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Update from the Executive Director
Today's Musings is lengthier than most due to a robust News from Members section and a list of April's remaining programs. I hope you'll give it a careful read, as there are some remarkable opportunities to learn, share, engage and give!
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Joan Wright
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Social Bridge
Wednesday, April 11, 3:00 - 5:00 pm 
Washburn Lofts, 700 S 2nd St
Join bridge players for a round of social bridge; levels of expertise and experience vary. Bring a partner if you can, and remember to register both yourself and your partner. Questions? Contact Carol Jordan at [email protected].
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. |
Our Turn
Thursday, April 12, 10:00 - 11:30 am
The Landings, 510 River St (**Note the location)
 MCC women, you're invited to attend Our Turn: A Conversation for Women. This week, Sylvia Kaplan hosts on the topic of "TV: What's good, what's bad and why?" What do you watch and what don't you watch? What would you like to see? What did you love in the old days? If you don't watch TV, when did you stop and why?
Our Turn meets every other Thursday, alternating between morning and afternoon times. Hosts and topics change each time.
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC.
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Grandparents' Role in Children's Mental Health
Friday, April 13, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Washburn Center for Children, 1100 Glenwood Ave 
Peer pressure, bullying, anxiety, depression--these are a few of the mental health-related challenges that one out of five children experience during their childhood. Learn how the Washburn Center for Children, our region's leading children's mental health provider, is helping children reach their full potential. MCC member Michael Brennan, a member of Washburn Center's Board of Trustees, will open the program, where we'll meet several of the Center's professional team who will discuss the role family members, particularly grandparents, can have in supporting their children and grandchildren through the struggles of social, emotional and behavioral challenges. Join us for this informative and inspirational session!
MCC members sign up here. |
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Great Decisions: U.S. Global Engagement and the Military
Monday, April 16, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr, Room D104
 The global power balance is rapidly evolving, leaving the United States at a turning point with respect to its level of engagement and the role of its military. Some argue for an "America First" paradigm, with a large military to ensure security, while others call for a more assertive posture overseas. Some advocate for a restoration of American multilateral leadership and a strengthened role for diplomacy. Still others envision a restrained U.S. role, involving a more limited military. How does the military function in today's international order, and how might it be balanced with diplomatic and foreign assistance capabilities? Speaker Jon Olson, a retired U.S. Navy commander, is an adjunct professor in Carleton College's Political Science Department and in the School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice at Metropolitan State University. The courses he leads include "The U.S. Intelligence Community," "Terrorism and Counterterrorism," "Intelligence, Policy and Strategy, and Conflict," and "Studies in Weapons of Mass Destruction."
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. |
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Waterfowl Walk
Tuesday, April 17, 8:00 - 9:30 am
Meeting location to be announced 
Each year, hundreds of thousands of birds stream through Minnesota on their annual migrations. The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is a great place to observe them. In this walk led by Jamie McBride, lead naturalist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, we'll be watching for geese, ducks, swans, pelicans and more. Bring binoculars and field guides, if you have them (we'll also have some to borrow). Location for the April 17 session will be announced soon.
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Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, April 19, 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 Don Fraser hosts local author Iric Nathanson, whose newest book is
Don Fraser: Minnesota's Quiet Crusader.
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Technology Workshop: Being Safe Online
Thursday, April 19, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
American Academy of Neurology, 201 Chicago Ave, Training Room A 
Hackers are on the lookout every day for ways to collect and compromise our personal information. Protect yourself with the latest tips for being safe online. In this workshop, we'll cover topics such as passwords, scam emails and safely browsing the web. While most safety tips can be applied to browsing the web from any platform, some will be Apple specific and all demonstrations will be on Apple products.
MCC members sign up here.
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Sunday Soiree
Sunday, April 22, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
The Towers Party Room, 15 1st St S
 Join your friends and neighbors for the MCC Sunday Soiree, hosted by Bill & Kathy Fox and Madeline Betsch at the Towers. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing a hearty hors d'oeuvre, main dish salad or dessert to serve at least 8. As you register, let us know what you'll bring by answering the "Question" that will appear on the screen. You are welcome to bring your own wine or beer to share.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Waterfowl Walk
Tuesday, April 24, 8:00 - 9:30 am 
Meeting location to be announced
Each year, hundreds of thousands of birds stream through Minnesota on their annual migrations. The Minneapolis Chain of Lakes is a great place to observe them. In this walk led by Jamie McBride, lead naturalist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, we'll be watching for geese, ducks, swans, pelicans and more. Bring binoculars and field guides, if you have them (we'll also have some to borrow). Location for the April 24 session will be announced soon.
MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. |
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Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, April 24, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Stray Dog, 401 E Hennepin Ave
 Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour at Stray Dog Restaurant & Bar in Northeast. Hosted by Pat Hoven and Penny Hunt, 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) 378-2855.
MCC members and guests. No registration required. |
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Driven to Discover: Stories of Students Leading Social Change
Wednesday, April 25, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Lourdes Square, 186 Bank St SE 
Acara is a program of the University's Institute on the Environment that annually teaches 150 to 200 undergraduate and graduate students to identify local and global real-world problems and design solutions to them, which are then incorporated in functioning projects. The best are subsequently funded with grants ranging from $500 to $10,000. Examples include Kaloli Energy, which is turning urban trash into cooking fuel in order to decrease deforestation and air pollution in Uganda; My Rain, a successful business in India that distributes low-cost drip irrigation technology; and Minnesota Freedom Fund, a local nonprofit working to eliminate bail for people charged with misdemeanors. Come and hear inspirational stories of University of Minnesota students and alumni working to address important social problems, and bring your ideas of projects, both local and international, which they might undertake.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Sharing World Culture Through Ancient Manuscripts
Monday, April 30, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
RiverWest Community Room, 401 S 1st St
 Come and hear the amazing story of how a small group of Benedictine monks in central Minnesota created a manuscript preservation project that now reaches around the world. When the Hill Museum and Manuscript Library (HMML) of St. John's Abbey began microfilming manuscripts 50 years ago, there was no internet and no virtual reality. There were, however, manuscripts in monasteries in Austria that had been threatened by World War II. Today the manuscript preservation project's geography has expanded to include Turkey, Syria, Ethiopia, India and Mali. Featured on "60 Minutes" last December, the project has gained worldwide attention and acceptance by scholars, governments and interested citizens. This same group of monks produced the St. John's Bible Project, a recently completed effort to reproduce the Bible in calligraphy, by hand, with spectacular illustrations. This informational program is a preview to the MCC day tour to see the St. John's Bible and HMML on Friday, May 4.
MCC members sign up here. |
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Minnesota's Leadership on Clean Energy
Monday, April 30, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Winslow House, 100 2nd St SE 
Energy decisions are critical to both economic development and environmental performance. Minnesota has used bipartisan policy to grow our clean energy economy, including almost 60,000 family-supporting jobs. Business is also leading the way on renewable energy. We are national leaders in wind and solar energy, as well as in carbon reduction. Learn about next steps and get inspired at this energizing forum. Speaker J. Drake Hamilton is science policy director for Fresh Energy and an expert in climate and energy policy at the state and national level.
MCC members sign up here.
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10 Years...Time to Celebrate!
Monday, May 7, 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Surly Brewing Co, 520 Malcolm Ave SE
 Mill City Commons is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with lots to remember and even more to look forward to! An evening of revelry is "on tap" to kick off our 10th anniversary year at Surly Brewing. View an amazing slideshow of photos old and new, order a signature beer cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage, enjoy an array of delectable appetizers and sit back to enjoy some fun facts about our amazing organization from emcees Bill Davnie and Allan Burdick. Cash bar, with beer and soft drinks only; the fun, food and frolic are free! Carpooling is encouraged. RSVP no later than April 20.
MCC members sign up here. |
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MCC Program Calendar
Plan ahead! View the full calendar of MCC's April events
here.
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News from Members
MCC member Suzanne Joyce recommends the play
The Pink Unicorn, starring
Kate Guentzel as a mother coming to terms with her child's gender identity. The show runs through April 21 at the Illusion Theater. To learn more and purchase tickets, click
here.
MCC member Karla Ekdahl shares that the 37th Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival returns with over 250 films from over 70 countries around the world. Featuring the opening night film RBG, the acclaimed documentary about Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and with a special focus this year on Women & Film (with over fifty feature and short films directed by women.) Narratives, documentaries, music videos, short films and titles from around the globe and right here in Minnesota. Tickets available here.
MCC members Lou Burdick and Claudia Kittock invite you to help celebrate the upcoming Prince anniversary with a special event at the Guthrie on Monday, April 16 from 8:00-11:00 pm. The event will feature music and poetry inspired by Prince, performed by Guthrie artists from 8:00-9:00 pm, followed by a musical homage performed by JD & Fred Steele and the Mill District Choir (which includes several Mill City Commons members) followed by an audience singalong. A dance party featuring the music of Prince will follow at 9:30 pm. For more information, click here.
