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Update from the Business and Member Services Administrator
Mill City Commons offers a wide variety of programs, from serious (Sri Lanka: A Country with Post-Colonial Stress Disorder) to social (Tuesday Happy Hour at Modist Brewing). Somewhere along that continuum are our popular Nosy Neighbor Tours. This month we have two interesting tours:
St. David's Center at Westminster and the
McKnight Foundation. Nosy Neighbor Tours are often a chance to get a sneak peak or behind-the-scenes tour of a local building, business or non-profit. It's a great way to get to know the neighborhood better! You can find details on this month's tours below.
Executive Director Joan Wright is recovering from a recent medical situation and expects to be back in the office in another week or so. We're sending her well wishes for a full recovery!
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Mary Texidor
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After Hours Connect: Golf at Les Bolstad Golf Course
Tuesday, July 10, 5
:00 - 7:30 pm
University of Minnesota, 2275 Larpenteur Ave S
 Join other MCC men and women for an After Hours Connect golf outing. The first tee time is at 5:00 p.m. Cost is $20 for 9 holes if you walk; add $11 if you'd like to rent a cart. A beverage/snack cart will be on the course. Those interested can grab a burger nearby after golfing.
Registration is now closed.
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Technology Help Desk
 Wednesday, July 11, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
MCC Office, 125 Main St SE, Suite 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 placed on the waiting list, email [email protected].
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Social Bridge
Wednesday, July 11, 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, July 12, 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 Bob Berkwitz hosts. Bob will talk about the Radisson Hotel joint venture in Moscow in the 1990s and will compare Moscow from that time with the Moscow he saw on his recent trip there this May. Bob also will talk about their American partner who was killed in Moscow in the early '90s.
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: St. David's Center at Westminster
Thursday, July 12, 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave S
 Join us on a tour of the expanded Westminster Presbyterian Church campus, featuring a presentation by Westminster's new community partner, St. David's Center for Child & Family Development. The Harman Center for Child & Family Wellbeing, St. David's new early intervention clinic for children who have faced trauma and adversity, aims to interrupt the cycle of abuse and neglect by strengthening parent-child relationships and child developmental outcomes. Julie Sjordal, CEO of St. David's Center, and Maureen Walsh, chief advancement and strategy officer, will give us a closer look at the community needs St. David's Center is addressing and why it's critical for us to understand the economic and social implications if we continue to allow the cycle to perpetuate itself. Meet at the front desk at Westminster.
MCC members sign up here.
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Sunday Brunch Soiree
Sunday, July 15, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Lourdes Square, 194 Bank St SE 
Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Brunch Soiree, hosted by Cathi and Jos Griffioen at Lourdes Square. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing brunch fare-such as an egg dish, salad, sausage or bacon--to serve at least 8. (We already have enough fruit and breakfast breads!) As you register, let us know what you'll bring by answering the "Question" that will appear on the screen. You're also welcome to bring your own wine or beer to share.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Sri Lanka: A Country with Post-Colonial Stress Disorder
Monday, July 16, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr, Room D104
 Formerly Ceylon, Sri Lanka has been famed for its tea, its cinnamon--and its 1983-2009 civil war, which turned suicide bombing into a global tactic. How did this pearl of the British Empire become such a violent place? In brief, patterns of the colonial era generated ethnic tensions that grew after independence, and matters got worse from there. Sri Lanka's colonial era and its aftermath may offer insights into the modern experiences of a variety of countries including Uganda, Kenya, Myanmar (Burma) and more. Speaker Bill Davnie is a retired foreign service officer whose interest in Sri Lanka has developed during five visits to see his daughter and her family, who are posted at the U.S. Embassy there.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Exploring Meditation
 Tuesday, July 17, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Mill City Quarter, 322 2nd St S
Mill City Commons members are welcome to join our summer drop-in, no-cost meditation hour on July 10, 17, 24 and 31. We meet at Mill City Quarter, one building north of Abiitan on 2nd Ave S. The doors open at 9:15 am, with meditation practice from 9:30-10:30 am. We always have a varied group. MCC members Carole Baker and Linda Dolan are talented facilitators who make it a relaxing experience for all meditators, whether you're novice or experienced. It's a great time to try this out! Please register on the MCC website for sessions you plan to attend.
MCC members sign up here.
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: McKnight Foundation
Tuesday, July 17, 2:30 - 4:00 pm
McKnight Foundation, 710 2nd St S, Ste 400
 The McKnight Foundation, as part of the Mill City Museum development, was one of the first "new kids on the block." Most of us know its name but perhaps not much more. Here's your chance to tour its space in the Mill City Historical District and view a brief slideshow depicting the Mill District before and after development. Then learn how the Foundation's work connects to communities in the state, region and all over the world, with a special look into its Region and Communities Program.
MCC members sign up here.
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Current Events: A Conversation with Bill
Wednesday, July 18, 10:30 - 11:30 am
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE 
Current international news and U.S. foreign policy provide an endless trove of topics for learning and discussion. Former 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 immigration as a global issue, as well as a domestic one, and look at the labor, economic and humanitarian aspects.
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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Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Thursday, July 19, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Mill City Quarter, 322 2nd St S
 MCC women, you are invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, Lou Burdick will lead a discussion on the changing demographics of our neighborhood. A recent story from MPR News online was headlined, "Minnesota's 5th District is full of millennials." In fact, the 5th Congressional District (where most MCC members reside) is sixth in the nation for the number of millennials living within its borders--203,793 to be exact. In contrast, there are 84,060 in the 65+ cohort. Most of us are keenly aware of this as the number of apartment buildings under construction in our neighborhood keeps growing, with marketing targeted largely at the millennials (now ages 22-37, born between 1981 and 1996).
