Events - Month View

Join us for an inspiring look at the life and legacy of Marlene Johnson, Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor. Breaking political ground in a male-dominated era, Johnson served under Rudy Perpich beginning in January 1983, marking a milestone for women in state government.

In her memoir, Rise to the Challenge, Johnson weaves together her professional journey with her deeply personal story, including a loving marriage that sustained her through profound loss. From growing up in rural Minnesota to organizing, advocating, and leading at the highest levels of state government, this is a courageous portrait of perseverance, public service, and the power of showing up, even when the path is steep. Marlene will read from her book and books will be available for sale.

Due to low attendance, today‘s program has been cancelled and will be rescheduled. A new date will be announced soon.

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 at Milwaukee Road Restaurant and Bar at The Depot. 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.

MCC and Road Scholar have teamed up for a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit key cities that played crucial roles in the early days of the Civil Rights Movement.

Journey south into the heart of the civil rights movement to gain a deeper understanding of the historic and continued struggle for racial equality in the United States. Follow in the footsteps of the venerable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legendary marches, and hear the moving story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott. Walk across the Selma Bridge with an activist who took part in the peaceful protest that devolved into unforgivable violence known as “Bloody Sunday.” Pay homage at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church as you learn the story of the victims of the 1963 KKK bombing. Study how these catalysts ignited a movement that would define this pivotal moment in American history.

Come learn more about this private MCC tour and hear stories and insights from MCC members who’ve experienced it firsthand. This tour is open for MCC members, friends, and family.

Tour Dates: April 18-April 25, 2027
Tour Cost: $4,899 single occupancy, $4,099 double occupancy all inclusive. Airfare cost is additional.
Reservation Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Minimum Attendees Required: 24

The Membership Committee develops new strategies for member engagement and retention. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to Committee Chair Jane Helsing.

Do you ever find it hard to really connect with other members at our larger programs or speaker events? Then this spontaneous gathering might be just what you’re looking for!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at The Cabana Club — a perfect chance to meet new members and catch up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in a while.

If you’re joining us for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to welcome you.

Coffee, conversation, and connection await you at C.R.E.A.M Café. No sign-ups, no fuss—just friends and neighbors gathering for a morning chat.

All Chairs of the different committees are invited to join us at this monthly meeting.

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

*This event is open to all members of MCC. Registration is required.

Join fellow MCC members for a charming visit to the Fiorentino Museum, locally known as the Cuckoo Clock Museum. Created by collector James Fiorentino, this one-of-a-kind museum features more than 300 cuckoo clocks, along with vintage phonographs and a wide assortment of curiosities. Jim’s collection reflects a lifelong passion and is full of surprises, stories, and whimsy.

This tour has been cancelled, due to unexpected roof repairs at the museum. A new date will be announced soon.

Join us for an evening of film and conversation as the MCC Native American Programming Workgroup and Abiitan co-host a screening of "Smoke Signals."

"Smoke Signals" is a 1998 coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Chris Eyre. Arnold rescued Thomas from a fire when he was a child. Thomas thinks of Arnold as a hero, while Arnold‘s son Victor resents his father‘s alcoholism, violence and abandonment of his family. Uneasy rivals and friends, Thomas and Victor spend their days killing time on a Coeur d‘Alene reservation in Idaho and arguing about their cultural identities. When Arnold dies, the duo set out on a cross-country journey to Phoenix to retrieve Arnold‘s ashes.

Following the screening, we will gather for a 30-minute discussion to reflect on the film’s themes and explore its relevance today. We hope you’ll join us for this opportunity to learn, connect, and deepen our understanding of Native American history and ongoing efforts for justice.

There is on-street metered parking available. All registrants must check in and out at the concierge desk. Abiitan recommends arriving 15 minutes early.

Start your Saturday with good company and great conversation!

Join fellow MCC members for a relaxed Saturday morning breakfast mixer at Elsie’s Restaurant, inside their cozy main dining room. 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: We’ll be gathering in a secluded indoor space within Elsie’s main dining room. Attendance is limited to 22 participants to ensure smooth service for Elsie’s staff. To help the restaurant prepare, please register in advance.

