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Update from the Executive Director
Exciting times in downtown Minneapolis this week. The
2019 NCAA Final Four games get underway at USBank Stadium Thursday, the 38th Annual
Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival premiers the same day, running through April 20 at the St. Anthony Main Theatre and
the Twins
are in town through the weekend with games against Kansas City and Philadelphia. A great start to spring! Before we know it, the Mill City Farmers Market will open for summer hours in May. Can't wait!
Yesterday, 10 Mill City Commons members met with reps from the Strategic Growth Office at Best Buy, part of their health and wellness business, to gather members' feedback around a number of questions related to staying independent and living in their homes. It was an interesting and informative hour. The next focus group will be held on Monday, April 29, 10:30 - 11:30 am in Open Book's second floor conference room. If you'd like to be part of the group, registration is now open. Register here!
Welcome to MCC's newest members, those folks who've decided to take advantage of our 3-month trial membership. Their names are listed directly to the right of this letter. Please look for them at upcoming programs to introduce yourselves and others to them.
Enjoy the sunshine!
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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How the Riverfront Was Won--and How Preservation Played a Role
Tuesday, April 2, 3:00 - 4:30 pm 
Mill City Museum, 710 2nd St S, 6th floor
Join us as Linda Mack, former StarTribune architecture reporter and critic, presents a visual survey of the Minneapolis riverfront's rebirth from the days of Fuji-Ya and Pracna on Main to the arrival of the Guthrie Theater. In her 21 years at the StarTribune, Linda covered the redevelopment of the Minneapolis (and St. Paul) riverfront. She also conducted 26 oral history interviews for the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board-funded Rebirth of the Minneapolis Riverfront Oral History Project. Active in historic preservation since the 1980s, she currently serves on the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission.
MCC members sign up here.
PLEASE NOTE: The program is not in the museum itself but the building next door to the east. Enter through the 710 doors off 2nd St. S. From the 710 lobby, take the elevator up to the 6th floor to the ADM room. |
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Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, April 3, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Abiitan's Porter Cafe, 428 2nd St S
 Join us to discuss
Clock Dance by Anne Tyler. Willa Drake can count on one hand the defining moments of her life. In 1967, she is a schoolgirl coping with her mother's sudden disappearance. In 1977, she is a college coed considering a marriage proposal. In 1997, she is a young widow trying to piece her life back together. And in 2017, she yearns to be a grandmother but isn't sure she ever will be. Then, one day, Willa receives a startling phone call from a stranger. Without fully understanding why, she flies across the country to Baltimore to look after a young woman she's never met, her nine-year-old daughter, and their dog, Airplane. This impulsive decision will lead Willa into uncharted territory. Surrounded by eccentric neighbors who treat each other like family, she finds solace and fulfillment in unexpected places.
If you'd like to read ahead, May's book is Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa. Click here to see a list of books we're reading at future book chats. Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email Marsha Blumenthal.
MCC members and guests. No registration required. |
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M
en's Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, April 4, 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 Bill Van Essendelft hosts on the topic of "Origins." Bill will talk about how his past has defined his future--who he is and how and why he got to where he is.
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Provide a Meal at First Covenant Shelter
Thursday, April 4, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
First Covenant Church, 810 7th St S
 Join MCC friends to prepare and serve a meal at First Covenant Shelter by St. Stephen's. First Covenant feeds its homeless guests every night and relies on groups of volunteers to prepare and serve the guests. While serving the meal, volunteers are encouraged to take shifts and eat and visit with the guests. Member Ellen Breyer is organizing our team of volunteers this month. Volunteers are also asked to donate $15 to cover the cost of feeding 55 to 60 people. If you're unable to participate but would like to donate money for groceries, that would be appreciated, too. Additional details will be provided to those who sign up. If you have questions, you may contact Ellen Breyer: [email protected].
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. |
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Sunday Soiree
Sunday, April 7, 5:00 - 7:00 pm 
Lourdes Square, 184 Bank St SE
Join your friends and neighbors for the Sunday Soiree, hosted by Anne & Peter Heegaard at Lourdes Square. 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.
MCC members sign up here.
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: Catholic Eldercare's Wyndris Apartments
Monday, April 8, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wyndris, 929 2nd St NE
 Join MCC friends to get a sneak peek inside Wyndris, Catholic Eldercare's newly opened independent living apartment community. Wyndris is the final building in Catholic Eldercare's community of residential facilities in Northeast Minneapolis. The guided tour will include a visit inside one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, and two-bedroom apartments, along with a look at the many amenities offered. You are welcome to stop by the Wyndris Café (not normally open to the public) to purchase a quick bite before departing.
Street parking is available on either side of 2nd St. N.E.
MCC members sign up here.
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Meditation Circle
Tuesday, April 9 & 16, 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.
