The Land of Lincoln Chorus raises funds and creates memories every February with singing valentines. Carl Follin, a member of the chorus, spoke to Community Voices about the history of the organization and his favorite memories of singing love songs to unsuspecting recipients on Valentines Day.

Wanda Timmons is the owner of The Perfect Pair in Warrensburg, Ill., and Kelly Berry is the owner of Sign Language by KB, a vendor featured in The Perfect Pair. They spoke to Community Voices about how relationships are important to the success of their businesses. They also shared how they each started their businesses: Timmons was inspired to open a store with her daughter, and Berry wanted the financial opportunity to fund medical mission trips to Kenya.

Bells In Motion is a handbell choir with roots in Central Illinois. Artistic Director KC Congdon and Emcee David Congdon spoke to Community Voices about the musicianship needed to participate. They also shared how the group got its start and what it takes to set up bells and play them.

The Citizen’s Club of Springfield held a forum via Zoom in January 2022 titled “Confronting Inequities in the Criminal Justice System.” The discussion featured panelists UIS assistant professor Dr. Sean McCandless; DeAndre Neal, a prisoner reentry and prevention program manager; and State’s Attorney Dan Wright, as well as Alderwoman LaKeisha Purchase.

Brandon Davis and Eric Flick co-host the Front Row Network Classics podcast, which focuses on classic movies. They spoke to Community Voices about how they found their love of older films, and they share their thoughts on film remakes. They also share their favorite film genres and their favorite celebrity interviews.

Dr. Erin Hascup is the director of the Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment at SIU Medicine. She spoke with Community Voices about the Smith Center and the research conducted to better understand Alzheimer's disease. She also shared the treatment available and services provided to caregivers at the Smith Center.

Paul Layton, owner and Brandon Rice, manager share how Underdog Sports works to recycle lightly used sports equipment so others can afford to participate on teams and individual activities. They also carry fan fare or souvenirs of professional and college teams.

Chuck Davis, managing partner at Brown, Hay + Stephens law firm. The business is nearly 200 years old and includes Abraham Lincoln as one of the attorneys who practiced there. Davis discusses the history of the firm and the career of law today.

Al Nimpson is a Springfield comedian and half of the two men behind Belly Laffs, an independent comedy group. He spoke to Community Voices about his first time doing standup and how, despite it not going well, it encouraged him to keep trying. He also provided insight into the Springfield comedy scene and gave advice on how to practice standup comedy.

Angela Holland is the interior designer behind Broad Strokes Home Design in Springfield. She spoke with Community Voices about how remodeling an older home opened the doors to learning about interior design. She also shared how she creatively uses colors, textures and other design elements to tell a story.