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: 30,000 People Are About to Flood Dayton

• Hidden Gems: Café 19, Chiapas, Villaggio’s

• Local Events: 4/28 – 5/5

• Computer Love: Wright State Lands $2.5M to Bring AI to Rural Classrooms

• Money: $17M Airport Upgrade Could Unlock Faster Growth in Dayton

• Sports: Reds Fireworks in Tampa, Rocky River baseball resignations, Stanley Cup Playoffs, Dragons Hit the Road Again

— Tom

Did you know?

30,000 People Are About to Flood Dayton, Here’s Why 📻

Every May, the Dayton area gets a major boost from the Dayton Hamvention and this year it’s happening May 16–18, 2026. One of the largest events of its kind in the world, it draws 30,000+ visitors from across the country and around the globe for a full weekend of buying, selling, and showcasing communication gear and technology. What started as a niche hobby event has grown into a global attraction with a serious local impact.

For businesses, it’s a big moment. Hotels fill up fast, restaurants stay packed, and local shops see a spike in customers throughout the weekend. The event has become a reliable driver of tourism dollars year after year, helping fuel the local economy during a key stretch of the season.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Coffee with a conscience in Englewood: 10% off when you donate pantry goods at Cafe 19 ☕️

Cafe 19 earns its “time out zone” nickname with sunlit windows, low indie music, and roasted-bean warmth at 19 W. National Rd. in Englewood. Family owned and established in 2019, it leans into local sourcing farm produce, maple syrup, meats and community care, including 10% off an order when guests donate pantry goods.

Espresso can go single origin or flavored; cold brew, smoothies, house iced teas, and “barista roulette” keep the drink board playful. Breakfast, lunch, and artisanal pastries make the case hum, and a sister shop at 7 S. Miami St. in West Milton extends the comfort northwest.

Check them out on Facebook

Chiapas Mexican Grill — lime, laughter, and cantina ease 🌮

Lime, toasted chile, and quick “hola” greetings set Chiapas Mexican Grill in motion. The family-owned, community-focused cantina at 298 N. Main St. in Centerville keeps things colorful and comfortable, with regulars sliding toward the bar and conversation stretching over chips and salsa.

The kitchen stays traditional without feeling fussy: tortas, pozole, street tacos, fajitas, enchiladas, and plates built for sharing. Classic margaritas, daiquiris, and Mexican beer keep the mood easy, while online ordering, Grubhub, and DoorDash help when dinner needs to travel. It feels relaxed, bright, and built for the local weeknight rotation.

Check them out on Facebook

Villaggio’s Italian Eatery — two doors, one cozy Lebanon night 🥦

Mulberry Plaza comes with its own little kitchen show: a peek-through window, garlic in the air, and street-side tables outside Villaggio’s Italian Eatery. Dine-in happens at 48 E. Mulberry St. in historic downtown Lebanon, while takeout is smartly routed around the corner to 9 N. Mechanic St., keeping busy nights moving.

Owners Nuploy “Ploy” and Roy Stone bought the restaurant in October 2021, pairing it with their nearby Mae Ploy’s Thai on Broadway. The lineup covers pizzas, pastas, craft beer, wine, and cocktails in a warm room built for families, casual dates, and post-stroll dinners.

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

NETS 2026: SPACE NUCLEAR CONFERENCE

• What: Four days of space-power brainpower—talks, tech, and the future of nuclear & emerging technologies for space.

• When: Apr. 27–30, times vary

• Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E 5th St., Dayton

• How Much: $675+ 

DUNBAR’S DAYTON LEGACY

• What: Karen D. Brame explores Paul Laurence Dunbar’s friendships, life, and legacy in a hometown literary spotlight.

• When: Apr. 28, 6–7:30 PM

• Where: Northwest Branch Library, 2410 Philadelphia Dr., Dayton

• How Much: Free

PROCUREMENT ACCESS POWER MORNING

• What: Local businesses learn how to compete for contracts, connect with buyers, and build capacity through Dayton HRC’s access series.

• When: Apr. 29, 8 AM – 12 PM

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

• How Much: Free; RSVP requested 

SIEBENTHALER HISTORY IN BLOOM

• What: Preservation Dayton hosts Siebenthaler designers for local nursery history, spring planting tips, and homegrown green-thumb wisdom.

• When: Apr. 29, 6–7:30 PM

• Where: Grafton Hill, 443 W. Grand Ave., Dayton

• How Much: Free

DAYTON CAREER FAIR CONNECTIONS

• What: Job seekers meet local employers across industries, swap résumés, and make fresh professional connections.

• When: Apr. 30, 9 AM – 12 PM

• Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Dayton Fairborn, 2800 Presidential Dr., Fairborn

• How Much: Free

LEVITT LAWN SEASON REVEAL

• What: Levitt Pavilion unwraps its 2026 concert season with carnival-style fun and a big downtown summer tease.

• When: Apr. 30, 5:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

OPEN STUDIOS, OPEN HEARTS

• What: Wander working artist studios, galleries, vintage shops, and creative corners during Front Street’s open house.

• When: May 1, 5 PM – 9 PM

• Where: Front Street Galleries, 1001 E. Second St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

A WORLD A’FAIR RETURNS

• What: Flags, flavors, music, and dance fill Xenia as Dayton’s international communities celebrate culture under one big roof.

