Area Code: Batavia

Today's episode features the second conversation from our City Council series, with Jennifer Baerren and Christopher Solfa, alderpersons from Ward 1. Ward 1 is a unique blend of the old and the new. There are decades-old neighborhoods occupied by young families who just moved here. This range of residents - newcomers and established residents - young families, and settled retirees - can present so...

The closing of Berkley Finer Foods left a hole on Batavia's east side. But what seemed like a community loss quickly turned into a win with the arrival of Cinco De Mayo Market. For this episode, I spoke to Daisy Parra about her family's whirlwind transition from running a bakery to a full-scale grocery store and what it means to bring their distinctly Hispanic approach from Aurora to a town with a...

This episode is a conversation with Brittany Sabatino, the owner of Arlo. Hendrix . A store that carries children’s clothes, toys, and accessories, Arlo. Hendrix is located in the heart of The Mercantile. Between the candy and the candles, The Mercantile in general is an inherently bright experience, but for Brittany, brightness seems to be a primary value for her shop. There’s a distinct positivi...

This week, we're kicking off a brand new series that we'll be running throughout the year. Every so often I hope to share a new conversation with aldermen and alderwomen from various wards in Batavia. We'll go beyond typical policy discussions and get them talking about the human element of city governance – and how they personally interact with the challenges and opportunities that tend to come u...

Introducing Area Code: Batavia's new community, The 630 . This isn't just about supporting a podcast; it's about becoming part of a community dedicated to fostering a deeper sense of belonging right here in Batavia. As a member of The 630, you'll not only help sustain this vital community effort, but you'll also gain: Exclusive bonus audio Influence on future Area Code: Batavia content An online c...

On the day this episode is released, Batavia kicks off Boo Boo Days. For me, Boo Boo Days is a new concept, a sort of quaint and slightly bizarre throwback that just started a few years ago. But the reality is, Boo Boo Days originated decades ago and played a crucial role in the origin of the Windmill Festival.  But what really interests me is the whole concept of this oddly named celebration...

Just before the pandemic, Chris Otepka helped open Riverside Pizza and Pub in his hometown of Batavia with a few of his friends. Now he's helping run it. But most of his adult life, Chris Otepka was a touring musician. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I speak with Chris about his long journey back home, what he learned about himself and Batavia while traveling the country, and his consistent...

It's not easy to live in Batavia while remaining unaware of its historical roots. Around here, it's talked about a lot. But what does this history really mean for a town in the here and now? According to Depot Museum Director Kate Garrett, Batavia's appreciation for its own history provides opportunity for what she calls "pro-social behaviors." And it turns out, those kinds of behaviors ultimately...

From landscape to architecture, spaces matter. And for Josephine Tucci, creating spaces that inspire belonging is a lifelong pursuit that started with museums and continued into the Batavia Library. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the executive director of the Batavia Public Library about the winding career path that brought her to Batavia, her love of landscapes, and in...

Some, who make grand claims of being self-made, might see their success as being a result of their own hard work. But Scott Beltran openly acknowledges the many people who have come alongside him to help make Daddio's a reality. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of Daddio's Diner about those in his family and community who have helped make Daddio's the staple in...

The stakes are high. Every year, an entirely new group of entrepreneurs set up shop on the corner of Wilson and River street, each one with their own idea of what it means to thrive in Batavia. And by the end of the season, they'll have a very real sense of just how likely their business is to succeed. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, we talk to the 2025 slate of Batavia Boardwalk Shops abou...

There's no new episode in your feed today because we're working fast to turn around a special Opening Day Boardwalk Shops episode. That episode will release this Friday. Thanks! Subscribe to our newsletter to be updated about Area Code: Batavia and find out when new episodes are available. Join The 630 t o support this podcast and our mission to create a stronger sense of belonging in our communit...

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...

This episode was first published on March 8, 2024. 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 t...

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Zen Loft Collective, a collection of wellness spaces located in the heart of downtown Batavia . Register now to receive $20 off a class or package with the code AREACODE. Kelly Vida has always dreamed of creating a supportive community space for women. When the chance to turn her aspirations into reality presented itself, she jumped at the opportu...

Before Paula Mueller started Paula’s Couture Consignment, she was a stay at home mom, and a self-described 'follower'. But after a painful period in her life, she found the courage to pursue her passion for fashion and establish a business that doubles as a safe haven. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of Paula's Couture Consignment about how she transformed her...

Jo Colagiacomi and Jay Weichun are not afraid to dream. When they moved to the midwest, they brought with them a dream of a vegan bakery that opened its doors to all, vegan or not. Now they're living that dream. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, I spoke to Jo Colagiacomi about how she combined her conviction, her passion for food, and her investment in local community to create something that...

This is part two of a pair of conversations with the Batavia Mayoral candidates. You can h ear our conversation with mayoral challenger, Tom Connelly, in the previous episode . Since 1981, Mayor Jeff Schielke has been a fixture in the community of Batavia, drawing on a rich tapestry of historical knowledge passed down through six generations. With an unwavering commitment to his hometown's heritag...

For the next two episodes, we'll be featuring a pair of conversations with the Batavia Mayoral candidates. In 2018, Tom Connelly found a home in the community of Batavia. And from the beginning, he set out to make a difference in his town through local government. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, we speak to the attorney and former alderman about his experience of finding belonging, and what...

As we round out our end of the year coverage, I thought it would be a good idea to take a look back at last year and at the podcast since it began one year ago. On this episode, I revisit the five (okay, six) most popular episodes of the year, and talk through the ways each conversation impacted me personally as a Batavia resident. This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbin...

In 2024 there were new businesses, a new mayoral challenger, tornadoes, mysterious foam, and unnerving things in the walls. It can be easy to forget how much has happened in a year, so we thought it would be a good idea to set aside some time to take a look back. This episode: Sam Kraft, the man behind Tri-Cities Central , returns to the podcast to discuss the biggest events, developments, and sto...

For Steve Warrenfeltz, starting a record store was a lifelong dream. Once he shared that dream with a friend, it became inescapable. And after more than 30 years, Steve and his friend, Mike, made that dream a reality. On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the owner of Kiss The Sky about why he chose Batavia as the home of Kiss The Sky, the ups and downs of the record store bus...

It's the busiest shopping weekend of the year, and shopping local isn't just a worthy cause: it's a great way to get more meaningful gifts for those you love. This week, we go holiday shopping in the heart of downtown Batavia with former guest, Jamie Saam. Listen in as we walk-and-talk about the myriad of options for everyone in your life. As a co-founder of Start Something Studio and Batavia nati...

This week, I welcome Sam Kraft, the publisher behind Tri-Cities Central to the podcast to discuss Thanksgiving traditions in Batavia, specific opportunities to experience belong in the area during the holidays, and what we Batavians have to be thankful for this year. Tri-Cities Central is an absolutely essential newsletter for listeners of this podcast who want to stay connected to and in the know...

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 Batavia is really as special as this podcast migh...