Vanessa Ferguson

A staple of the holiday season, the Salvation Army’s red kettles are stationed at the entrance of numerous stores, but the organization is seeking more volunteers to draw attention to those kettles by ringing bells. Salvation Army Envoy Jeff Eddy and board member Michael Thomas spoke to Community Voices and explained how people can volunteer and how donations are distributed in Springfield.

"The Election is Over. Now What?" That was the name of the panel discussion held by the UIS School of Politics and International Affairs, featuring UIS professors Matthew Geras, Isabel Skinner and Jason Pierceson. Jennifer Fuller from Capitol News Illinois moderated the discussion which provided analysis on the outcome of the election and what we are likely to see in future elections.

A holiday reception is scheduled for the Dana-Thomas House on Dec. 6. Caren Mansfield with the Dana-Thomas House Foundation spoke to Community Voices about the event which is a fundraiser for the home’s renovations. For tickets and more information visit: https://dana-thomas.org/?event=dana-thomas-house-foundation-holiday-reception&event_date=2024-12-06

Dr. Nathan Todd is a professor of psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He spoke to Community Voices about his research on how Christian faith communities become and live out being open and inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Beyond the Mouse is thrilled to share our conversation with Disney Legend Martha Blanding and Tim O'Day. Martha and Tim co-authored the book "Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman’s Journey Through The Happiest Place on Earth." We talk about how they put the book together, Martha's time as a tour guide at Disneyland and her leadership roles in the Walt Disney Company. Get a copy of "Groundbreaking Magic" wherever you buy books and don't forget to post a review! We think you are going to love reading Martha's story.

Mark Achler is a venture capitalist and the former senior vice president of Redbox. He is also a lecturer at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and he's co-authored the book “Exit Right.” He recorded an interview with Innovate Springfield for the Founders, Failures and Fun podcast during which he spoke about his journey as an entrepreneur and lessons he’s learned along the way.

The People’s Symposium Presents A Celebration of Life for Palestine will take place on Nov. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Erin’s Pavilion. The event will feature several community resources, vendors, workshops and more. Organizer Maribel Cruz Hine and presenter Dr. Kristi Barnwell spoke to Community Voices about the event, the need for aid in Palestine and the local organization Springfield Families for Ceasefire.To learn more visit: https://www.facebook.com/share/12B7Uc2fQbk/

Mawa Iqbal is the state house reporter for WBEZ and Illinois Public Radio. She spoke to Community Voices about what it’s like as a reporter in the Illinois State Capitol, the challenges of reporting on social justice and the importance of media literacy.

The Citizens Club of Springfield held its October meeting and presented the draft of the Downtown Springfield and Mid-Illinois Medical District Master Plan. The plan is a collaboration among the City of Springfield, Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln, Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance, Downtown Springfield, Inc. and the Mid-Illinois Medical District. Josh Koonce from the urban planning firm Hoseal Lavigne spoke to the crowd about what is in the plan and why a master plan is important.To review the plan visit: https://www.springfield.il.us/Docs/PublicNotice/SpringfieldMasterPlan101824.pdf

The month of November is Faith and Hope Month. It’s a time for faith organizations to celebrate organ and tissue donations and educate others on the importance of registering as a donor. Shadaye Hunnicutt from Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network spoke to Community Voices about the organization, misconceptions about donating and how faith communities can get involved.Hunnicutt can be reached at shunnicutt@giftofhope.org