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Update from the Executive Director
One of my sisters is the keeper of my grandmother's cookbook. After I got married, I discovered my husband is the keeper of his grandmother's cookbook -- the same one that my sister has! There is something intensely personal and special about the well-worn, dotted-with-batter pages and the scribbled notes in the margins. As one of twelve children, I'm not sure who will someday become the keeper of my mother's beloved and most-used cookbook.
As many of you have downsized to move into condos and lofts -- what are your favorite treasures? What have you already passed on to the next generation? I tend to err on the side of keeping too much and am trying to learn to let go. To quote the comedian Steven Wright, "You can't have everything. Where would you put it?"
Feel free to send me your best practices and tips for fighting the clutter battle while also honoring our family histories.
In the meantime, we've got some great MCC programs to keep us busy. See below for a link to view or print the August calendar! I hope to see you at our annual party, or perhaps at an upcoming lecture or walk.
MILL CITY COMMONS: We learn. We share. We engage. We give.
~ Sara J.B. Foster
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MCC Annual Party
Tuesday, July 16, 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1200 Marquette Ave
 Join us for one of MCC's most popular events of the year--the Annual Member Party! This year's party will take place in the Garden Room and Commons in the beautiful, light-filled new expansion at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Nicollet Mall. Happy hour starts at 5:00 pm with beverages, followed by a buffet of hearty hors d'oeuvres that will be available until 7:30 pm. While you're mingling with friends enjoy a slideshow with a year's worth of MCC photos. Free parking is available in Westminster's underground parking ramp; the ramp entrance is on Alice Rainville Place (the equivalent of 13th Street). Signage will direct you to Level 1 and the Garden Room. If you're walking, enter the church through the glass doors on Nicollet Mall and follow the signs in the lobby. This is an MCC members-only event.
Registration is now closed. |
Current Events: A Conversation with Bill
Wednesday, July 17, 10:30 - 11:30 am 
Winslow House Party Room, 100 2nd St SE
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 identify a topic in advance, although news can always lead us in a fresh direction. This month's topic: "Words matter, but power matters more. Let's start with Iran."
This ongoing program is held on the third Wednesday of the month. Topic ideas for each monthly gathering are welcome.
Registration is now closed. To be added to the cancellation list, email [email protected]. |
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MCC Women Connect
Thursday, July 18, 10:00 - 11:30 am
Lourdes Square, 174 Bank St SE
 At this month's MCC Women Connect, Beverly Fitzgerald will lead a discussion around the question, "Is it my imagination or are others treating me differently as I get older?" Family members, doctors, nurses, clerks-- they're often more helpful than necessary. When you hear, "How are you today, young lady?", do you find yourself flattered or annoyed? Is it ageism or kindness? Respect or condescension? How should one respond?
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 10:00-11:30 a.m., on the third Thursday.
MCC members sign up here. |
Lake of the Isles Walk
Friday, July 19, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm 
Lake of the Isles, Bridge just west of E Lake of the Isles Pkwy & E Calhoun Pkwy
Join us for a walk around Lake of the Isles to learn more about the history of Minneapolis and its parks. Former history teacher Ben Olk will share stories and details about some of the stately houses around the lake. You'll hear about the people who designed, built and originally lived in them. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water for this approximately 3-mile walk. Meet at the bridge over the waterway to Bde Maka Ska at the southeast corner of Lake of the Isles (east of the Lake of the Isles dog park). See a map
here.
MCC members sign up here.
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Nosy Neighbor Tour: Guthrie Costume Shop
Monday, July 22, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Guthrie Costume Rentals, 855 E Hennepin Ave
 Immerse yourself in one of the nation's most impressive collections of theatrical costumes, boasting more than 50,000 unique costume pieces. The tour lasts approximately 45 minutes, but you're welcome to explore further on your own afterwards.
MCC members sign up here.
