Showing posts with label educational events. Show all posts
Showing posts with label educational events. Show all posts

Why "The Quiet Workshop" Relates to Drinking Ethical Coffee

In partnership with Daystar Center, we're hosting The Quiet Workshop on Saturday, May 30, 2015.  The idea is that we spend the majority of our lives being stressed and busy.  What if we took 8 hours on 1 day to begin to address our stress and busyness?  Could we step out of the traffic, see how it feels, and perhaps incorporate some quiet into our every day lives?

What does this have to do with drinking coffee that's good for the farmers and the planet?

EVERYTHING.

  • Both have to do with purposeful living (one of Overflow's values).  
  • Both have to do with actually thinking about why we do what we do - from where we spend our money to how we spend our time.  
  • Both are about the habits we build INTO our lives to help build UP our lives (and the lives of others).
If this seems up your alley, we invite you to check out the full details.  Register early for a $20 discount and to reserve your seat before it fills up.  Space is limited to 40 people so there's lots of value to the workshop.

This Month at Overflow! 5.2014

Presented by Overflow

27 - Buyer Be Fair Documentary Film Screening & Discussion @ 7pm - More info here.

Presented by Daystar Center

10 - Chicago Solo Theatre @ 7:30pm - More info here.

13 - Chicago Film Club screens Hitchcock's Rebecca @ 6:30pm - More info here.

15 & 17 - Jazz Vocalist (& South Loop Resident) Sabina & Visual Artists Jeremy & Jordan @ 7pm - More info here.

Other Community Activities

12 - South Loop Toastmasters Meeting @ 6:15pm - More info here.

17 - Greater South Loop Association Community Meeting @ 9am - More info here.

Celebrate Earth Day at Overflow!


April 22, 2014 (Earth Day!)
7:00 - 9:00pm
Film Screening and Discussion
RSVP here.


Film Description

A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle For a Living Planet is the first big-picture exploration of the environmental movement - grassroots and global activism spanning fifty years from conservation to climate change. From halting dams in the Grand Canyon to battling 20,000 tons of toxic waste at Love Canal; from Greenpeace saving the whales to Chico Mendes and the rubbertappers saving the Amazon; from climate change to the promise of transforming our civilization... the film tells vivid stories about people fighting - and succeeding - against enormous odds.

The film is divided into five "acts".

Act 1 focuses on the conservation movement of the `60s, David Brower and the Sierra Club's battle to halt dams in the Grand Canyon. Narrated by Robert Redford.

Act 2 looks at the new environmental movement of the `70s with its emphasis on pollution, focusing on the battle led by Lois Gibbs over Love Canal. Narrated by Ashley Judd.

Act 3 is about alternative ecology strands and the main story is Greenpeace's campaign to save the whales. Narrated by Van Jones.

Act 4 explores global resource issues and crises of the `80s, focusing on the struggle to save the Amazon led by Chico Mendes and the rubber tappers. Narrated by Isabel Allende.

Act 5 concerns climate change. Narrated by Meryl Streep.

Run Time: 101 minutes.  Discussion will end around 9pm.


Watch the trailer at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bc40_9tVUao.


"Rarely do environmental-themed films come with the ambitious scope of 'A Fierce Green Fire: The Battle for a Living Planet'which aims at nothing less than the history of environmentalism itself."  -Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times

This Month at Overflow (February 2014)

Some great events going on this month!  Hope to see you at one of them.  

February 8: Chicago Solo Theatre "Solo Saturdays"@ 7:30pm (for adults, sponsored by Daystar Center)
February 11:  Bringing Up Baby Film Club Screening and Discussion @ 6:30pm (for adults, sponsored by Daystar Center)
February 14: V-Day Fit4Mom Stroller Strides Workout @ 11am (for moms and kids, sponsored by Fit4Mom Chicago)
February 20 and 22: ActYourAge! with Beth Urech @ 7pm  (for everyone, sponsored by Daystar Center)
February 25: Rising From Ashes Documentary Screening and Discussion
with @ 7:00pm (for everyone, sponsored by Overflow Coffee Bar)

This Month at Overflow 1.2014

Craft Kickoff with Traffick Free - Jan 11 @ 2:00pm - kickoff National Human Trafficking Awareness Month with a craft and hot cocoa!

Chicago Solo Theatre "Solo Saturdays" - Jan 11 @ 7:30pm - laugh till you cry with this part stand-up, part storytelling, part monologue, all truth!

