As a proponent of eating local, I like to take favorite recipes and make seasonal swaps. I recently gave a cooking demonstration where I did just that, incorporating winter squash, hearty greens, canned beans and root vegetables into a pair of delicious Thai dishes.

Mark your calendar for Groundhog Day events in Woodstock, Downers Grove’s Ice Fest, Lunar New Year celebrations, Disney On Ice presents “Let’s Dance!” and more happening this week.

Batavia's Books Between Bites hosts children's book authors presenting a new book and torn paper art demo on Jan 30. Additional author talks continue through May.

St. Charles has hit a potential home run with new development plans for the city’s east side. Officials say the new retail and restaurants planned for Fox Haven Square could transform the area near the former Charlestowne Mall.

Mark your calendar for the Norge Annual Winter Ski Jump Tournament, Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire, Marlon Wayans’ “Wild Child Tour” and more happening this week.

Local elections can profoundly impact your community. Find out when and where you can see the mayoral and city council candidates in person or online.

Geneva voters will be asked to approve borrowing $68 million to build a new police station and a new fire station.

Mark your calendar for Courtney Reed Live with the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, PBR: Unleash the Beast bull riding, the Chicago RV Show, Winter Fest in Vernon Hills and more happening this week.