|
Update from the Executive Director
I hope you are having a bright day in spite of our cloudy weather!
As many of you know, Mill City Commons is a part of the
Village to Village Network -- a national organization that collaborates to maximize the growth, impact, and sustainability of individual Villages and the Village movement. We are one of over 200 open Villages, with more than 150 in the development stages all over the country. Thanks to Joan Wright for writing this
article
featured in the Village to Village May newsletter (see pages 5-6). It celebrates our tenth anniversary and describes what makes us unique and successful. I'm looking forward to making connections and learning more at the National Village Conference this fall.
Do you use Facebook? If so, please "like"
Mill City Commons on Facebook and feel free to add comments or share our photos to your own networks. This will help us to increase awareness of the group and perhaps attract new members. It's also a fun way to see photos of our members in action!
Lots of good programming coming up... keep reading to learn more!
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Sara J.B. Foster
|
|
|
Nosy Neighbor Tour: Hennepin Made
Wednesday, June 12, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Hennepin Made, 145 Holden St N 
Take a tour of the Hennepin Made blown-glass lighting facility, near the Minneapolis Farmers Market. Its 30,000-square-foot building is the home of both Hennepin Made and its new cafe and event space, Parallel. In 2016, Hennepin Made renovated the building, originally built in 1955 as a glass window manufacturer. We'll tour the building, see a glass blowing demonstration and learn a little building history. Meet in the Parallel Café. Free parking is available in a lot on the east side of the building. The building's a little tricky to find because some streets don't go through. Click
here to see a map, and use this address for navigation: 145 Holden St. N.
MCC members sign up here.
|
|
M
en's Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, June 13, 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 Jose Peris hosts. Recently retired as a senior executive at USB, Jose will provide some personal background before introducing Chris Wright, CEO of Minnesota United, our major league soccer franchise. Chris joined the Loons after serving 13 years as president of the Timberwolves/Lynx. As a native of the UK, his first love was always soccer (football). Learn about the team and its new 22,000-seat Allianz Stadium in St. Paul.
|
|
Lessons from a Chaplain and Social Worker on Death & Dying: 5 Things People Forget to Ask in End-of-Life Planning
Thursday, June 13, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Mill City Quarter Club Room, 322 2nd St S
 You've thought absolutely everything through, right--or have you? In this second session in our three-part series, "Lessons from a Chaplain & Social Worker on Death & Dying," we continue with the things people often forget to ask about in end-of-life planning. Some are big, some are small, but they all have the power to reduce stress for you and your loved ones in a difficult time. Expect education as well as interaction, and just the right blend of reverence and irreverence. 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. You do not need to have attended the first session to participate.
MCC members sign up here.
|
|
Great Decisions: The United States and Mexico - Partnership Tested
Monday, June 17, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr
 The United States and Mexico have a long, intertwined history, with both countries prominently featured in each other's politics and agendas. The war on drugs, immigration and trade issues have taxed the relationship over the years. What impact will new leadership in both countries have on this crucial partnership? Speaker Gary Prevost is professor emeritus of political science and international relations at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University. He is currently engaged in research on the triangular relationship between the U.S., Mexico, and Cuba.
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. |
|
Meditation Circle
Tuesday, June 18 & 25, 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 June 18 session; members sign up here for the June 25 session. |
|
Lunch for 5
Tuesday, June 18, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Sea Change, 806 2nd St S
 If connecting with and getting to know other MCC members in a smaller, more intimate social setting interests you, this weekday lunch just might be for you! This month, join other MCC members for casual dining at Sea Change. 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. |
|
2019 Legislative Outcomes Affecting Older Adults
Wednesday, June 19, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
Mill City Quarter Club Room, 322 2nd St S
 Learn about the impact the outcomes of the 2019 legislative session will have on older adults across Minnesota. The discussion includes an overview of legislation that will license assisted living facilities and provide important protections for older and vulnerable Minnesotans. We'll also discuss AARP's nationwide campaign to rein in the high cost of prescription drugs. Speaker Erin Parrish is Associate State Director for Advocacy and Outreach for AARP Minnesota.
|
|
MCC Women Connect
Thursday, June 20, 10:00 - 11:30 am
The Landings, 510 River St
 At this month's MCC Women Connect Sylvia Kaplan will lead a discussion around the question, "Do we ever grow up or do we just get old?" What does it mean to
grow up? To mature? At our current developmental stage, as we look back, how did we and how do we make sense of our lives? What people, things, art, books, experiences have served as touchstones in your development as a human being? That created meaning at that stage of your life?
