Beatrice Bonner

The Springfield Muni’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame runs June 20–22 and June 25–28. The musical features music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. It is adapted from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 1996 film, which was itself based on Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel. The story follows Quasimodo, the deformed bell-ringer of Notre Dame, as he struggles for acceptance and love while protecting the kind-hearted Romani woman Esmeralda from the cruelty of Judge Claude Frollo. Director Kevin Kulavic and Liyah Orielle, who plays Esmeralda, spoke to Community Voices about why the show was chosen, its characters, and the relatable themes it explores. Find tickets and details here.

Curtis Sanders is a children’s book author and the new Financial Literacy Program Coordinator at the UIS Career Center. He spoke with Community Voices about his passion for teaching financial literacy and how he’s helping students at UIS navigate budgeting, debt, and saving. Curtis also writes children’s books based on his family. His latest, Spring City Stories: Oliver’s Emotional Odyssey, helps kids understand and express their feelings through colorful illustrations and storytelling.

Mark Reinhart is an author, musician, and film historian from Columbus, Ohio. He spoke with Community Voices about his lifelong interest in Abraham Lincoln and how Lincoln has been portrayed in over 250 film and television productions.

Nate Widelitz is a singer, conductor, and educator. He is also the Founding Director of the Five Cities Baroque Foundation & Festival. He spoke with Community Voices about his music career, passion for teaching, and shares the story behind the foundation, which brings access to high-quality Baroque music to Central Illinois. Nate also previews what audiences can expect from the upcoming concerts, including featured pieces and performances. Learn more about the festival, including dates and locations here.

Mark Sorensen has lived in Decatur, Illinois, since 1969 and has spent his career preserving history and promoting the arts. He continues this work today as the Macon County Historian. He also serves as president of the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur, which supports music education through scholarships, youth orchestras, and an instrument lending library. Sorensen spoke to Community Voices about his work in archives, local history, and the mission of the Symphony Orchestra Guild of Decatur. Learn more about the Guild here.

Reisch Brewing Co. was a brewery established in Springfield, Illinois, by Franz Sales Reisch in 1849 after immigrating from Germany. The business closed permanently in 1966. In 2018, a group of breweriana collectors and beer can enthusiasts founded Reisch Charities. In 2019, the group revived the Reisch Gold Top Beer brand using the original recipe brewed by George Reisch. Today, all proceeds from beer sales go to Springfield charities. Roy Mayfield and Vince Salvo, board members of Reisch Charities, spoke to Community Voices about the history and legacy of the Reisch family, the process of bringing the brand back, and the importance of preserving local history. Find out more about Reisch Charities here.

During the April 2025 Lunch and Learn Series, Dr. Janet L. Gooch, Chancellor of the University of Illinois Springfield, delivered a presentation on speech-language pathology. Her talk covered the components of language, cleft lip and palate, and phonological language disorders.

Dr. Juanita Morris and her husband founded their own company, J Morris Enterprises, LLC, where she dedicates her time to coaching, consulting, training, and public speaking. She has also worked as a classroom teacher, faculty member, and administrator. Dr. Morris spoke with Community Voices about her educational background and inspirations, her journey back to Decatur after 26 years away from home, and the various community initiatives she’s involved in. You can find more information about Dr. Juanita Morris and J Morris Enterprises, LLC here.

Ann Comerford is the Associate Vice Chancellor for Auxiliary Services for the Division of Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Springfield. Ann came to campus in 2017 to open the UIS Student Union, which officially opened a year later. Ann spoke to Community Voices about her journey into higher education, the purpose of student unions on college campuses, and the importance of community.

Matt Cohen is an attorney and founder of Matt Cohen & Associates. He specializes in special education, disability rights, and human services law. He spoke to Community Voices about the history of special education laws in Illinois, challenges that schools and families face, and gives his opinion on how the dismantlement of the Department of Education would affect education and kids with disabilities. Matt also gives advice on how families of children with special needs should navigate the school system. Learn more about the resources Matt Cohen & Associates have to offer here.