May 19, 2020 Update from the Executive Director
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Greetings Mill City Commons members and friends,
You don’t need to travel the world for memorable experiences. Look to your MCC neighborhood to make that happen. The Stay at Home Order transitioned to
Stay Safe MN and c
autious steps are being taken to move forward. The fluid situation may be stressful, and it is important to lean in to the MCC community and stay close to your connections making sure everyone keeps calm and hopeful. Take a look at the updated list of
MCC members by building
and
do something nice
for someone living alongside you.
Joy
is out there everywhere and if we sleuth it out and share it, it will come back to us a hundredfold.
Today at 2 p.m. we have an interesting program hosted by Zac Willette and two of his colleagues. They will be talking about complicated grief during COVID-19 and the challenges of not being able to gather. The topic of grief and taking care of our mental and emotional health is more important now than ever. Zac has some wonderful interactive things planned for our time together. Feel free to invite your friends who may be interested,
MCC members find the Zoom link here
. Also note several exciting new June programs are featured and the full June calendar will be available the end of this week.
Read on and happy travel dreams!
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
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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.
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Virtual via Zoom: SBS (Strength, Balance & Stretch) Class
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Spring Birding
Friday, May 22 & 29, 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 both walks. To be placed on the cancellations list, email
Bethany Boom
. Location of each walk is on the program description and will be included in your confirmation email.
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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.
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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.
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Virtual via Zoom: Fresh Energy in Minnesota
Wednesday, May 27, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Your own home via Zoom
Fresh Energy is speeding Minnesota’s transition to a clean energy economy, which will ensure that our region enjoys good health, a vibrant economy, and thriving communities today and for generations to come. Join us as Michael Noble, Fresh Energy’s Executive Director, talks with us about the organization’s history, current legislative goals and projects, economic impact in the region, environmental impact around the globe, and what we can do to ensure Minnesota continues its pathway to being a national renewable energy leader.
MCC members sign up
here
. The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.
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Virtual via Zoom: Men's Coffee and Conversation
Thursday, May 28, 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. This week's discussion leader is Steve Rothschild. Steve retired from General Mills as an Executive Vice President in 1991. Shortly thereafter, he founded Twin Cities RISE (TCR), a nonprofit focused on workforce development programs. Jeff Williams is Head Training Manager for TCR's Empowerment Institute. Steve and Jeff will describe how TCR employs cognitive therapy and emotional intelligence learning to help individuals obtain and retain jobs in its Minnesota program. They will also share how TCR has trained numerous organizations around the country in helping individuals in low income housing, mental health facilities, prison release programs, churches, and schools change their lives and achieve more success.
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.
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Virtual via Zoom: Wolves in Minnesota
Tuesday, June 2, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Your own home via Zoom
Description coming soon.
MCC members sign up
here
. The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.
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Virtual via Zoom: All I Need to Know, I Learned in Band
Wednesday, June 3, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Your own home via Zoom
Betsy McCann made history in 2016 when she became the first woman to lead a Big Ten collegiate marching band. Just last year, the University of Minnesota awarded her the President’s Community Engaged Scholar Award. Over the last four years, Betsy has learned that leading a college marching band is strikingly similar to a corporation: a collection of teams (or instrument sections), all with their own roles, specialties, and cultures, that must excel in their individual areas in order for the organization as a whole to succeed and thrive. Join us for this entertaining and informative presentation as Betsy shares historical context, challenges and successes, and fun facts about what it takes to lead the Pride of Minnesota.
MCC members sign up
here
. The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in and in your confirmation email.
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Ongoing Social Activities
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Community Care Activities
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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.
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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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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 share that the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival is virtual this year. The film festival runs from May 15-23. For FAQs on the virtual film festival and a list of films that are featured, click
here.
MCC member Will Craig notes that Steve Ozone, a local photographer and friend, created a documentary about the men who served at Camp Savage. It's called
The Registry (2018). It will be streaming on
pbs.org thru May 29 and is a great follow up to last week's program on the Internment of Japanese Americans in World War II.
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.
Elise also shares that AARP Minnesota is conducting a survey to gather ideas about what is needed to make the state more age-friendly and its communities better places to live for everyone. The feedback from the survey will be analyzed by the Governor’s Council for an Age-Friendly MN as it develops an action plan and proposes recommendations to the Governor. Take the survey
here.
MCC member Dr. Michael Brennan
, shared a
new app
that is helping fight COVID-19 with crowd sourced data. Over 12,000 people are estimated to have COVID-19 symptoms in Hennepin County today. Download the app and take a 1-minute daily survey to report how you feel. This study, created by doctors and scientists, is a way to find out where COVID hot spots are, new symptoms to look out for, and might be used as a planning tool.
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MCC Member Restaurant Recommendations
MCC member Peggy Lucas asked last week, "What restaurants have you enjoyed getting takeout from?" Below are some reader's suggestions.
Reader's recommended:
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Akis Breadhaus (German Bakery on Central Avenue with terrific pretzels)
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JUN Szechuan Kitchen and Bar (members recommend Szechuan shrimp and stir fry pea tips and note that JUN has done a fine job of providing take out with literally zero human contact)
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MCC Climate Change Work Group - Weekly Tip
Climate Change Tip of the Week: Green Your Diet- Eat Less Meat
Greening your diet doesn’t mean that everyone has to become vegan or vegetarian – even a small shift in our diet, with a reduction in meat and dairy products, and more plant-based foods instead, can significantly reduce the greenhouse gases created by agriculture. Limiting our diet to meat once a day has a substantial impact on agricultural emissions.
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MCC Member's Photos of the Week
MCC members Anne and Tom Carrier made the 3-mile drive through the Arboretum last week. Tom noted, the rule is "stay in your car and keep moving" but even with these limitations, we highly recommend it”. The tulip photo was taken by Anne and the trees are compliments of Tom.
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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.
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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.
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COVID Connections with Members
You might not want to be out and about yet, but what about checking in on your neighbors? MCC has a directory of MCC members by building. Take a look
here (requires signing in to the website) and come up with a plan to "visit" with your neighbors. Arrange a time to meet in the hallway for a physically-distanced chat, leave a note beneath their door, set up a time to all watch a movie online and then discuss on a virtual platform, etc.
Send us your ideas for connecting to other MCC members.
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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.
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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
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