Communication

Come join other parents after drop off at The People's Cafe! Talk school shop on all the happenings, events and current events. Parents go through very similar experiences and it's great to connect to your school community. Mondays and Fridays after drop off!

Looking for a spot to run your D&D campaign? We have a great table ready to host! We are keeping the time open for you to choose what works for you and your players. Reach out with any questions or suggestions! Zemi Coffee offers a wide range of drink options from coffee, to tea, to hot chocolate. Along with Puerto Rican empanadas and pastries to fuel your players! Email [email protected] with any questions!

**Join us at our TECH MIXER AND SOCIAL for afterwork drinks, networking with tech workers in Chicago and meet people from Chicago and all over the world 🌏🎉** Tech, AI, Data, and more \~ Whether you're a seasoned tech veteran or just starting out, let's create the ideal afterwork place to meet and chill with other workers in tech - find that new job, expand your network, share ideas, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Let's inspire, innovate, and shape the future of technology in Chicago! 🍺🥃 Afterwork drinks 📍 **Hopsmith Tavern** \- 15 W Division St\, Chicago 🕕 **5:30pm** onwards **every** **Friday** 🎫 just $4 entry online or $8 at the door! (helps us to run the event inc. Meetup costs etc!) 🔗 [Link to Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1379224400309?aff=meetup) WhatsApp community in the Eventbrite link above *Chicago tech social mixer afterwork drinks AI connect network data IT programming cybersecurity digital nomad blockchain crypto big data science computer networking community career jobs entrepreneur industry product design startup Chicago tech social mixer afterwork drinks AI connect network data IT programming cybersecurity digital nomad blockchain crypto big data science computer networking community career jobs entrepreneur industry product design startup*z

Life is better with friends and photos! So grab your favorite people and join us to create your own "love story" scrapbooks that celebrate friendship, community, and personal memories. Where: Little Italy Branch Library When: February 13th, 2-4 pm We will provide essential scrapbooking materials, including paper, scissors, a variety of adhesives, markers, and decorative supplies. You are encouraged to bring any personal photos or mementos you wish to include in your project. Sign up mandatory -https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemKtm2eIXwDIpRvQS8n2r4X9PiAeKQ9sYW8ccC4Ui39Mb-tA/viewform

Please feel free to join us for our regular monthly meditation program at the Arlington Heights Public Library. There is no cost to attend. Enjoy an afternoon of tranquil relaxation through mindful movement, mindful awareness of the body and breath. The program begins promptly at 2 pm and ends by 3:15 pm. All are welcome! \*\*\*Special notice: beginning in 2026 we will meet on Fridays instead of Mondays.

A wood-fired, social sauna seating 16 people, along the lake and inside Chicago's parks, with an Aufguss session to cap off every sauna day. What to bring: \- Water\, preferably with electrolytes/lemon to replenish\. \- Swimsuit/athletic clothes\. \- Towel\(s\) for sitting inside the sauna and for drying off\. There is a changing tent and a shower for rinsing off available. Looking forward to welcoming you! \- Maria Tkacz\, Founder of Harbor & Hoyage @harborandvoyage More info & booking at harborandyoyage.com

### **Level 1 Foundations – Community Class** **Build your practice from the ground up.** This donation-based, beginner-friendly class is designed to support students of all levels who are looking to reconnect with the foundations of yoga. With an emphasis on breath, alignment, and intentional movement, we explore classic postures step-by-step, offering modifications and guidance to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or revisiting the basics with fresh eyes, this class creates a supportive space to cultivate strength, balance, and awareness—both on and off the mat. Expect a slower pace, clear instruction, and time to truly understand the how and why behind each pose. 🧘 Open to all bodies and backgrounds 🫶 Donation-based, pay what you can 🌱 Come curious, leave grounded

*Before and After, an instant drama* **Fridays/Saturdays, 7:30 PM, January 30-February 21** Life is defined in moments. *Before and After* explores the story leading to a life-changing event and the impact of that instant on all that is to follow. Are we truly changed by the big moments in our lives, or are we only revealed? No two performances are ever the same, but every show is an instant drama created before your eyes. Theatre Momentum is the **only** theatre in Chicago dedicated to dramatic improvisation. Join us for a night of grounded instant theatre. Fridays/Saturdays, 7:30 PM (doors open at 7 PM) January 30-February 21 All tickets $5! Studio Momentum, 1541 W Belmont Ave ### **Get your tickets!** **[https://www.theatremomentum.com/shows](https://www.theatremomentum.com/shows)**

Join Golden Glove Champ and Pro Judge Andrew for a fun and informative group boxing class at a real MMA gym. It takes a couple minutes to prep, so try to arrive no later than 8:45am sign-in! $20 for meetup members ($30 normally)

