The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles is among the Fox Valley area's most popular entertainment destinations.

In fact, readers of this very newsletter voted it as their favorite live music venue in the Tri-Cities last year.

You may be familiar with its signature downtown marquee and dynamic weekly event lineup — but did you know that it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places? Or that it was reportedly a preferred hangout for Al Capone and his cronies back in the day?

Let's take a deeper look at its local history.

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Serving others is at the heart of many faith communities — but it’s not always as simple as it seems. What happens when our desire to help misses the mark, or even causes unintended harm?

That’s the focus of “Thrive Together: Serving Well, Loving Wisely,” a thoughtful gathering and conversation happening on Saturday, January 31 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva. Led by Wheaton College anthropology professor Brian Howell, the session explores how faith-based service can move beyond good intentions to truly empower the people and communities we hope to support.

Dig into real-world questions around service, humility, and impact — and leave with a clearer framework for serving faithfully and wisely.

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☑️ Solar standards: Geneva officials are set to consider new zoning rules for solar energy systems at the January 5 City Council meeting, marking the first time the city would formally structure how solar projects are allowed and regulated.

☑️ Gaming policy delayed: St. Charles has once again postponed enforcing a proposed video gaming push tax until the end of 2026 as lawsuits and regulatory questions continue statewide.

☑️ Restoration vision: A local volunteer group will unveil an architectural model on January 8 showing how Geneva’s 1845 blacksmith shop once looked — and how it could potentially be restored and repurposed as a Tri-Cities visitor information center.

☑️ Subdivision growth: Elburn officials discuss and potentially approve plans for the next phase of the Elburn Station development — which includes 75+ housing units and a park — at its January 5 meeting. Get more info on the project.

🔒 Burlington blaze: Firefighters from several local departments battled a major pole barn fire near Burlington in Kane County last week for more than three hours. No injuries were reported and the cause is under investigation.

☑️ Emergency alerts: Kane County launched a new public safety alert system that lets residents sign up for free, real-time emergency notifications by text, phone, email, or app. This link to more info should work (last week’s link was broken, apologies).

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☑️ Artist profile: Batavia artist Liza Mitchem is building an interesting ceramics practice at Water Street Studios that blends science, fantasy, and animal portraits into wheel-thrown pieces that have quickly found a local following.

☑️ Immigrant rally: More than 150 people gathered in St. Charles on Saturday to rally in support of immigrants, highlighting their contributions to the Fox Valley and urging support for local businesses owned and staffed by immigrants.

☑️ Interconnected resources: Geneva School District 304 and the Geneva Public Library are linking student school IDs to library accounts, giving Geneva students easier access to books, digital resources, study spaces, and learning programs.

☑️ Personal growth in 2026: MDW Cares is hosting a series of January events in the Tri-Cities to bring women together for judgment-free workshops focused on drinking less, creative goal-setting, and practical personal finance lessons.

☑️ Memory care: A new monthly support group for folks navigating memory loss and dementia is now available at Autumn Leaves in St. Charles on the second Thursday of each month. Learn more and see a list of similar support group events.

✳️ Attention parents: Batavia Covenant Preschool offers a joyful, play-based early learning experience in a caring Christian environment — with small class sizes, experienced and nurturing teachers, and hands-on activities that support children's academic, spiritual, and emotional development. Sign up for a tour.

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Technically it’s not “live” music, but Up North Wine Tasting Room in Geneva is bringing back its Vine and Vinyl Night this Wednesday — a cozy little winter event for local music enthusiasts.

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At Strongoo in downtown Geneva, wellness isn’t a grind — it’s a lifestyle. It’s learning to actually listen to your body, slow down enough to notice what you need, and thoughtfully repair the ailments you’ve been carrying for years.

Members see Strongoo as a place that gives them belonging, dignity, and support…never pressure.

With movement classes, cold plunges, infrared saunas, mobility tools, and one-on-one guidance from Joe and Abby, Strongoo meets you right where you are — whether you’re working on pain, stress, strength, or simply feeling more connected to yourself again.

But don’t take our word for it — this video tells the story.

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☑️ Dry January options: If you're embracing Dry January (or if you are a non-drinker to begin with), here are some local spots you can find an enticing selection of non-alcoholic cocktails, beers, and other beverages.

☑️ New coffee spot: Limestone Coffee & Tea is tentatively planning to open its second location next week on Monday (1/12) in the former Flyleaf Bakery Cafe space at the Batavia Public Library.

☑️ Creative expansion: ArtBar Batavia announced plans to move from Sidecar Supper Club to to Sturdy Shelter Brewing starting February 13, expanding its free monthly community art show to allow larger works, 3D art, and more artists to participate.

✳️ Upgrade your Bears gear: The Chicago Bears are in the playoffs — make sure you prepare accordingly! Urban Artisan in Geneva has the hoodies, shirts, coasters, decor, and other items you need to support your hometown team in style. View their sports selection.

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☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $750K home on a wooded, five-acre property on Route 31 in St. Charles.

✳️ Need a trustworthy local realtor? Get in touch with Tri-Cities expert Chris Wallace at [email protected] or chriswallacere.com.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes (this includes last week’s obituaries — apologies for the broken link last Monday).

☑️ City meetings:

☑️ STC leaf pickup: St. Charles has indefinitely postponed its leaf program due to poor weather and ground conditions with plans to resume after at least two weeks of above-freezing temps (32°F). Stay tuned for updates.

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

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☑️ In Bloom | Mon-Sat thru 2/6 | Fine Line Creative Arts Center, STC | A new flower and plant-focused exhibit is now open at the Kavanagh Gallery.

☑️ ISU Watch Party | Mon 1/5 | Whiskey Bend, STC | Join fellow Redbird fans for a FCS National Championship viewing party.

☑️ Kane County Blood Drive | Tue 1/6, 10AM–3PM | Government Center, Geneva
Donate blood and help save lives in the community.

☑️ Heightened Scrutiny Documentary Screening | Wed 1/7, 6PM | Geneva Public Library | A screening of an award-winning documentary followed by a local meetup.

🎟️ Improv in the Moonlight | Thu 1/8, 7:30–9PM | Moonlight Theatre, STC | Laugh along with top Chicago improv comedians every other Thursday.

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