Area Code: Batavia

On this episode, a live episode from Sturdy Shelter's Cozy-Fest featuring former writer, poet, and former Hearth & Hammer owner, Annie Scholl, and co-owners of Bocaditos, Juliana Cancelo and Silvia Sanchez.

In the first part, I talked to Annie about what it's like to cultivate a cozy aesthetic after the closing of Hearth & Hammer, and what she's been up to afterward.

Then, I spoke to Juliana and Silvia about the unique challenge of creative a place of safety and comfort while also managing complicated family history and dynamics.

Finally, we bring everyone together to discuss how best to experience emotional safety, comfort, and coziness in the context of our local community.

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

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

Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to 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:

• Free access to quarterly live shows.
• Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
• Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
• 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Mentioned in this episode:

212 Construction Group

Today on the show, I’m at the Valley Shelter Workshop—or VSW—talking to their Executive Director, Hugo Saltijeral.

The reality is, for the employees Hugo works with at VSW, many of whom are adults with cognitive disabilities, work is less of a burden and more of a gift. For them, work isn't just a means to an end. It's belonging.

Hugo's the type of person that sees open doors everywhere, and seems to get his energy from the opportunities they represent. His approach is really a personification of Batavia, a town the calls itself the city of energy.

It's a personification I sometimes struggle to relate to. Is work really a gift? How energizing can it really be? And what does it mean to give others the opportunity to do something that so many of us try to avoid?

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

Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to 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:

• Free access to quarterly live shows.
• Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
• Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
• 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Mentioned in this episode:

212 Construction Group

What makes Batavia "Batavia"? We often talk about our town’s identity as if it’s a permanent fixture—a "vibe" we inherited. But a closer look at our history reveals that our reputation for being on the "right side of history" wasn't an accident or a guarantee. It was a series of individual and cultural habits.

In this episode, I sit down with Kate Garrett, Director of the Batavia Depot Museum, to trace the lineage of Batavia’s civic character. From the radical abolitionist roots of the 1840s to the fair housing battles of the 1960s, we explore how Batavia has chosen a path of belonging (and where Batavia wavered)—and why that choice is more fragile than we think.

Pictured in the cover art is B. C. Yates, the anti-slavery Kane County Sheriff who won election in 1848 with support of the Liberty Party, James Stewart, whose father was the first Black person to own property in Batavia and who was a Civil War veteran of the USCT 29th, and the Congregational Church, where the original Kane County Anti-Slavery Society was formed.

Our next live show: Cozy in Community will be February 21st at 5pm at Sturdy Shelter. Join us for a chill, warm, inviting get together as part of Sturdy Shelter's Cozy Fest. Save the date and set aside your favorite PJs! 630 Members get free entry for themselves and a guest. For all others, tickets are available for $10 at the door via cash or Venmo.

Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to 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:

• Free access to quarterly live shows.
• Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
• Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
• 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

It's not easy to make a difference. So often our attempts to make the world a better place are pushing against strong headwinds - there are cultural forces in the world and in our nation that simply make any attempt at good deeds seem fruitless.

And that can lead to discouragement, or burnout, or worse - cynicism that anything can be done at all.

Today on the podcast, I spoke to Kathy Evangelista, the executive director of Batavia United Way about how she persists in carrying out the kind of work that, in this moment, seems to me to be designed to be an uphill battle

This week, Join Batavia United Way as we celebrate Dolly Parton’s 80th birthday with a week of fun, music, community events—and meaningful impact! Dolly’s Birthday Extravaganza runs January 17–24 and features fun, meaningful ways for all ages to participate—whether you’re dancing, hunting, playing trivia, or simply giving back. Every dollar raised supports Batavia’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library, delivering free, high-quality books to local children from birth to age five. Find out more here.

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

1. Free access to our February 21st "Cozyfest" Live Show at Sturdy Shelter
2. Fill in those AC: Batavia off-weeks with episodes of our bonus podcast, "The Batavia Insider" featuring ways to cope with Batavia winters, Kathy's favorite things in Batavia, and more.
3. Complimentary perks from local businesses.

Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to 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:

• Free access to quarterly live shows.
• Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
• Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
• 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

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.

Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to 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:

• Free access to quarterly live shows.
• Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
• Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
• 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. 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

Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to 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:

• Free access to quarterly live shows.
• Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
• Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
• 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. 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.

Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to 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:

• Free access to quarterly live shows.
• Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
• Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
• 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. 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!)

A few weeks ago, Paula Mueller, the owner of Paula’s Couture Consignment dropped a bombshell - she would be giving up ownership of Paula’s.

But this announcement came with another announcement: Paula’s now has a new owner, long-time Paula’s employee, and entrepreneur herself, Amanda Mistretta. 

I’ve talked to Paula before for this podcast, and I was struck by just how important Paula’s was to so many when it comes to their sense of belonging in Batavia. And not just to her customers, but to Paula herself. 

So when I heard this news I knew I had to talk to Paula’s and Amanda about exactly how this came to be, how Paula prepared herself to give up her own creation, and how Amanda moved past the inevitable imposter syndrome to step into this new stage of her own life. 

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 (coming soon!).

Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to 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:

• Free access to quarterly live shows.
• Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
• Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
• 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. 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!)

This week, we're dropping a bonus episode to hold you over until our next main installment!

We're sharing two segments from our exclusive bonus content series, Batavia Favs. This series is an ongoing feature for members of our official membership community, The 630, where guests share their favorite places, events, and activities in Batavia, Illinois.

Featured in this episode:

• Talitha Mueller (The Popcorn Depot) shares her favorite seasonal activities, the one event she never misses, and the one quality about Batavia she hopes never changes.
• Brittany Sabatino (Arlo.Hendrix) shares her go-to advice for newcomers, the importance of shopping local, and the best place to find inspiration in Batavia.

Join The 630 Community - Gain access to more Batavia Favs segments, behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive hangouts, and complimentary local perks (coming soon!).

Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to 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:

• Free access to quarterly live shows.
• Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
• Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
• 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.

Just in time for Bat Fest, it's the live recording of our Spooky Season Celebration hosted at Sturdy Shelter.

This episode features:

• A conversation about Bat Fest with Kristen Desler and Beth Walker from Main Street
• A True Crime Mystery featuring the Batavia Paranormal Investigation Squad
• A conversation with Zach Sage, the mastermind behind the Halloween display, Midnight on Morton.

Every year, Zach pairs his Halloween display with a drive for Animal House Shelter. If you pay them a visit, consider making a donation.

Have a hot take, a story we should know, or a question? Simply click this link to leave us a voice message. You can record right from your phone - no need to download a special app or anything like that. And you don’t need to be polished. Just keep it under a minute or so.

Subscribe to our newsletter for updates about Area Code: Batavia and to 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:

• Free access to quarterly live shows.
• Off-week episodes of our bonus podcast, “The Batavia Insider”.
• Influence future Area Code: Batavia content. Your voice will help guide future topics and interviews.
• 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. Our associate producer and co-host is Alexa Swidenbank. Edited and mixed by Cray Allred. Additional production help from Jennifer Clark.