The Office will be closed Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day. Any emails and voicemails received during this time will be returned as soon as possible after the holiday.

Thank you for understanding!

Book: This Strange Eventful History
Author: Claire Messud

Discussion Leader: Doreen Feitelberg

Literature Discussion Chairs: Barbara Herzog and Teresa Kennedy

Book Description: Inspired by the author's own family saga. What becomes of an attache' when the country he is attached to vanishes?  Messud's father, French naval officer in Greece, in 1939, sent to spy on Mussolini's men in the Agean, learns that Nazi troops have breached the gates of Paris. He dispatches his family to safety in Algeria, his place of birth. Their migrations include Connecticut, Toronto, Argentina, Australia, Paris. Messud said: "the writer's responsibility is to ask: what are the consequences of how we have lived? and to give meaning and

shape to events."

The Literature Group offers members an international perspective in literary fiction by introducing acclaimed, if sometimes lesser known, writers and books. Members are invited to attend by Zoom, although we request that only those who have read the book participate in discussion.

Tuesday September 9, 2025

10:30 am social, 11 am program in French

IWA office, 17 N. State Street, Suite 1760

Fall gathering; a chance to reconnect and share some special memories of the Summer. Come and bring some photos, if you can, to share with the group your Summer experiences. It will be great to meet in person again.

RSVP by September 8

Contact: Nadej Mercier 

Note: Our gathering will take place on the 2nd Tuesday of September due to the Labor Day w/end vacation. 

Friday, September 12, 2025

11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Gillson Park, Wilmette

Enjoy Autumn weather, stroll along the beach and park, bring food to share, and socialize with friends!

If it rains - we are under the pavilion roof.

Let us know what food you are bringing.

Meet at the pavilion by the beach.

East off of Lake Ave and Michigan Ave, and down the hill.

RSVP online by Wednesday September 10th.

Questions: Carolyn LeBlanc-Blatt

Host: Alice Chow

Directions: North Entrance- take Sheridan Road to Lake Ave, go east on Lake Ave down the hill on Overlook Dr.  South entrance –take Sheridan Road north past the Baha'i Temple turn east on Harbor Drive, continue to east Upper Drive and around and down to covered picnic area. Parking by the Beach House on the southern portion of the lot or limited parking along Overlook Drive.

Volunteers for hosting our pot-lucks, restaurant suggestions and walking

location ideas are always appreciated. Join us for friendship and fellowship. IWA North Shore area events are open to all members and their guests.

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

Wednesday, September 17, 2024

4:00PM - 6:00PM

Marisol Restaurant and Bar, Museum of Contemporary Art,

220 E Chicago Avenue, ground floor

Join us for this Happy Hour Meet & Greet! Visit with current IWA friends and introduce potential members to IWA while enjoying Marisol's happy hour specials!

https://www.marisolchicago.com

Maximum: 30 IWA members and guests (1 guest per member)

September 19, 2025
Arrival Time: 10:45 AM; Tour Start Time: 11:00 AM sharp

Newberry Library, 60 W Walton Street

Founded in 1887, the Newberry is one of Chicago’s most historic cultural institutions. Whether you’re curious about family history, interested in taking classes, or excited to learn something new and unexpected, the Newberry welcomes you. The Newberry boasts a world-class collection that spans more than six centuries of human experience. 

On a guided tour, you’ll learn about the Newberry’s iconic architecture and extensive history. You’ll also get to see the Newberry in action and why it receives tens of thousands of visitors each year.  

You are invited to join us at Pizano's Pizza and Pasta, 864 N State St, after the tour. We will get a headcount that morning at Newberry Library.

Parking: Pay-to-park and on-street metered parking are available in the neighborhood and the library’s surrounding streets.
Public Transportation: The Newberry is walkable from multiple CTA train lines. Several bus routes stop within a block or two of the Newberry.

Registration Deadline: September 5, 2025
Cost information provided in confirmation email.

Contact: Pat Naparsteck

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Arrival 10:15 a.m.; Tour begins promptly at 10:30 a.m.

Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 South Michigan Avenue, northwest corner of Michigan Ave and Cullerton St

Embark on a curated tour of the only Chicago area church with the nation’s highest historical landmark status! Once the place of worship for many Prairie Avenue notables, parishioners included well-known names such as Lincoln, Cobb, Pullman, Blackstone, and Fargo!

Topics of our docent-guided tour will include:

• How and why famed architect Howard Van Doren Shaw transformed the sanctuary from gothic into an Arts and Crafts masterpiece.

• An impressive collection of nine beautiful stained-glass windows by renowned designer Louis Comfort Tiffany…and other important artisans of this genre.

• A look at muralist Frederick Clay Bartlett's infusion of pre-Raphaelite styled images into the space. Plus much more!

