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 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 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 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 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 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 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 in the program description after logging in.

Music is powerful. It has the ability to transport us to a specific time and place as well as influence our mood instantly. Music can enhance the function of neural networks, slow the heart rate, lower blood pressure, and reduce levels of stress hormones and inflammatory cytokines. In fact, scientists have found that music stimulates more parts of the brain than any other human function. Join us for an interesting evening as MacPhail Music for Life Teaching Artist Andrea Leap gives us a deeper look at the health benefits that music can provide. We will also learn about opportunities offered through the Music for Life program for adults 55+ at MacPhail Center for Music.

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

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.

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 - Lynette Lamb, Hart Nelsen and Peter Lefferts- 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.

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 members Peggy Weber and Bob Whitlock share that their niece, Jane Whitlock, will be a speaker at an upcoming program that may interest members. On Thursday, January 21, from 6:00-8:00 pm, Jane and other guests will present on "What is a Death Doula?" The program seeks to give you a better understanding of what a death doula is, and how they can provide support while navigating the uncharted waters of dying and death. There will be an information panel discussion, followed by an opportunity to ask questions. Click here for more information and to register.

MCC member Joan Wright shares that Westminster’s interim organist Kenneth Vigne will be joined by four other organists in the Twin Cities to present a monthly series of mini-organ recitals streaming from January through May. Each performer will play on their own instrument in their own church, offering a closer look at five of the great organs in the Twin Cities metro area. Each recital will consist of a 20-minute program and a short interview, streamed on Westminster’s streaming site. Kenneth Vigne will start the series on January 24 at 2:00 pm, exploring the various colors of the 85-rank, 4-manual M. P. Möller organ Opus 11458 at Westminster. For more information, click here.

MCC member Peg Kavaney recommends listening to this inspiring rendition of We Shall Overcome that she found on Choral Stream.

Through an integrated network of community organizations and health systems, Juniper has made research-proven programs available to people throughout the state. Juniper offers small group classes, live online, that will help you stay active, independent and feeling your best. Classes are offered in three categories: Live Well, Get Fit and Prevent Falls. Classes include Walk with Ease, Living Well with Chronic Conditions, Tai Ji Quan and more. Learn more here.

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.

Are you looking for a one-time volunteer opportunity to work on before Valentine's Day? A Herd for Hugs is looking for volunteers to create a craft for children in foster care or adults in care centers. Download a basic pattern and materials list and follow along with online videos to complete the project. For more information and to sign up for the opportunity, click here.

Do you have questions about Medicare or other issues that would help you live your best life? The Senior LinkAge Line® has answers, and they're ready to help. If you currently have a Medicare Advantage Plan, you have an opportunity to make a change during the Medicare Advantage Enrollment Period, now through March 31. Senior LinkAge Line can work with you in the following ways:

“E Pluribus Unum” – American Revolutions with Alan Taylor

The American Revolution is often portrayed as a high-minded, orderly event whose capstone, the Constitution, provided the nation its democratic framework. But the United States’ creation story was far more violent, dangerous, and precarious. Join Alan Taylor, who has twice won the Pulitzer Prize in History, most recently for The Internal Enemy, as he explores the diverse and divergent currents that have long shaped our nation. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.

This "tour" of the Landscape Stories exhibition by the artists will include questions and answers. To sign up for this Virtual Artists' Talk and receive an invitation link, please email formandcontent@gmail.com. For information on the exhibit, 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