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: Dayton’s Most Historic Mansions Is Up for Sale

• Hidden Gems: Company 7 BBQ, Figlio, The Brunch Pub

• Local Events: 10/7 – 10/14

• Computer Love: $15M Boost Puts Dayton’s Drone Startup on Fast Track

• Money: Dayton Airport Investing $2M in New Dining

• Sports: Reds bounced in L.A., Buckeyes throttle Minnesota, Lions vs. Bengals

— Tom

Did you know?

One of Dayton’s Most Historic Mansions Is Up for Sale? 🏠

A rare piece of Dayton history is hitting the market: “Waving Willow,” a stunning 1923 estate in Kettering listed for $2.2 million. Once home to a prominent NCR executive and standing strong for more than a century, this 6,200 sqft estate is a masterclass in timeless craftsmanship pairing rich original woodwork and elegant wrought iron accents with modern luxuries like a gourmet wolf and sub-zero kitchen and a private elevator.

Set on nearly two acres overlooking the Dayton Country Club, it offers seven bedrooms, six baths, scenic patios, and even a charming guest cottage. More than a house, Waving Willow is a living landmark and a rare chance to own a piece of the city’s past.

Click here for more info.

Hidden Gems

Brisket, Ribs & Award-Winning Sauces—Company 7 Englewood 🍖

Started by a family of firefighters, Company 7 BBQ turns an Englewood dining room into a 1920s firehouse warm wood, brass, and memorabilia where smoke drifts from the pits and conversation hums. At 1001 S. Main St. in Englewood, the crew plates brisket, pulled pork, ribs, and smoked wings, with sauces from Captain Carolina to Firefighter Sweet to Commissioner Burns award-winners on national lists.

A drive-thru keeps weeknights easy, and Tuesday Cruise-Ins bring classic cars to the lot all summer. Independent since 2010 and still stoking the coals, it’s a local standby built on hospitality, family grit, and plenty of hickory.

Check them out on Facebook

Wood-fired comfort in Kettering 🍕

In Kettering’s Town & Country Shopping Center at 424 E. Stroop Rd., Figlio glows with the warmth of a wood-fired oven and the hum of date-night chatter. Founded by husband-and-wife team Peter and Laurie Danis, the Dayton outpost keeps the focus on crisp, creative pies and twirlable pastas.

Pear & Brie and Truffled Mushroom pizzas headline the board, alongside the signature Peasant Salad and classics like Chicken Marsala with linguine. The room’s easy polish suits anniversaries as much as weeknights, and there’s a private dining room for up to 40. Seasoned, steady, and favored by neighbors since day one.

Check them out on Facebook

Farmhouse brunch-to-dinner in Centerville 😋

At 101 W. Franklin St. in Centerville, The Brunch Pub feels like stepping into a bright farmhouse: vintage accents, the smell of coffee, and a social hum. Brunch runs until 3 p.m., then dinner takes the baton. Menus play both cozy and global: shakshuka, smoked salmon Benedict, corned beef hash skillets, and chicken & waffles by day; Moroccan lamb chops and chicken piccata in the evening.

The bar leans classic and sunny smoked old fashioneds, fresh-squeezed OJ, and even Turkish coffee. Owner Lorenzo Bas designed the space to feel like home—and it does. Warm, lively, and distinctly Centerville.

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 3500+ Daytonians?

Local Events

DAYTON CAREER FAIR @ MARRIOTT

• What: Meet hiring managers across industries; bring résumés and dress to impress. On-site interviews and immediate openings.

• When: October 7, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• Where: Marriott at the University of Dayton, 1414 S Patterson Blvd, Dayton

• How Much: Free

CODE FOR DAYTON: CIVIC HACK NIGHT

• What: Monthly civic tech meetup. Share ideas, then collaborate on community data projects in a friendly hack-night format.

• When: October 7, 6 PM – 8 PM

• Where: The Hub Powered by PNC, 31 S Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

SCOTCHTOBER AT THE DAI

• What: Balvenie-hosted Scotch tasting with welcome cocktail, charcuterie, expert-led sips.

• When: October 8, 6:30 PM – 8 PM

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

• How Much: $75

FAIRBORN FARMERS MARKET MIDWEEK

• What: Fresh produce, baked goods, and local makers on Main Street Commons.

• When: October 8, 10 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Main Street Commons, 103 W Main St, Fairborn

• How Much: Free

INTRO TO HOT GLASS @ K12

• What: Learn hot-glass basics and create projects in K12’s studios.

• When: October 8, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Where: K12 Gallery & TEJAS, 341 S Jefferson St, Dayton

• How Much: $60–$240

JAZZ & BEYOND: PUZZLE OF LIGHT

• What: Beloved world-flavored jazz quintet in DAI’s cloister.

• When: October 9, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free for members; included with DAI admission

CANDLELIGHT: QUEEN & BEATLES TRIBUTES

• What: Candlelit string tributes to Queen and The Beatles in a grand hall.

• When: October 9, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

• Where: Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W Riverview Ave, Dayton

• How Much: $39+

SEETHER + DAUGHTRY AT ROSE MUSIC CENTER

• What: Rock radio heavyweights share a loud, cathartic bill outdoors.

