When I sat down to write this newsletter’s lead, no single topic jumped out at me.

Instead, I started thinking about some fun experiences from the past week and figured hey, folks might appreciate a few recommendations.

Fishing at Lippold Park in Batavia: We’re not going to talk about whether or not I caught fish (I didn’t), but I DID see a muskrat, a snake and several big ol’ bullfrogs on the boardwalk in the beautiful nearby marsh.

A chance detour down an unassuming side path into the woods also revealed this gem of a spot:

The area is super easy to access if you’re biking from the Tri-Cities to or from North Aurora (also a highly recommended activity).

Outdoor live music: If you haven’t been to Aurelio’s on State Street in Geneva, you’re missing out on a hidden gem of a patio — the inviting outdoor bar (cozily ensconced by lush landscaping) creates a great atmosphere for some live music. The pizza’s pretty darn good, too. Check out some photos.

We spent Friday night listening to Kentucky bluegrass tunes by 65 North Pickers on the patio at Riverlands Brewing — where everything was outstanding, from the outdoor setup to the music and the beer.

Lunch at Townhouse Cafe in St. Charles: The quaint cafe — adjacent to a historic independent bookstore — has been dishing out homemade breakfast and lunch since 1996. While it’s a shame it took us until 2024 to visit, the sandwiches and soups were worth the wait.

Mini golf at Pottawatomie Park in St. Charles: I’ve played more than a few rounds of putt-putt in my day, and the River View course might top the list. An excellent (and affordable) family-friendly activity in a scenic riverfront spot.

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☑️ Public safety: Batavia is launching a surveillance systems upgrade project to deploy and upgrade camera systems and other surveillance technologies in key areas of the city.

☑️ Blacksmith saga: Geneva will hold a public hearing tomorrow evening (7/16) about the historic former blacksmith shop on the east side after the owners petitioned for a partial demolition.

☑️ Property modifications: Geneva City Council approved a zoning variation that allows Coldwell Banker to expand and improve its parking lot on East State Street.

☑️ Pot profits: After initial rapid growth, cannabis tax revenue is slowing down in Illinois. See how much your town has gotten from weed revenue.

☑️ Summer of the ticks: Bites from a lone star tick — which are becoming more common in Illinois — can cause an allergic reaction to some meats (plus other unpleasant ailments).

🔒 District resignation: As part of a separation agreement with former director of operations Scott Ney, Geneva’s school district will pay out more than $15K.

☑️ Power contract: A group of St. Charles residents has initiated a petition urging City Council to postpone signing a 20-year extension of the city's power contract with IMEA.

☑️ Road work ahead: Maintenance work on the Wilson Street and Deerpath Road bridges in Batavia will impact parking and traffic starting today (7/15). Asphalt sealing work also begins today on portions of Randall Road and Fabyan Parkway in Geneva.

☑️ Proud designation: In a Wednesday ceremony open to the public, officials will rename the St. Charles Post Office building in honor of Vietnam War veterans.

☑️ Tax issues: The 2024 assessment changes for Geneva properties were published on July 11. The deadline for filing assessment complaints is August 12.

☑️ Public Q&A: Interested residents can attend an informational meeting and ask questions about Batavia’s water service line replacement project on Tuesday (7/16) at 6PM.

☑️ Cycle adventures: The STC Business Alliance shared five entertaining bike route itineraries worth considering while the weather’s still nice.

It looks like the stormy weather should clear up by Wednesday, which coincides nicely with several outdoor performances happening later this week.

The Geneva Bike & Pedestrian Committee has organized a "bike bus” group ride from various points in town to Wednesday’s concert at River Park. Check the city and park district social channels for details over the next day or two if you’re interested.

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☑️ Life on the Missouri River | Tues 7/16, 1:30-2:45PM | Geneva Library | One of America’s greatest adventurers shares tales of his explorations.

☑️ Park Cookout | Tues 7/16, 5:30-7PM | Williamsburg Park, Geneva | Enjoy a free picnic in the park with neighbors.

🎟️ Kane County Fair | Wed 7/17 - Sun 7/21 | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | A demolition derby, bull riding, rides, petting zoo, live music, food and drink…LOTS of fun stuff happening here.

🎟️ AirPower History Tour | Wed 7/17 - Sun 7/21 | DuPage Airport, West Chicago | See rare World War II bombers up close with tours and rides.

🎟️ Cocktail Party Farm Dinner | Thurs 7/18, 6-9PM | Heritage Prairie Farm, Elburn | A beach-themed “all-white” party with appetizers, cocktails and dinner.

🎟️ Summer Cabaret | Fri 7/19, 7PM | Playhouse 38, Geneva | Live entertainment with piano playing and singing for all ages.

🎟️ Polo Tournament to Benefit Stage Batavia | Sun 7/28, 12-4PM | Blackberry Polo Club, Batavia | A family-friendly day of fun with a murder mystery, picnic, raffle and more.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales including six in Batavia, four in Geneva and nine St. Charles — including this $850K custom-designed home on Gray Street in St. Charles.

☑️ Local obits: During the past week, Tri-Cities funeral homes posted obituary information for several individuals in the area.

☑️ City Council meetings: All three City Councils will meet on Monday night (7/15). Here are the agendas: Batavia | Geneva | St. Charles

☑️️ Stylist celebration: Timeless Beauty Geneva — a hair salon located at the Geneva Commons — held a ribbon cutting last week with city officials.

☑️ Area Code Batavia: Listen to a conversation with business and community leader Jamie Saam about the power of women-led businesses and — of course — belonging in Batavia.

🌩️ Today: High 91F | Low 70F | Big storm possible

🌩️ Tuesday: High 82F | Low 62F | Stormy again

🌤️ Wednesday: High 80F | Low 57F | Way more pleasant

🌤️ Thursday: High 75F | Low 55F | Bye bye humidity

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