May 12, 2020 Update from the Executive Director

Greetings Mill City Commons members and friends, “What can nature teach us about living with strength, vulnerability, and grace during these challenging times?” A provocative question posed by CreativeMornings Global for the month of May . Artist and activist Naima Penniman shared the oak tree’s secret to resilience, “Instead of digging its roots deep and solitary into the earth, the oak tree grows its roots wide and interlocks with other oak trees in the surrounding area." Mill City Commons community is much like an oak tree. Take some time to observe your natural surroundings this week and reflect on what you can learn about adapting and building strong support systems with MCC. Flowers are blooming everywhere and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is now open for pre-scheduled driving tours. You won’t be able to stop and smell the roses but you will be able to see the glorious gardens. Listen to the Bell Museum's description of Minnesota’s spring flora and plan your own botanical exploration. Whatever you discover, we would love to hear your thoughts and see any pictures of natural beauty that inspired you. When you come back inside, take time to review the new additions to the May calendar . Tomorrow Mill City Farmer’s Market founder, Brenda Langton, will join MCC to talk about the safety practices and updates to the weekend market. Check below for the upcoming listings of many other fascinating lectures as well as new wellness programs starting this morning with COVID-19 Updates and Q&A with Dr. Michael Brennan followed by Strength, Balance & Stretch Classes and next week a Meditation Circle . Another opportunity for self-care can be found through the digital “Care Package” curated by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center with a goal to inspire, heal and support. Let nature be your guide this week! MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give. ~ Elise Linehan (612) 455-3329, 125 Main Street SE, #339, Minneapolis, MN 55414

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Upcoming Virtual Programs and Events

Virtual via Zoom: SBS (Strength, Balance & Stretch) Class Tuesdays & Thursdays, starting today, 3:00-3:45 pm Your own home via Zoom An exclusive opportunity (and great deal!) for MCC members, this twice-weekly Zoom class focuses on strength, balance and stretching to keep you fit and strong. Please register by contacting G-Werx Fitness at (612) 767-4415. Cost: $20-25 per class, depending on commitment. MCC members should contact G-Werx to register for the class. The Zoom link will be sent to you via G-Werx.

Virtual via Zoom: Overview of the Metropolitan Council: Q&A with Charlie Zelle Tuesday, May 12, 4:00 - 5:00 pm Your own home via Zoom Join us as Chairman Charlie Zelle provides an overview of the Metropolitan Council, including a brief history of the founders, mission, essential services, funding and infrastructure. He will also talk about the Council’s coordination with municipalities and the geographic area they cover, how disputes are mitigated/resolved, current challenges, and notable accomplishments. MCC members sign up here . The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.

Virtual via Zoom: Mill City Farmer's Market - Open for Business Wednesday, May 13, 2:00 - 3:00 pm Your own home via Zoom A favorite among MCC members, the Mill City Farmer's Market is back in action. Last week the market held their first Saturday market of the 2020 season. Hear from founder, Brenda Langton, on COVID-19 health and safety measures when attending the market, new and returning vendors of interest, and other ways we can continue to support the success of the market. MCC members sign up here . The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.

Virtual via Zoom: Men's Coffee and Conversation Thursday, May 14, 7:30 - 8:30 am Your own home via Zoom 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. MCC member Roger Hale leads the discussion on "Tennant at 150." Tennant Co, where Roger spent his entire 38-year career, 23 as CEO, is one of the very oldest independent companies in MN...if not the oldest and is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. Roger will give a brief description of its history and especially its survival turning point in the 1930’s. MCC members sign up here ; guests email MCC . The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.

Virtual via Zoom: Internment of Japanese Americans During WWII: A Personal Story Thursday, May 14, 7:00 - 8:30 pm Your own home via Zoom Nearly 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were incarcerated in concentration camps in the western interior of the United States during World War II. Sixty-two percent of the internees were U.S. citizens, including the parents of John H. Suzukida. Suzukida will speak about his parents’ experiences during WWII. His presentation will include historical context and quotes from his parents describing their time of internment, postwar resettlement, and assimilation back into society. MCC members sign up here . The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.

Spring Birding Friday, May 15 & 22, 7:30 - 9:00 am Locations available on the website Celebrate spring with a series of five bird-watching walks along the river or Minneapolis lakes! We hope to see migrating warblers and other songbirds. Gregg Severson, naturalist with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, will lead the walks. Participants must bring their own binoculars and field guides, if you have them. Locations for the walks to be announced each week. NOTE: You don’t have to be a serious birder to participate—this is a chance to learn! And these are not strenuous hikes but rather easy walks with lots of stopping. NOTE: Due to physical distancing guidelines, this event is limited to ten participants. Registration is now closed for May 15. To register for the May 22 walk, MCC members sign up here . Location of each walk is on the program description and will be included in your confirmation email.

