Community Voices

Camp Butler National Cemetery is a place to remembers soldiers of more than a century ago and honor the veterans of today. Christopher Webster is the assistant director at Camp Butler National Cemetery, and Commander Gael Kent is with the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County. They spoke to Community Voices about the rich history of Camp Butler – from its origins as a Civil War prisoner of war camp to its present-day role as a solemn resting place for thousands of veterans.

Mike Griffin and Bob Cox are members of the Capital Area Woodworkers Guild, an organization that provides camaraderie and tricks of the trade for local woodworkers. They spoke to Community Voices about the organization, which recently began a new project of building urns for the cremains of unclaimed veterans at Camp Butler National Cemetery.For more information visit: www.cawspi.org

The Springfield Muni's production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame runs June 20–22 and June 25–28. The musical features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It is adapted from Walt Disney Animation Studios' 1996 film, which was itself based on Victor Hugo's 1831 novel. The story follows Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame, as he struggles for acceptance and love while protecting the kind-hearted Romani woman Esmeralda from the cruelty of Judge Claude Frollo. Director Kevin Kulavic and Liyah Orielle, who plays Esmeralda, spoke to Community Voices about why the show was chosen, its characters, and the relatable themes it explores. Find tickets and details here.

Curtis Sanders is a children's book author and the new Financial Literacy Program Coordinator at the UIS Career Center. He spoke with Community Voices about his passion for teaching financial literacy and how he's helping students at UIS navigate budgeting, debt, and saving. Curtis also writes children's books based on his family. His latest, Spring City Stories: Oliver's Emotional Odyssey, helps kids understand and express their feelings through colorful illustrations and storytelling.

Mark Reinhart is an author, musician, and film historian from Columbus, Ohio. He spoke with Community Voices about his lifelong interest in Abraham Lincoln and how Lincoln has been portrayed in over 250 film and television productions.

Desiree Logsdon is the Senior Vice President of Corporate Citizenship at Bunn-O-Matic. Logsdon spoke to Community Voices about how her early days in Bunn's test kitchen led her to a career traveling the world. She also shared Bunn family history and explained the many types of products offered at Bunn-O-Matic. She also spoke about her work with the International Women's Coffee Alliance and gave wisdom for others wanting a career in leadership and service.

Plastics are everywhere and the concerns for how they affect our environment and our health are leading scientists to explore new ways to contend with plastic waste. Dr. Damien Guironnet, an associate professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering, and Dr. Alexa Kuenstler, an assistant professor specializing in catalysis and polymer upcycling, spoke to Community Voices about their research.

Charlotte Alvarez is the executive director of The Immigration Project. With offices in Bloomington-Normal, Champaign-Urbana, and now Springfield, this nonprofit provides legal and social services to immigrants across 86 counties in Illinois. Alvarez discussed the realities behind the phrase “come the right way,” the challenges immigrants face in Central Illinois and how her team works to provide dignity to those navigating a complex immigration system.

Nate Widelitz is a singer, conductor, and educator. He is also the Founding Director of the Five Cities Baroque Foundation & Festival. He spoke with Community Voices about his music career, passion for teaching, and shares the story behind the foundation, which brings access to high-quality Baroque music to Central Illinois. Nate also previews what audiences can expect from the upcoming concerts, including featured pieces and performances. Learn more about the festival, including dates and locations here.

Nate Widelitz is a singer, conductor, and educator. He is also the Founding Director of the Five Cities Baroque Foundation & Festival. He spoke with Community Voices about his music career, passion for teaching, and shares the story behind the foundation, which brings access to high-quality Baroque music to Central Illinois. Nate also previews what audiences can expect from the upcoming concerts, including featured pieces and performances. Learn more about the festival, including dates and locations here.

Mark Sorensen has lived in Decatur, Illinois, since 1969 and has spent his career preserving history and promoting the arts. He continues this work today as the Macon County Historian. He also serves as president of the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur, which supports music education through scholarships, youth orchestras, and an instrument lending library. Sorensen spoke to Community Voices about his work in archives, local history, and the mission of the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur. Learn more about the Guild here.

