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: Wright-Patt Is Literally Launching Pumpkins Through the Air

• Hidden Gems: Chubbies Deli, La Macarena, Tom & Dot’s Gelato

• Local Events: 10/20 – 10/27

• Computer Love: Beavercreek Tech Firm Wins $37.6M Air Force Contract

• Money: Vacant for 40 Years Now $21M Is Pouring into This Vandalia Site

• Sports: Buckeyes End Indiana’s Streak, Guardians’ Postseason Run Ends, Flyers Beat Notre Dame, Miami Valley HS Football

— Tom

Did you know?

Wright-Patt Is Literally Launching Pumpkins Through the Air 🎃

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is bringing back its 21st Annual EZ-STEM Pumpkin Chuck on Saturday, October 24.

Teams will put science and engineering to the test by using homemade launchers to send pumpkins flying for distance and accuracy.

The family friendly event also brings together STEM activities, demonstrations and plenty of fall fun at Wright-Patt.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Gem Tip: If your kids love science or you just want to watch pumpkins get launched across an airfield this is one of the most unique events happening around Dayton this weekend.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Dayton’s new deli has a social side 🥪

Karaoke, trivia and deli sandwiches now share an address in historic Wright-Dunbar. Chubbies Deli opened this October inside W. Social Tap & Table at 1100 W. Third St., joining the food hall’s collection of independently owned kitchens. The Chubbie layers smoked turkey, ham and pastrami with cheddar and garlic aioli.

Its Reuben puts smoked corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss on toasted marble rye. W. Social was created to support local entrepreneurs and bring Dayton’s west side together. For Chubbies, that means opening its first location among fellow small businesses, with the neighborhood’s social calendar already in motion.

Check them out on Facebook

La Macarena leaves the evening open 🌮

Piña Cozumel gives pineapple a savory supporting cast at La Macarena Bar and Grill: grilled chicken, shrimp and bacon. Mango and bell peppers add color to its grilled Salmon Macarena. The Mexican restaurant occupies the former Bleachers Sports Bar and Grill space at 4317 Linden Ave. in Riverside.

The Riverside Chamber lists La Macarena among its 2026 new members, connecting the restaurant with the city’s broader business community. Its website offers online ordering and a full menu to browse, giving neighbors a way to get acquainted with the kitchen before making their first visit.

Check them out on Facebook

Grandpa saw this treat coming 🍨

A large display of family photographs introduces the history behind Tom & Dot’s Gelato Shop. Wright State graduates Kathy and Gregg Klein opened the business in June of 2023, at 36A S. Main St. in downtown Miamisburg, honoring her grandparents, their Indiana root beer stand and the family’s Italian heritage.

Sicilian pistachio gelato and blood orange sorbetto share the menu with cannoli dotted with chocolate chips. Kathy’s grandfather, Tom, had seen this coming. He once told Kathy she would be the next person in the family to open a frozen-treat business. She proved him right.

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 5000+ Daytonians?

Local Events

FROM SPREADSHEETS TO SMARTER WORKFLOWS

• What: Connect with regional technology professionals while exploring practical artificial-intelligence tools for cleaning data, spotting patterns, and improving everyday analytics.

• When: Oct. 20, 8:30–10 AM

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

• How Much: Free for Technology First members; $35 for nonmembers. Registration required. 

RAIDER MEN PLAY FOR PINK

• What: Add pink to your Raider gear as Wright State’s men host Ohio Northern for a breast cancer awareness match.

• When: Oct. 20, 7 PM

• Where: Alumni Field at Rinzler Student Sports Complex, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy., Dayton

• How Much: $10+ 

SHARE YOUR STORY AT FIRESIDE

• What: Dayton entrepreneurs swap ideas and stories at this afternoon open mic. Contact the organizer ahead to request a speaking spot.

• When: Oct. 21, 4–4:45 PM

• Where: Tender Mercy, 607 E. Third St., Lower Level, Dayton

• How Much: $25+ 

MOVIE MINDS MEET AT MITOSIS

• What: FilmDayton’s monthly meetup brings filmmakers and film lovers together for conversation, industry insights, and connections across Dayton’s creative community.

• When: Oct. 21, 7–8:30 PM

• Where: Mitosis, 116 N. Jefferson St., Dayton

• How Much: $5; Free for FilmDayton members. 

CHOCOLATE STORIES, STRAIGHT FROM COLOMBIA

• What: Explore Colombian flavors with fellow chocolate lovers at this guided tasting. Includes three full-size KARÜ bars and extra treats; advance payment required.

• When: Oct. 22, 6–7:30 PM

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

• How Much: $48 

LAUGH FOR A CURE WITH LARRY

• What: Enjoy Larry Starks’ comedy while supporting Pink Ribbon Good, with raffles and vendors adding to the community spirit. Ages 21+.

• When: Oct. 22, 7:30–9:30 PM; lobby opens 6 PM

• Where: Dayton Funny Bone, 88 Plum St., Suite 200, Beavercreek

• How Much: $20+ 

HUBER’S HAPPY HAUNTED TRAIL

• What: Follow a family-friendly trail through inflatables, a maze, and community treat stops. Bring a goodie bag and flashlight for the adventure.

• When: Oct. 23, 5–9 PM

• Where: Huber Heights Community Park, 5401 Chambersburg Rd., Huber Heights

• How Much: Free 

VINTAGE MARKET DAYS: FALL TREASURE HUNT

• What: Browse vintage treasures, handmade goods, home décor, and local vendors during a three-day market packed with fall inspiration.

• When: Oct. 23–25, times vary

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

• How Much: Admission $7+; ages 12 and under Free. 

