After receiving so much support from his community as a high school student, Dennis Piron felt obligated to succeed. But after trying his hand in the business world, he quickly realized that giving back to Batavia was the best way to find fulfillment. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I spoke to the Batavia High School football and track and field coach about his unique philosophy of coaching, the reasons behind his decision to leave his job in Chicago and return to Batavia, and what the future holds after he moves on from his current position.This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a walking tour with local sculptor and art booster, Bill McGrath. As a board member of Water Street Studios and a former city administrator, Bill is the ideal person to lead us through downtown and walk us through the unique artistic landscape that makes up the downtown environment. Feel free to listen to this episode as a traditional podcast, but you'll get even more out of it if you walk along with us. Just head down to River street and hit play around Pal Joeys and we'll let you know where to go from there. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES Pizza, etc: Windmill Grille Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

We might take the Batavia Creamery for granted now, but its fate wasn't always so cut and dry. After working as a Baskin Robbins franchisee, Kirk Jansons wanted to sell ice cream on his own terms. But challenges with the bridge and COVID threw the whole thing into question. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of the Batavia Creamery about creating a space where everyone feels welcome, balancing work with family life, and how he's relied on the community he serves to keep going. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Bridget Johnson, a Cuban immigrant, and Thomas Freeman, a Chicago south-side native, shared a dream. But their perspectives on that dream have been drastically different. And complimentary collaboration is exactly what makes Red Hive Market work so well. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with Bridget and Tom about creating a diverse community of artisans, a place that felt for home for their customers, and how they made it through challenging times like the COVID pandemic. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES Pizza, etc: Windmill Grille Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Hey everybody. We're dropping into your feed on an off week to let you know about a new segment: "Settling In." On each installment of "Settling In," we'll be diving deeper into what it means to make Batavia home,  with insights and advice from our title sponsor, local real estate expert, Kristine Clemens of @Properties Christies International Real Estate.For the next few months, you'll hear each 2-3 minute installment of Settling In on every episode of Area Code: Batavia. I'll be talking with Kristine about how she and the people she helped find homes in Batavia have managed to make our community feel more and more like a home. But to start, I wanted to introduce you to Christine herself... Take a listen!This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.

Walk around Batavia's downtown and you'll see a host of women-led businesses, of all kinds. But it wasn't always this way. It happened because of people like Start Something Studio's Jamie Saam, who put collaboration and mutual support ahead of a solely competitive mindset. In addition to being the owner of Bulldog Plumbing and the co-founder of Start Something Studios, Jamie is consistently leaning into community leadership and volunteer opportunities. In this episode, we talk to Jamie Saam about her journey to being a Batavia community leader, how she balances the tensions that come with getting a project off the ground, and what happens when, despite her energetic tendencies, personal tragedy forced her to slow down. This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Real Estate Broker: Kristine Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES Pizza, etc: Windmill Grille Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

As we continue to explore the significance of flags in the Batavia community, we talk about the origins and impact of the Batavia Community flag, and the Unity Pride flag, relatively new symbols in the town. Featured on this episode: Flag expert Marty Callahan, chair of the Batavia flag design contest committee High school student Rachel Agro, designer of the Batavia Community flagHigh school graphic design teacher Kathleen Tieri Ton, who helped helped educate students and others in the community about how they can help bring a Batavia community flag to life. Kathleen is also the teacher sponsor for the BHS Pride Alliance. Council member Dan Chanzit, Batavia's first openly gay City Council member, who was integral in the Unity Pride flag being raised at City Hall. This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Commercial Real Estate: BEI Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

The day this episode is released, June 14th, is Flag Day, and it's the first Flag Day to be observed at Batavia's brand new Flag Day Monument. Meanwhile, across the lawn of the Pegbond Center, a few other flags are flying.What is it about flags that instills such reverence in those whose community they represent?And what role do flags play in this community? Over the course of two episodes this month, I'll ask these questions of a variety of people and share their point of view. This week I spoke to Marty Callahan, Linda Sheilke, and Austin Dempsey about the American flag, the designation of Flag Day, and Batavia's monument to Flag Day.This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Recommended BusinessesThese are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.Commercial Real Estate: BEI Real Estate Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing Marketing Agency: Plimsoll Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information. Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark, and edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

