|
Mill City Commons is a vibrant group of individuals aged 55 and above who share a passion for connection, learning, having fun, and seeking new experiences. We are engaged in the world around us and believe friendships and a sense of belonging are important. Read on to learn about the variety of opportunities for members to gather and friendships to grow. We encourage you to join us!
(612) 455-3329, 1201 W River Pkwy, Suite 217C, Minneapolis, MN 55454
| |
Our Upcoming Programs and Events | |
|
Border Migration Policy and America's Polarized Politics: Is There a Way Forward?
Wednesday, April 24, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
MCC office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd fl
Eric Schwartz, University of Minnesota Professor of Public Affairs, will talk with us about border migration policies in the context of the political debates in the United States around irregular extralegal migration. The debates are taking place amidst a presidential campaign in which border migration is a key issue. Eric was the Director of Refugees International in Washington DC and is a former Dean of the Humphrey, as well as Assistant Secretary of State on Population, Refugees and Migration.
This program will be recorded.
MCC members sign up here.
| |
|
Thursday Happy Hour
Thursday, April 25, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Giulia (The restaurant in the lobby of the Emery Hotel), 215 S 4th St
Join us for a rare Thursday Happy Hour at Giulia, the restaurant in the lobby of the Emery Hotel. Hosted by Patty Connelly and David and Sheryl Evelo, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over small bites and Dutch treat drinks. If you'd like to stay for dinner, please call the restaurant directly for reservations at (612) 215-5450.
Valet Parking or 5th Street Parking ramp. Street meter parking is unavailable from 4:00-6:00 pm.
MCC members sign up here.
| |
|
Let's Play Mah Jongg!
Friday, April 26, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
MCC office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd fl
Join us for a fun morning of mixed Mah Jongg. Meet new members, guests and fellow Mah Jongg enthusiasts. All levels welcome from beginners to experienced. You will need to have, or have on order, a 2024 NMJL card (available for about $15 online at https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org/ or from local retailers, such as Walmart). Sign up early, and bring a guest. Have fun and learn as we go, playing at tables of 3.
This event is limited to 15 participants. Registration closes at Noon on April 25.
Beginners should prepare by learning to recognize the tiles by name: Winds (North, South, East, West), Dragons (Green, Red and Soap), Flowers, Suits (Bams, Craks, Dots), Jokers. In addition, beginners might prepare by viewing a Mah Jongg primer on YouTube, or reading a book such as A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg to begin to understand the goal: completed combinations listed on the 2024 Mah Jongg Card.
Please reach out to Keith Nelson for further information or questions: k.d.nelson@outlook.com, or (612) 750-4605.
MCC members sign up here.
| |
|
Morning Mixer
Saturdays, April 27 and May 4, 9:00 - 10:30 am
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE
Get to know other MCC members at a casual Saturday morning breakfast mixer at Elsie’s Restaurant. Hot coffee awaits you when you arrive on foot or by bike or by car - order a full breakfast or simply a beverage. Open seating at tables set for 4 or 5 - great for conversation with friends, old and new. To help the restaurant prepare, please register.
NOTE: Elsie’s has a secluded indoor space available in the main dining room. This event is limited to 35 to accommodate Elsie's staff.
MCC members sign up here for April 27 and here for May 4; guests email MCC.
| |
|
Dining Around the Neighborhood: EaTo
Tuesday, April 30, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
305 S Washington Ave
Join us as we embark on a once-a-month culinary experience at different restaurants around the city, and around our neighborhood. This month, we will enjoy a Dutch-treat dinner at EaTo.
This event is limited to 12 people.
Registration closes at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 25.
Parking is available on a surface lot behind EaTo, across the street at the Depot or at Gateway Parking Ramp a block down, where you can take the skyway (down the elevator and a short walk to their Bottle Shop door). EaTo covers up to $10 with a validation ticket from the Gateway Parking Ramp on Washington and 4th Avenue.
MCC members sign up here.
| |
|
Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, May 1, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Klassic's Kitchen, 428 S 2nd St
Join us to discuss this month's book, Medgar and Myrlie: Medgar Evers and the Love Story that Awakened America, by Joy-Ann Reid. You are welcome to join us in conversation whether or not you've read the book.
If you'd like to read ahead, June's book is 100 Years of Solitude, by Gabriel Garcia Márquez.
Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email Marsha Blumenthal.
No registration required.
| |
|
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, May 2, 8:00 - 9:00 am
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE
It's caffeine and camaraderie for 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 Coffee and Conversation.
