Dear Mill City Commons members and friends,

I was at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul a few years ago when I read with interest about the Native American boarding schools. As I walked around the exhibit, I was shocked to learn that one of the schools was in my hometown of Pipestone. It was called the "Pipestone Indian Training School" and was open from 1894-1953. How could I grow up in a small town and not know that part of its history? I often think that if I hadn't happened upon that exhibit, I would still be ignorant of its existence. Since then, I've watched movies, read books and tried to do more research to better understand how and why these schools persisted for so long. It is a dark history that one organization is seeking to shine a light on. Next week, we will hear from the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) about the history of the schools and what is being done to try to promote healing. I hope you will join me to learn more about this important topic and stay for the post-program discussion. Registration details can be found below.

I would guess the majority of you have visited western South Dakota at least once. But do you think you're like me and that you were unaware of aspects of the area's history or that maybe you only heard one side of the story? If so, you'll want to think about joining our Fall 2026 Road Scholar trip to visit Mount Rushmore, the Black Hills and the Badlands, with an optional extension to focus on the current Native American experience at Pine Ridge Reservation. More details will follow, but I share this today because I know I'm not alone in wanting to learn more, right wrongs when and where I can, and continue to grow through intentional experiences like these.

Mary Texidor, Executive Director

(612) 455-3329, 1201 W River Pkwy, Suite 217C, Minneapolis, MN 55454

MCC Three-Month Trial Membership Opportunity!

Tell your friends!

Word of mouth is MCC's most powerful tool for recruiting new members. YOU are the number one way MCC gets new members. You make a huge difference to the sustainability of the organization. Our upcoming trial membership is a great way to introduce your friends, neighbors and acquaintances to MCC. For just $150/person, they can enjoy programming, services and connection from April 1-June 30, 2025.

Click here for a printable flyer (or the office is happy to provide them to you - just ask!). If you aren't sure what to say about MCC, visit our Invite a Friend page for more resources.

Our Upcoming Programs and Events

Friends of Mia Coffee, Tea, and Scones and a Guided Tour

Wednesday, March 19, 10:00 - 11:30 am

Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Ave S

Join us at the Minneapolis Institute for Arts (Mia), as we meet with the Friends of Mia for coffee, tea, and scones as well as a guided tour of two special Mia exhibits: At the Moulin Rouge as well as The Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room. 

This tour is limited to 15 participants.

Meet at Mia’s front information desk to be guided to the Friends Office.

MCC members sign up here.

Men's Breakfast

Thursday, March 20, 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 Coffee and Conversation.

For our March 20 Men’s Breakfast Bob Lazear is bringing Patrick Wilson, the Development Director of the Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON), to speak with us about the important work this organization does in assisting low to moderate income entrepreneurs in North Minneapolis and surrounding communities.

Among other activities, the group has been involved in the creation of the Northside Food Incubator, to assist those who want to start restaurants or food related businesses in the community, as well as short term commercial real estate lending through the Northside Commercial Real Estate Revolving Loan Fund.

They also provide training and technical assistance, in addition to their work with business incubators, all with the goal of creating a strong and resilient Northside community by strengthening and supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses through every phase of their business’s growth. Mr. Wilson will present overview of the organization’s work and answer your questions.

MCC members sign up here.

TPT Viewers Like Us Program: The Electric Indian

Thursday, March 20, 3:00 - 4:30 pm

MCC Office, 1201 West River Pkwy, Room 215

MCC is partnering with TPT's Viewers Like Us Program for a series of programs to explore and discuss thought-provoking videos. This first set of three programs will be focused on Native American culture and history.

For the second video, we will view The Electric Indian. The Electric Indian chronicles the life of Ojibwe hockey star Henry Boucha. From his remarkable performances in the 1969 Minnesota High School Hockey Tournament to the 1972 Olympics and the NHL, Boucha's career was cut short by an on-ice injury, leading him on a path of healing and cultural reclamation.

Together, we will discuss Henry Boucha’s journey from professional stardom to crushing defeat and from struggle to healing.