Reisch Brewing Co. was a brewery established in Springfield, Illinois, by Franz Sales Reisch in 1849 after immigrating from Germany. The business closed permanently in 1966. In 2018, a group of breweriana collectors and beer can enthusiasts founded Reisch Charities. In 2019, the group revived the Reisch Gold Top Beer brand using the original recipe brewed by George Reisch. Today, all proceeds from beer sales go to Springfield charities. Roy Mayfield and Vince Salvo, board members of Reisch Charities, spoke to Community Voices about the history and legacy of the Reisch family, the process of bringing the brand back, and the importance of preserving local history. Find out more about Reisch Charities here.

This summer Theatre in the Park (TIP) in New Salem near Petersburg will offer an eclectic season for audiences who enjoy outdoor theatre. TIP board member Heather Southwell spoke to Community Voices about the season's offerings which range from children's programming to Shakespeare to musical comedy.

Anna Palmer is a venture capitalist, serial entrepreneur and Central Illinois native. At the 2025 New Venture Challenge hosted by Innovate Springfield at the University of Illinois Springfield, Anna shared insights from her journey building and investing in startups, her perspective on what's hot in tech, and the challenges she faced as a co-founder of Boston Legacy FC. The conversated was moderated by Bruce Sommer.

During the April 2025 Lunch and Learn Series, Dr. Janet L. Gooch, Chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield, delivered a presentation on speech-language pathology. Her talk covered the components of language, cleft lip and palate, and phonological language disorders.

Stewart McLaurin is the host of The White House 1600 Sessions podcast and the president of the White House Historical Association. To mark the 160th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's assassination, McLaurin spoke to Community Voices about the recent episode of his podcast, which takes listeners inside Ford's Theatre, where Lincoln was shot, and the Petersen House, where the president spent his final hours. McLaurin reflected on the emotional weight of standing where history unfolded and the surprising details of that fateful night.

Dr. Juanita Morris and her husband founded their own company, J Morris Enterprises, LLC, where she dedicates her time to coaching, consulting, training, and public speaking. She has also worked as a classroom teacher, faculty member, and administrator. Dr. Morris spoke with Community Voices about her educational background and inspirations, her journey back to Decatur after 26 years away from home, and the various community initiatives she's involved in. You can find more information about Dr. Juanita Morris and J Morris Enterprises, LLC here.

What's it like to hold a feathered friend in your hand? Lincoln Land Community College biology professor Tony Rothering knows the feeling. He spoke to Community Voices about bird banding in Central Illinois, and how local residents can take part as citizen scientists. He also explained how bird banding provides insights into avian life, the research conducted on the Saw-whet Owl and what may be behind the decline in bird populations.

The Springfield Choral Society is hosting a weekend of uplifting music with a festival titled “Hymnody of Earth.” Conductor Jacobsen Woolen and musicians Malcolm Dalglish and Carolyn Koebel spoke to Community Voices about the upcoming performances. Dalglish is also the composer behind “Hymnody of Earth.” The three share the inspiration behind the weekend of events and how they plan to blend music and nature in the experience.

Community Voices has a new theme thanks to the Micah Walk Band dusting off the masters and stripping the vocals from their song, Last One Home. The band shares what they have been up to since playing together.

Monica Zanetti Reed is the founder of the Springfield Cultural Arts Foundation and the owner of Wild Rose Artisans Gallery & Boutique. Kristen Chiaro is a board member of the foundation. They spoke to Community Voices about the mission behind the Springfield Cultural Arts Foundation and its magazine, which uplifts local artists. They discuss the magazine's rich content—from artist interviews to recipes and skincare tips—and share plans for a cultural street festival. They also share an update on Wild Rose boutique and how businesses are faring in the downtown area.

Ann Comerford is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services for the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield. Ann came to campus in 2017 to open the UIS Student Union, which officially opened a year later. Ann spoke to Community Voices about her journey into higher education, the purpose of student unions on college campuses, and the importance of community.

Matt Cohen is an attorney and founder of Matt Cohen & Associates. He specializes in special education, disability rights, and human services law. He spoke to Community Voices about the history of special education laws in Illinois, challenges that schools and families face, and gives his opinion on how the dismantlement of the Department of Education would affect education and kids with disabilities. Matt also gives advice on how families of children with special needs should navigate the school system. Learn more about the resources Matt Cohen & Associates have to offer here.

