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: A Rare Planet Parade Lights Up Dayton’s Sky Tonight

• Hidden Gems: DŌZO, Charlo’s, Bourbon Bayou Bistro

• Local Events: 3/3 – 3/10

• Computer Love: $100M Sensor Research Contract Strengthens Wright-Patt’s Tech Edge

• Money: $25M Healthcare Investment Locked in For Greene County

• Sports: Dayton Dragons Tickets, UD Hoops, HS Girls District Titles

— Tom

Did you know?

A Rare Planet Parade Lights Up Dayton’s Sky Tonight 🔭

Dayton’s been enjoying a planetary “parade” in the early evening sky since Saturday—a rare stretch where Mercury, Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune line up along the same general arc from our point of view.

When to look (from Dayton): Dependent on weather, it should be visible through Mar. 8, starting about 20–45 minutes after sunset. That short window is when the “low” planets are still hanging on in the glow.

Where to look: Face west/southwest with the clearest horizon you can find (think: open river views, hilltops, or the top level of a parking garage). Venus will be the bright headliner low in the west; Jupiter sits higher and sticks around much longer. Uranus and Neptune are in the lineup too, but they’re faint, binoculars help (and wait until the Sun is fully down).

Hidden Gems

Behind the Red Curtain at 607 E Third St: DOZO Sushi Speakeasy Below Tender Mercy 🍣

Slip past Tender Mercy and down the stairs to DŌZO, the underground sushi room at 607 E. Third St.—equal parts speakeasy and dinner theater. Summer 2025 brought a refreshed approach: traditional table seating with an à la carte lineup, plus “The Tour,” an omakase-style counter experience led by Executive Chef Jake Montanye.

Polished concrete, low ceilings, and the soft clink of sake glasses keep it intimate even when downtown is humming. It’s a small room that makes Dayton feel unexpectedly cosmopolitan.

Check them out on Instagram

Charlo’s | pantry up front, supper club in back 🥩

Pantry shelves greet you first at Charlo’s Provisions & Eatery, then the space opens into a brick-walled back room that feels like a downtown supper club at 45 N. Fountain Ave. in Springfield. Chef-owner Chad Druckenbroad (from the E.A.T. food truck) built the concept around American heritage cooking with plenty of local sourcing.

The menu rotates, but familiar hits often include handmade pierogies, Nashville-style chicken tenders, and brisket egg rolls. Jams, sauces, and local finds up front make waiting feel like browsing. It’s Springfield comfort with a little dinner-party sparkle.

Check them out on Facebook

Bourbon Bayou Bistro — Cajun heat in Fairborn 🔥

Follow the Cajun scent trail behind Sugar Mellon to Bourbon Bayou Bistro, a family-owned food truck in the rear lot at 330 E. Dayton Dr. in Fairborn. Orders move fast at the window, then patio tables catch the breeze while the grill hisses.

The signature is a house bourbon sauce that coats fresh-cooked bourbon chicken, but the board also wanders into blackened fish, cheesesteaks, burgers, and gyros. Delivery and pickup run through DoorDash and friends (plus quick Cash App ordering). It’s back-lot Louisiana swagger with Dayton-area hustle—friendly, unfussy, and easy to crave again.

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 4500+ Daytonians?

Local Events

MINI RESOURCE FAIR: SUPPORT & STABILITY

• What: Quick connections to local help—housing, benefits, recovery supports, and more, all in one easy stop.

• When: Mar. 3, 12–2 PM

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

• How Much: Free

CODE FOR DAYTON HACK NIGHT

• What: Monthly civic-tech meetup—show-and-tell, then break into teams to build community-oriented projects.

• When: Mar. 3, 6–8 PM

• Where: The Hub (Dayton Innovation Hub), 31 S Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

BREA(K)FAST WITH THE EXPERTS

• What: A breakfast workshop on retirement-plan trends, personalization, and in-plan income—plus networking with local finance/HR folks.

• When: Mar. 4, 8–11 AM

• Where: Moraine Country Club, 4075 Southern Blvd., Dayton

• How Much: Free

RAIDERS HOST PLAYOFF HOOPS

• What: Postseason basketball hits the Nutter Center—Wright State hosts a Horizon League First Round game with win-or-go-home energy.

• When: Mar. 4, 7 PM

• Where: Wright State University Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton

• How Much: Varies

LAUNCHPAD: DAYTON STARTUP DAY

• What: A free, all-day entrepreneur meetup with learning sessions, panels, and plenty of “nice to meet you” networking at The Hub.

• When: Mar. 5, 9 AM – 5 PM

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

• How Much: Free

AI FOR CAREER SUCCESS

• What: Learn practical AI prompts to tighten your résumé and cover letters—fast tips you can use the same day.

• When: Mar. 5, 11 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Sinclair Community College (Innovation Lab), 401 W. Fourth St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

KELLY KELLZ & PAT MCGANN BRING THE LAUGHS

• What: Stand-up set from comedian/actress Kelly Kellz and touring comedian Pat McGann at The Greene’s Funny Bone showroom (21+).

• When: Mar. 5–7, times vary

• Where: Dayton Funny Bone, 88 Plum St Ste 200, Dayton

• How Much: $22+

DRUM TAO: THE BEST

• What: Thunderous Japanese drumming, precision choreography, and “how are they doing that?” energy from start to finish.

