If you sometime feel exhausted by how “data-driven” everything has become, I don’t blame you. But a reader recently reminded me about this resource, and it felt like the perfect time to resurface it — particularly since we’re still in the midst of peak bird migration season.

It’s the Kane County BirdCast dashboard, and it’s pretty fascinating. Not only does it tell you how many birds flew over your home in a given night, but it displays real-time estimates of how many birds are currently airborne, plus details about their direction, speed, altitude, and even their species.

On Saturday morning, for instance, it showed roughly 40,600 birds flying southeast at about 23 miles per hour at an altitude near 13,900 feet. And on Sunday morning, it informed me that more than 2 million birds journeyed over Kane County the previous night.

One way you can help: According to the National Audubon Society, more than 80% of birds make their seasonal flights at night. Turning off your indoor and outdoor lighting overnight can help prevent them from becoming disoriented by artificial light and reduce the risk of fatal building collisions during migration.

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Pets aren’t just animals that live in your home. They’re sources of comfort. Devoted friends. Family.

On October 5, the courthouse lawn in downtown Geneva will be filled with wagging tails, curious eyes, and the cheerful buzz of community. In a tradition that spans nearly two decades, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church invites you and your pet to join them for the Blessing of the Animals — an afternoon dedicated to both a charitable cause and celebrating our cherished companions.

A licensed vet will be on hand for complimentary consultations as well. See you on Sunday!

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☑️ Zoning flexibility: Geneva officials recommended a zoning change that would allow ground-floor housing units in downtown buildings (including one historic home) — a response to office market shifts and long-term vacancies.

☑️ Surveillance surprise: A Kane County homeowner says Allstate threatened to drop her insurance after reviewing aerial images of her roof taken through Google Earth without her knowledge, but reversed course after she fought it. Watch the CBS news segment.

🔒 Bike bandits: A wave of high-end bike and e-bike thefts in Batavia this summer has prompted police and local experts to urge riders to lock up and take extra precautions.

☑️ Policy impact: Kane County officials say the Pretrial Fairness Act is driving up local jail costs, causing daily populations to rise from about 229 in 2022 to around 400 today, largely due to missed court appearances. Watch the NBC Chicago segment.

☑️ Permanent pantry: The Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry will open its new 14,000-square-foot permanent home at 916 First Street on Wednesday (10/1), nearly two years after moving into a temporary site during the city’s wastewater project.

☑️ Pedestrian improvements: Batavia sidewalk work starts in two spots downtown on Monday (9/29), along the Fox River path by Wilson and on Route 31 between Houston and Wilson. Work will take five days, with lane and bridge closures in place.

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☑️ Frightful finds: If you get a kick out of elaborately decorated haunted homes, WGN has rolled out its interactive 2025 Halloween Houses map, allowing you to easily find spooky, silly, and family-friendly displays across the Chicago area.

☑️ Creative corners: The Geneva Foundation for the Arts is bringing the Terrain community art event to town this fall, turning porches, lawns, and storefronts into temporary art displays from October 1 through November 15.

☑️ Spirit week: See photos from the homecoming parades for St. Charles East and Geneva, both of which took place on a beautiful Friday afternoon (9/26).

☑️ In the studio: Batavia pottery shop Dirty Clay Co. has opened registration for October and November workshops, including Halloween-themed classes, a new sculpture series, and beginner-friendly sessions.

☑️ Job hunt: A “Teen Job Crawl” event on October 24 at the Geneva Commons will put teens in front of multiple local businesses offering seasonal or part-time job opportunities — they can even apply on the spot. Registration closes Wednesday (10/1).

✳️ Win big, give back: Over the past 37 years, the Batavia Rotary has injected more than $1 million into our community — providing a boost to local charities, scholarships, and important programs. Get your raffle ticket today to join a storied legacy of giving.

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October arrives this week, which is typically when we start seeing fewer outdoor performances gracing the schedule. This week looks gorgeous though, so hopefully some local spots decide to keep it going.

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Exercise, nutrition, and recovery are key ingredients to whole body health…but they’re not the full recipe. Real wellness happens when you feel connected to other people — and that’s exactly what Strongoo’s Geneva space was built for.

The whole program is designed around building community, having fun, and holding each other accountable. This October, Strongoo has lined up a series of free events to fit that theme — from craft night and game night to deep discussions and even a book club.

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, here’s a place you can slow down and belong.

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☑️ Downtown debut: Now open at 507 S. 3rd Street in Geneva, Mosaic Kitchen & Cocktails serves as a coffee shop and cafe in the morning and early afternoon — and they’ll eventually be open as a Mediterranean restaurant and bar in the evenings. See photos from the first day.

☑️ Closed but not gone: Fernando’s Street Kitchen, the beloved local Mexican street food merchant, is closing its Batavia restaurant location after four years to focus on the food truck and catering aspects of the business.

☑️ Attention entrepreneurs: Batavia MainStreet will start accepting applications on October 1 for the 2026 season of the Boardwalk Shops, the popular small business incubator program that runs May through December in downtown Batavia.

☑️ Prepare for pampering: Hammer & Nails, the new luxury barber and grooming shop for men, will celebrate the grand opening of its Geneva Commons location on Thursday (10/2).

✳️ Album drop day: Urban Artisan in Geneva is celebrating Taylor Swift’s 12th album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” on Friday, October 3! Swing by for a day of music, treats, games, giveaways, fresh Swiftie merch, a T-shirt bar, and more T-Swift fun.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1.2M estate on Oak Hill Drive in Campton Hills.

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

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

☑️ Get connected: Do you know someone who has recently moved to Batavia or North Aurora? Send them to Welcome Home Batavia, a free service offering info, resources, gifts and gift certificates to connect people to their new community.

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☑️ Autumn at the Arboretum: The Morton Arboretum is offering a full lineup of fall events and weekly foliage updates throughout October, making it a prime time to visit the Lisle grounds.

☑️ Coat Drive | Mon 9/29 - Mon 10/13 | Various Locations | Sen. DeWitte’s coat drive benefits local charitable organizations with several nearby drop-off locations.

☑️ Ladies Night Out | Wed 10/1, 6PM | The Hive, STC | Grab the girlfriends for food/drink specials, a DIY plant bar, a jewelry pop-up, and more.

🎟️ But Seriously, Folks…Season Premiere | Wed 10/1, 6:30PM | Batavia Fine Arts Centre | The unforgettable improv experience is back this week.

🎟️ BYOB Sunset Cruise | Fri 10/3, 6PM | Paddlewheel Riverboats, STC | Get out on the Fox River for the final sunset cruise of the year.

🎟️ Buried Child | Fri 10/3 - Sat 10/18 | Albright Theatre, Batavia | The thought-provoking performance about a family with a dark secret.

🎟️ Par-Tober Fest | Sat 10/4, 3-5PM | Stone Creek Mini Golf, Geneva | Raise a stein while competing for prizes at this 21+ mini golf event.

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