Welcome to 2026! It's been an eventful year in Batavia. There was a mayoral race, local business transitions, shocking revelations, and some controversial moves in city government.

We set aside some time to take a look back and talk through the biggest Batavia stories of the year and how these events have impacted our community.

This episode: Sam Kraft, the man behind Tri-Cities Central, returns to the podcast to discuss the biggest events, developments, and stories of the year in Batavia.

To hear us discuss our honorable mentions, join The 630 Community.

You'll also gain access to Batavia Favs segments, behind-the-scenes insights, free access for you and a friend to our live shows, and complimentary local perks from some of your favorite local spots.

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

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.

For this episode of Area Code: Batavia, former guests share their "George Baileys", people who have made a huge impact on them and their community just by existing. On this episode we hear from the following people in this order:

1. Batavia Bulldogs Football Team Head Coach, Dennis Piron
2. Becoming Neighbors host, Claudia Kabanyana
3. Beardsgaard's Natalie and Tyler Anderson
4. Bulldog Plumbing and Start Something's Jamie Saam
5. Mayor Jeff and Linda Sheilke
6. Chip In's Joanne Spitz
7. Area Code: Batavia Producer, Jennifer Clark
8. The Popcorn Depot's Talitha and Dave Mueller
9. Sturdy Shelter's Alexa Swidenbank
10. Becoming Neighbors host, David Fraccaro
11. Tri-Cities Central's Sam Kraft

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

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.

Take our listener survey to help shape the future of Area Code: Batavia. (and earn a chance to win $25 in Chamber Bucks!)

Is Batavia actually special, or is that just something we tell ourselves?

In this episode, I speak to Eileen Passero, Executive Director of the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, to explore how their work relates to Batavia's character and aspirations for itself.

We discuss why the old "box of mystery food" model is gone, how a "Client Choice" shopping experience restores dignity, and the incredible series of events—involving a stressed-out Eileen and a student driver—that led them to this specific building.

Join The 630 Community

Gain access to Batavia Favs segments, behind-the-scenes insights, free access for you and a friend to our live shows, and complimentary local perks from some of your favorite local businesses.

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

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.