Geneva

State Street Dance Studio in Geneva will team up with a dozen local vendors to present their first “Christmas Boutique” from 2:30 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at 9 N. Fourth St. For people attending the town’s Christmas Walk festivities on the same day, it is designed to be a one-stop-shop for gifts. Professional portrait photography taken with props from the “Nutcracker” ballet also will be featured.

A portion of proceeds from the special fundraiser will benefit State Street’s annual production of the holiday ballet, “The Nutcracker,” being performed at 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 19, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20, in the Norris Cultural Arts Center, 1040 Dunham Road, St. Charles.

The professional portraits are taken by Megan Kelly Photography in Geneva. The $75 fee is a $180 value, says Linda Cunningham, the dance studio’s artistic director. Reservations for the photography are limited and requested by Nov. 16.

As an antidote to stressful schedules and solitary online pursuits, family game nights are back in a big way.

Whether they feature board game classics or playful new offerings, they stand ready to sharpen minds at any age.

“Game nights are more about staying close to family; people are enjoying the quiet, family moments,” says Rosaleen Tully, co-owner of Learning Express of Homer Glen.

She says Gather ‘Round Dinner Game is specifically designed to keep kids at the dinner table longer.

The Mother’s Club of Geneva presents its 35th annual Holiday Art and Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Geneva Community High School, 416 McKinley Ave.

More than 100 artists and crafters will take part. The event also features a lunch and Homestyle Bakery. Local children’s author David Algrim will be on hand to sign his children’s books.

Admission costs $4 for adults, and is free to children younger than 12. Organizers request no strollers. Proceeds from the event will benefit nonprofit organizations in the area. For more information, call Katie Tabor at (630) 345-4020 or visit www.mothersclubofgeneva.com.

Clarinet artist Kathryne Pirtle shares the adventuresome program for The Orion Ensemble’s next concert, featuring guest soprano Alicia Berneche, who has sung at the Lyric Opera, and Baird Dodge of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The Addison resident is a founding member of the award-winning chamber group, which offers its series in Chicago, Evanston and Geneva. Just showcased on the “Live from WFMT” broadcast, Orion returns to the radio program March 22.

The Orion Ensemble musicians are Florentina Ramniceanu (from left), Kathryne Pirtle, pianist Diana Schmück, Judy Stone and Jennifer Marlas. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Artist Marla Shega of Marla’s Palette will be featured at an “Artist In Residence” day at The Strawflower Shop, 210 W. State St., Geneva. It is part of the shop’s Holiday Open House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.

Shega will share her “Holidays in Chicago” framed prints, featuring the Art Institute lion, the Marshall Field clock, The Chicago Theatre and Old Water Tower.

  A Michigan Avenue landmark is the newest of Marla Shega’s works. SUBMITTED PHOTO

For more of her artwork, visit www.marlaspalette.com.

“The Diamond Celebration: A Past to Cherish, A Promise to Fulfill” is the theme of this year’s Delnor Auxiliary Charity Ball.

It will be held Saturday, Nov. 14, at the St. Charles Country Club in St. Charles. The event will mark 60 years of the Delnor Charity Ball tradition, and will feature cocktails, a live auction, dinner, dancing and entertainment reminiscent of the period when the first ball was held.
 
Tickets cost $175, and the ball is black tie optional. All proceeds raised will be used to fulfill the Auxiliary’s $1 million dollar pledge of support to Delnor Health System. To reserve tickets, call (630) 208-4265 or visit www.supportdelnor.org.

Thanks to a little divine intervention from Rosemary Clooney, the members of the fictional four-part harmony group from ‘Forever Plaid’ are brought back from the great beyond for a holiday sequel. In the original, set in 1964, the four were killed when their car was struck by a bus load of fans en route to see The Beatles on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” The holiday incarnation recaptures the smooth sounds of the ‘30s to ‘50s with a cast that includes Geneva native David Meadows of Chicago. The baritone, who takes on the bass part, talks about the musical comedy presented by Noble Fool Theatricals.
 

David Meadows (from left), Robert Deason, Sean Effinger-Dean and Brad Simanski unleash Christmas cheer in the “Plaid Tidings” musical at Pheasant Run. PHOTO COURTESY OF KIMBERLY G. MORRIS

Couples can break the old routine with a bed and breakfast getaway. And you don’t have to travel far to slip into a cozy new environment that matches your taste.

“It’s a step back in time,” says Nina Heymann, co-owner of The Oscar Swan, a 21-year-old bed and breakfast set in a 1902 mansion on eight acres in Geneva. While it draws fans of the vintage architecture and antique-filled décor, modern amenities are plentiful, such as private baths in the guest rooms, each with satellite TV and WiFi.

Fans of B&B stays, Jacqueline and Rich Quantz of Sheridan say they enjoyed exploring an Italianate Victorian home in Dixon, complete with library.

Bistro Thai is about to celebrate the two-year mark since moving from St. Charles to its downtown Geneva home.

Decorated in warm earth tones, the dining room features Thai carved panels, and a wave-shaped light installation gracing the ceiling.

“When we looked at the space, we wanted to do something that was going to be very relaxing,” says Jon With, who co-owns Bistro Thai with his wife, Chantana, the chef. “The restaurant is right on (Route) 38. The street’s very busy, but we wanted it to be a tranquil atmosphere. In these economic times, (it’s) a nice place to go that’s not going to break the pocketbook.”

Known for her authentic recipes, chef co-owner Chantana With prepares an order of Pad Thai at Bistro Thai in Geneva. STAFF PHOTOS BY STEVE BITTINGER

Recording artist Michelle Areyzaga brings her satiny soprano voice to Niche this week for the Concert Between Courses series in Geneva. She will be accompanied by accomplished pianist Larry Dieffenbach on Thursday, Oct. 15. Foodie music lovers can hear Beethoven, Turina and a preview of a world premiere by American composer Gwyneth Walker.

Michelle Areyzaga

“Don't miss this unique opportunity to enjoy a night of incredible music paired alongside a three-course menu including a choice of three entrees,” invite organizers.   

Larry Dieffenbach

The cost is $50 per person, plus beverage, tax and gratuity. For reservations, call the gourmet restaurant at (630) 262-1000. Seating begins at 6 p.m. at 14 S. Third St.