When Austin Dempsey had the opportunity to step into a long-term leadership role in the family business, he took it. But in the face of a global pandemic, he recognized how investing in Batavia's community would pay off for everyone in the long run. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the CEO of BEI Commercial Real Estate about the significance of spaces to foster community, Batavia's culture of collaboration, and how Batavia's rich history results in a culture of mutual support. This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Every year, an entirely new group of entrepreneurs set up shop on the corner of Wilson and River street, with their hearts set of finding a home and community in Batavia. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, we talk to all the boardwalk shop owners about their hopes for their time in Batavia, what led them here, and what it means to be part of the boardwalk shops community.The Boardwalk Shops featured in this episode are:Scout and GemBig Bear GlassesJodi Mac Sweets and TreatsNeighbors Grid ShopSince Seventy FiveHome and Garden ProvisionsBewitching BrewsHome Run Hot Dogs and LemonadeMorbid MomentosSeapeak StyleThis season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Craig Foltos grew up in Batavia, cleaning his Dad's barber shop. He has almost never ventured outside of the town where he was raised (once he stayed overnight in Warrenville). But when his dad died, Craig had to come to terms with his fate, as a barber, as a Batavian, and as a consistent presence in a constantly changing town. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor about inheriting his dad's barber shop, what it was like living in Batavia his entire life, and how he spearheaded the Batavia "Peace Bridge". This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

A "blind date" between two beer aficionados. A day spent praying and fasting. A wedding invitation with a familiar passage. A pre-designed logo featuring a familiar building. These are just some of the serendipitous moments that lead to Sturdy Shelter Brewing, and that made the founding of the brewery in Batavia, IL seem almost fated. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, recorded live in front of an audience, a conversation with Frank, Diane, and Oliver about the hopes, dreams, prayers, and fasting that led them to launch a brewery with a specific, unique focus on the "spirituality of hospitality."This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

When Juliana Cancelo's mom, Sylvia Sanchez had a dream of Batavians craving empanadas, Juliana was skeptical. But it took a change of perspective to realize that her mom's dream could also be an act of empathy and resistance. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation Juliana Cancelo, one-half of the Bocaditos founding duo, about the counter-cultural vision behind their Argentian cafe, her unique vision of home, and how she deals with grumpy patrons. This season of Area Code: Batavia is presented by BEI Real Estate. Visit their website for available spaces at www.beicre.com or reach out directly: 630-879-3680.This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

When Tyler and Natalie Anderson set out to start their own barbershop in Batavia, they knew they wanted to make it their own.On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the co-owners of Beardsgaard Barbers about why they chose Batavia to host their vision, and why they're so passionate about creating a barbershop as a place to belong. Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Building on a successful candle-business, Ariane Scholl wanted to create a space that was welcoming, people-oriented, and comfortable. And with her new location, she found a place perfectly situated to accomodate anyone. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I talked to Ariane (who also goes by Annie) about the tensions between creating a space that feels like home and a space that challenges us to strive for something more, even in the midst of coziness.Special thanks to our sponsor: The Batavia Chamber of Commerce. Area Code: Batavia is looking for sponsors who are interested in supporting our vision of creating a deeper sense of belonging and investment in the community. If you’d like to discuss how you can get your message in front of Batavia’s most engaged consumers, reach out for more info: richard@areacodeaudio.com.Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.Mentioned in this episode:Chamber Midroll

Fernando Martinez is everywhere. He spends most of his time running his business all over town. But how does one feel a sense of belonging when they're always moving from place to place?On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I talk to Fernando Martinez about the tension between tradition and progress, and how that tension applies to Mexican food, business ownership, and Batavia itself. Special thanks to our sponsor: The Batavia Chamber of Commerce. Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.Mentioned in this episode:Chamber Midroll

Joy and Leah had a dream of running a thriving community space. When the chance to turn their aspirations into reality presented itself, Leah and Joy jumped at the opportunity.On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the co-owners of Limestone Coffee and Tea about how their friendship began, their experience in Batavia, and the road that led to Limestone. Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark with additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Coming this February, a podcast about what it means to belong in Batavia, IL.