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 

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Friday, February 6, 2026

2 p.m.

IWA Office, 17 N State Street, Suite 1760

Toshiko Sugii Steffes is an acclaimed WAGASHI (Japanese Sweets) Designer and a certified master of the art. Her work is a celebration of the profound connection between Wagashi and the four seasons, resulting in creations of exquisite beauty and boundless technical sophistication. Toshiko’s mastery spans the full spectrum of the craft, having received rigorous training from both a distinguished traditional Wagashi master and a leading contemporary innovator. A published author in Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong, she is actively demonstrating, exhibiting, and teaching Wagashi making across the USA and Japan.

For the 1-hour session, Toshiko Sensei will introduce the concept of Wagashi that expresses the four seasons through a slideshow. After the presentation, Toshiko Sensei will perform a live demonstration of Nerikiri representing the four seasons. A portion of the created confections will be offered for tasting.

Registration limit: 30

Contact: Yoko Mosher

Book: Small Moments
Author: Mary Barrow

Discussion Leader: Led by author Mary Barrow

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

Mary Barrow, the author of Small Moments, will be giving away seven free copies of her book exclusively to IWA members who attend. Don’t miss your chance! Small Moments has been featured on National Public Radio.

Contact Dell Harmsen for a free copy

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.

Friday, February 13

11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Karla’s home in Evanston (address provided upon registration)

Join us for an intimate and uplifting Galentine’s gathering designed for women who cherish meaningful connection, self-care, and a touch of indulgence. This small yet vibrant event celebrates friendship, personal growth, and feminine wisdom in a warm, welcoming atmosphere, co-hosted by IWA members Lisa Faremouth Weber and Karla Tennies Koziura.

Lisa will guide a thoughtful presentation on balance and self-care, drawing inspiration from the Goddesses of Malta and exploring their enduring relevance for modern women.

Throughout the afternoon, enjoy light bites and engaging self-care experiences thoughtfully curated to help you relax, reflect, and reconnect—with yourself and with one another.

Each guest will receive a special gift. Come as you are and leave feeling inspired, nurtured, and empowered.

For questions: Lisa Faremouth Weber or Karla Tennies Koziura

Registration deadline is February 6.

Space is limited to 30 guests. 

Street parking is available.

Please bring your IWA name tag.

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 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 

Thursday, February 19, 2026

Time: 4:00 PM

Location: Zoom

Cognitive health expert Lauren Schwabish will lead an informative and down-to-earth discussion designed especially for women on how our brains evolve as we age—and what we can do to keep them functioning at their best.

During this virtual session, we’ll look at the types of changes in thinking and memory that are a normal part of aging, the signs that may deserve a closer look, and the factors that can uniquely influence women’s cognitive health. The presentation will include current research and offer practical guidance and real-world strategies for supporting lifelong brain health.

You’ll learn about:

• How the brain’s structure and function shift over time
• The different areas of cognition, from attention to executive skills
• What’s expected—and what isn’t—when it comes to age-related memory and thinking
• How hormonal changes throughout a woman’s life can influence cognitive function
• The ways cognitive-communication shifts may show up in daily routines
• Simple, evidence-based habits that help maintain cognitive wellness at any age

Contact: Pat Naparsteck

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.

Sponsorships and VIP Reception

Sponsors at the Silver, Gold and Platinum Levels are invited to a VIP reception.

Registration Deadline: February 18, 12:00pm

If you are unable to join us for the 2026 Woman Extraordinaire Award Luncheon, please consider making a donation to support this signature IWA annual event:

2026 IWA WOMAN EXTRAORDINAIRE COMMITTEE

Sharon Campbell, Barbara Champion, Gay-Young Cho, Alice Chow, Arleen Dalton, Ethel Gofen, Susan Hanes, Ying Hirsh, Lucia Lee, Yoko Mosher, Vi Nelson, Marcia Ockleshaw, Jean Perkins, Jennifer Schade, Caroline Shoenberger, Catherine Sinegal

For Additional Women Extraordinaire Information and History -

Click Here

*Public Parking Available Nearby

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 March 2.

Swift students and teachers will be happy to see you!

IWA contact: Dell Harmsen 

Book: Picasso’s War: How Modern Art Came to America
Author: Hugh Eakin

Discussion Leader: Susan Engelhart

Literature Discussion Chairs: Teresa Kennedy and Barbara Herzog

Location: Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S Michigan Ave

Meet at Michigan Ave entrance

Maximum 12 members

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, although we request that only those who have read the book participate in discussion.

