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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
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Last Chance: Three-Month Trial Membership | |
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Not a member? Try us out!
We understand the importance of strong social connections and belonging. Join Mill City Commons for $150 and attend unlimited programs from April 1-June 30, access trusted online resources and rely on courteous and friendly staff.
Learn more here or sign up by visiting our website. Fill in the online form and you'll hear back from our staff with next steps to become a part of our membership community. Don't miss out on this opportunity to see what we're all about.
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Our Upcoming Programs and Events | |
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Writing Series: A Guide to Writing Your Stories
Tuesdays, April 9 & 16 and May 7 & 14, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
MCC office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd floor
Loft Teaching Artist Patricia Hoolihan is available to guide MCC members in exploring their stories during four 2-hour writing classes in April and May. This class will provide a chance to explore the world around you and within you in new ways through language – whether you are writing for yourself or to share with family and friends. Writing exercises will encourage you to open doors and cross thresholds to find words and stories that have been waiting to be discovered—by you. Writing prompts will invite you to express your unique voice in a variety of creative ways through journaling, poetry, essay, and memoir. Each class includes time for writing exercises, discovery of similar experiences, and optional sharing of written words. Cost for the 4 classes is $120.
Even if you miss the first class (April 9), you can still join the series! Reach out to Jane Stacy for more information.
MCC members sign up here.
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Milkweed Editions: A Homegrown Publishing Success Story
Tuesday, April 9, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
MCC office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd fl
Daniel Slager is the Publisher & CEO of Milkweed Editions, one of the nation's leading independent publishers of literature. He will explain how this publishing house -- and neighbor, as Milkweed is located in Open Book -- came to be a national force, and how it is evolving successfully in the context of significant change in the publishing industry.
MCC members sign up here.
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Adding or Updating Your MCC Biography Page
Thursday, April 11, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
MCC office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd fl
Are you putting off writing your bio for your Mill City Commons profile page, or is yours outdated? Then this may be the class for you. Get to know your fellow MCC members in this small group session as you work to create a short biography and add your interests to your MCC profile. We will give you a worksheet to help guide you through the process. Mary Texidor will walk you through the steps to do it yourself, or will be available to add items to your profile page on-site.
Your MCC profile helps other members get to know you, and you in turn, can learn about other members through their profiles! Please bring your laptop or tablet.
MCC members sign up here.
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: Berlin Jazz Club
Thursday, April 11, 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Berlin Jazz Club, 204 N 1st St
There's a new jazz club in town! Join us as we take a nosy neighbor tour to the Berlin Jazz Club. Berlin combines state of the art sound and hospitality with the charm and intimacy of a European-inspired jazz club.
Keeping with its namesake city, Berlin features a variety of experimental music from jazz, ambient, and electronic programming. Meet at the club at 4:00 pm for a short tour, then stay for a Dutch-treat happy hour.
MCC members sign up here.
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Morning Mixer
Saturdays, April 13 and 20, 9:15 - 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 13 and here for April 20; guests email MCC.
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Sunday Brunch Soiree
Sunday, April 14, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
Cobalt Condos, 45 University Ave SE
Join your friends and neighbors for this Sunday Soiree Brunch, hosted by Ron and Carol Vantine and Pat Hoven. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing brunch fare, to serve at least 8 people. We need 4 hot dishes, 5 salads, 4 desserts, as well as cheese platters, fruit, and bread. As you register, let us know what you’ll be bringing by answering the “Question” that will appear on the screen. Please be as specific as you can. You are welcome to bring your own wine or beer to share.
On-street parking is available. Carpooling recommended.
MCC members sign up here.
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Great Decisions: Science Across Borders
Monday, April 15, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
DeLaSalle High School, 1 DeLaSalle Dr, Room D104
Scientific advances benefit from collaboration between researchers, but what happens when material, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) is controversial and important to a nation's national security? Is there a middle ground between sharing information and denying access? How can we regulate cooperation?
Christi Siver is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the College of St. Benedict and St John’s University. She did her undergraduate work at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR, her Masters in International Relations and International Economics at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and her Ph.D. in political science at the University of Washington. She teaches courses on international relations and international security. Her current research interests include international humanitarian law, military technology, and comparative law.
MCC members sign up here.
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Ric Rosow and Vicki Underland Rosow: Two Journeys to Tibet
Tuesday, April 16, 4:00 - 5:30 pm
MCC office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd floor
Join MCC members Ric Rosow and Vicki Underland Rosow as they talk about their two journeys to Tibet.
Their first trip to Tibet was to document the flora on the highest plateau in the world and to bear witness to the treatment of Tibetans by the Chinese. Hear as they detail how they met with family members young men imprisoned for supporting the Dali Lama. Ric and Vicki also spent time in a monastery that was randomly shot at by police.
Ric and Vicki's second trip was to fulfill a request from a group of Tibetan nuns who wanted to learn English. On this second trip they were banned by the Chinese government from spending time in a village because the Chinese government did not want them to see what was happening there. Instead they had to spend their time in another village and a night in a tent with nomad family.
MCC members sign up here.
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Current Events: A Conversation with Bill
Wednesday, April 17, 10:30 - 11:30 am
MCC office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd fl
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. There will be both presentation and discussion. This month's topic: "Shooting Wars, Shopping Wars - and Long-Term Impacts". This session will be in person at our MCC offices.
This ongoing program is held each month. Topic ideas for each monthly gathering are welcome.
MCC members sign up here.
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Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, April 18, 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.
