At a book-singing in Jacksonville, Illinois, last May, I had the pleasure of meeting Joe Kozma, a retired doctor of internal medicine who is also a poet. Kozma is also a member of the Board of Directors for The Imagine Foundation, and I accepted on-the-spot his invitation to read and sign books at the Asa Talcott Home.
The historic Home in Jacksonville, Illinois, presently houses The Imagine Foundation. It also encompasses a rich history, including serving as a point of refuge on the Underground Railroad. The graciousness of its present-day hosts, including the Foundation’s Executive Director, Clare Lynd-Porter, makes it a favorite stop for artists and writers who believe in the infinite beauty and diversity of the human spirit and the human experience. I could not recommend it more highly to fellow writers as an inspired space in which to share your work, and also to fellow advocates of the literary, musical, visual, and dramatic arts who appreciate supporting organizations committed to championing fine-arts education at every level.
The tall windows of the two-storey home glowed into the snowy night of December’s early-dark. Behind them, they held an evening abundant with mirth, thoughtful discussion, and delectable cuisine—prevailing states-of-affairs at Foundation events—a joy to be a part of.
