Beatrice Bonner

The Friends of the Libary are gearing up for their 21st Murder Mystery Fundraiser, benefiting the Chatham Area Public Library. This year, the Murder Mystery play will be presented by video. Proceeds of this fundraiser will be used to purchase a bookmobile style bicycle for the Chatham Area Public Library. The Murder Mystery premiere is March 13 at 7pm. Find ticket information here. Playwright of the Murder Mystery Ryan Byers along with actors Dave Kimsey and Craig McFarland, talk about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner. 

Originally aired February 26, 2021.

The Chatham Area Public Library eliminated all fines on overdue materials for its library cardholders and registered reciprocal borrowers. Along with going fine free, the library has taken other steps to continue their service through the pandemic. Library Director Amy Byers and Community Engagement Librarian Megan Freeman discuss this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner. 

Originally aired January 15, 2021.

Gemma Long is the CEO of Gem PR & Media. This company specializes in public relations, digital, and social media consultancy. The company is based in Springfield but has clients across the United States and Europe. Gemma and husband Chris Long credit "community over competition" as a mantra they live by. A large part of their business is to foster relationships and collaboration with local business owners. Gemma talks about small businesses in Springfield, embarking on a new venture, and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner.

Originally aired October 7, 2020.

Cherell Wilson is a recent University of Illinois Springfield gradaute. During the pandemic she was inspired to create her own business Soaps by Rell.

Orignally aired January 21, 2021.

Lynn Saputo is Director of Recreation & Marketing and Interim Zoo Director  for the Springfield Park District. Lynn came on as Interim Director of the zoo in February 2020. The Henson Robinson Zoo has over 80 different species of native and exotic animals. They plan to open to the public in March along with some new experiences for guests. Lynn talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner. 

Originally aired January 21, 2021.

Patricia Dulin is a conference speaker, licensed minster, and author. She is a member of Abundant Faith Christian Center. Patricia also co-founded Just As You Are Ministries with her husband Shawn Dulin. Her book 'Crickets... and Then She Cried' is now available. She talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner.

Originally aired February 5, 2021.

Chad Graue is a virtual consultant and online trainer who works with farms and other businesses sell food online and grow their customer base. His first book Five Star Follow-up is coming out soon. Chad talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner.

Originally aired January 25, 2021.

Aissa and Hank Norris are the owners of  the 1912 Barn in Niantic, Illinois. The 1912 Barn homestead has a rich history dating all the way back to 1851. In 2004 the homestead was sold to the Norris family. Since then the barn has been used for weddings, receptions, and more. Aissa Norris talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner.

The Springfield Mayor's Youth Council will hold a Youth Town Hall on Wednesday February 24 to get insight from Springfield Youth. Participation is limited to middle and high school students while adults may only observe the meeting. Secretary of the Youth Council, Natalie McLaughlin discusses this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner.

On February 10, 2021, The Springfield and Central Illinois African American Musuem presented a webinar on the podcast Driving the Green Book. The event was moderated by AAHM Board Member Jamie Stout. The panel consisted of hosts of the Driving the Green Book podcast, award-winning broadcaster Alvin Hall and activist Janee Woods Weber, along with Dr.

Originally aired January 28, 2021.

James Hamilton is co-owner and executive chef at Tacology 201. The cuisine served at the resturant is based on authentic Mexican street food. The menu includes interesting dishes such as Birria Ramen and Yuca Fries. Their new location is at 3266 W. Illes Ave. James talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner.

Originally aired February 1, 2021.

In 2019,  award-winning broadcaster Alvin Hall and activist Janée Woods Weber made a journey from Detroit to New Orleans collecting stories from African Americans who used the Negro Motorist Green Book. The Negro Motorist Green Book was used during segregation and Jim Crow to navigate trips. They transformed the stories collected on the journey into the podcast Driving the Green Book. Alvin and Janée will be featured in a webinar February 10th hosted by the African American History Museum in Springfield. Board Member of the African American History Museum Jamie Stout along with Alvin and Janée talk about this and more with Community Voices’ Bea Bonner.

