Happy Tuesday Daytonians!

Thanks for spending another week with The Gem, where good times aren’t hard to find. Let’s take a look at what we’ll be covering in this edition…

• Did You Know: $10.3M to Turn Sycamore Trails Park Into an Outdoor Wonderland

• Hidden Gems: Carvers Steaks & Chops, Taqueria Mixteca, Broasters & Big Breakfasts on North Dixie

• Local Events: 9/2 – 9/9

• Computer Love: Dayton’s Tech-Driven Startup Week Hits 10-Year Milestone

• Money: $5.5M Health Campus Rising in Xenia

• Sports: Buckeyes Championship D Stifles #1 Texas, Dragons Tie Club Record, Final Homestand: Dragons vs Lugnuts

— Tom

Did you know?

Miamisburg Just Spent $10.3M to Turn Sycamore Trails Park Into an Outdoor Wonderland 🛝

Miamisburg just invested $10.3 million into its biggest park upgrade in nearly 30 years! Sycamore Trails Park now has brand-new playgrounds, sports courts for basketball, tennis, and pickleball, a rebuilt fishing pond, two miles of walking trails, fitness stations, and obstacle course equipment for kids.

The city will celebrate the grand opening on Sept. 6 with food trucks, tournaments, yoga, a fishing derby, and a community picnic.

Hidden Gems

1,800° Steaks + 8-Time Wine Winner—Carvers 🥩

White-tablecloth steakhouse energy without the big-city price tag—that’s Carvers Steaks & Chops, locally owned since 1996 at 1535 Miamisburg Centerville Rd in Dayton. Hand-cut Midwestern steaks meet a blistering 1,800° broiler—think well-marbled 14-oz rib-eye or a classic New York strip.

Prime rib appears Thu–Sun while it lasts; seafood staples like Maryland lump crab cakes and cold-water lobster tail add coastal polish. Slip into the lively martini lounge for generous pours and an eight-time Wine Spectator Award of Excellence list. Private rooms—the East Room (25) and Board Room (60)—host celebrations, while friendly pros deliver neighborly service. Carvers remains Dayton’s dinner benchmark: polished, celebratory, and consistent.

Check them out on Facebook

Taqueria Mixteca’s Hand-Pressed Heaven 🍚

At 1609 E 3rd St., Taqueria Mixteca hums with tortillas slapped hot to the comal and suadero crackling on the flattop. This unfussy Dayton mainstay dishes out flavor with heart: quesabirria oozing with slow-stewed richness, shrimp tacos bright with lime, and bubbling choriqueso for the table. Hand-pressed tortillas arrive warm and pliant, ready for bold, house-made salsas with real bite.

Weekday specials—especially Mini Taco Tuesdays—keep things wallet-friendly, while horchata or tamarindo cools the spice. Families, late-night taco runs, and longtime regulars share booths where time-honored techniques meet everyday comfort. A lively, neighborly staple that keeps you plotting the next visit.

Check them out on Facebook

Broasters & Big Breakfasts on North Dixie 🍟

Since 1994, George’s Family Restaurant has been Dayton’s diner for all-day comfort on the Dixie Strip, where the coffee’s hot and the griddle never sleeps. At 5216 N. Dixie Dr., the menu leans classic: hand-pattied half-pound burgers, house-made meatloaf, and crispy Broaster Chicken alongside fluffy pancakes and skillet plates served all day.

Nightly specials kick in after 4 p.m., and Fridays revive the all-you-can-eat Pollock tradition with fries and slaw. Curbside carryout and online ordering are a breeze with marked pickup spots. Family photos, friendly servers, and neighborly regulars set the tone—A Northridge staple.

Check them out on Facebook

THE BULLETIN 📌

Want to spread the good word about your business, a project you’re working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 3000+ Daytonians?

Featured Post 📌

Dayton native, Mia Paris launched Jesus Apparel to give men and women a bold way to live their faith out loud. This faith-based clothing line blends style with purpose, created to inspire, spark conversations, and help you proudly represent your faith every day.

Follow Jesus Apparel on Instagram and explore their website to shop the full collection.

