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Dear Mill City Commons members and friends,
What a beautiful fall we’re enjoying! With the changing colors and new things taking shape along the riverfront, it’s a wonderful time to get out, explore, and enjoy the season.
As we settle into fall routines and look ahead to the busy holiday months, now is a great time to make room for connection, try something different, and enjoy time together. Whether you're shuffling cards at our upcoming Cribbage Social, catching a film at our recently added Sunday at the Movies, taking advantage of an end-of-the-season bike ride, or discovering a new favorite spot with Dining Around the Neighborhood, there are plenty of ways to get out, meet up, and make the most of the season.
Before the calendars fill and the holiday rush begins, we hope you'll take advantage of these opportunities to connect, share a few laughs, and enjoy all that our community has to offer.
Mary Texidor, Executive Director
(612) 455-3329, 1201 W River Pkwy, Suite 217C, Minneapolis, MN 55454
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Please Welcome Back Our Newest MCC Member!
Jeanne Ravich
Seek new members out to introduce yourself and tell them what your membership means to you! New members have a yellow name badge indicating that they are new.
A reminder that if you'd like to reach out to our members, log into the website and you will find their contact information is listed in the Member Directory here. You can search by first or last name or by building name (enter in the address field).
| Our Upcoming Programs and Events | |
Zoom/Technology Help Desk
Tuesday, October 13, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Schedule time with a tech support guru and have your nagging technology questions answered during our complimentary Help Desk. This is a virtual help desk and will take place on Zoom. Support for both Apple products and PCs is available. After you register, MCC will confirm the time of your 20-minute one-on-one session. Reminder: Installing or upgrading software and creating accounts cannot be included in the Help Desk session, as they exceed the allotted appointment time.
The zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.
This event is full. MCC members can join the waitlist here.
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Rendezvous Readers' Book Chat
Wednesday, October 14, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Inkwell Booksellers, 426 E Hennepin Ave
Join us for a monthly book discussion focused on timely, engaging reads.
Our October book is King Leopold’s Ghost, by Adam Hochschild.
If you'd like to read ahead, November's book is The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans. Our December book is Remarkably Bright Creatures, by Shelby Van Pelt.
Have a book suggestion for the Book Chat? Email Marsha Blumenthal here.
Our book chats are at Inkwell Booksellers. You are welcome to join us in conversation whether or not you've read the book.
Registration is not required.
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Men's Breakfast*
Thursday, October 15, 8:00 - 9:00 am
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE
Do we employ small courtesies when interacting with other people? Thank a server when they bring our meal? Compliment a co-worker for a job well done? Aaron Backman is bringing Greg Bancroft, a psychotherapist and retired Episcopal priest, to speak to us on October 15. Bancroft wants to encourage people to use "Little League" affirmation in all their interactions with others (family, friends, co-workers, hotel desk clerks, et al...). We'll look at the toxicity of shame and how it is neutralized by affirmation.
Dr. Bancroft is a retired Episcopal priest, Navy Chaplain, and psychotherapist working with chemically dependent family systems ("famous" for shame-based dynamics). He has spent many years leading various work groups in strengthening team-building interactions. His book, Swing for the Fences: Show Up, Dig In, Suck Less, is endorsed by Joe Schmit and Tony Oliva, and will be available at the breakfast for $20 (cash or check only).
In addition, Bancroft is also the author of the award-winning children's book Betsy's Day at the Game. This book was endorsed by Penny Marshall and has been used by the University of St. Catherine in their children's writing curriculum. Copies will also be available for $10 (cash or check only).
*This event is open to all members of MCC. Registration is required.
MCC members sign up here.
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Cribbage Social: Learn, Laugh, Compete
Thursday, October 15, 2:00 - 5:00 pm
RiverWest Community Room, 401 1st St S
Please join us in the RiverWest Condominiums community room for an afternoon of cribbage fun! Whether you’re brand-new to the game, an old pro, or somewhere in between, you’re welcome to take part in a lesson/refresher from 2:00–3:00 pm, followed by a friendly cribbage tournament from 3:00–5:00 pm. Expect encouragement, cheering, snacks, beverages—and plenty of good-natured competition.
