When David Fraccaro and Clauda Kabanyana host "Becoming Neighbors," they're taking part in a unique and messy exercise of hope and potential. So what exactly are the risks and rewards of exploring our differences?

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with the people behind the quarterly gathering that brings people together in a particularly unintuitive way: by drawing out our disagreements.

This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, 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 Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate
• Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing
• E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES
• Pizza, etc: Windmill Grille
• Dementia Care Services: Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services
• Exterior and Interior Contractor: 212° Construction Group
• Home & Auto Insurance: Tyler Nelson – Country Financial
• 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.

Joanne Spitz is the co-chair of CHIP IN Batavia, a non-profit that works to ensure every child in our town has the opportunity to thrive - from basic necessities to prom dresses and college laptops.

But Joanne's story isn't just about helping others belong. It's also about her own journey to find her place in Batavia over the past 32 years. In this conversation, we'll hear how a shy newcomer became a pillar of the community, mobilizing an entire town to care for its most vulnerable members. We'll explore the delicate balance between offering help and preserving dignity, and how small acts of kindness can transform lives.

This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, 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 Clemens, @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.

Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church, located just east of the river off of N. Washington Avenue and currently pastored by Rev. David J. Seymour, wasn't created in a vacuum - it was founded based on a need for black Batavians to have a place to go where they felt safe, comfortable, and accepted.

On this episode of Area Code: Batavia, a conversation with two long-time members of the church, Ruth and Edward Tousana, about their lives in Batavia, how they adapted to the challenges they and their community faced, and how they helped create spaces of belonging for others in their community.

This season of Area Code: Batavia is brought to you by Kristine Clemens, 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 Clemens, @properties Christie's International Real Estate
• Plumbing: Bulldog Plumbing
• E-Bike Rental and Sales: BOJ-E-BIKES
• The Batavia Paranormal Investigation Squad
• 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.