The Awful Truth Classic Film Club Screening and Discussion - Jan 14 @ 6:30pm - an absolute gem

Greater South Loop Association Community Updates - Jan25 9:00am - find out what's up in the neighborhood

Camp Kupugani Fest - Jan 25 @ 4:00pm - learn about a cool place for your kid to visit this summer

The Wisdom to Survive Documentary Screening and Discussion - Jan 28 @ 7:00pm - learn about and discuss climate change, capitalism, and community


Did you know?

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Our friends at Traffick Free are hosting a month long series of events.

Labor trafficking is one of the forms of human trafficking and something we're pretty passionate about.  Direct and fair trade are two of the efforts to end labor trafficking and the exploitation of workers, adult and child around the world.  That's why we use direct trade and fair trade products as much as possible.


How can you celebrate this month?
  • Consider going to Traffick Free's Craft Kickoff here at Overflow to learn more about trafficking in Chicagoland.
  • Continue to change the world one cup at a time here at Overflow.  Every purchase matters!

This Month at Overflow (version 7.2013)

July's Documentary Film - Banking with Life -  Tuesday, July 23, 7:00 pm

So, we'll be the first to admit this isn't our usual kind of film.  It's a film that's specific and a little one-sided.  So why are we showing it?  For two reasons:  1. because a friend/customer convinced us we should and 2. because we think the film will present some ideas that many people haven't ever considered regarding financial freedom.  Financial freedom!  That sounds like something that could lead to living a more world changing life.  :-)

The film is 50 minutes long so there will be plenty of time for discussion afterward.  We'll wrap up at 9pm if not before.

More information about the film and tickets are available here.

Artist's Reception - Friday, July 12, 7:00 pm

We're very excited about our artist of the month for July!  Chandana Sengupta's art will be hung July 2 but here's a preview of her exhibition titled: "Glassroute - Stained Glass Painting."

Other events hosted in our building:


June 2013 at Overflow

Tuesday, June 25 at 7:00pm - Moriyah - A Life Journey Film Screening in partnership with Maren Wickwire the filmmaker.

Moriyah’s life has changed a lot: After being the regional manager of 32 Tommy Hilfiger stores in Texas, she is now a mother living in the desert who does not only fight the sand but also the feeling of not being able to live up to everybody’s expectations. This conflict becomes clear especially in the mother’s high demands regarding her daughter’s standard of living and Moriyah’s real life circumstances in the desert with no amenities. “When you are content with what you have, you are rich!” -Rabbinic saying

The filmmaker Maren Wickwire will be present for the screening and post-screening discussion.  Maren founded manifest media in 2007 while studying communication design and documentary film at the Folkwang University of Arts in Germany. She is a filmmaker and designer by heart and searches for meaning and depth in all of her work. Maren Wickwire's documentaries and media work for nonprofits reflect her desire to see social change and justice. Her social and cultural studies brought her to work with Holocaust survivors as well as Arab Christians in the Westbank, underserved women in Tajikistan and ex-guerrilla fighters in Huanuco, Peru. She uses documentary film as a tool to raise awareness, bring hope and give a voice to the untold stories of injustice.



2013 Membership is back and half priced!  For $25.00, you can become an Overflow member and save 10% on all your purchases for the rest of 2013.  Hurry because the memberships will only be available through June 30 and then they're gone for good.

If you spend $10 a week or more on average at Overflow, this card will pay for itself and then some.  $10 is the equivalent of a small coffee each day Monday through Friday or a sandwich and latte on the weekend.  It's also great for purchasing coffee to brew at home!


Other events hosted in our building:


The Line Film Screening

This screening is being held in partnership with the Chicago office of World Vision.

Poverty in America —
It's not what you think.

The Line documents the stories of people across the country living at or below the poverty line. They have goals. They have children. They work hard. They are people like you and me. Across America, millions are struggling every day to make it above The Line.

The core purpose of World Vision in Chicago is to bring together passionate people who share a desire for serving with the poor. World Vision's programs, global reach, and opportunities to engage are available right here in Chicago. Today, World Vision works to serve and partner with more than 60,000 people each year from almost every Chicago neighborhood and across Chicago's suburban communities.

The film is 40 minutes long so there will be plenty of time for discussion (we might end before 9pm).

Transit/Parking - While we encourage the use of public transit (Red Line, #29, #62 and other buses are close), limited parking is available in the rear of the building on a first come first served basis. Bring $3 for your spot. No one will be in the lot to take it. You can pay at the ticket check-in table.

This Month at Overflow!

Here are two events we're hosting this month.  Hope you can attend to build community and to find ways to change the world.
Other events hosted in our building:

Celebrate Earth Day @ Overflow!