Oringially aired November 23, 2020

Brian Frieze is President and Founder of Sangamon Reclaimed. Their mission is to handcraft furniture from old barns, buildings, and other structures. Sangamon Reclaimed has repurposed and built tables, chairs, and more at many businesses' around Springfield. Brian talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner. 

Originally aired November 21, 2020.

Charles Scott is Co-Founder and CEO of The Garvey Tubman Cultural Arts and Research Center. Sheila Walk is Interiem Executive Director of the Springfield Area Arts Center. Both organizations are heavily involved in the arts community. The Garvey Tubman Center had the opportunity to give music classes through funds provided by the Levitt Foundation Amp Grant which The Springfield Area Arts Council has been instrumental in helping to secure. Charles and Sheila talk about their organziations, the impact of the Levitt Foundation Amp Grant, and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner. 

Originally aired November 25, 2020.

Mary Aiello is the Director of Southern Illinois University School of Medicine's Standardized Patient Program. The Standardized Patient Program employs community members as standardized patients to help with the training and professional development of medical students. Mary Aiello sits down with Community Voices' Bea Bonner to discuss the history of the program and where it is now. 

Originally aired December 2, 2020

Connie Locher-Bussard is a freelance dietitian. She is also on the Board of Directors of King's Daughters Organization. Listen to Connie talk about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles.

Ameilia Hopkins is a high school student from Pleasant Plains, Illinois. She is a former Podcast Academy participant and has used skills learned in the program to help other people and organziations. Ameilia talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles. 

Bryan Rives is Director of UIS Performing Arts Services at UIS Performing Arts Center at the University of Illinois Springfield. Bryan has over 30 years experience in event management as well as performing arts center management. He talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles.

Karen Whitney is Interim Chancellor at the University of Illinois Springfield. She is the president emerita of Clarion University in Pennsylvania. She talks about what led her to higher education, her vision for UIS, and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles.

Amanda Vinicky is a political reporter on WTTW's Chicago Tonight. She previously covered Illinois politics and government for NPR Illinois. Amanda is a Public Affairs Reporting Program graduate. She talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles.

Brian Mackey hosts the Illinois Public Radio program The21st. He previously reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois. Brian talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner.

David  and Mary Caroline Mitchell have been friends of the station for many years. They especially are big supporters of a program NPR Illinois is able to rebroadcast on Christmas Eve called,  A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College in Cambridge. David and Mary Caroline talk about traveling to see it live, holiday traditions, and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles. 

Karen Witter is the chair of the NPR Illinois Community Advisory Board. She is also a freelance writer and community volunteer helping different organziations around Springfield, IL. Karen is a member of the Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise. She talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles. 

Kenya is a college student from Springfield, IL. She was also a chosen essayist from the NPR Illinois This I Believe Essay Program 2020. Kenya talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles.

Mary Hansen is a reporter for NPR Illinois. She is a graduate of the Public Affairs Reporting Program at the University of Illinois Springfield. Mary also has a BA in International Studies from American University. She talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles.

Julie Staley is Chief Executive Officer and Owner of Spencer Films LLC. She is also President of the Spencer Theatre Company and The Staley Museum. Julie is a former television news anchor and reporter. She talks about new projects, her career, and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles. 

Karen Penning and her late husband Matt Penning have been friends of the station for many years. Karen was born and raised in Springfield and is also a former teacher. She talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles.

Lisa Clemmons Stott is the Executive Director at Downtown Springfield Inc. She also is the former Director of Development for NPR Illinois (WUIS Public Radio). Lisa talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles.

Sarah Beuning is General Counsel at Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault. Dr. John Martin is Associate Professor of Astronomy-Physics at the University of Illinois Springfield. They talk about their jobs, hobbies, and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles.

Jessica Markley is a college student originally from Springfield, IL. Jessica was a chosen essayist in the NPR Illinois This I Believe Essay Program 2019 and participated in NPR Illinois Stinkbug Night. Jessica talks about this and more with Community Voices' Bea Bonner and Randy Eccles.