Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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Happy Thursday!
I had walked and biked past the Japanese Garden at Fabyan West Forest Preserve countless times, but we finally stepped inside this past weekend while it was open to the public.
If you’ve never been, I recommend it — quite the beautiful, whimsical refuge. The adjacent Fabyan Villa Museum is worth a visit as well while you’re at it.
They both remain open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays through the end of September (the garden from 12-3PM; the museum from 11AM-3PM).
📮 Need to contact me with questions, tips or suggestions? Get in touch here.
LEAD STORY
Where to play mahjong in the Tri-Cities
Mahjong day at Maple Leaf Coffee House in St. Charles 📸 Credit: Maple Leaf Coffee House
Fielding questions from readers is always fun, and here’s one that repeatedly pops up: Where are some local places I can play mahjong?
I figured a single guide for the area may prove useful. From a downtown game shop to community clubs and ongoing programs at local libraries, there are plenty of ways (some weekly) to find a mahjong game in the Tri-Cities regardless of your skill level.
Keep reading for details and to see events coming up soon.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Computer glasses sale — extended through September!
After a long, hectic day of screen time, I really feel it in my eyes — sometimes even accompanied by a headache.
If you find yourself in the same boat, that could be your eyes asking for a better pair of glasses. Fox Valley Ophthalmology's Computer Glasses Sale gets you a high-quality pair, including a frame and special occupational lenses, for just $219.
The deal expires at the end of the month, so act fast. Trust me, your eyes will thank you by the third Zoom call of the day.
Below are the most clicked stories from our last newsletter issue.
☑️ Tri-Cities namesakes: It turns out that Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles aren't just our cities — U.S. Census data shows more than 25 other towns with those names across the country. Here’s a look at all of them.
☑️ Fox Run’s future: A Chicago investment group just bought St. Charles' 220-unit Fox Run Apartments for $32M, announcing plans to renovate 80+ units and make other improvements to the complex.
☑️ Downtown demos: Batavia officials approved the demolition of two downtown buildings this week — the old Hubbard's furniture store on N. Batavia Ave. and a structure on a Webster St. property, which the city plans to eventually market for redevelopment.
☑️ Measles update: Kane County officials confirmed a second case of measles in someone who was a contact of the first case connected to Kaneland High School, and the health department is now notifying individuals who were potentially exposed.
☑️ Beyond noise complaints: Campton Hills police said a series of disruptive house parties near Route 47 this summer has grown into an illegal event operation with admission fees and unlicensed food and alcohol sales.
☑️ Pardon the dust: Batavia's library will remain open as it embarks on a one-year, $14M renovation beginning in November to refresh the space and make needed improvements (the project won’t raise residents’ taxes).
☑️ STC jackpot: A $550K winning Lucky Day Lotto ticket was purchased at a St. Charles gas station, one of three winning tickets sold in Illinois over Labor Day weekend.
☑️ Becoming ballot-ready: The League of Women Voters of Central Kane County has organized two voter registration events and a free Election Expo this month to coincide with National Voter Registration Day and Constitution Day.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Local potter John Lo
☑️ Local artist profile: Retired engineer John Lo turned a lifelong passion for art into a thriving ceramics practice, and now the self-described “world traveler” gives half of his sales from shows and fairs to nonprofits. Read the full story.
☑️ Arcada anniversary: The Arcada Theatre marked its 100th anniversary on Sunday with a Priscilla Presley experience and a street parade reminiscent of Ferris Bueller's Day Off featuring a “Twist” dance party led by the legendary Chubby Checker. Here’s a recap with photos.
☑️ A safety veteran: A familiar face has taken over school safety in Geneva as Mike Frieders, who served for nearly 30 years in the Geneva Police Department, transitioned into a role as the district’s new Safety & Security Coordinator.
