Thursday, May 14, 2026

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m

IWA Office, 17 N State Street, Suite 1760

Join us for another session of folding cranes for the Cranes for Peace Project. New members welcome!

Sharon and Alice will instruct - instruction will be offered for new members, but those who already know how to fold cranes, may fold the 'official IWA blue paper' cranes.

To learn more about the project and how to fold cranes, click on the link: Cranes4Peace.com. Included in this link is a video showing how to fold cranes.

Crane folding through the art of Japanese origami. According to a Japanese legend, cranes live for 1,000 years. Folding 1,000 cranes (senbazuru) grants one wish, most commonly health-related or a symbol of peace.

IWA will join other organizations in creating a 1,000 cranes mobile by participating in the Cranes for Peace Project, established by Japanese Culture Center and Osaka Chicago Sister Cities Committee, to promote peace in Chicago and beyond. The IWA origami workshop will serve as an opportunity for members to learn about the project and to be a part of this meaningful initiative.

Contact: Sharon Campbell

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, May 20, 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/

Contacts: Dell Harmsen and Karin Hauschild

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 May 18.

Swift students and teachers will be happy to see you!

IWA contact: Dell Harmsen 

The IWA Office will be closed Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day.

Thank you for understanding!

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.

Thursday, May 28, 2026

10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m

IWA Member Sharon Cambell's Home in Evanston

(address given upon registration)

Join us for a session of folding cranes for the Cranes for Peace Project at the home of Sharon Campbell. Members new to folding cranes are welcome! Come and learn a new craft and at the same time meet up with old friends and make new ones!

Sharon, Yumi and Alice will instruct - instruction will be offered for new members, but those who already know how to fold cranes, may fold the 'official IWA blue paper' cranes.

To learn more about the project and how to fold cranes, click on the link: Cranes4Peace.com. 

Crane folding through the art of Japanese origami. According to a Japanese legend, cranes live for 1,000 years. Folding 1,000 cranes (senbazuru) grants one wish, most commonly health-related or a symbol of peace.

IWA will join other organizations in creating a 1,000 cranes mobile by participating in the Cranes for Peace Project, established by Japanese Culture Center and Osaka Chicago Sister Cities Committee, to promote peace in Chicago and beyond. The IWA origami workshop will serve as an opportunity for members to learn about the project and to be a part of this meaningful initiative.

Contact: Sharon Campbell

Monday, June 1, 2026

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

EATALY, 43 East Ohio Street (corner of Wabash and Ohio)

Join new friends and old friends at this vibrant Italian marketplace.

A great opportunity to introduce prospective members to IWA!

Coffee and delicious treats available for purchase. 

Meet on the ground floor in the table area to the right of the entrance. 

Contacts: Allisa Gam & Dell Harmsen

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 2, 2026

11:00 AM

Carol Sommers' Home in Wicker Park

(address given upon registration)

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

RSVP by Sunday, May 31, 2026

Contact: Nadej Mercier

Book: City of Thieves
Author: David Benioff

Discussion Leader: Doreen Feitelberg

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 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 48 years!

Lunch will be served buffet style.

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, June 16, 2026

10:00am - 11:30am

2141 South Tan Court

Join us for a special behind-the-scenes visit to the Chinese American Service League (CASL), a cornerstone of Chicago’s Asian American community since 1978. For nearly five decades, CASL has empowered families through education, family support, and vital social services. Come experience its impact firsthand through a guided tour of its facilities.

Continue the experience with a hands-on Chinese calligraphy workshop, where you’ll learn basic brush techniques and create your own artwork to take home.

Wrap up with an optional group lunch in Chinatown, a perfect way to connect while enjoying the neighborhood’s vibrant culinary scene.

Don’t miss this unique blend of culture, creativity, and community!

Space is limited to 25 IWA members and guests.

Contact: Ying Hirsh

Thursday, June 18, 2026

11:30 am - 2:00 pm

IWA Member Sharon Cambell's Home in Evanston

(address given upon registration)

Please come for lunch outdoors (weather permitting) and a possible stroll to the lakefront after eating!  Any dishes are welcome!  Our IWA potlucks are so delicious and diverse.

Please specify the dish you are bringing so we can make sure we have a good variety of items. Remember to bring serving utensils for your dish.

RSVP by Tuesday June 16

Hostess/Contact: Sharon Campbell

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 Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.

Thank you for understanding!

Book: Perfection
Author: Vincenzo Latronico

Discussion Leader: Myra Balesi

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.

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: The Listeners
Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Discussion Leader: D. Clancy

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.

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).

The IWA Office will be closed Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.

Thank you for understanding!

Book: The Mountains Sing
Author: Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai

Discussion Leader: Yoko Kusama

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.

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: The Paris Express
Author: Emma Donoghue

Discussion Leader: Susan Engelhart

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.

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).