🍻 Full Moon fever no more: JT’s Tavern & Tap now open

If you were a subscriber to our little newsletter way back in October, you may recall an issue highlighting the remodeling work being done in the old Full Moon Tavern space in Batavia on Route 31 (right by Charlie Fox’s).

Well, the renovations are done. JT’s Tavern & Tap is now open to the public.

While the Moon was known for its less-than-savory reputation, the building’s new occupant brings with it a fresh, welcoming vibe and a proven track record. Owners Bob and Jeremy Truex own similar bars in Lombard and Carol Stream, both known for their “famous” wings and sports on TV.

The Batavia establishment also has a video gambling license, which was the subject of some debate in Batavia City Council before the license was ultimately approved.

We’re certainly looking forward to popping in and checking it out. The Batavia Chamber of Commerce will be holding a ribbon cutting on Monday.

The bar doesn’t have enough space for big live music performances, but I wouldn’t rule out a one-person acoustic show at some point. If and when they do have any live music lined up, you know where to find that info (here, in this newsletter).

📰 News to use

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☑️ Soccer in the suburbs: Watch out Cougars, there’s a new pro team in Kane County — well, semi-pro. The next tryouts for the River Light FC men's and women’s leagues will be held on 12/29 in Aurora.

☑️ Setting the stage: Lots of work remains, but Geneva is one of 12 Chicagoland communities to earn an “EV Readiness” designation for crafting policies that promote environmental stewardship.

☑️ Paying the piper: With $1.3B+ in opioid settlement money due to Illinois by 2038, the state has launched a program to keep residents up to date on various lawsuits with details about where dollars will be going.

☑️ Family friendly: Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva was one of 16 Illinois hospitals to receive a best-performing ranking for maternity care in 2023-2024.

☑️ On the home stretch: The water main infrastructure project in Geneva that has required closing Route 25 along State Street will last about three more weeks, weather permitting.

☑️ One-day detour: The northbound lane of S. Tyler Road near the entrance to the Ryder truck property in St. Charles will be closed for water main repairs today.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Nostalgia on demand: Batavia resident and former WBBM newscaster Jim Benes has turned material from his popular holiday radio segment into the Chicago Christmas Past podcast.

☑️ Routine adjustments: Geneva has announced its special holiday hours for trash/recycling and Christmas tree pickup.

☑️ The gift of kindness: The CASA Kane County Holiday Giving Program ensures that children in the foster care system get the thrill of unwrapping presents during the holiday season, too.

☑️ Wooded wonderland: Give the kids a chance to partake in some outdoor fun this winter at one of the Forest Preserve of Kane County’s Little Saplings sessions offered through February.

☑️ Opinions requested: If you’re a part of Geneva School District 304, Supt. Andy Barrett is seeking community input through 1/15 via an anonymous strategic planning survey.

☑️ White Green Christmas: Damaged holiday lights? Don’t throw them in your normal recycling — follow this advice and take them to one of the official drop-off locations across Kane County.

🏬 Local biz

☑️ Looking ahead: Geneva Winery is making progress on its new 5,000-square-foot Batavia location, suggesting it may be ready for a grand opening in January or February.

☑️ Another watering hole: Kane Social Club in Mill Creek announced that the soft opening of its new bar will be this Sunday.

🎸 Live music

This weekend’s live music lineup covers 36 performances from today (12/14) through Sunday (12/17).

On tap for this weekend:

• Rockin’ Mockstars Live Band Karaoke will headline Tanna Tap’s Naughty or Nice Christmas Party on Friday night.

• McNally’s Irish Pub in St. Charles is back in the live music game with Fallen Idol playing on Saturday night.

• Preservation will host a rare Sunday evening performance with the young and talented Joey Wilbur taking the stage.

🎈 Weekend events

Saturday

☑️ 10AM-4PM | Winter Solstice Market at The Manor: Discover unique gifts from Idle Hands Pottery and Sunbeam Airplants, enjoy a hot beverage from Manbot Coffee and get a card reading from Maggie of T3sslated tarot at this special downtown Batavia event.

Sunday

🎟️ 10AM-3PM | All Animal Expo: Get up close and personal with a variety of creatures and peruse animal-related products and gifts at the Kane County Fairgrounds in St. Charles.

☑️ 4-7PM | Kids Christmas Party: Eden Events on the St. Charles riverfront will be THE spot for music, food, holiday treats, face painting, photos with Santa and all things holiday fun.

🌖 Weather snapshot

☀️ Today: High 49F | Low 29F | Beautiful

🌤️ Friday: High 50F | Low 36F | Patio weather? Almost?

🌧️ Saturday: High 43F | Low 36F | Very blah

☁️ Sunday: High 44F | Low 32F | Cloudy and mild

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