What can we learn today from the life and work of a master legislator? Join acclaimed journalist and author Lori Sturdevant as she shares insights from her latest book, "Martin Sabo: The Making of the Modern Legislature." Through her presentation and a lively discussion, Lori will explore what Martin Sabo’s legacy reveals about Minnesota, leadership, and the challenges facing America in 2026.

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 at Milwaukee Road Restaurant and Bar at The Depot. 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.

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.

You are the ultimate decision-maker in your own health care, especially when it comes to medications. While prescribers recommend what to take and in what dosage, it’s you who makes the final choices: which medications—prescription or over-the-counter—you’ll actually take, how much, how often, and for how long. Because only the medications you choose to take affect your health, understanding your decision-making process is essential. Pharmacist and MCC member Dr. Mary Indritz will explore how pharmacists can positively influence those decisions and help create a better, safer medication experience.

Do you ever find it hard to really connect with other members at our larger programs or speaker events? Then this spontaneous gathering might be just what you’re looking for!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at The Cabana Club — a perfect chance to meet new members and catch up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in a while.

If you’re joining us for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to welcome you.

Coffee, conversation, and connection await you at C.R.E.A.M Café. No sign-ups, no fuss—just friends and neighbors gathering for a morning chat.

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

Join us for a monthly book discussion focused on timely, engaging reads.

Our March book is "Deacon King Kong," by James McBride.

If you‘d like to read ahead, our April book will be "Charles Sumner: Conscience of a Nation," by Zaakir Tameez.

The next Executive Committee meeting is on March 11, 1:30-3:00 pm.

During March-May 2026, MCC is partnering with TPT’s “Viewers Like Us” programming. This year’s selections will focus on areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. The videos will prompt us to explore and discuss thought-provoking topics. Sessions will be in person but there will also be the option to participate by Zoom. Members can attend just one documentary, but we need a core group committed to all three sessions in order to move forward. If this continues to be of interest to MCC members, there are many other movie/documentary choices that TPT can offer us for future programs.

For our first documentary, we will screen Relish: Somali Sambusa and Nepali Momo. This episode from the Relish series celebrates cultural heritage in Twin Cities communities through the universal language of food. Host Yia Vang explores two beloved wrapped dishes that unite families and communities. The Mohamed sisters (Hoya Sambusa) showcase their Somali sambusas, while Rashmi Bhattachan and Sarala Kattel of Momo Dosa wrap up some delectable Nepali momo.

We’re especially pleased to welcome Mariam Mohamed in person for this Viewers Like Us program. Featured in the Somali sambusa segment, Mariam is one of the founders of Hoyo Sambusa and will bring samples of sambusas for everyone to enjoy. Savor the rich flavors of this beloved Somali snack—and dinner hero.

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 a Dutch-treat dinner at Kindee Thai Restaurant and enjoy the flavors of Thailand.

This event is limited to 12 participants.

Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, March 10.

This dinner has been cancelled due to low attendance.

If you enjoy a good hand of bridge, you’re invited to join us for our MCC Bridge Club gathering. Spend a friendly morning at the table playing hands, making bids, taking tricks, and enjoying lively conversation in the Community Room at the Bridgewater Condominium. This is a relaxed, social game for players who are comfortable with the basics of bridge and enjoy good company as much as good cards.

Questions? Contact MCC member Dan Rischall at drischall@gmail.com - he’s always glad to assist. This program is limited to 8 participants.

This program has been cancelled.

Start your Saturday with good company and great conversation!

Join fellow MCC members for a relaxed Saturday morning breakfast mixer at Elsie’s Restaurant, inside their cozy main dining room. 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: We’ll be gathering in a secluded indoor space within Elsie’s main dining room. Attendance is limited to 22 participants to ensure smooth service for Elsie’s staff. To help the restaurant prepare, please register in advance.

Please join us for a festive St. Patrick’s Day Sunday Soirée - just two days ahead of the holiday - with your MCC friends in the Club Room at the Expo Apartments. Graciously hosted by Kathie Murphy & Richard Pratt, Jim & Maureen Bruce, Karen Blumberg & Dan Rischall, Carolyn Lipp & Jerry Sherman, Doug Meisner, Catharine & John Kristian, and Kathy McKinstry, this gathering promises great company, lively conversation, and a touch of Irish cheer.


Folklore says that wearing green makes you invisible to mischievous leprechauns, who might otherwise be tempted to stir up a little shenanigans.

