3329.
Keep reading to find out more about what's coming up. Hope to see you soon!
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Sara Foster
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Birding Walk
Friday, May 24, 9:00 - 10:30 am
Nicollet Island, Corner of Wilder St and Island Ave
 Celebrate spring with a series of five bird-watching walks along the river or Minneapolis lakes! We hope to see migrating warblers and other songbirds. Gregg Severson, naturalist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, will lead the walks. Bring binoculars and field guides, if you have them (we'll also have some to borrow). This week's walk is on Nicollet Island. Meet at the corner of Wilder St. and Island Ave., by the pay parking lot on Nicollet Island.
NOTE: You don't have to be a serious birder to participate-this is a chance to learn! And these are not strenuous hikes but rather easy walks with lots of stopping.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Last Tuesday Happy Hour & Welcome for MCC's New Executive Director
Tuesday, May 28, 5:00 - 6:00 pm 
Sea Change, 806 2nd St S
Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour, hosted by Chris Bray, Dianne Iverson, Nancy Reed and Christine Umhoefer at Sea Change! This gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. It's also an opportunity to meet and welcome Mill City Commons' new executive director, Sara Foster. The event is dutch treat--no reservations required. If you'd like to stay for dinner, reservations may be made by calling (612) 225-6499.
MCC members and guests. No registration required. |
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MN History Center: "First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota's Mainroom"
Wednesday, May 29, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Minnesota History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul
 After MCC's April Nosy Neighbor Tour of First Avenue nightclub in Minneapolis, we're traveling to the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul to view the new exhibit, "First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota's Mainroom." Discover how First Avenue, its staff and the Minneapolis music scene have changed over five decades. Stories are brought to life through video, photographs and artifacts. Museum admission is $10 (free to MNHS members). Meet MCC members in the lobby to walk through the exhibit together. If you'd like, join others for lunch afterwards in the museum's café.
MCC members sign up here. |
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M
en's Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, May 30, 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, former MCC member Kin-Shing Lun hosts. Kin will share some snippets of China's current status on social media, IT, infrastructure and climate change. His talk will touch on how these developments are influenced by China's history and culture.
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Update: 3rd Avenue, 10th Avenue & Stone Arch Bridge Projects
Thursday, May 30, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr, Room D104
 Ward 3 Council Member Steve Fletcher will give a brief overview of the 3rd Avenue, 10th Avenue and Stone Arch bridge projects, provide an update on the currently planned timing of those projects, share contact information for project staff at each agency (City of Minneapolis and MnDOT), and open it up for Q&A.
MCC members sign up here.
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Birding Walk
Friday, May 31, 9:00 - 10:30 am 
Location to be announced
Celebrate spring with a series of five bird-watching walks along the river or Minneapolis lakes! We hope to see migrating warblers and other songbirds. Gregg Severson, naturalist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, will lead the walks. Bring binoculars and field guides, if you have them (we'll also have some to borrow).
NOTE: You don't have to be a serious birder to participate--this is a chance to learn! And these are not strenuous hikes but rather easy walks with lots of stopping.
MCC members sign up here. |
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MCC-Best Buy Focus Group
Monday, June 3, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Open Book Meeting Room, 1011 Washington Ave S, 2nd floor
 Best Buy, in conjunction with Mill City Commons, is holding monthly discussions to gather input on product and service ideas to assist older adults in living independently in their homes. A different topic will be presented each month to a limited group of 10 focus group members. Be part of shaping future smart technology and health and wellness products designed to assist older adults to remain living independently. Refreshments will be offered!
MCC members sign up here.
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Shining the Spotlight on Women of a "Certain Age"
Monday, June 3, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
A-Mill Artist Lofts, Performance Hall, First Floor, 315 Main St SE 
Women make up more than 70% of the ticket buyers for live theater, and the average age of women in the audience is 52. So why are women--specifically "mature"' women--not seeing themselves reflected on the stage in a meaningful way? PRIME Productions, a new Twin Cities theater company that celebrates women in their second act, was formed three years ago to address this gap. Alison Edwards, a founding artistic director, and Sue Scott, veteran radio actor, will talk about mature women's place in our storytelling.
