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: More Than 100,000 People Will Visit This Ohio Festival This Weekend

• Hidden Gems: Jasper Kitchen + Bar, Himalayan Grill, Partial to Pie Bakery

• Local Events: 6/2 – 6/9

• Computer Love: Ohio Fund Surges to $647 Million to Back Local Innovation

• Money: Ohio Opens Free Growth Program for Small Businesses

• Sports: NBA Finals set, Centerville Softball to State, Reds lose Elly, Dragons Update

— Tom

Did you know?

More Than 100,000 People Will Visit This Ohio Festival This Weekend 🍓

One of Ohio’s biggest and sweetest traditions is returning this weekend. The Troy Strawberry Festival takes over downtown Troy on June 6–7, bringing more than 200 vendors, live entertainment, parades, and enough strawberry-themed treats to satisfy any sweet tooth.

What began as a small community event in 1977 has grown into one of the largest festivals in Ohio, attracting more than 100,000 visitors each year. From strawberry donuts and shortcake to local crafts and family activities, it’s become a summer tradition for families across the Miami Valley.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Dinner on the golf course: Jasper’s fairway-air hangout in Xenia 🍔

Roll-up doors, patio chatter, and fairway air give Jasper Kitchen + Bar its easy Xenia rhythm. Set at 1100 Knollhaven Road, the clubhouse adjacent hangout keeps the mood public and come as you are: no membership vibe, just neighbors meeting for dinner, drinks, and a laugh. A 2023 addition, The Depot, added a 1,200 square foot heated and cooled event space with seven roll-up doors and extra patio seating.

Plates stay crowd friendly brick oven pizza, burgers, wraps, salads while cocktails and weekend breakfast broaden the draw. Greene County gets a relaxed gathering place with room for birthdays, post round stories, and ordinary nights that need a lift.

Check them out on Facebook

Himalayan Grill — momos, thali, and mountain warmth 🥣

Steam carries the story at Himalayan Grill, the family owned Nepali kitchen at 5118 Brandt Pike in Huber Heights. Opened in February after a long build up, it brings a close-to-home passport stamp to Dayton’s dining map momos pinched and juicy, jhol momo in spiced broth, chow mein, thukpa, biryani, curry, and Nepali thali built for lingering.

The room feels humble and new, with neighbors reading the board like they’ve found something special. Online ordering keeps pickup simple, but the heart is cultural welcome: mountain warmth, Miami Valley hustle, and food that invites first-timers to ask questions.

Check them out on Facebook

Partial to Pie Bakery | Shroyer Road’s butter-sweet ritual 🥧

Butter and fruit do the advertising at Partial to Pie Bakery, the cozy shop at 200 Shroyer Road where cooling racks double as a neighborhood signal. Founded in 2018, the bakery grew from Family Traditions Baked Goods, a cottage kitchen project that spent nearly a decade baking for festivals, events, and special orders.

Old family recipes meet new ideas here, with local ingredients used when possible and dietary needs welcomed. Cases rotate through handmade pies, quiche, cookies, muffins, and seasonal surprises. It’s small, sincere, and sweetly Dayton perfect for breakfast treats, host gifts, or one quiet slice before the day gets loud.

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

LIVING IN THE FLOW

• What: A Law of Attraction discussion circle invites reflection, intention-setting, and neighborly encouragement.

• When: June 2, 7–8:30 PM

• Where: Dayton Towers, 425 Dayton Towers Drive, Dayton

• How Much: Free

MARIAH THE SCIENTIST LIVE

• What: R&B fans head to Fraze for Mariah the Scientist with Laila on a summer concert night.

• When: June 2, 8 PM

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

• How Much: $54+

ART SHOW BREAKFAST BUZZ

• What: Breakfast, behind-the-scenes smiles, and arts fellowship with Rodney Veal kick off the day in true Dayton creative-community style at ThinkTV Studios.

• When: Jun. 3, 8:30–10 AM

• Where: ThinkTV Studios, 110 S. Jefferson St., Dayton

• How Much: Free (RSVP)

TROLL PUB BUSINESS MIXER

• What: Entrepreneurs, attorneys, and local pros swap ideas in a relaxed networking night built around practical connections.

• When: Jun. 3, 6–8 PM

• Where: Troll Pub at the Wheelhouse, 216 Wayne Ave., Dayton

• How Much: Free

FIRST THURSDAY STREET FAIR

• What: West Carrollton’s street fair fills the evening with vendors, food, music, and friendly summertime sidewalk wandering.

• When: Jun. 4, 5–8 PM

• Where: West Carrollton Centre, 35 N. Elm St., West Carrollton

• How Much: Free

WHISTLE-STOP MODEL RAILS

• What: Model railroad fans roll into Dayton for clinics, layouts, tours, and miniature worlds packed with craftsmanship.

• When: Jun. 4–7, 3 PM

• Where: Marriott at the University of Dayton, 1414 S. Patterson Blvd., Dayton

• How Much: Registration required; price varies

VINDYS FILL THE LEVITT

• What: The Vindys bring soulful rock and powerhouse vocals to the Levitt lawn for a free downtown concert.

