Vanessa Ferguson

Beyond the Mouse is thrilled to share our conversation with Disney Legend Martha Blanding and Tim O'Day. Martha and Tim co-authored the book "Groundbreaking Magic: A Black Woman's Journey Through The Happiest Place on Earth." We talk about how they put the book together, Martha's time as a tour guide at Disneyland and her leadership roles in the Walt Disney Company. Get a copy of "Groundbreaking Magic" wherever you buy books and don't forget to post a review! We think you are going to love reading Martha's story.

Dr. Nathan Todd is a professor of psychology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He spoke to Community Voices about his research on how Christian faith communities become and live out being open and inclusive to the LGBTQIA+ community.

A holiday reception is scheduled for the Dana-Thomas House on Dec. 6. Caren Mansfield with the Dana-Thomas House Foundation spoke to Community Voices about the event which is a fundraiser for the home's renovations. For tickets and more information visit: https://dana-thomas.org/?event=dana-thomas-house-foundation-holiday-reception&event_date=2024-12-06

"The Election is Over. Now What?" That was the name of the panel discussion held by the UIS School of Politics and International Affairs, featuring UIS professors Matthew Geras, Isabel Skinner and Jason Pierceson. Jennifer Fuller from Capitol News Illinois moderated the discussion which provided analysis on the outcome of the election and what we are likely to see in future elections.

A staple of the holiday season, the Salvation Army's red kettles are stationed at the entrance of numerous stores, but the organization is seeking more volunteers to draw attention to those kettles by ringing bells. Salvation Army Envoy Jeff Eddy and board member Michael Thomas spoke to Community Voices and explained how people can volunteer and how donations are distributed in Springfield.

The University of Illinois Springfield School of Politics and International Affairs and the Center for State Policy and Leadership hosted a panel discussion titled, “Foreign Affairs in the 2024 U.S. Election and Beyond,” which featured UIS professors Adriana Crocker and Ali Nizamuddin, along with assistant professors Brandon Bolte and Isabel Skinner from the School of Politics and International Affairs. AJ Simmons, research director for the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership, moderated the event. The panel discussed the state of foreign affairs and how the U.S. might respond in the future during a second Trump presidency.

Kathy Lamsargis is the author of the book “Marbles in a Fishbowl,” which details her memories with her grandparents and the life lessons they shared. Lamsargis spoke to Community Voices about her inspiration for the book, how it can be incorporated into classroom lessons and the importance of sharing stories.For more information on the book visit: https://kathylamsargis.net/

Yoga in the classroom could become a weekly occurrence for Illinois students as Senate Bill 2872 goes into effect on January 1, 2025. The bill provides instruction on relaxation activities which will be incorporated weekly for 20 minutes in Illinois schools. Dr. Jennifer Martin and Dr. Alex Wolfe spoke to Community Voices about the bill, how teachers can incorporate relaxation practices in the classroom and the physiology behind exercise and meditation that lead to increased academic achievement.

The Citizens Club of Springfield convened in November with a panel of political reporters to discuss the 2024 election and what it means. The panel featured retired reporter and columnist for The State Journal-Register Bernie Schoenburg, Illinois Times reporter Scott Reeder and Peter Hancock from Capitol News Illinois. The discussion was moderated by Kent Redfield, professor emeritus from the University of Illinois Springfield.

First Night Springfield is celebrating its 38th anniversary on New Year's Eve. The annual event is an alcohol-free event, providing family-friendly fun with craft activities, music, comedy and more. Executive Director Bella Szabo spoke to Community Voices about the event and what visitors can expect at the four venues in downtown Springfield hosting First Night including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, The Hoogland Center for the Arts, The Dana-Thomas House and Union Square Park. For a list of all the activities and ticket information visit: springfieldartsco.org/first-night