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: Ohio Students Set to Soar at New $15M Aviation High School

• Hidden Gems: Sueño, Singha Thai, Tony & Pete’s

• Local Events: 6/17 – 6/24

• Computer Love: Sinclair Commits $5 Million to AI

• Money: United Alloy Sparks Big Growth with $48M Ohio Expansion

• Sports: Buckeyes NIL Change and Farewell, Dragons-Tincaps Homestand, Flyers Vs. Bearcats Renewal

— Tom

Did you know?

Ohio Students Set to Soar at New $15M Aviation High School 🛩️

A $15 million aviation high school is rising at Middletown Regional Airport, set to open in early 2026. This 28,000-square-foot facility will give students hands-on training in aircraft maintenance, drone tech, and flight instruction all in a real airport hangar.

Backed by Butler Tech, Butler County, and local leaders, the school aims to prepare teens for high-paying aviation careers right after graduation. With FAA certification already approved, students can graduate ready to work. As Middletown’s mayor put it, this is “a regional asset of innovation” built to inspire the next generation to take flight.

Hidden Gems

AVANT-GARDE MEXICAN FLAVOR AT SUEÑO DAYTON 🌮 

Sueño opened in 2021, in the historic Avant-Garde building at 607 E. 3rd St. above Tender Mercy, redefining downtown Dayton dining with its upscale Mexican concept. Executive Chef and partner Jorge Guzmán, a Yucatán native and Culinary Institute of America alum, leads an open kitchen with a live-fire hearth, crafting tortillas from scratch using heirloom corn imported from Oaxaca. The restaurant’s AIA award–winning design features smart, adaptable spaces lit by creative lighting and centered on a glowing wood hearth that frames the dining room.

Wine Director Lauren Gay—Dayton native, CMS-certified sommelier and former Peace Corps volunteer—curates an organic, biodynamic wine list that pairs seamlessly with the scratch-made masa dishes. Beverage Director Tyler Hampton champions additive-free agave spirits like artisanal mezcals and sotols, elevating every meal into a spirited celebration of Mexican traditions. Swing by or book reservations Monday through Saturday, and taste the passion behind every dish.

Check them out on Facebook

COZY HOMESTYLE THAI SPICE IN KETTERING 🍜

Singha Thai brings genuine Thai home cooking to Kettering’s doorstep, centering its menu on classic dishes and cherished family recipes. Nestled in the Village Shops section of Town & Country Shopping Center at 4123 W Town and Country Rd, this family-run spot founded by Mint Thonawn serves up curries, stir-fried noodle bowls, and house-special entrées inspired by recipes passed down through generations.

Housed alongside First Watch behind the main shopping complex, Singha Thai offers both cozy dine-in seating and easy online pickup or curbside options for made-to-order meals. With a focus on warm hospitality and homestyle flavors, it’s a true neighborhood gem delivering authentic Thai comfort, just around the corner.

Check them out on Facebook

OLD-SCHOOL SANDWICH SPOT IN DOWNTOWN DAYTON 🥪

Located at 129 E. Third St., Tony & Pete’s Groceries & Coldcuts opened in July 2022 in Dayton’s Fire Blocks District, offering a 2,100-square-foot space for craft cold-cut sandwiches, curated grocery staples, local beer, and wine. Founded by Dayton locals Justin Simmons and Kathleen Roll, the shop honors their fathers, Tony and Pete, weaving family pride into every menu item.

With best-sellers like the Gabagool, Cold Cut Trio, and Delivery Boy, Tony & Pete’s pairs old-school deli charm with rotating pantry goods sourced from Dayton makers. Multiple sandwich counters and catering options fuel community gatherings, while the cozy market vibe invites neighbors to grab a take-out sub or browse fresh produce. Bright murals and open counters set a welcoming scene inside the market space. As a hometown hub, Tony & Pete’s reflects Dayton’s entrepreneurial spirit and appetite for authentic, neighborly fare.

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 2000+ Daytonians?

Local Events

MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID TRAINING

• What: A blended Adult Mental Health First Aid course teaching how to identify and respond to mental health crises in the community.

• When: June 17, 9 AM – 4 PM

• Where: Montgomery County ADAMHS, 409 E. Monument Ave, Dayton

• How Much: $23.18

MEDICARE RETIREMENT ESSENTIALS

• What: This session covers Medicare fundamentals—mySocialSecurity setup, early vs. late retirement timing, Spouse/Survivor benefits, and WEP/GPO updates.

• When: June 17, 2025, 11:30 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Montgomery County Administration Building, 451 West Third Street, Dayton, OH 45422 (plus virtual option)

• How Much: Free

KAYAK RENTALS AT RIVERSCAPE

• What: Rent kayaks for paddling on the Great Miami River; equipment provided, suitable for ages 10+.