• When: Mar. 6, 7:30 PM

• Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton

• How Much: $48+

OHIO HISTORY DAY AT CARILLON

• What: Students showcase documentaries, exhibits, performances, and more at the Region 7 Ohio History Day contest.

• When: Mar. 7, 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free

FLYERTHON FOR DAYTON CHILDREN’S

• What: A daylong dance marathon and fundraiser supporting kids at Dayton Children’s Hospital—high-energy, feel-good, and community-packed.

• When: Mar. 7, 11 AM – 5 PM

• Where: Kennedy Union Ballroom, 300 College Park, Dayton

• How Much: Free

RAIN BARREL DIY DEMO

• What: Learn how to assemble a rain barrel and why it matters—simple steps to save water and keep runoff in check.

• When: Mar. 8, 10:30–11:30 AM

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

• How Much: Free

DEADSTOCK TROT 5K

• What: A community run led by Dayton native “Chop,” with big “born here” energy and a paved-path out-and-back from Island Park.

• When: Mar. 8, 12 PM

• Where: Island Park, 101 Helena St, Dayton

• How Much: $30 (price increases after Mar. 7)

TENANT RIGHTS ROADSHOW

• What: Dayton Tenant Union + Legal Aid break down renter rights, lease-read tips, and where to turn during a housing crisis.

• When: Mar. 9, 4:30–6:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free

BEST BUDDIES TALENT SHOW

• What: Buddy members take the stage to share talents, big laughs, and even bigger cheers.

• When: Mar. 9, 6:30–8 PM

• Where: Kennedy Union Boll Theatre, 300 College Park, Dayton

• How Much: Free

MARIO KART TEEN TOURNAMENT

• What: Celebrate MAR10 with a bracket-style race day—bring your best drift skills and cheer on the final “Winner’s Circle” round.

• When: Mar. 10, 3–5 PM

• Where: West Carrollton Dayton Metro Library (Community Room), 300 E. Central Ave., West Carrollton

• How Much: Free

BUILD YOUR BRAND: GEN DAYTON

• What: A fast, practical panel on personal and business branding—show up for insights, leave with new connections and next steps.

• When: Mar. 10, 3:30–5 PM

• Where: Life Connection of Ohio, 2800 Donation Circle, Kettering

• How Much: $20–$30

OREGON DISTRICT SOCIETY NIGHT

• What: A casual, history-loving gathering focused on the Oregon District’s community life (and how to keep it thriving).

• When: Mar. 10, 7 PM

• Where: Oregon District Park, 140 Brown St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

$100M Sensor Research Contract Strengthens Wright-Patt’s Tech Edge 🤖 

A major defense technology contract is bringing nearly $100 million in advanced research work to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. DCS Corp. was selected to develop powerful modeling and simulation tools that help the Air Force understand how sensors perform in real world missions. These sensors are critical they allow aircraft, satellites, and defense systems to detect and track threats across air, space, ground, and cyber environments.

Instead of relying only on live testing, the new system will let analysts run complex simulations to predict how different sensor systems work together before missions ever begin. The project, which runs through 2031, reinforces Wright-Patt’s position as a national leader in defense innovation and high tech research and keeps cutting edge engineering work anchored right here in the Dayton region.

Money

$25M Healthcare Investment Locked in For Greene County 💰

After months of uncertainty, Kettering Health is now doubling down on Greene County with a $25+ million investment that will upgrade and expand local healthcare services. More than $15 million will go toward renovating Kettering Health Greene Memorial, modernizing the facility and improving patient experience through 2026. On top of that, a brand new 24,000 sqft health center is set to break ground in Xenia this spring, bringing primary care, imaging, lab services, and walk in access to the growing area by 2028.

For local leaders and residents, this isn’t just about healthcare it’s about economic stability, construction activity, and long-term confidence in Greene County’s growth. Instead of scaling back, Kettering Health is planting deeper roots and backing it with millions.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

2026 Dayton Dragons Tickets on Sale ⚾

Single-game tickets for the Dayton Dragons’ 2026 home schedule went on sale yesterday, Mar. 2, for games at Day Air Ballpark. Opening Night is Tuesday, Apr. 7 vs. the Lake County Captains.

Buy online, by phone, or at the box office.

Click here for more info.

UD Hoops

Dayton’s men beat No. 23 Saint Louis 77–62 (Feb. 24) and won 68–66 at GW (Feb. 27) to keep climbing the A-10. Next: at Richmond Tuesday (Mar. 3) and home vs VCU Friday (Mar. 6).

The women closed regular season with wins at Loyola 67–58 (Feb. 25) and vs VCU 79–62 (Feb. 28), and will open the A-10 tournament March 5 vs No. 10 GW.

HS Girls Hoops: Fairmont, Springboro, CJ Headline District Titles
Saturday (Feb. 28) was trophy day around the Miami Valley. Fairmont dominated Mason 61–32 to claim a Division I district championship, while Springboro topped Sycamore 61–54 and Chaminade Julienne edged Badin 45–41.

Add in district wins from Tippecanoe, Alter, Brookville, Waynesville, Versailles, Minster, Russia and more—brackets are officially in full swing.