Are you new to meditation or have you been practicing a while? Either way, attending this class is a wonderful act of self-care. Enjoy an hour of guided meditation including body scans, breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and heartfelt discussion/reflection. Give yourself time to pause on worries and the never-ending to-do list and enjoy the company of fellow MCC members who are seeking a more mindful and relaxed state of being. This course has been surprisingly impactful, even on Zoom. Leader: Terry Pearson will provide guided meditation via zoom.

Fee: An additional fee of $10.25 is required for this class to cover instructor costs. Please see the full description online for the attendance/cancellation policy.

MCC members sign up here. Registered members will receive the Zoom link in their confirmation email.

Kim Kane joins us to examine how living a life through the lens of gratitude allows us to be our best selves, even in the times we feel challenged. This uplifting and encouraging program is filled with humor, stories and positive takeaways; such as tips and strategies for living a grateful lifestyle, even in times when we may not feel as grateful as we would like (hello pandemic!). Highlights include a re-cap of 2020, the effects it had on many of us, and ways we can continue to move positively forward. Leave the program filled with encouragement and a sense of optimism.

Kim Kane has been in the educational field for the past 32 years; most recently as dean of students within a large, suburban high school. Kim is also a 35-year national trainer/presenter on a variety of topics including; education, chemical dependency, stress reduction, mindfulness practices, and most recently on women, aging and living in gratitude. She has entertained and informed many all around the country.

MCC members sign up here. The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in.

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.

During these strange times when we are more-or-less house-bound, many members are sorting through decades of photos. Others say they are writing about incidents that happened in their lives. Join us as three members - Mary Moos, Susan Plimpton and Ellen Breyer - share unique experiences in their lives that had some staying power with each of them over the years. It will be a time to ponder whether you can relate to their stories, or perhaps, be prompted to write one of your own.

MCC members sign up here. The Zoom link can be found in the program description after logging in.

Please note: Due to conflicting timing of the Inauguration, we have changed the time for this program to a start time of 4 pm. 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 discuss "America Changes Presidents — The World Rearranges Relationships." There will be both presentation and discussion.

MCC members sign up here. The Zoom link can be found here in the program description after logging in.

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. Please register by the Monday prior to Men's Coffee and Conversation. This week, MCC member Mike Fronk will discuss "50 Years in Business—Quandaries.” It will cover a sampling of significant dilemmas he faced during his business career, in both Fortune 500 companies and his own small business.

MCC members sign up here; guests email MCC. The Zoom link can be found here in the program description after logging in.

This month, MCC member Lou Burdick will lead an exercise in self-definition using only five words in a single sentence...or five individual words each of which reveal something about you and/or your life's journey. Would your five words now be the same as your five words in other times of your life? And if we have time, we'll share five words that describe our best characteristics or those characteristics that we value in our best friends.

MCC members sign up here. The Zoom link can be found here in the program description after logging in.

Rebranding an organization can be tricky and involves way more than just a fancy new logo and hoping for the best. Have you ever wondered what goes into a rebrand process? Renowned Minneapolis designer Joe Duffy (Duffy Design Group), gives us a case-study look at why and how DeLaSalle chose to rebrand. Joe will share the thoughtful process he underwent, the historical research he did, and the people he engaged along the way to help revitalize the 120 year-old school’s identity.

MCC members sign up here. The Zoom link can be found here in the program description after logging in.

Just how much have smart phones and social networks impacted our lives? Is it all bad? Join us as we discuss The Social Dilemma. This movie is available to watch on Netflix.

MCC members sign up here. The Zoom link can be found here in the program description after logging in.

The Minneapolis City Charter is the basis for the structure of our city government and has garnered much attention in recent weeks and months. Join us as former Minneapolis Mayor, RT Rybak, shares his perspective on whether and how the charter should be changed to make city government more effective for the future.

MCC members sign up here. The Zoom link can be found here in the program description after logging in.

Summit Academy’s mission is to assist individuals in developing their ability to earn and to become contributing citizens in their community. Their fundamental belief is the best social service program in the world is a job. Join us as President & CEO Louis J. King II shares Summit’s vision and the many success stories and contributions it has made to the North Minneapolis Community. You can visit their website here.

MCC members sign up here. The Zoom link can be found here in the program description after logging in.

The Tell Me A Story program is back—but we need YOU! Since June, members have been sharing high points, low points, and intriguing and uplifting stories from their lives to enthusiastic response from members. Help us continue this great zoom program that helps us get to know one another a little bit better, especially when we can’t be together in person. There’s no limit to what you might tell – or read. What facet of your life would help us know you better if we heard your story? We would like to find storytellers for March and beyond.

Email Bethany Boom to sign up for a March story slot, or suggest a month that would work for you.

Click here for the Zoom link.

Drop in and join your friends and neighbors for a morning chat over Zoom. Click here for the Zoom link.

Click here for the Zoom link.

MCC member Will Craig wants members to know that they can access Gold Mind, a library of nearly 200 interesting and educational videos. Will wrote this article for the University of Minnesota Retirees Association, which has its own growing collection of videos, accessible to all. The easiest path to Gold Mind is www.UMNAlumni.org/GoldMind. Some of the topics covered are arts & culture, diversity & inclusion, environment, family, finance, health & wellness and history.

MCC member Peggy Lucas shares this video to start off the new year.

If you are 50 years of age or older and generally inactive (less than 1.5 hours of physical activity per week), you may qualify for the Y-U Study which is testing two new online educational programs. There is no cost for taking part and YMCA members AND non-members are welcome. This study is a collaboration between the YMCA of the North and the University of Minnesota. Participant screenings will continue through January but spaces are limited so don't hesitate to reach out and see if you qualify. Interested in learning more? Visit www.csh.umn.edu/YUstudy, email y-u@umn.edu, or call (612) 626-2224.

Instead of keeping your house a constant 70 degrees, invest in an automatic thermostat, which can cost as little as $25. Higher-end smart thermostats like the Nest or Ecobee can customize your temperatures so you're not using too much heat when you're tucked into bed or using air conditioning when no one is home. Adjusting your thermostat to run 2 degrees cooler in the winter and 2 degrees warmer in the summer is also a way to fight climate change. You likely won’t notice much of a difference in your house, but the energy savings can be dramatic.

Gallery One at TractorWorks is pleased to welcome 2021 with two exhibitions – photography by Steve Ozone and abstract and contemporary paintings by Jodi Reeb. Free and open to the public. Masks and social distancing required. For information, click here.

Film Screening: MLK/FBI

Join the MSP Film Society for a special We the People: Required Watching FREE advance screening of MLK/FBI and live conversation with Director Sam Pollard.T he documentary explores the government’s history of targeting Black activists, and the contested meaning behind some of our most cherished ideals. Acclaimed filmmaker Sam Pollard tells this astonishing and tragic story with searing relevance to our current moment. Watch the movie anytime on January 13 and register separately to join the 7 pm discussion. Click here for tickets.

Enjoy a night with your best friend, your significant other, or a fellow foodie who want to celebrate and explore new food experiences. Cooks of Crocus Hill is offering virtual hands-on classes led by a trained chef who will create an experience that's fun and engaging, and where everyone learns a few tips and tricks, from the comfort of your home kitchen. The evening comes to an end with a meal including Grilled Eggplant with Spicy Chickpeas and Walnut Sauce; Lamb and Feta Meatballs with Pomegranate Molasses over Sesame Flatbreads; Minty Cucumber Salad. For details, 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.

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