New Yoga Class starts this Thursday, June 11 at 6:30pm

We're sharing this announcement from Daystar Center because BOTH yoga AND Alix, herself, seem to be aligned with Overflow's values.

New Yoga Class

Thursday evenings, starting June 11, 6:30-7:30pm, $7 per class

Thursday night Yoga Class is taught by Alixandra Foisy, certified Yoga teacher. This yoga style is similar to Forrest yoga where poses are held and breath is utilized to calm the body. Appropriate for beginner and intermediate experience levels, students will grow in strength and learn body alignment techniques. Alix tailors each class to the needs of the attendees, and presents the practice in a way that keeps it playful and fun. She desires to provide space within the practice to experience emotions and a deep connection with one’s physical self.

Read more about Alix here.

Nichols Farm CSA is coming back to Overflow!

We're excited to welcome back Nichols Farm for the 2015 season!

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.  It's about relationship.  You get local, fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables while building a relationship with a local farmer (in this case the Nichols family).  

Nichols has made some improvements for the coming season:

• All members also receive a 20% discount on any farmers market purchases.
• Expanding partnership with Local Thyme to include more weekly recipes and tips to best utilize your CSA share. 
• Now offering a half share that is every other week for those who thought it was just too much produce.  

This 3rd one is probably the most exciting for people who were hesitant to sign up previously.

Find out more and sign up at this link.

Full disclosure: Overflow is not getting paid to host this CSA. We might receive a box of fruits and veggies to split among the staff. People who come to pick up their food might make a purchase from Overflow. We're not sure what might happen. Primarily, we're doing this because it's the right thing to do.

Top 10 Things For Which Overflow is Thankful in 2014

10. Our location.  Many aren't aware but behind-the-scenes there's been a renewed sense of working together with a few of our neighbors at 1550 S. State.  One example is that we're now providing lunches for some students at Daystar School.  The kids get healthy lunches and we get some increased revenue.

9. Our neighborhood.  The South Loop continues to grow and nurture more and more businesses, which means more residents stay in the area and others come to the neighborhood.  We're excited to see where the future takes all of us.

8. Our roaster.  Ipsento continues to do a great job and roast quality tasting and ethical coffee.  We love to drink it and are proud to serve it to you!

7. Our baker.  Delightful Pastries keeps delivering excellent and ethical pastries.  We love to eat the non-GMO wheat, real butter, easy sugar, and locally-grown ingredients.  We might love it too much.

6. Cash.  We're thankful when people use it to pay instead of plastic.

5. Our neighbor local, small businesses.  There are too many to name but they give us places to go and "Eat, Drink, Buy Local!"

4. Our partners.  We love the Greater South Loop Association and the Daystar Center and the added value they bring to Overflow!

3.Our team of baristas.  "Teamwork makes the dreamwork."  We're thankful for Justin, Mark, Dan, Caleb, David, and Dustin.*

2. Our customers.  YOU are the life breath of Overflow.  We wouldn't exist without YOU!

1. The magic that happens when customers, baristas, and our partners all work together, embracing their diversity and their similarities, to change the world one cup at a time.  Let's call that magic "True Community."

*If you know any females with barista experience, we love to have more ladies on the team.  ;-)

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.

Raffle Prizes for this Saturday's 3 Year Anniversary Festivities

In case you've been hiding under a rock and haven't heard, we're celebrating 3 years this Saturday, March 29.  There's free cake from 8am to 6pm.  Then, there's a big party at 7pm (ADVANCE TICKETS REQUIRED).  Read more at this previous blog posting.

In the meantime, here are some teasers for the raffle prizes we're giving away.  Stop on by and you could win big!

From Overflow Coffee Bar

• $50 Overflow Coffee Bar gift card
• 2 tickets to A Fierce Green Fire Film Screening and Discussion
• Overflow gift basket - coffee, mug, and more!

