Rollin’, Rollin’, Rollin’ on the River - Margaret McDonald, Executive Director, Mill City Commons
Sunday, August 21, 2022 at 12:27AMArticle by Becky Fillinger, photos provided
Margaret McDonaldMill City Commons has a new Executive Director, Margaret McDonald. I asked Margaret to tell me her thoughts on taking the helm of the innovative organization, programming updates and how to get involved.
Tipping my hat to Creedence Clearwater Revival’s John Fogerty, I don’t claim to be Proud Mary. But there is a part of me that is proud Margaret these days. As the new Executive Director of Mill City Commons, I could not be prouder to represent this dynamic organization. I’ve worked and lived close to our magnificent Mississippi River for several years. But never this close. Today I walk across the river to my office. I work with and serve wonderful people. I walk out of my office and sit by the river and eat lunch. I’m back where I belong!
Since 2002, I’ve chosen to be an active part of the neighborhoods on both sides of the riverfront. I’ve seen the areas transformation from parking lots, rusty railroad ties and abandoned buildings to a dynamic, growing civic minded community with all the amenities to support it. My husband and I are committed to supporting local businesses and establishments as we are very familiar with the hard work it takes to build and sustain a business.
Since the inception of Mill City Commons in 2008, our mission has been to provide programs and services to our members who are 55+ and live near the Minneapolis riverfront. As a neighborhood community, MCC provides member-driven programs that are educational, relevant, fun, easily accessible and inspiring.
Post-COVID, my vision is not to reinvent the wheel but to re-ignite the element of personal engagement, relevant discussions and fun to all our programs. After these past two years I believe we all need more comradery and good times. It’s time for us all to reconnect.
Scenes from Summer 2022 activities
Our programs fall into four categories: Educational (Great Discussion Series, Current Events and Conversations with Bill); Recreational (River walkers); Social (Men’s Dutch Lunch); and Cultural (Dressed by Nature: Textiles of Japan). In addition, our members strive to be a positive force in our community through volunteerism, civic involvement and supporting local businesses and fundraising activities. Meetings, social events, and discussion groups are frequently held in local restaurants and venues.
Throughout the pandemic most of our programing was delivered on Zoom. We were fortunate to be able to maintain our high-quality programing and membership retention. We even gained new members. My goal is to provide 80% of our programing in person in the coming months. Our new office located at 219 Main Street SE, affords us enough space to hold some events. In addition, many of our members willingly open their residences or party rooms to host programs and social events like our monthly Soiree buffet. For those members who spend their winters in warm climates, most of our programs are archived for future on-line access.
Although the majority of our members live along both sides of the Mississippi River, we have many living in South Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs. Membership is broad and diverse, as is our programing.
In addition, our members support one another with services such as rides to doctor appointments, airports and grocery shopping. Members also network with others through post-hospital stays and rehabilitation. MCC is committed to helping members remain empowered in order to live vibrant lives in this community with friends and family.
To learn more about us, roll on over to our website at http://www.millcitycommons.org. You will find our monthly calendar, pictures of recent events and how to become a member. If you prefer, call us at 612-455-3329.
We look forward to welcoming you to our exciting neighborhood on the river.
