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Update from the Executive Director
Last night I attended
A Climate Conversation with around 30 MCC members. Facilitated by Charissa Verdoorn from
MN Interfaith Power and Light, it was evocative: both heartwarming and completely disturbing. We learned that although 70% of people believe climate change is real, only 30% are talking about it.
We began by identifying a time when we felt connection -- either to other people or to nature and the world/universe (this was the heartwarming part!). We recognized family, generations, tradition, wonder, gratitude, etc., as values brought forward in the stories we shared. Next, we were asked to share what we knew about climate change. I was aware that MCC is a well-educated group, and we proved it! The seas are rising, the glaciers are melting, the oceans are full of garbage, the rainforests are burning, the population is increasing, and we are well on our way to millions MORE people being displaced by climate change. After that, w
e shared how this makes us feel: sick, angry, guilty, scared, powerless, frustrated, and discouraged.
We talked about the
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2018 special report
on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels and related global greenhouse gas emission pathways. (Here is a
summary
.) The report finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C would require "rapid and far-reaching" transitions in land, energy, industry, buildings, transport, and cities. Global net human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) would need to fall by about 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, reaching 'net zero' around 2050.
Charissa encouraged us to consider action items like a three-legged stool: we need practical, systemic, and relational actions to effect the greatest change.
She ended the conversation by providing us three invitations to get involved:
- Caucus for climate on Feb. 25 (regardless of party affiliation)
- Attend the Clean Cars Public Hearing on Nov. 14 in Minneapolis
- Host a MNIPL Climate Conversation (book club, church, family, etc).
Susan Plimpton mentioned the MCC Women Connect topic this month is climate change and encouraged our attendance.
Let's keep talking about climate change. The time is now. Let's do something!!!
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Sara J.B. Foster
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Current Events: A Conversation with Bill
Wednesday, November 13, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Winslow House Party Room, 100 2nd 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.
In this month's session, Bill will talk on "Ukraine, John Bolton and the National Security Council." He'll address how it's supposed work, plus your comments and questions on whatever else becomes top news of the day.
This ongoing program is held on the third Wednesday of the month (this month is an exception). Topic ideas for each monthly gathering are welcome.
MCC members sign up here.
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M
en's Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, November 14, 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 John Crosby will speak on "My Journey with Poetry." He'll describe various points in his life when he has experienced the poetry of both his family members and famous poets. "It's my attempt to push myself to read some poetry alongside the fiction and nonfiction books I read each year."
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: Red Cross Headquarters
Thursday, November 14, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
Minnesota Region Red Cross Headquarters, 1201 W River Parkway
Learn how our regional Red Cross, located right on the riverfront, helps our community prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We'll hear from Regional CEO Phil Hansen about Red Cross involvement in the 35W bridge collapse and view the memorial to its victims. We'll also have an inside look at the Red Cross blood and platelet collection center, nurse assistant training facilities, disaster warehouse and operations center, and more. Convenient onsite parking is available. Guests are welcome to join us.
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Great Decisions: Cyber Conflict & Geopolitics
Monday, November 18, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr, Rm D104 
Cyber conflict is a new and continually developing threat, which can include foreign interference in elections, industrial sabotage and attacks on infrastructure. Russia has been accused of interfering in the 2016 presidential elections in the United States and China is highly committed to using cyberspace as a tool of national policy. Dealing with cyber conflict will require new ways of looking at 21st century warfare. Is the United States prepared to respond to such threats? Speaker Christi Siver is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the College of St Benedict and St John's University, where she teaches courses on international relations and international security. Her current research interests include international humanitarian law, military technology and comparative law.
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 betsywray@millcitycommons.org.
MCC Great Decisions members sign up here.
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Meditation Circle
Tuesday, November 19 & 26, 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 November 19 session; members sign up here for the November 26 session.
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MCC Women Connect
Thursday, November 21, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Mill City Quarter Club Room, 322 2nd St S 
The topic for this month's MCC Women Connect is "Climate Change: What You Can Do to Make a Difference." Five MCC members with a strong interest in climate change will lead a discussion on why dealing with climate change is urgent and how recycling and composting correctly are important first steps. They'll also provide a handout on other things you can do and solicit interest in an ongoing informal discussion group on climate change. Come with questions and suggestions.
MCC Women Connect's purpose is to gather to connect and grow, sharing our experiences and learning from each other as we adapt to life's changes and transitions. Discussion ideas come from members, volunteer facilitators and a list of suggestions being developed. We meet once a month, from 10:00-11:30 a.m., on the third Thursday.
MCC members sign up here; guests email betsywray@millcitycommons.org. |
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Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, November 26, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Bar Moxy in the Moxy Hotel, 247 Chicago Ave S
 Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour at Bar Moxy in the new Moxy Hotel in Downtown East. Hosted by Ginny & Will Craig and Jan & Linda Willette, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. 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 November events here.
Plan ahead! View the full calendar of MCC's December events
here.
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Ar
ound Town
Westminster Town Hall Forum
November 16, 11:00 am, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave
Guest speaker Parker Palmer presents "We the People: A Time to Act." Parker Palmer is a writer, teacher, activist and founder of the Center for Courage & Renewal, a nonprofit organization committed to creating a more just and compassionate world by nurturing personal and professional integrity. At the Forum, he will be in conversation with Sondra Samuels, president of the Northside Achievement Zone in North Minneapolis.
what if
November 21-December 29, various times, The Lab Theater, 700 N 1st St
The Moving Company presents what if, a proposition to look at ourselves, our world in different ways. Letting our imaginations take flight and carry us to where we did not think possible. Or didn't know was there. Or would prefer not to look at. Featuring Sarah Agnew, Steven Epp and Nathan Keepers. Directed by Dominique Serrand. Tickets can be purchased
here.
The Prado Museum: A Collection of Wonders
November 26, 7:00 pm, St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 Main St SE
Part of the series "Great Art on Screen", this film celebrates the 200th anniversary of the storied Prado Museum--one of the most-visited museums in the world. Hosted by Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons, this cinematic journey offers viewers a spell-binding experience, telling the story of Spain and beyond, through the works of Vélazquez, Rubens, Titian, Mantegna, Bosch, Goya, El Greco, and more. Purchase tickets 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
Jefe Urban Hacienda
219 Main St SE
Drop in for an afternoon coffee or drink and a casual chat. No registration 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 Delia Owens
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!
Guthrie Play Reading
RiverWest Group
Tuesday, November 19,
6:30-9:30 pm
North Star Group
Wednesday, November 20, 6:30-9:30 pm
Groups are reading Noura this month.
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
Tuesdays 9:30-10:30 am
Mill City Quarter,
322 2nd St S
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
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
November 21 & December 5
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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