• When: June 17, 2 PM – 6 PM

• Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton

• How Much: $15 (per rental)

LOREN WILLSON FAMILY MOVIE SERIES

• What: Enjoy beloved family films for just $1, celebrating Loren Willson’s love of community movie nights.

• When: Wednesdays at 11 AM (June 18 & 25), running through July 30.

• Where: Historic Plaza Theatre, 33 S. Main St., Miamisburg

• How Much: $1 per ticket for all ages

June Lineup:

o June 18: The Paw Patrol Movie (2023)

o June 25: Charlotte’s Web (2006)

SHAPE CHANGERS: BUTTERFLIES AND BUGS

• What: A guided children’s program exploring insect life stages; participants observe caterpillars and learn about butterfly metamorphosis in a hands-on setting.

• When: June 18, 1 PM – 2 PM

• Where: Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark, 1301 E. Siebenthaler Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Free

UNITY IN THE PARK: JUNETEENTH

• What: Celebrate freedom with a family-friendly festival featuring a DJ, dance pros, food trucks, local vendors, community art projects, and line dancing under the Fraze Pavilion.

• When: June 19, 4 PM – 7 PM

• Where: Fraze Pavilion, Lincoln Park Civic Commons, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd, Kettering

• How Much: Free

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION AT LEVITT PAVILION

• What: An evening of line dancing, commemorative ceremonies, and a headline concert by Goapele celebrating Juneteenth’s legacy of freedom and culture.

• When: June 19, 5 PM – 8:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free admission

SUNSET AT THE MARKET

• What: Extended hours at 2nd Street Market with seasonal programming for after-hours shopping and dining.

• When: June 19, 5 PM – 8 PM

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

• How Much: Free entry; vendors' items priced individually

VANDALIA FLIGHT FEST: THUNDERBIRDS & TUNES

• What: Meet USAF Thunderbirds, catch a live flyover, dance to Lt. Dan Band, enjoy a walk-through parade, kids’ activities, food, and more.

• When: June 20, 6 PM – 10 PM

• Where: Vandalia Recreation Center, 1111 Stonequarry Road, Dayton

• How Much: Free (ticket required via EventSprout)

CARIBBEAN FUNK NIGHT

• What: Dance to island-inspired grooves as Dayton’s own Luv Locz Experiment brings their signature Caribbean funk under the RiverScape Pavilion.

• When: June 20, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Free

COLAB II: DYNAMIC DANCE COLLAB

• What: Experience six original dance works by Dayton’s top choreographers, blending live music, film, costume design, and storytelling in a multidisciplinary stage celebration.

• When: June 20–21, 7:30 PM

• Where: PNC Arts Annex, 46 West Second Street, Dayton

• How Much: $36–$40

RAIL FESTIVAL AT CARILLON PARK

• What: Family fun with free miniature train rides, $5 full-scale railroad excursions, live steam engine demos, model train exhibits, vendor booths, and interactive rail displays.

• When: June 21, 9:30 AM – 5 PM; June 22, 11 AM – 4 PM

• Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton, OH 45409

• How Much: $14 adults (18–59); $12 seniors (60+); $10 children (3–17); Free for children 2 and under and Park members

DAYTON AIR SHOW

• What: Annual CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show featuring U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, aerobatic performances, static displays, STEM activities, and family fun.

• When: June 21–22, 9 AM – 6 PM, both days

• Where: Dayton International Airport, 3800 Wright Dr A, Vandalia

• How Much: Free ticket reservation required (General Admission tiers available; youth under 5 free)

KOKEDAMA & MACRAME WORKSHOP

• What: Hands-on workshop teaching Kokedama (Japanese moss-ball plant art) and macramé techniques, offering materials and guided instruction for a mindful DIY experience.

• When: June 22, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Where: Now and Zen DIY Studio, 121 E Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Registration fee applies (check event page for exact cost); typically includes supplies

RENI GOWER – GEOmatrix: A PERFECT PROOF: EXHIBITION (ONGOING SINCE MAY 19)

• What: Free visual art exhibition at Sinclair’s gallery exploring geometric patterns as a metaphor for human and cosmic structures

• When: June 23 (last day), gallery hours typically 8 AM – 5 PM Monday thru Friday and 9 AM – 12 PM Saturday

• Where: Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery, Building 13, Sinclair Community College, 444 West Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free admission

NEXT CHAPTER BOOK CLUB (WRIGHT MEMORIAL LIBRARY)

• What: Community book discussion group exploring local-interest titles in a friendly setting.

