On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I'm talking to Bonnie Baumgartner and Jessica Jecmen from Water Street Studios, Batavia's community art center.

Batavia has a reputation as being the "artsy" sibling of Geneva and St. Charles, a direct result of people taking active interest in giving artistic work and artistic communities a home. The reality is, without Water Street Studios, and the people who gave their money and time to make it possible, Batavia would be a lot less creative, and honestly? A lot more boring.

But what happens when that art is weird or jarring? And how do you get everyone to not only see the value of public art, but agree on what should be painted on the outside walls of our shared community spaces?

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by 212° Construction Group.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Meadowcrafters.

Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available.

Join The 630 to support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our community. Members will receive:

1. Free access to quarterly live shows.
2. Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
3. Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
4. Regular opportunities to meet up in person with fellow Batavians who share your passion for our town and want to build stronger bonds.

Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Mentioned in this episode:

212 Construction Group

I'm excited to share with you the first episode of Kids These Days, a podcast we've been working on with Batavia Public Schools that listeners to this podcast will love.

New episodes will release every month on this feed, but to get them the day they drop, subscribe to the podcast here. Enjoy!

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In our premiere episode of Kids These Days, BPS 101 Superintendent Tom Kim brings together two Batavians from very different chapters of life for an unscripted conversation about what it means to plan for the future.

High school senior Kush Adhvaryu is joined by Craig Foltos, lifelong resident and owner of Foltos Tonsorial Parlor, to discuss the potential of a career in finance, how their generations get their news, and the generational divide around "work-life balance".

From the influence of favorite teachers to the importance of building community connections, this episode explores the "Portrait of a Graduate" in action and what happens when we take the time to slow down and learn from one another.

Kids These Days is a podcast from Batavia Public School District 101, produced in partnership with Area Code: Batavia. New episodes every month.

For more information about all the great things BPS101 is doing, sign up for our newsletter.

To contact us about the episode or recommend a future guest, email us at help@bps101.net.

Hey neighbor! As we prepare to launch a new podcast from Batavia Public Schools, Kids These Days, we're revisiting one of my favorite episodes: a conversation with Superintendent (and Kids These Days host) Tom Kim. Subscribe to Kids These Days here.

Batavia Public School Superintendent Tom Kim was forced to grow up fast. But as a second generation immigrant surrounded by family, teachers, and mentors willing to help him achieve his goals, he found his place in the world. Now, he's looking to do his same for Batavia's children.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with Tom Kim about his early aspirations, the unique community focus of Batavia, and why he almost left education for good.

Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available.

Join The 630 to support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our community. Members will receive:

1. Free access to quarterly live shows.
2. Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
3. Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
4. Regular opportunities to meet up in person with fellow Batavians who share your passion for our town and want to build stronger bonds.

Area Code: Batavia is always looking for sponsors. Click here for more information.

Area Code: Batavia is produced by Area Code Audio. It's hosted and produced by Richard Clark. Edited and mixed by Matt Linder. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Mentioned in this episode:

212 Construction Group