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.

The IWA Office will be closed November 26th - 28th in observance of Thanksgiving. 

Have a happy holiday!

Monday, December 1, 2025

2:00PM

IWA Office Conference Room

17 N State St, Suite 1740

If you missed the first session, you now have another opportunity. Priya from Rhythm Roots will be teaching another Bollywood dance class! Learn a variety of traditional Indian dances unique to different regions. No experience needed, beginner friendly, all moves will be broken down into simple steps. 

Priya is a Chicago-based dance educator and the founder of Rhythm Roots. Born and raised in India, Priya has over 20 years of diverse dance experience in styles like Indian classical, Indian Folk, and more. After moving to the United States in 2012, she discovered her love for teaching through various opportunities, and decided to pursue what truly makes her happy and fulfilled - teaching and sharing the joy of Indian Dance & Culture that she grew up with. Creating an engaging curriculum and interacting with dancers of all ages, backgrounds and diverse learner needs makes her the happiest! Through her content, she strives to provide a glimpse into India's various genres of dance and its beautiful culture. Learn more about her mission and work at www.rhythmrootsdance.com.

Cost: $30 per person

Limited Space: Maximum 25 members

Please note that all proceeds will be dedicated to the 2025 Annual Fundraising Celebration, Holidays Around the World.

Invite a friend, guest registrations are welcome! 

Friday, December 5, 2025

Arrive: 11:15AM. Tour begins promptly at 11:30AM

Intuit Museum, 756 North Milwaukee Avenue

Intuit Museum focuses on self-taught and outsider art, showcasing artists who create outside of traditional art settings. ‘Catalyst’, a current exhibit, highlights the ingenuity of immigrant artists. 

After the tour, you are invited to join us for lunch at Gangnam Market Asian Food Court, across the street from the museum.

Tickets: Purchase at the door, $20 for admission and docent-guided tour (cash and credit card acceptable)

Transportation: CTA Blue Line, CTA buses, and street parking available

Accessibility: Elevator available

Intuit Museum website: https://art.org

Gangnam Market website: http://gangnammarketusa.com 

RSVP deadline: Tuesday, December 2

Maximum: 25 IWA members and guests. 1 guest per member.

Contact: Dell Harmsen

Book: Foster
Author: Claire Keegan

Discussion Leader: Teresa Kennedy

Literature Discussion Chairs: Barbara Herzog and Teresa Kennedy

Book Description: It is a hot summer in rural Ireland. A girl is sent to live with foster parents on a farm, not knowing when she will return home. In the strangers’ house, she finds a warmth and affection she has not known before and slowly begins to blossom in their care. But in a house where there are meant to be no secrets, she discovers how fragile her idyll is. (from Amazon)  NPR:  re. author Claire Keegan, short listed author for the Booker. https://www.npr.org/2022/11/01/1131828533/with-foster-claire-keegan-asks-that-readers-look-outward

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).

Tuesday December 9, 2025

11:00 am

Host: Carol Sommers, address given upon registration.

Join us for a potluck meal at Carol Sommers’ lovely home. Bring your favorite dish and please let Carol know what you are bringing to avoid duplicates. Please contact her at her email address, which will be given upon registration. 

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.

RSVP BY Sunday, December 7 

Contact: Nadej Mercier for additional info

Friday, December 12, 2025

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Guildhall Restaurant, 694 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe

For those of you in town this holiday season, please join us.

“Guildhall is an American Bistro with a sophisticated attitude and serves thoughtful cuisine, creative craft cocktails, and premiere wine and beer from an eclectic list. At Guildhall, we believe that cooking is a craft. We are committed to working with local and artisanal purveyors to source the highest quality ingredients available.”

Directions: Guildhall Restaurant is a block west of Green Bay Rd, south of Park Ave and north of Hazel Ave. Free parking available.

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 prospective members!

Remember to bring cash.

RSVP by December 10th

Maximum: 15 members and prospective members

Questions: Carolyn LeBlanc-Blatt

IWA Philanthropy Program

Annual Book Fair for All Students

at George B. Swift Specialty School

5900 North Winthrop Avenue, Chicago

Monday, December 15, 2025

Register for 1 shift:

8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

12:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Registration Deadline

Friday, December 12, 2025

2 guests maximum per member registration.

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 fair 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 heartwarming experience for IWA volunteers, Swift School students, and staff members!

Please join us for this important and rewarding day! All IWA members are invited!

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

Contact: Dell Harmsen for more information.

IWA invites you to be a part of our Swift School Classroom Helpers volunteer program!

Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of tasks, usually helping students individually or in small groups. No special skills required!

A Chicago Public School with many immigrant and refugee students, George B. Swift Specialty School has had a close relationship with IWA for more than forty years and is a major benefactor of our Philanthropy and Community Service efforts.

Sessions are generally the first and third Thursday of each month, through May 2026, from 9AM-11AM. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. January sessions will be held on January 8 and 22, 2026. (adjusted due to CPS winter break.)

