Aviatori Coffee House is Springfield’s new, aviation-themed location to grab a coffee or a Brazilian pastry. Owner Juliana Turchetti spoke to Community Voices about her love of Brazilian coffee and her career as a pilot. She also shared what the coffee shop offers and her plans for the future.

Mary Zentmyer is the star of “Late Nite Catechism” playing at the Hoogland Center for the Arts on July 31. She spoke to Community Voices about her career portraying the character “Sister” and how she uses improvisation to interact with audience members in each performance. She also shared behind-the-scenes stories about being mistaken for a nun and shared how the money collected at performances benefits local nuns and Catholic Charities.

David L. Finnigan is an architect at Graham and Hyde Architects and the author of the book “Thousand-Year Statehouse: The Art and Architecture of the Illinois State Capitol.” He spoke to Community Voices about writing the book and the surprises he uncovered in his research of the capitol building.

The Jacksonville African American History Museum is a newly-opened museum which features local and national stories about African Americans. Executive Director Art Wilson and President Alberta Robinson spoke to Community Voices about the history of the museum's current location. They also described the exhibits in the museum which include information about the Underground Railroad, the Civil Rights Movement and Ken Norton, a famous boxer from Jacksonville.

Peggy Dyson is the Executive Director of the Educational Center for the Visually Impaired. She spoke to Community Voice about how she came out of retirement to lead the organization. She also shared how the organization is helping the visually impaired participate in activities such as archery.

Bob Gray is one of the founders of the Citizens Club of Springfield. He spoke to Community Voices about how the organization sets aside party politics to discuss public policy. He also shared his plans to step down as president of the organization.

Lisa Mestinsek is the owner of Top Hat Creamery in Lincoln, Ill. She spoke to Community Voices about traveling to research ice cream before opening her business. She also shared how small businesses in Lincoln have supported her and her business.

John Stephens is the executive director and producer of the Little Theatre on the Square in Sullivan, Ill. He spoke to Community Voices about the theatre and explained how it is the only Actors’ Equity Association affiliated theatre between Chicago and St. Louis. He also talked about the friendships he’s made with Broadway performers during his time at the Little Theatre.

June Wood Agamah is the author or “Caryl’s Closet,” a memoire about growing up in Guyana, South America and her experiences immigrating to America. She spoke to Community Voices about the book and her mission work in Ghana, West Africa.

Ami Shelton is the owner of The Keep Store. The store is a refillery for those wanting to reduce their use of plastics. Shelton spoke to Community Voices about how her interests in the environment influenced her decision to open the store in downtown Springfield.