Julie Pryde is the administrator of the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District. She is a UIS Master of Public Health graduate and the 2025 University of Illinois Alumni Humanitarian Award recipient. She spoke to Community Voices about what led her to public health, the evolution of HIV/AIDS medications and education, and attitudes toward immunizations. Julie also shared her approach to humor and provided insight into how she makes health information accessible for all ages.

May 1 - May 2 were Public Media Giving Days and the start of NPR Illinois' Spring Fund Drive. There has been talk about the uncertainty of public media funding, which has left many listeners and donors questioning why. NPR Illinois General Manager Randy Eccles and NPR Illinois Director of Development Kate McKenzie spoke with Bea Bonner about the spring fund drive, station funding, and insight into the uncertainty of defunding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).

Williamsville Public Library & Museum Director Natalie Albers explaines why libraries are relevant in the digital age.

Mx. Leo Wilder is the founder of Pride Learning Academy, a microschool intended to better meet the needs of students. Wilder spoke to Community Voices about his inspiration behind starting the academy and how the school can prevent bullying, promote outdoor activities, support mental health, accommodate diverse learners and prepare students with practical skills.For more information about Pride Learning Academy visit: https://www.pridelearningacademy.com/

Kathy and Bob Best are siblings who grew up in the newspaper business. Their parents owned a local paper in Sullivan, Ill., and although they have taken divergent paths, they both continue to play a role in sharing news. Kathy is the director of the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism, and Bob is a photographer and the pressroom manager at Paddock Publications in Central Illinois. They spoke to Community Voices about their family's history, their careers and the state of journalism.

Pam Molitoris is the executive director of the Central Illinois Foodbank. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey into the nonprofit realm, how the foodbank is adapting to provide for the community, and initiatives like their mobile kitchen cart, which teaches community members how to cook. She also addresses concerns surrounding cuts to local food programs and leaves a message for the community to come together during uncertain times. Find more information about the Central Illinois Foodbank here.

The Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens has a new wheelchair accessible garden. Carey Smith and Missy Norman spoke to Community Voices about the design of the garden, the community it creates and how it provides options for those with differing accessibility needs.

Music Director Taichi Fukumura from the Illinois Symphony Orchestra spoke to Community Voices about the upcoming concert titled "Passion and Pulse," which features soloist Anna Geniushene on piano. The performances will take place on May 2 at the UIS Performing Arts Center in Springfield, Ill. and May 3 at the ISU Center for Performing Arts in Normal, Ill., both at 7:30 p.m. Concert Comments will take place at 6:30 p.m. before each performance. For more information visit: ilsypmhony.org

Downtown Springfield Inc. is an organization working to create a vibrant and connected community to enrich the downtown Springfield experience. DSI Executive Director Carlos Ortega and DSI Board President Blake Pryor spoke to Community Voices about Community Conversations, a series of listening sessions where community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions about the downtown area and its future.The next Community Conversations are scheduled for April 23 and May 10. For more information visit: facebook.com/DowntownSpringfieldInc

Nakesha Rice is a human resources professional with a passion for helping people succeed. She spoke to Community Voices about her experiences growing up in Mississippi, her time in the military and her journey to Springfield. She also talked about her experience as the president of Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) and gave advice for young professionals who may be uncomfortable in new environments.

Zwei - Dumm is a group that focuses on improv and physical comedy, more popularly known as clowning. The group was started by Rha-Bea and Travis Wiggins. Together with Capital City Improv (CCI), they will be hosting a show on May 3, 2025, called Clownprov/Anything for a Dollar. Zwei - Dumm/CCI members Rha-Bea and Jacob Kimsey spoke to Community Voices about their journey with CCI, the history of clowning, and how the upcoming show will work. Tickets and details can be found here.

On April 8, Vanessa Ferguson and Bea Bonner hosted a live taping of CV in the MC or Community Voices in Macon County at The Staley Museum in Decatur, Ill.

Dr. Ziad Issa was named Executive Medical Director of Prairie Cardiovascular in September 2024.

