The Future of This Blog

Along with celebrating 2 years since our doors opened, we're taking this anniversary as an opportunity to evaluate what we're doing and how we can do it better.  This blog is 1 of the things on our evaluation list.  

We started this blog to record our entrepreneurial journey as we create Overflow Coffee Bar.  In January 2010, I wrote that I want this blog to be "much more personal." I said I wanted to "share more deeply about the things I'm learning, struggling with and dreaming about as we continue on this journey of taking our passions (coffee, justice, social change, Jesus) and making something (Overflow Coffee Bar) that changes the world." 

Since then, Overflow has opened it's doors and this blog has become much more about promoting our activities.  I never intended for this change to happen.  As we were overwhelmed with running the day-to-day operations, lots of things fell through the cracks and got changed from our intentions.  

While I still want to use this blog to keep others informed of what's happening at 1550 S. State Street, I also want to get back to recording our journey and sharing more deeply.  Along those lines, check back Monday for a new series of blog posts highlighting our value of Purposeful Living.

Celebrating 2 Years!

Can you believe it?!?  The time has gone by so fast.

We'll celebrate the completion of 2 years in business on March 18, 2013.  We're very excited about what's coming with our 3rd year and beyond!  Now that we have the basics of running a coffee shop down to (almost) a science, we're ready to start getting better and better.  We look forward to serving the South Loop for many, many years to come.

With Easter and Spring Breaks and such, we've decided to observe our 2 Year Anniversary on April 6.  As a special thank you to our loyal customers, we invite you to celebrate with us!

• Free piece of cake!  All day on Saturday, April 6 until it's gone.

• We're bringing back 2013 Overflow Membership Cards for a day on April 6.  They'll be the special price of $35 and give you 10% off your purchases through December 31, 2013.

• Drawings for prizes throughout the day on April 6!  When you come by, you can get your name entered into a drawing for a different prize each hour, on the hour.

A picture of our staff on the 1 Year Anniversary!

South Loop Woman of the Year Honoree!

The 2013 South Loop Woman of the Year will be honored this Saturday, March 9 at the 1st Annual South Loop Women's Tea.  The Tea is at 3pm at 1550 S. State Street.  More information and RSVP here.

This year's award goes to Gina Ferguson.  Gina was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago.  She has been a nurse since 1992.  Most of her career has been spent in the cardiac surgery intensive care unit.  In 2005, she helped start the cardiac transplant program at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.  Gina provides and coordinates care for patients after heart surgery in the Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit, working closely with the cardiothoracic surgeons, cardiologists and anesthesiologists. She is also a member of the cardiac procurement team and coordinates the care for heart transplant patients in the inpatient setting.

Gina with her Dad

Gina combines her physical health with changing the world, starting with her own friends and family.  In 2008, Gina started being involved in the sport of triathlon.  In 2010, she participated in Ironman Arizona.  While being involved in this race, she raised money for the National Kidney Foundation.  Her father, Dennis, has suffered from chronic kidney disease for over 10 years.  In 2012, Gina lobbied on Capitol Hill with the National Kidney Foundation for extended Medicare for immunosuppressive drug coverage.  Seven days after being on Capitol Hill, Gina donated her kidney to her father.  

Gina was awarded the Donate Life Champion Award - an award given to athletes who have demonstrated remarkable support for organ, eye and tissue donation.  She was one of only 9 recipients from Illinois, next to Charles Tillman and the Payton Family, to be presented this award at the Chicago Bulls February 28. 

Gina has lived in the South Loop for over 7 years.  She can be found training at Monkey Bar Gym in the South Loop.  She also continues to volunteer her time with the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois and Donate Life America.  She likes cooking, traveling, wine tasting, working out and spending time with family and friends. 

Her favorite quote is "life begins at the end of your comfort zone"...something her mother, Carole, has taught her to follow. Gina continues to press her comfort zone.  On March 18th, Gina will be traveling with other nurses to Rwanda to bring many needed supplies for both a nursing school and a hospital.

This Month at Overflow!

Here are some events we're hosting this month.  Hope you can attend to build community, to appreciate art, and to find ways to change the world.

• Saturday, March 9 - 1st Annual South Loop Women's Tea @ 3pm 
• Wednesday, March 13 - Mark Does Stuff Tour 2013 @ 7:30pm
• Tuesday, March 19 - Danny from North Korea Film Screening @ 7pm (in partnership with Liberty in North Korea)

In our building but hosted by others:

• 2nd and 4th Mondays -  Toastmasters @ 6pm
• Saturday, March 9 - Chicago Solo Theatre (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 8pm
• Tuesday, March 12 - Double Indemnity Film Screening (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 6:30pm
• Wednesday, March 13 - ‘Cooler Smarter: Practical Steps for Low-Carbon Living’ Author Shares how to reduce our carbon footprint (hosted by Union of Concerned Scientists) @ 7pm
• Thursday, March 14 - BrainFit Kids 101 (hosted by REACH Family Institute) @6:30pm
• Sunday, March 17 - Yoga Nidra (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 2pm
• Friday, March 22 - Hymns for Hunger Tour (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 7:30pm
• Saturday, March 23 - South Loop Community Updates Meeting (hosted by the Greater South Loop Association) @ 9am

Have you visit our website recently?  We changed a few things to make our event information easier to find.  Check it out and stay updated!