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Smiles, laughter, and a little bit of everything in between—Darien Woman’s Club members know how to have fun while making a difference in the community!
250th birthday (April 2026)
The Darien Woman's Club celebrated the 250th birthday of The United States with music, history and apple pie!! Club member Dorothy Daniele and her daughter Maria performed a trumpet duet of the Star Spangled Banner, inspiring members to stand and sing. Winne Barbado and Rita Raden of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented on the organization’s mission to preserve Revolutionary history and honor the contributions of women patriots.
Spring Baskets (March 2026)
With helping hands and caring hearts, Darien Woman’s Club members assembled 125 spring gift bags for residents of Burgess Square Healthcare and Rehab Center—spreading joy one bag at a time.
Pinwheel Garden (March 2026)
DWC members planted our annual pinwheel garden near the entrance to Indian Prairie Public Library in support of Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. Pinwheels are a symbol of safe, joyful childhood that communities are working together to protect.
Book Club (March 2026)
This Kate Quinn historical fiction novel is set in 1950s and follows the women of Briarwood House, whose lives intertwine through secrets, friendship, and a mysterious tenant during the McCarthy era. An engaging, character-driven read with an unpredictable ending.
If you are looking for a book group - consider joining the Darien Woman's Club - we have three book groups for members to enjoy - on different days and times - there is sure to be one that would interest you!
Citizen of the Year - Debra Uhlar (March 2026)
Members of the Darien Woman's Club were honored to attend the Darien Citizen of the Year dinner held Friday March 6th to congratulate one of our own - Debra Uhlar. Debra's many years of consistently serving, demonstrated her passion for giving back wherever and however she could. From the youngest of students, to the elderly and those suffering from cancer - Deb offered a helping hand, a listening heart and her warm, encouraging smile. Quietly serving others while she also led and served in many capacities in DWC - making a difference every day - everywhere she was. Deb - we are all so blessed to know you and learn from your example.
Also recognized at the evening's event was our own 2025 Club Woman of the Year - Marian Krupicka. Marian has served the club for 33 years wherever she was needed with a ready smile and encouraging cheer. Volunteering for Blood drives, Spring Baskets for the elderly, and Art Fairs are just a few of the many projects she has worked on, in addition to chairing many of the club's committees. All this while she served as an educator to many of our local children and as an elected board member to the Indian Prairie Public Library. Marian - you keep us motivated and lighten the load or mood wherever you go - Thank you for your constant efforts in being a positive force in DWC's community impact in Darien.
CONGRATULATIONS to both of you!! Thank you for making Darien better than simply " A nice place to live!"
50th Creative Youth Art Fair (February 2026)
The Darien Woman’s Club has sponsored the Creative Youth Art Fair to celebrate the young creative energy in our community and the importance of Art in our lives. This free event at Cass Jr High, exhibits various types of art media created by young people in the Darien area. There were 412 pieces of art submitted. All artwork was judged and awarded ribbons and the Division winners received prizes. The Division Winning artwork and many more pieces will be on display on both floors of the Indian Prairie Public Library until the end of March in commemoration of Art Education Month. The DWC enjoyed making play dough to entertain visitors of all ages to collecting art work from our area schools and students within the community.
Thank you to the community's many art educators and private teachers for inspiring these young artists. Thank you also to Cass Junior High School for hosting this free event and making it possible! And congratulations to all the winners!
Dancing with the Starz (February 2026)
The Darien Woman’s Club was proud to participate in Dancing with the Starz, a wonderful local fundraiser supporting Cancer Smashers. Our very own Angela Sullivan represented DWC on the dance floor, with another DWC member Val Kazich dancing for Darien Historical Society in this incredible event. Thanks to the generosity of the community, nearly $10,000 was raised for this amazing cause. We are so proud to support efforts that make a real difference!
Blank Slate Improv (February 2026)
The sounds of laughter filled the room at Alpine Banquets, as the ladies of the Darien Woman’s Club were entertained by Blank Slate at the club's February general meeting. Blank Slate is one of many improv teams from Westside Improv - a comedy club and studio in historic downtown Wheaton.
