Now that St. Charles Restaurant Week is nearly wrapped up, it’s time to set our sights on the next big culinary initiative — Batavia’s new Shiver By The River program.

Running for a full month, it’s a fresh take on the “restaurant week” concept that incorporates digital check-ins and prizes in addition to deals and discounts.

I downloaded the pass this week — it’s pretty easy to use, and it’s even got a nice map function to help you find participating locations:

This program is funded by the City of Batavia to support the city’s blossoming dining and drinking scene.

“We invite everyone to come to Batavia to experience our diverse dining scene, sip on delicious cocktails and craft beer and warm up with coffee and tea at our coffee shops. Don’t forget to get ice cream, too,” Chamber CEO Margaret Perreault said in a press release.

Looking forward to seeing how this program plays out in the weeks ahead. See ya’ll out there!

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As the Pheasant run demolition nears completion and talks to redevelop Charlestowne Mall remain in early stages, the Daily Herald checked in on several key projects that could define the future of the city’s eastern corridor.

Current situation: Recent developments include a Pride gas station and Andy’s Frozen Custard location. Near-term plans include a new Chick-fil-A, an entertainment/restaurant hub next to Jewel on Kirk and 64 and the pending demolition of the Pheasant Run tower.

What to expect: A development firm is exploring the possibility of purchasing the Charlestowne Mall property; a concept plan could arrive by summer. The city envisions a retail/office campus to replace what’s left of Pheasant Run. The developer of the Fox Haven Square project near Jewel is shooting for a 2025 opening.

Implications: The mall and Pheasant Run property projects are large, complex initiatives that will take some time — plus navigating tricky financial issues.

I’m particularly intrigued by the Charlestowne Mall project and the opportunities it presents as old shopping malls are increasingly being repurposed in creative, modern ways across the country.

Perhaps a topic for a future issue!

☑️ Voting flexibility: A new state law allows every precinct polling location to function as a vote center, which will make it easier to do your civic duty on Election Day in Kane County.

☑️ AfterImage Film Festival: The Fox Valley's only independent film festival returns in April — any local filmmakers interested in gracing the big screen can now enter submissions.

🔒 Scholastic fleets: The St. Charles School Board will vote to spend nearly $2M on much-needed buses and minivans at their Monday meeting.

☑️ Selfless service: Special Olympics Illinois presented Geneva Police Officer Chuck Parisi with the Flame of Hope Award for two decades of generous support.

☑️ Parking priorities: St. Charles is hosting a fourth open house to discuss the ongoing downtown parking study on Monday. Get the details and/or provide input online here.

🔒 A novel giveaway: As part of the third-year launch of its One Book, One Community program, the Geneva Public library is giving away more than 900 books.

☑️ West suburban hospitality: World Atlas ranked Geneva as one of the most hospitable towns in Illinois, generating coverage on Fox 32 News Chicago.

In reference to Brother Chimp Brewing’s inclusion in last week’s live music roundup, someone quipped, “So what, is North Aurora an honorary member of the Tri-Cities now?”

Gave me a laugh, but I also kind of like that. So I responded, “Yes — the Orchard/Randall corner is hereby declared Honorary Tri-Cities.”

According to Google Maps, Brother Chimp is less than 1,000 feet away from a home with a Batavia address, so I rest my case.

Anyway, Pleasant Panic and Matt Garcia are playing at Brother Chimp this weekend, plus 38+ other shows across the Tri-Cities (and the Honorary Tri-Cities).

☑️ Community connections: The Geneva Chamber announced the kickoff of the Geneva Women in Business (GWIB) Luncheon series for 2024, with the first event scheduled for 2/20.

🔒 A modern classic: Moto Imōto, a Pan-Asian restaurant that opened last summer in downtown St. Charles, has quickly established itself as a local favorite.

☑️ Temporary shutdown: Tiny Kitchen — the St. Charles bake shop and gathering/class space — is closing its downtown location on 2/29. Plans to reopen elsewhere have yet to be announced.

☑️ Contemporary Colors | Now thru 3/14 | Kavanagh Gallery, St. Charles | The Fine Line Creative Arts Center’s recently launched show is all about vibrant colors.

☑️ Bee My Galentine Shopping Event | Today, 5-8PM | Red Hive Market, Batavia | Enjoy beer/wine samples while perusing unique items, discovering discounts and checking out surprise pop-ups.

🎟️ Fox Valley Opera - Exchanges of Love | Friday, 7PM | St. Mark’s Church, Geneva | The concert features performances of the timeless music of Puccini, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky.

☑️ Mongo Bowl | Sunday, 11AM | Arcada Theatre | A fundraiser for the legendary Steve “Mongo” McMichael will include raffles, prizes and a viewing of the 1985 Super Bowl (in case the 2024 Super Bowl just doesn’t cut it).

On February 8, 1996, the Geneva Republican announced the passing of Bill Rosenfelder, a long-time pillar of the community.

I’m sure folks with roots in the area are familiar with the Rosenfelder family and its legacy in town. From running a hardware business to helping found the Chamber of Commerce and serving as assistant fire chief in the 40s, William Sr’s commitment to the community seems as though it was nearly unrivaled.

Looking into this a bit further, I happened upon this old photo (from a Geneva History Museum post) depicting Rosenfelder greeting Santa at Wheeler Park after he arrived by helicopter in 1952:

🌧️ Today: High 56F | Low 41F | Warm n’ wet

🌤️ Friday: High 54F | Low 31F | Pretty glorious

🌤️ Saturday: High 40F | Low 25F | Big cooldown

⛅ Sunday: High 37F | Low 23F | Typical Feb

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