Sid Stanton and Ed Gonet are the cofounders of Soil Food, a local business out of Cantrall and Petersburg, which produces natural fertilizers made from word castings. Stanton and Gonet explained how the quality of their product stands out among competitors and how their pet tortoise Erma led to the development of their organic worm farm.For more information about Soil Food visit: https://soilfoods.com/

The Joy of Movement is an organization that offers dance and exercise classes for those with Parkinson's disease. Founder and instructor Eve Fischberg and class participant Pat Graham spoke to Community Voices about the classes offered both in-person and online. Graham also shared how the classes have helped her as she contends with her disease and why she advocates for others to join. For more information visit: thejoyofmovement.org

Land of Lincoln Legal Aid is a non-profit organization which provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals and senior citizens in central and southern Illinois. Executive Director Clarissa Gaff and Managing Attorney Diane Goffinet spoke to Community Voices about the organization and how virtual courtrooms remove barriers for individuals with limited resources. They also explained the great need in Illinois for legal services and how the organization hopes to reach more people in need through the use of mobile legal clinics.For more information visit: lincolnlegal.org

Alejandro Gómez Guillén is one of the candidates vying for the music director position at the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and he is set to conduct the final performance of the season "Opposites Attract," which features Grammy-nominated pianist Joyce Yang. Guillén spoke to Community Voices about his interest in music and explained what audiences can expect to hear at the upcoming concert.The concerts take place at 7:30 p.m. on May 3 in Springfield and May 4 in Bloomington-Normal. Concert Comments are before the performances at 6:30 p.m. and there’s a play on after party following the performances. For more information and for tickets visit ilsymphony.org.

Delinda Chapman and Tarfa Kahn of The Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield join Community Voices to preview this year's events for LAFS 2024 - Creation: Revelation of the Divine, May 4-11, 2024.

Dan Frachey and Rev. Michael Riggs discuss the special musical mass that is equally ecumenical as it is ecological. Missa Gaia kicks-off the 2024 Liturgical Arts Festival of Springfield at First Christian Church May 4, 2 p.m. with a second performance at 7 p.m.

The Illinois Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Day at the Capitol is coming up April 30th - May 1st in Springfield. They will be partnering with the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated for a day of advocacy and education. Michael Gaines, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Sherri Hale, a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. spoke to Community Voices about the history and legacy of their organizations, the different items they'll be advocating for, and the schedule for the two days of events. They also talk about the history and work of Black Greek-lettered Organizations in our community.

Beth Allen is Manager of Community Development for the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois. She also is Rotary Youth Exchange Chair for the local District 6460. Beth spoke to Community Voices about upcoming Girl Scouts of Central Illinois events, her travel experiences, and Rotary Youth Exchange. She also discusses an organization called Together Women Rise.

Maritza Bandera, Healing Illinois program manager, Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), joins Community Voices to share how this grant program works to increase equity, understanding, and engagement between all races in Illinois.

The UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, the Institute of Government and Public Affairs and the Illinois Innovation Network are co-hosting two days of presentations, discussion and networking around policy and social innovation. Interim director of the U of I Institute of Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) David Merriman, Associate Vice President at the University of Illinois System Jeannette Tamayo, and Executive Director for the Center for State Policy and Leadership at UIS Molly Lamb spoke to Community Voices about the many offerings during the two days.To register visit: https://appserv7.admin.uillinois.edu/FormBuilderSurvey/Survey/center_for_state_policy_and_leadership/conferences/cspl_events_april2024/Survey