Any “Parks & Rec” fans out there?

If you’re familiar with the concept of Galentine’s Day, you may be interested to learn that the relatively new holiday was created by Leslie Knope, the fictional main character of the popular comedy show “Parks & Recreation.”

Officially celebrated on February 13, Galentine’s Day focuses on celebrating friendship — especially female friendships — with the same love and enthusiasm typically reserved for Valentine’s Day.

Why am I sharing this little factoid? Because local businesses across the Tri-Cities are hosting a wide range of Galentine’s and Valentine’s events over the next couple of weeks — from creative workshops and wellness nights to special dinner events, live music performances, and late-night dance parties.

Now, if your friend or spouse questions where “Galentine’s Day” comes from, you’ll be locked and loaded with an answer.

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This season, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva is inviting the wider community to gather, connect with one another, and give back.

Highlights include a Shrove Tuesday pancake dinner on February 17, the launch of a new local storytelling project, and a hands-on service day with the Salvation Army later this month — all aimed at helping you connect with others in your community while making an impact here in the Tri-Cities.

Whether you’re drawn by the food, the stories, or the chance to serve, St. Mark’s is creating space for connection this winter and spring.

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☑️ Future housing plan: A Batavia committee indicated support for annexation plans that would allow Thompson Farm on the city’s west side to eventually become a 160-home neighborhood with open space and new trail connections.

🔒 Funding crossroads: Geneva Chamber officials urged the city to provide more financial support for major events after reporting a loss of more than $450K in 2024 — warning that continued funding is key to sustaining festivals like Swedish Days and Festival of the Vine.

☑️ Tech company relocation: Batavia officials advanced a project to convert the long-vacant former Pamarco factory on Water Street into the new headquarters for QT9, a software company currently located in Aurora.

☑️ Early voting: Early voting for the March 17 Primary Election begins on Thursday (2/5) at the Kane County Clerk’s offices in Geneva and Aurora, where voters can cast ballots for federal, state/local races, and referenda questions. Get more info.

☑️ Project feedback: To gather public input on future redevelopment options for the former police station site downtown on the riverfront, St. Charles officials are encouraging residents to take an online survey and will host an an open house on February 19. Get all the details.

☑️ Apartment project: Following a January 21 public hearing, city staff say revised designs, safety measures, and conditions on affordability have addressed key concerns for the proposed River Pointe affordable apartment project in Batavia.

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☑️ Celebrating local creatives: The Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame announced its 2026 class, a diverse and accomplished group of local artists that will be honored during a special event on March 27 in Geneva.

☑️ Life-saving response: After firefighters rescued four people and 18 pets from a Campton Hills house fire Friday night, most of the home was left largely undamaged and no injuries were reported.

☑️ Rebate roundup: Kane County is highlighting 2026 utility rebates and discount programs that can help residents cut energy costs through home upgrades and other assistance offerings.

☑️ Referendum sessions: Geneva will host a series of February open houses (including one on 2/4) to help residents learn about the March public safety referendum and the proposed $59.4M replacement for the city’s aging police station.

☑️ Community loss: Elburn officials and residents are mourning the loss of former Plan Commissioner Mary Gustafson, a longtime pharmacist and community volunteer remembered for her leadership and service.

✳️ Looking for a preschool that feels both fun and thoughtful? Batavia Covenant Preschool blends play-based learning with a caring Christian environment, small class sizes, and experienced teachers who help kids grow in all the right ways. See what they offer.

If you spent most of January cooped up in the house, this week could be a great opportunity to get out for a local live music event.

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Are you constantly trying to work around aches, pains, and worries?

If so, that’s okay. You’re not broken. You may just be dealing with old injuries, a lack of proper rest, or an overwhelmed nervous system.

And that’s exactly why Strongoo in Geneva is rolling out a new strongCARE model.

Instead of bouncing between appointments or trying to “power through,” strongCARE will give you ongoing support through movement, nervous system regulation, recovery tools, and guided care from professionals — all inside one local, connected community.

The program is launching soon, but you can reach out now to get started.

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☑️ “Just getting started”: As a new local clothing and accessory brand, Viking General Store is building a following by blending Geneva pride, hometown nostalgia, and small-batch collections launched through pop-ups and its online shop.

☑️ New “hidden” bar: An invite-only, speakeasy-style whiskey concept called 3PM Social has begun hosting curated events in St. Charles, encouraging people to join a "watchlist" to learn about upcoming events.

🔒 New life for local jobs: A German firm has acquired Microplastics Inc. in St. Charles, saving a majority of the plant’s 86 jobs and keeping the manufacturing operation in the community.

✳️ Get ahead of Valentine’s Day: From cute plushes to clever cards, comfy shirts, and other heartfelt gifts, Urban Artisan in Geneva has a unique collection of Valentine’s Day items you won’t find anywhere else. View their V-Day selection.

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☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1.9M mansion in the Prairie Lakes subdivision of 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.

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

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🎟️ Valentine Insert Class | Tue 2/3, 6-8:30PM | Geneva Winery, Batavia | Paint and assemble laser-cut Valentine insert with decorative accents.

🎟️ Pour Your Own Epoxy | Thu 2/5, 6-8PM | Penrose Brewing Company, Geneva | Craft an epoxy river board with custom colors while enjoying beverages.

☑️ Secrets of the Wine World | Thu 2/5, 7-8:30PM | Huntley Community Room, STC Library | Explore wine history and how various factors shape what we drink.

🎟️ First Pour Fridays | Fri 2/6, 5-7PM | Callahan Community Center, Batavia | Adults-only wine tasting with small bites and scenic Depot Pond views

🎟️ From History to Hip Hop | Fri 2/6, 7:30PM | Batavia Fine Arts Centre | An interactive history performance chronicling American music.

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