Vanessa Ferguson

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

The Flower Factor is a new floral design business located at 401 South Grand Avenue West in Springfield. Owners Henry Chronister and Asif Chronister spoke to Community Voices about the flower shop, how they split up running the business, designing floral arrangements for royalty and plans for expansion into selling tropical plants and fish.To learn more about the Flower Factor visit: https://theflowerfactorllc/

The UIS Alumni SAGE Society and the Illinois State Historical Society recently hosted a presentation titled “Illinois Rejects Slavery,” featuring Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Dr. Caroline Kisiel. The presentation discussed the summer of 1824 in Illinois when the Illinois General Assembly was on the brink of changing the state constitution to permit slavery outright. Dr. Kisiel explained the sentiments at the time from both abolitionists and enslavers. She also shared how despite Illinois being a free state, slavery found its way within the state's borders.

Dr. Careyana Brenham is a physician, professor and Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education at SIU School of Medicine. She also helps coordinate the SIU Gender Equity and Transgender Clinic. She spoke to Community Voices about her interest in medicine and teaching students to care for patients. She also explained how the Gender Equity and Transgender Clinic is helping the LGBTQ+ community, not only in Illinois, but in surrounding states as well.

Dr. Jessica Ostermeier is the owner of Ball-Chatham Veterinary Services. She spoke to Community Voices about her practice that focuses on creating a calm environment for anxious pets. She also shared how she's hoping to help students entering a career in veterinarian medicine and how pet owners can use preventative measures to keep their furry friends healthy and happy.