The first meeting of the club was at the home of Jim Schuster in April 1988.  
Present were Frank Kylsa, Andrew Lazar, John Malyj, Jim Schuster, Tom Smith, and John Yaselsky.

The Christmas toys program started in 1989.

A constitution and by-laws were adopted on May 24, 1990.
This meeting was held at the Highland Public Library. 
The members present at this meeting were  Max Hernick, Paul Jacobs, Frank Kylsa, John Malyj, Denny McCoole, Mike Novosel, George Pluard, George Salatas, Jim Schuster, Dave Skaggs, and Tom Smith.
The following officers were elected:
President - Tom Smith
Vice-President: - Max Hernick
Secretary: George Pluard
Treasurer: Jim Schuster

Our Past-Presidents are:
Tom Smith
Steve Franek
Lou Takacs
David White
Marcie Lichnerowicz

The first picnic was held on June 23, 1990 at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville.
It was a cold rainy day.  Very few members showed up.

The first meeting at Highland Public Library was held on September 27, 1990.

As of December 1990 Orrin Hellickson and Jim Tragesser were listed on the roster.
By that time the club had grown to 53 members.

On March 22, 1994 Jim Schuster arranged for the club to start meeting in the Woodshop at Pierce Junior High School in Merrillville.

On January 2010 Dick Sader arranged for the club to start meeting in the Social Center at Hidden Lake Park in Merrillville.

Thanks to Frank Kylsa and Jim Schuster for providing historical information.

Publicity

Click on the following links to read published articles
concerning NIWA.

The Times - April 2010

The Times - November 2009

The Times - August 2009

Country Woman - December/January 2009

Senior Life - February 2008

The Times - November 2007

The Times - June 2000

The Times - April 1999

The Times - September 1996