The IWA office will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving. 

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

Enjoy a morning of coffee and conversation with IWA members.

Stop by for as little or as long as you'd like between

10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. 

All IWA members and potential new members are welcome!

Director for Membership: Ria Rörich

Director for Member Engagement: Dell Harmsen

Tuesday, December 3

11:00 a.m. in French

Join us for a potluck meal at Elisabeth Zimmerman's lovely home. Bring your favorite dish and please let Elisabeth know what it is, to avoid duplicates. If you would like to participate in our "White elephant" grab bag, bring a wrapped gift which can be humorous and ideally is something enjoyed and owned that you want to pass on. If you purchase something, the $15 - $20 range would be appropriate. 

Host: Elisabeth, who lives in the South Loop. Directions will be given to you at the time of registration.

RSVP by 12/1/24 on the IWA website or contact Nadej Mercier at nadej@letien.net (312-399-8836)

Date: Wednesday, December 4

Time: 2 – 4 p.m.

Location: 130 N Jefferson St. Chicago IL. 60661

IWA members will be given a guided tour of the Primitive Gallery showroom that consists of an unmatched selection of antique to modern furniture and decor, hand-made artifacts, textiles, jewelry and fashion. It is a gallery where you can discover sacred paintings, prints and drawings, international fashion and inspired gifts from over 100 cultures the world over. The collection has been acquired from some of the world’s hardest to reach places and everything has been carefully selected for its inherent merit and meaning.

PRIMITIVE is more than just a store – It is a place to be a traveler and treasure hunter, to collect and connect to people, places and times, and to adorn your life in relevant, attractive and meaningful ways.

The goal of the gallery is giving every client and visitor to the store an experience that is gracious, enjoyable, engaging, memorable, and ultimately – unforgettable. PRIMITIVE has earned the reputation of presenting the best of the world, right next door. Explore, discover, experience, and share what it means to be primitive.

Maximum 30 members and potential new members

Refreshments will be served

The IWA Philanthropy and Community Service committee invites you to take part in our Swift School Classroom Helpers volunteer program for the new school year, beginning Thursday, November 7th. 

Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of tasks, whether with small groups of students or in other supportive activities in the classroom. No special skills are required! 

A Chicago Public School with many immigrant and refugee students, George B. Swift Speciality School has a close and long-running relationship with IWA and is a major benefactor of our Philanthropy and Community Service efforts.

Sessions are available the first two Thursdays of each month throughout the school year from 9 - 11 a.m. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. The kids will be happy to see you!

Please register by December 2nd.

Swift School is in the Edgewater neighborhood and easily accessible by public transportation. Street parking is also available.

Contact Dell Harmsen at backinmiami@hotmail.com or 312-515-0317 for more information. 

We hope you will join us for this important and meaningful volunteer opportunity!

Book: Forbidden Notebook

Author: Alba de Cespedes

Discussion Leader: Barbara Herzog

Literature Discussion Chairs: Barbara Herzog and Teresa Kennedy

Date: December 10 

Time: Doors open at 1:30 p.m., Artist's talk begins at 2:00 p.m.

Location: Alliance Francaise, 810 N Dearborn St, Chicago IL 60610

Entrance via 54 W Chicago Ave.

About the Exhibition

Art lovers, join us at the Alliance Française de Chicago for Weriem’s exhibition premiere, showcasing her evocative new series inspired by Pierrot, the iconic theatrical character and poetic figure rooted in the

commedia dell'arte. Enjoy an afternoon of art and conversation, as the Franco-Tunisian artist shares her inspirations and creative journey.

About WERIEM

 WERIEM is a Franco-Tunisian artist known for her detailed work, evocative of the performing arts. Her drawings and paintings attract art enthusiasts both locally in Chicago and worldwide. Her work has been featured in commissioned illustrations, projected during concerts, and on CD covers. Before focusing on fine art, WERIEM designed costumes for live performances. Her work has been praised by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and Chicago Tribune as “gorgeous and evocative,” “spectacular,” and a “sumptuous array of period-perfect” costumes. Her costume design credits include the Royal Swedish Opera, the Boston Early Music Festival, Haymarket Opera, and Opera Lafayette. Although always an artist at heart, WERIEM’s journey began with a PhD in biology. Her love for detail and precision infuses her imagery, creating works that are rich in emotion and storytelling.

Contact: Ying Hirsh

There will not be a North Shore meeting this December.

Please join fellow IWA members at our annual Holiday Party on December 12th at the Woman's Athletic Club from 4 - 6 pm.

The IWA Philanthropy and Community Service committee invites you to take part in our Swift School Classroom Helpers volunteer program for the new school year, beginning Thursday, November 7th. 

Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of tasks, whether with small groups of students or in other supportive activities in the classroom. No special skills are required! 

A Chicago Public School with many immigrant and refugee students, George B. Swift Speciality School has a close and long-running relationship with IWA and is a major benefactor of our Philanthropy and Community Service efforts.

Sessions are available the first two Thursdays of each month throughout the school year from 9 - 11 a.m. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. The kids will be happy to see you!

Please register by December 9th.

Swift School is in the Edgewater neighborhood and easily accessible by public transportation. Street parking is also available.

Contact Dell Harmsen at backinmiami@hotmail.com or 312-515-0317 for more information. 

We hope you will join us for this important and meaningful volunteer opportunity!

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).

IWA Philanthropy Program

Annual Book Distribution for All Students

at George B. Swift Specialty School

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Register for 1 shift:

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline

Monday, December 16, 2024

George B. Swift Specialty School, a Chicago Public School serving many immigrant and refugee students, has a long and meaningful relationship with IWA. Through our philanthropy book distribution program, all students (Grades Pre-K through 8) choose two books to take home and call their own.

Volunteers are needed for setting up and taking down the book displays, welcoming classroom groups, and aiding individual students in choosing books. 

This event is always a beautiful experience for IWA volunteers, students, and the wonderful Swift School teachers and staff!

Please join us for this important and rewarding day!

George B. Swift Specialty School

5900 North Winthrop Avenue, Chicago

(Some free street parking in the neighborhood. CTA buses 151, 147, or 36 are nearby. The school is also directly next to the CTA redline train, Thorndale stop.)

Contact Dell Harmsen, backinmiami@hotmail.com, 312-515-0317, for more information

Join IWA members for an evening meet & greet!

We will be at Aster Hall Bar & Study from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. - come for as little or as long as you like!

Please contact Ria Rörich or Dell Harmsen with any questions.

The IWA office will be closed in observance of Christmas. 

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

The IWA office will be closed in observance of Christmas. 

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

The IWA office will be closed in observance of Christmas Day. 

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

The IWA office will be closed in observance of Christmas. 

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

The IWA office will be closed in observance of Christmas. 

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

The IWA office will be closed in observance of New Year's Day. 

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

The IWA Philanthropy and Community Service committee invites you to take part in our Swift School Classroom Helpers volunteer program for the new school year, beginning Thursday, November 7th. 

Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of tasks, whether with small groups of students or in other supportive activities in the classroom. No special skills are required! 

A Chicago Public School with many immigrant and refugee students, George B. Swift Specialty School has a close and long-running relationship with IWA and is a major benefactor of our Philanthropy and Community Service efforts.

Sessions are available the first two Thursdays of each month throughout the school year from 9 - 11 a.m. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. The kids will be happy to see you!

Please register by November 6th.

Swift School is in the Edgewater neighborhood and easily accessible by public transportation. Street parking is also available.

Contact Dell Harmsen at backinmiami@hotmail.com or 312-515-0317 for more information. 

We hope you will join us for this important and meaningful volunteer opportunity!

Book: The House of Doors
Author: Tan Twan Eng

Discussion Leader: Barbara Herzog

Literature Discussion Chairs: Barbara Herzog and Teresa Kennedy

The IWA office will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

Pre-Gala Event: Cheers - Sláinte Mhath - Iechyd da! - Sláinte

Celebrating the United Kingdom

The British Invasion, Celebrating 60 years of British Music!

Presenter: Terri Hemmert

Date: Wednesday, January 29

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Location: Zoom

Terri Hemmert is a prominent American radio personality and musicologist, best known for her long-standing career at WXRT-FM in Chicago. In 2023 Hemmert celebrated her 50th anniversary at the station. Hemmert has made a significant impact on the Chicago music scene and radio broadcasting.

Hemmert's passion for music was ignited by The Beatles' iconic performance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in February 1964. After brief stints at other stations, she joined WXRT on November 3, 1973, where she became the first female drive-time host for a Chicago rock station.

In recognition of her contributions, December 18 is officially designated as "Terri Hemmert Day" in Chicago. As she continues to share her passion for music on WXRT, Hemmert remains a vital part of the

city's cultural fabric.

Terri Hemmert is one of the greatest Beatles experts in the US. Over the years she has befriended many famous British musicians who were well known during the 60’s and beyond. She will tell us stories from her many concerts that she attended, interviews, and music festivals celebrating the Beatles, among others.

Contact: Nicole VanderVoort

Book: Day
Author: Michael Cunningham

Discussion Leader: Heather Refetoff

Literature Discussion Chairs: Barbara Herzog and Teresa Kennedy