Film Discussion Group (February 2026)
The Darien Woman’s Club Movie Group met to discuss The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. Set in 1946, the story is a warm blend of history, romance, and humor—perfect for a cozy spring evening.
Balance Fitness tips (January 2026)
The Darien Woman’s Club ladies enjoyed learning about fitness and balance at their January meeting. Millie Wostroski, a fitness instructor at the Darien Park District, inspired the ladies to move and stretch. Let’s keep the moves going!
High Tea (December 2025)
The Holiday High Tea for members of the Darien Woman's Club was held December 6th at Ruth Lake Country Club. A beautiful day to take a moment to relax and have fun dressing up to enjoy Holiday festivities with friends.
Holiday Party (December 2025)
The Darien Woman's Club enjoyed a Historical presentation of Mamie Eisehnower recounting Christmas in the White House and initiated nine new members at their December general meeting.
Soap and Paper Goods Drive (December 2025)
Darien Woman's Club collected soap items and paper goods to the Soap and Paper Good Collection this last Holiday season! The many items collected which were shared with local food pantries making the Holidays Bright for many in our community!
Tree Lighting (November 2025)
The Darien Woman's Club served up hot chocolate at the Darien Tree Lighting Ceremony on Sunday, November 16th to start the Holiday Season with cheer. Santa, The Eisenhower choir. games and goodies made spirits bright!
Second New Member Orientation (November 2025)
Six new members of the Darien Woman's Club met in November to learn about the Club. It was an informative meeting with lots of social time and an opportunity to get to know each other.
Lunch Club (October 2025)
Darien Woman's Club members enjoyed Lunch at Gia Mia in Lombard celebrating October with cozy vibes, crisp air, and a little pumpkin spice fun! Social groups are one of the best perks of club membership.
Breakfast Club (October 2025)
A few Darien Woman's Club members enjoyed a morning out for Breakfast at Buttermilk Cafe in Downers Grove catching up on each other's summers. Social Groups at the club are a great benefit of becoming a member of the club.
Halloween at Little Store (October 2025)
Halloween Fun, Tricks, and Treats at The DWC Little Store at Burgess Square in Westmont, IL. Chris M, Mary B, Cheryl D and Director Hadley as Cruella Deauville enjoyed dressing the part and sharing some Halloween cheer on Friday, October 31st. The Little Store at Burgess Square is a bi-monthly community service project sponsored by the Darien Woman's Club. Members assist seniors in shopping for small personal care products or small treats and sugar-free snack items throughout the year.
Trunk or Treat (October 2025)
Members of the Darien Woman’s Club participated in the Darien Trunk or Treat event. Check out their wonderful costumes as they treated Darien families with treats and smiles!
Singo for Bingo (October 2025)
The Darien Woman's Club held a "Singo" Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser on Wednesday, October 1st at Alpine Banquets in Darien. Proceeds benefited the Unique Boutique at Wellness House in Hinsdale and People's Resource Center in Westmont. Members and guests played Singo - a musical form of Bingo for prizes, and enjoyed Pink Ribbon Cookies donated by Julie Stone of Cakes For A Cause, and a wine basket and blanket raffle making the evening a win for everyone!
GFWC National Day of Service (September 2025)
DWC proudly participated in the GFWC International Day of Service, demonstrating our continued commitment to community support and outreach.
A team of 9 members and 3 family volunteers came together to sort clothing donations at WINGS Program, Inc., an organization dedicated to helping individuals and families affected by domestic violence. While the task was simple, the impact was profound.
Thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to this meaningful cause. It was not only a productive morning but also a heartwarming reminder of the power of service and solidarity.
First New Member Orientation (September 2025)
Seven new members of the Darien Woman's Club met in November to learn about the Club. It was an informative meeting with lots of social time and an opportunity to get to know each other.
Board Meeting (September 2025)
The Executive Board and Committee Chairs meet monthly to make key decisions, plan upcoming initiatives, and develop strategies for continued growth.
