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.

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.

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.