Please contribute to the potluck by bringing an appetizer, main dish, salad, or dessert to serve at least 8 people. Please sign up here: https://grasshoppersignup.com/s/gy7gcd. Drinks will be provided.

A host will be stationed at the front entrance of Expo on University Avenue to welcome and guide attendees. Guests may take the stairs up one level or use the elevator for access.

Street metered parking is available.

Russia’s war in Ukraine has reshaped Europe’s security landscape, just as U.S. commitment to NATO and support for Ukraine is being debated more openly than in decades. If Washington scales back, Europe could face a period of strategic uncertainty - forced to make difficult choices about defense spending, military readiness, energy security, and how to deter further aggression while keeping diplomatic options open.

In this Great Decisions session, we’ll examine what’s at stake for the United States in NATO and European stability, and why these issues matter globally. We’ll also explore Europe’s strategic dilemmas, including balancing support for Ukraine with domestic pressures, coordinating among diverse nations, and considering whether greater independent defense capacity is possible or necessary.

Our speaker is Andrew Latham, Professor of International Relations and Political Theory at Macalester College. He is also a Non-Resident Fellow at Defense Priorities, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Peace and Diplomacy, and an opinion contributor to The Hill.

Professor Latham specializes in international relations, security, and political thought, with teaching and research spanning U.S. foreign policy, regional conflicts, and geopolitics.

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 at Milwaukee Road Restaurant and Bar at The Depot. 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.

Spending time with animals is good for the soul. Research shows that interacting with animals can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and ease feelings of loneliness - and many of us know that from personal experience.

Just as importantly, calm and caring human interaction is a gift to the animals themselves. For shelter animals, time with people provides comfort, socialization, and a sense of ease in what can otherwise be a stressful setting.

Join fellow MCC members for a visit to the Animal Humane Society’s Golden Valley adoption center for their Coffee & Companions program. Designed for adults 55+, this relaxed and welcoming gathering offers the chance to enjoy coffee, conversation, and meaningful time with dogs, cats, and other critters—while supporting their well-being and sharing a few puppy kisses, too!

This program is limited to 3 participants. Registration deadline is Thursday, March 12.

Do you ever find it hard to really connect with other members at our larger programs or speaker events? Then this spontaneous gathering might be just what you’re looking for!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at The Cabana Club — a perfect chance to meet new members and catch up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in a while.

If you’re joining us for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to welcome you.

Coffee, conversation, and connection await you at C.R.E.A.M Café. No sign-ups, no fuss—just friends and neighbors gathering for a morning chat.

Join the MCC Board of Directors for an Open Forum from 4:00-4:30 pm at the MCC Offices, 2nd Floor Commons area.

Enjoy this month‘s reading of "Sleuth," by Anthony Shaffer (Guthrie Theater).

When Milo Tindle visits detective writer Andrew Wyke at his English countryside home, the last thing he expects is for Andrew to propose they stage an elaborate jewelry burglary. Andrew‘s endgame is a sizable insurance payout for himself; Milo can use the jewels to financially support Andrew‘s wife, Marguerite, with whom he‘s been having an affair. The plan goes swimmingly at first, but as new revelations come to light, both men soon realize they‘ve met their match. What follows is a heart-pounding, high-stakes game of cat and mouse where each man‘s web of lies, bargains and misdirections leads to the ultimate checkmate.

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

*This event is open to all members of MCC. Registration is required.

MCC and Road Scholar have teamed up for a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit key cities that played crucial roles in the early days of the Civil Rights Movement.

Journey south into the heart of the civil rights movement to gain a deeper understanding of the historic and continued struggle for racial equality in the United States. Follow in the footsteps of the venerable Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legendary marches, and hear the moving story of Rosa Parks and the Montgomery bus boycott. Walk across the Selma Bridge with an activist who took part in the peaceful protest that devolved into unforgivable violence known as “Bloody Sunday.” Pay homage at the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church as you learn the story of the victims of the 1963 KKK bombing. Study how these catalysts ignited a movement that would define this pivotal moment in American history.

Come learn more about this private MCC tour and hear stories and insights from MCC members who’ve experienced it firsthand. This tour is open for MCC members, friends, and family.

