To commemorate Area Code: Batavia's 20th episode, I've invited our collaborators, Ben Wydra and Lauren Purdy from Plimsoll, to take a look back on what the stories we heard in the previous episodes of the podcast meant to us, and what they mean for our community. We talk about how COVID disrupted and deepened the stories of so many, whether or not …

When David Fraccaro and Claudia Kabanyana host "Becoming Neighbors," they're taking part in a unique and messy exercise of hope and potential. So what exactly are the risks and rewards of exploring our differences? On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the people behind the quarterly gathering that brings people together in a p…

Joanne Spitz is the co-chair of CHIP IN Batavia, a non-profit that works to ensure every child in our town has the opportunity to thrive - from basic necessities to prom dresses and college laptops. But Joanne's story isn't just about helping others belong. It's also about her own journey to find her place in Batavia over the past 32 years. In this…

Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church, located just east of the river off of N. Washington Avenue and currently pastored by Rev. David J. Seymour, wasn't created in a vacuum - it was founded based on a need for black Batavians to have a place to go where they felt safe, comfortable, and accepted. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversati…

Emory & Henry University Vice President for Community Engagement & Economic Development, Theresa Burriss, interviews "outsider" artist, Jason "Jay" Flack, in this WEHC production. Jason's art exhibit, "The Flack Attack: Appalachian Battery," is featured at the William King Museum of Art in Abingdon, VA, from July 18, 2024 - January 19, 2025 (https:…

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 f…

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…

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…

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 div…

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…

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 St…

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, desi…

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…

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 abo…

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 th…

Monica Hoel and Ivy Sheppard made a road trip to Grundy, Virginia for a first-time visit to Mountain Mission School.Oleh WEHC

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 A…

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 episo…

Ivy S. Sheppard speaks with art majors Jasmine Wiles, Janey Nye, and Rachel Alatorre about their current student exhibition and their work as art students. This aired on WEHC on April 11, 2024.Oleh WEHC

Monica Hoel speaks with Jenny Kimmel about Sow Permaculture and the beginning of planting season. This aired on WEHC on February 1, 2024.Oleh WEHC

Caitlin Barker speaks to Amy Sorensen about the new section of Emory & Henry's Damer House that is opening for the Women & Gender Studies Department. This aired on WEHC on March 14, 2024.Oleh WEHC

Caitlin Barker speaks to Traci Harrison, Director of Admissions, about Admitted Students Day on the Emory Campus. This aired on WEHC on March 21, 2024.Oleh WEHC

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 cou…

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 belon…

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 th…

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, …

Caitlin Barker speaks with Dr. Kelley Bremner, Theatre Professor and Department Chair at Emory & Henry College, about the department's production of Mary Poppins. This aired on WEHC on February 15, 2024.Oleh WEHC

Caitlin Barker speaks with Catherine Shrinker, the executive director of the Wayne C. Henderson School of Appalachian Arts in Marion, Virginia. This aired on WEHC on January 25, 2024.Oleh WEHC

Caitlin Barker visits Rise Bakeshop in Abingdon, Virginia, to speak with the owners of the new shop located in the Abingdon Commons, Kylie and Devon Allen. This aired on WEHC on February 1, 2024.Oleh WEHC

Caitlin Barker speaks with multifaceted artists Beatrix Ost and Michelle Gagliano about their collaborative art exhibition, "I Could Have Been A Tree Instead." The exhibition is displayed through a partnership between Emory & Henry College and the William King Museum of Arts in Abingdon, Virginia. This aired on WEHC on February 8, 2024.…

This day sponsorship is in celebration of the life of Greg Vannoy, which aired on WEHC Emory and WISE-FM Wise, Saturday, February 17, 2024. Looking for a sweet way to support this great little radio station? Day Sponsorship is one of the best. For a donation of just $100 (or more) you can commemorate a special event or person with a personalized me…

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 r…

VAB 2023 Best Commercial, Shearer Car DonationOleh WEHC

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

Lisa York Nourishment: Art for the Soul & Sustenance Jan. 8, 2024 to Feb. 3, 2024 Artalk: Jan. 22, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. Emory & Henry College, Emory, Virginia https://www.ehc.edu/mca/mca-art-gallery/current-exhibition/Oleh WEHC

Leigh Anne Hunter speaks with Anthony Flaccavento about his talk concerning "Overcoming the Rural Urban Divide".Oleh WEHC

Alex Withers covers the event.Oleh WEHC

Ivy Sheppard talks about senior day at E&HOleh WEHC

Leigh Anne Hunter speaks with Col. John L. Bradley, III about the Veterans Day Celebration taking place at the Veterans Memorial Park in Abingdon, November 11, 2023.Oleh WEHC

Caitlin Barker speaks with Dr. Sarah Crockarell about "Old Turtle and the Broken Truth".Oleh WEHC

Caitlin Barker speaks with Natalie Chaffer about the choral concert, "Part of the Human Heart".Oleh WEHC

Brandon Cox talks with Dr. Teresa Keller about voter registration.Oleh WEHC

Ivy Sheppard speaks with Rachel Fogg about Sweetbriar-Phase II, affordable workforce housing in Abingdon, VA.Oleh WEHC

Caitlin Barker attends a celebration of the continued partnership between E&H Theater Department and the Barter Theater. This aired on WEHC on October 12, 2023.Oleh WEHC

Leigh Anne Hunter and Matthew Spencer speak about the SWVA Bowl, a football game played by E&H and UVA Wise. This aired on WEHC on October 5, 2023.Oleh WEHC

Alex Withers speaks with Autumn Vaughan about Bear Necessiteas & Coffee opening in Emory, VA. This aired on WEHC on October 5, 2023.Oleh WEHC

Caitlin Barkers speaks with Professor Patrice Fosters about the play, "All the Natalie Portmans", at the McGlothlin Center for the Arts. This aired on WEHC on September 28, 2023.Oleh WEHC

Washington County Sheriff Candidate-Rex Carter, League of Women Voters forum (September 28. 2023)Oleh WEHC

Washington County Commissioner of the Revenue Candidates, League of Women Voters (September 28, 2023)Oleh WEHC

Washington County Commonwealth Attorney Candidate-Josh Cumbo, League of Women Voters forum (September 28, 2023)Oleh WEHC