Dr. Andrew Lam is a retinal surgeon and an assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He’s also an award-winning, international bestselling author of four books, “The Masters of Medicine,” “Saving Sight,” “Repentance” and “Two Sons of China.” On Thursday Oct. 31, at 3:30 p.m., he will give a talk at the Lincoln Library titled “The Only Winner in War is Medicine.” The event is a fundraiser for the Lincoln Library Alliance.For more information:Website: www.AndrewLamMD.comFacebook: @AndrewLamAuthorTwitter: @Andrew_LamMDInstagram: @AndrewLamMD

Taylor Stevens is the regional community liaison for Synergy HomeCare in Central Illinois. She spoke to Community Voices about the business, which provides in-home assistance and support, including housekeeping, transportation and companionship. Stevens explained the personalized service Synergy HomeCare provides and the diversity of the clients they serve.For more information visit: https://synergyhomecare.com/il-springfield-62711/

“Hurricane Diane” is the latest play presented by the UIS Theatre program. It follows the Greek god Dionysus who visits Earth as a permaculture gardener named “Diane” in hopes of fighting climate change with the help of four suburban News Jersey women. Director of the show Missy Thibodeaux-Thompson and Professor of Biology Dr. Amy McEuen spoke to Community Voices about the play, the cast and the hope they want audiences to have leaving the theatre.

The Un-Debates: Engaging Civil Discussions on Hot Political Topics. This event foucses on reproductive health.2024 Un-Debates: Foreign Policy - Immigration - Reproductive Health

The Un-Debates: Engaging Civil Discussions on Hot Political Topics. This event foucses on immigration.2024 Un-Debates: Foreign Policy - Immigration - Reproductive Health

The Un-Debates: Engaging Civil Discussions on Hot Political Topics. This event foucses on foreign policy.2024 Un-Debates: Foreign Policy - Immigration - Reproductive Health

The Citizens Club of Springfield met in September to hear from the Independent Coalition for our Neighborhoods (ICON), a non-profit organization which advocates for cleaner, safer and healthier neighborhoods throughout Springfield. President of the group Mark Mahoney spoke to the crowd to explain how the organization advocates for improved city policy and procedures. He also shared video messages from ICON Board Members Polly Poskin and Jill Steiner.

Erin Burneson is a recent recipient of the Illinois Jaycees Outstanding Young Persons of Illinois awards, and she was listed as an Outstanding Young American by Junior Chamber International USA. Originally from Williamsville, she now lives in India and works in the field of sustainable development. She founded studio Rachanā, which works with others “to catalyze creativity for social and environmental impact and to collaboratively solve complex humanitarian problems.” She spoke to Community Voices about her interest in Indian culture, her experience working with rural Indian women to upcycle waste and what she learned while helping refugees learn English.

Hoogland Center for the Arts production of Sweeney Todd is coming up just in time for the Halloween season. The musical tells the story of Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber who returns to London seeking vengeance against the judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Sweeney to Mrs. Lovett, the crafty owner of a failing pie shop above which he opens a new barber practice. Local vocal teacher Stephanie Myre is portraying Mrs. Lovett in this production. She spoke to Community Voices about being a performer in Chicago and about the message behind Sweeney Todd. Find tickets and dates for the show here.

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra (ISO) begins its 2024-2025 season with “Festive Fanfare.” The concert, conducted by ISO music director Taichi Fukumura, will feature Walton's Spitfire Prelude and Fugue, Coleridge-Taylor's Violin Concerto with violinist Braimah Kanneh-Mason, and Dvořák's Symphony No. 8.The ISO performs in Springfield on Friday Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. and in Normal on Saturday Oct. 19, at 7:30 p.m. For ticket information visit: ilsymphony.org