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Dear Mill City Commons members and friends,
If you’ve ever wondered whether there are still people out there making a difference, look no further than this week’s programs. I love that good things are happening—things that impact not only our natural environment but also the broader environment we create through culture and community. Tomorrow, we’ll hear from two unique organizations working to reduce waste and protect our valuable waterways. Then on Thursday, Lisa Goodman will join us to share her vision for revitalizing cultural corridors and strengthening our downtown community. We hope you’ll leave these programs feeling uplifted by the good work happening all around us.
Finally, a quick note about next week’s Last Tuesday Happy Hour: the registration deadline is earlier than usual. If you plan to join us, please sign up by Wednesday, July 24, so our hosts and the restaurant can prepare. We’re looking forward to a fun hour of conversation—whether about recent programs, good books, sports, the weather, or whatever else brings positivity to our MCC environment.
Mary Texidor, Executive Director
(612) 455-3329, 1201 W River Pkwy, Suite 217C, Minneapolis, MN 55454
| | Another Chance to Order MCC T-Shirts and Polos! | | |
Online ordering is available again for the stylish branded MCC T-shirts and polo shirts. Take advantage of this opportunity to order one, two or more so you can wear it proudly this summer.
If you're unsure of sizing, let us know and we can help guide you. The process does go more smoothly if you are logged in before you add items to your cart. We're also happy to take your orders over the phone so don't hesitate to reach out. Visit our Storefront here to put in your order today. The deadline to purchase is July 31.
| | Our Upcoming Programs and Events | | |
Screwdrivers and Storm Drains: Local Fixes for Big Problems
Wednesday, July 23, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
MCC Office, 1201 West River Pkwy, Rm 215
Join us as we hear from two organizations that are working to reduce waste in our landfills and waterways.
Nancy Lo works on waste prevention, reuse and recycling for Hennepin County's Department of Environment and Energy through Hennepin County's Fix-It Clinic and Fix-It Hub. At the Fix-It Clinic and Fix-It Hub, you can learn to fix your broken stuff for free! Work together with friendly, knowledgeable volunteers on your broken household items, clothing, small appliances and much more. Fix-It Clinics teach valuable troubleshooting and basic repair skills, build community connections and reduce the number of repairable items that are thrown in the trash. https://www.hennepin.us/fixitclinic.
Henry LaBounta heads up the East Isles Adopt-a-Drain program. He will share his journey from picking up trash in his neighborhood with his dog to engaging a neighborhood team of volunteers over the past three years. With the support of grants he was awarded and local media coverage he has expanded to creating Green Guardians MN and is now working with nine neighborhoods around the Chain of Lakes focused on water quality. His neighborhood has adopted 73% of their storm drains, the highest in the nation. 929 volunteers have picked up over 13,700 gallons of trash in 85 cleanup events. The volunteers report enjoying getting outside, meeting each other and making a difference for their community!
MCC members sign up here.
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Men's Breakfast
Thursday, July 24, 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. Please register by the Monday prior to Men's Breakfast.
Chuck Myers will be our conversation host for this week and the speaker will be his son, Dan Myers, who is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Minnesota specializing in American politics. He will talk about changes in media and its impact on our politics. He previously spoke to MCC about polling before the 2024 elections.
MCC members sign up here.
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Tee Off with a View: Rooftop Mini-Golf at the Walker with Lunch
Thursday, July 24, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm
Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Place
Join us for a fun morning of Skyline Mini-Golf on the Walker Art Center’s rooftop! Enjoy artist-designed holes and spectacular views of the Minneapolis skyline as you play a round of creative putt-putt.
After golf, we’ll head downstairs for a Dutch-treat lunch at Cardamom at 12:00 pm. You're also welcome to explore the Sculpture Garden before lunch.
Details:
- Mini-golf is first-come, first-serve; tee times begin every 10 minutes
- Cost: $12 per person ($10 for Walker members), payable at the door
- Registration is limited to 8 people
Come for the artful golf, stay for the skyline, sculpture, and great company!
MCC members sign up here.
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Revitalizing Downtown and Cultural Corridors: A Conversation with Lisa Goodman
Thursday, July 24, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
MCC Office, 1201 West River Pkwy, Rm 215
Join us for a conversation with Lisa Goodman, former longtime Minneapolis City Council member. In her new position, Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Office of Public Service, she is implementing economic development and recovery strategies. She is also responsible for building partnerships to help revitalize key areas such as downtown and cultural districts.