September 2025 meeting
The Darien Woman’s Club had their first meeting of the 2025-2026 club year at Alpine Banquets on Wednesday, September 3rd. One of the two 2025 Fine Arts Scholarship winners present - Layla Cabrera - shared how she used her scholarships. Megan Lawrence, owner of Studio B Art in Burr Ridge, provided a presentation on the importance of art and provided materials to make mini collage creations with found items before the business meeting.
National Night Out (August 2025)
National Night Out promotes anti-crime efforts and fosters community unity. The Darien Woman’s Club shared how the club benefits the community and hosted fun games and activities for kids.
4th of July Parade (July 2025)
Happy 4th of July! The Darien Woman’s Club marched or rode in a car in the Darien Lions Club 54th annual independence day parade. Some of the members participating in the event include Joanna Petersen (President Elect), Maricela Guzman (President), Kathy Callan, Christina Rodriguez (Prior President) and Val Kazich.
Thank you everyone who came out and marched with us and for all our supporters who cheered for us along the way! t was truly another memorable event.
Food Collection at the Darien Concert Series (Summer 2025)
The DWC volunteers collected items and monetary donations at the concert on June 27th. A great event to start the concert series. All items were donated to the Lady of Mount Carmel Food pantry.
Speaking of Unmentionables: The rise and fall of ladies underwear
Our January program was full of insightful and glorious information. Historian Ellie Carlson, took us through a fascinating journey and the evolution of ladies underwear. Our very own Andrea, modeled and demonstrated several key aspects of corset design and construction.
Holiday Party and New Member Induction
Members celebrated a joyous holiday party with great food, enjoyable company and various fun activities! A highlight of this gathering was the induction of 9 new members into the club. We’re excited to welcome them and look forward to their engagement in club activities.
Trunk or Treat - Darien Park District
DWC was invited to participate along with many community organizations, to pass out candy to all the ghouls and goblins. Many club officers and chairs responded quickly by donating candy. A special thanks to Deb Uhler, Chris Snow, and Christina Rodriguez who dressed for the occasion, helped decorate the trunk and passed out candy on behalf of the club. What a rewarding event!
GFWC National Day of Service
Thank you to all the DWC members, family and friends that made this day of service event a success. Fighting food insecurity is and will always be an important cause in our local and global communities. It was wonderful to share this experience with the Homer Glen Junior Woman’s Club too!
Food Collection at the Darien Concert Series
The DWC volunteers collected items and monetary donations at the concert on June 27th. A great event to start the concert series. All items were donated to the Lady of Mount Carmel Food pantry.
4th of July Parade
A wonderful time was spent by all at the Darien Lions Club 53rd annual independence day parade where the DWC partakes each year. This year’s theme was “Honoring Those That Served- Past and Present”. Several members walked or rode in a car including our president, Christina Rodriguez and our Club Woman of the Year, Jean Szwaya. It was truly another memorable event.
2024 Darien Citizen of the Year - Valerie L. Kazich
Congratulations to our very own Valerie Kazich, who is Darien's 2024 Citizen of the Year! Valerie Kazich's tireless commitment and positive influence make her an exemplary choice for this prestigious recognition. Indeed, Valerie is and will continue to be one of the many shining stars in Darien making Darien “a Nice Place to Live.” Valerie wasted no time in getting involved as a member of the Darien Woman’s Club in 2002. Since that time, she has held leadership positions such as Corresponding and Recording Secretary, Treasurer and President. In addition, she chaired the club’s service programs such as the Children’s Clothing Resale event, Philanthropy, Nominating, Education and Environment committees. Valerie started the Holiday Soap Collection in 2012 which the club continues to carryon. In 2016, Valerie was instrumental in recruiting DWC members to assist in the Darien’s Rotary Club project “Food for Kids Backpack” program. She continues with many efforts till this day. Her environmental interests went further and with her encouragement to DWC members to collect for “Soles for Souls”, “Free the Girls”, Pill Bottles, Corks and Styrofoam among many other endeavors. It is not surprising that in 2013, she was honored as the Darien Woman’s Club Member of the Year. This was the year that Valerie also authored the DWC’s Mission Statement In 2024, Val will be taking the position with the GFWC-IL 5th/6th District as Vice President-Dean of Chairman.
