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Update from the Executive Director
Ahhh, December. It seems the older I get, the faster the time goes between Thanksgiving and the end-of-the-year holidays. It'll be 2020 before we know it! (Weren't we just getting ready for Y2K?!)
Although this time of year can be incredibly busy, it can also feel lonely. Mill City Commons has got you covered if you're looking for something to do, or someone to do it with. See below for details on this month's book chat, a Conversation with Bill, Sunday Soiree, and Last Tuesday Happy Hour, plus Inside Stories with Linda Mack. (Please note that due to the holidays, a few of our regular events are happening earlier this month.) Use our
Social Connections forum to make a movie or lunch date with other members. Check out News from Members and Around Town below for additional opportunities to connect. Browse our
Membership Directory and reach out to a member you haven't seen lately or consider making a new connection.
We are continuing to receive donations from members and friends -- both to support Mill City Commons and for Turkey and Extra Helpings (see details to the right --> ). Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! It is encouraging to be part of this generous village community.
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Sara J.B. Foster
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Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, December 4, 10:00 - 11:00 am
Abiitan's Porter Cafe, 428 S 2nd St
 Join us to discuss
Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens. For years, rumors of the "Marsh Girl" have haunted Barkley Cove, a quiet town on the North Carolina coast. So in late 1969, when handsome Chase Andrews is found dead, the locals immediately suspect Kya Clark, the so-called Marsh Girl. But Kya is not what they say. Sensitive and intelligent, she has survived for years alone in the marsh that she calls home, finding friends in the gulls and lessons in the sand. Then the time comes when she yearns to be touched and loved. When two young men from town become intrigued by her wild beauty, Kya opens herself to a new life--until the unthinkable happens. Owens' story reminds us that we are forever shaped by the children we once were, and that we are all subject to the beautiful and violent secrets that nature keeps.
Book Chat will take a break in January. If you'd like to read ahead, February's book is Jazz by Toni Morrison. Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email Marsha Blumenthal at [email protected].
MCC members and guests. No registration required.
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Technology Workshop: Privacy and Security
Thursday, December 5, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
American Academy of Neurology, 201 Chicago Ave, Training Room A 
Many people today are tired of endless robot-calls, frustrated by Facebook's ongoing privacy concerns and worried about being hacked or scammed. Join us for a privacy and security workshop where we'll discuss some of the most frustrating and pressing technological problems today. Learn how to protect your privacy and personal information, safely browse the web and check emails, store and create passwords securely, and understand the risks you may face over the phone and online. Note: seating is limited!
Registration is now closed. Please contact [email protected] to be placed on the cancellation list.
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Meditation Circle
Tuesday, December 10 & 17, 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 December 10 session; members sign up here for the December 17 session.
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Life as an Architecture Critic: The Inside Stories
Tuesday, December 10, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE 
During Linda Mack's 21-year tenure as architecture critic and reporter at the Star Tribune, there were many behind-the-scene stories that didn't make the paper-like Jean Nouvel wears red underwear. Most of Linda's inside stories aren't so racy (she didn't actually see the underwear but heard about it), but they're fun trivia for those who like to be in the know. Join us as she recounts a few of them. Active in historic preservation since the 1980s, Linda currently serves on the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Current Events: A Conversation with Bill
Wednesday, December 11, 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. Bill's topic this week is "The Foreign Service's 15 minutes of television fame--and a few below-the-radar developments elsewhere."
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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MCC Annual Meeting
Wednesday, December 11, 4:00 - 4:30 pm
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE 
Learn about the direction of your Mill City Commons as the gavel passes to next year's chair and new officers and board members are welcomed. The regular monthly meeting of the board will follow at 4:30 pm. Members are welcome to stay for the board meeting also.
MCC members sign up here.
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Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, December 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 Ron Vantine will lead a "deep dive" into the world of poetry. Bring a copy of your favorite poem or book of poetry to this meeting. This is also our annual Book Review/Recommendation session. Bring or submit your favorite book(s) for 2019; include title, author and whether it's fiction or nonfiction.
MCC members sign up here. |
MCC Women Connect
Thursday, December 12, 10:00 - 11:30 am 
La Rive Party Room, 110 Bank St SE
MCC women are invited to attend the annual end-of-the-year celebration at La Rive. Come with one word to describe how you're thinking about 2020--what you're looking forward to or your outlook or your hopes. Contributions of goodies, as well as a small cash donation for the room fee, are welcome.
