Greetings Mill City Commons Members & Friends,



In my various encounters this past week, many people were lamenting the closing of the Stone Arch Bridge. It is a treasured icon that requires some much needed work to stay standing for the next 35 years and beyond.

As I took my last early morning stroll across this bridge...my friend, I was reminded of the million of footsteps it has endured for years. The countless turning wheels of bikes, strollers, skate boards and roller blades. The marriage proposals and weddings it witnessed. Graduation photos, musicians playing, four-legged meet-ups, and a spontaneous dinner of 400 (Dinner in White). The union of the west and east side of the mighty Mississippi. This strong, beautiful structure has held us all up. She never talked back, judged us or lost her strength.

The time has come that we must now build her back up, give her some additional strength and thank her for holding us up for so many years.

At MCC we cherish the steps we take together, the wheels we share to get around and the programs we develop and learn from. Are you ready to build some community strength? Come join us! We have built a structure and organization that connects us all...don't wait! Let's go!

Margaret McDonald, Executive Director

(612) 455-3329, 1201 W River Pkwy, Suite 217C, Minneapolis, MN 55454

Please Join Us in Welcoming Our New Members!

Please welcome our spring trial members!

Jerrold and Linda Anderson

Valerie Golden

Minda Holst

John Kostouros

Robert Lazear

James Rovner

Sonny Taylor

Daphne Webb

And welcome back to returning member Julie Corty!

A reminder that if you'd like to reach out to our members, their contact information is listed in the Member Directory after you log in to the website. You can search by first or last name or by building name (enter in the address field).

New members have a yellow name badge with a new member sticker indicating that they are new. Seek them out and introduce yourself and tell them what your membership means to you!

Our Upcoming Programs and Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

Morning Mixer

Saturdays, April 20 and 27, 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 20 and here for April 27; guests email MCC.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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:

• Program Committee, April 25
• Membership Committee, May 13
• Board Meeting, May 15

Around Town

Westminster Town Hall Forum: China: Beyond Socialism and Capitalism

April 26, 12:00 pm, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave

Join Dr. Keyu Jin who argues that to understand China, people in the West need to ask different questions. Asking how quickly or even if China will eventually function the same as the U.S. in terms economics and politics is unproductive. China has its own systems and culture that will likely never fit a Western model. That doesn't mean you can't understand them. Doors open at 11 am and music begins at 11:30 am. For more information, click here.

Artist Talk: 2024 Minnesota Book Artist Award

April 24, 7:00–8:30 pm, Open Book Performance Hall, 1011 Washington Ave S

Hear from 2024 Minnesota Book Artist Award winner Vesna Kittelson about her new book Letters to AmeriKaat. Vesna Kittelson’s work is based on a decades-long imaginary conversation between Kittelson and American culture. As described by the artist, “the dialogue has been about everything, but especially my trying to understand the meaning of democracy and (absence of) justice for immigrants.” 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.

Margaret McDonald, Executive Director, margaretmcdonald@millcitycommons.org

Mary Texidor, Business and Member Services Admin, marytexidor@millcitycommons.org

Jane Stacy, Program and Events Manager, janestacy@millcitycommons.org

(612) 455-3329