Come prepared for a discussion around such questions as: Who are the millennials you know and love? Who are the millennials you'd like to know? Should we invite some millennials to lunch and hear what they have to say? Where were you in your life's journey in the 22 to 37 age cohort that defines today's millennials? What would you choose to be doing if you could turn back the clock and be a millennial of today?
Our Turn meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Hosts and topics change each time.
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Meet Your Local Representatives: Met Council Members Gary Cunningham & Cara Letofsky
Monday, July 23, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 
Minnesota Tech Center, 1100 Washington Ave S
In this occasional MCC series, "Meet Your Local Representatives," you'll have a chance to hear from Met Council members Gary Cunningham, representing District 7, and Cara Letofsky, representing District 8, the two districts that cover MCC's geographical area. The commissioners will talk about challenges and opportunities they see ahead for the Met Council, as well as any special initiatives they're working on.
MCC members sign up here.
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Exploring Meditation
Tuesday, July 24, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Mill City Quarter, 322 2nd St S
 Mill City Commons members are welcome to join our summer drop-in, no-cost meditation hour on July 10, 17, 24 and 31. We meet at Mill City Quarter, one building north of Abiitan on 2nd Ave. S. The doors open at 9:15 am, with meditation practice from 9:30-10:30 am. We always have a varied group. MCC members Carole Baker and Linda Dolan are talented facilitators who make it a relaxing experience for all meditators, whether you're novice or experienced. It's a great time to try this out! Please register on the MCC website for sessions you plan to attend.
MCC members sign up here.
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Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, July 24, 5:00 - 6:00 pm 
Modist Brewing Co, 505 N 3rd St
Join us for Tuesday Happy Hour at Modist Brewing Co.! Hosted by Lois Libby Juster, Bob Callahan, Carol Jordan, Bill Casey, Betty Grant and Nancy Reed, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Appetizers from the Curious Goat food truck will be provided by the hosts. The Curious Goat has a burger and pint special for $10 for any who want to stay for dinner. Modist has offered to do tours of the brewery for those who are interested, also. This event is dutch treat--no reservations required!
MCC members and guests. No registration required. |
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MCC Program Calendar
View the full calendar of MCC's July events
here.
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News From Members
MCC member Chris Bray shares that Friends of the Mill District sponsors a youth-based theater program, the Mill City Players, made up of youth from the Cedar Riverside community and YouthLink. A new rehearsal season started June 19. Please consider supporting the youth by providing lunch to the 15 actors at one of their rehearsals. Lunch providers are welcome and encouraged to eat with the actors and watch them rehearse after lunch. Lunches are needed at 12:30 pm on 8/2, 8/7, 8/9, 8/14 at YouthLink (41 N 12th St). Volunteers are also needed to prepare dinners for two of the three evening performances on 8/21 and 9/16. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Chris at
[email protected]. You can provide the meal on your own or consider joining with others to make it a lighter load.
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Around Town
Oh, The Places You'll Go! Art Exhibit
July 18, 5:00-8:00 pm, Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 S 2nd St
The Mill Yard presents a new show,
Oh, the Places You'll Go!, showcasing local artists. Dr. Seuss' "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" is an upbeat, humorous and inspirational ode to life and the places it takes us. You're invited to come, be inspired, prodded, reminded and encouraged just as Dr. Seuss encourages and inspires us in his book. Opening reception is July 18; artwork on exhibit through September 30. Food and coffee trucks on-site.
2018 Aquatennial
July 18-21, various locations
The 2018 Aquatennial celebration offers numerous activities, within easy reach of the riverfront. Some events include the Skyline Festival, free Wilderness Inquiry canoe rides, the Twin Cities River Rats water ski show, live music and fireworks. For the full list of events, click
here.
Sunday Social: Hernán Diaz and Chris Fischbach in Conversation
July 22, 4:00 pm, Milkweed Books, 1011 S Washington Ave
Join us for a Sunday Social with Pulitzer Prize finalist Hernán Diaz, author of In the Distance, a Milkweed Books favorite title of 2017. Diaz will be engaged in conversation by his publisher and editor, Chris Fischbach of Coffee House Press, with Milkweed Books manager Hans Weyandt moderating the discussion. Diaz defies the conventions of historical fiction and genre in his new book, offering a probing look at the stereotypes that populate our past and a portrait of radical foreignness. Free and all are welcome. Learn more 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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Please Welcome MCC's Newest Member!
Virginia Mills
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Please Welcome MCC's Trial Members!
Judy Cohn
Patricia Gannon
Gustavo Gomez
Ken Hartung
Stewart Hudnut
Jane Liepold
Carole & Peter Merrill
Julie O'Brien
Marypat & Peter Takacs
Benjamin & Deb Vander Kooi
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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.
August's book is
Mudbound
by Hillary Jordan
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.
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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 or have been in a caregiving role. For more information, contact
Betsy Wray.
Exploring Meditation
Mill City Quarter,
322 2nd St S
Every Tuesday in July (except July 3)
9:30-10:30 am
Clear the clutter in your mind, reduce stress and increase the feeling of calm in your life.
Men's Dutch Lunch
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
July 19 & August 2
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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