MCC Executive Director Joan Wright shares that The Capri Theater in North Minneapolis is featuring Legends Bouquet, a show by Minneapolis singing luminaries Dennis Spears, Debbie Duncan, and Charmin Michelle on Sunday, April 22, 3:00 pm; tickets are $25 or $20 for groups of ten or more. More information available here.
MCC member Judy Healey wants members to know that Father Columba Stewart will present "Manuscript Meets the Byte" on April 26 at 7:00 pm at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts (1011 Washington Ave S). The program will focus on how manuscripts have played a central role in transmitting knowledge and preserving cultural identity and their continued role in the future. Free, but registration is requested here. This event will be a good introduction to the Sharing World Culture Through Ancient Manuscripts program on April 30, as well as the upcoming day trip to St. John's on May 4.
MCC member Susan Plimpton shares that MinnRoast is scheduled for April 27 at 8:00 pm at the State Theatre (805 Hennepin Ave). The show is a spoof on Minnesota political and communication issues to benefit the online newspaper MinnPost. This year's cast includes Walter Mondale, as well as the Mayors of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Senator Tina Smith, Governor Dayton, etc (click here for details on who is participating in the song-and-skit variety show). Tickets are available here.
The Traffic Zone (250 3rd Ave N) will host Open Studio Saturday on May 5 from 5:30-9:30 pm. MCC member Jim Conaway invites members to his studio in the Traffic Zone Center for Visual Art (Studio #204) to see his new series of paintings inspired by the stories and characters of Homer's Odyssey (click here to see examples of his recent work). All 23 studios will be open showing the work of 28 artists. Learn more here.
MCC member Joan Patterson shares that the 8th annual Art4Shelter fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, May 9, at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. There are two ways to participate. Any artists who would like to exhibit and donate their 5" x 7" work for a great cause are welcome. Or, if you're not an artist, but like viewing and perhaps purchasing art at a very affordable price, you can attend this free event with refreshments and appetizers. The art preview time is 6:00-7:00 pm, with the sale from 7:00-9:00 pm. All the art sells for $35 apiece and proceeds go to Simpson Housing Services. Learn more here.
MCC member Ginger Bailey encourages members to buy tickets for the play Speechless: "It is a wonderful play!" Speechless will run from May 10-June 10 and is a poignant & moving work, named Best Play of 2017 by the Star Tribune. Tickets can be purchased here.
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Around Town
Indian Horse Film Screening
April 17 & 25, various times, St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 Main St SE
This is a poignant drama that centers on the life of one man's fight to preserve his history and his freedom while also shedding light on the dark history of Canada's residential schools and the indomitable spirit of Indigenous people.
Indian Horse, the novel, will be published by Milkweed Editions in April. The screening will be followed by a conversation and Q&A with Milkweed Publisher & CEO Daniel Slager and filmmakers Missy Whiteman and Leena Minifie. Purchase tickets
here.
National Poetry Month Party & Reading
April 26, 6:00-8:00 pm, Milkweek Editions, 1011 Washington Ave S
Celebrate National Poetry Month. Join Milkweed Editions for an evening honoring poets and the vitality of the Twin Cities poetry community. Party begins at 6 pm and the reading featuring finalists for the 2018 Lindquist & Vennum Prize for Poetry begins at 7 pm. 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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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 reservations
required.
Guthrie Play Reading
RiverWest Group
Tuesday, 4/10,
6:30-9:30 pm
North Star Group
Wednesday, 4/18,
6:30-9:30 pm
Groups will be reading "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner"
Rendezvous
Readers' Book Chat
1st Wednesday of the month, 9:30-10:30 am
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
No reservations required.
Ragtime
by E.L. Doctorow
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
Every other Wednesday, 3:00-5:00 pm
Washburn Lofts,
700 2nd St S
Enjoy a round of social bridge. Be sure to register on the website!
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.
Our Turn: A Conversation for Women
Relax and chat with other MCC women. This group meets every other Thursday and alternates between morning and afternoon times. Look for details in the body of this newsletter.
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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.
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Ongoing Member-Led Activities
MCC Caregivers' Support Group
2nd and 4th Wednesdays,
January - April,
10:30 am-12:00 pm
A way to support members and non-members who are or have been in a caregiving role. For more information, contact
Betsy Wray.
Exploring Meditation
Mill City Quarter,
322 2nd St S
Every Tuesday,
9:30-10:30 am
Clear the clutter in your mind, reduce stress and increase the feeling of calm in your life.
Men's Dutch Lunch
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
April 12 & 26
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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