Events - Month View

Get to know other MCC members at a casual Saturday morning breakfast mixer outside on Elsie’s Restaurant‘s patio. 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.

A Minnesota countryside bike ride of 40 miles is planned for Tuesday, September 5. Riders will drive and transport their bikes approximately an hour to Morristown, MN where they will begin the day‘s ride at 10:00 a.m. on the paved Sakatah Singing Hills State Trail. Peter Hutchinson will lead the group through this mostly-flat route which takes cyclists through a variety of farmland, state parks and small towns. A lunch stop will be planned in Madison Lake.

Specific directions as to where to park to begin the ride will be provided to all who register via the MCC calendar. Any guests should also be registered by the member who signs up for this ride.

Do you find it hard to really get to know members at our large programs … or those featuring a speaker? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join us for a casual conversation on the patio of Aster Cafe. Take this opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with some you haven’t seen lately. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to meet you.

Join your friends and neighbors at the Porter Cafe for a morning chat. This adventure requires no reservations.

Chairs from all of the different committees meet monthly at the MCC Offices.

Join us to discuss this month‘s book, "A World of Curiosities," by Louise Penny. 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 "Everybody‘s Fool," by Richard Russo.

Caffeine and camaraderie for members of MCC! This group meets every other Thursday and is hosted by various members who get the conversation going.

Do you like to walk and talk with a small group, vs. meeting in a larger group or for a presentation? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join in with others who might also be walking. Meet at the end of the Stone Arch Bridge, on the city side, at 8:30 a.m. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office (612) 455-3329 so we can be sure someone is there to walk that day.

Get to know other MCC members at a casual Saturday morning breakfast mixer outside on Elsie’s Restaurant‘s patio. 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.

As our world becomes more interconnected, changing demographics make communities across the U.S. more diverse and the future workplace demands a completely different set of skills to succeed in a global economy, schools must change how they educate young, digital learners. The immediacy of global issues such as climate change, food security, and global health crises make global learning essential preparation for a changing world. Eighty-five percent of today’s grade-school students will hold jobs that don’t exist today, making the future of work a moving target. All students should have the opportunity to develop skills essential for future success, including: an appreciation for cultural differences, critical and comparative thinking skills, comfort with ambiguity, and an understanding of globally significant issues. World Savvy Co-Founder and CEO, Dana Mortenson and Anne Soto, Midwest Executive Director, will explore how critical shifts in how we define and explore the future of education can meet this challenge.

Schedule time with a Tech Support Guru on Zoom and have your nagging technology questions answered during our complimentary Help Desk. The zoom link will be provided in your confirmation email.

The Membership Committee develops new strategies for member recruitment and retention. The committee meets the second Tuesday of the month. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Committee Chair Jane Helsing.

Do you find it hard to really get to know members at our large programs … or those featuring a speaker? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join us for a casual conversation on the patio of Aster Cafe. Take this opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with some you haven’t seen lately. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to meet you.

Join your friends and neighbors at the Porter Cafe for a morning chat. This adventure requires no reservations.

This guided discussion group with professional facilitation supports MCC members and nonmembers who are in a caregiving role.

The next Executive Committee meeting is on September 13, 1:30-3:00 pm at our Mill City Commons Office.

Need a new hobby? Sketching is a great way to show off your artistic ability and keep a visual diary of your life. Join us as we hear from MCC member and artist Patty Canney as she shows us her technique and her work. She will be joined by two other Minneapolis sketch artists who will demonstrate their abilities. Enjoy a glass of wine before the program.

Do you like to walk and talk with a small group, vs. meeting in a larger group or for a presentation? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join in with others who might also be walking. Meet at the end of the Stone Arch Bridge, on the city side, at 8:30 a.m. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office (612) 455-3329 so we can be sure someone is there to walk that day.

This casual, Dutch-treat lunch in Smith and Porter‘s Private Dining Room alternates weeks with Men’s Coffee and Conversation. There’s no program, but good conversation happens here! Please register, so we can let the restaurant know how many to expect. If you would like to be added to the Thursday Dutch Lunch list or suggest a topic for discussion, email alburd4057@gmail.com.

Get to know other MCC members at a casual Saturday morning breakfast mixer outside on Elsie’s Restaurant‘s patio. 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.

Join your friends and neighbors for the Sunday Soiree, hosted by Bill Davnie at The Carlyle, 100 3rd Ave. S. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing a salad, hot dish, bread, dessert or beverage to serve at least 8, Limited guest parking may be available in the building and metered on-street parking is available. Carpooling is recommended. Walking and guest parking entrances are on 3rd Avenue. The Great Room is to the right as you enter the main entrance.

What comprises economic warfare? How have these measures been used recently against Russia? Waging economic warfare consists of a variety of measures from implementing sanctions to fomenting labor strikes. Such tools are utilized by states to hinder their enemies, and in the case of the United States have been used as far back as the early 19th century. Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, economic warfare has been the main means for the west to challenge Russia. How effective will these sanctions be at convincing Russia to cease its war?

Do you find it hard to really get to know members at our large programs … or those featuring a speaker? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join us for a casual conversation on the patio of Aster Cafe. Take this opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with some you haven’t seen lately. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to meet you.

Enjoy this month‘s reading of "The Importance of Being Earnest," by Oscar Wilde.

John Worthing, a carefree young gentleman, is the inventor of a fictitious brother, “Ernest,” whose wicked ways afford John an excuse to leave his country home from time to time and journey to London, where he stays with his close friend and confidant, Algernon Moncrieff.

