In Batavia, Flags Are Symbols of Belonging
PLUS: How to see (and embrace) your community for what it is.
Hey neighbor!
This week I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to see things for what they are, and what it feels like to be seen.
Sometimes we can get stuck in our bubbles (our homes, our established friendships, or our limited experiences) and forget that even in Batavia there are worlds of people with entirely different experiences. I’ve come up with a few ideas below that might help with that.
But first, we’re rounding out our local exploration of flags with a conversation 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 flag
High 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.
You can listen below, and/or subscribe using whatever podcast app you’re most comfortable with. We’re available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and even YouTube, as well as our website.
Recommended Batavia Businesses
These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia. So when you’re looking for a specific service or product, you can rest assured you’re choosing one that’s both trustworthy and engaged in the community.
🏬 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
We’re always looking for more sponsors who are interested in sponsoring Area Code Audio. If you or your business is interested, you can find out more information here.
Special thanks to our title sponsor, BEI Commercial Real Estate.
BEI Real Estate are a one stop shop for all of your Real Estate Needs. They will find the property that fits your personal and business needs. They also offer a full-service commercial brokerage, third party management and municipal consulting services.
BEI’s investment in Batavia and what makes our town special make them the perfect sponsor for Area Code: Batavia.
Visit their website for available spaces and properties at www.beicre.com or contact us directly at 630-879-3680
5 Ways to Experience Belonging in Batavia This Week
In every issue of this newsletter, I offer up 5 ways to experience belonging in Batavia. These suggestions will run the gamut, from events to volunteer opportunities to every day moments that make you feel more connected to the place you live.
🎤 Pretend you’re hosting an episode of Area Code: Batavia. Invite an acquaintance to a local coffee shop or bar and just ask questions. Take some time to listen to someone whose life is different than yours.
📚 Drop everything and read this Sunday from 10am to 1pm. Bring a book to Hearth & Hammer (or buy a new one there), hang out in the lounge, and read with your fellow community members. There will be extra seating, coffee, and doughnuts.
🗞️ Subscribe to Tri-Cities Central. No, it’s not Batavia specific, but so much of what Sam Kraft covers with Tri-Cities Central keeps me up to date and in the know about a bunch of stuff that’s happening in Batavia. I’ve talked to enough people in the last week or so that haven’t heard of it that I figured I needed to bring it up here again. If you haven’t subscribed, you absolutely must.
🚶♀️Embrace a regular walking route. For a while I enjoyed the novelty of walking in all sorts of different directions on different days. But these days I’ve started to embrace the routine of walking the same route every day. (Across Clark island, past Paula’s, up the stairs, past City Hall, across the Peace Bridge, down Water Street, and back toward Clark island) You see the same buildings, the same landmarks, the same parts of nature, and sometimes, the same people. And after a while you start to recognize meaningful changes among all these things. Sometimes embracing the mundane can create a feeling of connection.
🥂 Go congratulate the three local businesses who just received some very good news! Sturdy Shelter, Limestone Coffee, and Sidecar Supper club were all just rewarded $10,000 to do some pretty cool stuff that will have an inherent impact on our community. Exciting times!
Think Your Water is Safe? Get a Backflow Test and Be Sure
Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Bulldog Plumbing Inc., a family-owned and operated business serving our community for years.
I'm not exactly a plumbing expert, so I had no idea what backflow testing was or why I needed it.
Turns out it's kind of like putting up a “DO NOT ENTER” sign in your pipes so nothing goes the wrong way and contaminates your water. Sounds pretty important to me.
If you need backflow testing, or anything else, like an energy-saving tankless water heater installed, give them a call to schedule an appointment: 630.313.9109.
See you next time!
Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. If you’d like to discuss how you or your organization can build connection and a sense of belonging through podcasting, reach out.