From Daystar Center

• 2 tickets to Chicago Solo Theatre Solo Saturdays (a $30 value)
• 2 tickets for Chicago Film Club screening of What's Up Doc? (a $10 value)
• 2 tickets for Duo Tandem Performance (a $40 value)
• Yoga punch card (a $90 value)

From Local, Small Businesses

• free 1 hour massage from Equilibrium Health and Wellness
• 2 - $25 gift cards from Tapas Valencia
• 1 Gift Basket and 1 Free Groom from Doggone Fun
• Reggies bucks from Reggie's
• Sonicare Toothbrush, Whitening pen, and whitening toothpaste (a $190 value) from Sloop Dental
• Silver Clutch from Saca-tash
• 10 Class Pass from Fit4Mom Chicago
• 1 Session (12 classes) Tuiton from Lango Chicago

From Overflow's favorite customers (you're all our favorites)

• Two 60 Minute Webinars + Three 30 Minute Individual Coaching Sessions ($175 Value) from Howard Fox with Fox Coaching, Inc
• 2 Women's History Month Prints from artist Sarah Viktora of Influx Designs
• 2 Financial Coaching Packs (includes 1 counseling session and a prepared comprehensive financial plan) from Mark Willis of Lake Growth Financial Services 
• SEO Overview, Design Analysis, Landing Page Design, and Email Setup ($350 Value) from Jeff Beckham with Black Box Creative

There are also some giveaways from BMO Harris Bank.

Remember this is just a teaser... there will be more than what's listed here!

It's been a rough winter for small businesses, get out there and support your neighborhood!

*** Special thanks to Weather Mark Tavern for donating local beer for the party at 7pm! ***

Announcing: CSA at Overflow!

We're partnering with Nichols Farm & Orchard in Marengo, Illinois to bring you fresh, local fruits and vegetables this summer and fall.  

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.  It's about relationship.  You get local, fresh, in-season fruits and vegetables while building a relationship with a local farmer (in this case the Nichols family).  

You can sign up online and then pick up your food here at Overflow.  Easy, convenient, and affordable.

Read more and see pick-up dates and locations here.

Full disclosure: Overflow is not getting paid to host this CSA. We might receive a box of fruits and veggies to split among the staff. People who come to pick up their food might make a purchase from Overflow. We're not sure what might happen. Primarily, we're doing this because it's the right thing to do.

Celebrating 3 Years!

March 29, 2013 

8am to 6pm - Free Cake*!  Raffle Prizes!

*while supplies last

7pm to 9pm - Coffee Tasting!  Speed Networking!  Impact Sharing!

Advance tickets required.  Purchase at http://overflow3years.bpt.me.

Special Guests Include:

Marc J. Lane  - Mr. Lane is seen as one of the chief authorities on L3C.  Overflow is an L3C.  He is an Adjunct Professor of Law at Northwestern University School of Law, where he has taught courses in entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial finance and where he currently teaches the Social Enterprise course. He is Chairman of the State of Illinois’ Task Force on Social Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise.


Tim Taylor - Mr. Taylor owns Ipsento, an award-winning, direct-trade roaster and coffee shop in Bucktown.  He is Overflow’s roaster.  He has worked in virtually every role imaginable in specialty coffee - including green coffee buyer and Cup of Excellence judge.


#Overflow3Years

It's also Daystar Center's 3 Year Anniversary so they'll be involved in these festivities as well!  As they say, "Gather.  Connect.  Grow."

*

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)

One Small Business' Take on a Big Business Moving In

A big topic of conversation lately has been the opening of a big grocery store on 16th and Clark, just a block away from us.  This grocery store contains a coffee bar complete with a wide variety of lunch items.  Lots are speculating about whether this new addition will increase business for Overflow due to increased foot and vehicle traffic in the area.  Alternatively, they could been seen as a competitor who could take away from our business.  I thought I'd share what we know for sure.

• Overflow is local.  We made it our mission from before we opened to be embedded deeply in this neighborhood.  I think we've done a good job of that.  Ask yourself, "Would my South Loop neighbors and I miss Overflow if it was gone?"  If you answered "yes" then we've succeeded already!

• Overflow is locked into changing the world.  When we make decisions like choosing where we source our products, we choose what's best for the planet and those who live here, not always the cheapest option.  We're committed to making wise choices.  Plus, we're getting close to making a profit.  Once we make that profit, we are required to invest it in nonprofit work.  We've already done some of that since it's the right thing to do but there's much, much more to come!

We hope these two facts along with having a space you can work, study, or play from for hours on end and our commitment to great customer service will mean our business succeeds no matter who moves in around us.  In fact, we hope the South Loop continues to attract new businesses.  As a good friend likes to say, in the South Loop "may all boats rise."

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:

• Tuesday, July 9 - Out of the Past Film Screening (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 6:30pm 
• Saturday, July 13 - Chicago Solo Theatre (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 8:00 pm

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:

• Saturday, June 8 - Chicago Solo Theatre (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 8pm
• Tuesday, June 11 - The Postman Always Rings Twice Film Screening (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 6:30pm 
• Saturday, June 15 - The Teflons in Concert (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 7:30pm

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.

