The January Citizens Club of Springfield meeting examined the impact of the pending health professional shortage on the Springfield Community. The discussion featured Dr. Jerry Kruse, Dean and Provost of Southern Illinois University’s School of Medicine and the CEO of SIU medicine. The conversation was moderated by Dr. Stephen Stone, professor emeritus at SIU school of medicine.

Brigitte Franzen is a certified financial planner and a former hog farmer. She spoke to Community Voices about her journey to Central Illinois, establishing her own hog farm, and her new book "Have Pigs, Will Travel." Brigitte also gives words of encouragement for others who have dealt with detours in life.

Rebecca Amato is the Director of Teaching and Learning for Illinois Humanities and Alexandra Sossa is from the Farmworker and Landscaper Advocacy Project. Illinois Humanities received a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and Arts Midwest to present The NEA Big Read: Reconsidering the American Dream. This is a series of free book groups, free public events, and hands-on workshops that explore and challenge our understanding of the "American Dream." Amato and Sossa spoke to Community Voices about the books featured in the Big Read, the changing ideology surrounding the "American Dream", and the event coming to Springfield on Feb. 22. They also spoke about different challenges and inequities immigrants and farmers face in Illinois.

The Looking for Lincoln Stories podcast shares stories about the people and places of Abraham Lincoln’s time. It also highlights lesser known stories about African Americans who lived in the area. To honor Black History Month, NPR Illinois is sharing episodes of The Looking for Lincoln Stories podcast. To hear more from the podcast visit: https://www.lookingforlincoln.org/education/stories

A special Citizens Club of Springfield series with area residents sharing their experiences moving to Springfield after starting in another country.

Dr. Jamarco Clark joined UIS as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs on June 12, 2023. He spoke to Community Voices about his experience working at different colleges, starting at UIS, and the role of student affairs on college campuses. Dr. Clark also gives advice and words of wisdom on achieving goals.

Tania Miller is one of the candidates for the open Music Director position at the Illinois Symphony Orchestra. She'll conduct the upcoming concert "Captivating Contrasts," on Feb. 16 in Springfield, Ill. and on Feb. 17 in Bloomington-Normal, Ill. Miller spoke to Community Voices about the performance which will feature works by Beethoven, Barber and Nielsen.For more information visit ilsymphony.org

Stephanie Myers and Natalie Keller are two artists whose art is featured in the “Local Perspectives Show,” at the Perspectives Art Gallery in Petersburg, Ill. The art show runs Jan. 27 through Feb. 16. Myers and Keller spoke to Community Voices about what inspires their work. Myers explained how she likes to use vibrant colors, and Keller explained how she utilizes old drum heads from the Blue Man Group to create some of her pieces.To see works by Natalie Keller visit nkellerart on Instagram.To see works by Stephanie Myers visit: facebook.com/stephaniemyersart

Bobby Carter, NPR Tiny Desk Concert producer, provides tips to encourage central Illinois musicians to enter the 2024 Tiny Desk Contest. Carter is also a judge.

Becky Wheeler is the founder of Beltany Wellness which provides online classes and guided journeys through Ireland to promote healing and transformation. She spoke to Community Voices about her experiences in Ireland, embracing the intuitive voice, and her upcoming guided intuitive journey to Ireland. Becky also talks about shamanic breathwork and other spiritual practices.