Want to brush up beforehand? Click here for a great cribbage app.
If you’d like to play, please sign up. If you’d prefer to watch, cheer, or enjoy the snacks, simply come—no registration needed. We can accommodate 16 players.
If you have a cribbage board you can bring, please email Jane Stacy or Kathy McKinstry.
We’re planning to have a great time!
Street parking is available near RiverWest Condominiums.
MCC members sign up here.
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Breakfast at Elsie's
Saturdays, October 17 and October 24, 9:00 - 10:30 am
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE
Start your Saturday with good company and great conversation!
Join fellow MCC members for a relaxed Saturday morning breakfast at Elsie’s Restaurant. Whether you arrive on foot, by bike, or by car, hot coffee will be waiting!
You can order a full breakfast or simply enjoy a beverage while chatting with friends—old and new.
NOTE: Breakfasts are outside as long as the temperature is at least 60 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 25 to accommodate Elsie's staff.
MCC members sign up here for October 17 and here for October 24; guests email MCC.
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Met Opera Live: Macbeth
Saturday, October 17, 12:00 - 3:30 pm
Marcus West End Cinema, 1625 West End Blvd, St. Louis Park
Join your MCC Opera Friends at the Met Live in HD performance of Macbeth. Following the performance, let’s walk a half block to CRAVE restaurant for conversation and refreshments. There is free covered parking next to the theater.
To learn more about this performance of Macbeth click here.
Did you know that the performance is telecasted live to more than 2000 cinemas in over 50 countries? It is kind of a thrill to realize that we are enjoying the same fabulous performances at the same time as thousands of people all over the Earth!!
You may purchase your ticket online and choose your seat. MCC members pay their own admission. Buy advance tickets here.
Show runtime is 3 hours and 10 minutes, and starts at 12:00 pm. Please email Kathie Murphy here with questions.
MCC members sign up here.
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Film, Food & Friendly Conversation: MCC Sunday at the Movies
Sunday, October 18, 3:30 - 8:00 pm
The Main Cinema, 115 SE Main St
Join fellow MCC members for an evening at the movies! Enjoy a great film, then continue the fun over a Dutch-treat dinner with good food, great conversation, and a chance to compare notes on the movie.
The movie we will be seeing is the 3:30 pm screening of "You Can See Everything." You can read about the movie and purchase tickets here.
We’ll meet at The Main Cinema for the movie, followed by a Dutch-treat dinner at Aster Cafe to share reactions and reflections.
If you’ve already seen the movie but would like to meet us at the restaurant at 6:30 pm, just let us know when the registration question pops up.
Members are welcome to join us for the movie, dinner, or both!
MCC members sign up here.
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Great Decisions: Trump Tariffs and the Future of the World Economy
Monday, October 19, 4:00 - 5:30 pm
MCC Office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd Floor Commons
President Trump's use of tariffs has reshaped U.S. trade policy and raised important questions about the future of the global economy. This Great Decisions discussion will examine the goals behind tariffs, their impact on American businesses and consumers, the evolving economic relationship with China, and the broader implications for international trade, supply chains, and global cooperation. Join us as we explore whether tariffs strengthen America's economy and security - or contribute to a more fragmented world economy.
Our speaker for this program is Tom Hanson. Tom is a former U.S. Foreign Service Officer with the Department of State whose diplomatic postings included East Germany, France, Norway, the Soviet Union, Sweden, and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Tom currently is Diplomat in Residence at the Alworth Institute for International Affairs at the University of Minnesota – Duluth and has taught diplomacy at Carleton College. As a member of the Great Decisions advisory committee of Global Minnesota, Tom speaks frequently on international issues and contributes to local and international media.
Registration for each session is required for Great Decisions members. Please register on the MCC website. Sorry, not open to guests.
Great Decisions is a foreign policy discussion series offered to our Mill City Commons members. The full program includes eight sessions throughout the year, and participation requires a one-time fee to attend all sessions. Only paid participants are eligible to register and attend each session. To join the MCC Great Decisions Discussion Group, please email Jane Stacy here.
MCC Great Decisions members sign up here.
