Date: Tuesday, April 1st, 2025 - In English

Time: 10:30 social, 11am Program

Hybrid: Zoom (link sent upon registration)

& IWA Conference Room, 17 N State St, Suite 1740 

Program: “Paris when it Sizzles” Glenn Derringer, a well-traveled musical impresario will give a presentation on the birth of French Gypsy Jazz. He will guide us from the beginning -1920’s –through the war years, the period after WWII and Gypsy Jazz today. His presentation will be accompanied by several videos.

RSVP by March 30, 2025. Register on the IWA Website

Note: Refreshments are welcome.

Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Time: 1:00 - 3:30pm

Location: The Fortnightly of Chicago, 120 E Bellevue Place

Join us for an afternoon tea to celebrate our upcoming gala

CHEERS, SLÁINTE MHATH, IECHYD DA, SLÁINTE

CELEBRATING THE UNITED KINGDOM

Enjoy the delicious tea service, a fun and light presentation about tea, and a basket raffle in honor of Jane Austen's 250th anniversary.

Registration Deadline: March 18th

$66 per person

Guests are welcome!

Contact: Ying Hirsh, yinghirsh@gmail.com 

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 8:45 - 10:45 a.m. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. The kids will be happy to see you!

Please register by March 31st.

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

Contact Dell Harmsen at Dellzee4@gmail.com or 312-515-0317 for more information. 

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

Date: Monday, April 17th, 2025

Time: 1:30pm- 3:00pm

Location: IWA Office, 17 N State Street, Suite 1760

Program: Join us for an engaging and insightful discussion on Asian cinema with Sophia Wong Boccio, the visionary founder of Asian Pop-Up Cinema. This special event will take place on Monday, April 7th, from 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM, offering a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant world of Asian films and the stories behind them.

Sophia Wong Boccio, a passionate advocate for Asian cinema, will share her remarkable journey of curating and hosting the Asian Pop-Up Cinema Festival, now in its 19th season. Whether you're a seasoned film enthusiast or simply curious about Asian culture and storytelling, this discussion promises to be both enlightening and inspiring.

While it’s highly recommended to check out some of the films from the festival’s current season (running from March 20th to April 13th at AMC NewCity, Thursday to Sunday), it’s not a requirement to attend. Sophia will provide a captivating overview of the festival’s highlights and her experiences in bringing these films to audiences. You can explore the full lineup of films and screenings at (https://www.asianpopupcinema.org).

Come prepared to share your thoughts, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Asian cinema. Whether you’ve watched the films or not, this discussion is a perfect chance to connect with fellow film lovers and gain a deeper appreciation for the art of storytelling through film. Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the power of cinema and the cultural bridges it builds!

Contact: Elizabeth Jia (elizabeth@culturechinals.com)

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.

                                                   

Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Zoom (link provided upon registration)

Program: In 1885, the jewelry house of Peter Carol Fabergé began what would become the ultimate last great commission of “objects d’art” in the world, The Imperial Easter Eggs. Fabergé received the coveted title, “Goldsmith by Special Appointment to the Imperial Crown” and began the remarkable collection of treasures forever associated with the tragic end of the Russian Imperial Family, the Romanovs. However, through photographs and the astonishing Fabergé Easter Eggs, we get a glimpse of who the Romanovs were as a people and how they lived.

Presenter: Ann Leslie is an instructor at Harper College, Barrington, and previously was a television producer and director. She has also written for various newspaper and magazine articles.

Contact: Nicola Crowe, njtcrowe@aol.com

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 8:45 - 10:45 a.m. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. The kids will be happy to see you!

Please register by April 7th.

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

Contact Dell Harmsen at Dellzee4@gmail.com or 312-515-0317 for more information. 

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

Date: Friday, April 11th, 2025

Time: 11:30am – 2:00pm

Location: Deerpath Inn

255 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest

RSVP by April 9th.

Remember to bring cash.

Directions: Deer Path Inn is located between Green Bay Rd on the west  and N Western Avenue on the east and between Deerpath Rd on the north and Vine Ave on the south. Parking is available nearby.

Due to limited space, we will only be able to accommodate members. If you have any questions please reach out to Carolyn.

Questions: Carolyn LeBlanc-Blatt, clblatt@att.net, 312-550-3827

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

location ideas are always appreciated. Join us for friendship and fellowship.

Book: The Anthropologists
Author: Asyegul Savas

Discussion Leader: Yoko Kusama

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.

#Winning101: A Behind the Scenes Look at the Auction World at the well-known Heritage Auction House

Date: Wednesday, April 16th, 2025

Time: 10:30 am

Location: Heritage Auctions, 222 W Hubbard St. Chicago, IL 60654

Program: Join us for this gallery talk about unexpected opportunities at auction. From buying and selling to appraisals and the latest trends, Heritage Auctions specialists will share behind-the-scenes intel on how the auction world works and the latest record-breaking sales. Enjoy small bites and tea while perusing the Spring Fine Jewelry Auction Preview in the gallery. Try on the gorgeous gems, glean tips on how to buy jewelry at auction, and learn why it’s the best option!  

Maximum 20 chairs, standing room for the remaining guests

Contact: Liza Antelo & Gabriela Martin (dudomarta@gmail.com)

 

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.

Date: Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Time: 10:15 AM - 11:30 AM; tour starts promptly at 10:30 AM

Location: Lurie Garden - Millennium Park:

220 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60601

Experience springtime beauty while learning about Lurie Garden, Millennium Park’s naturalistic five-acre urban oasis, a place of rest and renewal for humans and wildlife.