This week's conversation host is Jose Peris. Jose is presenting Economist Kjetl Storesletter who will talk about whether our taxes and transfers are progressive or regressive. We measure the progressivity of taxes and transfers for each US state, and contrast it to progressivity at the federal level. We find that: (i) the tax and transfer system is much more progressive at the federal level; (ii) state and local consumption and property taxes are regressive, whereas state income taxes and transfers are progressive; (iii) the two forces (income tax versus consumption and property taxes at the state level) cancel each other on average; (iv) there are large differences across states: states WITH income taxes (e.g., California) tend to be progressive while states without income taxes (e.g. Texas) are regressive. Kjetl is the Fink Professor of Economics at the University of Minnesota. Among other topics, he works on questions about taxation and inequality. He previously spoke to this group about China.
MCC members sign up here.
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Container Planting: Everything You Need to Know for a Spectacular Patio
Thursday, April 18, 3:00 - 4:00 pm
MCC office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd fl
Do you look at your neighbor's patio or deck and wonder where they got their green thumb? Wonder no more! Join us as we hear from Trish Lundberg and Shannon O'Halloran of Landcraft Landscaping and Design. They will provide tips and tricks so that you can have the patio of your dreams!
MCC members sign up here.
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Met Opera Live: La Rondine
Saturday, April 20, 11:55 am - 3:00 pm
Showplace ICON Theater at the West End, 1625 West End Blvd, St. Louis Park
Join our MCC Opera Friends at the at Met Live in HD performance of "La Rondine." Following the performance, let’s walk a half block to CRAVE restaurant for conversation and refreshments. There is free covered parking next to the theater.
To learn more about La Rondine, click HERE.
Did you know that the performance is telecasted live to more than 2000 cinemas in over 50 countries? It is kind of a thrill to realize that we are enjoying the same fabulous performances at the same time as thousands of people all over the Earth! Of particular enjoyment are the back stage interviews with the performers, directors, costume and set designers and others before the opera begins and during intermissions. It is very up close and personal.
You may purchase your ticket online and choose your seat. There is seating on two levels and they both look at the same screen. The upper VIP level is a bit more expensive and it has very comfy seats and there is even food and beverage service to your seat if you desire. Members pay their own admission.
MCC members sign up here.
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Joyfully Dancing 55+
Monday, April 22, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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SBS (Strength, Balance, Stretch)
Wednesdays,
12:00-12:45 pm
An exclusive opportunity for members, this class focuses on keeping you fit and strong. First time participants, please contact G-Werx at (612) 767-4415. Cost varies depending on commitment.
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MCC Community Care Resources | |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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News From and For Members | |
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The Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival is taking place April 11-25 and the MSP Film Society is offering our members a partner discount code for all tickets! As the largest annual celebration of international cinema in the region, MSPIFF43 promises another exciting lineup of 200+ films from around the world, plus an exciting array of parties, panels, visiting filmmakers, and special guests. Tickets are on sale now and the full line-up can be found here. The Mill City Commons community is welcome to use the promo code MILLMSPIFF2024 for the partner rate on tickets (regular price $15 / partner rate $12).
Minneapolis-area adults aged 50-80 with typical hearing loss are invited to participate in research at the University of Minnesota. The research is focused on the effort of understanding speech, including factors that make listening difficult or tiring. The lab is directed by Matthew Winn, and participation is coordinated by Kate Teece. Participation occurs on the UMN campus in Shevlin Hall, with a single visit scheduled for approximately two hours. You would be compensated $15 per hour for your time, and free parking is provided. For more information, contact Kate Teece, Research Audiologist, University of MN at henn0158@umn.edu.
MCC members Diane and Tony Hofstede invite members to participate in this year's Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Clean Up. The event takes place on April 20, 9:00 am-noon, at Boom Island Park. The purpose is to protect pollinators and their habitat and BEE the change! This event is family and dog-friendly, and includes music & booths. Costumes are welcome. Prizes for the best! To learn more and register, click here.
Upcoming MCC meetings:
- Membership Committee, April 15
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Community Meeting with Minneapolis Police Department
April 11, 6:00 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm), Grain Belt Office Building, 1215 Marshall St NE
You are invited to a community meeting with MPD Chief Brian O’Hara, 2nd Precinct Inspector Nick Torborg and MPD command staff for a presentation on crime data and emerging trends in Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis. For information and how to RSVP, click here.
The Mill Yard Art Opening: Form, Figure and Firework
April 14, 4:00-6:00 pm, Stonebridge Lofts, 1120 S 2nd St
Join an opening reception to welcome new artists to the Mill Yard. Artists include Kristi Abbott, collage;
Julie Allen, watercolor; Alexandria Mooney Jones, firework; Solvei Stohl, photography and linocut prints; Peter Stohl, ink and watercolor; Donna Ray, ceramics. Beverages provided; Chimborazo food truck will be on site to purchase food.
Author Event: Christopher P. Lehman
April 18, 7:00–8:30 pm, Mill City Museum, 704 S 2nd St
Join Minnesota Book Award winning author Christopher P. Lehman as he premieres his new book, It Took Courage: Eliza Winston's Quest for Freedom. Lehman uncovers the story of Winston's first forty-two years and her long struggle to obtain her freedom. For thirty-one years she was enslaved by the family of President Andrew Jackson. Winston's experience demonstrates the lengths to which a person would go to escape slavery, attempting to work both outside and inside the flawed and inequitable laws of the time, until finally receiving justice. Free. For information and to register, click 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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