For the sixth year running, the Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles rolled out its annual online video series spotlighting some of the area’s top performers.

Launched on December 12, the Baker’s Dozen Holiday Festival features 13 free episodes published daily that showcase entertaining, holiday-themed vocal and instrumental performances. The 2025 series includes performances reorchestrated from previous years.

If you’re in the mood to crank up the holiday vibes this week, you may want to check this out.

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The former Graham’s 318 Coffeehouse is officially buzzing again — and Chris Wallace is taking you inside. In his latest video, the local real estate expert showcases Bread & Vine, the new Geneva bistro now open in “The Kate at 318” in the heart of 3rd Street.

Based in Galena, Bread & Vine brings French-inspired fare to the Tri-Cities, with morning coffee and pastries (think croissants, macarons, and giant éclairs) and a daytime-to-evening menu of sandwiches, salads, wine, and specialty drinks.

Watch the video to see how this popular spot has been reimagined.

☑️ Airport tragedy: A small twin-engine plane crashed shortly after takeoff from DuPage Airport in West Chicago just east of Geneva last week, killing both people onboard and prompting an investigation.

☑️ Landfill limits: Kane County officials are discussing whether to back a state proposal that would require large food businesses to keep food waste out of landfills via donation, composting, and other methods starting in 2028.

☑️ Lab expansion: Fermilab in Batavia has opened the Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center, its largest purpose-built lab and office facility since 1974, honoring a pioneering physicist and boosting research capabilities at the science institution.

☑️ Accessible rides: Starting January 1, 2026, Kane County will launch a streamlined, countywide Ride in Kane paratransit system that simplifies registration and scheduling for seniors, people with disabilities, and veterans.

☑️ Serve your city: Geneva is taking applications through January 16 to fill a volunteer opening on its Planning and Zoning Commission, which advises the City Council on local development and land-use matters.

☑️ Transportation leadership: Local State Senator Don DeWitte of St. Charles was named the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association’s first-ever Legislator of the Year for his leadership and bipartisan work on transportation issues.

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☑️ Giving season delivers: St. Charles District 303 schools and community partners came together this month to provide personalized holiday gifts and care packages to hundreds of local students and families in need.

☑️ Connection to nature: The River Corridor Foundation announced its free 2026 winter lecture series in St. Charles, spotlighting Fox River wildlife, local history, and environmental research from January through April.

☑️ New year, new experiences: Rosewood Farm, the newly opened market space in downtown Batavia, has already lined up a weekly event series for January that will include classes on making pizza, sourdough, sushi, and more.

🔒 Family honored: NIU inducted a St. Charles father and daughter into the university’s first-ever Engineering Hall of Fame for their decades-long impact on engineering education, industry partnerships, and local business.

☑️ Holiday schedules: Geneva, Batavia, and St. Charles announced holiday office closures, adjusted garbage pickup schedules, and free Christmas tree collection dates. Get the details.

This lineup features live music performances covering the full week (through Sunday 12/28) since we won’t be sending a newsletter issue on Thursday. Make sure to bookmark this list for the post-Christmas weekend.

If you’re looking for something to do tonight (Monday 12/22), Pollyanna Brewing in St. Charles is hosting a festive “Yuletide on Tap” music event.

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At Strongoo in downtown Geneva, wellness isn’t a grind — it’s a lifestyle. It’s learning to actually listen to your body, slow down enough to notice what you need, and thoughtfully repair the ailments you’ve been carrying for years.

Members describe Strongoo as a place that gives them belonging, dignity, and support…never pressure.

With movement classes, cold plunges, infrared saunas, mobility tools, and one-on-one guidance from Joe and Abby, Strongoo meets you right where you are — whether you’re working on pain, stress, strength, or simply feeling more connected to yourself again.

But don’t take our word for it — this video tells the story.

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☑️ An exciting first chapter: Storybook Cafe celebrated a ribbon cutting in downtown Geneva ahead of its public grand opening on December 21, bringing ceremonial-grade matcha, specialty coffee, and a community-focused space to 3rd Street.

☑️ Local pizza spot: Little Pops NY Pizzeria announced plans to open its fourth location in January 2026 near the corner of Orchard and Randall in North Aurora, offering NY-style pizza, dine-in seating, a bar, and a party room.

☑️ Branch debut: Earthmover Credit Union celebrated the grand opening of its new Batavia branch on McKee Street with a multi-chamber ribbon cutting on December 17, marking its expansion into the Tri-Cities area.

✳️ Super fan finds: Shopping for a sports lover this season? Urban Artisan in Geneva is packed with fun, fan-favorite gifts that any Chicago team supporter will love — perfect after that wild win over the Packers. Check out their sports-themed selection.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this 7K-square-foot, $1.3M estate in Mill Creek.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ Geneva leaf pickup: Geneva will restart its curbside leaf pickup the week of December 29 to finish the final collection for residents who missed their third pickup after early winter weather halted the program.

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

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🎟️ Pets on Pints | Tue 12/23, 6–8PM | Riverlands Brewing, STC | Paint your pet on a pint glass with guided instruction from Pinot’s Palette experts.

☑️ Ugly Sweater Party | Fri 12/26, 6PM–10PM | Gammon Coach House, Batavia | Holiday drinks, trivia, prizes, music, and festive ugly sweater energy.

☑️ Indoor Market | Sat 12/27, 9AM–12PM | Sturdy Shelter Brewing, Batavia | Shop local vendors selling produce, baked goods, plants, and more at this weekly event.

☑️ Super Sunday Sale | Sun 12/28, 11AM–5PM | 715 Vintage, Batavia | Shop specials and sale tags throughout the store.

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