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 $17 Million Park Upgrade Could Be Coming to Huber Heights

• Hidden Gems: Wheat Penny Oven & Bar, Dewberry 1850, The Caroline

• Local Events: 1/13 – 1/20

• Computer Love: A 700,000 Square Foot Bet on Electric Flight Just Landed

• Money: West Dayton’s Comeback Gets a Major Cash Infusion

• Sports: Wayne’s viral buzzer-beater, UD Hoops

— Tom

Did you know?

A $17 Million Park Upgrade Could Be Coming to Huber Heights 🛝

Huber Heights is trying to land federal money for a major park upgrade and it’s a big one. City leaders are seeking help from Washington to redesign Thomas A. Cloud Park, a project estimated at around $17 million.

The plan includes upgrades to popular features like the splash pad, plus a full redesign to make the park more modern, welcoming, and fun for families. If federal funding comes through, it could pay for a large chunk of the project meaning less pressure on local taxpayers and more improvements packed into one of the city’s most loved parks.

Hidden Gems

Deck-Oven, Char-Kissed Pies—Wheat Penny on Wayne 😋

Deck-oven crackle and the shake of a citrus spritz make Wheat Penny Oven feel like a neighborhood living room. Along 515 Wayne Ave., the Meadowlark team runs this rustic-chic spot for California-style pies and Italian-leaning comfort—crisp, char-kissed crusts, bright salads, and garden-first plates that shift with the season.

The bar keeps pace with cocktails and zero-proof sips, while reclaimed wood, leafy plants, and an always-busy counter give the room its easy rhythm. It buzzes without getting loud—equal parts lunch break, post-game catch-up, and date-night warmup, with chefs and neighbors trading waves between tables inside.

Check them out on Facebook 

Eat, Drink, Gather: The Dewberry 1850 Lounge at UD’s Marriott 🍷

Dewberry 1850 brings a Dayton-friendly pulse to the Marriott at the University of Dayton, inside 1414 S. Patterson Blvd. The lounge and dining room flow together for easy meetups, backed by New American cooking and local sourcing. Their mantra—“Eat • Drink • Gather”—shows up in regional craft beers and cocktails built on premium spirits and house-made syrups.

Menu standouts span pappardelle alla Bolognese crowned with crispy pork belly, a generous charcuterie board, and Thai firecracker shrimp flatbread with a sweet-heat kick. Long daily hours and simple parking make it a reliable stop for campus neighbors and travelers alike.

Check them out on Facebook

Inside an 1866 Landmark on Troy’s Square: The Caroline 🦀

Brick, history, and steakhouse swagger meet at The Caroline, tucked into Troy’s Dye Building—completed in 1866, with grand ballrooms still echoing upstairs. The address, 5 S. Market St. on the public square, opens into a polished-but-warm mix of lively bar, cozy dining rooms, and a covered patio made for unhurried conversation.

Owners Steve Smith and Melanie Elsass-Smith have kept it humming since 2008, leaning classic with Certified Angus steaks, Lake Erie walleye, and signature crab cakes alongside comfort sides and a generous wine list. It’s the kind of place that fits anniversaries, work wins, and a random Wednesday that deserves a little sparkle.

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

ALL-ABILITIES ADVENTURE MORNING MIXER

• What: Inclusive morning hangout with storytime, crafts, sensory stations, and coloring—built for adults of all abilities. Registration required.

• When: Jan. 13, 10:30–11:30 AM

• Where: Northmont Branch (Dayton Metro Library), 700 W. National Rd., Englewood

• How Much: Free

DAYTON CITY PLAN BOARD

• What: City Plan Board tackles plats, zoning tweaks, and honorary street naming—see what’s shaping Dayton’s next chapter.

• When: Jan. 13, 4:30–6 PM

• Where: City Hall (Mezzanine), 101 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

MINDFUL CRITTER QUEST

• What: A clue-based campus scavenger hunt that spotlights student resources—finish the trail for prizes (and a raffle entry).

• When: Jan. 14, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

• Where: Sinclair Community College (Transfer Center, Bldg. 10-008), 444 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

LEVITT UPCLOSE: STEPHANE WREMBEL

• What: Intimate jazz night with the Django-inspired guitarist—big sound, close seats, and serious “wow” moments.

• When: Jan. 14, 7 PM

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

• How Much: $45

FROZEN HITS THE VICTORIA STAGE

• What: Muse Machine brings Disney’s Frozen downtown—big voices, big heart, and a full-room “let’s goooo” energy.

• When: Jan. 15, 7–9:15 PM

• Where: Victoria Theatre, 1 W 2nd St, Dayton

• How Much: $15

BRIGHTSIDE BATTLE OF THE BANDS

• What: Week 1 kicks off with four Alternative/Rock acts battling for a shot at the finale.

• When: Jan. 15, 7:10 PM

• Where: The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: Varies

DULCIMER NIGHT AT HAYNER

• What: Sweet mountain dulcimers fill the ballroom—folk, Celtic, gospel, and contemporary tunes from Miami Valley players.