Virtual via Zoom: Great Decisions: China's Road to Latin America Monday, May 18, 7:00 - 8:30 pm Your own home via Zoom As the Trump administration continues to withdraw from the world stage, China is looking to fill the void. How does Latin America fit into China’s “One Belt, One Road” plan? How will the relationship with China affect the region? Should the U.S. be concerned about China’s growing “sphere of influence”? Presented by Duncan McCampbell. MCC Great Decisions members sign up here . The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.

Virtual via Zoom: Meditation Circle Tuesday, May 19, 9:30 - 10:30 am Your own home via Zoom Mill City Commons members are invited to join this drop-in meditation hour via Zoom. Led by Terry Pearson, RPh, MBA, the gathering will include a breathing-focused meditation, yoga/stretching, and a loving kindness-focused meditation. About Terry Terry has more than 30 years of clinical experience in healthcare, including working as a pharmacist. Terry is the first certified Mind Body Stress Reduction (MBSR) instructor in Minnesota, having completed a practicum of professional training in MBSR with Jon Kabat-Zinn. She also completed an Advanced MBSR Teacher Training, at the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. She was one of the forces behind the initiation of the MBSR course at the University of Minnesota, Center for Spirituality & Healing in 2004 and currently serves as lead facilitator. Terry began meditating in 1995 when she was serving as an Advanced Business Advisor Volunteer with the Peace Corps in Zimbabwe, Africa. MCC members sign up here . The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.

Virtual via Zoom: Distance Funerals, Complicated Grief - How to Gather/Grieve in COVID-19 Tuesday, May 19, 2:00 - 3:30 pm Your own home via Zoom The good work of grief is hard enough, but when losses are heaped upon losses, things get complicated (for example when a global pandemic disrupts health, family, work, faith and community structures). Join us to hear from a social worker and 2 chaplains (all 3 of whom design and lead funerals) about adapting the ancient strategies of grief and mourning. We’ll discuss the realities of complicated grief and key compassionate responses -- for individuals, families, communities, and the world. This interactive Zoom session will include formal presentation and small group discussion. MCC members sign up here . The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.

Virtual via Zoom: Current Events: A Conversation with Bill Wednesday, May 20, 10:30 - 11:30 am Your own home via Zoom 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 lead a discussion on "U.S. Politics Affects the World, and How Do You Pronounce G-2?" There will be both presentation and discussion. This ongoing program is held on the third Wednesday of the month. Topic ideas for each monthly gathering are welcome. MCC members sign up here . The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.

Virtual via Zoom: MCC Women Connect Thursday, May 21, 2:00 - 3:30 pm Your own home via Zoom How did your personality and life events shape your career? MCC member Susan Hartman will share stories about her two decades leading CONNECT/US-Russia and what her own life events were that led her to this work. As always, members will be encouraged to share their own stories. 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 2:00-3:30 p.m., on the third Thursday. MCC members sign up here . The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.

Virtual via Zoom: Minn Post: The Legislature Has Gone Home - What Happened, Why and What's Next? Thursday, May 21, 7:00 - 8:00 pm Your own home via Zoom Due to COVID-19, the current Minnesota legislative session has been unlike any other. Join MinnPost’s State government reporter Peter Callaghan about what happened, why and what we can expect next. MCC member Peter Hutchinson will host this important conversation. MCC members sign up here . The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.

Virtual via Zoom: COVID-19: Updates and Q&A with Michael Brennan Tuesday, May 26, 9:30 - 10:30 am Your own home via Zoom As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, MCC Member and retired physician Michael Brennan is keeping a close watch on all medical and health developments put forth by the CDC, NIH and MN Department of Public Health. Join us for this every-other-week meeting where Michael will share the most recent information available, his perspective of how to keep ourselves safe and healthy, and answer questions. MCC members sign up here . The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.

Virtual via Zoom: Last Tuesday Happy Hour Tuesday, May 26, 5:00 - 6:00 pm Your own home via Zoom Join us for a Virtual Last Tuesday Happy Hour. Make a drink at home and catch up with friends and neighbors via Zoom. No registration required. The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in.

‌ Click here to view the full (printable) May calendar.

Ongoing Social Activities

Dutch Treat Social Hour Mondays, 4:00-5:00 pm Your own home via Zoom Drop in for an afternoon coffee or drink and a casual chat. No registration required. Click here for the Zoom link.

Rendezvous on 5 Wednesdays, 9:00-10:00 am Your own home via Zoom Drop in and join your friends and neighbors for a morning chat over Zoom. No registration required. Click here for the Zoom link.

Men's Dutch Lunch Alternating Thursdays, 11:30 am-12:30 pm Your own home via Zoom This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Click here for the Zoom link.

Community Care Activities

MCC Caregivers' Support Group 2nd and 4th Wednesdays, May-August, 10:30-12:00 pm A way to support members and non-members who are in a caregiving role. For more information, please use the "Contact Mary Texidor" button below. Members will be contacted with a Zoom link to join the meeting. 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.