• When: Jun. 5, 7–9:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free

DESI BANKS BRINGS THE LAUGHS

• What: Social-media star and stand-up Desi Banks brings sharp timing, big-stage charisma, and 21+ comedy-club energy to The Greene.

• When: Jun. 5–6; times vary

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

• How Much: $42+

BIG RIGS IN KETTERING

• What: Kids can climb, explore, and marvel at fire trucks, service vehicles, and big machines up close.

• When: Jun. 6, 9–11:30 AM

• Where: Kettering Recreation Complex, 2900 Glengarry Dr., Kettering

• How Much: Free

FOR DAYTON BY DAYTON

• What: Levitt’s local showcase celebrates homegrown performers, creative pride, and the city’s own stage-loving heartbeat.

• When: Jun. 6, 5–9:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free

INDIGENOUS MUSIC FESTIVAL

• What: Indigenous musicians, vendors, and cultural celebration fill Patricia Allyn Park with sound, craft, and shared heritage.

• When: Jun. 6–7, 10 AM – 9 PM

• Where: Patricia Allyn Park, 7266 N. State Route 48, Springboro

• How Much: Free

DAYTON POETRY SLAM

• What: Poets bring sharp words, big feeling, and crowd energy to Yellow Cab’s lively performance space.

• When: Jun. 7, 7:30–10 PM

• Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E. Fourth St., Dayton

• How Much: $3

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT GOLF CLASSIC

• What: Golfers tee up support for student financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career-readiness programs across the region.

• When: Jun. 8, 10 AM

• Where: Sycamore Creek Country Club, 8300 Country Club Ln., Springboro

• How Much: Registration and sponsorship prices vary

DIGITAL FUTURE SUMMIT

• What: Dayton leaders explore AI, autonomy, and digital transformation with industry, defense, and workforce voices at the table.

• When: Jun. 8–10, times vary

• Where: Sinclair Conference Center, 444 W. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: $0 – $475

COMEDY CAMP CURTAIN UP

• What: Young performers learn comic timing, scene work, and stage confidence during a laugh-forward Dayton Live camp.

• When: Jun. 8–12, 9 AM – 3:30 PM

• Where: PNC Arts Annex, 46 W. Second St., Dayton

• How Much: $299

DAVID LEE ROTH NIGHT

• What: A rock legend brings arena-sized swagger to Huber Heights with Eagles of Death Metal in support.

• When: Jun. 9, 7 PM

• Where: Rose Music Center, 6800 Executive Blvd., Huber Heights

• How Much: $54+

Computer Love

Ohio Fund Surges to $647 Million to Back Local Innovation 🤖

Ohio's startup and innovation scene just received a major boost. The O.H.I.O. Fund announced it has grown to $647 million in assets, giving it even more firepower to invest in Ohio companies and real estate projects. The fund was created to keep more investment dollars in the state and help local businesses compete with companies on the coasts.

So far, it has invested hundreds of millions into industries ranging from manufacturing and technology to housing and healthcare. Supporters say the fund's rapid growth is a sign that investors are becoming increasingly bullish on Ohio's future as a hub for innovation and economic growth.

Money

Ohio Opens Free Growth Program for Small Businesses 💰

Ohio is opening the door wider for small business owners looking to grow. JobsOhio and Tipp City based Aileron recently announced that their Small Business Academy is now available to all eligible Ohio small businesses for the first time.

The free, 12 month program provides business owners with leadership training, one on one coaching, peer networking, and workshops designed to help companies scale and thrive. Since launching in 2024, the academy has helped 78 business leaders from 46 Ohio companies sharpen their operations and growth strategies. This year, 25 businesses will be selected to participate, with each receiving a $1,000 stipend to help cover travel costs. For entrepreneurs across the Dayton region, it’s another sign that Ohio is investing in the long-term success of its small business community.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

NBA Finals Set: Knicks vs. Spurs Tips Wednesday 🏀

The NBA Finals begin Wednesday, June 3, with New York visiting San Antonio for Game 1 at 8:30 p.m. on ABC.

It’s a fresh star-stage matchup: Jalen Brunson and the Knicks chase New York’s first title since 1973, while Victor Wembanyama leads the Spurs’ rapid rise back to the Finals. Game 2 is Friday in San Antonio.

Centerville Softball Heads to State Stage
Centerville softball is headed to Akron for the OHSAA Division I state tournament. The No. 3 Elks will face No. 2 Hilliard Bradley on Wednesday, June 3 at 12:30 p.m. at Firestone Stadium.

Several nearby programs also made the field, including Greenville, Springfield Kenton Ridge, Casstown Miami East and South Charleston Southeastern.

Reds Win, Then Lose Elly to the IL
Cincinnati beat Atlanta 6–4 on June 1, powered by Eugenio Suárez’s first homer since April 15 and Nick Lodolo’s 6⅔-inning start.

The win came with a sting: Elly De La Cruz suffered a right hamstring strain while running to first and landed on the 10-day injured list, ending his 276-game streak.

Dragons Rebound to Take Loons Series

Dayton shook off a 14–3 opener against Great Lakes and won four of the next five, taking the May 26–31 home series 4–2 with three one-run wins, including back-to-back 3–2 finishes.

Next, the Dragons travel to West Michigan for six games June 2–7, then return to Day Air Ballpark to host Fort Wayne on June 9.