There is a small parking lot just to the north of the church. Metered street parking is readily available, as is public transportation.

Registration Deadline: Thursday, September 25

Cost information provided in confirmation email.

Contact: Barbara Champion

Monday, October 6, 2025

10:30 AM — 12:00 PM

Loews Chicago Hotel, 455 North Park Drive

Meet in the Lobby of Loews Chicago Hotel

You are invited to an informal gathering of IWA friends in this spacious, warm setting. This is a great opportunity to introduce potential members to our organization! Stay for as little or as long as you like. 

Coffee available for purchase.

455 North Park Drive is at the intersection with Lower North Water Street, just off Columbus Drive between the Chicago River and Whole Foods.

Contact: Barbara Calabrese

Save The Date!

Moon Festival Celebration at the Korean Cultural Center

Saturday, October 11, 2025

Approximate Time: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Korean Cultural Center, 9925 Capital Dr., Wheeling, IL

This event will include lunch, a guided tour of the exhibition, a Moon Jar-making demonstration by a master ceramicist from Korea, and a lecture on the history of Korean ceramics by a curator from the Denver Art Museum. The day will conclude with performances of traditional

Korean dance and music.  

Details to follow.

Contact: Gay-Young Cho

This Board Meeting will be held in person. If you are going to be out of town but plan to attend, please contact Celia for registration.

Save The Date!

October North Shore - Walking Tour in the historic lakefront of Evanston, followed by a potluck lunch at an IWA member's home

Friday, October 17, 2025

More details coming soon!

Book: A Volga Tale
Author: Guzel Yakhina

Discussion Leader: Dell Harmsen

Literature Discussion Chairs: Barbara Herzog and Teresa Kennedy

The Literature Group offers members an international perspective in literary fiction by introducing acclaimed, if sometimes lesser known, writers and books. Members are invited to attend by Zoom, although we request that only those who have read the book participate in discussion.

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

Join your IWA friends in a fun and friendly game of Mah Jongg! There is nothing more exciting than when, with your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping, your palms sweating, and you call "Mah Jongg"!

ALL LEVELS ARE WELCOME! A refresher lesson will be given at the beginning of each meeting.

Save The Date!

Holidays Around The World

Year End Celebration & Fundraiser

Thursday, November 6, 2025

11:00am - 2:00pm

Salon 61, 61 W Hubbard St

More details to follow!

Book: North Woods
Author: Daniel Mason

Discussion Leader: Ann Brody

Literature Discussion Chairs: Barbara Herzog and Teresa Kennedy

The Literature Group offers members an international perspective in literary fiction by introducing acclaimed, if sometimes lesser known, writers and books. Members are invited to attend by Zoom, although we request that only those who have read the book participate in discussion.

Save The Date!

North Shore November

Friday, November 14, 2025

Details to follow

Join your IWA friends in a fun and friendly game of Mah Jongg! There is nothing more exciting than when, with your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping, your palms sweating, and you call "Mah Jongg"!

ALL LEVELS ARE WELCOME! A refresher lesson will be given at the beginning of each meeting.

Book: Foster
Author: Claire Keegan

Discussion Leader: Teresa Kennedy

Literature Discussion Chairs: Barbara Herzog and Teresa Kennedy

The Literature Group offers members an international perspective in literary fiction by introducing acclaimed, if sometimes lesser known, writers and books. Members are invited to attend by Zoom, although we request that only those who have read the book participate in discussion.

Save The Date!

North Shore December

Friday, December 12, 2025

Details to follow

This monthly event is for all interested Bridge players, and includes members who play Basic Social Bridge as well as Intermediate/Advanced Bridge players.

(Please be aware that you need a basic knowledge of

Bridge in order to participate).

Join your IWA friends in a fun and friendly game of Mah Jongg! There is nothing more exciting than when, with your heart racing, your adrenaline pumping, your palms sweating, and you call "Mah Jongg"!

ALL LEVELS ARE WELCOME! A refresher lesson will be given at the beginning of each meeting.

Friday, January 9, 2026

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 

1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette

“Convito Café’s mission is to offer…food featuring classic regional Italian and French dishes served by a friendly and informed staff in art-filled, cozy surroundings.*Convito is an ancient Italian word… that signifies a banquet or feast with family and friends to eat and drink.”

Directions: Plaza Del Lago is west off of Sheridan Road, about 5 blocks south of Kenilworth Ave and 1 block north of Chestnut Ave. Free parking available.

Note: There is construction on the west side of the Plaza.

Volunteers for hosting our pot-lucks, restaurant suggestions and walking location ideas are always appreciated. Join us for friendship and fellowship.

IWA North Shore area events are open to all members and their quests.

RSVP by January 7 online.

Remember to bring cash. 

Contact: Carolyn LeBlanc-Blatt