Gallery — Darien Woman's Club

Enjoy browsing through our

Gallery of Pictures.

There are many memories that we make and share together as we support the local community. We enjoy our time together during the many activities offered by the Darien Woman’s Club.

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.