Happy Thursday!

If it was possible to bottle this week’s weather, stash it safely in the basement, then pull it out in the middle of February during a severe bout of cabin fever…

In reality, probably best to just not take it for granted while it’s here. Have a great weekend.

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To quote the great Ron Swanson: "There has never been a sadness that can't be cured by breakfast food."

In the past, Tri-Cities Central has sourced direct reader feedback to crown the best burger, the best pizza, and the best wings in the area.

Now it's time for breakfast.

Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles are home to a vast array of morning eateries — from old-school diners and cafes to bustling brunch spots where you can start your day with a decadent spread and a mimosa (or two).

A few ground rules:

One spot will come out on top. Nominate up to three of your favorites below, and I’ll set up a bracket based on the results.

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Creative Arts Camp at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Geneva starts June 8, and spots are going fast.

The week-long camp runs through June 12 for kids preK through rising 6th grade (no church membership required) and keeps them busy all evening with art, music, theater, and movement activities built around a hands-on Biblical theme.

And while they're having a blast, you've got five free summer evenings to yourself. Cost is only $50 for one child, $75 for two kids, with a $100 family max. Complimentary childcare is available for younger siblings.

Below are the most clicked stories from our last newsletter issue.

☑️ Crash investigation: Police are investigating after a 47-year-old Geneva man died late last week after his Jeep veered off Crissey Avenue and struck a tree.

☑️ Sweets on State: Geneva officials approved a grant that will help bring Astoria Bakery and Café, a Balkan and Eastern European sweets shop, to a vacant space on State Street downtown.

☑️ Moving forward: Batavia officials approved a $1M TIF agreement to build a 72-unit affordable housing complex on a former quarry site at 400 S. River Street, with a land closing targeted for July and construction expected to take roughly two years.

☑️ Tapped out: St. Charles revoked the liquor and video gaming licenses of Global Brew Tap House for failure to pay city alcohol taxes, building out a kitchen without permits, and then skipping its own hearing — though the owners are now disputing the city's account.

☑️ Historic space revival: Geneva officials approved a $50K historic preservation grant to help convert the 1906 church building at 227 Hamilton (formerly the Hi-Hat Resale shop) into a downtown event venue.

☑️ Housing project rejected: St. Charles officials unanimously recommended denying a proposed 16-resident senior care facility on Route 31, citing the location as inappropriate and overriding the Plan Commission's earlier approval.

☑️ Stopped & charged: A 20-year-old DeKalb man faces a lengthy list of felony weapons and drug charges after Geneva police pulled him over for speeding on West State Street and searched his vehicle.

☑️ Big Boy sighting: Union Pacific’s Big Boy No. 4014, the world’s largest operating steam locomotive, passed through Geneva to much fanfare en route to a stop in West Chicago as it traverses the country on its “America 250” trip. See video from Geneva.

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☑️ Going big for 250: St. Charles is celebrating America's 250th anniversary with a full summer of events, including a July 4 fireworks display, patriotic library programs, a flag raising on June 15, a Fox Valley Concert Band performance downtown, and much more. Get all the details.

☑️ A landmark revived: Local volunteers have worked to bring the nearly century-old stone-and-mosaic “Geneva Grotto” back to life in its wooded hiding place near the Fox River. A new "Under Rocks" podcast episode from WNIJ tells the story.

☑️ Scholastic successes: Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles schools each picked up notable honors recently, from a national music designation to a middle school vocabulary team finishing second in the country.

☑️ Patriotic celebration: Batavia is marking Flag Day on June 14 with historic flag displays, band performances, and a ribbon cutting for the new Liberty Education Plaza — all tied to the city's connection to Flag Day’s founder and America's 250th anniversary.

☑️ Fairway fundraiser: Local nonprofit Big Hearts of Fox Valley is hosting a charity golf outing at Prairie Landing on 8/21 to support St. Charles students currently experiencing homelessness and thousands more who are at risk.

✳️ The best local brunch: The Little Traveler's Sunday brunch has been a Tri-Cities tradition for decades — and at $13, it's one of the area's best deals. Omelets, Swedish pancakes, Crab Cakes Benedict, and more. Check out the Sunday brunch menu before you visit.

Danny Garwood will be in town from Nashville for a free show at Pollyanna Brewing St. Charles this Friday.