Local Events

PAINT & TRIVIA: OTTER MAILMAN

• What: Guided painting class with trivia breaks; ages 16+. Reserve seats; all supplies included; fun, beginner-friendly night out.

• When: September 2, 7–9 PM

• Where: Painting with a Twist (Dayton), 8010 McEwen Rd, Dayton

• How Much: $39–$48

DROP-IN TECH HELP HOUR

• What: Bring your phone, tablet, or laptop for personalized help with apps, settings, and everyday tasks. First-come, first-served; no registration.

• When: September 2, 4–5 PM

• Where: Southeast Branch, 21 Watervliet Avenue, Dayton

• How Much: Free

WOOD-FIRED PIZZA POP-UP: ILLY’S FIRE

• What: Mobile wood-fired pizza pop-up featuring turkey pepperoni and Italian turkey sausage. Stop by for fresh pies during the afternoon window.

• When: September 3, 10 AM – 3:15 PM

• Where: Amazon Fulfillment Center, 1835 Union Airpark Blvd, Vandalia

• How Much: Free

TROTWOOD COMMUNITY MARKET

• What: Local produce, baked goods, and makers, midweek. Family-friendly.

• When: September 3, 3–7 PM

• Where: 25 E Main St, Trotwood

• How Much: Free

LEVITT: JT JAZZ UNDER THE STARS

• What: Smooth jazz from Dayton’s Jesse “JT Jazz” Thompson in Dave Hall Plaza. Lawn chairs welcome.

• When: September 4, 7–8:30 PM

• Where: Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

PECHAKUCHA NIGHT DAYTON VOL. 57

• What: Lightning talks, 20×20 style, from local creatives; cash bar and community vibes.

• When: September 4, 7:30 PM (doors 7 PM)

• Where: Polish Club, 1470 Valley Street, Dayton

• How Much: Free

FIRST FRIDAY IN THE NORTH ARCADE

• What: Artists, pop-ups, and performances to launch the month downtown.

• When: September 5, 5–8 PM

• Where: North Arcade, 24 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

SISTER CITIES OKTOBERFEST

• What: Two-day Oktoberfest with live bands, German fare, and a lively biergarten—plus arts & crafts, carryout specials, and family-friendly fun.

• When: September 5–6

• Where: Vandalia Sports Complex, 1111 Stonequarry Road, Dayton

• How Much: $7 per day (under 10 free).

DAYTON GREEK FESTIVAL

• What: Gyros, baklava, live music, and church tours—OPA! A beloved Dayton tradition all weekend.

• When: September 5–7

• Where: Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 500 Belmonte Park N, Dayton

• How Much: $5 (weekend admission; 18 & under, active military, veterans free)

ITALIAN FALL FESTA

• What: Bocce, live music, and authentic eats on shaded grounds.

• When: September 5–7

• Where: Bella Villa, 2625 County Line Rd, Kettering

• How Much: Free

BEAVERCREEK POPCORN FESTIVAL

• What: Classic street fair with dozens of vendors and popcorn everything. Day 1.

• When: September 6, 10 AM – 8 PM

• Where: Dayton-Xenia Rd at N Fairfield Rd, Beavercreek

• How Much: Free

BONNIE RAITT AT THE ROSE

• What: Legend. Slide guitar. Goosebumps. With Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band.

• When: September 6, 7:30 PM

• Where: Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd, Huber Heights

• How Much: $45.50 – $78.50

2ND STREET MARKET: SUNDAY EDITION

• What: Local growers and makers indoors and out. Stock the fridge, snack as you stroll.

• When: September 7, 11 AM – 3 PM

• Where: 2nd Street Market, 600 E 2nd St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

DAI × SICSA ADOPTION EVENT

• What: Cats & dogs meet fine art—find your new best friend on the hill.

• When: September 7, 12–2 PM

• Where: Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park N, Dayton

• How Much: Free

HOMETOWN HEROES FAMILY STORYTIME

• What: Meet local heroes during an interactive family storytime. Songs, stories, and smiles for all ages.

• When: September 8, 5:30–6:30 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library – Main, 215 E Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

SCOTCH & CIGAR NIGHT (PATIO)

• What: Guided pairing experience on Trolley Stop’s patio; limited seats.

