Child psychologist Dr. Melissa Fisher Paoni and artist Christy Freeman Stark are a sister duo from Central Illinois who have collaborated on children's books. Their latest book "Dylan's Hero: A Story of Overcoming Negative Thinking" was just released. They spoke to Community Voices about their other books, strategies for overcoming negative thinking in adults and their upcoming projects.

Rachel Thomas is a fourth-generation jeweler and owner of Rachel Lauer Thomas Jewelry. She spoke to Community Voices about how she takes personal items like breastmilk, ashes, flowers and hair, and turns them into keepsake jewelry.

Anne Moseley is the director of engagement and curator of the Sangamon Experience and acting director for the Center for Lincoln Studies. She spoke to Community Voices about her love of history and shared her favorite local Illinois stories. She also gave details on upcoming presentations to celebrate Black History Month, including the presentation "Memories of State Government," on Feb. 15 and "Untold African American Stories," on Feb. 21. More information can be found at the Sangamon Experience Facebook page.

Rikki Parker is the executive director of the Children’s Museum of Illinois in Decatur, Ill. She talked to Community Voices about how kids can play and learn from the many exhibits at the museum. She also described the various exhibits, which include a pizzeria, a crime lab, and a full-sized police car. She also shared details about the upcoming Mardi Gras fundraiser.

Jennifer Gill, District 186 superintendent shares an update on the building program, vocational opportunities, alternate resources, and more in this Citizens Club of Springfield policy forum.

Geoff Isringhausen joined Community Voices to share a grant program Isringhausen Imports is helping fund in downtown Springfield. With Isringhausen Motorsports, Springfield is home to another auto racing team.

Joe-Michael Jackson and Ginny Racette are the co-directors of Spencer Theatre Company’s “The Mousetrap,” the world’s longest running play. They shared the history of the play and its author Agatha Christie. They also shared their thoughts on why the murder mystery genre is once again thrilling audiences. The show runs Feb. 17-19 and 24-26 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts.

Susan Dees Hargrove is a biologist and gardener. She studies Illinois endangered wildlife and spoke to Community Voices about how to help monarch butterflies, which is a species whose population has been significantly reduced.

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra and MIOpera are collaborating on their upcoming concert “Scintillating Shakespeare,” which will feature performances by opera singers Madison King and Carl Rosenthal. ISO Assistant Conductor Jacobsen Woollen, and John and Tracy Koch, the General Director and Artistic Director from MIOpera, spoke to Community Voices about the upcoming concert.