As former chair of economic development committees, Mayor Jacob Frey said Goodman is an excellent choice for the position. “There are few people who have the pedigree she does in building public-private partnerships to get big things done. While having a reputation for throwing sharp elbows and fiercely advocating for her position, she brings people together to get things done."
Lisa's fingerprints are all over “Dinner du Nord - America’s Longest Dinner Table,” a party on September 11 on the Nicollet Mall in support of 40 restaurants downtown. Join us as we hear from Lisa about the party to which you’re all invited.
MCC members sign up here.
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Let's Play Mah Jongg!
Friday, July 25 and August 1, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
MCC Office, 1201 West River Pkwy, Rm 216
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. Sign up early, and please feel free to bring a friend. You will need to have, or have on order, a 2025 NMJL card (available online here for about $15). 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. We will have a waiting list for more than 8 players.
This event is limited to 8 participants. Registration closes at Noon on July 24.
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 2025 Mah Jongg Card.
Please reach out to Keith Nelson or call (612) 750-4605 for further information or questions.
MCC members sign up here for July 25 and here for August 1.
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Morning Mixer
Saturdays, July 26 and August 2, 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 inside Elsie’s Restaurant's small banquet room. Hot coffee awaits you when you arrive on foot or by bike or by car - order a full breakfast or simply a beverage. Conference-style seating - 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, depending on Elsie's availability and our group size, we may be in the small banquet room or in the dining room. This seating arrangement is up to Elsie's discretion each week. This event is limited to 22 to accommodate Elsie's staff.
MCC members sign up here for July 26 and here for August 2; guests email MCC.
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Last Tuesday Happy Hour
Tuesday, July 29, 5:00 - 6:00 pm
Gardens of Salonica, 19 - 5th Ave NE
Join us for a Happy Hour at our neighborhood's historic Gardens of Salonica. Hosted by our MCC members at La Rive, this is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over delicious Greek appetizers. The cash bar will offer wine, beer and a special summer cocktail. The restaurant is normally closed on Tuesdays and will open specially for us that day.
Please be sure to register by July 24 if you want to come to the end-of-July Happy Hour at the historic Gardens of Salonica. Also, please let Sheryl Evelo know by July 24 you want to stay for dinner. Email Sheryl here.
MCC members sign up here by July 24.
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Dining Around the World: Diane's Place
Thursday, July 31, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Diane's Place, 117 - 14th Ave NE
Join us as we embark on a once-a-month culinary experience at different ethnic restaurants around the city. This month, get ready for a culinary journey as we will enjoy a Dutch-treat dinner of Hmong food at Diane's Place.
Please make sure to be on time as they will hold the table for a grace period of only 10 minutes before offering the reservation to others.
This event is limited to 12 people.
Event is full. MCC members sign up for waitlist here.
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Behind the Scenes at the Mill City Farmers Market followed by Brunch!
Saturday, August 2, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Meet in front of Farmer's Kitchen + Bar, 750 S 2nd St
Ever wondered how our farmers market operates behind the scenes? Curious about how vendors are chosen or what makes a market successful? Join us for a private, insider’s tour of the Mill City Farmers Market with Market Director Ella Daniels, who will share insights into the market’s organization, vendor selection, and what keeps it running strong.
We’ll meet at 9:30 am in front of Farmers Kitchen + Bar for a guided walk through the market, including participation in Mill City Cooks, a live chef-led cooking demonstration.
After the tour (around 10:30 a.m.), we’ll head just a short walk away to Susan and David Plimpton’s condo for a delicious brunch featuring fresh Farmers Market ingredients.
Space is limited to 12 participants. The Plimpton's address will be provided upon registration.
Event for MCC members only. Sorry, no guests. MCC members sign up here.
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Early Evening Free Jazz at the Berlin Jazz Club
Saturday, August 2, 4:15 - 6:30 pm
Berlin Jazz Club, 204 North 1st St
Please join us for some early evening jazz at the Berlin Jazz Club in the North Loop!
Galaxy Express is a Twin Cities-based trio consisting of bassist/composer Nils Westdal, pianist Kavyesh Kaviraj, and drummer Tarek Abdelqader. Expect a balanced mix of tightly knitted celestial jazz originals and some familiar tunes.
Free admission with no reservations. We will find seating together when we arrive. Listening snacks, sweets, cocktails, wine, beer, and NA beverages are available for purchase.
For further information, please reach out to Kathy McKinstry here. Registration is limited to 8 attendees.