We will watch the video together, then we will have a discussion hosted by trained TPT facilitators.

We we do encourage you to attend the series in-person, but individuals can participate virtually as well. 

MCC members sign up here.

Morning Mixer 

Saturdays, March 22 and 29, 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: 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 March 22 and here for March 29; guests email MCC. 

Native American Boarding Schools: History and Current Efforts Toward Healing

Monday, March 24, 1:00 - 2:30 pm

MCC Office, 1201 West River Pkwy, Room 215

More than 523 government-funded, and often church-run, Indian Boarding schools existed across the U.S. in the 19th and 20th centuries. Native children were forcibly abducted by government agents, sent to schools hundreds of miles away, and beaten, starved, or otherwise abused when they spoke their Native languages. The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the first and only national organization whose purpose is to advocate on behalf of Native peoples impacted by the boarding school policies. The organization seeks truth through education and research, justice through activism and policy advocacy, and healing through programs and traditional gatherings. Join us as we hear from Fallon Carey (Cherokee Nation), the Digital Archives Manager of NABS, who will speak about the work of her organization.

After the program, you are welcome to stay for an optional post-program discussion and treats from a Native American restaurant.

MCC members sign up here.

Last Tuesday Happy Hour

Tuesday, March 25, 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Milly's Wine Bar & Bistro, 1129 Washington Ave S

Join us for Last Tuesday Happy Hour at Milly's Wine Bar. Hosted by Kathy McKinstry, Carol Hovey, Susan Burdick, Peggy Reinhardt, and Pat Schaffer, this gathering is a time to catch up with friends and neighbors over small bites and Dutch treat drinks.

Metered on-street parking is available.

MCC members sign up here.

Global Volunteers: Ending Poverty One Child at a Time

Wednesday, March 26, 4:00 - 5:30 pm

MCC Office, 1201 West River Pkwy, Room 215

Join us to hear Bud Philbrook, co-founder of Global Volunteers, an international human and economic development organization in consultative status with United Nations Economic and Social Council. Learn how this organization, founded in 1984, has engaged over 41,000 short-term volunteers on long-term community development projects in 37 countries on six continents. Global Volunteers’ goal is to create, nurture, and sustain the well-being of the world’s children and their community so that they might realize the full promise of their human potential.

MCC members sign up here.

Global Understanding through Cinema; The 21st Century 'Arthouse' Experience

Thursday, March 27, 2:00 - 3:30 pm

MCC Office, 1201 West River Pkwy

In these divided and often isolated times, it is more important than ever for us all to share communal experiences. Cinema, with its ability to unite, inform and transform, is both the great equalizer, and a powerful tool for global understanding. Your local 'arthouse,' aka The Main, is where it all happens! Join us as we hear from Susan Smoluchowski, Executive Director of MSP Film Society as she talks about the "arthouse" experience of the Main, and what to expect with this year's Minneapolis St. Paul's International Film Festival (MSPIFF) offerings.



MCC members sign up here.

Dining Around the Neighborhood: The Cabana Club

Thursday, March 27, 5:30 - 7:30 pm

The Cabana Club, 201 SE Main St

Join us as we embark on a once-a-month culinary experience at different restaurants around the city, and around our neighborhood. This month, we will enjoy a Dutch-treat dinner at The Cabana Club.

This event is limited to 12 people.

Registration is full. Waitlist available here.

Virtual via Zoom: Technology Help Desk

Tuesday, April 1, 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.

Please notify Jane Stacy at janestacy@millcitycommons.org if you would like to be added to the wait list should there be a cancellation.

MCC members sign us here.

Caregivers' Support Group

May - August, meets twice a month in four month series, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm

This guided discussion group with professional facilitation supports MCC members and nonmembers who are in a caregiving role for a spouse, partner or other family member. Caregivers’ Support Group members share experiences, issues and concerns about caregiving, as well as give and receive support around this critical role. The group meets in person, with an option for hybrid if necessary.

