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Dear Mill City Commons members and friends,
This past weekend, I was fortunate to attend the National Village to Village Conference in Philadelphia, and I came away with a renewed appreciation for what makes our Village movement so special. While every Village is unique, we share a common purpose and a deep commitment to what we’re doing. Whether a Village focuses on programs or services, serves a rural or urban community, or operates with membership dues or a volunteer-based model, we’re all motivated to serve our members the best way we can.
We even had a special visit from Benjamin Franklin to kick off the conference, who shared his motto, “Juncta juvant,” which translates loosely to "united, they help.” Franklin associated this Latin phrase with the Junto, a club he founded in Philadelphia in 1727 to foster mutual improvement and community betterment. His motto was a fitting reminder of the difference we can make when we work together—not only within our own Village, but also as part of a nationwide network of Villages. As I look ahead to the many programs and opportunities we have coming up, I see so many ways for us to connect and strengthen our Mill City Commons community. Thank you for being a part of it!
Mary Texidor, Executive Director
(612) 455-3329, 1201 W River Pkwy, Suite 217C, Minneapolis, MN 55454
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Please Welcome Our Newest MCC Members!
Jeanne and Jerry Furst
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 | | |
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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"Medicine Ball": Film & Conversation with Executive Producer Syd Beane
Wednesday, October 28, 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Abiitan, 428 S 2nd St
Join us for a powerful evening of film and conversation as the MCC Native American Programming Workgroup and Abiitan co-host a screening of Medicine Ball.
Basketball was introduced to Native youth in boarding schools as a tool of assimilation and control. But over the generations it became a symbol of hope and a space of healing, pride and identity. For Native families, the game is more than sport; it is a lifeline, a way to carry forward culture, to build community, and to create joy amidst adversity.
Directed by Leya Hale (Dakota/Diné), this documentary film follows Leroy Fairbanks IV (Leech Lake Ojibwe) and Lexus Redthunder (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota) as they navigate college life at the University of Minnesota Morris, a campus built on the grounds of a former Indian boarding school. Their personal journeys as athletes unfold alongside the layered history of how basketball became interwoven with Native resilience. Guiding their path is Dakota historian Syd Beane, whose own family connection to basketball provides a living bridge between past and present.
Following the screening, we will gather for a discussion with the executive producer and featured historian of the film, Syd Beane, to reflect on the film’s themes and explore its relevance today. We hope you’ll join us for this meaningful opportunity to learn, connect, and deepen our understanding of Native American history and resilience.
There is on-street metered parking available. All registrants must check in and out at the concierge desk. Abiitan recommends arriving 15 minutes early.
This event is full. MCC members can join the waitlist here.
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Men's Breakfast*
Thursday, October 29, 8:00 - 9:00 am
Elsie's Restaurant, 729 Marshall St NE
Medicare Advantage plans seem to be dropping faster than leaves this Fall, forcing many of us to change our health insurance arrangements. At this Men’s Breakfast, which is a table discussion without a speaker, we will exchange our stories, offer strategies, places where we have found useful information, and ideas about viable plans that we are either enrolled in, or that look good to us. This is an opportunity to share what we know about how to proceed if our plans have been canceled or significantly changed.
*This event is open to all members of MCC. Registration is required.
MCC members sign up here.
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The Maverick Judge: Miles Lord and the Fight for Justice
Thursday, October 29, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
MCC Office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd Floor Commons
Judge Miles W. Lord (1919-2016) rose from humble beginnings on Minnesota’s Iron Range to become one of the most colorful and powerful judges in the country, described as “an unabashed Prairie Populist” and “a live-wire slayer of corporate behemoths.” He cut a wide swath through history on his path to the bench, coming of age alongside a cadre of young midwestern progressives, including Hubert H. Humphrey, Eugene McCarthy, and Walter Mondale. Among Judge Lord’s landmark cases were the Reserve Mining environmental case and the Dalkon Shield IUD litigation.
Join Roberta Walburn, who clerked for Judge Lord and authored the book, Miles Lord: The Maverick Judge Who Brought Corporate America to Justice, for an in-depth and insider view of this one-of-a-kind Minnesota icon.
MCC members Karla Ekdahl and Peter Hutchinson have read the book and say it is “….profound, fascinating, timely, inspiring AND a very well written page-turner.”
Roberta Walburn is an attorney based in Minneapolis, where she has focused on complex civil litigation and was co-lead counsel representing the State of Minnesota and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota in the Minnesota Tobacco litigation. Previously, she worked as a reporter for the Minneapolis Star Tribune and a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone. She is currently a trustee of the Ciresi Walburn Foundation, which focuses on education equity.
MCC members sign up here.
