Gale Myers is the owner of Davidsan’s Japanese Maples. She is retiring and has closed the business which owns thousands of Japanese Maple Trees. Myers is gifting the trees to Springfield locations including the University of Illinois Springfield. Myers and Dr. Jonathan GoldbergBelle, who is the director of the UIS Study Away Program, spoke to Community Voices about the donation to UIS and an event on April 30 to celebrate the trees and Japanese culture.

Jeff Whitten Scout Executive CEO and volunteer Michael Meyer of the Abraham Lincoln Council Boy Scouts of America spoke to Community Voices about the upcoming Lincoln pilgrimage, which runs April 22-24, 2022.

The University of Illinois Springfield hosted a webinar panel discussion with faculty experts examining the causes and repercussions of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine titled “Understanding What's Happening and Why.” The webinar featured UIS faculty experts Sibel Oktay, associate professor of political science and global studies, and Heather Bailey, professor of history. The guest speaker was Nik Ford, instructor of political science and international studies at the University of Tampa.

Envisioning Justice RE:ACTION is a new digital exhibition and activation kit by Illinois Humanities. The exhibit features new multidisciplinary works created by Illinois artists, humanists, and collectives which address mass incarceration. Bea Bonner talks to Envisioning Justice Fellow Meredith Nnoka and artist Antonio Burton aka Toni Picasso about the program and their contributions.

Dr. Jenna Yates and Jeanette Hoelzer provide counseling and therapy at the Springfield Psychological Center. They spoke to Community Voices about the services in the Springfield area for those wanting to improve their mental health. They also spoke about preventative care, and why selfcare is so important in maintaining good mental health.

David Lee, Downtown Springfield Inc. (DSI) Momentum on Mainstreet committee chair discusses the importance of downtown to the quality of life for the region.

Jessica and Michael Hicks are the owners of Itty Bitty Micro Farm. They spoke to Community Voices about how they started growing their own produce during the pandemic, which led to their business selling micro greens. They also shared some tips for growing success and why they advise other micro greens farmers.

David Ziebler is the Director of Organization and Employment Development at SIU School of Medicine. He spoke to Community Voices about how employers can listen to the perspectives of employees to build morale.

Virgil Rhodes is a musician who plays flute and several horn instruments. He spoke to Community Voices about how he became a self-taught instrumentalist. He also shared the history of his band Footprints and how he hopes to bring more jazz music to Springfield, Ill.

The Springfield Lucky Horseshoes are the new Prospect League baseball team playing at Robin Roberts Stadium. Emperor of engagement Andrew Miller tells us more.