Swift School is in the Edgewater neighborhood and easily accessible by public transportation, including CTA Red Line Thorndale stop, just seconds from the school. Street parking and SpotHero are available nearby.

 Please register by January 5.

Swift students and teachers will be happy to see you!

IWA contact: Dell Harmsen 

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

Book: Audition
Author: Katie Kitamura

Discussion Leader: Ann Brody

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

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.

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.

Wednesday, January 21

4:00 - 6:00PM

Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge, 332 East Illinois Street

Join IWA friends for our monthly Meet and Greet in this convenient and beautiful semi-private space. This is a great opportunity to introduce prospective members to IWA!

Happy Hour prices!

Directions: Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge is next door to AMC River East Cinema 21

Contact: Lucia Lee

IWA invites you to be a part of our Swift School Classroom Helpers volunteer program!

Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of tasks, usually helping students individually or in small groups. No special skills required!

A Chicago Public School with many immigrant and refugee students, George B. Swift Specialty School has had a close relationship with IWA for more than forty years and is a major benefactor of our Philanthropy and Community Service efforts.

Sessions are generally the first and third Thursday of each month, through May 2026, from 9AM-11AM. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. January sessions will be held on January 8 and 22, 2026. (adjusted due to CPS winter break.)

Swift School is in the Edgewater neighborhood and easily accessible by public transportation, including CTA Red Line Thorndale stop, just seconds from the school. Street parking and SpotHero are available nearby.

 Please register by January 19.

Swift students and teachers will be happy to see you!

IWA contact: Dell Harmsen 

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

10:30 a.m.

Art Institute of Chicago,125 East Monroe Street, Staff Entrance

Join Dr. Christopher (Kit) Maxwell, newly appointed Chair and Eloise W. Martin Curator of Applied Arts of Europe, for a private tour of the newly installed galleries devoted to the applied arts of Europe — held on a day when the Art Institute of Chicago is closed to the public. This rare behind-the-scenes experience offers unparalleled access to the stunning new spaces designed by Barcelona-based architects, showcasing the museum’s exceptional collection of silver, glass, furniture, and ceramics made between 1600 and 1900, including a dramatic new gallery dedicated entirely to ceramics.

With deep expertise in European ceramics and glass and a special interest in the impacts of global trade and colonial expansion, Kit has played an essential role in the extensive redesign of the Eloise W. Martin Galleries. Before joining the Art Institute, Kit served as curator of early modern glass at the Corning Museum of Glass. He also held several positions at the Royal Collection Trust and worked as assistant curator in the Ceramics and Glass Section at the Victoria and Albert Museum. Kit received his BA in the History of Art from the University of Cambridge, his MA in Decorative Arts from the University of London, and his PhD from the University of Glasgow. His recent post-doctoral work includes a degree focus in Caribbean Studies at the University of Warwick.

 RSVP by noon on January 23. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis as space is limited to 20 people.

 This event is open to IWA members only.

Contact: Ying Hirsh

Monday, February 2, 2026

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.

IWA invites you to be a part of our Swift School Classroom Helpers volunteer program!

Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of tasks, usually helping students individually or in small groups. No special skills required!

A Chicago Public School with many immigrant and refugee students, George B. Swift Specialty School has had a close relationship with IWA for more than forty years and is a major benefactor of our Philanthropy and Community Service efforts.

Sessions are generally the first and third Thursday of each month, through May 2026, from 9AM-11AM. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. January sessions will be held on January 8 and 22, 2026. (adjusted due to CPS winter break.)

Swift School is in the Edgewater neighborhood and easily accessible by public transportation, including CTA Red Line Thorndale stop, just seconds from the school. Street parking and SpotHero are available nearby.

 Please register by February 2.

Swift students and teachers will be happy to see you!

IWA contact: Dell Harmsen 

Book: Small Moments
Author: Mary Barrow

Discussion Leader: Led by author Mary Barrow

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

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 February

Friday, February 13, 2026

Details to follow

Save the Date!

Galentine Luncheon

Towne & Oak, Winnetka

Friday, February 13

Details to follow

IWA invites you to be a part of our Swift School Classroom Helpers volunteer program!

Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in kindergarten through 8th grade in a variety of tasks, usually helping students individually or in small groups. No special skills required!

A Chicago Public School with many immigrant and refugee students, George B. Swift Specialty School has had a close relationship with IWA for more than forty years and is a major benefactor of our Philanthropy and Community Service efforts.

Sessions are generally the first and third Thursday of each month, through May 2026, from 9AM-11AM. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. January sessions will be held on January 8 and 22, 2026. (adjusted due to CPS winter break.)

Swift School is in the Edgewater neighborhood and easily accessible by public transportation, including CTA Red Line Thorndale stop, just seconds from the school. Street parking and SpotHero are available nearby.

 Please register by February 16.

Swift students and teachers will be happy to see you!

IWA contact: Dell Harmsen