MCC members sign up here for the April 9 session; members sign up here for the April 16 session. |
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Social Bridge
Wednesday, April 10, 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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Lessons from a Chaplain & Social Worker: 7 Reasons People Don't Want to Talk about Death
Thursday, April 11, 3:00 - 4:30 pm 
Winslow House, 100 2nd St SE
Given that our death rate is exactly 100%, why is it so hard to get a real conversation going on how we want to live at the end of our lives, and what we want done when we're no longer here? Our three-part series "Lessons from a Chaplain & Social Worker on Death & Dying" begins with "The 7 Reasons People Don't Want to Talk About Death & Dying." Expect education as well as interaction, and just the right blend of reverence and irreverence. We'll unpack the big (and small but powerful) reasons this is so hard and offer concrete ways to invite people past them so you and your loved ones can get real, get planning, and get some peace of mind. Our guides will be Zac Willette MDiv BCC and Anne Archbold MSW LSW of Allay Care Services, a national nonprofit headquartered in the Twin Cities.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Dinner for 5
Sunday, April 14, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Sonder Shaker, 130 E Hennepin Ave
 If connecting with and getting to know other MCC members in a smaller, more intimate social setting interests you, this Sunday night dinner just might be for you! This month, join other MCC members for a casual evening of dining at
Sonder Shaker. The meal is dutch treat. Space is limited, so register early!
If this event is filled when you try to register, contact Betsy Wray ([email protected]) if you'd like to be placed on the wait list.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Great Decisions: Decoding U.S.-China Trade
Monday, April 15, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr, Room D104
Though arguably the most advanced economy in the world, the United States still uses centuries-old numbers to measure trade. These antique numbers mangle understanding of the U.S.-China trade relationship, shrinking America's true economic size and competitiveness, while swelling China's. Bad numbers give rise to bad policies that ultimately kill U.S. jobs and cede market share to China. What other tools can the United States employ to counter China's unfair trade practices? There are several available, yet they remain mostly unused. Speaker Mark Canning retired from the State Department last year. Since then he has taught Chinese at Concordia College, given lectures on North Korea, and mentored an exercise for the Army War College based on the North Korean nuclear talks.
Registration on the MCC website is required for Great Decisions members. Sorry, not open to guests; to join the MCC Great Decisions Discussion Group, email Betsy Wray at [email protected].
MCC GD members sign up here. |
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Technology Workshop
Tuesday, April 16, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
American Academy of Neurology, Training Room A, 201 Chicago Ave
 Learn how to create better photos using your iPhone camera! First we'll explore focus, exposure and different modes in the camera app. We'll also look at how to use apps to adjust the brightness, color and composition of photos. Then we'll talk about sharing and showcasing your photos in creative ways, including how to turn your photo into a watercolor painting or a postcard or canvas print.
MCC members sign up here. |
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MCC Program Calendar
View the full calendar of MCC's April events
here.
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News From Members
MCC member Karla Ekdahl invites members to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival movie screening of "Personal Statement." The film will be shown at St. Anthony Main Theatre on Sunday, April 7, at 2:00 pm. To learn more and watch the trailer, click
here.
MCC member Diane Hoftsede invites members to participate in the Great River Coalition's 2019 Earth Day 5K Run/Walk and River Cleanup at Boom Island Park! The event takes place on 4/20. The race begins at 9:00 am, with river cleanup starting at 9:30 am. There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities. Email Diane at [email protected] if you're interested in volunteering or click
here to register to walk or run.
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Ar
ound Town
Morning Forum: Reimagining the Minneapolis Public Alley Space
April 3, 8:30-9:30 am, Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd St
Join Preserve Minneapolis for their morning forum series focusing on redefining alley identity. Christian Huelsman, founder of the Minneapolis Alley Initiative for Neighborhood Stimulation, will lead a discussion about the role that public alleyways play in our commercial corridors. Pairing preservation with walkability, we can entertain how these narrow public corridors should serve all users and generate human activity.
St. John Passion
April 5 & 7, various times, The Lab Theater, 700 N 1st St
Minnesota Dance Theatre and Oratory Bach Ensemble join forces in a groundbreaking collaboration: J.S. Bach's St. John Passion. Witness a Bach masterpiece with MDT dancers and Oratory's vocal soloists, professional chorus, and baroque orchestra. A pre-concert lecture will begin 30 min. prior to each performance. Tickets can be purchased
here.
What the Moon Sees
April 11-14, various times, The Lab Theater, 700 N 1st St
This performance is a layered collage of theater flamenco performances directed by multi-award-winning dancer-choreographer Artistic Director Susana di Palma. The concert will consist of original contemporary works by Spanish choreographer Belén Maya, Puerto Rican choreographer Jeanne d'Arc Casas and French choreographer Fanny Ara. Woven among these works will be Susana di Palma's Casita, a premiered work on homeless women. What the Moon Sees will feature live music - guitar, vocal and percussion. Learn more and purchase tickets here.
Global Conversations: Internationally Hacked - World Wide Weapons
April 16, 6:00-7:15 pm, Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall
Cyber conflict is a new and continually developing threat, which can include foreign interference in elections, industrial sabotage, and attacks on infrastructure. Dealing with cyber conflict will require new ways of looking at 21st-century warfare. Join a discussion with Andrew Borene, Associate Director for Homeland Security at George Mason University Law School's National Security Institute, on the United States' ability to respond to growing cyber threats. Register
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 Trial Members
Amy Rosenthal
John Payne and Louane Hann
Ira Adelman
Nancy Chapman
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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
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
No reservations required. The next
book is
by Anne Tyler
Click
here to see what books we're reading at future Book Chats.
Guthrie Play Reading
RiverWest Group
Tuesday, April 9,
6:30-9:30 pm
Reading Cyrano de Bergerac
this month.
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.
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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
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
April 11 & 25
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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