• When: Jan. 16, 7:30 PM

• Where: Troy-Hayner Cultural Center, 301 W Main St, Troy

• How Much: Free

FLYIN’ TO THE HOOP TIP-OFF

• What: National high school hoops showcase begins at Trent Arena—two Friday night games to start the weekend.

• When: Jan. 16–19, game times vary

• Where: Trent Arena, 3301 Shroyer Rd, Kettering

• How Much: Varies

CERAMIC HANGING LAMP WORKSHOP

• What: Handbuild a ceramic hanging lamp (light kit included), then return later to glaze—beginner-friendly, hands-on, and seriously satisfying.

• When: Jan. 17, 11 AM – 12:30 PM

• Where: OUTSIDE the BOX Art Studio, 43 N West St, Bellbrook

• How Much: $55

RLJQ AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ AT WHISPERZ

• What: Percussion-rich Afro-Cuban jazz with RLJQ—bright rhythms, big brass energy, and dance-in-your-seat momentum.

• When: Jan. 17, 8–11 PM

• Where: Whisperz Speakeasy, 926 Watertower Ln, West Carrollton

• How Much: Free

MLK MUSICAL CONCERT

• What: An uplifting community concert honoring Dr. King—music, reflection, and togetherness in one powerful room.

• When: Jan. 18, 4–6 PM

• Where: Zion Baptist Church, 1684 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

ETHNOSH NOSHUP AT NANYEA’S

• What: EthnoSH’s community dinner night returns—good conversation, global flavors, and a room that feels like a neighborhood reunion.

• When: Jan. 18, 4 PM & 6:30 PM

• Where: Nanyea’s, 6129 N Dixie Dr, Dayton

• How Much: $40+

MLK MEMORIAL MARCH

• What: Walk together in remembrance and unity—march begins near Drew Health Center and ends at Sinclair for the annual MLK group photo.

• When: Jan. 19, 10 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Assemble near Drew Health Center, 1323 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

THE FIRE INSIDE YOUTH SCREENING

• What: Free teen-focused MLK Day screening with a post-film discussion—show up early; tickets are first-come, first-served.

• When: Jan. 19, 11:30 AM – 1 PM

• Where: The Neon, 130 E. 5th St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

IT LEADERS: AI GOVERNANCE

• What: A breakfast roundtable on IT governance in the age of AI—local CIOs, practical policies, and peer discussion.

• When: Jan. 20, 8:15–10 AM

• Where: Montgomery County Business Solutions Center, 1435 Cincinnati St Suite 300, Dayton

• How Much: Varies

 FREE HEALTH SCREENINGS POP-UP

• What: Drop in for free blood pressure and blood glucose checks from Premier Community Health—walk-ins welcome, no registration, just quick peace-of-mind.

• When: Jan. 20, 11 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Vandalia Senior Center, 21 Tionda Dr South, Vandalia

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

A 700,000 Square Foot Bet on Electric Flight Just Landed 🚁 

Joby Aviation is making a major tech move in Ohio with plans for a new 700,000 square foot manufacturing hub in the Dayton region. The massive facility will be used to build Joby’s electric air taxis quiet, zero emission aircraft designed to take off and land vertically like a helicopter. The building is already production ready, allowing Joby to ramp up manufacturing quickly as it prepares for future passenger service.

The new site is a key step in Joby’s plan to scale production and move from testing to full manufacturing, with a goal of producing multiple aircraft each month over the next few years. Beyond the technology, the expansion strengthens Ohio’s growing role in advanced aviation and brings new high skill manufacturing jobs to the region. It’s a modern chapter in Dayton’s long aviation legacy this time powered by electric flight.

Money

West Dayton’s Comeback Gets a Major Cash Infusion 💰

A major investment is taking shape in Wright-Dunbar Historic District, and it could reshape the financial future of West Dayton. A project called San Marco Dayton plans to redevelop a former Chevrolet dealership and nearby vacant land along West Third Street into roughly 120 new apartments, with retail and restaurant space on the ground floor. City approvals are already in place, clearing the path for a development that represents tens of millions of dollars in private investment.

The money impact could be significant. New housing brings new residents, and new residents bring spending at local shops, restaurants, and nearby businesses. That means more jobs, stronger property values, and increased tax revenue for the city. Developers see this as a long-term play, betting that Wright-Dunbar’s history and location can attract people who want urban living with character. While parking details are still being finalized, the financial signal is clear: serious capital is moving back into West Dayton, and investors believe the neighborhood’s best days may still be ahead.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Wayne’s 55ft buzzer-beater makes it to ESPN 🏀

Wayne High School delivered a “did you see that?!” moment when senior forward Alphonso Ward buried a beyond-half-court buzzer-beater to beat Springboro 55–52 on Tuesday night.

The clip rocketed onto ESPN’s SportsCenter Top 10 the next day as the No. 1 play—national shine for one of the Dayton area’s top programs.

UD Hoops

The men stayed unbeaten in A-10 play with a 79–72 win over George Washington on Jan. 6, then head to Duquesne on Jan. 13 and host Loyola Chicago on Jan. 16.

The women fell 71–68 to Loyola (Jan. 7), won 66–58 at Fordham (Jan. 10), host Richmond Jan. 14, and visit Saint Louis Jan. 18.