🦃 Thanksgiving: To cook or not to cook?

A survey cited by a number of news outlets in 2023 (like this one) suggested that nearly half of Americans planned to dine out or order takeout/delivery last Thanksgiving.

Though a quick, closer look at the survey suggests that the study’s scientific rigor (and the credibility of the source) probably wouldn’t hold up under scrutiny, it does highlight an intriguing trend.

Anecdotally, it seems like more people are foregoing Thanksgiving cooking in favor of easy meals.

Several local restaurants plan to cater to those folks. For example: Balmoral, Mio Modo and Cooper’s Hawk in St. Charles will all welcome Thanksgiving diners. Evergreen Pub will open at 8AM offering breakfast, Bloody Marys and Scotch Eggs. Hotel Baker has its annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration buffet.

Rustic Road Farm in Elburn allows you to pre-order an entire homemade feast, sides and all — as does Bien Trucha in Geneva. And Batavia Creamery is already taking orders for its special selection of Thanksgiving desserts.

If you know of additional local establishments offering Thanksgiving specials (dine-in, pre-order, whatever), please feel free to share that info in the comments via the poll below. I’ll highlight some of those in Thursday’s issue.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Open for business: In an effort to boost tourism and economic development, Geneva officials approved a $500K investment to join the Aurora Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (AACVB).

☑️ Budget buzz: A hearing will be held at City Hall about the proposed 2025 Batavia budget on Tuesday evening (11/12). The meeting will include discussion about a proposed increase to the property tax rate.

☑️ Funding fix: Kane County officials are reviewing a proposed $2M increase in the property tax levy to help fund essential services and offset inflation. A decision is expected on 11/12.

☑️ Fatal crash: A truck veered off the road near the Fabyan Parkway bridge in Geneva early Sunday morning, resulting in a single-vehicle crash that killed the driver.

🔒 Another tax update: St. Charles officials approved a $24M preliminary 2024 property tax levy estimate in a split vote, with a public hearing planned for 12/2. Homeowners probably won’t see increased property taxes under the plan.

☑️ Violent incident: Batavia police responded to an apparent stabbing on S. Batavia Avenue on Friday. The male suspect faces several charges, while the female victim was in stable condition at the hospital following the incident.

☑️ Traffic notes: In Geneva, both the Western Avenue crossing and the Fox River Trail near Island Park are expected to reopen on Friday (11/15).

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Veterans Day: Browse a comprehensive list of ceremonial events honoring our nation's heroes that will held at several locations throughout Kane County today and later this week.

☑️ Tomorrow’s leaders: The Batavia Chamber announced its 2025 Inspire Scholarship program, which will award $1K to four Batavia High School seniors to help propel their education.

☑️ STC theatre scene: Marquee Youth Stage has moved to a new location at 220 N. Randall Road — just in time for Seussical Jr. The Musical, which is running November 14-17.

☑️ Park upgrades: Thanks to a $600K state grant, Geneva’s Mill Creek Community Park will be getting a new accessible playground plus additional amenities (like pickleball courts and fitness stations).

☑️ Compassion & community: Local nonprofit Random Acts Matter is hosting a community Gingerbread House Contest on 12/17 to bring people together while promoting creativity and kindness — and they’re seeking sponsors to support the event.

✳️ Pajama Drive: Give a foster child the gift of coziness by donating new pajamas for infants, children and teens (all sizes). Drop donations at Alphagraphics St. Charles or call 630-513-7711 to arrange pickup. Donations will be given to CASA Kane County. Deadline is 12/2.

🎸 Live music

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Local music scene: Some of you are likely familiar with InFunktious, a talented cover band that regularly plays gigs across the Tri-Cities and beyond. Well, they’ve officially evolved into something bigger — a blues rock funk fusion band called Covington Grove. They’ve got an album release party on Friday (11/15) at The Venue in Aurora.

Here’s your mid-week list of local shows.

🛍️ Local biz

☑️ Final grind: Batavia’s Smarty Pants Cafe is winding down operations with plans to close permanently within the next few weeks. Read a statement from the owner.

☑️ Move to the music: The Dance Lab — a ballroom and Latin Dance studio based in St. Charles — will celebrate its grand opening on Wednesday (11/13) with live performances, music, food/drink, giveaways and a free group lesson.

☑️ City stalwarts: Late last week, the Geneva Chamber announced the winner of its 2024 Wood Award and recognized several local businesses and residents with special member awards.

☑️ Green leader: For the sixth consecutive year, Batavia-based ALDI has been recognized by the EPA for its successful sustainability initiatives.

🗞️ Un-classifieds

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles — including this $1.6M mansion on Wexford Court in St. Charles and this $1.2M home on Hawthorne Lane in Geneva.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ High school football playoffs: Batavia beat Lincoln Way-West and will host Downers Grove North in the next round of the 7A bracket (1PM on Saturday). Geneva topped Burlington Central to play at Lake Forest in the next round of the 6A bracket (1PM on Saturday). St. Charles North lost to Mount Carmel, ending their postseason run.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ November Lyceum Discussion | Mon 11/11, 7-9PM | Sidecar Supper Club, Batavia | A thoughtful dialogue exploring gambling in baseball.

🎟️ Sip and Shop Holiday Soiree | Mon 11/11, 5-7PM | The Graceful Ordinary, STC | Taste amazing wine and spirits while perusing unique gifts.

🎟️ Murder Mystery Party | Fri 11/15, 6PM | Kane County Cougars Park, Geneva | A 1920s-themed mystery adventure with an Italian buffet.

🎟️ Murder at the Winery | Sat 11/16, 5PM | Geneva Winery, Batavia | Sense a trend? This one features wine and western flair.

🎟️ Pickleball Tournament | Sun 12/15, Various Times | Civic Center, Batavia | Register now as a beginner, intermediate or advanced player.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌤️ Today: High 52F | Low 36F | Breezy

🌤️ Tuesday: High 51F | Low 36F | Nice n’ sunny

⛅️ Wednesday: High 57F | Low 50F | Cloudy + gusty

🌤️ Thursday: High 57F | Low 35F | Pretty warm

📖 Thanks for reading

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