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Update from the Executive Director
Greetings, MCC members and friends! Can you believe we are only six months away from the year 2020? Do you remember, in the early 2000's, struggling to stop writing "19xx" for the year? My youngest child is scheduled to graduate from high school in 2036. That still sounds a little futuristic to me! And yet, time marches on.
As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, I thought you might enjoy reading a bit of poetry. Check out
this collection from the Poetry Foundation. I haven't read all of them yet; so far my favorite is 'America' by Tony Hoagland. Let me know if any resonate with you, or feel free to share your favorites.
A few of our programs recently have focused on healthcare and end-of-life issues. If you are interested, the Star Tribune published
this story
about two nursing students' who found out their lives are linked by a controversial death 30 years ago. Amazing.
Keep your eyes open for connections, and thanks for being connected to the Mill City Commons community.
Read on to learn about some of our upcoming programs -- from book clubs and nosy neighbor tours -- to meditation circle and our annual member party.
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Sara J.B. Foster
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Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, July 3, 10:00 - 11:00 am 
Abiitan's Porter Cafe, 428 2nd St S
Join us to discuss
Becoming by Michelle Obama. In her memoir, a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling, Michelle Obama invites readers into her world, chronicling the experiences that have shaped her--from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her years as an executive balancing the demands of motherhood and work, to her time spent at the world's most famous address. With unerring honesty and lively wit, she describes her triumphs and her disappointments, both public and private, telling her full story as she has lived it-in her own words and on her own terms.
If you'd like to read ahead, August's book is Educated by Tara Westover. Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email
Marsha Blumenthal.
MCC members and guests. No registration required.
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: Abiitan Terraces
Monday, July 8, 10:30 - 11:30 am
Abiitan, 428 S 2nd St
 Abiitan, home to many Mill City Commons members, has invited members to view its newly opened assisted living wing on the second floor. Enjoy coffee and baked goods, as well as the opportunity to see an apartment and learn about Abiitan's programming to support its residents as their needs change.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Meditation Circle
Tuesday, July 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 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 for the July 9 session; members sign up here for the July 16 session. |
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Technology Workshop: iPhone Photography, Part 2
Tuesday, July 9, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
American Academy of Neurology, Training Room B, 201 Chicago Ave
 Expand your on-the-go photography skills with iPhone Photography, Part 2. In this class, we'll review and expand on highlights from Part 1 (April 16), and learn how to better organize, manage and share photos. You'll see creative, useful photo accessories in action. You'll learn how to create and send Memories--photo/video slideshows set to music. And you'll also see some fun iPhone photography accessories in action. You don't need to have attended the first session to participate.
MCC members sign up here.
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MCC Evening Book Club
Tuesday, July 9, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 
RiverWest Social Room, 401 S 1st St
Join us to discuss
Washington Black by Esi Edugyan. George Washington Black, or "Wash," an 11-year-old field slave on a Barbados sugar plantation, is terrified to be chosen by his master's brother as his manservant. To his surprise, the eccentric Christopher Wilde turns out to be a naturalist, explorer, inventor, and abolitionist. Soon Wash is initiated into a world where a flying machine can carry a man across the sky, where even a boy born in chains may embrace a life of dignity and meaning--and where two people, separated by an impossible divide, can begin to see each other as human. But when a man is killed and a bounty is placed on Wash's head, Christopher and Wash must abandon everything. What follows is their flight along the eastern coast of America, and, finally, to a remote outpost in the Arctic. What brings Christopher and Wash together will tear them apart, propelling Wash even further across the globe in search of his true self.
Listen here to an insightful interview by Fresh Air's Terry Gross with Esi Edugyan on Washington Black.
The MCC Evening Book Club usually meets on the first Tuesday of every other month. Upcoming gatherings are on September 3 and November 5.
MCC members sign up here. |
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M
en's Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, July 11, 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's host, MCC member Joel Kramer, will speak on "Contract Bridge: Great for Retirement or Any Time of Life."