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Meditation Circle
Tuesday, July 23 & 30, 9:30 - 10:30 am 
Mill City Quarter Club Room, 322 2nd St S
Mill City Commons members are invited to join in a weekly drop-in meditation hour. This is a time for self-guided meditation; if you're new to meditation, we'll provide a brief explanation to help you get started. Our hope is that meditating with each other may help each of our practices and create a shared energy among participants. Drop-in sessions are on Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 am at Mill City Quarter, across the parking lot from Abiitan. An MCC member will be there to greet you at 9:30 am. Please register for sessions you plan to attend so we have an idea of how many to expect. All sessions are free.
MCC members sign up here for the July 23 session; members sign up here for the July 30 session. |
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Global Minnesota: Connecting Minnesota to the World
Wednesday, July 24, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Minnesota Technology Center, 1100 Washington Ave S
 Global Minnesota, a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, has been promoting international understanding and engagement throughout the state for nearly 70 years. Earlier this year, former Minnesota Secretary of State Mark Ritchie became Global Minnesota's first new president in more than 20 years. Join us as Ritchie talks about his vision for the organization and the increasingly global character of our state. Among Global Minnesota's many educational initiatives is its management of the Great Decisions speaker directory used by discussion groups around the state, including MCC.
MCC members sign up here. |
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M
en's Coffee & Conversation
Thursday, July 25, 7:30 - 8:30 am 
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE
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 Keith Bednarowski hosts. Keith will briefly summarize his 50 years in real estate and construction with Opus before introducing his guest, Lorin Ludwig. As Director of Engineering of Founders Properties, Lorin evaluates all the buildings Opus buys and fixes problems the buildings experience. He'll present common building problems and solutions.
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Lunch for 5
Thursday, July 25, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Monte Carlo, 219 N 3rd Ave
 If connecting with and getting to know other MCC members in a smaller, more intimate social setting interests you, this weekday lunch just might be for you! This month, join other MCC members for casual dining at the Monte Carlo. The meal is dutch treat. Space is limited, so register early!
If this event is filled when you try to register, contact Betsy Wray (
[email protected]) if you'd like to be placed on the wait list.
MCC members sign up here.
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Lessons from a Chaplain & Social Worker: How to Pick--and Be--a Great Health Care Agent
Monday, July 29, 2:00 - 3:30 pm 
American Academy of Neurology, Training Room A, 201 Chicago Ave
Most people prefer to speak for themselves. But if your health is ever such that you can't speak for yourself, who will be your voice for health care decisions? Is it enough to designate someone, or are there key steps to take after that? (Spoiler alert: There are!) Whether you already have your forms filled out or not, you'll leave this workshop equipped not just to "train" your own health care agent, but to be a stellar one for someone else. Our guides will be Zac Willette MDiv BCC and Anne Archbold MSW LSW of Allay Care Services, a national nonprofit headquartered in the Twin Cities. You do not need to have attended the previous sessions in this series to participate.
MCC members sign up here.
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Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, July 30, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Poet's Corner at Kiernan's Irish Pub, 85 N 6th St
 Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour in the Poet's Corner at Kieran's Irish Pub! Hosted by Karen Grabow & Keith Halperin, Bill Casey & Betty Grant and David & Sheryl Evelo, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over drinks and small bites. Dutch treat--no reservations required. When you arrive, ask the host to direct you to the Poet's Corner private room, as its location is not obvious.
MCC members and guests. No registration required. |
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Driven to Discover: Challenges and Opportunities for Women in Politics
Wednesday, July 31, 7:00 - 8:30 pm 
Minnesota Technology Center, 1100 Washington Ave S
Professor Kathryn Pearson will discuss the results of the 2018 elections and how they relate to challenges and opportunities for women running for, and serving in, elected office. She also will briefly discuss the current presidential nominating contest. Pearson is an associate professor specializing in American politics in the U of M's College of Liberal Arts.
This is one in an ongoing MCC program series under the banner "
Driven to Discover." The series features University of Minnesota faculty and students sharing current research and programming at the University.
MCC members sign up here.
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Bell Museum Planetarium: "One Giant Leap"
Wednesday, August 7, 1:30 - 2:30 pm
Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W
 Join us for a field trip to Bell Museum Planetarium to see the Bell's latest original production, "One Giant Leap." Using archival recordings of the Moon landing's first moments transformed into a 360 experience, the show allows audiences to stand on the surface of the Moon with Neil Armstrong. The show explores what this event meant to the generation that experienced it as well as those that came afterward and discusses what might be the world's next "giant leap." Cost for the planetarium show only is $7. (There's an additional charge to visit the museum.) Payment is due to Mill City Commons, which will be purchasing tickets ahead of time.
