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

Enjoy a morning of coffee and conversation with IWA members.

Stop by for as little or as long as you'd like between 10:30am and 12pm. 

All IWA members and potential new members are welcome!

Director for Membership: Ria Rörich

Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Time: 10:30 am social; 11 am program in French

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

Program: 17th and 18th century stage costumes at the court of France by Weriem (this talk will be given in French). Following the drawings of illustrators who worked for kings Louis XIII, XIV, XV and XVI, we’ll examine the fantasies of ballet and opera costumes presented at the royal court. We’ll look at the rules and symbols used on stage costumes and their evolution. We’ll conclude with examples of contemporary costume designs inspired by the splendors of the Baroque era.

About the Presenter: WERIEM is a French-Tunisian visual artist acclaimed for her “gorgeous and evocative,” “spectacular,” and “sumptuous array of period-perfect” costumes, as praised by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Chicago Tribune, respectively. For over a decade, she specialized in designing costumes for live performances, particularly focusing on the Baroque period. Her work has been featured in productions for renowned institutions such as the Royal Swedish Opera, the Boston Early Music Festival, Haymarket Opera, Opera Lafayette, and more.

RSVP by Feb 2 to Nadej Mercier, nadej@letien.net, 312-399-8836 or register on the IWA website.

Refreshments are welcome.

Dance like a Bollywood Star

An introduction to Bollywood dance and movement by Rhythm Roots

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

10:00 am: Social time

10:15 am: Presentation on the Bollywood film industry by Mina Patel

10:50 am: Priya dance instruction

11:50 am - 12:00 pm: Q & A

IWA Office Conference Room

17 N State St, Suite 1740

Program Description:

Join Priya from Rhythm Roots in a fun and hands-on cultural experience. Priya will be leading an energetic and interactive dance workshop with beginner-friendly dance moves set to Indian music. Moves will be broken down and modifications will be provided. All ages and levels are welcome.

About the Instructor:

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.

Tea and light Indian snacks will be served

Maximum 20 members

Contact: Mina Patel (minapatel2014@gmail.com), 312-493-6208

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 February 3rd.

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!

Book: Day
Author: Michael Cunningham

Discussion Leader: Heather Refetoff

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: Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Time: 11:30 AM

Location: Indian Garden Restaurant, 247 E. Ontario St., 2nd Floor

Celebrate Valentine's Week with IWA friends by enjoying a delicious buffet tapestry of Indian cuisines in our private area of this popular downtown restaurant. 

Indiangardenchicago.com

Register by February 11, 2025.

Maximum: 25 IWA members and prospective members.

$23 plus tax and tip. Please bring cash!

Elevator available.

Accessible to public transportation — CTA red lie train and bus routes. Parking: Spot Hero. 

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 February 10th.

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, February 14, 2025

Time: 11:30am – 2:00pm

Location: The Hampton Social

4999 Old Orchard Center, Skokie

in the Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center

RSVP by February 12 online.

Remember to bring cash.

“The Hampton Social is known for our lively dining experiences featuring

exceptional costal inspired food… in a beautiful designed atmosphere.”

Directions: The Westfield Old Orchard Shopping Center is located south of Old Orchard Road (Old Orchard exit off of I94), west of Skokie Blvd (Hwy 41), and north of Golf Rd. The Hampton Social restaurant is on the eastern side of the southern part of the shopping center behind Uncle Julio’s and across from Brooks Brothers (both which you can see from the east parking lot). Parking is available in the Center’s lot.

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.

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

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.

Date: Monday, February 24

Time: 10:30 am Social; 11:00 am Program

Location: IWA Conference Room, 17 N State Street, Suite 1740

Program: It is 1992, and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is pondering how to handle turmoil in the royal family in the wake of some scandalous divorces and finger-wagging media reports. As she reflects on her struggles, she looks back on her life, from her happy childhood through the abdication of her uncle, her marriage to a navy officer named Philip, her coronation, and her ongoing walk to balance her roles as queen and mother. In this historical portrayal by scholar and actress Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., you'll get to know the woman behind the images, her sense of humor and the savvy intelligence with which she meets her demanding obligations. Note: This program is a historical portrayal, not a lecture.

Performer: Leslie Goddard is an award-winning actress and scholar who has been presenting history programs for more than fifteen years. She holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University specializing in American studies and U.S. history as well as a master’s degree in theater.

A former museum director, she is the author of three books on history and currently works full time as an author and public speaker.

What Leslie Goddard does - She portrays memorable women from the past and tell historical stories so that lessons from the past are more entertaining, educational and inspiring

Members and 1 guest each

Maximum 45 registrants

Cost: $10 (Cash only)

Contacts: Nicola Crowe (Njtcrowe@aol.com),

Carolyn LeBlanc-Blatt (Clblatt@att.net)

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.

Enjoy a morning of coffee and conversation with IWA members.

Stop by for as little or as long as you'd like between 10:30am and 12pm.

All IWA members and potential new members are welcome!

Director for Membership: Ria Rörich

Save the Date!

International Women's Day

Thursday, March 6, 2025

More details to come!

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 3rd.

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 March 10th.

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!

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.

Book: Abyss
Author: Pilar Quintana