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Update from the Executive Director
Hello! As much as I love the summer sunshine sparkling on the river, this week I witnessed the absolute beauty of the gently falling snow.
I came across an article entitled, "
Shopping for a boy? Give him a book about a girl" and I was cynical. Boys don't want to read books about girls. My seven-year-old boy is mostly anti-pink and anti-purple since he believes they are "girl" colors. As hard as I've tried to teach him that anyone can like any color, it hasn't yet stuck. I've also been surprised by how many people (my own dear mother included) have called my daughter-with-a-shaved-head a boy. Not only have they been mistaken; sometimes they have even insisted upon it! Anyway, I clicked on the headline.
A few excerpts: "...reading has been demonstrated to make people kinder, more empathetic, and more socially intuitive, among a host of other benefits." and "If reading about others makes us more empathetic and compassionate, is it any wonder that girls, who are constantly being asked to read about the opposite sex, have a reputation for being sensitive to the emotions of others, while the running joke is that boys have no idea what goes on in a girl's head?" I don't think you need to go read it, but they did win me over. And my son got a few Junie B. Jones books for his birthday.
Let's take a moment to appreciate all the well-read and emotionally intelligent men who are MCC members! As always, feel free to
share your thoughts with me.
Thanks for being connected to Mill City Commons.
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Sara J.B. Foster
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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 a main dish casserole or dessert to serve at least 8. WE ARE IN NEED OF MAIN DISH CASSEROLES! 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. |
Meditation Circle
Tuesday, December 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.
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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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Turkey & Extra Helpings Volunteer Opportunity
Thursday, December 19, 9:15 - 11:15 am
Meet at Cub Foods, 701 W Broadway Ave 
Join MCC members and friends for the 12th annual Turkey & Extra Helpings Holiday Drive! Our goal is to provide groceries for holiday meals for 50 families in North Minneapolis. Volunteers are needed to help load and unload food for families from Ascension School. Meet in the Cub Foods parking lot, 701 W Broadway Ave (I-94 and Broadway), at 9:15 am to pick up groceries. We'll then proceed to Ascension School, 1726 Dupont Ave N, to drop them off. Please register and answer the "Question" on whether you have a large vehicle to help transfer food.
DONATIONS: MCC is accepting cash donations for the purchase of the groceries through December 16. Mail checks payable to MCC (with T&EH in the memo line) to: Mill City Commons, 125 Main St SE, Suite 339, Minneapolis 55414. Donations are tax deductible.
MCC members sign up here.
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A Movie & Dinner!
Friday, December 27, 4:00 - 7:30 pm
St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 Main St SE
 Join MCC members for a dutch-treat movie and dinner! The movie and exact movie time will be announced the week or two before and communicated on the website and in Musings. We'll follow with dinner at Jefe Urban Hacienda, down the hall from the theater. Members and guests are welcome to join us for the movie, dinner or both.
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New Year's Eve Dinner 
Tuesday, December 31, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Smith & Porter Restaurant, 428 S 2nd St
Join your MCC friends and celebrate a year well-lived with a New Year's Eve meal at Smith & Porter! You'll order off the menu, and the meal is dutch treat. Make your reservation on the MCC website by December 26.
MCC members sign up here. |
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MCC Program Calendar
View the full calendar of MCC's December events
here
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News from Members
MCC members Ellie Hands, Laura Crosby, Liz Hawn, Nancy Gardner, Patty Connelly, Penny Hunt, Sue Bennett and Susan Plimpton are an ad hoc group of members working on climate action. Their committee will periodically recommend "green" tips that members can take action on. Recycling tip #1: As we enter the holiday season, it is worth remembering that holiday wrapping paper can be recycled provided it does not have glitter, flocking, embossing or reflective areas (foil) on it. Gift bags too can be recycled but have the same restrictions as paper. Ribbon and bows are not recyclable. Enjoy the season!
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Ar
ound Town
Gingerbread Wonderland
Now through January 5, 10:00 am-4:00 pm, Norway House, 913 E Franklin Ave
Gingerbread is the quintessential feature of the Norwegian holiday season. Norway House invites you to visit their gallery, where you'll recognize familiar buildings and landmarks from the Twin Cities and beyond built with gingerbread, created by friends and neighbors--everyone from your favorite local bakeries and cake wizards, to families and first-time gingerbread baking enthusiasts.
Old St. Anthony Holiday Bazaar
December 15, 12:00-5:00 pm, Machine Shop, 300 2nd St SE
Minneapolis Craft Market is bringing one of their largest indoor craft markets of the year to the Machine Shop. There will be two full floors of handmade goods, perfect for holiday gift shopping. You'll find everything you need for those on your gift list including jewelry, apparel, home goods, body care products, kids wear and more!
Thursday Musical
December 19, 10:30 am-noon, MacPhail Center for Music, 501 2nd St S
Enjoy performances from Nokomis Piano Quartet; Essie Commers (violin); Judy MacGibbon (viola); Daryl Carlson (cello); Max Radloff (piano): Monica Murray (soprano); and Esther Wang (piano). Complimentary coffee and donuts at 10 am. Tickets are $15 and sold at the door.
Winter Solstice Celebration
December 21, 5:00-7:30 pm, North Mississippi Regional Park, 4900 Mississippi Ct
Rejoice the coming of longer days with an evening of celestial fun. Take a nature walk along a glowing luminary trail and then enjoy the warmth of a bonfire while sipping hot spiced cider with campfire treats. Pre-registration is encouraged
here, but not required.
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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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 19 & January 2
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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