**Take a break from the day and use our chess board, or bring your own and a friend to play!** **Sip on a delicious bottomless coffee or charge up your chess game with a Puerto Rican Empanada with other chess enthusiasts, from the neighborhood and surrounding area.** **The People’s Cafe has one chess board available to play. We look forward to hosting you!**

💗 Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day starting with a yummy breakfast. Yay! 💗 LOCATION Portage Park Breakfast Place 5040 W Montrose Ave, Chicago **meeting 915 for 930 seating** **It's cash only as we will have separate checks.** Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XnGCasE2Vr7BoBYE7?g_st=ic Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays and getting people together to celebrate is the best. Come celebrate with us. After breakfast if anyone wants to continue with more spontaneous fun I’m a yes. Let’s bring ideas to breakfast. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day. We look forward to celebrating with you. 💗

⛪🔔 **Bells, Stone & Sky: Rockefeller Memorial Chapel Carillon Tower Tour** 🏛️✨ 🌿 *An extraordinary afternoon inside one of Chicago’s most iconic Gothic landmarks* ✨ Join us for a rare and unforgettable guided visit and **carillon tower tour** at **Rockefeller Memorial Chapel**, one of the most magnificent collegiate Gothic buildings in the world and a crown jewel of the University of Chicago campus. This special experience begins with an introduction to the chapel’s history and architecture before taking us **inside the tower itself** — offering an up-close look at the mighty carillon bells, the inner workings of the instrument, and breathtaking views from above. This is a **stationary guided visit and tower tour** (not a walking tour), but it *does* involve stair climbing — allowing us to focus deeply on **architecture, engineering, music, and vertical exploration** in a truly unique setting. Expect soaring stone vaults, massive bronze bells, mechanical marvels, a live music demonstration, and panoramic skyline and lake views. ✨ *** **🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost** 📅 **Sunday, February 15, 2026** ⏰ **1:00–3:00 PM** 📍 **Rockefeller Memorial Chapel** 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago ⏱️ **Visit length:** \~90 minutes 🎤 **Private guided chapel & carillon tower tour** 💰 **$15 per person** 💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted) ⚠️ All attendees must **check in with me at the start** and submit payment directly so I can provide **one group donation** to the chapel. 📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful and follow any guidance from our hosts. *** **🌟 What We’ll Experience** ⛪ Rockefeller Memorial Chapel’s awe-inspiring Gothic interior 🔔 Introduction to the chapel’s history, architecture, and musical legacy 🏗️ Behind-the-scenes access to the carillon tower 🕰️ The tower’s mechanical room and historic regulator clock 🔔 Up-close views of the **72-bell carillon** (over **100 tons of bronze**) 🎶 A live demonstration of how the carillon is played 🏛️ The playing cabin where the carillonist performs 🌆 Seasonal **360-degree views** from the top of tower *(weather/university permitting)* *** **🔔 Stair Climbing & Accessibility Note** This tour involves climbing **271 steps**, roughly equivalent to **20–22 stories**. The staircase is a **narrow spiral with no elevator**, and the experience may not be suitable for those who are afraid of heights or claustrophobic, or for anyone with knee issues, mobility concerns, or difficulty with stair climbing. We ascend at a **leisurely pace with multiple breaks**, and there is no pressure to reach the top. Participants are welcome to turn back at any point. Guests who choose not to climb (or who stop early) may remain on the main floor and still enjoy the **carillon playing demonstration via live video and audio feed**. *** **📖 About Rockefeller Memorial Chapel** Rockefeller Memorial Chapel was funded by **John D. Rockefeller Jr.** as a memorial to his father, **John D. Rockefeller Sr.**, the principal benefactor of the University of Chicago. Designed by renowned architect **Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue**, the chapel was completed in **1928** and stands as one of the finest examples of **collegiate Gothic Revival architecture** in the United States. Conceived as a **non-denominational sacred space**, the chapel reflects medieval English cathedral influences combined with early 20th-century American craftsmanship, serving as a symbolic and spiritual anchor of the university. *** **📖 About the Carillon Tower Tour** Rockefeller Memorial Chapel houses **one of the largest carillons in the world**, consisting of **72 massive bronze bells**. The largest bell weighs **36,926 pounds** and measures **117 inches in diameter**. The tour begins with a **10–15 minute introduction** on the main floor, covering the chapel’s history, architecture, and the role of the carillon. From there, participants ascend the tower via a **271-step spiral staircase**, taken at a relaxed pace with frequent stops. Along the way, we will: • Walk above the chapel’s false ceiling (attic catwalk) • Pass through the mechanical room housing the original regulator clock and pneumatic chime system • Stand beside the largest bells • Enter the playing cabin, where the carillonist performs using hands and feet Beyond the cabin, a short additional staircase leads to the top of the tower, where sweeping views of **Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan, northern Indiana, and the University of Chicago campus** are visible *in season and when permitted*. *** **🍽️ Optional Coffee or Late Lunch After the Visit** Those interested are welcome to join me afterward at a nearby Hyde Park favorite such as **Medici**, **Noodles Etc.**, or **Salonica Restaurant**. 🍽️ Options will be finalized closer to the date. ⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks. *** **👟 What to Bring / Wear** • Camera • Comfortable shoes (stairs!) • Respectful attire • $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated) *** **🚇 Getting There** Public transportation is encouraged. Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner: [https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/](https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/) *** **🚗 Parking** • Limited street parking nearby (check posted signs) • University area can be busy — arriving early is recommended • SpotHero or ParkWhiz may be helpful *** **📝 RSVP & No-Show Policy** ✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated ✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change ❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future event participation *** ✨🔔 **Join us for a rare opportunity to explore sacred architecture, musical engineering, and sky-high views — all inside one of Chicago’s most extraordinary landmarks.**