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 (this month is an exception).
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Sunday Soiree: A Progressive Dinner
Sunday, December 15, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Washburn Lofts, 700 S 2nd St
 Join your MCC friends for a special Holiday Progressive Dinner Soiree! Hosted by Ellen & Jan Breyer, Margee & Will Bracken and Anita Kunin, the progressive dinner will move between their three homes in Washburn Lofts. You'll start in one unit for appetizers, move to another across the hall for entrees (salads and casseroles) and end in a third unit for dessert. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing an appetizer, salad, casserole or dessert to serve at least 8. As you register, let us know what you'll bring by answering the "Question" that appears on the screen. You are welcome to bring your own wine or beer to share. Space is limited, so register early! And please note that there are a few steps in each unit.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, December 17, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Milwaukee Road Bar at the Depot, 225 3rd Ave S 
Join us for Tuesday Happy Hour at the Depot's Milwaukee Road Bar! Hosted by Jeff & Joan Wright, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. The event is dutch treat--no reservations required. If you'd like to stay for dinner, reservations can be made by calling (612) 758-7820.
MCC members and guests. No registration required. |
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MCC Program Calendar
Plan ahead! View the full calendar of MCC's December events
here.
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News from Members
So you think you can dance like a fifth grader? Heart of Dance Founder and
MCC member Ember Reichgott Junge and Board Vice Chair and
MCC member Cecily Hines invite you to volunteer at the
Colors of the Rainbow Team Match on Sunday, December 8 from 11:00 am to 5:30 pm at the Intercontinental Hotel Mpls at the airport. Teams of elegant Dancing Classrooms 5th and 8th graders from 17 schools around the state will compete before professional ballroom dance judges and a ballroom full of cheering families and teachers. They'll showcase Respect and Teamwork through the Tango, Rumba, and Swing (among other dances)--you will be inspired! Dozens of volunteers are needed as team coordinators, greeters, registrars, etc. Cecily will host a volunteer group from 11:00-1:30 and Ember will host a group from 3:00-5:30. Contact Ember at
[email protected] or call (612) 750-1262 to join either volunteer group, and indicate your preferred start time of 11:00 am or 3:00 pm. It's a great opportunity to connect with other MCC members and serve another local organization. You will have great fun and Waltz on home with a big smile on your face!
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Ar
ound Town
Holidazzle
Now through December 22, various times, Loring Park, Yale Pl & Willow St
Eat, shop, ice skate, watch a spectacular fireworks display, enjoy live music and more! Click
here for the full schedule.
Free Evening at the Museum
December 5, 5:00-8:00 pm, Hennepin History Museum, 2303 3rd Ave S
At this month's open house, hear from Stephanie Glaros, a local photographer and author of
Humans of Minneapolis. The book is a glimpse into the extraordinary stories of the ordinary people who live in the city. Stephanie created the
Being Human photography exhibit currently on display in the Museum, and she will discuss her work and how it builds community. Details can be found
here.
Who Brought the Humbug?
December 5-15, various times, The Cowles Center, 528 Hennepin Ave
A performance jam-packed with high-energy music, Broadway-style theatrics, and out-of-this-world tap dancing, this performance is one wildly creative, interactive, holiday show the whole family can enjoy. Tickets can be purchased
here.
Julmarknad - Christmas Market Festival
December 7-8, various times, American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave
This is the ASI's annual holiday market and festival. There will be handmade items for sale by more than 55 artists, as well as Nordic and Nordic-inspired gifts in the Jul Shop. There will be performances, family crafts and festival food by FIKA. The museum is also open for you to browse the decorated holiday rooms, this year commemorating ASI's 90th anniversary. 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 Members!
Ruth Mickelsen & William Manning
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2019 Turkey & Extra Helpings Drive
Join us in raising $3,500 to provide holiday groceries for 50 families at Ascension School. We're also collecting small gifts for two transitional housing programs. Click
here for details on how you can get involved.
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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, December 10,
6:30-9:30 pm
Reading The Winter's Tale 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
December 5 & 19
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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