Don Lessem is the President and CEO of Dino Don Inc. He was featured on the ABC TV show “Shark Tank.” He spoke to Community Voices about his robotic dinosaurs which are on display at the Illinois State Fair.

Patricia Doyle is the owner of Patricia Doyle Associates Auction Gallery. She spoke to Community Voices about how her interest in antiques led her to a career as an auctioneer. She also shared behind-the-scenes stories about the most expensive items she has seen in an auction.

The Springfield International Folk Dancers are a local group that perform dances from various countries and cultures. Patti Daniels and Steve Linscott from the dance group spoke to Community Voices about the process of learning dances and how the community can participate.

Dr. Janet L. Gooch is the new chancellor for the University of Illinois Springfield. She spoke to Community Voices about how speech pathology led her into a career in university leadership. She also shared her vision for UIS and what keeps her busy when she’s not at the university.

Originally from Iowa, Molly Norris is the new program director of the Hoogland Education program at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. She spoke to Community Voices about her career in music education and musical theatre. She also shared her excitement to work with the students in the Hoogland Education classes.

José Gobbo is a local jazz guitarist. He spoke to Community Voices about developing his love of music in Brazil. He also talked about his upcoming concert with St. Louis jazz pianist Ptah Williams at the Hoogland Center for the Arts on Friday, Aug. 19, 2022.

Beth Staff has written a children’s book called “Auggie’s Neigh Neigh.” She spoke to Community Voices about how her grandson inspired the book. She also shared her experience as a historical interpreter and a costumer for local theatre.

James Cornelius if the president of the foundation board for the Elijah Iles House. He shared the early history of Springfield and one of its founders Elijah Iles. He also shared the history of the Elijah Iles House and the artifacts on display.

Laura Camp is the owner of Simply Fair in Springfield, Ill. She spoke to Community Voices about how a letter from the Philippines changed her outlook on how to help people globally. She also shared how the products in her store are selected, and why helping others while preserving the environment is essential to her business.

Tom Irwin is a local musician who wrote an album titled "Sangamon Songs", which has since been turned into a play with the same name. Irwin shared how a 100-year-old journal found in his home inspired the album. He also talked about what it is like to be a musician in Central Illinois. The play runs August 5-7, 2022, at the Salem on Seventh Theatre in Petersburg, Ill.