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.
|
|
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Center Visit
Friday, June 21, 9:30 am - 2:00 pm
Tashjian Bee and Pollinator Center, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Dr, Chaska 
Join MCC friends for a visit to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum's Tashjian Bee & Pollinator Discovery Center. The Center serves as a hub for community outreach and education that is grounded in the world-renowned bee research of University of Minnesota Scientist Marla Spivak, Ph.D. Displays use macro-photography of flowers and pollinators, and exhibits offer insights into honey bees, wild bees, Monarch butterflies and other pollinators. We'll carpool to the Arboretum and drive directly to the Bee Center, which is on Three Mile Drive. Afterwards, we can explore other areas of the Arboretum and have lunch at the café in the visitor center. Arboretum entrance fee is $15 (free for members). When you register, please answer the question about carpooling.
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. |
|
Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, June 25, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Elsie's Restaurant and Bar, 729 Marshall St NE
 Join us for our fourth annual Last Tuesday Happy Hour on the patio at Elsie's Restaurant and Bar! Hosted by Patty Connelly and Diane & Tony Hofstede, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Dutch treat--no reservations required! If you wish to stay for dinner, reservations may be made by calling (612) 378-9701.
MCC members and guests. No registration required!
|
Driven to Discover: "Believe Me": Seeking Truth in an Age of Disinformation
Wednesday, June 26, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE
Ask yourself: Can the public navigate a sea of disinformation without a compass? Are the media "the enemy of the American people," as President Trump has declared? Will the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution continue to protect journalists as they perform their jobs? Can democracy survive without a free and responsible press? Jane E. Kirtley, Director of the Silha Center for the Study of Media Ethics and Law at the U of M, digs deep into the role of the media in an era of "believe me" and disinformation.
This is one in an ongoing MCC program series under the banner "Driven to Discover." The series features University of Minnesota faculty and students sharing current research and programming at the University.
MCC members sign up here.
|
|
MCC Program Calendar
View the full calendar of MCC's June events
here.
|
|
News From Members
MCC member Barbara Goldner would like to let members know that the M Health Psychiatry Integrative Wellness Team is excited to announce new upcoming Emotional Wellbeing Workshops this summer. They include Self-Compassion and Positive Emotions on July 19, Brain-Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyle on August 2 and Mindfulness, Movement and Breathwork on September 20. Classes are $60 and take place at 2312 S 6th St. For more information or to register, email
[email protected] or call (612) 273-9827.
|
Ar
ound Town
American Composers Forum Showcase with Minneapolis Guitar Quartet
June 15, 7:30 pm, MacPhail Center for Music, 501 S 2nd St
With profoundly moving performances expressing heart-felt intimacy to dazzling bravado, the Minneapolis Guitar Quartet has captivated audiences throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. In this event, they will perform new works by Clarice Assad (Chicago), Paul Brantley (New York), and Aubrey Powell (Kansas City), who will be in attendance at the event. Learn more
here.
Global Conversations: Internationally Hacked - World Wide Weapons
June 19, 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. Registration for this free event is requested
here.
Author Talk
June 20, 10:30-11:30 am, Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Room S275, RKMC 2nd fl
Hear from Holly Jorgensen, local author of "
Enchanted - Reflections From a Joyfully Green and Frugally Rich Life," as she shares her secrets to live simply, recycle what others discard and have time to explore, create and ponder ideas to lead a richly satisfying life.
Betula
June 27, 6:00-8:00 pm, Form + Content Gallery, 210 2nd St N
Form + Content Gallery presents "Betula", exploring the tension of the unrestrained woods. There is both darkness and light, fear and awe. By examining decaying birch trees, Annie Irene Hejny questions the parallels between our human bodies and the natural world. Join the opening reception of this new exhibit. 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.
|
|
|
|
|
Volunteer Opportunities
Click
here
for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC website!
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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
June 20 & July 18
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
|
|