Within Reach Film Screening

Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at 7:00 pm

in partnership with the Alliance for a Greener South Loop.  

About the Film
Mandy and Ryan have given up their corporate jobs and their traditional houses to "bike-pack" thousands of miles around the USA, looking around as they look within.
Their journey and their film has answered the question that they and many others are asking: Is it possible for all of us to live in a sustainable way? After circling the country, and talking with over 20,000 people they have found that not only is it possible but its already underway...
The Alliance for a Greener South Loop is works to make the South Loop a greener place to live, work, and play. South Loop individuals, businesses, buildings, institutions, and city agencies work together so that we all “tread more lightly.”
Transit/Parking - While we encourage the use of public transit (Red Line, #29, #62 and other buses are close), limited parking is available in the rear of the building on a first come first served basis. Bring $3 for your spot. No one will be in the lot to take it. You can pay at the ticket check-in table.
A great reason to RSVP above: We'll put all the pre-registration names in a hat and draw a special prize for 1 lucky RSVPer. You must pre-register and be present at the film to win.

Yes, we know this is the day after Earth Day.  Better late than never.  :)

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.
Other events in our building:


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.

In our building but hosted by others:
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!

Film Screening Review

On Tuesday, February 19 we screened The United States of ALEC in partnership with Common Cause.   Some students from Roosevelt University were in the audience.  They are taking classes related to social entrepreneurship and are getting hands-on experience here at Overflow.  Here's what a few had to say about the screening...
"The United States of ALEC Film Screening really motivated me to get informed! It is mind-blowing how many things are going on behind closed doors in our government, at the expense of our livelihood. I began to see why Benjamin and Brian, from Common Cause, are so passionate about their movement. It is imperative that we restore our democracy! I am going to do my part by voting next week!" - Erika M.
"After watching The United States of ALEC, I have a better grasp of what ALEC is and how it affects all of us. I hope to stay in touch with Common Cause and help create awareness to stop ALEC from privatizing everything." -Felix E.
"I really enjoyed the movie. The room had really good acoustics and the view was good. You guys organized the event really well." -Daniel P.
The next film we're screening is Danny from North Korea on March 19.  This film is perfect for those who love an inspiration story.  It's also great for those interested in media and world change.  More info is here.

United States of ALEC Film Screening

This blog post was written by Roosevelt University student Nicole Thorpe.

Have you ever seen the show Millionaire Matchmaker? The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has a similar mission but less style than Bravo’s Stanger. ALEC acts as a corporate dating service matching lonely legislators with corporate special interests.

On February 19, 2013, Overflow Coffee Bar will host a screening of the documentary film, The United States of ALEC.

If you attended Overflow’s January screening of The Economics of Happiness, you will notice that the two documentaries both discuss major corporations. The last film compared shopping at local, independently owned business to shopping at large corporations. The difference between these businesses lays not just their ability to offer a personalized, localized experience but also what they do with their profits. Small businesses will pump the money back into the local community. Where do you think the profits of national businesses end up?

The American Legislative Exchange Council works like a political actions committee. They are a group of powerful corporations and politicians who presents itself as a “nonpartisan public-private partnership”. However, the documentary helps uncover the truth behind all of the hype, unveiling that the most influential corporate funded political force is only focused on increasing profits at the public’s expense.

Representatives from the Illinois Chapter of  Common Cause, a non-profit organization, will facilitate a post-film discussion. The mission of Common Cause is to make citizens’ voices heard in the political process and to hold their elected leaders accountable to the public interest.

Don’t wait, spread the word, bring a friend and RSVP today at www.overflowusofalec.eventbrite.com. You’re never too young or old to learn something new. Who knows, the next person to change the world could be you!

Even if you cannot attend this screening, Overflow is the place for you. Film screenings are help each month and they even host open mic nights too!  A full calendar is located at www.overflowcoffeebar.org.


The Story Behind the 1st Annual South Loop Women's Tea

If you haven't heard about the tea, the information is here: http://southloopwomenstea.eventbrite.com.

The month of March is Women's History Month.  In communities around the United States, National Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to share the significant role of women in American history and contemporary society, and to recognize women who have been instrumental in their local communities. 

Plus, March 8th is International Women's Day.  International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present, and future. In some places like China, Russia, Vietnam and Bulgaria, International Women's Day is a national holiday.