• When: September 8, 6–8 PM

• Where: The Trolley Stop, 530 E Fifth St, Dayton

• How Much: $35–$40

DICED IN DAYTON: CHEFS’ CHALLENGE

• What: Local chefs battle with mystery ingredients; supports Miami Valley Meals.

• When: September 9, 5:30–9 PM

• Where: Schuster Center, 1 W Second St, Dayton

• How Much: $75

LAUNCH DAYTON STARTUP WEEK

• What: Free founder conference at The Hub with workshops, mentors, and networking. Celebrating 10 years of Dayton entrepreneurs.

• When: September 9–10, 8 AM – 5 PM

• Where: The Hub at Dayton Arcade, 31 S Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Dayton’s Tech-Driven Startup Week Hits 10-Year Milestone 💻

Launch Dayton’s Startup Week is celebrating its 10th anniversary September 9–10 at the Hub inside the Dayton Arcade. What began in 2015 as a weeklong, tech-heavy conference has evolved into a two-day event welcoming both Main Street businesses and high-growth startups. This year’s theme, “Made to Make It,” highlights the resilience of local entrepreneurs, with more than 30 sessions covering marketing, funding, and leadership.

The lineup features well-known community leaders like Brent Johnson and Josh Stucky of Square One Salons, alongside experts from Fifth Third Bank and Launch Dayton. Extras include the Founder Pitch Competition at Yellow Cab Tavern and LaunchPad, a monthly speaker series that drew over 300 attendees earlier this year.

Free to attend, Startup Week offers connections, tools, and inspiration for anyone ready to grow a business in the Miami Valley.

Click here for tickets 

Money

$5.5M Health Campus Rising in Xenia: A Game Changer for Local Care 🏥💰

Five Rivers Health Centers is bringing a $5.5 million, 14,500-square-foot health campus to Xenia, set to open in early 2026. Built on the site of a former Rite Aid, the center will combine services from two existing clinics into one modern hub offering primary care, pediatrics, dental, behavioral health, and a low-cost pharmacy. Patients will also benefit from free rides to appointments and a community meeting room open to the public.

Built by Skanska USA, the project is expected to support 37 local jobs over the next two years while cementing Xenia as one of Five Rivers’ fastest-growing hubs. With 12 locations already serving more than 25,000 patients across the Miami Valley, this expansion underscores the nonprofit’s mission to bring affordable, high quality care closer to the people who need it most.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

BUCKEYES CHAMPIONSHIP D STIFLES #1 TEXAS 🏈

Ohio State, ranked No. 3, clipped top-ranked Texas 14–7 on Saturday, Aug. 30 in Columbus, riding new DC Matt Patricia’s smothering defense and a poised debut from redshirt freshman Julian Sayin. Sayin’s 40-yard strike to Carnell Tate made it 14–0, while CB Jermaine Matthews Jr. notched a pivotal interception.

The Buckeyes stacked three fourth-down stops—including a goal-line stand—and survived two Texas red-zone trips before the Longhorns finally scored with 3:28 left. It marks Ohio State’s 26th straight season-opening win, a disciplined, tone-setting start that showed both teeth on defense and enough spark on offense to matter in November.

DRAGONS TIE CLUB RECORD: 13 STRAIGHT

Dayton ripped off its 13th straight win, 7–5 at Fort Wayne, sweeping the series and tying the club record set in 2002. John Michael Faile homered and drove in four, and Irvin Machuca closed it out.

The streak is the Midwest League’s longest since 2018—and MiLB’s longest since 2023. The Dragons can set a new mark today at 7:05 PM vs. Lansing at Day Air Ballpark.

FINAL HOMESTAND: DRAGONS VS LUGNUTS

• What: Lansing visits for the regular-season finale—six games, theme nights, Friday Friends & Family deal, and Sunday Kids Run the Bases.

• When: September 2–6, 7:05 PM; September 7, 1:05 PM

• Where: Day Air Ballpark, 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton

• How Much: $13–$17 (Friday Friends & Family promo)