Spring Bag Workshop
Spring bag service project workshop: 125 bags containing hand lotion, nail file, window cling, notepad and pen, Kleenex and decorated with a pipe cleaner flower will be delivered to the nursing home the week before Spring to cheer up the residents. Workshop participants included Lynn Novak, Chris Snow, Nancy Kunevich, Barb Sparks, Mary Beth Scholl, Ellen Pesch, and a friend, Judy Miller, Kathy Burns, Marian Krupicka, and Barbara Murphy. Barb Sparks handcrafted all the pipe cleaner flowers. What a wonderful gester to uplift the resident’s spirits!
January Luncheon Social Club
Members enjoyed great food and great conversation at Driftwood Grille in Oakbrook Terrace.
The Darien Woman's Club (DWC) purchased a picnic bench from the Darien Arts Council (DAC) in support of their Arts DuPage Month 2023 fundraiser last October.
DAC customized the bench in our signature DWC blue and attached a logo plaque. In addition to proudly supporting our fellow community organization, DWC partnered with the Darien Park District. DWC donated the beautiful bench for ongoing enjoyment and use within our community. The Park District decided to make use of the bench within the preschool area at the Community Center. Here are a few pictures of the completed bench!
High Tea - December 8, 2023
Lovely High Tea event was hosted by Darien Women's Club at Ruth Lake Country Club. A great time was had by all!
DWC Holiday Party - December 6, 2023
Members had a wonderful time celebrating the holiday season with great food, drinks, and games. Thanks to our Programs Vice-Chair, Michelle Huang who arranged a beautiful celebration for all.
Lunch Bunch - December 2023
The Darien Woman’s Club Lunch Bunch enjoying lunch at Pella Signature in Burr Ridge Town Center.
Darien Historical Society Tree Lighting Ceremony - December 3, 2023
Members of the Darien Woman’s Club gave out hot chocolate and hand warmers to those in attendance. It was a great time for all while building memories in the community.
New Member Orientation - November 24, 2023
New members of the Darien Woman's Club met in November to learn about the Club. It was an informative meeting with lots of social time and an opportunity to get to know each other.
Health and Wellness Event - November 21, 2023
Flowers are known to soothe our souls with their fragrance, color and textures. Our club members and several special guests created beautiful centerpieces for their Thanksgiving tables with the help of Noel Luchinski, professional florist. There was a lot of laughter and congratulation on jobs well done. This is our 6th year of our group floral arranging class and we look forward to many more. Look for a spring session!
Bake Sale - November 18, 2023
The Darien Woman's Club held a bake sale at the Darien Park District Craft Fair.
Thank you to all of the members who baked delicious treats and to all who
volunteered to help sell them.
November 2023 Program and Recognition
Members of the Daren Woman's Club learned about personal safety at their November meeting. Deputy Chief Jason Norton, of the Darien Police Department, shared helpful strategies and insights on how to stay safe and what we should do when feeling unsafe. In addition, we recognized DWC Member, Carole Bull once again as she received her certificate for 50 years with DWC.
Social Club - October 20, 2023
Members of the Darien Woman’s Club met for lunch and friendly conversation at Season’s 52 in Oakbrook. They had lively conversations while enjoying delicious food.
Oktoberfest - September 23, 2023
The Lions Club of Darien hosted an Oktoberfest Celebration at Carriage Greens Country Club. The event included music, face painting, bouncy houses and of course beer. The members of the Darien Woman’s Club helped at the Oktoberfest by checking ID’s at the beer tent. Featured below are DWC members: Maribeth Schoo, Deb Uhlar, Barbara Sparks, Lynn Novak, Anne Christenson, Val Kazich, and Cathy Marchese.
Blood Drive
The DWC hosted a blood drive at the Indian Prairie Library on June 19th. Nine of our members assisted with registration and information. Thanks to all the volunteers and to all the blood donors. This was a Health and Wellness project!