☑️ Badges & BBQ: Geneva police are teaming up with Josef's Meats & Deli to deliver BBQ lunches to local businesses (pickup also available for residents) next Friday (9/18) for their 18th annual Special Olympics fundraiser.
☑️ Spooky season approaches: The Batavia Park District is launching its 2026 Halloween House Decorating Contest, inviting residents to sign up to participate in the holiday tradition by Oct. 11 — displays will be judged on Oct. 14.
☑️ 9/11 ceremony: Geneva will hold a memorial observance to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks at 9:15AM on Friday outside Geneva City Hall (22 S. First St.). It’s expected to last about 15 minutes.
PRESENTED BY POLLYANNA BREWING COMPANY
SAVE THE DATE: Pollyanna Brewing in St. Charles is celebrating its 7th Anniversary next month! Head to the taproom October 15-18 for a week of anniversary beer releases, spirits, live music, and all-around good times. Get more details.
Thanks to St. Charles Jazz Weekend running Thursday through Sunday, we have more than 100 performances to choose from over the next few days. Talk about decision paralysis.
SPONSORED CONTENT
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The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.
✳️ Inspire, empower, teach: Power Moves Yoga's fall 200-Hour Teacher Training kicks off on October 11, providing locals with all the tools and training they need to become a powerful teacher as yoga's popularity continues to surge. Learn how it works.
☑️ Wine bar relocation: Geneva's Up North Wine Tasting Room is planning to move into the State Street space previously occupied by Firewater BBQ in January and rebrand as Up North Wine & Whiskey Lounge.
The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee. The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.
Don’t miss these Tri-Cities Central events:
🎟️ Tri-Cities Dinner Club | Thu 9/24 | Fox Haven Square, 6:15PM | Get matched with like-minded locals for a fun dinner (plus a surprise afterparty) at the new Fox Haven Square dining hub.
🎟️ A Tri-Cities Murder Mystery | Wed 10/28, 6PM | 25N Coworking, Geneva | Embrace Halloween season with a Wild West-themed interactive whodunit event, plus beer/seltzers from Pollyanna Brewing. Register now for early bird pricing — $10 off!
More upcoming events:
Note: There are a ton of events to cover this week; click the button at the end of this list to view the full lineup.
☑️ Festival of the Vine | Fri 9/11 - Sun 9/13 | Downtown Geneva | Enjoy wine tastings, food, live music, an arts/crafts show, horse carriage rides, and more.
☑️ 17th Anniversary Show | Fri 9/11, 6-9PM | Water Street Studios, Batavia | Gallery openings, open studios, live music and food to mark the studio's anniversary.
🎟️ Sip & Stroll | Sat 9/12, 3PM-5:30PM | Mt. St. Mary Park, STC | Live music, local drinks, and a sculpture exhibit along the river.
☑️ Annual Tent Sale | Sat 9/12-Sun 9/13, 10AM-5PM | trend + relic, STC | Vendor tent sale with jazz performances and a food truck.
☑️ Shop Local. Support Our Schools. | Sat 9/12 - Sun 9/13 | Downtown Batavia | Shop and dine to benefit local elementary school PTOs.
🎟️ Fall Fest | Runs 9/12 - 11/1, 10AM-5:30PM | Windy Acres Farm, Geneva | Food, beer garden, live music, magic shows, and tons of kids farm activities.
✳️ Candlelight Restorative Yoga | Fri 9/18, 7:15PM | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Calm your mind and body with this candlelight flow promoting relaxation & restoration.
Pets of the week
Introducing this week’s featured pets from Anderson Humane:
Seranno is a sweet, playful, and smart 6-month-old pup who knows that good things come with a little hard work — and maybe a few tasty treats! She already knows “sit” and would love a family who will keep the treats coming.
Ochee is a beautiful 2-year-old girl with a soft white and grey coat, the sweetest face, and soulful eyes. This gentle and loving cat has a wonderful personality waiting to shine.
Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit andersonhumane.org or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.
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