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 $10M Makeover Is Coming to One of Dayton’s Favorite Museums

• Hidden Gems: Silver Slipper, All the Best Delicatessen, Crooked Handle

• Local Events: 12/30 – 1/6

• Computer Love: Ohio’s Tech Boom Is Turning Into Real Money

• Money: A $6M Investment in One of Dayton’s Biggest Economic Engines

• Sports: Chase returns to the end-zone, Browns 13-Steelers 6, Flyers holiday break

— Tom

Did you know?

A $10M Makeover Is Coming to One of Dayton’s Favorite Museums 🔬 

The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery is planning a major renovation of its first floor, with more than $10 million going toward new STEM and water-focused exhibits. The update will add hands-on experiences that teach kids how water shapes our region, why clean water matters, and how science connects to everyday life.

A new climb on play structure and refreshed entry space are also part of the plan. Construction is underway now, with the transformed first floor expected to open to the public in 2026.

Hidden Gems

Date Night on Wayne—Natural Wines & Midnight Kitchen at Silver Slipper 🍷

Glassware clinks as early-evening jazz slips into a livelier soundtrack inside Silver Slipper, the snug wine room at 1105 Wayne Ave. Dayton natives Lorelei Fink and Simon Gifford pour low-intervention, natural wines alongside a full bar; the kitchen runs until midnight Wednesday–Sunday.

Seasonal, French-leaning small plates support the glass without stealing the scene. The name nods to a long-gone Fifth Street favorite, and the hospitality channels that memory—neighborly pace, late hours, easy smiles. Parking hides in back; walk in, pick a stool, and let the room do the rest. Compact, convivial, and unmistakably Dayton.

Check them out on Facebook

Dayton’s deli daydream on Far Hills — All the Best 🥒

Pastrami in the air and the snap of fresh pickles signal you’ve reached 5940 Far Hills Ave, where All the Best Delicatessen marries New York swagger to Dayton warmth. Owner Lee Schear built a place for unusually great food and relentlessly good service; the counter doubles as a market with smoked fish and meats by the pound. 

Plates lean iconic: overstuffed pastrami on rye, buoyant matzo ball soup, and a square knish that keeps regulars loyal. A full bar and happy hour extend linger time, while online ordering streamlines pickups. Open daily for weekday lunches that turn into catch-ups and casual celebrations.

Check them out on Facebook

Boro-born beer & neighborly nights: Crooked Handle 🍗

Pints and friendly chatter fill Crooked Handle’s Springboro taproom at 760 N Main St, a polished space with neighborhood ease. Founders Jason and Kristy Moore program the calendar like a community center—trivia, music bingo, and live sets anchoring Fridays. The board blends house staples—Main St. Kölsch and Boro Blonde—with rotating seasonals poured by a crew that knows its hops.

The kitchen runs comfort-forward and shareable: Pulled Beef Dip with au jus, the Crooked Cuban, and smoked wings destined for pint-side snacking. Weeknights, small celebrations, or quick meet-ups all fit the mood; it’s a reliable “meet you there” on the local calendar.

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 4000+ Daytonians?

Local Events

A CARILLON CHRISTMAS (CLOSING DAY)

• What: Wander a 65-acre winter wonderland of lights, vintage toys, Santa sights, and warm snacks across Carillon Historical Park.

• When: Dec. 30, 5–9 PM

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

• How Much: $0–$14 (varies for age)

WSU WOMEN VS GREEN BAY

• What: Wright State women’s basketball hosts Green Bay—an easy, energetic weeknight game in Fairborn.

• When: Dec. 30, 7 PM

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

• How Much: Varies

WORLD RACE FOR HOPE 5K

• What: New Year’s Day 5K supporting anti–human trafficking education and Dayton-area partners; run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines.

• When: Jan. 1, 10 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St, Troy

• How Much: $30

RAIDERS HOME HOOPS HOLIDAY MATINEE

• What: Start the year with a hometown roar—Wright State men’s basketball hosts Milwaukee at the Nutter Center.

• When: Jan. 1, 2 PM

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

• How Much: Varies

POPPETS COMEDY SHOWCASE NIGHT

• What: A free comedy showcase celebrating Poppets’ grand opening and anniversary—bring a friend and settle in for big laughs in Kettering.

• When: Jan. 2, 7:30–8:30 PM

• Where: Poppets Coffee & Tea, 1006 E Dorothy Ln, Dayton

• How Much: Free 

DECK THE DIAMOND AT DAY AIR BALLPARK

• What: Day Air Ballpark flips the switch on Deck the Diamond, a brand-new outdoor walk-thru holiday light spectacular featuring over 1.1 million lights, music, and activities.

• When: Jan. 2–3, 6–9 PM

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

• How Much: $12+ (limited capacity; advance purchase encouraged) 

DAYTON WOMEN VS DUQUESNE

• What: A-10 basketball with a big-home-game feel—perfect for a Saturday afternoon reset (and a little friendly scoreboard watching).