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Dining Around the Neighborhood: Rosalia
Registration closes Wednesday, October 21 at 12:00 pm
Thursday, October 22, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Rosalia, 333 E Hennepin Ave
Join us as we explore some of our favorite restaurants around the city and right here in our neighborhood. This month, we’ll gather for dinner at Rosalia.
This event is limited to 12 participants.
Metered on-street parking is available. Carpooling recommended.
MCC members sign up here.
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Black Music in America: Music, History and Culture
Wednesday, October 21, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
MCC Office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd Floor Commons
Black music has played a central role in the development of American music and culture. In this presentation, pianist and educator Michael Cain takes a broad and accessible look at that history, from spirituals, blues, gospel, and jazz to R&B, rock & roll, funk, and hip-hop. Through stories about the music and many of the artists who shaped it, we’ll explore the connections between generations and the remarkable influence of Black music on American culture.
MCC members sign up here.
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Bike Ride: Coon Rapids Dam/Elm Creek Park Reserve
Thursday, October 22, 10:30 am - 2:30 pm
Mississippi Gateway Regional Park – Gateway Center (on the west side of the Coon Rapids Dam), 10360 W River Rd, Brooklyn Park
Join fellow MCCers for a 21-mile ride along two beautiful bike paths. Please note that if it’s not going to be 50 degrees out, we won’t hold the ride.
We’ll meet at 11:00 at Mississippi Gateway Regional Park (which is on the WEST side of the Coon Rapids Dam). There is plenty of free parking there at the Gateway Visitor Center.
From there we’ll bike west on a flat paved path to Elm Creek Park Reserve. Once in the reserve, we’ll pedal a 5-mile loop (with some hills) inside the park, stopping at the nature center for restrooms and fresh water - and snacks provided by your leaders. This month we should see some nice fall colors!
We’ll return to our cars by 2:00.
MCC members sign up here.
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Tell Me A Story
Monday, October 25, 4:00 - 5:30 pm
MCC Office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd Floor Commons
Join us for our own Moth Radio Hour when members Sam Kaplan, Phyllis Moen and Pam Berkwitz share their stories with you.
Also, consider sharing one of your own personal stories that have left a lasting impression on your lives in the coming months. These reflections—sometimes surprising, sometimes poignant or humorous—can offer a glimpse into the moments that shape who you are. Perhaps your story inspired you to change direction at that time or made you smile or cry when you think back to that time. Maybe it’s about an intention you have for the future. Their stories may spark memories of your own or even inspire you to put pen to paper. Come to listen, reflect, and connect.
Feel free to contact Jane Stacy or Sonia Cairns if you want to participate in a future storytelling event.
MCC members sign up here.
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Mid-Term Election Recap
Registration closes Tuesday, October 27
Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Grenada Theater, 3022 Hennepin Ave S
This year’s midterm election cycle is behind us. Now what?
The Theater of Public Policy is talking with political reporter Mary Lahammer, media analyst Blois Olson, and political science professor Kathryn Pearson about the outcomes of the midterms in Minnesota. Host Tane Danger will moderate a conversation between the three about what happened in the election, why it happened, and what it means for our day-to-day lives. The conversation will be followed by a slew of totally unscripted, midterms-inspired comedy scenes. Understand the election results in a fun, informative, and nuanced way.
This program builds on the conversation we started with our 2024 Post-Election Panel Discussion two years ago. We’re thrilled that the conversation has now grown into a public program, and we couldn’t be more excited that the Danger Boat Productions' team has invited us to attend. It’s a great opportunity to continue the conversation together in a new format—with analysis, discussion, and plenty of humor.
A note about seating: If you select General Admission seating and you use the MCC coupon code, you will be seated with other MCC members attending the program. If you’d prefer a more private experience, table-for-two seating is also available.
• Doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner and drinks
• Show starts at 7 p.m. and runs about 90 minutes
Pricing: With fees and taxes, tickets are $20.06 for standard seating, or $55.65 for a table for two with a server. For more information and tickets, click here. MCC members will receive $5.00 off their ticket using this discount code: T2P2MCC.
This program is hosted by Tane Danger, accompanied by live T2P2 improv comedy.
Parking is available at Seven Points Parking ramp.
The Uptown Lobby will be open with beverage and dining. Reservations can be made here.
