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: Trotwood's $66M Revival

• Hidden Gems: Club Oceano Seafood & Bar, Butter Café, Coco’s Bistro

• Local Events: 7/1 – 7/8

• Computer Love: Beavercreek’s Woolpert Is Mapping the Future of America’s Coastlines

• Money: Stubbs Park's $8M Makeover

• Sports: Flyers Duo Hunt NBA Dreams, Dragons Vs. Lake County, Pacers-YMCA Summer Basketball Camp

— Tom

Did you know?

Trotwood's $66M Revival: A Historic Transformation of Downtown Dayton and Salem Mall 🔥

Trotwood, Ohio, is set for a major transformation with two key projects receiving over $66 million in tax credits from the state. The Air City Garage, a historic six-story building in downtown Dayton, will undergo preservation and modernization to support the city's revitalization efforts.

Meanwhile, the former Salem Mall site in Trotwood, once a vibrant shopping hub, will be redeveloped into a mixed-use space that includes the Funk Music Hall of Fame and Exhibition Center, celebrating the region's rich funk music heritage.

These projects highlight Trotwood and Dayton's dedication to blending history with modern growth, setting an inspiring example for other communities looking to revitalize their historic sites.

Hidden Gems

COASTAL ELEGANCE AT THE GREENE: CLUB OCEANO 🦞

Club Oceano Seafood & Bar anchors The Greene at 4429 Cedar Park Dr. with a nautical-chic dining room, vaulted ceilings, and weekend valet service that evoke coastal escapes. Family-owned and locally led since its 2019 debut, Executive Chef Ricardo Rodriguez fillets fresh fish in-house daily, serving towering cold seafood towers brimming with lobster tails, shrimp, oysters, jumbo lump crab, and seared tuna alongside an 8 oz filet mignon with au gratin potatoes.

The full bar pours signature cocktails and curated wines, while gluten-free and vegetarian options cater to varied tastes. Attentive service and elegant décor make Club Oceano a standout for anniversaries, promotions, and family celebrations. Whether clinking glasses over fresh oysters or savoring a rich ribeye, diners enjoy fine flavors wrapped in genuine hometown hospitality.

Check them out on Facebook

BUTTERY COMFORT SERVES DAYTONIANS 🥞

Butter Café at 1106 Brown St., just steps from the University of Dayton, has been delighting early risers and weekend brunchers for more than 14 years in a bright, no-fuss space. Everything’s better with butter here—from tropical French toast crowned with grilled pineapple and toasted coconut to classic buttermilk pancakes served with real maple syrup—and nearly every menu item can be modified for vegan or gluten-free diets.

Cage-free eggs and house-made breakfast potatoes anchor each plate with comforting familiarity. Friendly service and cheerful vibes make Butter Café ideal for weekday burrito takeaways or lazy weekend waffle runs.

Check them out on Facebook

BISTRO BEAUTY ON WARREN STREET 🥩

Coco’s Bistro stands at 250 Warren St. as a long-running independent “Dayton Original,” pairing approachable contemporary American fare with a warm, airy dining room and spacious city patio. The kitchen sources ingredients from local farms and vendors, crafting most breads, desserts, and dressings in-house, while rotating weekend specials showcase seasonal produce.

Craft cocktails and a rotating list of natural wines add playful flair alongside reasonable wine prices. Warm, attentive service underscores Coco’s appeal as a spot for power lunches, date nights, and special celebrations. Stop in for a quick midday bite or enjoy the patio at sunset, and you’ll experience the friendly vibe that makes Coco’s a cornerstone of Dayton’s culinary community.

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

KAYAK RENTALS AT RIVERSCAPE

• What: Hourly kayak and paddleboard rentals with Taiter’s Kayak Solutions along the Great Miami River.

• When: July 1, 2 PM – 6 PM

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

• How Much: $15 per hour

PUB-LIT BOOK CLUB AT BRIXX

• What: Join the Dayton Metro Library’s book club at Brixx Ice Company to discuss The Splinter in the Sky over dinner or drinks.

• When: July 1, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Where: Brixx Ice Company, 500 E 1st St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

FAIRBORN FARMERS MARKET

• What: Seasonal farmers market offering fresh produce, artisanal goods, and community vibes every Wednesday morning.

• When: July 2, 10 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Fairborn Farmers Market, 125 W Main St., Fairborn

• How Much: Free

DAVE CHAPPELLE & FRIENDS

• What: Dave Chappelle and a rotating lineup of special guests deliver intimate, phone-free stand-up under the stars during a three-night comedy camp at Wirrig Pavilion.

• When: July 2–5, 8 PM nightly

• Where: Wirrig Pavilion, 4866 US-68, Yellow Springs

• How Much: Tickets start at $359

OPEN COLLAGE NIGHT

• What: Dive into mixed-media collage art in a guided open-studio session; all materials and inspiration provided.

• When: July 3, 6 PM – 8 PM

• Where: The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W. Fourth St., Dayton

• How Much: $10

CORAL MOONS WITH PITTS & VIPERS

• What: Catch indie-pop outfit Coral Moons live with opener Pitts & The Vipers in a free outdoor Levitt Pavilion show.

• When: July 3, 7 PM – 9 PM

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

• How Much: Free

CENTERVILLE AMERICANA FESTIVAL

• What: Riverfront festival featuring a 5K run, arts & crafts street fair, parade, auto show, and fireworks display.

• When: July 3 at 6 PM – 10 PM (fireworks at 10 PM) & July 4 at 7:30 AM – 6 PM (parade at 10 AM).

• Where: Centerville High School Stadium, 500 E. Franklin St., Centerville (parade along East Franklin & South Main streets)

• How Much: Free

KETTERING GO 4TH!