• When: Jan. 3, 1 PM

• Where: UD Arena, 1801 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd, Dayton

• How Much: $14+

WORKS ON PAPER DROP-OFF DAY

• What: Bring artwork for Kettering’s Works on Paper juried exhibition—drop off, mingle with artists, and kick off gallery season energy.

• When: Jan. 3, 1–3 PM; Jan. 5, 12–8 PM

• Where: Rosewood Arts Center Gallery, 2655 Olson Dr., Kettering

• How Much: $20 

COLUMBUS PAPER, POSTCARD & BOOK SHOW

• What: Browse vintage paper, postcards, and book finds with fellow collectors—new location, big “treasure table” energy.

• When: Jan. 4, 9 AM – 4 PM

• Where: Edwards Building, 4325 Woodcliffe Ave, Dayton

• How Much: $6

TURKEY SHOOT AT WOLF CREEK

• What: Classic club-style turkey shoot—friendly competition, neighbors cheering, and bragging rights on the line.

• When: Jan. 4, 1 PM

• Where: Wolf Creek Rod & Gun Club, 6700 Derby Rd, Dayton

• How Much: $5 per shoot

FAMILY FUN TIME AT BURKHARDT

• What: Drop in for games, crafts, LEGO, and simple STEM experiments—plus help the library shape future kid-friendly programs.

• When: Jan. 5, 4–5:30 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library (Burkhardt Branch), 4704 Burkhardt Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Free

LINE DANCING WITH DAVID FENNIG

• What: Group line-dancing class—learn the steps, laugh through the missteps, and leave feeling lighter.

• When: Jan. 5, 7–8 PM

• Where: Community Park Learning Center, 550 S First St, Miamisburg

• How Much: $40

MAIN LIBRARY MINI RESOURCE FAIR

• What: Meet community organizations offering housing, employment, mental health, legal aid, and more—grab resources and make connections.

• When: Jan. 6, 12–2 PM

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

• How Much: Free

CODE FOR DAYTON HACK NIGHT

• What: Civic-tech “hack night” with show-and-tell, then hands-on project time—community problems welcome.

• When: Jan. 6, 6–8 PM.

• Where: The Hub at the Dayton Arcade, 31 S Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

ERMA BOMBECK WRITING COMPETITION CLOSES

• What: Final call to submit your humor writing—deadline night for the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition.

• When: Jan. 6, by 8 PM

• Where: Online (Washington-Centerville Public Library), 101 E. Franklin St., Centerville

• How Much: $25

Computer Love

Ohio’s Tech Boom Is Turning Into Real Money 💰

Ohio’s tech scene isn’t just growing it’s attracting serious capital. Massive investments in AI data centers, billion-dollar computing projects, and national tech programs are flowing into cities like Columbus, Dayton, and Springfield. These projects bring high-paying jobs, long-term infrastructure, and new demand for local services, real estate, and talent.

At the same time, Ohio startups are raising millions to build AI tools, advanced security hardware, and fast delivery technology proof that investors are betting on innovation happening here, not just on the coasts. Add in workforce programs backed by companies like Google that are turning everyday Ohioans into tech employees, and it’s clear: tech is becoming one of Ohio’s strongest money engines, creating jobs, attracting outside dollars, and reshaping the state’s economy in a very real way.

Click here to learn more

Money

A $6M Investment in One of Dayton’s Biggest Economic Engines 🎭

One of downtown Dayton’s most important cultural assets is getting a major financial boost. The Victoria Theatre is planning $6 million in upgrades aimed at improving accessibility, seating, and overall comfort updates that could help protect and grow the venue’s long-term revenue. The theatre draws roughly 400,000 visitors a year, making it a steady driver of ticket sales, nearby restaurant traffic, and downtown spending.

Much of the funding push focuses on fixing outdated balcony seating and expanding access for guests with disabilities, helping ensure the historic venue stays competitive with newer performance spaces. Operated by Dayton Live, the investment is about more than preservation it’s about keeping a proven economic engine running strong for decades to come.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Bengals 37, Cardinals 14 — Chase returns to the end-zone 🏈

Joe Burrow threw for 305 yards and two scores, both to Ja’Marr Chase, as Cincinnati rolled 37–14 on Dec. 28.

A 12-play, 79-yard march set the tone, and Chase’s 8-yard TD before halftime put the Bengals firmly in control. Cincinnati improved to 6–10 with one left to play. 

Browns 13, Steelers 6 — defense, Szmyt seal it
Cleveland ground out a 13–6 win on Dec. 28, denying Pittsburgh a chance to clinch the AFC North.

Rookie Andre Szmyt’s 33-yard field goal with 1:40 left provided the cushion after two Chris Boswell kicks accounted for all Steelers points. 

Flyers holiday break, then three A-10 tilts
After a holiday breather, Dayton hits A-10 play: Fordham at UD Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 2 PM; a road trip to Loyola Chicago on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 2 PM; and a home tilt vs. George Washington on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 8 PM.

Tickets and live stats available via the schedule.