• When: June 23, 6 PM – 7 PM

• Where: Wright Memorial Public Library, 1776 Far Hills Ave, Oakwood (or virtual)

• How Much: Free (registration may be requested)

PLAY AND LEARN: YOGA STORYTIME

• What: A playful storytime combined with simple yoga poses, engaging children in movement and reading.

• When: June 24, 11 AM – 11:30 AM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library – Southeast Branch, 3980 Salem Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Free

WHEEL FRESH PIZZA FOOD TRUCK AT YELLOW SPRINGS BREWERY

• What: Community food truck night featuring Wheel Fresh Pizza and other rotating vendors, with local brews and socializing.

• When: June 24, 5 PM – 8 PM

• Where: Yellow Springs Brewery, 305 N Walnut St Suite B, Yellow Springs

• How Much: Free entry; pay-per-item for food and drinks

Computer Love

Sinclair Commits $5 Million to AI 🤖

Sinclair Community College is making a bold move spending $5 million over the next three years to bring artificial intelligence into every program it offers. Whether students are studying healthcare, welding, or business, they’ll soon be learning how to use AI in real-world ways. School leaders say this is about preparing students for jobs that already expect these skills. “AI is changing faster than even the internet did,” said Christina Amato, Sinclair’s dean of online learning.

That’s why the college is working fast to make sure students and teachers are ready. But it’s not just about using the technology it’s also about using it ethically. Leaders are worried about things like cheating and misinformation, and they’re building lessons that teach smart, responsible use of AI tools like ChatGPT.

With this major investment, Sinclair is making it clear: AI isn’t just a trend. It’s a skill everyone needs to learn right now.

Money

United Alloy Sparks Big Growth with $48M Ohio Expansion 💰

United Alloy, a Wisconsin based metal fabrication company, has officially opened its newly expanded $48 million facility in Union, Ohio. The massive plant now covers over 530,000 square feet almost triple its original size and focuses on making fuel tanks, exhaust plenums, and heavy equipment parts for data centers and power generation industries. With plans to grow its workforce from about 100 to nearly 400 employees, United Alloy is gearing up to meet rising demand driven by the booming data center market.

The company chose Union for its skilled labor pool, strong transportation links, and supportive local economy. Local groups like the Dayton Development Coalition and JobsOhio helped make the expansion possible, which also included a recent job fair to bring new workers onboard. This investment highlights Ohio’s growing role in manufacturing vital infrastructure for the digital age.

Real Estate 🏠

Home Services 👨‍🔧

Sports

BUCKEYES GEAR UP FOR CHANGE AND FAREWELL 🏈

Ohio State Athletic Director Ross Bjork is steering the Buckeyes into a new era by committing to share nearly $18 million of revenue-sharing funds with athletes across football, men’s and women’s basketball, and women’s volleyball. Bjork, who arrived from Texas A&M, also voiced strong support for expanding the College Football Playoff to as many as 16 teams starting in 2026, and he’s pushing for more night games while modernizing fan engagement with changes like repositioning the marching band and enlarging the student section.

Meanwhile, beloved ESPN icon Lee Corso will make his final College GameDay appearance on August 30, 2025, at Ohio Stadium for the season opener vs. Texas. Corso’s headgear tradition, launched in 1996, has become a Columbus ritual, and his farewell pick promises to be a Buckeye Nation highlight.

DRAGONS-TINCAPS HOMESTAND

• What: The Dayton Dragons host the Fort Wayne TinCaps in a six‐game series packed with baseball action, family fun, and community spirit at Day Air Ballpark.

• When: June 17–22 (Tues–Sat at 7:05 PM; Sun at 1:05 PM)

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

• How Much: Tickets start at $12 per seat

Series Highlights:

o Tuesday, June 17 – Opening night under the lights vs. TinCaps

o Wednesday, June 18 – Midweek showdown

o Thursday, June 19 – Fan appreciation night

o Friday, June 20 – Community All-Stars event

o Saturday, June 21 – Party at the Plaza pre-game festival

o Sunday, June 22 – Family Sunday with Kids Run the Bases

COURTSIDE RENEWAL FOR FLYERS AND BEARCATS

The University of Dayton Flyers and Cincinnati Bearcats men’s basketball teams will tip off their renewed home-and-home series at Fifth Third Arena on November 11, 2025. Cincinnati will then make its return visit to UD Arena in the 2026–27 season, with that date to be announced. This series spans 92 all-time games dating to 1907, making it one of Ohio’s most enduring in-state rivalries.

Fans last saw the Flyers and Bearcats split neutral-site matchups at Heritage Bank Center in 2023 and 2024. November’s contest will be Dayton’s first game in Fifth Third Arena since their 2010 NIT win, while Cincinnati’s return to UD Arena marks its first campus matchup there since 2004. With dynamic campus atmospheres on both ends, this series promises spirited competition and a showcase of local pride.