Mill City Commons is a vibrant group of individuals aged 55 and above who share a passion for connection, learning, having fun, and seeking new experiences. We are engaged in the world around us and believe friendships and a sense of belonging are important. Read on to learn about the variety of opportunities for members to gather and friendships to grow. We encourage you to join us!


(612) 455-3329, 1201 W River Pkwy, Suite 217C, Minneapolis, MN 55454

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Three-Month Trial Membership Opportunity

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.

Our Upcoming Programs and Events

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 World: 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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Water Aerobics: A Fun Way to Exercise

Friday, August 30, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

4111 Penfield Court S, Afton, MN

Join us for this one-session water aerobics class at Liz and Van Hawn's home pool in Afton (35 minutes from downtown). Our own energetic MCC member, Jane Helsing, who is an active practitioner of water aerobics during her winter months in Florida, has offered to lead a class of 8 to 10 MCC members in this fun way to exercise. Participants are encouraged to bring a bag lunch if they would like to have a meal following the workout. Drinks, fruit, cookies, and bars will be supplied.


MCC members sign up here.

Morning Mixer

Saturdays, August 31 and September 7, 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 31 and here for September 7; guests email MCC.

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.

Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat

Wednesday, September 4, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Klassic's Kitchen, 428 S 2nd St

Join us to discuss this month's book, "The Friend," by Sigrid Nunez. You are welcome to join us in conversation whether or not you've read the book. 


If you'd like to read ahead, October's book is "Lady Tan's Circle of Women," by Lisa See, and November's book is "Where Rivers Part," by Kao Kalia Yang.


Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email Marsha Blumenthal.


No registration required.

Creating a Safe Passage for Children

Wednesday, September 4, 1:30 - 3:00 pm

MCC Office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd fl

Minnesota aims to be the best state in the nation for children. Yet every two weeks, a child is killed due to abuse or neglect. Many of these deaths are preventable. We can do better. We must do better. 


The Star Tribune recently published a 3-part series about the need to better protect Minnesota’s children from abuse and neglect.


While the problem is multi-faceted, many people believe the state’s child protection system is skewed too much toward protecting abusers rather than the abused. One example is interviewing children in front of their alleged abusers.


Join us as we hear from Safe Passages for Children's Interim Executive Director, Melissa DeBilzen as she discusses what the organization is doing to create meaningful changes and learn how you can help. 


MCC members sign up here.

Men's Breakfast

Thursday, September 5, 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.


Join us for an open table discussion as we enjoy breakfast together, finding out more about the people at our table, what is on their minds at the moment, and what interests we share in common.


MCC members sign up here.

Join Us on the Green! Lunch at North Loop Green

Tuesday, September 10, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

North Loop Green, 350 N 5th St

Bring your furry friend and join us for a Dutch-treat lunch at the new North Loop Green in the North Loop. There are plenty of food trucks and tables for the perfect lunch for you and your pet! This fun Green is also home to Basset Hound, a new pet-friendly watering hole. Grab your lunch at one of the food trucks and join us outside on the Green!


MCC members sign up here.

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.

Click here for a printable August calendar
Click here for a printable September calendar
Ongoing MCC Activities

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.

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.

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

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.

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.



MCC Community Care Resources

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.


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.

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.

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.

Contact Mary Texidor for Community Care Information
News From and For Members

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
Program Archives - see recordings of programs that you missed
Visit our Forums - quick connection to other members

Around Town

Public Safety Session

September 4, 6:00-7:15 pm, Ukrainian American Community Center, 301 Main St NE 

Council Member Michael Rainville invites you to a Public Safety Session with Commissioner Todd Barnette and 2nd Precinct Inspector, Nick Torborg. There will be a short presentation and time for people to ask questions.


Lincoln's Children

September 6-22, various times, Crane Theater, 2303 Kennedy St NE

A once-prominent historian hires a black grad student to help research his new book on Lincoln. Her secret agenda? To document her belief that Lincoln is her ancestor. Lincoln's Children explores race, gender, class, academic politics, and the value of the oral tradition vs. the power of the written document.  To learn more and purchase tickets, 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.

Contact Us

Margaret McDonald, Executive Director, margaretmcdonald@millcitycommons.org

Mary Texidor, Business and Member Services Admin, marytexidor@millcitycommons.org

Jane Stacy, Program and Events Manager, janestacy@millcitycommons.org

(612) 455-3329