Hi let’s meet at Mirabella Italian restaurant for a pre-Valentine’s Day. I hear their food is pretty good . I already made a reservation for 10 people. Hope to see you there on Friday.

From Pan-African independence movements to contemporary tech innovation, Ghana has long been a crucible for imagining African futures. Today, many of Ghana's software engineers and members of Ghana's digital diaspora are rethinking technology not only as an engine of economic growth but also as a tool for political autonomy and social transformation. Join us for a Buffett Book Talk with [Reginold A. Royston](https://african.wisc.edu/staff/reginold-royston/), Associate Professor of African Cultural Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and author of *[Pan-African Futurism: Ghana and the Paradox of Technology for Development](https://www.ucpress.edu/books/pan-african-futurism/paper)*, an ethnographic account of an emerging ethos among technologists working on development projects on the ground in Africa today. Drawing on observation and interviews with software engineers in Ghana and media producers across Ghana's digital diaspora, Royston argues that these actors challenge long-standing NGO-led development paradigms, using technology as a means of reclaiming autonomy and reimagining African political futures in a global digital age. After Royston's talk, [Sean Hanretta](https://history.northwestern.edu/people/faculty/core-faculty/sean-hanretta.html), Associate Professor of History at Northwestern University, will join the conversation to offer historical context and reflections on the book’s themes as well as questions for further investigation. The event will conclude with audience Q&A. *Lunch will begin at 12:15 p.m.* Please register for free at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/buffett-book-talk-pan-african-futurism-with-reginold-royston-tickets-1980727275601?aff=PlanitPurple. Act sooner rather than later, while there are still seats left. Please also RSVP here to help us find one another at the event.

KIRTAN EXPERIENCE at Moksha Yoga Center Heart-opening mantra meditation • Live music • Community Dear friends, you’re warmly invited to an uplifting evening of call-and-response kīrtan, reflection, and shared spiritual atmosphere with the Bhakti Life Network. Saturday, February 21, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: Moksha Yoga Center 2528 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 773-235-9642 [email protected] Register here: [https://www.mokshayoga.com/.../kirtan-experience-dec.../...](https://www.mokshayoga.com/mec-events/kirtan-experience-dec-2025-600/?occurrence=2026-02-28&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQ2tPSEc1c1dEd05jaWdsTXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7rbCBpfveRmNUYj0QXVYd6UFZbdD1L6ukIdhik89owkGUiO02VJqflq8yeZg_aem_OGB34w5XglkOIEH4TVmSvg) What to expect: 1) Guided mantra meditation 2) Live kīrtan with harmonium, mṛdaṅga & voices 3) Short spiritual insights to deepen the experience 4) A welcoming, peaceful space for all backgrounds FREE vegetarian dinner served This is a donation-based program — your contributions help us continue offering these uplifting gatherings to the community. No experience with yoga, chanting, or meditation is needed. Just come as you are. Bring a friend and let sacred sound open the heart.

Join us in this fun, interactive workshop to practice simple tools based on the work of Oren Jay Sofer. Discuss the foundations of Nonviolent Communication: Presence, Intention, and Attention. Learn to share your truth clearly and authentically – opening space for real connection. **[REGISTER NOW](https://citylitbooks.com/events/4491720260219)** **Facilitators:** Abigail Sutkus, Linda Jackson, Jonathan Hoffman & Earl J. Wagner **THURSDAY, FEB 19** 6:30p – 8p Central **Cost: FREE** **Location:** City Lit Books 2523 N Kedzie Blvd Chicago, IL **[REGISTER NOW](https://citylitbooks.com/events/4491720260219)**