Chad Wallace is the director of rural affairs for the Illinois Environmental Council and a lifelong farmer. He spoke to Community Voices about the impact of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) or factory farms.

#centralIllinoisMusicScene duo Bill Poss and JJ Passalacqua share their project LoveSeat and their new album, Our Way. Bill also organizes the Moccasin Creek Festival at Lake Sara in Effingham, this year June 19-22, and he shares this year's lineup.

The University of Illinois Springfield hosts the Chancellor's Thinkers Series, which seeks to inspire diverse perspectives and encourage intentional thinking within the community.

During the March 2025 Lunch and Learn Series, Dr. Hei-Chi Chan, UIS associate professor of mathematical sciences and philosophy and co-founder of the university's AI Campus Learning Community, gave a presentation on the evolution of AI, the university's AI Campus Learning Community, how students can make the best use of AI, and the future of AI in our society. UIS is offering a camp on AI this summer.

Chad Pregracke is the founder and president of Living Lands and Waters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cleaning up America's rivers. He is set to speak at an Earth Day celebration at the Hoogland Center for the Arts on April 18.

Cristian Leon-Vallejo is a student worker at NPR Illinois. He sat down with Community Voices co-host Vanessa Ferguson to practice his interviewing skills and find out what it's like as a host on Community Voices.

Live Action Role Playing (LARPing) is a type of role-playing game where participants physically embody their characters. Unlike tabletop role-playing games, players act out their characters' actions and interact with each other while pursuing goals in a fictional setting, which is represented by real-world environments.

Dr. Christopher McDowell is the Executive Associate Dean of SIU School of Medicine. He spoke to Community Voices about how he balances his practice in emergency medicine and his administrative duties. He also shared how SIU School of Medicine is working to make health care more accessible and why patients should come to the emergency room if they have a concern.

Angela Jackson is an award-winning poet, novelist, and playwright. She is also the fifth Illinois Poet Laureate. She spoke to Community Voices about her background in writing, the influence of poetry and song on social justice movements, and she explains some of her different works. Jackson also recited one of her poems called "The Smoke Queen." Read more about Angela and her work as Illinois Poet Laureate here.

The Citizens Club of Springfield met in March 2025 to host a forum called "Building an Illinois State Fair for the Future."

Stephen Emmerich is the President of the Heart of Illinois Chapter of BetterInvesting, and Bobbie Kincaid is one of the non-profit's directors. They spoke to Community Voices about their personal journeys to becoming knowledgeable investors. They explain how investment clubs have helped them and others understand the stock market and see earnings from their investments. They also shared the four key investment principles promoted by BetterInvesting, emphasizing that anyone can start investing with as little as the cost of a cup of coffee.

Haley Wilson, founder of The Culture Experience LLC, and Molly Frey, owner of The Pasfield House, spoke to Community Voices to announce The Culture Experience's residency at the historic Pasfield House. Molly shared her background, her journey to owning and renovating The Pasfield House, and the services it now offers. Haley provided a refresher on The Culture Experience a business she started with her mother to create a space for cultural learning and activities. They discussed how their collaboration began, how it enhances both their visions, and highlighted upcoming events.

Ambassador Edward O'Donnell retired from the U.S. Foreign Service in 2007 after a 33-year career in foreign service. He spoke to Community Voices about his experiences serving in Latin America, German-speaking Europe and senior positions in Washington D.C. He also shared his insights on the Panama Canal, U.S. tariff strategies, the rise of antisemitism and more.

The Springfield Choral Society will hold a two-day musical festival on March 21-22 called “Songs for the Unsung.” Director of the Springfield Choral Society Jacobsen Woollen and Vice President of the Sangamon County Historical Society Linda Schneider spoke to Community Voices about the festival which will incorporate lesser known stories of women in Springfield's history. For ticket information visit: https://www.springfieldchoralsociety.org/

Deanna Knight is a local drag queen. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey in drag, the drag scene in Springfield, and the impact of recent political shifts on the community. She also highlighted her efforts to uplift the community through upcoming events Drag Bingo with Otis & Ethel on April 4th and Club La Cage: An Evening of Springfield's Best Drag Artists on April 5th, featuring talented drag queens and kings.