Book: North Woods
Author: Daniel Mason

Discussion Leader: Ann Brody

Literature Discussion Chairs: Barbara Herzog and Teresa Kennedy

Book Description: North Woods is a 2023 novel by American novelist Daniel Mason. The novel, Mason's sixth, is a work of historical fiction that tells the story of a single house in New England over the course of several centuries. North Woods follows the inhabitants over the course of several centuries, from the earliest American colonies to the present day. The home's inhabitants and visitors include a set of Puritan lovers, twin sisters, a crime reporter, a cougar, and a pair of mating beetles. The New York Times Book Review described the novel as "brilliant," praising the book's structure and Mason's prose. .  North Woods was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for Fiction in 2023  (wikipedia excerpt)

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 the first Philanthropy & Community Service meeting of the 2025-2026 fiscal year! Enjoy cake and coffee at this in person meeting.

Friday November 14, 2025

10:30am – 12:00pm

 Host: Paula Kiefer, Address given upon registration

Demonstration of the Moon Japanese Tea Ceremony, Chado, by Remi Kimura

Remi Kimura, born in Tokyo, Japan was brought up in a traditional tea house, where her grandmother dedicated herself into teaching Japanese tea ceremony for more than 50 years. She started learning tea ceremony at the age of 3 with her grandmother(professor), mother(professor), aunt(professor) and their alumni, provided ample opportunities to perform at tea gatherings since she was little. At the age of 25, she obtained a certificate of permission to be an associate professor in Ura-Senke, one of the three major schools of Japanese tea ceremony descended from the 16-century tea master, Sen No Rikyu.

Time permitting our presenter will serve tea to attendees.

Light snacks afterwards.

RSVP online by Tuesday November 11.

Attendance limited.

Contact: Carolyn LeBlanc-Blatt, contact details given upon registration

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, November 19, 2025

4:00 - 6:00 PM

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

Join us for this private happy hour with IWA friends!

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.

Registration required.

Maximum: 25 IWA Members and guests.

Thursday, November 20, 2025

1:30PM

IWA office, 17 N. State Street, Suite 1760

Join us as Yuge Zhou presents Art That Moves

While traditional art forms such as sculpture and painting remain timeless, a new generation of artists are transforming art through technology.

Yuge Zhou is a Chinese-born, Chicago-based artist that creates immersive video installations and experimental films that address rootedness, cohabitation, and transient encounters across urban environments. Her work has been presented nationally and internationally, including on the façade of Chicago’s Merchandise Mart and in New York’s Times Square. As curator of 150 Media Stream, a landmark public digital art installation in downtown Chicago, Zhou continues to shape and expand the ways we experience contemporary media in art and public space.

Contact: Ying Hirsh

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 on Thursday, November 27th in observance of Thanksgiving. 

Have a happy holiday!

Friday, December 5, 2025

Arrive: 11:15AM. Tour begins promptly at 11:30AM

Intuit Museum, 756 North Milwaukee Avenue

Intuit Museum focuses on self-taught and outsider art, showcasing artists who create outside of traditional art settings. ‘Catalyst’, a current exhibit, highlights the ingenuity of immigrant artists. 

After the tour, you are invited to join us for lunch at Gangnam Market Asian Food Court, across the street from the museum.

Tickets: Purchase at the door, $20 for admission and docent-guided tour (cash and credit card acceptable)

Transportation: CTA Blue Line, CTA buses, and street parking available

Accessibility: Elevator available

Intuit Museum website: https://art.org

Gangnam Market website: http://gangnammarketusa.com 

RSVP deadline: Tuesday, December 2

Maximum: 25 IWA members and guests

Contact: Dell Harmsen

Book: Foster
Author: Claire Keegan

Discussion Leader: Teresa Kennedy

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.

Friday, December 12, 2025

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Guildhall Restaurant, 694 Vernon Avenue, Glencoe

For those of you in town this holiday season, please join us.

“Guildhall is an American Bistro with a sophisticated attitude and serves thoughtful cuisine, creative craft cocktails, and premiere wine and beer from an eclectic list. At Guildhall, we believe that cooking is a craft. We are committed to working with local and artisanal purveyors to source the highest quality ingredients available.”

Directions: Guildhall Restaurant is a block west of Green Bay Rd, south of Park Ave and north of Hazel Ave. 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 prospective members!

Remember to bring cash.

RSVP by December 10th

Maximum: 15 members and prospective members

Questions: Carolyn LeBlanc-Blatt

IWA Philanthropy Program

Annual Book Fair for All Students

at George B. Swift Specialty School

5900 North Winthrop Avenue, Chicago

Monday, December 15, 2025

Register for 1 shift:

8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

12:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m.

Registration Deadline

Friday, December 12, 2025

George B. Swift Specialty School, a Chicago Public School serving many immigrant and refugee students, has a long and meaningful relationship with IWA. Through our philanthropy book fair program, all students (Grades Pre-K through 8) choose two books to take home and call their own.

Volunteers are needed for setting up and taking down the book displays, welcoming classroom groups, and aiding individual students in choosing books. 

This event is always a beautiful experience for IWA volunteers, students, and the wonderful Swift School staff members!

Please join us for this important and rewarding day! All IWA members are invited!

(Some free street parking or Spot Hero. CTA buses 151, 147, or 36 are nearby. The school is also directly next to the CTA redline train, Thorndale stop.)

Contact: Dell Harmsen for more information.

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.

Friday, January 9, 2026

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. 

1515 Sheridan Road, Wilmette

“Convito Café’s mission is to offer…food featuring classic regional Italian and French dishes served by a friendly and informed staff in art-filled, cozy surroundings.*Convito is an ancient Italian word… that signifies a banquet or feast with family and friends to eat and drink.”

Directions: Plaza Del Lago is west off of Sheridan Road, about 5 blocks south of Kenilworth Ave and 1 block north of Chestnut Ave. Free parking available.

Note: There is construction on the west side of the Plaza.

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 quests.

RSVP by January 7 online.

Remember to bring cash. 

Contact: Carolyn LeBlanc-Blatt

Wednesday, January 21

4:00 - 6:00PM

Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge, 332 East Illinois Street

Join IWA friends for our monthly Meet and Greet in this convenient and beautiful semi-private space. This is a great opportunity to introduce prospective members to IWA!

Happy Hour prices!

Directions: Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge is next door to AMC River East Cinema 21

Contact: Lucia Lee

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.

Save The Date!

North Shore February

Friday, February 13, 2026

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.

Save The Date!

North Shore March

Friday, March 13, 2026

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.