MCC members sign up here.
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MCC Program Calendar
Plan ahead! View the full calendar of MCC's July events here and August events here!
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Ar
ound Town
Peavey Plaza Grand Opening
July 18, 11:30 am, Peavey Plaza, 1100 S Marquette Ave
Join city officials for a ribbon cutting ceremony for the revitalized Peavey Plaza. The plaza reopens with restored fountains and water features, new trees, enhanced lighting and improved accessibility. Learn more here.
In Conversation with Lynn Nottage and Joseph Haj
July 22, 7:30 pm, Guthrie Theater, 818 2nd St S, Wurtele Thrust Stage
Considered one of the most powerful voices in American theater, playwright Lynn Nottage has produced a notable body of work that tackles provocative societal issues with a blend of honesty, humor and heart. During this one-on-one conversation, Guthrie Artistic Director Joseph Haj and Nottage will discuss her celebrated career, her creative process and the Guthrie commission that led to the creation of Floyd's, onstage this summer. Tickets can be purchased
here.
Birds Sing Differently Here
July 25 and 26, 7:30 pm, Southern Theater, 1420 Washington Ave S
Based on the true stories of 13 Iraqi-Minnesotan refugees and immigrants,
Birds Sing Differently Here weaves together tales of sweetness, sorrow, grief and discovery along the way. Inventively performed in both English and Arabic, participants come together with a cast of dynamic professional actors to share the ache of endings and the fullness of new opportunity. Tickets are Pay What You Can on a sliding scale of $10-$20. For information and 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.
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Volunteer Opportunities
Click
here
for community volunteer opportunities on the MCC website!
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MCC Ongoing Social Opportunities
Dutch Treat
Social Hour
Mondays, 4:00-5:00 pm
Aster Cafe
125 Main St SE
Drop in for an afternoon coffee or drink and a casual chat. No reservations
required.
Rendezvous
Readers' Book Chat
1st Wednesday of the month, 10:00-11:00 am
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
No reservations required. The next
book is
by Tara Westover
Click
here to see what books we're reading at future Book Chats.
Rendezvous on 5
Wednesdays, 9-10 am
Guthrie Theater Level 5 Express
Drop in and join your friends and neighbors for fellowship at this neighborhood haunt. This weekly adventure requires no reservations!
Social Bridge
Men's Coffee and Conversation
Elsie's Restaurant,
729 Marshall Street NE
Caffeine and camaraderie for the male members of MCC! This group meets every other Thursday at 7:30 am and is hosted by various members who get the conversation going.
MCC Women Connect
Join MCC women as they connect and grow, sharing experiences and learning from each other as they adapt to life's changes and transitions. This group meets the third Thursday morning of the month.
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Mill City Commons
Ongoing Fitness Opportunities
G-Werx Fitness,
An exclusive opportunity for members, this weekly class focuses on strength, balance
and stretching to keep you fit and strong.
First time participants, please contact G-Werx Fitness at (612) 767-4415 and arrive 20 minutes early to complete paperwork. Cost varies depending on commitment.
River Walkers
Tuesdays and Thursdays,
7:30-8:30 am
Stone Arch Lofts Riverside Parking Lot
All levels of walkers are welcome for this early morning walk along the banks of the Mississippi River. An MCC volunteer leads each walk.
Meditation Circle
Mill City Quarter,
Join us for a weekly
self-guided meditation hour.
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Ongoing Member-Led Activities
MCC Caregivers' Support Group
2nd and 4th Wednesdays,
May-August,
10:30 am-12:00 pm
A way to support members and non-members who are in a caregiving role.
Men's Dutch Lunch
Abiitan's Porter Cafe
428 2nd St S
Alternating Thursdays at 11:30 am
July 18 & August 1
This casual, dutch treat lunch alternates weeks with Men's Coffee and Conversation. No reservations required! Questions? Contact
Allan Burdick.
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