There’s something about Geneva Restaurant Week and the number “nine” this year.

The annual initiative kicks off nine days from now. It will last for nine days (January 20-28). And many of the participating establishments will abide by the DINE ON THE $9’s theme.

(I assume this means certain dishes, drinks or appetizers will be available at a discounted $9 price tag — but honestly, it’s not entirely clear.)

Either way, my wife and I went out a couple times during last year’s restaurant week, and the deals tended to be pretty solid. To prepare, you can check out participating restaurants and find specific events, and make sure to book reservations ahead of time so you’re not left out in the cold.

If you miss Geneva Restaurant Week, or — if you’re like most of us and just enjoy going out and getting deals — you won’t have to wait long for St. Charles Restaurant Week to start on February 5.

This one lasts for five days, and it’s pretty simple: Just visit a participating business, mention that you’re there for Restaurant Week, and get 20 percent off a bill of $25 or more.

As part of the occasion, the St. Charles Business Alliance is also running a gift card giveaway that involves “checking in” at restaurants using their app.

Batavia: There won’t be an official restaurant week in Batavia this year, but the Batavia Chamber of Commerce will host Shiver by the River from mid-February to mid-March, which will feature dining and drink passes for local restaurants.

We’ll share more information about that initiative when it’s available.

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☑️ Wintery weather: The latest winter storm watch advises local residents to prepare for blizzard-like conditions, with chances for 6+ inches of snow and 50mph winds to hit the area tomorrow.

🔒 Quick transition: School board members approved funding for construction projects that will allow for the repurposing of multiple facilities to help alleviate school overcrowding in St. Charles.

☑️ Commuter changes: As reported a few weeks back, Metra is overhauling its fare structure in 2024 — plus closing ticket windows at all of its locations. Get up to speed on the details.

🔒 Tollway tech: The state is phasing out traditional hard-case I-Pass transponders in favor of a sticker tag. Here’s what you should know.

🔒 Collective solutions: As local municipalities continue to navigate the influx of migrants to the area, suburban leaders are planning to meet with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in the city next week.

☑️ Rookie no more: Now that Illinois State Senator Karina Villa has celebrated the first anniversary of her representing the 25th district, West Chicago Voice looks back at her initial year in office.

☑️ Overnight robbery: Someone burglarized a home on the 900 block of Towne Avenue in Batavia earlier this week, stealing valuables while residents slept. No one was hurt and police are investigating.

☑️ Unique opportunity: County officials are looking for volunteers to work as millers and docents at the historic Fabyan Windmill during the summer months of 2024. Interested folks can learn more and tour the windmill this Saturday at 11AM — contact [email protected] to RSVP if interested.

☑️ Roadmap for 2024: Chock-full of useful local info, the Batavia Chamber of Commerce announced that its 2024 Community Guide and Membership Directory has been released.

☑️ Local excellence: Batavia District 101 is accepting nominations for its 2024 Hall of Honor Nominations for 2024, which recognizes graduates, staff members or district friends for contributions to the community.

☑️ Homemade joy: Illinois State Senator Donald DeWitte is helping local elderly folks combat loneliness with a “Valentines for Seniors” card drive — you can drop off your cards at his St. Charles office.

☑️ Calling all craftspeople: Throughout January, artists can apply to participate in the annual St. Charles Fine Art Show, which will feature more than 100 artists from across the nation in May.

☑️ Snowman building contest: Put that wet, moldable snow to good use by constructing an icy creation anywhere in Batavia now through February for a chance at ultimate local bragging rights.

☑️ Lactose tolerant: Everdine’s Grilled Cheese, a family-owned homemade sandwich shop based in Naperville, is planning to open a Batavia location in 2024 (sounds like spring at the earliest).

🔒 A new Geneva staple: If you haven’t yet tasted Ella Italian Pub’s light, airy version of Roman-style pizza, you’ll probably want to give it a shot after reading this Daily Herald write-up.

🔒 Rolling out the green carpet: The St. Charles Business Alliance is now accepting applications for the 2024 St. Charles St. Patrick’s Parade on March 9.

☑️ Sweat on demand: You’ve gotta hand it to Viking Barrel Saunas for great timing — the local small business just announced that they’re offering sauna rentals. The catch? They’ll deliver it to you.

We’ve got a solid lineup of live music performances on deck for the weekend — 34 by my last count — at all the usual haunts.

🎵 And if you’re interested in attending any open jam sessions in the area or connecting with other local musicians, don’t forget to check out Fox Valley Jammers Club.

☑️ Constituent Coffee | 8-9AM | State Rep Dan Ugaste will be at Arcedium Coffeehouse in St. Charles enjoying coffee with locals and discussing community views on issues in the state of Illinois.

🎟️ Warehouse Sale | 10AM-2PM | Head to the brand-new Thorabella’s restaurant in Batavia, where several small businesses are putting on a big sale with raffles, giveaways and more.

🎟️ CatTalpa Manor Pop-Up Event |12-5PM | The artists of CatTalpa Manor will be hanging at Grainology BrewStillery in Batavia showcasing their work, selling handmade goods and having a good time.

☑️ Animal Signs Scavenger Hunt | 10-11AM | Families with kids can search for wildlife clues as they explore Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin.

☑️ Dam Alternatives | 7-8:30PM | Arcada Theatre | The River Corridor Foundation of St. Charles is leading a nuanced discussion about its plan for potentially removing the city’s dam. Scott Shipley, the engineering mind behind the plan, will speak and engage with attendees. Registration required.

🌥️ Today: High 30F | Low 23F | Calm before the storm

🌨️ Friday: High 34F | Low 20F | Snowstorm, round 2

🌨️ Saturday: High 22F | Low -3F | Lingering snow + COLD

🧊 Sunday: High -1F | Low -13F | Pipe-freezing cold

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