A farcical comedy, the work mocks the culture and manners of Victorian society, relying on satire and a comic resolution to make that mockery more palatable to viewers.

Note: Dramaturg Jo Holcomb will assign parts.

Join your friends and neighbors at the Porter Cafe for a morning chat. This adventure requires no reservations.

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. There will be both presentation and discussion. This program is held in person this month.

Join the MCC Board of Directors for an Open Forum from 4:00-4:30 pm at the MCC Offices, Room 216.

Enjoy this month‘s reading of "The Importance of Being Earnest," by Oscar Wilde.

John Worthing, a carefree young gentleman, is the inventor of a fictitious brother, “Ernest,” whose wicked ways afford John an excuse to leave his country home from time to time and journey to London, where he stays with his close friend and confidant, Algernon Moncrieff.

A farcical comedy, the work mocks the culture and manners of Victorian society, relying on satire and a comic resolution to make that mockery more palatable to viewers.

Note: Dramaturg Jo Holcomb will assign parts.

Caffeine and camaraderie for members of MCC! This group meets every other Thursday and is hosted by various members who get the conversation going.

Do you like to walk and talk with a small group, vs. meeting in a larger group or for a presentation? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join in with others who might also be walking. Meet at the end of the Stone Arch Bridge, on the city side, at 8:30 a.m. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office (612) 455-3329 so we can be sure someone is there to walk that day.

It‘s not the Last Tuesday, but join us for a special Thursday Happy Hour at Utepils Brewery. Located on a hillside overlooking Bassett Creek, this beautiful location is perfect for a Fall outing. Hosted by Will and Ginny Craig and Paul Dietrich, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over small bites and Dutch treat drinks.

Note: There is only beer and soft drinks available - no wine or other alcohol.

In addition to the light appetizers that Will, Ginny and Paul plan on serving, there is also a food truck, Sizzling Wagon, which will be available for people to purchase more food if they desire.

Accessibility: Utepils parking lot is very small. There is lots of parking on nearby streets, but could be a bit of a hike for people who arrive late. Carpooling is recommended.

To ensure that there is plenty of table space, YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT.

Get to know other MCC members at a casual Saturday morning breakfast mixer outside on Elsie’s Restaurant‘s patio. 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.

The Program Committee meets the fourth Tuesday of each month. If you have a program idea, please feel free to fill out the Program Committee Proposal form and email it to Jane at janestacy@millcitycommons.org.

Do you find it hard to really get to know members at our large programs … or those featuring a speaker? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join us for a casual conversation on the patio of Aster Cafe. Take this opportunity to meet new members and reconnect with some you haven’t seen lately. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to meet you.

Join your friends and neighbors at the Porter Cafe for a morning chat. This adventure requires no reservations.

This guided discussion group with professional facilitation supports MCC members and nonmembers who are in a caregiving role.

Join us to hear a presentation by classical pianist Bill Eddins, the Music Director Emeritus of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and former Associate Conductor of the Minnesota Orchestra. Mr. Eddins will discuss his international music career and also share how he combined his passions for brewing beer and music education by co-founding MetroNOME Brewery. This downtown St. Paul establishment, which also contains a performance venue, dedicates a portion of its proceeds to providing music education to disadvantaged Twin Cities youth. (NOME is an acronym for Nurturing Outstanding Music Education.) Join us for a pre-program social at 6:30 pm.

Mark your calendars now for a tour of MetroNOME brewery on Thursday, October 5. More details to follow.

Do you like to walk and talk with a small group, vs. meeting in a larger group or for a presentation? This spontaneous event might be just right for you! Join in with others who might also be walking. Meet at the end of the Stone Arch Bridge, on the city side, at 8:30 a.m. If you are attending for the first time, please contact the MCC office (612) 455-3329 so we can be sure someone is there to walk that day.

This casual, Dutch-treat lunch in Smith and Porter‘s Private Dining Room alternates weeks with Men’s Coffee and Conversation. There’s no program, but good conversation happens here! Please register, so we can let the restaurant know how many to expect. If you would like to be added to the Thursday Dutch Lunch list or suggest a topic for discussion, email alburd4057@gmail.com.

Ever wonder just how those beautiful ceramic bowls and mugs are made? Join us as we tour Northern Clay Center, where we will learn not only what they do, but how they create those masterpieces. Northern Clay Center’s mission is to advance the ceramic arts for artists, learners, and the community, through education, exhibitions, and artist services. See how they provide arts educational experiences, exhibitions and programming through diverse cultures, experiences and traditions in order to create a more inclusive clay community.

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 from Japan, where we will enjoy a Dutch-treat dinner at Zen Box Izakaya. This event is limited to 12 people. Please register by Noon on Monday, September 25.

Join in a morning hike at Richardson Nature Center in Bloomington. We’ll hike ~3.0 miles through varied terrain - prairie, woods, and alongside ponds. Birds are plentiful, and we’ll maybe even see some deer traversing the woods. The path is wide, somewhat hilly, and covered mostly with wood chips.

The hike will begin at 9:15 from Richardson Nature Center, 8737 East Bush Lake Road, within the Reserve. The Nature Center opens at 9:00, and is well worth a visit.

For those interested in carpooling, meet at the American Red Cross parking lot, ready to depart at 8:30.

If coming from 494 via East Bush Lake Road, note the Bush Lake Ski Jump to your left. It‘s one of only 4 in Minnesota, and 33 in the U.S.!

If inclement weather, you’ll be notified of a change in plans.

Get to know other MCC members at a casual Saturday morning breakfast mixer outside on Elsie’s Restaurant‘s patio. 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.