• Thursday, May 16 at 6:30pm - 2013 Freedom Forum - Focus on Housing & Social Services for Survivors (hosted by Traffick Free, we're sponsoring along with Lemon Creek Winery)

• Tuesday, May 28 at 7:00pm - The Line Film Screening in partnership with World Vision

Other events hosted in our building:

• Saturday, May 11 - Chicago Solo Theatre (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 8pm
• Tuesday, May 14 - Mildred Pierce Film Screening (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 6:30pm 
• Saturday, May 25 - Larry Gray Trio in Concert (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 7:30pm

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.

• Friday, April 12 - Open Mic and More @ 7pm (sign ups start at 6pm)
• Tuesday, April 23 - Within Reach Film Screening @ 7pm (in partnership with the Alliance for a Greener South Loop)

Other events in our building:

• Tuesday, April 9 - Murder My Sweet Film Screening (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 6:30pm 
• Saturday, April 13 - Chicago Solo Theatre (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 8pm

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!

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!

Seeking Intern, Apprentice, or Volunteer for Special Project

Read on if you fit ALL of these criteria:

• You want to build your resume with social media marketing, web design or online community building experience.
• You have at least 10 hours per week for 2-3 months to devote to this.
• You work well with a team and enjoy collaboration.
• You love to be creative and learn quickly.
• You are looking for a way to give back and change the world (starting with the South Loop).

We are preparing to complete a super special secret project!  All we can publish online is that it involves "online community building."  To be successful, we need some extra hands that fit the above criteria.  

We are willing to barter in exchange for your efforts.  Bartering includes giving you coffee, food, gas money (or CTA passes), and/or self-fulfillment.  

If you're interested, please call (312) 674-0001.  Email inquiries will be ignored.

Meet February's Artist: Alex

I want to introduce you to my friend Alexander Goreham.  His photography is on the walls here at Overflow for the month of February.  He is a resident of Bridgeport.  He doubles as an ER Technician and a student earning his Masters of Social Work from Loyola.  I sat down wit Alex and asked him 8 questions.

1. Where were you born?
Moscow, Russia

2. What is the top value that shapes your life?
Choosing surrender and seeking intimacy with Christ.

3. What's your main passion?
Having deep conversations with people.

4. Who is your role model?
My parents.

5. Tell us 1 thing you must do before you die.
Visiting my orphanage again.

6. What's your favorite drink or food at Overflow?
White Hot Chocolate.

7. What do you like most about Chicago?
The lake shore during summertime from 9am to 8pm.

8. Tell us 1 random thing you'd like people to know about you.
My photographic philosophy is “a moment captured is a moment remembered.”

Stop by sometime to see Alex' art.  If you want to make one your own, they're available to purchase.

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.

• Saturday, February 2 - Open Mic 6pm (sign ups start @5:30)
• Saturday, February 2 - AIM High Interest Meeting @ 10:30am
• Tuesday, February 19 - The United States of ALEC Film Screening @ 7pm (in partnership with Common Cause)

In our building but hosted by others:

• 1st and 3rd Mondays -  Toastmasters @ 6pm
• Tuesday, February 12 - This Gun for Hire Film Screening (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 6:30pm
• Saturday, February 16 - Something to Talk About: Songshop Exposed (hosted by Daystar Center) @ 8pm

Insider's Guide to Overflow

Here are a five "insider" tips for making the best of your Overflow experience.

#1 We reward loyalty!  We're part of the FiveStars network.  Grab a FiveStars card when you come in and earn 1 point for every coffee/tea and 2 points per espresso drink.  Earn 9 points and you get a free coffee or tea.  Earn 18 points and you get a free espresso drink. Plus, earn Double Points Every Friday from 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM! You just have to remember to use your card.

#2 Refill Policy - FREE coffee refills when you buy an espresso drink.  50% off coffee refills when you buy coffee.

#3 Free Wi-Fi for customers.  We give you the password when you make your purchase.

#4 No Paper or Plastic Discounts - Pay cash and bring in your own mug or have your drink in a mug "for here" and get $0.20 off your drink's cost.

 #5 Stay Social - Follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook or join our mailing list.  We announce special events and deals, give away coupons and invite people to events this way.  Check out our Eventbrite page for a partial listing of upcoming events.