Danny was the talk of the town after he shredded at Blues & Brews on the Fox Fest last summer — could be an entertaining way to kick off the weekend!

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You already know Bocaditos for the delicious food, empanadas, and that Belgian chocolate mocha — but there's more to this downtown Batavia spot than most people realize.

Every Thursday, they run a 2-for-1 deal on alcoholic beverages, valid all day. Make sure to note that on your calendar.

And while you're there, browse the shelves — Bocaditos carries one-of-a-kind merch and a curated selection of books right inside the cafe. So pop in for a meal, stay for some light reading, and leave with a local gift for someone special.

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☑️ Beauty business: OS Salon opened on Tuesday at Fox Haven Square in St. Charles, offering haircuts, color, extensions, makeup, waxing, and Aveda services at the family-owned, full-service salon.

☑️ More outdoor dining: Niche Restaurant in downtown Geneva announced that it has opened its newly constructed outdoor patio, saying seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. See it for yourself.

✳️ Tech help for older adults: Picking up a phone or tablet shouldn't come with puzzlement, frustration, or a knot in your stomach. AllThumbs pairs older adults with one patient advisor (the same person every time) to help with devices, streaming, and spotting scams before they do damage. Read their origin story.

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✳️ Shop swap! Zen Loft Collective in Batavia is hosting a community clothing swap inviting local families to drop off gently used kids' clothes, toys, and maternity items in the days ahead, then come shop for treasures and get coupons at a special June 13 event.

🎟️ 2026 Strawberry Festival | Fri 6/5 - Sun 6/14 | Windy Acres Farm, Geneva | Strawberry surprises, food, live music, and family activities across two weekends.

🎟️ 2026 Heart and Soul Craft Brew Hop | Fri 6/5, 5:30PM–9PM | 93 Octane & Riverlands Brewing, STC | Craft beer event raising funds for Cal's Angels foundation.

☑️ Kane County Master Gardener Plant Sale | Sat 6/6, 9AM–12PM | Idea Garden, STC | Pick up regionally grown plants and gardening tips from trained volunteers. 

🎟️ Learn from the Experts: Dragonflies & Damselflies | Sat 6/6, 9:30AM–11AM | Barbara Belding Lodge, STC | An expert covers dragonfly life cycles, migration, and gardening tips. 

☑️ Pride Maker's Market | Sat 6/6, 12-4PM | Brother Chimp Brewing, North Aurora | Art market, bazaar, craft show, and maker's paradise with local artists and craft beer.

☑️ St. Charles PrideFest | Sun 6/7, 11AM–3PM | Mt. St. Mary Park, STC | Second annual Pride celebration with music, karaoke, food trucks, and crafts. 

🎟️ Shady Lane Wine and Food Pairing | Sun 6/7, 12PM–2PM | Up North Wine Tasting Room, Geneva | A winemaker hosts a pairing of Shady Lane wines and Le Truff Noir dishes. 

☑️ Fox Valley Hands of Hope Open House | Sun 6/7, 1PM–4PM | Grief Hope Center, Geneva | Refreshments, music, art, and building tours celebrating 45 years. 

🎟️ "Love is Love" Paint and Sip | Sun 6/7, 2PM–4PM | Red Hive Market, Batavia | Create a Pride wooden hanging sign; all supplies and instructions included.

🎟️ Country Bar Crawl | Sat 6/13, 3PM–12AM | Downtown STC | Pub crawl at several venues with two live music sets, country vibes, good drinks, and yeehaw energy. 

🎟️ Tri-Cities Dinner Club | Thu 6/18, 6:15PM | Batavia & STC | Meet new people in a fun, no-pressure atmosphere over dinner at a local restaurant (plus optional afterparty).

Before we get into the featured pets, heads up: Anderson Humane is bringing more than 100 adoptable animals to Brilliance Subaru in Elgin (1500 N Randall Rd) on Saturday (6/6) from 10AM-4PM for a regional adoption event called The Road Home.

Now, introducing this week’s featured pets:

Ready to add a loyal new friend to your family? Visit Anderson Humane’s website or reach out to [email protected] or 847-697-2880.

🔥 Loved it, keep up the good work

😐 Mediocre, could take it or leave it

🛑 3 minutes I’ll never get back

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