Mother’s Day Project
The DWC supports the Women at Family Shelter Services by creating and delivering 50 glamour bags for each mom at the shelter. Items included bath and body products, spa items, jewelry, manicure sets, nail polish, polish remover, cotton pads, cologne and body spray, full size shampoo and conditioner, and much more. Our donors were very generous with their time and donations. A great big thank you from the moms, the shelter staff and the committee members.
Annual Plant Sale - May 6, 2023
Each year, the DWC partners up with the Darien Historical Society to bring the community a beautiful plant sale. Both organizations took pre-ordered sales and plants, geraniums and vegetables were picked up on the grounds of Old Lace Schoolhouse and Museum. All proceeds went towards the efforts of both organizations to benefit the community. Thank you to ALL for supporting the Darien Woman’s Club!
End of Year DWC Banquet - May 3, 2023
Our annual May banquet was held at Ruth Lake Country Club. We celebrated all our successes for the year, recognized past presidents, awarded scholarships to two outstanding high schoolers, and initiated new officers for next club year. We also honored all memorable memberships, especially our very own Carole Bull who celebrated 50 years with the DWC. It was a fantastic night!
Glamour Gala - April 16, 2023
DWC held a successful Glamour Gala at Ruth Lake Country Club with 128 attendees. Models showcased the latest fashions from Chicos, White House Black Market and Soma. Many members came together to make this event a success under the coordination of DWC Member Chris Snow.
Spring Bags for Burgess Square Nursing Home
Each year DWC puts together Spring gift bags for the residents of Burgess Square Health Care and Rehab Center in Westmont. This year, DWC members assembled 115 bags that were filled with items such as individual Kleenex tissues, body lotions, notepads, pens, and nail files, tied with a colorful butterfly clip so they can reuse the clip in their room. The bags were delivered with a note wishing them a Happy Spring from the Club.
March 2023 - Julia Childs Program
Leslie Goddard is an award winning actress and scholar who has been presenting history programs for more than fifteen years. She portrayed Julia Childs, an American cooking teacher, author, and television personality. It was a fun and educational night!
February 26, 2023 - Creative Youth Art Fair
Since 1974 the Darien Woman’s Club has sponsored the Creative Youth Art Fair to celebrate the young creative energy in our community and the importance of Art in our lives. This free event at Cass Jr High, exhibits various types of art media created by young people in the Darien area. This was our 47th Art Fair - held annually since 1988. The DWC enjoyed making play dough to entertain visitors of all ages to collecting art work from our area schools and students within the community.
During the month of March, in recognition of National Youth Art Month, we will be exhibiting many of the Art Fair’s artists and the Division Winners at the Indian Prairie Public Library on both the 1st and 2nd floors.
February 2023 - Travel Group
Dinner out at JoJo Japanese Hibachi Restaurant - Entertaining Night!
January 2023 - Social Group
Luncheon at Thassos Greek Restaurant - Great conversation, great food!
January 2023 - Brunch with 5th District
Darien Woman's Club members Val Kalzich, Barb Sparks, Sue Haa, and Lynn Novak represented the DWC at the 5th/6th District meeting on Saturday, January 21. They shared brunch at Emmet’s in Downers Grove and met with other members of the District. Proceeds and donations benefited Family Shelter Services.
December 2022 - High Tea Social Event
DWC members enjoyed tea, delicious finger food and great conversation at our second annual High Tea organized by our social committee. We even received a surprise visit from our very own Shawna Hebert who came to join us all the way from Colorado.
December 2022 - Holiday Celebration
Hinsdale South Chamber Choir provided entertainment. They were amazing!
We also initiated and welcomed our newest members to the club.
October 2022 - Bingo for Breast Cancer
A generous donor matched the almost $1000 raised by our members. Funds were donated to “A Silver Lining Foundation” which is an organization that provides free mammograms.
September 2022 - Club Year Kickoff
Blake Schmidt, one of our DWC fine arts scholarship winners, presented a cooking demonstration. We enjoyed his delicious desserts!
2022 Highlights
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September Art Scholarship Winner Blake Schmidt's Baking Presentation
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Build it.
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Grow it.
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Sell it.
