🦃 Turkey Day traditions — and some sweets to add to the mix

Evidently, home cooking reigns supreme in the Tri-Cities. Four out of five people who responded to Monday’s poll about Thanksgiving dining plan to prepare their meals at home. Only eight percent plan to eat out.

I’m with the majority on this one — there’s nothing like a homemade Thanksgiving feast.

Several respondents emphasized cooking for family as a key element of the holiday tradition. In some cases, folks said guests will bring their own home-cooked dishes to add to the smorgasbord. Others plan to contribute store-bought sides and sweets.

If you’re in the latter camp, consider picking something up from one of these local spots:

All Chocolate Kitchen, Geneva: From cakes, truffles and gelato to artisan coffee and seasonal dessert entrees, they’ve got plenty of Turkey Day add-ons to choose from.

Brown Butter Cafe, St. Charles: This delightful local shop offers pre-orders for build-your-own breakfast casseroles, cinnamon roll cakes and donuts.

Cocoa Bean, Geneva: This quaint dessert and pastry shop might be one of the most underrated in the Tri-Cities. Incredible homemade coffee cake.

New Moon Vegan Bakery, Batavia: The plant-based sweets and baked goods shop is beloved by Batavians for good reason — and they’re accepting Thanksgiving pre-orders.

📰 News to use

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☑️ Police update: Amid an ongoing child luring investigation, Batavia police said that a black sedan mentioned in the original report is not related to the incident. Anyone with info is asked to contact investigators.

🔒 Renewable roadmap: Batavia’s Fermilab plans to use federal grant funds to achieve net-zero through renewable energy generation initiatives and energy conservation strategies for 23 of its campus buildings.

☑️ Turning the tide: Illinois will receive $40M as part of a major national settlement with the grocery giant Kroger over its role in the opioid crisis. Here’s how the state plans to spend those funds.

☑️ Dining bonanza: Applications are now open for local restaurants interested in participating in the 15th annual St. Charles Restaurant Week in February 2025.

☑️ Priciest towns: Online payment service Doxo released a report ranking the highest and lowest cities in Illinois for household expenses. See where Batavia and Geneva landed.

☑️ Cleanup continues: The final rounds of leaf collection are either in progress or starting soon in all three cities. Check the schedule for Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles.

☑️ Traffic update: Kirk Road in Batavia will close in both directions on Friday (11/15) for railroad track repairs between Wilson Street and Hubbard Avenue through Tuesday (11/19).

🏘️ In the community

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☑️ Foosball fun: A local foosball group — which organizes regular pickup games at The House Pub — will host the first St. Charles Foosball Tournament at the establishment on Sunday (11/17). Novices are welcome.

☑️ Secrets unveiled: Kane County officials recently unlocked an old vault at the Third Street Courthouse in Geneva for the first time in recent memory. Learn what they found and read through a brief history of the courthouse.

☑️ Frosty festivities: The Batavia Park District’s “Winter Fun Guide” has been released, packed with classes, special events and exciting things to do through the first few months of 2025.

🔒 Decades of dedication: Celebrating 100 years of service, the St. Charles Women's Club has spent a century uplifting women, supporting families and strengthening the community. Explore the group’s history and evolution.

☑️ Supporting neighbors: Batavia United Way's Snow Angels program is looking for volunteers to help shovel driveways for nearby folks with limited mobility beginning in December.

✳️ 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

After a brief hiatus, Riverlands in St. Charles is back with some indoor live music this weekend — as is Tanna Tap in Geneva and The Moose Lodge in Batavia.

Check out the rest of the weekend’s many shows.

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🎄 Finding magic for every moment

The Little Traveler has transformed into a holiday wonderland, where you can wander room to room amid festive décor and thoughtful gifts you’d never find anywhere else. Consult their 2024 Christmas Catalog to make the most out of your visit.

💥 Psst…they’ve got brand-new Nora Fleming pieces in stock, too!

🛍️ Local biz

☑️ Timeless facade: You’ve likely noticed the classic, charming character of the Batavia building that is today home to Sturdy Shelter Brewing, but did you know that it first opened as a music hall in 1880? Delve into the history of the historic structure.

☑️ Local merger: Geneva Winery is acquiring Vintage 53, bringing its wine and membership benefits to the cozy tasting room in downtown St. Charles — while Vintage 53’s popular charcuterie and cocktails will be featured at Geneva Winery’s Batavia and Geneva locations.

☑️ A Geneva gem: The Winding Deerpath art and decor ship in downtown Geneva celebrated its fifth anniversary last weekend. See photos from the festivities.

🗓️ Events & Things to Do

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☑️ Cozy & Caffeinated Fall Sip n’ Shop | Sat 11/16, 9AM-2PM | Coroco Coffee, STC | Sip coffee while browsing handcrafted goods from local small businesses.

☑️ Pop Up Holiday Market | Sat 11/16, 10AM - Sun 11/17, 4PM | Marge & Darn’s Craft Co, Elburn | Get great deals from local small businesses and enter some raffles.

🎟️ HOWLiday Parade | Sat 11/16, 10AM | River Bend Community Park, STC | A doggie parade with festive costumes, vendors and Santa photos.

☑️ Miracle on State Street: Dog Adoption | Sat 11/16, 11AM-3PM | 501 W State St, Geneva, IL | Meet adoptable dogs, get photos with Santa and enjoy festive surprises.

🎟️ Mom & Son Date Night | Sat 11/16, 6:30PM | St. Charles Park District | Hawaiian-themed fun with dancing and volleyball.

☑️ Ho Ho Ho-ld my Drink Holiday Market | Sun 11/17, 11AM-4PM | Grainology, Batavia | Local small business vendors, food/drink and live tunes!

☑️ Hive Chili Cook Off | Sun 11/17, 12PM | The Hive Tavern, STC | Celebrate chili weather! Bring friends to taste delicious homemade variations.

☑️ Homemade for the Holidays | Sun 11/17, 1-4PM | LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, STC | Hands-on demos for crafting DIY decorations.

🌖 Weather snapshot

⛅️ Today: High 52F | Low 41F | Clouds + drizzle

🌤️ Friday: High 54F | Low 40F | Nice n’ sunny

🌤️ Saturday: High 55F | Low 45F | Autumn delight

⛅️ Sunday: High 57F | Low 40F | Clouds return

📖 Thanks for reading

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