💚 Rallying to support a local business

Pärla — a Geneva gift and decor shop located on Hamilton Street — reported that its building caught fire on Monday, forcing the business to close. Thankfully, no one was injured.

Shortly thereafter, the City of Geneva shared details on the emergency response. From the city’s release:

Local businesses and residents quickly rallied to support Pärla, assisting with cleanup and donating supplies.

Up North Wine Tasting (located around the corner on 2nd Street) is hosting a fundraiser today (7/25) from 2-9PM with a portion of proceeds going to support Pärla. Head over if you can!

📽️ Locals have mixed views on movie theaters

On Monday, we asked TCC subscribers if they’ve been to a movie theater yet in 2024. You responded:

• Yes: 52%

• No: 48%

Several interesting themes emerged from the responses:

• Not worth it: Many of the “no” voters cited higher prices, plentiful streaming options and lower quality of movies these days. “It’s too loud” was a common refrain as well.

• Big screen energy: Lots of folks say “it’s better on the big screen” — noting that Emagine Theater in Batavia offers an excellent experience. Others enjoy the ritual and nostalgia of going to the theater.

• Matinees: Taking advantage of weekday deals (at Charlestowne 18, for example) appears to be popular.

• Just not top of mind: Several people reported less frequent movie attendance over time but expressed interest in going more often.

📰 News to use

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☑️ New commercial hub: St. Charles City Council approved plans (🔒) for the Fox Haven Square development near the former Charlestowne Mall site. We reported project details in early June — more info from the city can be found here.

☑️ Emergency repairs: A gas main broke Tuesday morning near the Route 31 underpass in Geneva requiring the evacuation of several nearby businesses.

☑️ Safer streets: A traffic study recommended a new four-way stop at Geneva’s Division St. and East Side Dr. intersection, where there were 23 crashes from 2019 to 2023. Find more details on page 7 of this committee document.

☑️ Golden years: Illinois squeaked into the top one-third on a new list of the best states to retire.

☑️ Tread carefully: Batavia’s work to connect its water system to the new Fermilab Welcome Center (which is currently under construction) will result in traffic and sidewalk disruptions.

☑️ Digital IDs: Illinois residents will be allowed to “carry” a digital driver’s license or ID on their phone starting in 2025. Here’s how that will work.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Summer break: Fermilab in Batavia will be temporarily closed to the public for two weeks starting on August 26. Visitors who want access will need to submit a request form.

☑️ Smooth pathways: If you’ve noticed sidewalk issues near your home or business in Batavia, you have until 10/31 to report them to the city for repair planning.

☑️ Passionate session: State Rep. Matt Hanson participated in a collaborative dialogue at Batavia’s Valley Sheltered Workshop to explore ways for IDHS resources to make a positive impact in the community.

☑️ Alternate routes: Portions of Third Street in downtown Geneva will be closed this weekend to make way for the thousands of people expected to attend the Geneva Arts Fair.

☑️ Eye-popping estate: A new $7M property listing in St. Charles is poised to break the all-time record for highest sale price of a single-family home in the city.

☑️ Hit the links: Did you know that Pottawatomie Golf Course in St. Charles offers Senior Golf Days every Monday for $16 per player?

🎸 Live music

In addition to the usual spots, Art History Brewing in Geneva will have live music all weekend as part of its Pilsner Fest. And the Geneva Arts Fair will feature live acoustic music downtown from 12-2PM on Saturday and Sunday.

As for the rest of the weekend across the Tri-Cities — buckle up, there’s a lot happening.

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🎨 Stop by The Little Traveler during the Geneva Arts Fair this weekend

Downtown Geneva will be the place to be this weekend when it transforms into a picturesque outdoor art gallery.

As you’re perusing fine works of art on a beautiful summer day, don’t forget to pop into The Little Traveler to check out their Summer Clearance Sale.

We’re talking 50%-75% off select items across the store! It’s a perfect opportunity to score a great deal and grab a refreshment before you return to the Arts Fair.

🏬 Local biz

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☑️️ Marking a milestone: Urban Style Salon & Spa in Batavia is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a special party tonight (7/25).

✳️ Affordable meal delivery: Entrée Kitchen is a game-changer for folks looking to eat well on a budget this summer. Use code FreeDeliveryTCC for free delivery of 4 entrees or more through 7/31.

☑️️ Grab a bite: Bulldogs Red Hots in downtown Batavia is now open again under new ownership.

🔒 Pooch pampering: CaDo & Company, a new pet boutique in Batavia, celebrated a ribbon cutting in March and caters to dog owners and their canine companions of all kinds.

🗓️ Events + things to do

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🎟️ Cigar & Bourbon Tasting | Thurs 7/25, 6-8PM | Foxfire, Geneva | Sample smooth bourbon and enjoy exceptional cigars with fellow enthusiasts.

🎟️ Friends of the Library Book Sale | Fri 7/26 thru Sun 7/28 | Geneva Library | Get amazing bargains on gently used books.

☑️ Wizarding Weekend | Fri 7/26 - Sat 7/27 | Pretty Pages & MoJo Handbags Et•Cetera, Batavia | Special merchandise, magical activities, giveaways and more.

☑️ Geneva Arts Fair | Fri 7/26 - Sat 7/27 | Downtown Geneva | A showcase of fine artisans from around the country with live music.

🎟️ Swifties Night In! | Fri 7/26, 6-8PM | It’s A Girl Thing, Geneva | Drop off your little T-Swift fan for a night of fun while you enjoy an evening on your own.

🎟️ Passport to Batavia | Sat 7/27, 10AM-3PM | Downtown Batavia | Enjoy local shopping, food and drink while supporting Northern Illinois Food Bank.

☑️ CASI Chili Cookoff | Sat 7/27, 11AM-6PM | Batavia VFW | Delicious chili, cold drinks and live music — heckuva Saturday if you ask me.

🎟️ Cocktails in the Park | Sat 7/27, 7-10PM | Downtown Batavia | A fun-filled outdoor evening with cocktails, appetizers, live music and raffles.

🎟️ Chicago Toy Show | Sunday 7/28, 8AM | Kane County Fairgrounds, STC | The largest specialty show featuring antique toy and doll collectibles.

🚀 Market your business locally

Do you — or any of your friends and colleagues — do business in the Tri-Cities area? If so, you can connect directly with 3,600+ local residents with an ad in Tri-Cities Central.

Just fill out this quick form (or share it with a friend) to get more info and start the process.

🌖 Weather snapshot

🌤️ Today: High 79F | Low 57F | Textbook gorgeous

☀️ Friday: High 82F | Low 60F | So much sun

🌤️ Saturday: High 86F | Low 63F | Hot but pleasant

🌤️ Sunday: High 87F | Low 67F | Storm or 2 likely

📖 Thanks for reading

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