See map below for the meeting place. We will meet in the plaza area of Millennium Park along the west side of Lurie Garden closest to the Monroe Street entrance - across the street from the Art Institute’s Modern Wing entrance.

This walking tour is just over one hour long. There are some stairs.

Registration required. Free tour for IWA members and

prospective members, one guest per member.

Registration closes Tuesday, April 22.

Maximum 30 Members and Guests

Address to enter into GPS: 210 E. Monroe Street, Chicago.

IWA Contacts: Judy Mischel, jsmischel@gmail.com (708-220-2503),

Dell Harmsen, dellzee4@gmail.com (312-515-0317)

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 8:45 - 10:45 a.m. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. The kids will be happy to see you!

Please register by April 28th.

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

Contact Dell Harmsen at Dellzee4@gmail.com or 312-515-0317 for more information. 

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

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 8:45 - 10:45 a.m. Sign up for dates that work for your schedule. The kids will be happy to see you!

Please register by May 5th.

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

Contact Dell Harmsen at Dellzee4@gmail.com or 312-515-0317 for more information. 

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

There will not be a North Shore meeting this May.

Please join fellow IWA members at our annual Gala celebrating the

United Kingdom on May 9th at Venue West from 6-11 pm.

You and your guests are cordially invited to join the 2025 IWA Annual Fundraising Gala to celebrate the United Kingdom! 

This Exciting Evening Includes:

Cocktail Reception

Raffle Ticket Sales

Bagpipe Performance

UK-Inspired Dinner

Live Auction

DJ and Dancing

Register today to purchase tickets or sponsorships!

If you are unable to join us for the gala, please consider: 

• Making a donation (Click here to donate)
• Donating an item to the raffle or live auction (Click here for Digital Form and Printable Form)
• Purchasing a full or half page ad in the Program Book (Click here for Digital Form and Printable Form)

Thank you for your support

Questions?

Please email iwa@iwachicago.org or call 312-263-1421 or 

contact Gala Co-Chairs, Nicola Crowe and Carolyn LeBlanc-Blatt.

“CHEERS, SLÁINTE MHATH, IECHYD DA, SLÁINTE”

CELEBRATING THE UNITED KINGDOM

IWA Annual Gala  Sponsorship Opportunities

Friday, May 9, 2025

6:00 p.m.

Venue West

QUEEN @ $10,000 includes:

Premier table for ten at the Gala

Prominent acknowledgement at the Gala

Presenting partner recognition in IWA publications

Premium placement two-page ad in the Gala Program Book*

Group photo of you and your guests

PRINCESS @ $5,000 includes:

Premier table for ten at the Gala

Special recognition at the Gala and in IWA publications

Premium placement full-page ad in the Gala Program Book*

Group photo of you and your guests

DUCHESS @ $2,500 includes:

Four tickets to the Gala

Premium seating at the Gala

Special recognition in the Gala Program Book*

Full-page ad in the Gala Program Book

COUNTESS @ $1,000 includes:

Two tickets to the Gala

Premium seating at the Gala

Special recognition in the Gala Program Book*

All sponsorships and donations will be recognized in the Gala Program Book.

*Premium placement includes outside back cover, inside of front cover, inside of back cover, and centerfold pages.

For questions please contact iwa@iwachicago.org or (312) 263-1421.

Thank you for your generous support!

Program Book Ads and Tribute Pages

“CHEERS, SLÁINTE MHATH, IECHYD DA, SLÁINTE”

CELEBRATING THE UNITED KINGDOM

IWA Annual Gala

Friday, May 9, 2024

Venue West

Please click "Register" to submit the form and documents for the program book. Details below!

Please note that we only accept the following formats: JPG or PNG

Program Book Size: 8”x8” with ¼” space between ads and in margins.

Full Page Ad Size: 7½” tall x 7½” wide

Half Page: Horizontal: 3⅝” tall x 7½” wide OR Vertical: 7½” tall x 3⅝” wide

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: March 28th, 2025

Please contact iwa@iwachicago.org or 312-263-1421 with questions.

Thank you for your support!

Book: Eastbound
Author: Maylis de Kerangal

Discussion Leader: Diana Karis

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.

Date: Thursday, May 15th, 2025

Time: 4:00pm-6:00pm

Location: 600 S Michigan, Chicago, IL 60605

Program: Shore | Lines is a photo exhibition by Chicago-based artist Regina Agu, who presents a large-scale panoramic installation at the Museum of Contemporary Photography (MOCP). The exhibit traces sites and legacies of historical Black North American migration. Agu’s work focuses on connecting the landscapes, materiality, and human histories of the Gulf South region to the Great Lakes.

The tour will be led by Asha Iman Veal, Associate Curator at the MOCP.

Cost: Admission is free

Maximum Attendance: 30

Parking: Pay-to-park is available on Harrison St. at the north entrance of the museum, on Wabash Ave., and surrounding streets.

Public Transportation: The Harrison Red Line, LaSalle Blue Line, or Harold Washington & Van Buren Brown/Green/Pink/Orange/Purple Line are all walking distance from MoCP.

In case of questions contact: Pat Naparsteck (pnaparsteck@sbcglobal.net) or Emilie Chandler (eachand47@gmail.com)

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 IWA members for an evening meet & greet!

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

Please contact Ria Rörich with any questions.