In this upcoming election year, immigration is a central issue. At a February Men's breakfast, MCC member Mark Joffe provided a brief overview of current immigration issues, but didn't discuss the underlying repressive and violent regimes that place such a demand on our immigration system. Why are so many people compelled to leave their home and seek asylum in the US, and where are they coming from?
Barbara Frey, JD, will be our program speaker. She is an international human rights scholar, and activist. She directed the human rights program at the University of Minnesota from 2001 to 2022; and is widely known as an expert and activist in human rights issues in Minnesota, the nation, and the world. She will talk about human rights in general but especially the exceptional reach of local activism in Minnesota. MCC member Roger Hale is our sponsor for this talk.
MCC members sign up here.
| |
|
Birding Walk
Friday, May 3, 8:00 - 9:30 am
Roberts Bird Sanctuary, 4124 Roseway Rd
Join us for this fun birding walk at Roberts Bird Sanctuary with naturalist and bird expert Gregg Severson. We recommend that participants bring their own binoculars and field guides, if you have them. Participant fee: $6.00. Meet at the parking lot at the east end, near the Peace Garden and Rose Garden.
MCC members sign up here.
| |
|
Joyfully Dancing 55+
Monday, May 6, 9:30 - 10:30 am
Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave
Are you looking for a new activity to try out? Tapestry Folkdance offers a gentle movement class called “Joyfully Dancing 55+.”
The class is described as “a dance experience that celebrates many genres of dance and music: American, swing, popular, and international, to name a few.” Dances are taught/reviewed every session. As the name suggests, participants feel a lot of joy (and get some exercise too) while dancing together! No partner is needed, and all levels of ability are welcome.
Cost is $5, payable to the instructor. Participants are asked to bring a pair of inside shoes (in order to keep grit, salt and water off the dance floor). Dancing with just socks is also OK.
If you’d like to carpool, please be at the ARC parking lot ready to leave at 9:10 AM.
"Joyfully dancing instructor Robin is welcoming and says not to worry about following steps exactly. She introduces the music and dance steps which makes the hour friendly, fun, and folksy!" - Peggy R.
"This was my first dance class ever and the instructor made it easy to follow (even with my two left feet). I enjoyed being physically active in a fun way, without having to be too serious about it." - Carol H.
MCC members sign up here.
| |
|
Why Can't Our Kids Read?
Monday, May 6, 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Phoenix on the River, 222 2nd St SE
One half of our kids cannot read. That statistic says it all. We face a reading crisis in Minnesota. Everyone can learn to read - but they must be taught. What we have been doing doesn't work. Last year for the very first time the state decided that in Minnesota we will use what we have learned from science based research to teach our kids. This program will explore - how did things get so bad, what have we learned from the science of reading, what did the state do, how will things change, how long will it take, what can we expect, and how can we help? We will be joined by two of our state's most passionate leaders when it comes to reading. Bobbie Burnham is Minnesota's Assistant Commissioner of Education for Teaching and Learning and Kim Gibbons is Director of the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement University of Minnesota.
The Phoenix requires that attendees be registered in advance, so please make sure you register. Walk-ins are not allowed for this program. Registration closes at 12:00 pm on May 6.
The entrance is at the corner of 2nd Street SE and 3rd Avenue SE. Parking is readily available on the street or in the nearby ramp at 2nd Street SE and 2nd Avenue SE.
There will be a short social hour with wine and snack at 4:00 pm, with the program starting promptly at 4:30 pm.
MCC members sign up here.
| |
|
Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
Thursday, June 20, 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Target Field, 1 Twins Way
Take me out to the ballgame! Join MCC member Will Craig for fun in the sun as the Minnesota Twins take on the Tampa Bay Rays at this matinee home game.
Will has purchased 20 tickets to the game. Our seats are in the upper deck behind Home Plate: section 319, rows 2 and 3. Tickets are $20 per person, payable to Will Craig.
Tickets are electronic now. You will need MLB's Ballpark App on your phone to receive and use tickets at the park. Get the app from either the Apple Store for iPhones or Google Store for Android phones.
You must register yourself and any guest you are bringing to let us know that you're attending. After you've registered on our website, set up your MLB account, then contact Will to purchase the tickets directly from him, and he will transfer your tickets to your phone. You can reach Will at wcraig@umn.edu. When you email Will, make sure that you put "MN Twins" in the subject line.
