Community Voices

The Mobile Museum of Tolerance is an interactive museum experience on wheels, which empowers people to combat anti-Semitism, bullying, racism and hate. Alison Pure-Slovin the Simon Wiesenthal Center Mid-West Region Director and Jacob Thornton spoke to Community Voices about the mobile museum and what they’ve learned from students who have participated in tolerance discussions.

China Towne is a "Ceramic & Fired Arts Studio," owned by Kim Votsmier, where people can pick out ceramic pieces and paint them. Votsmier spoke to Community Voices about the special classes she offers, including glass fusing and precious metal clay. She also shared how she learns new techniques and then teaches them at her store. She also tells her story about how she got involved in the world of arts and crafts.

Shawna Harris the program supervisor for St. John’s Breadline. She spoke to Community Voices about the service that the breadline provides the community and the misconceptions about the people who utilize it.

Two students from Franklin High School have competed in this year's Poetry Out Loud regional and state competitions organized by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Thaddeus Bergschneider placed first at the regional competition and Cole Delaney placed second. As they moved on to the state competition Bergschneider placed third and Delaney placed first. Delaney will go on to compete in the national competition. Delaney and his teacher Elise Black spoke to Community Voices about how the students from Franklin High School prepare for Poetry Out Loud competitions.

Doug Hotle is the new director of the Henson Robinson Zoo. He spoke to Community Voices about his background working with reptiles and exotic animals. He also shared what he is looking forward to at the zoo.

Hope is a Springfield-based organization which provides services at autism clinics at several locations in the United States. Jodi Ogilvy is the Chief Communications Officer and Leigh Grannan is the Chief of Clinic Services for Hope. They spoke to Community Voices about autism awareness and the services available at their clinics.

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.

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.

Bicycle Doctor owner Robert LaBonte joins Community Voices to update a growing trend in cycling, electric bikes. He also discusses the Springfield bike path network.

The Old State Capitol Art Fair kicks off on May 21. This is also the start of the downtown farmer’s market and the summer festival season. The Phoenix Center’s pride festival is also May 21. Julie Beveridge with the art fair and Kayla Graven with Downtown Springfield Inc. spoke to Community Voices about what visitors to the downtown area can expect.