• What: Community festival featuring live music, a kid’s play zone, local food trucks, and a fireworks finale over Delco Park.

• When: July 4, 6 PM – 10 PM (fireworks at 10 PM)

• Where: Delco Park, 1700 Delco Park Dr., Kettering

• How Much: Free

ENGLEWOOD FIREWORKS CELEBRATION

• What: The Englewood Civic Band opens with patriotic tunes, followed by a dazzling fireworks show lighting up the night sky.

• When: July 4, 7 PM – 10 PM (fireworks at 10 PM)

• Where: Centennial Park, 321 Union Rd., Englewood

• How Much: Free

BEGINNER PADDLEBOARD YOGA

• What: Guided stand-up paddleboard yoga on the Great Miami River, where instructors lead gentle poses on the water for beginners seeking balance and relaxation.

• When: July 5, 2 PM – 3 PM

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

• How Much: $40

SINKANE W/ SOLISTIC OPENING

• What: Ahmed Gallab’s genre-blending indie-funk band Sinkane takes the Levitt Pavilion stage, joined by opener Solistic, for a free summer concert under the stars.

• When: July 5, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Where: Levitt Pavilion, 134 South Main St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

FILLED PASTA CLASS

• What: Chef Casey leads a hands-on class teaching stuffed pasta techniques, from mixing dough to filling ravioli, then tasting your creations.

• When: July 6, 11:30 AM – 5 PM

• Where: Grist, 46 W. 5th St., Dayton

• How Much: $128

WEIRD AL: BIGGER & WEIRDER TOUR

• What: Parody legend Weird Al Yankovic and Puddles Pity Party deliver family-friendly musical parodies and laughs under the stars at Fraze Pavilion.

• When: July 6, 8 PM

• Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd., Kettering

• How Much: $59–$129

K12/TEJAS SUMMER ART CAMPS

• What: Hands-on workshops in painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and hot glass for grades K–12, culminating each Friday with a family Art Party showcase.

• When: July 7, Mondays–Fridays, 9 AM–4 PM, through the last week of July

• Where: K12/TEJAS, 341 S. Jefferson St. (corner of Jefferson & Patterson), Dayton

• How Much: Fees vary; registration required, scholarships available

HOMETOWN HEROES FAMILY STORYTIME

• What: Enjoy a fun-filled story time celebrating local heroes with engaging tales and activities for kids and families.

• When: July 7, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free

TRIVIA TUESDAY

• What: Gather friends for themed trivia challenges over $3.50 pints at The Dayton Beer Company’s weekly game night.

• When: July 8, 7 PM

• Where: The Dayton Beer Company, 41 Madison St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

EDDIE GRIFFIN LIVE AT HARD ROCK

• What: Stand-up comedian Eddie Griffin brings his fearless, high-energy comedy—21+ show packed with social insight and nonstop laughs.

• When: July 11, 8 PM

• Where: Hard Rock Cincinnati Ballroom, 1000 Broadway Street, Cincinnati

• How Much: Tickets start at $87

Computer Love

How Beavercreek’s Woolpert Is Mapping the Future of America’s Coastlines 👨‍💻

Beavercreek-based Woolpert has secured a significant contract with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to map the U.S. coastline. This extensive project will provide vital data for coastal resilience, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness.

The detailed shoreline mapping will support sustainable development and guide infrastructure decisions across the country. This contract highlights Woolpert’s growing role in national geospatial efforts, positioning Dayton as a leader in innovative technology and infrastructure development.

As Woolpert continues to expand its impact, this project underscores the company's commitment to advancing geospatial technology and national resilience.

Money

Stubbs Park's $8M Makeover: Accessibility, Upgrades, and a New Era for Community Events 💰

Centerville's $8 million renovation of Stubbs Park has transformed it into a more accessible and community-friendly space. Key updates include an ADA-compliant event plaza, revamped amphitheater with upgraded sound and seating, and expanded ponds to improve water quality.

The park now features better traffic flow and ample parking, ensuring a smoother experience for visitors. Funded through local and federal grants, these renovations reflect Centerville’s commitment to creating a welcoming, sustainable space for all.

Whether enjoying a concert or taking a stroll, Stubbs Park is now better than ever for everyone to enjoy.

Real Estate 🏠

Home Services 👨‍🔧

Sports

FLYERS DUO HUNT NBA DREAMS 🏀

Two-time A-10 Sixth Man of the Year Koby Brea, the 6-foot-6 sharpshooter who led the nation at Dayton with a 49.8% 3-point mark, was selected 41st overall by the Golden State Warriors and had his rights traded to the Phoenix Suns; he’ll join former UD coach Brian Gregory’s Summer League squad in Las Vegas from July 10–20. NBA.com projects Brea as a reserve wing whose elite shooting, combined with his resilience after multiple leg surgeries, could translate into a rotation role at the next level.

Meanwhile, 6-foot-7 wing Nate Santos signed as an undrafted free agent with the Orlando Magic and will also compete in Vegas; he averaged 11.7 points as a junior and 14.3 as a senior, finishing his career at UD with 872 points, before his pro tryout. Both Flyers alumni will get their first NBA audition in front of national scouts and fans this summer.

DRAGONS VS. LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS

• What: Cheer on the Dayton Dragons as they take on the Lake County Captains in a three-game home series.

• When: July 1 & 2 at 7:05 PM; July 3 at 5:35 PM

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

• How Much: Tickets $11–$13

PACERS-YMCA SUMMER BASKETBALL CAMP

• What: A week-long camp for ages 7–15 offering pro-level basketball instruction, Gainbridge Fieldhouse tour, and an Indiana Fever game outing.

• When: July 7–11

• Where: Thomas Cloud Park, 4707 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights

• How Much: Member $100; Non-Member $125