Contact Mary Texidor for Community Care Activities

News From Members

Interested in Yoga or Tai Chi? MCC member Barbara Goldner shares that Debbie Cohen is offering free online classes through MHealth Fairview Integrative Psychiatry and Wellness Program. On Thursdays, enjoy 30 minutes of Tai Chi from noon-12:30 pm, followed by 30 minutes of Yoga (12:30-1:00 pm). Click here just before noon on Thursdays to join the class. On Fridays, Debbie is offering a yoga class from 8:30-9:30 am; the class is free but you can also consider offering a donation to the cause of your choice. Contact the MCC office for the Zoom link. If you want to see a recording of last week's yoga session, click here, and here for the recording of the tai chi/yoga class. MCC members Anne Carayon and Karla Ekdahl shares that the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is going virtual this year. The film festival runs from May 15-23. For FAQs on the virtual film festival and a list of films that will be featured, click here. MCC member Peggy Lucas wants to know: what restaurants have you enjoyed getting takeout from? If you respond to the office, we'll post the restaurant recommendations in next week's Musings! Send your suggestions to info@millcitycommons.org. Let's support local businesses! MCC Executive Director Elise Linehan shares Strolls Through the Streets, a guide about more than 40 venues throughout the City of Minneapolis that you can enjoy without having to enter the building. You’ll find interesting architectural facts about each place and how organizations are responding to the pandemic. Venues are organized by neighborhood. Click here to check it out. MCC member Sonia Cairns reports that John Gordon, Executive Director of the ACLU, gave an informative and provocative presentation last week setting the stage for us to learn and discuss the context in which voter suppression is occurring. If you would like to get a copy of the powerpoint John shared, please contact MCC. The ACLU protects and promotes civil liberties in Minnesota. They are acting on legislation and in the courts to thwart efforts to deny voting rights to many. In June, the ACLU-MN Liberty Awards and benefit will be held virtually on Wednesday, June 3, 4:30-6:30 pm. Register here or email mmiller@aclu-mn.org if you are interested in attending. MCC member Allan Burdick reports that the April 30 Men's Coffee and Conversation guest speaker, Dan Johnson, shared some resources on mental illness. Click here to view them.

MCC Climate Change Work Group Update  Climate tip of the week: Protect our forests and plant more trees The biggest and best method of reducing greenhouse gases is to protect our forests and plant more trees. A research team at ETH Zurich has compiled some fascinating figures: Two thirds of man-made CO2 emissions could be removed from our atmosphere if we were to reforest 900 million hectares of forests worldwide. Forest restoration “isn’t just one of our climate change solutions, it is overwhelmingly the top one,” said the lead scientist, climate change ecologist Tom Crowther. But we should not only focus on reforestation measures, but also stop the deforestation of huge areas at the same time. Beyond the logging and destruction of our forests, in the past year we have seen a dramatic loss of forests due to wildfires.

MCC Members' Corner

Did you know... ~That MCC has a Medical Equipment Loan Program for its members? 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, walker, cane and grabber to choose from. ~That the First Stop Guide has member-recommended service providers? If you're looking for a dentist, tech support, a personal trainer or more, you can find it here. You can send your recommendations to Mary Texidor.

COVID-19 Go to MCC's COVID-19 Response page to see resources, Zoom tutorials and recommendations from members on things to do while staying at home. Volunteer Opportunities Click here for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC website. Forums Have an extra ticket to an event? Want to talk about the latest movie? Use our member forums to connect with other members.

Have some down time? Help us! ~Send us a short biography (3-5 sentences) for your profile on the MCC website so other members can get to know you (feel free to attach an updated photo, too). ~ Take our survey to help us coordinate connections without infections. ~We would also appreciate it if you took this survey about MCC virtual programming.

COVID-19 Corner

~Hennepin County Library has opened some branches for curbside pickup of books, DVDs, and other library materials. Click here for the list of branches. When you find a book you want to check out, you can simply select the curbside location that works best for you (more details here). Note: there are currently no branches accepting book returns at this time. ~The MCC Men's Dutch Lunch group was interested in hearing more about pulse oximeters and how they can be used to measure blood oxygen saturation. They also referenced an article about the 1918 influenza and its impact on the Mayo Clinic. For more information, click here.

Zoom In and Join Us Please Note: Everyone will need to update to Zoom 5.0 before May 30. If you do not update before then, you will be forced to update before joining a Zoom meeting after the 30th. For a tutorial on updating the Zoom app on a Mac, click here. If you need any help accessing Zoom, we have a tech consultant who is willing to help at no cost to you. Please contact the MCC office to learn more. Check out our guides featuring Zoom tips  for computers and laptops as well as iPads to get you comfortable with the controls. Click here to see a video tutorial for Mac users created by Kea at Tech Tutor MN. All of our Zoom tutorials can be found on the MCC website under the COVID-19 response page (found here ). Programs with speakers require registration online. Zoom links can be found in the program descriptions after you log in to the MCC website. Closed groups will coordinate sending Zoom links to participants individually via email with Bethany Boom.

Contact Us Elise Linehan, Executive Director, eliselinehan@millcitycommons.org Mary Texidor, Business and Member Services Admin, marytexidor@millcitycommons.org Bethany Boom, Program and Events Manager, bethanyboom@millcitycommons.org (612) 455-3329