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 business, and why belonging in Batavia can be so difficult for an army kid.

This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Hartman, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.

Recommended Businesses

These are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.

• Real Estate Broker: Kristine Hartman, @properties Christie's International Real Estate
• Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing
• Marketing Agency: Plimsoll

Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.

Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information.

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

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 native (and owner of AC: Batavia sponsor, Bulldog Plumbing), Jamie has gotten to know numerous local small businesses, and she has a ton of ideas for local gifts. Stuff like Batavia merch, bowl cozies, ugly pasta, and yes, meat-flavored bubbles.

For more gift ideas, check out the Main Street Batavia Holiday Gift Guide.

This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Hartman, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.

Recommended Businesses

These are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.

• Real Estate Broker: Kristine Hartman, @properties Christie's International Real Estate
• Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing
• Marketing Agency: Plimsoll

Subscribe to our newsletter and to never miss new episodes and receive a weekly list of 5 concrete ways to experience a deeper sense of belonging in Batavia.

Area Code: Batavia is currently looking for sponsors, especially at our partner tier. Click here for more information.

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

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 about their communities.

I'm a huge fan. I read pretty much every single issue, and it's the perfect compliment to what we're doing at AC: Batavia. Subscribe here.

Events and opportunities mentioned in this episode:

• Fox and the Turkey Run
• Celebration of Lights Festival
• Fox Valley Nutcracker at the Batavia Fine Arts Center
• Indoor Farmer's Market at Grainology
• Holiday Homes Tour in Tanglewood
• No More Mooseheart Holiday Lights Show :-(
• Santa's Rockin Lights at Kane County Cougars Stadium
• Friendsgiving at Sturdy Shelter Brewing
• Geneva Christmas Walk
• St. Charles Holiday Homecoming

This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Hartman, a Real Estate Broker with @properties Christie's International Real Estate. For more information and to see how much your home is worth text HOME to 630-797-8421.

This episode of Area Code: Batavia is sponsored by Bulldog Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call: 630-313-9109.

Recommended Businesses

These are the amazing local businesses that make Area Code: Batavia possible. These businesses are more than just sponsors; they're invested in our community and share our vision for a vibrant, connected Batavia.

• Real Estate Broker: Kristine Hartman, @properties Christie's International Real Estate
• Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing
• Marketing Agency: Plimsoll