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Greetings Mill City Commons Members and Friends,
This is a moment...this is the last time I will be writing to all of you. I have made the decision to step away from Mill City Commons...the future is unknown by choice, and I can't wait to see what and who shows up.
Watching President Biden step aside and allow Kamala Harris this opportunity to step up was amazing to witness. It reminded me that we are all here for just a moment. It made me think how important it is to be doing truly what you love, to be spending time with those you love, because people move on. Time flies and age comes for all of us.
I've always wanted to say, "I did what I wanted to do. I did what I loved. No regrets." And the only thing left is to lift up someone else who is more then capable of continuing what has been started.
I'm thrilled to report that Mary Texidor will be stepping into the Executive Director position beginning in September. Mary has worked tirelessly for MCC the past 10 years and is the perfect person to move into this role. This is her moment.
So as I close out this chapter, I first thank you for this amazing opportunity. Secondly, this is your moment too! Do not wait as long as I did to give yourself time off to reflect, to connect with others and most important with yourself. We are the ones not just we've been waiting for, but our community has been waiting for.
Come on, let's go and have us some joy!
Be Kind. Stay Curious.
Margaret McDonald, Executive Director
(612) 455-3329, 1201 W River Pkwy, Suite 217C, Minneapolis, MN 55454
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Welcome MCC's Newest Members! | |
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Please join us in welcoming our newest members:
Clint Page and Dorothy Webb
To reach out to new members, go to the Member Directory and search by first or last name. At programs, new members have yellow name tags so seek them out to introduce yourself!
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Three-Month Trial Membership Opportunity | |
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Not a member? Try us out!
We understand the importance of strong social connections and belonging. Join Mill City Commons for $150 and attend unlimited programs from September 1-November 30, access trusted online resources and rely on courteous and friendly staff.
Learn more here or sign up by visiting our website. Fill in the online form and you'll hear back from our staff with next steps to become a part of our membership community.
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Our Upcoming Programs and Events | |
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: 911 Call Center
Tuesday, August 20, 1:00 - 2:00 pm
City Hall in front of the Father of the Waters Statue, 315 Fourth Street S
How does a 911 Call Center work? Who are the people who answer those calls? Join us for a tour of the 911 Call Center. This is an outstanding opportunity to learn all about 911 Operations. We will learn about how 911 works with MPD, HCSO, Fire, and other agencies. We will have the opportunity to speak with call takers and fire and police dispatchers and to watch them handle 911 calls. We will meet at 12:45 pm at City Hall on 315 Fourth Street South in front of the Father of the Waters statue. Because this tour is in partnership with Aileen Johnson and her Neighborhood Safety Clubs there is a registration limit for our MCC members of 10 people.
MCC members sign up here.
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Men's Breakfast
Thursday, August 22, 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.
Bob Berkwitz will be talking about working for Curt Carlson at our August 22 breakfast. Curt Carlson owned Carson Companies, Inc., which he started after creating one of the early trading stamp businesses and grew by developing the Radisson hotel chain, TGI Fridays, Carlson- Wagon-lit Travel and many other companies. He was a creative entrepreneur in the classic sense. His philanthropy included what became the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota. Berkwitz worked at Carlson Companies, Inc. from 1972 until 2000 and then consulted for about five years after he retired. Bob will talk about this remarkable man and share stories of their time working together.
MCC members sign up here.
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Let's Play Mah Jongg
Friday, August 23, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
MCC Office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd floor
Join us for a fun morning of 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/. Sign up early, and bring a guest. Have fun and learn as we go, playing at tables of 4, 3, or 2 Please make sure that you bring your NMJL card with you. If you have a set of Mah Jongg tiles and racks, please bring them with you as well.
This event is limited to 15 participants. Registration closes at Noon on August 22.
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.
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Morning Mixer
Saturdays, August 24 and 31, 9:00 - 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: Breakfasts are outside as long as the temperature is at least 50 degrees. If bad weather, 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 August 24 and here for August 31; guests email MCC.
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Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, August 27, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE
Join MCC members Jim and Tomie Conaway at Elsie's Restaurant for August's Last Tuesday Happy Hour from 5:00-6:00 pm. Catch up with friends and neighbors over small bites and Dutch treat drinks. We will be meeting in the bar area.
Parking is adjacent in Elsie's lot.
MCC members sign up here.
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Dining Around the Neighborhood: Midtown Global Market
Thursday, August 29, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Midtown Global Market, 920 E Lake St
Join us as we embark on a once-a-month culinary experience at a very different ethnic experience in the city. This month, get ready for a culinary journey through the many different flavors offered at the Midtown Global Market, some of which include Jamaican, Mexican, and Moroccan. This Dutch treat event is open to everyone, and all are encouraged to attend. Grab your meal from the restaurant of your choice and join back up in the main food court area to sit together. Look for a red balloon to spot our table.