MCC members sign up here.
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Morning Hike at Battle Creek Regional Park
Tuesday, August 5, 9:30 - 11:00 am
Battle Creek Regional Park, 2301 County Rd 39
Join us for a refreshing morning hike at Battle Creek Regional Park!
We’ll follow at least the 1.75-mile paved trail, which features gentle slopes, abundant foliage, and a highlight not to be missed—the park’s majestic giant cottonwood tree.
For those interested in carpooling, we’ll depart from the American Red Cross parking lot at 9:30 am. The hike will begin at 10:00 am from our meeting point at 2301 County Rd 39, the parking lot off Lower Afton Rd (please note, this is not the lot off Upper Afton Rd).
If there’s group interest, we may also make a second stop at nearby Indian Mounds Regional Park. In case of inclement weather, we’ll notify you of any changes in plans.
MCC members sign up here.
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The Depot Dutch Treat
Social Hour
Mondays, The Depot,
5:00-6:00 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's Patio,
4:30-6:00 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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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.
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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, walker and knee 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 | | |
We all know how much everyone enjoys our Last Tuesday Happy Hours and Sunday Soirees. We are looking for hosts for the remainder of 2025. Reach out to your MCC neighbors and join forces for what have become our most popular social gatherings. We have openings for Last Tuesday Happy Hour hosts in August, October, November, and December and openings for Sunday Soirees in November and December. Contact MCC Program and Events Manager Jane Stacy here if you are interested.
MCC member Cynthia Myntti encourages you to visit the State Capitol to see the three exhibits on the 3rd floor that offer powerful insights into the Native American experience in Minnesota. The three exhibits include photographer John Ratzloff's “Portraits of Indigenous Authors and Artists” in the Public Art Gallery (Room 321). It is really splendid and not to be missed! In addition, you will find the “Why Treaties Matter” exhibition and “Reconciling History: Views on Two Minnesota Paintings” in the Cass Gilbert Room, nearby. All of the spaces on the 3rd floor of the State Capitol are a pleasing discovery! A map of the Capitol Complex can be found here to help with your travel plans.
Upcoming MCC meetings:
- Program Committee, July 22
- All Chairs, August 6
- Marketing Committee, August 11
- Membership Committee, August 12
- Governance Committee, August 13
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Opening Reception: Ethereal Echoes: A Journey of Light
July 22, 6:30-8:00 pm, Lakewood Cemetery Welcome Center, 3600 Hennepin Ave
Step into a world where light becomes memory and photography becomes meditation. Join Lakewood’s Artist in Residence, R.J. Kern, for an intimate conversation around his latest exhibit, Ethereal Echoes: A Journey of Light. Discover how the serenity of Lakewood Cemetery and its surrounding beauty inspired Kern’s breathtaking, otherworldly creations. Together, we’ll explore the story behind the images, the artistic process, and the deeper meanings woven into each frame. The talk will begin at 7:00pm in the Community Room. Refreshments will be available throughout the event. For additional details, click here.
Minneapolis Aquatennial
July 23-26, Minneapolis
Minneapolis’s official civic celebration returns to the city with favorites like the Aquatennial Torchlight Parade and Fireworks over the Stone Arch Bridge. The summer festival celebrates the city’s connection to water with four days of parades, live music, artisan vendors, and fireworks along the Mississippi River. Click here for a guide of can’t-miss Aquatennial events.
Minneapolis Food Truck Festival
August 2, Father Hennepin Bluff Park, St Anthony Main, 420 Main St SE
One of the Twin Cities most popular & delicious events comes back to the city where it all began. MN Food Truck Festival featuring 45+ food trucks will take place in the beautifully renovated Father Hennepin Bluff Park along the Mississippi River & Saint Anthony Main district of Minneapolis. Click here for more information.
TEDxMinneapolis - Life, Rewritten: "Moments that shape us. Stories that change us."
August 13, 6:00 pm, Orchestra Hall, 1111 Nicollet Mall
This year's live speaker event will feature seven dynamic speakers alongside two captivating performances, each spotlighting the bold ideas and creative voices that define our community. TEDxMinneapolis continues its mission of amplifying local voices with global relevance through the world-renowned TED "Ideas Worth Spreading" platform. Whether you're seeking inspiration, connection, or simply a new way of seeing the world, this is your chance to be part of a lively gathering of local thinkers whose ideas resonate far beyond our city limits. To 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.
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