It was just a few years ago that local businessman, Austin Dempsey, and local artist, Joe Gagnepain, brainstormed about an arts center in Batavia (see “Someone you should know…” below). Two years later Water Street Studios opened. On the heels of that development has come the auditorium addition to Batavia High School. The result was a spectacular theatre to rival the best theatres in the area. So spectacular, in fact, that it has taken on an institutional life of its own, called Batavia Fine Arts Centre, complete with a full-time director, Dominic Cattero. Last year’s Bulldogs fundraiser was an adventure in commissioned art, involving many groups and individuals in the community. The artistically appointed “Bulldogs” adorned the streets with a pronouncement that Batavia is now a city of energy and art. Throughout the mild weather months residents gather at the newly renovated Peg Bond Performing Arts Pavilion for concerts, exhibits, and community events.

Pictured above, “Manual Dexterity,” a wire and paper sculpture by Waterstreet Studios artist Sharon Sychta. The work was displayed in the Second Anniversary Show and earned an Honorable Mention. Photo by Michael Barton, Indigo Photographic.

Snow and ice could be in the future

Be prepared! Find all the rules here.

MainStreet House Walk wins award

Hard work and a great event wins Batavia some recognition. Find more to do downtown.

Taxes, jobs and solutions

Looking at the “misery index”—find out what it means here.

New learning series

Don’t miss the Batavia Chamber of Commerce’ outstanding learning series beginning January 12 with Lunch & Learn and January 19, Community Leadership—meet your local city officials.

Who’s who and what’s what at the Library

Many organizations help to make the Batavia Public Library the first-class community resource it is.

Bulldog Champions and becoming a freshman

A recap of the Bulldog’s championship season and tips for the incoming Class of 2016.

Someone you should know…

How did an historic downtown building get ‘re-purposed’ into a thriving art center?

League of Women Voters candidate forums update

As the election year gets into full swing, find out how you can meet the candidates in “Around the Block.”

Tri-Cities Family Services launches “Teens Won’t Wait” project

TriCity Family Services Teens Won't Wait Project kicks off Fri., Jan. 27 with a reception from 4–7pm. How to help.

The Quarry gets ready for summer

The Quarry’s renovation project is almost complete. See the progress here.

Meet your Batavia Township government

Over the next few months explore this oft overlooked unit of government and meet your elected officials.

Limestone Coffee & Tea prepares for relocation

Read all about it in “Nuggets.”

Resolutions

When is being generous being selfish?.

Batavia has a lot to look forward to

Welcoming 2012 from Mayor Schielke.

Small grants, huge results

The Batavia Foundation for Educational Excellence awarded 13 grants in the fall of 2011. Find out what they were and accept an invitation to make excellence happen!