MCC members sign up here.
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Meditation Circle
Tuesday, June 4, 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 am. 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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Technology Help Desk
Tuesday, June 4, 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.
MCC members sign up here.
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A Conversation on Health Care: What's the Problem? What's the Solution?
Wednesday, June 5, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr, Room D104
 Everyone seems to be talking (again) about health care reform. The ideas range from a total repeal of the Affordable Care Act to replacing insurance with a government-run single-payer plan. What are some ways forward to fix our health system? Why is it so difficult for the U.S. to address health care? Our speakers, Stephen J. Hemsley and Dr. Lewis G. Sandy, from UnitedHealth Group, will make some opening remarks and then facilitate a conversation on health and health care. UnitedHealth Group is Minnesota's largest company and deals with these issues every day, so they'll bring a unique perspective to our series on health care.
MCC members sign up here.
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: An Architectural Tour of the Guthrie
Tuesday, June 11, 11:00 am - 12:15 pm
Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St S 
What was on architect Jean Nouvel's mind when he conceptualized the Guthrie Theater? What were his inspirations? Discover answers to these questions and more in a 75-minute architectural tour of the iconic blue building on the river. We'll get a full backstage tour and then go to the foundation of the groundbreaking facility, covering everything from design to build plans to neighborhood inspirations. Cost for the tour is $12 per person, to be paid to MCC via check beforehand. Reservations are due May 31.
OPTIONAL: Join your tourmates for lunch afterwards at a nearby restaurant.
MCC members sign up
here
by May 31.
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MCC Program Calendar
View the full calendar of MCC's May
Plan ahead! View the full calendar of MCC's June events
here.
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News From Members
MCC member Sonia Cairns shares
this article from the
New Yorker on living longer, but staying younger.
MCC member Peter Gillette is interested in hiring a typist to type a handwritten manuscript, 8 legal pad pages long. Willing to pay going hourly rate. If interested, please call Peter! (612) 331-8233.
Growth and Justice, a nonprofit founded by
MCC member Joel Kramer 16 years ago, is holding a free breakfast on May 22, 7:30 to 9:00 am, at Elsie's (729 Marshall Ave NE), and Joel hopes you'll come to hear from him and from the people currently running the organization.
Learn why Growth and Justice was formed, what it has accomplished and is now doing, and the importance of having an organization that focuses on more inclusive economic growth and finding common ground in Minnesota between business leaders and social justice advocates. You can
RSVP here, email [email protected] or call (651) 917-6037 to register.
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Ar
ound Town
Paddle Share Season Opener
Kicks off Memorial Day weekend, May 25-27
Mississippi River Paddle Share is a new and exciting recreational and transportation opportunity for people who have some kayaking experience and want a safe and enjoyable river experience. This concept is a first of its kind in a national park and in the country. Click
here to learn more.
Preserve Minneapolis 2019 Summer Walking Tour Schedule
The Preserve Minneapolis 2019 Walking Tour season has launched. Check
their website to see what's coming up and purchase tickets. They often fill up early, so it is recommended that you book ahead. MCC members also have a forum post regarding the possibility of going together on some tours. Log in to the website and click on the Social Connections forum to learn more.
Crafty Minnesota: Felted Feather Friend
June 6, 10:00 am-12:00 pm, Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall
Learn the simple process for using colorful wool fibers and a special felting needle to create a beautiful bird in wool. Materials provided. Offered in collaboration with the Textile Center. Register for this free event
here.
The Sins of Sor Juana
May 24-26 and June 7-9, Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave S
This romantic and humorous play inspired by the true story of famed writer Juana Inés de la Cruz, a woman of great resilience who was determined to break the conventions of seventeenth century Mexico. Tickets can be purchased
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, 10:00-11:00 am
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
No reservations required. The next
book is
by Danielle Steele
Click
here to see what books we're reading at future Book Chats.
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
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 third Thursday morning of the month.
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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,
May-August,
10:30 am-12:00 pm
A way to support members and non-members who are in a caregiving role.
Men's Dutch Lunch
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
May 23 & June 6
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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