Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and surrounding communities.
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Happy Thursday!
It’s not super cold yet, but you know a polar vortex will swoop in like a slap in the face one of these days in the near future.
The reason I mention it — if you’re a Nicor Gas customer, did you know you can order a free home weatherization kit with your Nicor account number? It’s nothing crazy, but we ordered it last fall and it came in handy over the winter.
📮 Need to contact me with questions, tips or suggestions? Get in touch here.
SPONSORED CONTENT
🍷 Get to know the women behind Up North Wine Tasting Room in Geneva
Some places begin with a menu. Up North Wine Tasting Room started with a feeling.
For Geneva local Cathy Humphreys and her daughter, Amy Goedken, nothing could top the feeling of Northern Michigan: the lake views, the slower pace, and the wineries that are unlike anywhere else in the Midwest.
So they set out to recreate the warm, unhurried spirit of hospitality right here in Geneva — and the result is one of the most creative, welcoming businesses in the Tri-Cities. Their story is full of grit, serendipity, and relationships with boutique wineries that believed in their dream from day one.
Keep reading to meet the people behind the unique local tasting room.
♻️ Monday’s most popular links
☑️ Meal planning: Check out this list of bakeries, cafés, and restaurants across the Tri-Cities offering Thanksgiving pre-orders and special offerings for meals, desserts, and sides (plus restaurants open on the holiday itself).
☑️ Off the market: A recently sold $1.9M estate in Batavia has 7 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, and a huge in-ground pool. See the listing and photos.
📰 News to use
The 🔒 symbol indicates a potential paywall.
☑️ More enforcement boundaries: The Kane County Board approved a measure blocking federal agents from using county property for immigration enforcement, joining several nearby communities that have adopted similar restrictions.
☑️ Council presentation: Geneva officials reviewed redevelopment opportunities near the Metra station and long-term funding options for downtown maintenance as costs rise and commuter activity remains well below pre-pandemic levels.
🔒 Chiropractor case: Kane County prosecutors say they’ve received 900+ calls and emails after charging a Batavia chiropractor with secretly recording patients, while the defendant now faces both civil lawsuits and a move to seize his vehicle.
☑️ Mobile credentials: As of Wednesday (11/19), Illinois residents can now add their driver’s license or state ID to Apple Wallet on iPhone, giving folks a convenient digital option despite a requirement to continue carrying the physical card.
☑️ Neighbors rally: A small crowd gathered outside the Batavia Public Library on Saturday to rally for immigrant rights, affordable health care, and solutions to rising food insecurity in the area.
☑️ Policy shift: Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser and local State Rep. Matt Hanson led a push for a new Illinois law that allows police to connect juveniles in domestic violence cases with counseling and family support instead of arresting them.
🏘️ In the community
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☑️ Strength in unity: Batavia faith leaders and community partners are launching a November 23 Peace Vigil that aims to spark a year-long movement focused on unity, reflection, and hands-on service across the Tri-Cities.
☑️ Local literature crawl: One of the routes offered by the new Chicagoland Bookstore Holiday Trolley will stop in St. Charles and Geneva on December 20, offering a festive way to support local indie bookstores during the holiday season.
☑️ Thriving at 103: St. Charles officials celebrated longtime resident Frances Viola Loverher on November 13 as Mayor Clint Hull honored her 103rd birthday and a lifetime marked by service, family devotion, and even a silent film role. See photos of the day.
☑️ Leadership lauded: The Batavia Park District earned two 2025 Chicago Tribune Top Workplace honors, including a Woman-Led Workplace award recognizing Executive Director Allison Niemela’s long-time leadership and 25 years of service.
☑️ For the plant lovers: From festive “plant and sip” classes to free s’mores and hot cocoa, Wasco Nursery in St. Charles has a fun-looking lineup of events and workshops coming up this season.
✳️ Seasonal magic: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Geneva will celebrate the season with Carols in the Chapel on December 5 and a live performance of A Christmas Carol on December 6 — two free community events filled with music, storytelling, and holiday spirit.
🎸 Live music
I just discovered that Firewater BBQ in Geneva will be hosting “Acoustic Fridays” with Pete Jive through the end of the year — a nice new addition to the weekly lineup for the foreseeable future.
And that’s just one of dozens of performances lined up for Friday alone. Take a gander at the full weekend roundup.