Contact Elise Linehan at eliselinehan@millcitycommons.org if you are interested, know someone who may be interested, or if you want to learn more.

MCC members, a reminder that if you'd like to attend a scheduled in-person program on Zoom, you just need to email Jane Stacy to get the Zoom link.

MCC member Karla Ekdahl would like to invite you to join her on a tour of the Hennepin County Central Library (including behind-the-scenes archives and rare books!!!) on Wednesday, April 16, 9:30 am with the wonderful library staff. Karla is a huge fan of the Central Library, the beautiful building at 300 Nicollet Mall, which is her favorite of the 41 libraries in the system. Please plan to join her for a tour of this amazing, multi-purpose place—yes, the library loans books, AND it is also an arts organization, a social service agency, a lecture hall, an event space and oh-so-much more! If you would like to join the group for the tour, please email karla.ekdahl@gmail.com. 

MCC members Diane and Tony Hofstede invite members to participate in this year's Earth Day 5K Bee Run/Walk/River Clean Up. The event takes place on April 19, 9:00 am-noon, at Boom Island Park. The purpose is to protect pollinators and their habitat and BEE the change! This event is family and dog-friendly, and includes music & booths. Costumes are welcome. Prizes for the best! To learn more and register, click here. (Note: MCC plans to volunteer for the River Clean-Up at this event. See our April calendar for more details)

MCC members looking for other members interested in biking distances of 10-15 miles, email Elise Linehan.

Upcoming MCC meetings

• Board Meeting, March 19
• Hybrid / Program Committee Meeting, March 25
• Zoom / Marketing Committee Meeting, March 31

Around Town

Welcome Back The Herons

March 29, 11:00 am-1:00 pm, Marshall Terrace Park, 2740 Marshall St NE

Join us for a festive event filled with birdwatching, engaging talks about these majestic birds, and a walk to the river, where you’ll have the chance to witness them building their nests at the heron rookery. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who admires the beauty of the natural world, this event promises to be a delightful experience for all ages. For additional details and to register, click here.

Park Palette Art Class: FREE Art Journaling

March 31, 6:30-8:30 pm, Water Works Park, 425 W River Pkwy, Lenzmeier Meeting Room

Journaling can be an important tool in self reflection, but it can also be a way to tell a story. Join us for an adventure in mixed media journaling. The instructor will lead you, either as yourself or a created role, through multiple prompts in which you will record your thoughts, solve puzzles, and create a one-of-a-kind art piece to expand upon as you see fit. A journal and pencil are included with the cost of your registration. Space is limited so click here to reserve your spot today.

Theater Latte Da: Fun Home

Open April 2-May 4, Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave NE

This groundbreaking and beloved Tony-winning Best Musical is inspired by Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir. Through the lens of three pivotal stages in Alison’s life, Bechdel’s witty and wistful illustrated autobiography comes to life in this moving journey to acceptance. Looking back on her 1970s childhood in the family-owned funeral home and her complex relationship with her father, Alison discovers they had more in common than she ever knew. Click here to purchase tickets.

2025 Keynote: Doris Kearns Goodwin on Leadership in Turbulent Times

April 3, 1:00-2:00 pm, ZOOM

Road Scholar is offering a free virtual lecture by Doris Kearns Goodwin as part of their 50th Anniversary celebration. At a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, as we confront a cascade of crises — concerns about the fragility of our democracy and a deepening political polarization unmatched since the Civil War — Doris Kearns Goodwin offers critical historical context. Drawing from her book, “Leadership: In Turbulent Times,” Goodwin transports us back in time to provide perspective and analysis as she helps us understand how the presidents she’s studied most closely provide proof that as a country and a people we’ve been through most difficult times before and came through stronger. Click here for required registration.

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.

Mary Texidor, Executive Director, marytexidor@millcitycommons.org

Elise Linehan, Business and Member Services Administrator, eliselinehan@millcitycommons.org

Jane Stacy, Program and Events Manager, janestacy@millcitycommons.org

(612) 455-3329