MCC members sign up here.
| |
|
Dutch Treat Social Hour
Mondays, The Depot, 4:30-5:30 pm
Drop in for an afternoon coffee or drink and a casual chat. Note: Contact the MCC office if you plan to attend for the first time.
| |  |
|
Wednesday Morning Coffee
Wednesdays,
9:00-10:00 am
Drop in and join your friends and neighbors for a morning chat at C.R.E.A.M Cafe.
| | |
|
Men's Dutch Lunch
Klassic's Kitchen,
12:00-1:00 pm
This casual gathering alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. Register here.
| | |
|
Play Readers
Specific Tuesdays and Wednesdays
6:30-9:30 pm
Our 2023-24 season of six readings runs September-May. If you'd like to join the Play Readers or be added to the sub list, please email Mary Texidor.
| | |
|
River Walkers
Thursdays,
9:00-10:00 am
Riverside of Owamni Restaurant
All levels of walkers are welcome for this early morning walk along the banks of the Mississippi River.
| | |
MCC Community Care Resources | |
|
MCC Caregivers' Support Group
2nd and 4th Wednesdays,
January - April, 10:30-12:00 pm
A way to support members and non-members who are in a caregiving role. Contact the MCC office to learn more about future openings in the group.
| | |
|
Member-to-Member Volunteering
If you want to support other members, you can sign up to become a volunteer driver or member-to-member volunteer.
If you are in need of volunteer services, let us know. Mary Texidor can help arrange a ride, meals, grocery shopping, visits and more.
| |
|
Medical Equipment Loan Program
If you have a medical need, we may have the equipment you are looking for. Consider contacting the office before you buy or rent a piece of equipment. We have a shower chair, raised toilet seat, cane, bed assist rail, wheelchair, grabber and walker available.
| | |
|
First Stop Guide
MCC's First Stop Guide has invaluable member-recommended service providers. If you're looking for a dentist, tech support, a personal trainer, healthcare provider or more, you can find it here.
| |
News From and For Members | |
|
MCC members Diane and Tony Hofstede invite members to attend this year's Minnesota Orchestra Symphony Ball on May 4. The event supports the Orchestra’s artistic and educational missions. Come experience an exquisite river-themed concert of glorious orchestral classics performed by the Minnesota Orchestra, conducted by new Music Director Thomas Søndergård. Cap off the night at the festive after-party at Orchestra Hall with desserts, savory bites and signature cocktails and dance the night away with a set list curated by Twin Cities’ Jack Brass Band. It's a river soiree! Tickets can be purchased here.
MCC member Ghita Worcester invites members to LaRive on May 9th for a reception and program hosted by the La Rive Great Conversations Lecture Series. Due to the importance and alignment with the MCC Vital Aging programming, they have made this program available to all Mill City Commons members. Iris Freeman, the Founder of the Minnesota Elder Justice Center will speak about "Family Secrets and Stranger Scams; Lifting the Curtain on Elder Abuse". The goal of the Minnesota Elder Justice Center is "to prevent and alleviate abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of elders and vulnerable adults. Iris's saw firsthand the need for a center focusing on elder justice through her work starting with her Graduate School SW Field Placements with Regions Hospital and the Minnesota Department of Health and moving into her career in Long Term Care with a focus on system issues and changes in legislation required to create a safe and equitable system of care for Minnesotans as we age. Iris's presentation will share the political and practical background on elder abuse and available services in Minnesota along with giving us facts and resources about the current environment. Iris is a respected national speaker on this topic and you will leave her session better equipped to handle issues you may see or experience and well has having knowledge of local resources. The reception begins at 6:30 pm with drinks and appetizers and an opportunity to meet Iris; the presentation will be from 7:30-8:30 pm at LaRive Condominiums, 110 Bank Street SE. Limited guest parking in building and ample on-street metered parking available.
Visit MCC member Jim Conaway and check out his art at the Traffic Zone's Annual Open Studios event on May 11 from 5:30-9:00 pm. Jim's studio is on the 2nd floor at 250 3rd Ave N.
Upcoming MCC meetings:
- Program Committee, April 25
- Membership Committee, May 13
- Board Meeting, May 15
| |
|
Open Studio: Weather Patterns
May 1-31, Weisman Art Museum, 333 E River Road, Target Studio Gallery
Take a trip through the seasons with works from WAM’s collection that depict the elements in action — rain, snow, sunshine,and wind. Weather affects our lives in deep ways and is also used in language to describe life’s trials and sweet moments. Think about your own life, how weather has shaped its big moments and your current season of life with WAM’s journaling activity. For information, click here.
Mill City Farmers Market
May 4, 8:00 am-1:00 pm, 750 S 2nd St
Shop local from 50+ farmers, food makers and artists at the first outdoor market of 2024! Mill City Farmers Market is Minneapolis’ trusted source for healthy, local and sustainable groceries, combining a vibrant marketplace with nourishing community connection. As the date approaches, you can click here for a list of vendors and items they'll be selling.
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.
| | | | |