**Curious about how Voice AI works and how organizations are leveraging it?** Join us for our next community session as we discuss this evolution and showcase a **live proof-of-concept** in the space. We’ll explore the business, process, and technical considerations with a touch of real-world application. **Come for the insights, stay for the connections.** Appetizers and drinks will be provided. **Hosted at Pariveda’s Chicago office** – an inspiring space within the historic Civic Opera Building. **Agenda:** * **5:30 - 5:45 PM:** Arrival, Food & Drinks, Networking * **5:45 - 6:15 PM:** Presentation & Live POC Demo: Evolution of Customer Service - Speech-to-Speech Gen AI * **6:15 - 6:45 PM:** Expert Q&A and Discussion * **6:45 PM - 7:00 PM:** Continued Networking & Drinks

When Spring finally arrives in Chicago, it's our goal to be outside enjoying the weather as much as possible. And there's absolutely nothing better than joining a social intramural league that focuses on making new friends as much as the games. It's a blast getting to know new people playing and then afterwards over drinks at your league sponsor bar that all teams walk to! Hanging out with the same group week after week for 5-7 weeks makes it pretty effortless to build lasting relationships over the duration of the season. That truly is the best part of my leagues :) **ALL SKILL LEVELS ARE WELCOME** (aka no experience required) and we can place anyone aged 21-42 on a team. Simply register by yourself or with friends and I'll put you with others around your age for the season. Want to get on a team but can't make it to every game? No problem! We put extra players on every team for this very reason. **[REGISTER TO JOIN US](https://s3leagues.com/spring-leagues)** as we **MEETUP** for some coed, recreational level "Simply Social" sports leagues! \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **GET $20 OFF 16" SOFTBALL OR KICKBALL PLAYER FEES W/ PROMO CODE 'MEETUPHOOKUP' -- \*PLUS GIRLS GET 50% OFF 16" SOFTBALL!** Play 7 weeks of softball or kickball for only $37-$80!! Price depends on the league. And 5-week Beach Volleyball seasons are cheap at only $65-70! \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\* **NOTE:** THE DATE AND LOCATION SHOWN FOR THIS MEETUP EVENT ARE JUST A PLACEHOLDER. **[CHECK OUT MY WEBSITE HERE](https://s3leagues.com/spring-leagues)** FOR THE FULL LEAGUE OPTIONS, DETAILS AND TO REGISTER FOR A FUN SEASON!! **LEAGUES INCLUDE:** * 5-7 Week Season (varies by league) * We buy your team some welcome drinks each week! * Team player shirt in your requested size! * Food and drink specials at your sponsor bar! * Team victory bar parties for multiple league champs! **GET $20 OFF 16" SOFTBALL OR KICKBALL PLAYER FEES W/ PROMO CODE 'MEETUPHOOKUP' -- \*PLUS GIRLS GET 50% OFF 16" SOFTBALL!** **[SEE ALL LEAGUE OPTIONS, FULL DETAILS & REGISTRATION HERE](https://s3leagues.com/spring-leagues)** I hope you let me show you what makes S3 Simply Social Sports Leagues so popular and exciting. I guarantee it'll be a unique experience unlike anything you've ever been a part of! Over 106,000 past players (yeah that many haha) have had a blast since I started running these leagues 17 years ago :) Please message me if you have any questions. I'm here to help and get you excited to play! Cheers, Ben

### **Level 1 Foundations – Community Class** **Build your practice from the ground up.** This donation-based, beginner-friendly class is designed to support students of all levels who are looking to reconnect with the foundations of yoga. With an emphasis on breath, alignment, and intentional movement, we explore classic postures step-by-step, offering modifications and guidance to meet you exactly where you are. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or revisiting the basics with fresh eyes, this class creates a supportive space to cultivate strength, balance, and awareness—both on and off the mat. Expect a slower pace, clear instruction, and time to truly understand the how and why behind each pose. 🧘 Open to all bodies and backgrounds 🫶 Donation-based, pay what you can 🌱 Come curious, leave grounded

**Main Presentation:** In today’s data-driven world, organizations must handle vast and varied data sources while delivering timely insights. This session explores how to design and implement scalable, resilient data pipelines on AWS—from raw data ingestion to delivering business-ready insights. We’ll walk through real-world architecture patterns using AWS-native services such as Kinesis, Glue, EMR, Athena, and Redshift, with a focus on modular design, data governance, cost optimization, and performance. Attendees will learn how to handle both batch and streaming ingestion, orchestrate complex workflows, and manage data across different lifecycle stages (raw, refined, curated) using scalable storage solutions like Amazon S3. We'll also dive into transformation strategies using PySpark and SQL, techniques for metadata management and schema evolution, and tools for observability and access control. Whether you're building your first pipeline or optimizing existing systems, this talk will equip you with practical strategies, architecture blueprints, and lessons learned from real-world implementations. By the end of the session, you’ll understand how to create data pipelines that are robust, cost-effective, and ready to scale—empowering your teams to move faster from data to decisions in the AWS ecosystem. **Lightning Talks:** J Coleman presents "LabCOAT Begins" Alan Gutnov presents "On-Demand MCP Servers and Gateways"