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MCC Annual Party
Tuesday, July 16, 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave 
Join us for one of MCC's most popular events of the year--the Annual Member Party! This year's party will take place in the Garden Room and Commons in the beautiful, light-filled new expansion at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Nicollet Mall. Happy hour starts at 5:00 pm with beverages, followed by a buffet of hearty hors d'oeuvres that will be available until 7:30 pm. While you're mingling with friends enjoy a slideshow with a year's worth of MCC photos. Free parking is available in Westminster's underground parking ramp; the ramp entrance is on Alice Rainville Place (the equivalent of 13th Street). Signage will direct you to Level 1 and the Garden Room. If you're walking, enter the church through the glass doors on Nicollet Mall and follow the signs in the lobby. We are still accepting registrations. This is an MCC members-only event.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Current Events: A Conversation with Bill
Wednesday, July 17, 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. There will be both presentation and discussion.
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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Lake of the Isles Walk
Friday, July 19, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Lake of the Isles, Bridge just west of E Lake of the Isles Pkwy & E Calhoun  Pkwy
Join us for a walk around Lake of the Isles to learn more about the history of Minneapolis and its parks. Former history teacher Ben Olk will share stories and details about some of the stately houses around the lake. You'll hear about the people who designed, built and originally lived in them. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water for this approximately 3-mile walk.
MCC members sign up here.
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: Guthrie Costume Shop
Monday, July 22, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Guthrie Costume Rentals, 855 E Hennepin Ave
 Immerse yourself in one of the nation's most impressive collections of theatrical costumes, boasting more than 50,000 unique costume pieces. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, but you're welcome to explore further on your own afterwards. Cost for this private tour is $7 per person, payable by check to MCC ahead of time.
MCC members sign up here.
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MCC Program Calendar
Plan ahead! View the full calendar of MCC's July events here.
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Ar
ound Town
Small Island
July 3 & 6, 1:00 pm, St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 Main St SE
Andrea Levy's Orange Prize-winning novel
Small Island comes to life in an epic new theatre adaptation. Experience the play in cinemas, filmed live on stage as part of National Theatre Live's 10th birthday. In
Small Island, a company of 40 actors take to the stage in this timely and moving story where hope and humanity meet stubborn reality as the play traces the tangled history of Jamaica and the UK. Tickets can be purchased
here.
Transfer of Memory: Portraits of Minnesota Holocaust Survivors
July 9, 5:30-7:30 pm, Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall
Celebrate the opening of Transfer of Memory: Portraits of Minnesota Holocaust Survivors. This exhibit illustrates Holocaust survivors living in Minnesota, in their homes, in full color. As a collection, these images focus on life and hope. From Europe to Minnesota, it was here they fashioned their dreams, their futures, and their families. Their lives are constant reminders about the value of freedom and the enduring human spirit. The opening reception features exhibit photographer David Sherman, writer Lili Chester and additional special guests. Learn more
here.
Hot Dog Daze
July 12-27, various times, The Lab Theater, 700 1st St N
Are you ready for some crazy days of summer? Mark your calendars for
Hot Dog Daze, a look at those nutty 1950's telethons as seen through Interact Theater's own special fun house mirror. Take a trip down memory lane with people whose memories are failing them. Relive those nostalgic days when cool bomb shelters were all the rage. Go ahead and ask it - "Were the good old days really all that good?"
Hot Dog Daze comes to you courtesy of Interact's 40+ actors with and without disabilities. For more information and to purchase tickets, click
here.
City Hall Tour & Happy Hour
July 19, 3:00 - 5:00 pm, City Hall, 350 S 5th St
Many of us walk by this 113-year-old building and never go inside. Get the inside story about the building, the ghost stories, the "Father of Waters" statue and more. The tour will include a side trip through the Government Center tunnel to visit the Hennepin History Museum exhibit, Celebrate Summer: Fairs and Festivals. Stay after the tour for Happy Hour at a nearby locale. Tickets available
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 Michelle Obama
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
July 18 & August 1
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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