Amanda's Mom!
Over 10 years ago, my mom (Mary) started an annual Women's Tea in her rural area in Ohio.  She did this to celebrate women and their contributions to her area.  My mom spent over 30 years of her life as a librarian at a local community college.  During that time she helped many woman stick with their education, especially non-traditional students like moms returning to school after a long break.  My mom retired but the Women's Teas have continued.

Last year, my mom was selected to be honored as Woman of the Year at the Women's Tea in March.  In February, however, my mom suffered a severe stroke.  She was still in the hospital during the Tea honoring her so I went in her place to accept her award.  While at the Tea, I heard many women speak about my mom's contributions to their lives.  They also talked about how much they looked forward to coming to the Tea each year.

Then and there, I decided to continue and expand my mom's legacy by starting an annual Women's Tea here in Chicago.  I want to achieve three things with these teas:

  1. To celebrate women, especially those who are making contributions to our city.
  2. To encourage women, especially those who doubt their achievements.
  3. To inspire girls to dream big dreams and continue the advancement of women around the world.
As women, we've come so far.  We still have more to do.  

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.

In our building but hosted by others:

This Month at Overflow!

2013 is off and running... Here are some events we're hosting this month.  Hope you can attend to build community, to appreciate art, and to find ways to give back.

In our building but hosted by others:


This Month @ Overflow!

Happy Holidays!  As you're preparing and celebrating, here's some events and reminders to keep in mind and plan for.  Click on the name of each item for more information.
  • Deals of the week - We're having a different deal each week for the rest of the year.  Look for it when you stop by for coffee, breakfast or lunch.  We've got a bunch of gift ideas ready for you and more to come! Check out our gift ideas here.
  • Holiday hours
    • Saturday, December 22 - 8am to 4pm
    • Sunday, December 23 - 8am to 4pm
    • Monday, December 24 - 7am to 3pm
    • Tuesday, December 25 through Tuesday, January 1 - CLOSED
    • Wednesday, January 2 - Reopen @ 7am and resume normal hours
  • Saturday, January 5 - Open Mic and More! @6pm (sign ups start at 5:30pm)
Also, in our building but sponsored by other groups are the following...
Other community events you might be interested in...

We're Looking For: DOCUMENTARIES!

We starting to schedule documentary screenings for 2013.  If you know a documentary you'd like us to show, please complete this suggestion form.

We show a documentary once per month (except December).  In 2012, they were on the 4th Thursdays but in 2013 we're going to try them on the 4th Tuesdays for the most part.  Watch for a posting of dates and the films we have listed so far sometime before December 31.

Films we've already screened include:
Black Gold
Call + Response
Father of Lights
Give a Damn?
Good Fortune
Live 58
The People's Crisis
The Price of Sugar
Very Young Girls

If you have a suggestion for a documentary we should screen, please share it with us by using the form link above.  Thanks for sharing!

Film Screening: Father of Lights


Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 7pm
Suggested Donation: $7 (really a suggestion, give what you can)
If God could be filmed, what would He look like? In this explosive documentary, filmmaker Darren Wilson attempts to do the impossible: film God and understand His character. Along the way, Darren and his team encounter powerful witch doctors, violent gang leaders, Hindu holy men, and everyday people with extraordinary experiences to tell. 
Through filming incredible (and often historic) spiritual encounters around the world, Chicagoland resident Darren Wilson cuts through religious misconceptions in an effort to find the true nature and character of God.  This will be a great film for the beginning of the holiday season.  Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannakah, Kwanza, family and friends, or some combination of these things, this film is for you!
The film will begin at 7pm and is 98 minutes long.  We'll have some discussion after the film and be finished by 9pm.
Discussion will be led by Randy Fisk. After starting out with a career in scientific research, Randy has pastored with the Association of Vineyard Churches and taught at Valparaiso University. He has written two books The Presence, Power and Heart of God – Partnering in His Ministry  and  The Amazing Word of God. Randy has spoken, ministered, and taught in various settings, always with an emphasis of having the participants experience the ministry, not just hear about it. He stresses intimacy with God, the character of Jesus, and flowing with the Holy Spirit as God brings His Kingdom in our midst.  Randy and his wife, Mary, are part of the Aurora Vineyard and live in North Aurora, Illinois. They have three daughters, Holly, Becky, and Mandy, a son-in-law, Keith, and grandchildren, Judah and Rayah, all of whom are their delights.
Transit/Parking - While we encourage the use of public transit (Red Line, #29, #62 and other buses are close), limited parking is available in the rear of the building on a first come first served basis. Bring $3 for your spot. No one will be in the lot to take it. You can pay at the ticket check-in table.
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