Morgan Kaplan and Andrew Maynerich are the directors of “Newsies,” at the Springfield Muni. The spoke to Community Voices about how the pandemic influenced their decision to direct the musical. They also shared how they became interested in musical theatre and what audiences can expect to see at a performance of “Newsies.”

Dr. Craig Russo is a Springfield-based musician who performs with the musical groups the Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project and Brazil Café. He spoke to Community Voices about performing with Tito Puente, Jr., and he shared what he’s looking forward to at his upcoming performance with Charanga Tropical at the Levitt Amp Festival.

Michele Sommers is the owner of Mosquito Joe in Springfield, Ill. She spoke to Community Voices about how Mosquito Joe removes pests like mosquitos, fleas and ticks from people’s yard.

The Springfield Urban League is hosting a Youth Evolvement Summit. R’Lee Jones and Dr. Beverly Bunch spoke to Community Voices about the summit which will feature information about different job and educational opportunities for young people.

The Association for Women in Communications is an organization where communications professionals gather to learn skills and network. Sarah Kinkade and Brandy Renfro spoke to Community Voices about the organization and its many benefits for its members.

Merrill McDaniels is the co-owner of L&M Gymnastics. She spoke to Community Voices about the business she runs with her husband Leroy, and how they have taken athletes around the world as ambassadors of Springfield.

Wafflelicious is a food truck serving both savory and sweet waffle-themed food items. Farah Zolghadr, who helps her father Abbas with the business, spoke to Community Voices about the challenges of running a food truck and shared how many waffles they make in a day.

Casey Claypool is the owner of Doc’s Just Off 66, a new restaurant in Girard. Claypool spoke to Community Voices about the history of the restaurant and the international visitors it’s already attracting.

Mary Keldermans is a bishop within the Holy Family Inclusive Catholic Community. She was ordained by the Roman Catholic Women Priests of Great Waters Region, and she spoke to Community Voices about her reason for pursuing leadership in the Catholic faith. She also shared why welcoming people from all backgrounds, especially those from the LGBTQ+ community, is important to her and the inclusive Catholic community she leads.

The UIS Performing Arts Center has created a new program called Our Stage / Our Voices. Director of Artistic Programs Carly Shank and Artist in Residence Reggie Guyton spoke to Community Voices about the program and how it will help give a voice to under represented communities in the performing arts.