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Mix of Minds
Friday, October 30, 9:30 - 11:00 am
MCC Office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd Floor Commons
If you are a reader/listener of thoughtful investigative and critical journalism from magazine and newspaper articles and podcasts, please join MCC member Melinda Ward once a month for Mix of Minds, a ninety-minute discussion of a recent article proposed by a member of the group. This will be like a book group but focus on shorter pieces that generate interesting questions and thoughtful conversation from a wide variety of sources such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic or The Economist, etc.
This is a good way to learn about new topics and sources that you may have missed. We'll meet on one Friday morning a month from 9:30 - 11:00 am.
The article for October 30th is Should I Stay or Should I Go? by Eyal Press in The New Yorker about the hard decisions that workers in the federal Justice Department face. The decision to stay or to go applies to many human realms. Do I stay in this job, this marriage? Do I leave my family and home town for college or work? Do I evacuate my home to avoid a pending storm? Do I leave my country? You can access the article here.
MCC members sign up here.
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Breakfast at Elsie's
Saturdays, October 31 and November 7, 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 31 and here for November 7; guests email MCC.
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Sunday Concert and Appetizer Soiree
Sunday, November 1, 3:30 - 6:00 pm
Phoenix on the River, 222 Second St SE, Unit 706
Enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind musical experience! Join your friends and neighbors for a special Sunday Concert Soirée at Phoenix on the River, featuring an extraordinary afternoon of music and camaraderie.
Hosted by your friends Keith & Mary Bednarowski, Karla Ekdahl & Peter Hutchinson, Bob Jordan & Dianne Moore, and Mark & Mary Jo Nissen. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing your favorite appetizer to serve at least 8. Please be as specific as you can. You are welcome to bring your own wine or beer to share.
This appetizer soiree will be held at Phoenix on the River in Bob Jordan and Dianne Moore's home, Unit 706. Please enter the lobby and check in at the front desk. Guest parking is very limited; carpooling is recommended.
The concert begins promptly at 4:00 pm, doors open at 3:30 pm. The concert will last about 50 minutes with socializing until 6:00 pm.
Concert Program:
* L. van Beethoven Sonata for Violin & Piano in G major, Op.30 No.3 (20mins)
* Cesar Franck Sonata for Violin & Piano in A major (30mins)
* Selected encores from the repertoire of violinist Hilary Hahn
Read more about pianist John Jensen here and violinist Ray Shows here.
After you register for the Soiree, please click here to let us know what you will be bringing.
MCC members sign up here.
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Getting to Know Ten Thousand Things Theater
Tuesday, November 3, 2:30 - 4:00 pm
MCC Office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd Floor Commons
Join us for an engaging introduction to Ten Thousand Things, a professional theater company that has been bringing award-winning performances to audiences throughout Minnesota, including our own Mill City neighborhood, for more than 30 years. Meet Artistic Director Catlin Lowans and actor Dustin Bronson, who recently appeared in the Guthrie’s Private Lives, as they share stories about the company and its unique approach to theater. You'll also have a chance to win free tickets to an upcoming performance!
MCC members sign up here.
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Dining Around the Neighborhood: Umbra
Registration closes Wednesday, November 4 at 12:00 pm
Thursday, November 5, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Umbra, 708 S 3rd St
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 Umbra.
This event is limited to 12 participants.
Metered on-street parking is available. Carpooling recommended.
MCC members sign up here.
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Franklin Avenue and the Birth of AIM: A Native-Led Tour and Discussion
Friday, November 6, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Wolf Statue and Maria's on Franklin, 1113 E Franklin Ave
Join us for a Native-led walking tour of Franklin Avenue and learn about the history of one of the country’s largest urban Native communities.
Through storytelling, poetry, live music, and humor, our guides will share the history, struggles, aspirations, and resilience of generations of Native people who have called this neighborhood home. The tour will also explore Franklin Avenue’s role in the birth of the American Indian Movement (AIM).
Starting at the Wolf Statue on Franklin near 11th Avenue between the Native health center and Maria’s at 1113 E Franklin, the walk itself will be 45 minutes. Following the walk, the group will experience a 45-minute sit-down circle with the guides for more stories and Q and A. Should there be inclement weather, the walk will be shortened and the circle time lengthened.
Guides will be Tom LeBlanc, Sisseton Wahpeton Tribe and Al Gross, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Click here for more information.
$20/person. Please pay Susan Hartman by check, Venmo (@Susan-Hartman-97) or Zelle (susanhartman7@mac.com or (612) 655-0778).
Registration will not be complete until payment has been made.
MCC members sign up here.
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Living Well as You Age: Exploring Your Options
Monday, November 9, 1:00 - 2:30 pm
MCC Office, 1201 W River Pkwy, 2nd Floor Commons
MCC’s Vital Aging programming welcomes Kathleen Dempsey of Pathfinder Care Management for a thoughtful conversation about living options as we age. Kathleen will explore the considerations involved in remaining at home as well as when and why it may make sense to consider a move to a senior living community.