Tour Dates: April 18-April 25, 2027
Tour Cost: $4,899 single occupancy, $4,099 double occupancy all inclusive. Airfare cost is additional.
Reservation Deadline: Tuesday, March 31, 2026
Minimum Attendees Required: 24

Start your Saturday with good company and great conversation!

Join fellow MCC members for a relaxed Saturday morning breakfast mixer at Elsie’s Restaurant, inside their cozy main dining room. 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: We’ll be gathering in a secluded indoor space within Elsie’s main dining room. Attendance is limited to 22 participants to ensure smooth service for Elsie’s staff. To help the restaurant prepare, please register in advance.

Join our MCC Opera Friends at the Met Live in HD performance of "Tristan und Isolde." 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. Tickets should be purchased online before the performance.

This month, grab a comfy seat, let the lights dim, and lose yourself in a great film. Then join fellow MCC members for good food, easy conversation, and a Dutch-treat dinner afterward.

The movie will be announced soon.

We’ll meet at MSP Film@The Main for the movie, followed by a Dutch-treat dinner at Cabana Club to share reactions and reflections.

If you’ve already seen the movie but would like to meet us at the restaurant at 6:00 pm, just let us know when the registration question pops up.

Members are welcome to join us for the movie, dinner, or both!

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 at Milwaukee Road Restaurant and Bar at The Depot. 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 us for a guided exploration of the historic Minneapolis City Hall. Designed by the prominent architectural firm Long and Kees, this landmark is one of the nation’s largest 19th-century municipal buildings. During our tour, we’ll learn about its striking Richardsonian Romanesque design and spend time in the grand rotunda while discovering other distinctive features that make this building such a Minneapolis treasure. Our tour guide for the morning is Pierre, who will meet our group in the Rotunda by the Father of Waters statue.

If you enjoy a good hand of bridge, you’re invited to join us for our MCC Bridge Club gathering. Spend a friendly morning at the table playing hands, making bids, taking tricks, and enjoying lively conversation in the Community Room at the Bridgewater Condominium. This is a relaxed, social game for players who are comfortable with the basics of bridge and enjoy good company as much as good cards.

Questions? Contact MCC member Dan Rischall at drischall@gmail.com - he’s always glad to assist. This program is limited to 8 participants.

Do you ever find it hard to really connect with other members at our larger programs or speaker events? Then this spontaneous gathering might be just what you’re looking for!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at The Cabana Club — a perfect chance to meet new members and catch up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in a while.

If you’re joining us for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to welcome you.

Coffee, conversation, and connection await you at C.R.E.A.M Café. No sign-ups, no fuss—just friends and neighbors gathering for a morning chat.

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

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.

The Program Committee meets each month to discuss and develop new program ideas for our members. 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.

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 a Dutch-treat dinner at Kindee Thai Restaurant and enjoy the flavors of Thailand.

This event is limited to 12 participants.

Registration closes at 12:00 pm on Tuesday, March 24.

Start your Saturday with good company and great conversation!

Join fellow MCC members for a relaxed Saturday morning breakfast mixer at Elsie’s Restaurant, inside their cozy main dining room. 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: We’ll be gathering in a secluded indoor space within Elsie’s main dining room. Attendance is limited to 22 participants to ensure smooth service for Elsie’s staff. To help the restaurant prepare, please register in advance.

With more than 100,000 innocent people incarcerated in the United States, wrongful convictions remain a profound and often hidden injustice. The Great North Innocence Project (GNIP) works to free people who were convicted of crimes they did not commit - and to prevent future wrongful convictions - through rigorous investigation and litigation, education and outreach, and legislative advocacy.

In this presentation, Jack Reuler, advocate with Great North Innocence Project, will draw on real cases to illuminate the primary causes and lasting consequences of wrongful convictions, as well as the pathways to remedying them. Jack will also share how GNIP works proactively to prevent injustices before they occur, and how community members can partner with GNIP to help strengthen and improve our criminal legal system.

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 at Milwaukee Road Restaurant and Bar at The Depot. 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.

Do you ever find it hard to really connect with other members at our larger programs or speaker events? Then this spontaneous gathering might be just what you’re looking for!

Join us for a relaxed afternoon of conversation at The Cabana Club — a perfect chance to meet new members and catch up with familiar faces you haven’t seen in a while.

If you’re joining us for the first time, please contact the MCC office so we can be sure someone is there to welcome you.