Parking: There is a ramp at 10th Avenue and Lake Street. One Hour FREE parking with purchase. There is also a metered lot on Elliot Avenue, as well as on-street metered parking. Carpooling is recommended.
Registration closes at Noon on Tuesday, August 27.
MCC members sign up here.
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Pop Up Picnic
Tuesday, September 3, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Gold Medal Park, Meet behind the Gold Medal sign across from 2nd St and 10th Ave
Grab your lawn chair and a bag lunch and meet us at Gold Medal Park. We will gather behind the Gold Medal sign on 2nd Street and 10th Avenue.
MCC members sign up here.
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Caregivers' Support Group
Meets twice a month in four month series, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
This guided discussion group with professional facilitation supports MCC members and nonmembers who are in a caregiving role for a spouse, partner or other family member. Caregivers’ Support Group members share experiences, issues and concerns about caregiving, as well as give and receive support around this critical role. The group meets in person, with an option for hybrid if necessary.
Contact Mary Texidor at marytexidor@millcitycommons.org if you are interested, know someone who may be interested, or if you want to learn more.
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The Depot Dutch Treat Social Hour
Mondays, The Depot, 4:30-5:30 pm
Drop in for an afternoon coffee or drink and a casual chat. Note: Contact the MCC office if you plan to attend for the first time.
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Aster Cafe's Patio Dutch Treat Social Hour
Tuesdays, Aster Cafe Patio, 4:30-5:30 pm
Drop in for an afternoon coffee or drink and a casual chat. Note: Contact the MCC office if you plan to attend for the first time.
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Wednesday Morning Coffee
Wednesdays,
9:00-10:00 am
Drop in and join your friends and neighbors for a morning chat at C.R.E.A.M Cafe
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Play Readers
Specific Wednesdays
6:30-9:30 pm
Our 2024-25 season of six readings will run September-May. If you'd like to join the Play Readers or be added to the sub list, please email Jane Stacy.
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River Walkers
Thursdays,
9:00-10:00 am
Riverside of Owamni Restaurant
All levels of walkers are welcome for this early morning walk along the banks of the Mississippi River.
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MCC Community Care Resources | |
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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. Contact the MCC office to learn more about future openings in the group.
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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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Medical Equipment Loan Program
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, cane, bed assist rail, wheelchair, grabber and walker available.
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First Stop Guide
MCC's First Stop Guide has invaluable member-recommended service providers. If you're looking for a dentist, tech support, a personal trainer, healthcare provider or more, you can find it here.
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News From and For Members | |
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Upcoming MCC meetings:
- Program Committee, August 27
- All Chairs Meeting, September 4
- Marketing Committee, September 9 & 16
- Membership Committee, September 9
- Board Meeting, September 18
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State Capitol Complex Archeology Tour
Many dates including August 21 & 23, various times, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd St. Paul
A team of archaeologists are at work near the Minnesota State Capitol performing excavations to assess the archaeological potential of the area and determine if archaeological features and cultural material from St. Paul’s diverse history could still remain below the surface. This information will be used to synthesize the buried past of St. Paul and to evaluate National Register eligibility for a potential Minnesota State Capitol Mall Historic District. Click here for tickets and more information.
Unrest in Ecuador: Post-Election Challenges
August 28, 10:00-11:30 am, virtual
As the youngest elected president in Ecuador’s history, President Daniel Noboa is determined to pave a new way forward for a country in crisis. Ecuador, a country with a rich history, vibrant cultural landscape and incredible geographic diversity, was one of the safest countries in Latin America as recently as 2019. In the last year, Ecuador has faced rising tension and gang violence, including a sharp increase in homicides and an on-air takeover of an influential TV news station this past January. With elections scheduled for February 2025, he has less than a year to address the nation’s security challenges while navigating diplomatic frictions and a struggling economy. Join Global Minnesota and Glaeldys González Calanche, the Giustra Fellow for the Latin America and Caribbean Program of the International Crisis Group for a virtual webinar breaking down the challenges facing Ecuador, as well as the possibilities and opportunities for a positive future in Ecuador. Register here.
The Best of Both Worlds: Scandinavian-Latin Fusion Cuisine with Chef Amalia
August 29, 5:00-6:30 pm, Norway House, 913 E Franklin Ave
Explore the exciting fusion of Scandinavian and Latin American artisan cuisines in this dynamic lecture-style class led by renowned chef Amalia Moreno-Damgaard. Through engaging storytelling and live cooking demonstrations, discover the creative blending of Nordic simplicity with Latin zest, resulting in innovative and exciting dishes. Join us for a unique culinary experience that will expand your palate and inspire your taste buds! This session will feature a delicious small plate tasting experience expertly paired with the evening's intriguing menu, including mocktails and libations, ensuring a flavorful and immersive culinary journey for all participants. $95. For more 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.
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