Events - Week View

Washington’s relations with Beijing have reached an ominous low ebb. Both American political parties have identified China as the country’s preeminent geopolitical challenger and, in the eyes of many, a systemic threat. What is driving this deterioration of Sino-American relations, and what are America’s strategic options in the face of Chinese power and ambition?

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.

Loft Teaching Artist Patricia Hoolihan is available to guide MCC members in exploring their stories during six 2-hour writing classes in April and May. This class will provide a chance to explore the world around you and within you in new ways through language – whether you are writing for yourself or to share with family and friends. Writing exercises will encourage you to open doors and cross thresholds to find words and stories that have been waiting to be discovered—by you. Writing prompts will invite you to express your unique voice in a variety of creative ways through journaling, poetry, essay, and memoir. Each class includes time for writing exercises, discovery of similar experiences, and optional sharing of written words. Cost for the 6 classes is $180, payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Minimum of 6 enrollees, and limited to 20 members.

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.

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 Jefe Urban Cocina. 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 C.R.E.A.M 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.

Suki Dardarian, who in February retired as editor and Senior Vice President at the Minnesota Star Tribune and was recently named the National Press Foundation’s Editor of the Year, will offer insights on journalism today and share a few personal stories from running local newsrooms from Seattle to Minneapolis.

Every year the Supreme Court issues important rulings that affect our lives. The nine justices read briefs, listen to the argument, and then render a decision. Now you can do much the same.

On April 21 the Court will hear a case about the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and specifically about the authority of the government to require the provision of particular preventive services at no cost. The case is interesting because it questions whether the Congress can delegate authority to an “independent” body within a Department (Health and Human Services) and whether the Secretary (now RFK Jr.) has authority over its decisions. Interestingly the case was first taken up by the Biden administration and is now being argued by the Trump Justice Department.

We will meet on April 24 to consider the arguments and vote on how we would decide the case. At the end of the Court’s term in June we will find out how we did. YOU DO NOT NEED TO BE A LAWYER to fully participate. You just need to be willing to listen in on the morning of April 21 when the Court will hear the arguments, consider the points on both sides, and decide with us on April 24 what you think the court should do. It will be fun and engaging. Once you register, Peter Hutchinson, who will facilitate the discussion, will send you details about the case and how to listen in to the oral argument.

Join us as we embark on a once-a-month culinary experience at different neighborhood restaurants around the city. This month we will enjoy a Dutch-treat dinner at The Loop. This event is limited to 12 people. Please register by Noon on Tuesday, April 22.

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. 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: 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.

Join our MCC Opera Friends at the at Met Live in HD performance of “Le Nozze di Figaro." 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.

Join your friends and neighbors for the Sunday Soiree, hosted by Sam and Sylvia Kaplan at their home. Please contribute to the potluck by bringing a salad, fruit, hot dish, bread, dessert, or beverage to serve at least 8. On-street parking is available. Carpooling is recommended.