Wednesday, May 21, 2025

4:30 - 6:30 PM

Kirei Atrium Room in the historic Whitehall Hotel, 105 E Delaware Place

Join us for this private happy hour with IWA friends! Learn about celebrity stays in this historic, luxury boutique hotel including Katharine Hepburn, The Beatles, Mick Jagger, and many more. 

Happy hour specials, Asian dishes, brick oven pizza, and bar menu items will be available for purchase. Click here to see the whole food menu.

Maximum: 23 IWA Members and guests.

IWA Contacts: 

Lucia Lee, 262-349-0532, lucialee168@yahoo.com

Dell Harmsen, 312-515-0317, dellzee@gmail.com

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

We hope you have a safe and happy holiday!

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.

An Afternoon of Serenity and Delights

Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Time: 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Location: Japanese Culture Center, 2940 N. Lincoln Ave. Unit 2

Program: Discover Chado (“way of tea”) through a Japanese tea ceremony demonstration and discussion at the Japanese Culture Center. Leading the tea ceremony will be Omar Francis-Sensei, a licensed instructor in the Urasenke Tradition of Chado. Following the program will be a brief discussion of Japanese teas with Agnes Rapacz, certified tea sommelier and owner of Chicago TeaHouse, one of few Japanese government-authorized Japanese tea distributors in the US. In addition, you will get to take part in a discussion and sample the artisanal chocolates made by Elle Lei, chocolatier, owner and founder of SUGOi Sweets, and 2024 StarChef Chicago Rising Stars Award Winner.

Two blocks away from CTA Brown and Purple lines Wellington train stop.

Plenty of street parking. 

Registration Limit: 25

Cost: Program is free, $5 cash at the door for SUGOi

artisanal chocolates

Contact: Yoko Mosher at ykusama711@aol.com

Enjoy a morning of coffee and conversation with IWA members.

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

All IWA members and potential new members are welcome!

Starbucks coffee available for purchase

Hosts: Monika Utesena, 773-930-5283

Barbara Calabrese, 773-793-9812

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.

Tuesday, June 3, 2025

11:00 AM

Carol Sommer's Home in Wicker Park

(exact address given upon registration)

Bring your favorite dish (hot or cold) to share with others; please contact Carol at carolsommerschicago@gmail.com, to let her know what dish you plan to bring. 

After the meal, we will have the chance to participate in the “International Game” which Carol has created for us: a game of “sleuth”, as we try to identify the origin of some articles from her home. Guests are welcome to stay longer than the usual 1 PM ending time if they want to explore more artifacts.

RSVP by Sunday, June 1, 2025

Contact: Nadej Mercier, nadej@letien.net, 312-399-8836

Join us as we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, present the Doe Thornburg Scholarships, say goodbye to outgoing Board Members, welcome the new, and toast to 47 years!

Lunch will be served buffet style.

Friday June 13, 2025 

11:30am – 2:00pm

Hackney’s on Lake

1514 East Lake Avenue, Glenview

Join us for friendship and fellowship. 

RSVP by Wednesday, June 11th

Remember to bring cash.

Directions: Hackney’s on Lake is located on the north side of Lake Ave just east of Waukegan Rd.  Parking is available.

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

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

Friday, June 13, 2025

7:30 pm

The Joffrey Ballet Performance at the Lyric Opera House,

20 North Wacker Drive

Registration Deadline: Thursday, May 1, 2025, 12:00pm

Support the 2025 UK Fundraising Gala by registering to attend a performance of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland at

The Joffrey Ballet!

"Plunge down the rabbit hole into the fantastical world of Wonderland as two-time Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon brings Lewis Carroll’s whimsical adventure to the stage with a modern twist. Immersed within Joby Talbot’s hallucinatory soundworld of sweeping melodies and ticking clocks, with Tony Award®-winning designer Bob Crowley’s vibrant stagecraft and puppetry, Wheeldon makes Wonderland wonderfully real in this audience-favorite dance adventure.

Things get curiouser and curiouser as Alice traverses a mysterious realm of instantly recognizable characters: the high-strung Queen of Hearts, the entrancing Caterpillar, and the tap-dancing Mad Hatter at his bizarre tea party. Lose your head in a seamless fusion of humor, eccentricity, and fantasy as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland© takes you on a magical trip through the extraordinary."