Friday, March 13, 2026

11:45 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Miramar Bistro, 301 Waukegan Ave, Highwood

“The unique menu at Miramar covers all the French bistro classics from escargot to steak frites, mussels, salad nicoise with ahi tuna or a salad Lyonnaise with poached eggs …to delicious fresh sandwiches…”

Directions: Miramar Bistro is located on the northeast corner of Waukegan and Highwood Ave/Temple Ave; east of the train tracks. 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 their guests.

Please remember to bring cash

RSVP by Wednesday March 11th

Note: Later start time as Miramar opens at 11:30am

Please bring your IWA name tags

Contact: Carolyn LeBlanc-Blatt

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).

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

4:00-6:00 PM

Pippin's Tavern, 39 East Chicago Avenue

Join IWA friends for our monthly Meet and Greet at this fun and historic Irish pub. Happy hour prices for food and drink. (A variety of nonalcoholic beverages also available.)

This is a great opportunity to introduce prospective members to IWA! 

Pippin‘s Tavern is at the intersection of Chicago and Wabash Avenues.

https://pippinstavern.com/specials/

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 March 16.

Swift students and teachers will be happy to see you!

IWA contact: Dell Harmsen 

Save the Date!

Friday, March 20, 2026

Azerbaijan and Nowruz Spring Celebration

Presenter: IWA member Mehriban Mammadova, President of the Azerbaijan Center for Midwest America (ACMA)

Details to follow

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 March 25, 2026

10:00 am

Hyatt Hotel lobby, 151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago

Join IWA friends for a tour of the Chicago Pedway, the network of underground tunnels connecting 40 blocks of downtown Chicago. The Pedway allows pedestrians to travel between more than 50 downtown buildings — public transit stations, retail businesses, government offices, restaurants, cultural buildings, and parking garages — all while avoiding harsh weather.

Chicago Pedway System: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/cdot/provdrs/ped/svcs/pedway.html

Popular IWA tour guide Bill Herzog will lead us on an exploration of this useful and extensive labyrinth beneath the city. 

Tour starts promptly at 10:15 AM, lasts about 90 minutes. Walking and some stairs required.

Many opportunities for lunch after the tour!

Maximum: 30 IWA members and guests. (One guest per member)

Contact: Dell Harmsen

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 March 30.

Swift students and teachers will be happy to see you!

IWA contact: Dell Harmsen 

Save the Date!

April 9, 15, 22, 29, 2026

2 p.m. on Zoom

Join us for an in-home learning virtual series, showing those of us who have Mac computers, iPhones, iPads, and Apple watches how to get the most of their features. This will be a weekly series for four weeks, taught by a professional, Tony Marengo, The MacTutor. Learn more about The MacTutor at www.themactutor.com.

All members are welcome to sign up. If you register for the series and have to miss a session – no problem! All participants will be emailed a video recording of the session on the following day. Please note that when you register for one session you will be registered for all.

Session Topics:

April 9: New iOS 26 Features, Tips, & Tricks

April 15: How to Take the Best Pictures on Your iPhone and Then Edit Them in the Photos App

April 22: Using Your iPhone and Apple Watch for Safety, Health, & Fitness

April 29: Current Scams You Need to Be Aware Of, & Using Apple Pay and Apple Wallet

Each session will run 45-60 minutes

Details to follow

Friday, April 10, 2026

10:30am - 12:00pm, guided tour floors 1 and 3

12:00pm - 5:00pm(closing), browse exhibits on your own

Halim Time and Glass Museum

1560 Oak Ave St, Evanston

Museum Collection

1st Floor: Stained Glass Masters and Treasures of Louis Comfort Tiffany

2nd Floor: Over 1,100 Clocks of the World including tower clocks, pocket watches and tall case clocks.

3rd Floor: American Brilliant Cut Glass, American Paintings, and Ancient Egyptian Antiquities and present treasures.

Directions: The Halim Museum is located northwest of the intersection of Grove St and Oak Ave on the west side of the street. Free visitor parking is available across the street from the museum at the Gem Museum Suites (1555 Oak Ave). By train: exit at the Davis Street Station - CTA Purple Line or Metra UP-N Line.

Volunteers for hosting our potlucks, restaurant suggestions, cultural events 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.

Registration information will be provided at a later date.

NOTE: The Halim Museum is open for private group tours only.

Questions: Carolyn LeBlanc-Blatt

Book: Fracture
Author: Andrés Neuman

Discussion Leader: Usha Raj, with author on zoom

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.