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We are so grateful this week to have a chance to speak with the filmmakers behind Disney's 60th animated feature, Encanto. Since arriving in theaters in November and on Disney+ in December, this movie has really struck a cord with audiences of all backgrounds. Directors Jared Bush and Bryon Howard bring us their second film together, having co-directed the Academy Award winning film Zootopia. They are joined on this film by Co-director Charise Castro Smith, who tells us a wonderful story about how she came to be involved with the film. In addition to directing the film, this team of three were also responsible for writing as well. We dive into the creative choices they were able to make throughout the five-year process of bringing Encanto to life.

After months of speculation about another candidate entering the race for governor, reports are that Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin will launch a bid. It has been rumored that he has support of billionaire Ken Griffin. We talk about the chances for Irvin and a slate of other Republicans on a statewide ticket.

Bells In Motion is a handbell choir with roots in Central Illinois. Artistic Director KC Congdon and Emcee David Congdon spoke to Community Voices about the musicianship needed to participate. They also shared how the group got its start and what it takes to set up bells and play them.

Kadejia Berkley is the co-owner of Jerk Shop Go, a restaurant in downtown Springfield and in the White Oaks Mall that features Caribbean cuisine. She spoke to Community Voices about how her family started their business in Chicago and has since opened locations in Springfield and Atlanta.

Kimberly Conner is a writer, producer, director and filmmaker. She spoke to Community Voices about the inspiration for her films and wanting to spread awareness for issues such as breast cancer, HIV and AIDS. She also shared from start to finish, how she creates a film.

Wanda Timmons is the owner of The Perfect Pair in Warrensburg, Ill., and Kelly Berry is the owner of Sign Language by KB, a vendor featured in The Perfect Pair. They spoke to Community Voices about how relationships are important to the success of their businesses. They also shared how they each started their businesses: Timmons was inspired to open a store with her daughter, and Berry wanted the financial opportunity to fund medical mission trips to Kenya.

The Land of Lincoln Chorus raises funds and creates memories every February with singing valentines. Carl Follin, a member of the chorus, spoke to Community Voices about the history of the organization and his favorite memories of singing love songs to unsuspecting recipients on Valentines Day.

"Titanic meets The Shining in S.A. Barnes’ Dead Silence, a SF horror novel in which a woman and her crew board a decades-lost, luxury cruiser and find the wreckage of a nightmare that hasn't yet ended."We are excited to speak with author S.A. Barnes about her newest novel Dead Silence. She dives into her creative process, and what inspired this story. We also ask her about her day job as a librarian motivating students. Dead Silence is a great read on a cold winter night, just make sure to keep many lights on in the house!

Kamen Petkov is a violinist who teaches his students how to play not only the violin but several other instruments as well. He spoke to Community Voices about how he first became interested in playing the violin. He also shared his experiences performing, including for the Queen of England, and his love of teaching.

Cindy Sinclair is from Petersburg, IL, but she lives and works in Nashville. She is a show producer for the Musicians Hall of Fame Awards and Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville for Public Television. She has also worked on numerous other shows including American Idol, The Grammy Awards, The Latin Grammy Awards, American Music Awards and the Country Music Association awards. She spoke to Community Voices about growing up in central Illinois and her career in the entertainment industry.