Spring 2025

Donna A. Brown, Founder

What We're Excited About

Welcome to the inaugural issue of our newsletter. In each issue we will celebrate reading because it deserves celebrating.

Recently, I’ve come across several articles/posts about students, even those in college, who've never read a book in its entirety. And like you, I've seen posts about low literacy rates in the U.S.

These articles and posts can be depressing. But instead of discouraging me, they encourage me to continue doing what we do. They validate our mission of sharing the joy (and importance) of reading with people of all ages.

One way we do that is by giving away as many books as possible. However, we do more than give books away. We talk about the books -- about their authors, the subjects, non-fiction topics, illustrators and illustrations and a wide variety of other topics when we attend community events.

At one book giveaway, an older lady chose a children's book about Sojourner Truth. She didn't get it for her grandchildren. She got it for herself. Maybe she read about Sojourner Truth years ago. Maybe she’s never read about her. I don't know.

What I do know is she was smiling and had a look of conquest on her face. She clutched her treasure in a way that told me she was happy. And so was I.

In This Issue

Our Board

Board Spotlight

Save the Date

Spreading The Joy of Reading

5 Alternatives to Screen Time

Make a Donation

OUR BOARD

Donna Brown | President

Willa Barger | Treasurer

Shari Kozar | Secretary

Rickey Brown | Board Member

Shakera Bridgeford | Social Media and Outreach Coordinator

James Cockrell | Board Member

Eli Goodman | Board Member

Herman Senor | Board Member

Alleen Thornton | Board Member

BOARD SPOTLIGHT

Willa Barger | Treasurer

Willa Barger has faithfully served as our treasurer since 2020. She keeps us current on our state and other requirements for 501(c)3 organizations and can account for every penny and transaction in our account.

Not only is Willa efficient, she is a joy to work with. We know our finances are in good hands under her careful and watchful eye.

Willa is a native of Springfield and attended the city's public schools. She is a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago and has studied with the Moody Bible Institute.

Before retiring in 2012, Willa was employed for 36 years by the Illinois EPA. She retired as the manager of the agency's Finance Section.

In addition to her work with our organization, Willa is a member of Union Baptist Church where she serves as Vice-President of the Overall Missionary Ministry. For over 35 years, she has been an adult Sunday school teacher, speaker and workshop facilitator.

In addition, Willa is on the Board of Sisters United for Christ, an organization that sponsors an annual women’s retreat, and also serves as treasurer of the James Weldon Johnson Study Guild, a book club whose goal is to promote the education and knowledge of black authors and artists.

Willa is the mother of three adult children, Jaclyn, Minister Dr. Crystaline and John.

Her confession is that she loves the Lord, His Word and His people. One of her favorite Scriptures is: Psalm 71:17-18: “O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do. Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this new generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me.”

SAVE THE DATE

MAY 2 & 3

Clay's Popeye's BBQ Fundraiser

Our first fundraiser of this year is with
Clay’s BBQ at 1121 South Grand East.

Clay’s is a locally-owned small business with a reputation for some of the best barbecue in town.

Choose from one of three sandwiches. Tickets will be sold in advance and you’ll simply pick up your item(s) on Fri., May 2 or Sat., May 3.

iMagicNation will receive 50% of all sales.

Fundraiser Menu Options:

Pulled Pork Sandwich and side
Beef Sandwich and side
Fish Sandwich and side

Sides: coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans and fries

To purchase a ticket, call 217-220-6272.

NOVEMBER 8

First Annual Read-a-Thon
and Book Celebration
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Erin’s Pavilion
Southwind Park

Your Donations At Work

This quarter iMagicNation has given away books at the Illinois State Board of Education’s diversity event, St. Paul AME Church and at Washington Middle School during its annual Black History Program. Also leading up to the Superbowl, we gave away copies of Jason Reid’s The Rise of the Black Quarterback to readers across the country.

Your contributions to iMagicNation help us give away books and promote reading where ever we go. People are always appreciative to receive our books. And, we always enjoy our conversations with those we meet.

Studies continue to show that book reading is on the decline in the U.S. One way we can address this trend is by spreading the joy of reading every chance we get.

Top 5 Alternatives to Screen Time

By Donna A. Brown

The screens have invaded our country and world. But screens aren’t necessarily good for our children, especially those younger than 5. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than 18 months be kept away from screens altogether except when face-timing with family members.

Below are my top five ways to engage with kids that don’t involve screens.

Talk to and with your child, giving them your undivided attention. Children acquire language from hearing your voice and from picking up on facial expressions and other non-verbal cues.
Read books with bright colorful pictures. Reading to your child is a great way to spend time together and helps them associate reading with positive feelings.
Challenge your children with age-appropriate puzzles and games. One example is to blow up a balloon and toss it back and forth to see how long you can keep it in the air. This simple game helps with hand-eye coordination. And, putting puzzles together requires children to concentrate and use problem solving skills.
Let your children scribble and draw. Keep plenty of paper, pencils, crayons and markers around. Using writing instruments helps children’s fine motor skills.
Allow your children to discover the world around them. Walk around the neighborhood together. Take them to the park. The most important thing is to keep them moving. It’s good for their hearts, brains and overall well being!

Make a Donation

You can donate to us in one of several ways:

By Zelle: iMagicNation as the payee

Through PayPal

At our website: www.imagicnation.cloud

Make checks payable to iMagicNation and mail to
PO Box 9303, Springfield, Il 62791

As always, thank you for your support!