SPONSORED CONTENT
✨ Award-winning brunch at an unbeatable price
Sunday brunch is a time-honored tradition — and you won’t find a better value in the Tri-Cities than at The Little Traveler’s Atrium Café. In fact, it was named Best Brunch in West Suburban Living’s 2024 Best of the West.
For just $12.95, enjoy a full spread of fresh, house-made favorites, from fluffy omelets with crispy bacon to Swedish pancakes and Crab Cakes Benedict. Trust me, there’s a reason so many local folks have been coming back for decades.
💥 Holiday Almanack is out! Check out The Little Traveler’s 2025 Holiday Almanack & Look Book for upcoming events and festive new products.
🤝 Local biz
The 🔒 symbol indicates a potential paywall.
☑️ New lifestyle community: On Thursday (11/20), the Batavia Chamber is holding a ribbon cutting for Timber Creek Residences, a new 55+ independent living facility near Orchard and Randall in North Aurora.
🔒 Family focus: Geneva boutique owner Sylvia Torres has grown Little Barn Baby from a small idea into a thriving shop for modern parents, expanding from her downtown Geneva store to Naperville while adding new products and events.
☑️ Community caregivers: Home Instead — a locally owned business that provides personalized in-home senior care — just celebrated the grand opening of its St. Charles office. See photos from the event.
🗓️ Events & Things to Do
The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee. The ✳️ symbol indicates sponsored content.
This section is sponsored by Up North Wine Tasting Room — an inviting, mother-daughter-owned Northern Michigan wine and cocktail bar located at 9 N. 2nd St. in downtown Geneva. Grab tickets to their Gather & Graze raclette dinner event on December 17.
🎟️ Santa’s Rock N Lights | Fri 11/21 - Sun 12/31 | Cougars Stadium, Geneva | Experience a full mile of spectacular lights with music every weekend through 12/31.
☑️ Christmas on the Fox | Sat 11/22 - Sun 11/23 | Kane Co. Fairgrounds, STC | Peruse items like jewelry, crafts, and apparel in a super festive atmosphere.
☑️ STC Writers Group | Sat 11/22, 9:15AM | STC Library | See Mark Turcotte, the new Illinois Poet Laureate, discuss his writings.
☑️ Turkey Raffle | Sat 11/22, 4-10PM | American Legion, Geneva | Enjoy food and drink while taking your chance at winning turkeys and other prizes.
☑️ Holiday Craft Show | Sun 11/23, 11-4PM | Acquaviva Winery, Maple Park | Sip and shop handmade gifts from a variety of local artisans.
☑️ Drawn Together 2025 | Sun 11/23, 1-3PM | Batavia Fine Arts Centre | See incredible colored pencil works created by local artists.
☑️ Becoming Neighbors Friendsgiving | Sun 11/23, 3-5PM | Sturdy Shelter, Batavia | Bring a dish to pash and enjoy a festive meal with neighbors (and beer).
🎟️ The Most Sketchiest Time of the Year | Sun 11/23, 7PM | Steel Beam Theatre, STC | A thrilling evening of sketch comedy that promises both joy and laughter.
🎟️ Art of the Dessert | Mon 11/24, 5:30PM | The Graceful Ordinary, STC | Enjoy amazing desserts, apps, and champagne while supporting the arts in St. Charles.
🎟️ Thanksgiving Floral Workshop | Mon 11/24, 6:30-9PM | Rock ‘N Ravioli, STC | Create an amazing centerpiece while having charcuterie and beverages.
Looking ahead:
✳️ Memories & Mistletoe | Sat 11/29, Various Times | Zen Loft Collective, Batavia | Family photo shoots, plus ornament making, hot cocoa, and letters to Santa.
☑️ Gingerbread House Contest & Display | Sat 12/6, 10AM-2PM | Baker Community Center, STC | Sign up now for Random Acts Matter’s annual community event.
🐶 Pets of the week
Meet this week’s delightful featured pets from Anderson Humane: Fable and Lulu!
Fable is a five-month-old Shepherd–Retriever mix with a soft heart and a playful streak. She’s still gaining confidence around other dogs, so slow introductions are best, but she’s an absolute gem once she warms up. Lulu is a five-year-old tabby with a shy side and a gentle, affectionate nature who does best in calm spaces.
Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit Anderson Humane’s Adoptables page or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.
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