Ticket Price: $30 (50% savings!)

Limited Space: 25 registrants maximum

The Joffrey Ballet will send your tickets directly to your email, please make sure to provide your email address when registering.

Book: The Cursed Friend
Author: Beatrice Salvioni

Discussion Leader: D. Clancy

Literature Discussion Chairs: Barbara Herzog and Teresa Kennedy

Book Description: In 1930's Italy, the transformative friendship between two girls, Francesca and Maddalena from vastly different backgrounds. Francesca is a respectable, well behaved girl from a middle class family, who adheres to societal expectations and initially conforms to the rules of Fascist Italy. She longs for a life beyond conformity and becomes captivated by Maddalena, who represents everything she is not. 

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).

In 2007, Mayor Richard M. Daley proclaimed that June 20th is 

Doe Thornburg Day in Chicago!

Friday, June 20, 2025

Arrive at 2:45pm, tour starts promptly at 3:00pm

International Museum of Surgical Science, 1524 N. Lake Shore Dr.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the evolution of surgical science at the International Museum of Surgical Science in Chicago! Explore unique exhibits, interactive displays, and educational programs that captivate visitors of all ages.

We are thrilled to have Dr. Edward Traisman as our docent for this special tour. Dr. Traisman is a board-certified pediatrician, a medical education lecturer at the Feinberg School of Medicine, and the beloved husband of IWA member, Adrienne Traisman.

Immediately following the 90-minute tour, we invite you to a reception featuring light refreshments at the Traisman residence.

Don't miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience the past, present, and future of surgical innovation!

Spots are limited to 20 attendees.

Parking garage stickers can be purchased from Dr. Traisman for $10.

Contact: Ying Hirsh, yinghirsh@gmail.com

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

4:00 PM

Zoom (link provided in registration)

Curious about how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping our world? Join us for a dynamic 45-minute session that demystifies AI and explores its growing impact across industries. A Q&A will follow the presentation. Mr. Tim Webster, Director of IT Architecture at Exelon, will lead the discussion.

Tim Webster has over 20 years of experience in technology and strategic leadership roles involving research, solution development, program and project management. At Exelon, Tim has responsibility for the Digital Worker and Work Advisor opportunity areas and improving the Culture of Innovation. Tim leads a team to build Artificial Intelligence and block chain prototypes, mobile apps, and robotics at Exelon.

Whether you're a complete beginner or just looking to understand the basics, this presentation will give you an overview of what AI is, how it works, and where it’s headed. Learn about the different types of AI, real-world applications—from public utilities to entertainment—and the ethical considerations that come with this powerful technology. Engage in discussion, ask questions, and walk away with a better understanding of how AI is transforming the way we live and work.

Contact: Pat Naparsteck, pnaparsteck@sbcglobal.net

Friday, June 27, 2025

11:00 a.m.

Location: Heaven Meets Earth, Yoga Studio,

2746 Central Street, Evanston

Support the 2025 UK Fundraising Gala by registering to attend a strength training and yoga class taught by IWA member

Lisa Faremouth Weber!

Functional Strength Training and Yoga. A new study finds that women who engage in strength training exercises two to three days a week are more likely to live longer and have a lower risk of death from heart disease compared to those who do not. Join IWA member Lisa Faremouth Weber, a graduate of the Loyola Marymount Master of Yoga Therapy Program in Los Angeles, for this uplifting class. No experience is needed, and you can even do this sitting in a chair.

Benefits include:

Increased bone density, decreased body fat, reduced sleep disorders; improved mental health, body image, and self-confidence; decreased stress, anxiety, increased sense of well-being; increased strength and flexibility; decreased pain and stiffness.

Cost: $20 (40% savings!)

Limited Space: 30 registrants maximum

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).

Book: Pineapple Street
Author: Jenny Jackson

Discussion Leader: Jeanmarie Hagedorn

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).

Book: This Strange Eventful History
Author: Claire Messud

Discussion Leader: Doreen Feitelberg

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).

Save The Date!

Docent-Led Guided Tour of the Second Presbyterian Church

Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Details to come!

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).

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.