Vanessa Ferguson

Bob Weis is helping readers bring the Disney parks home with his new book "Ghost Dog." After riding Disneyland's newest attraction, the Haunted Mansion, young Herbert discovers a four-legged spirit has followed him home. On this episode of the Beyond the Mouse podcast, Weis talks to Craig and Vanessa about his inspiration for the book, his experience narrating the audio book and his recent trip on the Disney Treasure.

The Enos Park Neighborhood Gardens has a new wheelchair accessible garden. Carey Smith and Missy Norman spoke to Community Voices about the design of the garden, the community it creates and how it provides options for those with differing accessibility needs.

Music Director Taichi Fukumura from the Illinois Symphony Orchestra spoke to Community Voices about the upcoming concert titled "Passion and Pulse," which features soloist Anna Geniushene on piano. The performances will take place on May 2 at the UIS Performing Arts Center in Springfield, Ill. and May 3 at the ISU Center for Performing Arts in Normal, Ill., both at 7:30 p.m. Concert Comments will take place at 6:30 p.m. before each performance. For more information visit: ilsypmhony.org

Downtown Springfield Inc. is an organization working to create a vibrant and connected community to enrich the downtown Springfield experience. DSI Executive Director Carlos Ortega and DSI Board President Blake Pryor spoke to Community Voices about Community Conversations, a series of listening sessions where community members will have the opportunity to voice their opinions about the downtown area and its future.The next Community Conversations are scheduled for April 23 and May 10. For more information visit: facebook.com/DowntownSpringfieldInc

Nakesha Rice is a human resources professional with a passion for helping people succeed. She spoke to Community Voices about her experiences growing up in Mississippi, her time in the military and her journey to Springfield. She also talked about her experience as the president of Illinois Women in Leadership (IWIL) and gave advice for young professionals who may be uncomfortable in new environments.

On April 8, Vanessa Ferguson and Bea Bonner hosted a live taping of CV in the MC or Community Voices in Macon County at The Staley Museum in Decatur, Ill.

Chad Wallace is the director of rural affairs for the Illinois Environmental Council and a lifelong farmer. He spoke to Community Voices about the impact of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) or factory farms.

The University of Illinois Springfield hosts the Chancellor’s Thinkers Series, which seeks to inspire diverse perspectives and encourage intentional thinking within the community.

Chad Pregracke is the founder and president of Living Lands and Waters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cleaning up America's rivers. He is set to speak at an Earth Day celebration at the Hoogland Center for the Arts on April 18.

“Not Just A Goof” is a new documentary coming to Disney+ on April 7, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of “A Goofy Movie.” Through unseen archival footage, the documentary follows the creative team of “A Goofy Movie” and the challenges to bring this fan-favorite film to life. Directors Christopher Ninness and Eric Kimelton, and the director of "A Goofy Movie" Kevin Lima, join us on Beyond the Mouse to talk about the documentary “Not Just A Goof” and the fandom of “A Goofy Movie.”