MCC members sign up here.
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The Depot Social Hour
Mondays,
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 Social Hour
Tuesdays,
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 2026-27 season of six readings will run September-May. If you'd like to 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,
September-December,
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, 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 | | |
"With a Camera in my Hand", an exhibition of Photography & Watercolor Paintings by MCC member Suzanne Shaff is currently open through November 1. The show is in the on2gallery, 2nd floor of the California Building - 2205 California St NE. If you have any questions, contact Suzanne here.
Our friends at Abiitan Mill City are partnering with The Alzheimer's Association to provide The Empowered Caregiver Series. The final session on exploring care and support services will be held on Wednesday, October 14 from 2:30-3:30 pm at Abiitan - 428 S 2nd St. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
MCC member Sara Foster invites you to attend PREM | Love: An Occupation. Ananya Dance Theatre (ADT), a professional ensemble of transnational feminist dance artists, presents the world premiere of PREM, which emerges from the recent crisis of federal occupation in the Twin Cities, reaching toward transformation through practices of public love, care, and defiant joy. With ADT's trademark power and percussive urgency, PREM pens a love letter to the Twin Cities’ history of resolute resistance. Performances will take place at 7:30 pm on October 15, 16 and 17. Click here to purchase tickets.
If you attended the MCC program last month with Council President Elliott Payne and have any follow-up questions, you can email elliott.payne@minneapolismn.gov. You can also stay informed by signing up for the Ward 1 newsletter or view past editions here.
Many of you participated in our Get Out The Vote programs with the Minneapolis League of Women Voters to encourage voting registration for all citizens. With 3+ weeks until the midterms, participants agreed that encouraging people in their own spheres – family, friends, neighbors, Uber drivers, neighborhood stores, etc - would be most effective. To help you in these efforts, the League of Women Voters has provided stickers, voter guides, voter information sheets and more. These items will be out at upcoming programs but can also be picked up at the office with prior notice.
Upcoming MCC meetings:
- Program Committee Meeting, October 27
- All Chairs Committee Meeting, November 4
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Mpls.St.Paul Magazine's Restaurant Week
October 19-25
From neighborhood gems and cozy dining rooms to long-overdue catch-ups and unforgettable date nights, Fall Restaurant Week is your invitation to experience the best of the Twin Cities' dining scene. Explore the full list of participating restaurants here and start planning your week by making reservations!
Noga - TCJFF Opening Night
October 20, 7:00-9:30 pm, Fine Line at First Avenue, 318 N 1st Ave
Kick off The Twin Cities Jewish Film Festival (TCJFF) at The Fine Line with a bold, music-filled Opening Night celebrating the start of thirteen days of Jewish cinema, conversation, and community. Following its Tribeca premiere, Noga brings the fearless energy of Israeli alt-pop artist Noga Erez to the big screen. Noga stands on the brink of global superstardom when everything shifts. As war erupts at home and tensions surface with her longtime creative partner, she finds herself at a personal, artistic, and political crossroads. To purchase tickets or to view all TCJFF events, click here.
NICK OF TIME: Women Write About Art and Aging Book Launch
October 21, 6:00-8:00 pm, Open Book Performance Hall, 1011 Washington Ave S
Nick of Time celebrates the artistic community of the Twin Cities and the wisdom that comes with age. Bringing together the voices of women creatives over the age of sixty-five, this collection is as varied as the artists’ vocations, spanning from narrative prose to poetry, essay, monologue, letters, historical reflection, and more. The editors will be in conversation with contributors Georgia Greeley and Mary Moore Easter. The launch will open with songs by the Asiginaak singers, a Native women’s hand drum & singing group, and books will be available for purchase. Click here for more information. This event is free, but registration is required.
We The People Liberate with Timothy Snyder
October 29, 12:00 - 1:00 pm, Westminster Town Hall Forum, 1200 Marquette Ave
A citizen asked Benjamin Franklin what form of government the Constitutional delegates had created. He replied: “A republic, if you can keep it.” The words remain true today, with New York Times best-selling author Timothy Snyder challenging us to act on the responsibilities before us if democracy is to not only persist but flourish. Click here for more information on this free event.
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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