• When: October 10, 6:30 PM – 10 PM

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

• How Much: $29.50–$89.50

BLACK VIOLIN: FULL CIRCLE TOUR

• What: Genre-blending violin duo brings hip-hop energy to the symphony stage.

• When: October 10, 7:30 PM – 9:15 PM

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

• How Much: $29+

MILLS PARK HOTEL FALL BAZAAR

• What: 45+ makers, food truck rally, live music, and mascot visits.

• When: October 11, 9 AM – 6 PM

• Where: Mills Park Hotel, 321 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs

• How Much: Free

VANDALIA FALL FESTIVAL

• What: Family fest with live music, food trucks, corn pit, pumpkins.

• When: October 11, 12 PM – 6 PM

• Where: Vandalia Rec Center, 1111 Stonequarry Rd, Vandalia

• How Much: Free

JOHN CLEESE: NOT DEAD YET!

• What: Comedy legend Q&A after a 50th anniversary screening of “Holy Grail.”

• When: October 11, 7:30 PM

• Where: Schuster Center, 1 W 2nd St, Dayton

• How Much: From $83

OAKWOOD FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL

• What: Hayrides, games, music, and treats for all ages.

• When: October 12, 2 PM – 5 PM

• Where: Shafor Park, 115 Park Ave, Oakwood

• How Much: Free

THE PELVIS: CORNERSTONE WORKSHOP

• What: Somatic anatomy workshop blending yoga, movement, and music.

• When: October 12, 2 PM – 5 PM

• Where: Indigo Yoga Dayton, 224 Xenia Ave, Dayton

• How Much: From $53

LINE DANCING FOR ADULTS (BEGINNER)

• What: Friendly, upbeat beginner class—perfect Monday morning pick-me-up.

• When: October 13, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

• Where: Earl Heck Community Center, 201 N Main St, Englewood

• How Much: Free

OPEN AUDITIONS: “LIGHT SENSITIVE” (DTG)

• What: Community casting call for Jim Geoghan’s comedy-drama. Read sides, meet the team, and step into the spotlight.

• When: October 13, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Where: Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Free

DLM SPRINGBORO COOK-IN

• What: Weeknight chef-inspired tasting at The Loft—casual, delicious, and neighborly.

• When: October 14, 5 PM – 7 PM

• Where: Dorothy Lane Market – The Loft, 740 N Main St, Springboro

• How Much: Free

BETHEL MUSIC: ALONG THE WAY TOUR

• What: Grammy-nominated worship collective brings an immersive night of music, light, and praise.

• When: October 14, 7 PM – 9:30 PM

• Where: Christian Life Center, 3489 Little York Rd, Dayton

• How Much: $29–$89

Computer Love

$15M Boost Puts Dayton’s Drone Startup on Fast Track to Your Front Door 🚁

Dayton startup DEXA just raised $15 million in seed funding to speed up its plan to deliver packages by drone. The money was raised in three $5 million rounds from G2A Investment Partners, Venture 53, and Tech Square Ventures.

This will help the company grow into new cities, partner with more local stores, and expand its U.S. made drone fleet. DEXA already has key FAA approvals, including a Part 135 carrier certificate and permission to fly beyond the pilot’s line of sight, putting it in a strong position to make fast, eco friendly drone delivery a reality for small businesses and everyday shoppers.

Money

Dayton Airport Investing $2M in New Dining Experience 💰

Travelers flying out of Dayton International will soon have more to look forward to than just their flights. Starting January 2026, a new five-year partnership with Tailwind DAY LLC will bring a $2 million overhaul to the airport’s dining scene including local favorites like Warped Wing, Buckeye Pie, and Gem City Provisions, plus national names like Dunkin’.

Upgrades will also feature new bars, improved seating, and fresh gathering spaces designed to make the airport feel more welcoming. City officials say the goal is to showcase Dayton’s hospitality and turn travel time into an enjoyable experience before passengers even board.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Reds bounced in L.A.; swept 2–0 in NL Wild Card ⚾️

Cincinnati’s postseason ended quickly as the Dodgers won 10–5 and 8–4 at Chavez Ravine, closing the Reds’ surprising run. Hunter Greene was tagged in Game 1; Zack Littell took the loss in Game 2.

The sweep sends L.A. to the NLDS and Cincinnati into an earlier-than-hoped offseason. 

Buckeyes throttle Minnesota 42–3; stay No. 1 with Illinois up next
Ohio State rolled to 5–0 after a primetime demolition of Minnesota, as Julian Sayin went 23/27 for 326 yards and three TDs.

The Buckeyes remain No. 1 heading into Week 7 at Illinois, with a defense allowing just a trickle. Title chase, Heisman buzz both trending scarlet-hot in Columbus.

Lions 37, Bengals 24: late rally fizzles at Paycor
Down 28–3 in the third, Cincinnati clawed back with three Jake Browning TDs including two to Ja’Marr Chase in a three-minute burst—but Detroit’s defense closed with three interceptions and a late safety.

David Montgomery starred in his hometown with a rushing score and a trick-play TD pass. Bengals fall to 2–3; next at Green Bay on Oct. 12.