Cherena Douglas from Juneteenth Inc. and local artist Michelle Smith spoke to Community Voices about the events planned for Springfield's Juneteenth celebration happening June 16-19, which includes an art exhibit at the Illinois State Museum.

Colleen Stone is the Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County. She spoke to Community Voices about the organization and the process of building a home. She also spoke about the misconceptions about the organization including the assumption that the homes are for free. She explained that while some items are donated, home owners do pay for the homes with zero interest mortgages.

Vern LaGesse is the Executive Director of the Friends of the Sangamon Valley. He spoke to Community Voices about his love of nature and how his organization helps to preserve Illinois natural habitat to its state prior to white settlement.

The University of Illinois Springfield provides students with unique learning opportunities at the UIS Field Station at Lake Springfield and the Therkildsen Field Station at Emiquon in Lewistown. Dr. Tom Rothfus is the director of the field stations and spoke to Community Voices about the research being conducted and how it benefits the local habitats.

Kelly Gust is the CEO and principle consultant of HR Full Circle. She spoke to Community Voices about her career and how her first job in a bar and grill inspired her to learn about human resources. She also shared best HR practices for businesses and how to hire the best employees in today’s labor market.

David Anderson is the co-owner of The Corkscrew. He spoke to Community Voices about how he and his wife came to own the business. He also shared his expertise about wine and explained what is offered at the Corkscrew.

Devin Michael Leming is a local actor from Decatur, Ill. He starred as Peter Pan at the Muni and is set to play SpongeBob SquarePants in the Muni's opening show. He spoke to Community Voices about the character and how he is preparing for the role.

The Academy of Lifelong Learning at Lincoln Land Community College presented a forum on climate change. Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford spoke about terminology, explained environmental factors and shared his concerns about climate change.

Lori Schlosser is the host of the podcast “Blessed in this Mess,” which provides encouragement to family caregivers. Schlosser spoke to Community Voices about how she uses her experience as a caregiver to her son and mother to provide helpful tips on how to find peace and preserve wellness.

Summer Griffith is the acting director of the Lincoln Library, and Emily Stone is the assistant director. They spoke to Community Voices about the various programming offered at the Lincoln Library all summer long including the return of the “bubble bus.”