• When: May 1–3

• Where: Greene County Expo Center, 120 Fairground Rd., Xenia

• How Much: $7.11+

DISC GOLF BEST IN DAYTON

• What: Local disc golfers compete through wooded fairways in the first Best in Dayton tournament stop.

• When: May 2, 8 AM

• Where: Sycamore Trails Park, 214 S. Heincke Rd., Miamisburg

• How Much: Registration fees vary

DAYTON RECORD SHOW DIG

• What: Flip through vinyl, CDs, posters, electronics, and music finds from regional vendors.

• When: May 3, 10 AM – 3 PM

• Where: The Galleria Event & Conference Center, 4140 Linden Ave., Dayton

• How Much: $2

TINY CHEFS TAKE MIAMISBURG

• What: Little cooks ages 3–6 practice kitchen safety, healthy recipes, and confidence-boosting culinary basics.

• When: May 4, 5:15–6:15 PM

• Where: Miamisburg Community Center, 305 E. Central Ave., Miamisburg

• How Much: $10

TRUE CRIME NIGHT OUT

• What: Mystery-minded neighbors gather for a true-crime discussion evening at the Xenia library.

• When: May 4, 6–7 PM

• Where: Greene County Public Library Xenia Branch, 76 E. Market St., Xenia

• How Much: Free

EL ASADERO CINCO CELEBRATION

• What: El Asadero marks Cinco de Mayo with festive neighborhood energy, Mexican flavors, and a community-minded celebration.

• When: May 5, 1 PM

• Where: El Asadero, 101 E Alex Bell Rd #134, Centerville

• How Much: Menu prices vary

EL MESON FESTIVAL SEASON KICKOFF

• What: Officially welcome festival season with El Meson’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, festive food, and lively West Carrollton hospitality.

• When: May 5, 5 PM

• Where: El Meson, 903 E. Dixie Dr., West Carrollton

• How Much: Menu prices vary

Computer Love

Wright State Lands $2.5M to Bring AI to Rural Classrooms 🤖

Wright State University is leading a $2.5 million federal project to bring artificial intelligence education to rural Ohio. The goal is to give students in smaller communities the same access to AI skills as those in big cities something that hasn’t always been possible.

The four year program will create new AI courses, train teachers, and introduce tools that make learning this technology easier. It will reach both high school and college students, helping prepare them for high demand careers in a fast growing field.

Why it matters: as AI continues to shape the future of jobs, this project helps close the gap making sure rural students aren’t left behind and positioning the Dayton region as a leader in next generation tech education.

Money

$17M Airport Upgrade Could Unlock Faster Growth in Dayton ✈️

Dayton is getting a $17 million boost to fix a problem that’s been slowing money down traffic near the airport. The funding will improve key roads used by trucks and cargo carriers, cutting down delays and making it easier for goods to move in and out.

Right now, the area struggles with congestion, especially from heavy freight traffic. These upgrades aim to fix those bottlenecks and support the airport’s role as a growing logistics hub. The bigger picture? Faster transportation could attract more businesses, bring in new jobs, and pump more money into the local economy.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Reds Go Full Fireworks in Tampa Bay ⚾️

The Reds mashed five homers in a 12–6 win over the Rays on April 21, jumping out to a 9–0 lead and never looking back.

Elly De La Cruz went deep twice (his sixth career multi-HR game, most ever by a Reds switch-hitter), and rookie Sal Stewart drove in three. Chase Burns struck out eight over 5 2/3 innings for the win as Cincinnati’s streak kept rolling.

HS headline: Rocky River baseball trip sparks resignations

Rocky River (Cleveland) High School’s baseball team made news off the field after a Myrtle Beach tournament trip.

The Pirates reportedly went 4–0, but a celebratory night led to an alleged altercation with a local college fraternity and an investigation by school officials and Rocky River police. Head coach Ed Piazza and assistant Michael Harper resigned amid the fallout.

Stanley Cup Playoffs Check-In: Sweeps, 3–1 Leads, and Game 5s Here

The first round is heating up: Colorado and Carolina have already swept through (4–0), while Buffalo, Philadelphia, and Anaheim carry 3–1 leads into the next wave of games.

Anaheim grabbed Game 4 in overtime Sunday to push Edmonton to the brink. In the East, Tampa Bay rallied to beat Montreal 3–2 and even that series at 2–2.

Dragons Hit the Road Again

Dayton traded punches with South Bend at Day Air Ballpark, splitting the six-game set 3–3—highlighted by an 8–5 win Wednesday and a 3–0 shutout in Sunday’s finale after Tuesday’s 16–10 slugfest went the other way. Next: a six-game trip to Lansing (Apr. 28–May 3), then the Dragons open a road series at West Michigan on May 5.

During the road trip, Day Air Ballpark hosts HS Showcase games: 4/28 Hagerstown–Centerville; 4/29 Brookville–Oakwood; 5/1 Northmont–Miamisburg, Tippecanoe–Bethel; 5/2 Botkins–Newton, Lehman Catholic–West Liberty-Salem, St. Henry–Fort Loramie; 5/3 Alter–Chaminade Julienne, St. Xavier–Moeller; 5/5 Dixie–Twin Valley South.