DAYTON’S FALL HARVEST HANGOUT

• What: Enjoy hayrides, a pumpkin patch, city trucks, costumes, live entertainment, and trunk-or-treating during Dayton’s free family fall celebration.

• When: Oct. 24, 1–4 PM

• Where: Kettering Field Complex, 444 N. Bend Blvd., Dayton

• How Much: Free 

HAUNTFEST TAKES OVER FIFTH

• What: Dress as a horror favorite for street entertainment, food trucks, and the Oregon District’s costume contest. Evening block party is 21+.

• When: Oct. 24, 7 PM – 1 AM

• Where: Oregon District, 501 E. Fifth St., Dayton

• How Much: $15+ 

COMMUNITY BAND TAKES THE STAGE

• What: Enjoy an afternoon of music as Sinclair’s Community Concert Band and Wind Symphony bring neighbors together in Blair Hall.

• When: Oct. 25, 3–4:30 PM

• Where: Blair Hall Theatre, Sinclair Community College, 401 W. Fourth St., Dayton

• How Much: Free 

NEXTWAVE: BIG IDEAS, LOCAL CONNECTIONS

• What: Connect with local entrepreneurs and business leaders over fresh ideas, practical growth advice, and emerging opportunities for building a stronger business community.

• When: Oct. 26, 5–8 PM

• Where: Mar’Tae Kitchen and Cocktails, 5212 Salem Ave., Dayton

• How Much: Free 

DAD TALK AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

• What: Connect with fellow dads, share parenting ideas, and talk openly about wellbeing. Snacks provided; ages 15 and older.

• When: Oct. 26, 5:30 PM

• Where: Goodwill Easterseals West Campus, 735 E. Main St., Trotwood

• How Much: Free; registration required. 

SIMPLY BAT-TASTIC AFTER DARK

• What: Celebrate International Bat Week with an evening hike. All ages; children need an adult. Register by Oct. 22.

• When: Oct. 26, 6–7:30 PM

• Where: Bill Yeck Park, Smith House entrance, 2230 E. Centerville Station Rd., Centerville

• How Much: Free for Centerville/Washington Township residents; $4 per nonresident family. 

CONNECT WITH DAYTON’S INNOVATORS

• What: Meet local innovators and researchers for practical business workshops, an aerospace panel, and a networking social. Registration and photo ID required.

• When: Oct. 27, 1–7:30 PM; social, 5:30–7:30 PM

• Where: Dayton AFWERX Hub, 3000 Presidential Dr., Unit 200, Fairborn; social at DoubleTree, 2800 Presidential Dr., Fairborn

• How Much: Free; registration required. 

KETTERING’S FALL FAMILY FUN FEST

• What: Kettering families can enjoy activities, refreshments, door prizes, a grab-and-go dinner, and photos with Sparky and Sparkette.

• When: Oct. 27, 5–7 PM

• Where: Trent Arena, Fairmont High School, 3301 Shroyer Rd., Kettering

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Beavercreek Tech Firm Wins $37.6M Air Force Contract 💻

A Beavercreek defense technology company has landed a $37.6 million Air Force contract to help develop advanced military sensing and targeting systems.

Defense Engineering Corp. will work on software and hardware designed to help military systems share sensor data across air, land and sea, allowing threats to be identified and tracked faster.

The work will be done in Beavercreek and is expected to continue through 2031.

The deal is another sign of how much advanced defense technology work continues to flow through the Dayton region.

Money

Vacant for 40 Years Now $21M Is Pouring Into This Vandalia Site 💰

A long vacant property in Vandalia is finally getting new life.

Developers are planning a $21 million residential community on a 15 acre site near Interstates 70 and 75.

The project, called Cassel Grove, will include 72 single family homes, with prices expected to start around $289,900.

Construction is set to begin in November, turning a property that sat empty for more than four decades into one of the Dayton region’s newest housing developments.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Buckeyes End Indiana’s Streak, Lose Sayin to Injury 🏈

Ohio State snapped Indiana’s 22-game winning streak with a 19–15 road victory October 17. Jeremiah Smith’s 38-yard touchdown catch tied the Big Ten career record at 39 receiving scores.

The Buckeyes improved to 6–1, but quarterback Julian Sayin left injured after throwing for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Ryan Day said Sayin would probably miss several weeks.

Guardians’ Postseason Run Ends in Game 6

October baseball ended for Cleveland with a 7–3 loss to Tampa Bay in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series October 19. Nathaniel Lowe drove in a run, and the Guardians rallied within 5–3 in the eighth before leaving the bases loaded.

Junior Caminero and Yandy Díaz each hit two-run homers as the Rays clinched the series, four games to two. 

Flyers Beat Notre Dame, Next Up Morehead State

Dayton’s men delivered a preseason spark October 17, overcoming a five-point halftime deficit to defeat Notre Dame 75–65 in the CareSource Spotlight exhibition. Malcolm Thomas led the charge with 20 points and six rebounds, while Landen Joseph added 15 points.

The Flyers return to UD Arena Saturday, October 24, at 7 p.m. to face Morehead State in their final exhibition before the regular season. 

Miami Valley’s Top 10: Perfect Records and Tight Finishes

Bellbrook and Marion Local stayed unbeaten October 16, beating Oakwood 21–13 and Minster 28–7 to reach 9–0. Among the rest of MaxPreps’ October 18 Dayton-area top 10, Tippecanoe blanked Troy 35–0, and London shut out Tecumseh 45–0.

Springfield beat Fairmont 24–7, while Wayne edged Beavercreek 21–17. Springboro topped Centerville 40–31; St. Henry edged Coldwater 24–21; and Middletown lost 24–7 to Mason. Top-ranked Trotwood-Madison was idle for the week.