An RN, BSN, and board-certified gerontological nurse (Gero-BC), Kathleen brings years of experience, practical knowledge, and insight to help participants better understand their options and think ahead about what might work best for them.
This is part of MCC's Vital Aging Programming.
MCC members sign up here.
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Celebrate the Season at Crooners: The Holiday Songbook
Registration closes Tuesday, November 10 at 5:00 pm
Thursday, December 10, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
Crooners Supper Club, 6161 Hwy 65 E
Join us at Crooners for The Holiday Songbook, a joyful celebration filled with beloved holiday standards, seasonal pop favorites, singalongs, fun facts, and terrific vocal performances.
Created by Broadway and recording veterans James A. Rocco and Albert Evans, this festive show blends music, storytelling, humor, and plenty of holiday cheer. From Christmas classics to songs celebrating New Year’s and wintertime, it’s a lively and heartwarming way to enjoy the sounds of the season together.
James Rocco and another cast member will be available to our group after the show to discuss how the show was developed.
Friends and family are welcome to join our MCC group; dinner is available and may be ordered off the menu. Visit Crooners website here for more information and to see the menu.
Doors open at 6:00 pm, and dinner and drinks are served before and during the show. The show begins at 7:00 pm.
Cost: $45.00 per person, payable on the MCC website when you register. Tickets must be purchased no later than November 10.
Please note that tickets are non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you will be responsible for reselling or gifting your ticket to another member.
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 | | |
Members who attended Michael Cain's program last week heard about this upcoming program at MacPhail but all members are welcome to attend MacPhail Presents Project Amplify 5th Anniversary Concert on Thursday, October 29 at 7:00 pm. Join MacPhail Center for Music for an electrifying evening of hip-hop, beatboxing, West African drumming, and dance featuring Terrell X and Duniya Drum & Dance! This special Spotlight Series concert celebrates five years of Project Amplify, bringing dynamic teaching artists and music experiences into Minnesota schools. Click here to purchase tickets. MCC members can enjoy $10 tickets with code MACPHAILCOMMUNITY.
MCC member Mary Streitz is the President of Bakken Ensemble, a wonderful local chamber music ensemble whose artistic directors are violinist Stephanie Arado and cellist Pitnarry Shin. Bakken Ensemble is opening its season on Sunday, November 1 at 4:00 pm at Antonello Hall in a program of works by Brahms, Shostakovich, Suk, Mahler, and Respighi. Joining Stephanie and Pitnarry on this program are Guest Artistic Partner and pianist Hanna Hyunjung Kim, violinist Riu Du, and violist Kyu-Young Kim (yes, Kyu plays the viola, too!). For more details and to purchase tickets, either for the season or for this concert only, click here.
Upcoming MCC meetings:
- Program Committee Meeting, October 27
- All Chairs Committee Meeting, November 4
- Membership Committee Meeting, November 9
- MCC Board Meeting, November 18
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St. Paul Chamber Orchestra (SPCO) Presents Bach's Fifth Partita
November 6, 11:00 am & 7:00 pm, November 7, 7:00 pm, November 8, 3:00 pm, various locations
Hang on tight for an energetic program full of intricate harmonies that overlap and intertwine. In the first half of the program, SPCO woodwinds pass Afro-Latin melodies back and forth like a dance in Paquito d’Rivera’s Aires Tropicales. Then, they'll shift back a couple hundred years to dance in the Baroque era with Johann Sebastian Bach. It’s easy to lose yourself in the winding journey as the music spirals between winds and strings. For additional details and to purchase tickets, click here. Tickets are free for children and students.
Twin Cities Book Festival
November 7, 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Union Depot, 240 Kellogg Blvd E, St. Paul
Rain Taxi’s Twin Cities Book Festival (TCBF) is the annual Minnesota gathering for readers, writers, publishers, and purveyors of all things literary. The TCBF features dozens of presenting authors, special children’s programs, and a wide variety of exhibitors featuring new and rare books, quirky literary curiosities, and more. To view the full schedule of events, click here.
Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association (DMNA) Annual Meeting
November 9, 6:00-8:00 pm, Mill District Event Spaces, 233 Park Ave S
The DMNA will host a Community Social and Resource Fair from 6:00-7:00 pm, that will have free appetizers and a cash bar, along with music. The Annual Meeting will start at 7:00 pm. Elections to the board of directors will take place at the annual meeting. Click here for more information.
Talking Volumes with Colson Whitehead
November 11, 7:00-8:30 pm, O'Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine's, 2004 Randolph Ave, St. Paul
Join Talking Volumes for a live conversation with two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and #1 New York Times bestselling author Colson Whitehead. Whitehead will join MPR News journalist Catharine Richert to discuss Cool Machine, the electrifying conclusion to his acclaimed The Harlem Trilogy. Don't miss this evening of dazzling storytelling and insightful conversation about a city in transition and the truths beneath its surface. For more information and 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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