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: One of Dayton's Most Thrilling Traditions Is Back

• Hidden Gems: Ridgewood Cafe, Thai Kitchen, Nutmeg Cafe

• Local Events: 6/9 – 6/16

• Computer Love: Dayton Researchers Just Got a Major AI Superpower

• Money: 200 New Jobs Coming to the Dayton Region in Major Aerospace Expansion

• Sports: Wayne & CJ Bring Track Titles Home, Youth Baseball Camp, Kenton Ridge's Perfect Season, Dragons Update

— Tom

Did you know?

One of Dayton's Most Thrilling Traditions Is Back ✈️

The skies over Dayton are about to get a lot louder. The CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show returns June 13–14, bringing the world-famous Blue Angels back to the Miami Valley. The annual event is one of the largest in the region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to watch military jets, aerobatic performers, and historic aircraft take flight.

Known for their precision flying and high speed maneuvers, the Blue Angels are expected to be one of the biggest attractions of the weekend. Beyond the aerial performances, visitors can explore aircraft displays, meet pilots, and get an up close look at aviation technology. With Dayton's rich aviation history as the birthplace of flight, the air show remains one of the area's most iconic summer traditions.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Eclectic flavors from breakfast to dinner: Ridgewood Cafe in Springfield 🍗

Ridgewood Cafe makes Springfield feel like it found an easy gear. At 1647 N. Plum St., wood-lined walls, reclaimed industrial details, and a full bar give the room polish without stiffness. Called upscale casual by the cafe itself, the day can start with breakfast before rolling into steaks, seafood, chicken, pasta, burgers, deli sandwiches, cocktails, wine, and beer.

Outdoor seating adds a relaxed option when the weather cooperates. What sticks is the balance nice enough for a date, comfortable enough for Tuesday dinner, and local enough that one visit can become a routine.

Check them out on Facebook

Thai Kitchen — 725 errands, turned dinner plans 🍚

Thai Kitchen gives The Village on 725 a polished little exhale. Chef-owner Suwapat “Sue” Whitted has operated the spot at 2335 Miamisburg Centerville Rd. since 2017, carrying forward a restaurant locals know for Thai food and sushi. Inside, the full bar, warm booths, and basil-chili perfume make Dayton Mall errands feel like they’ve become dinner plans.

Curries, pad Thai, fried rice, pho, sushi, cocktails, and sake cover the cravings from lunch to dinner without scattering the mood. The hospitality is the keeper: bright plates, quick smiles, and a casual room that feels carefully tended.

Check them out on Facebook

Nutmeg Cafe | Route 48’s small-plate pause 🥯

Nutmeg Cafe is built for the small pause: espresso steam, pastry case sweetness, and quiet conversation along Route 48. From 9166 Dayton Lebanon Pike in Washington Twp., the team frames the café as a welcoming place for an “idle moment,” with coffee roasted in partnership with family owned Mascara Bros. Coffee.

Breakfast sandwiches, salads, panini, house-made soups, pastries, smoothies, and handcrafted espresso drinks keep the day gentle but useful. The room feels European without trying too hard bright enough for laptops, soft enough for catch ups, and local enough that errands suddenly feel a little less hurried.

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

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 

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: $62+ 

START A BUSINESS IN OHIO

• What: Future founders learn Ohio startup basics, filing steps, and small-business pathways in a practical branch session.

• When: Jun. 10, 3–4:30 PM

• Where: Northmont Branch Library, 700 W. National Rd., Englewood

• How Much: Free 

DRAGONS DIAMOND NETWORKING NIGHT

• What: Local pros mix, mingle, and cheer from the Diamond Club, with buffet fare and ballpark buzz included.

• When: Jun. 10, 6–9 PM

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

• How Much: $48 

BAHAMIAN BITES AT THE MARKET

• What: A hands-on Bahamian cooking experience blends island flavor with Dayton’s curious, communal kitchen spirit.

• When: Jun. 11, 5–8 PM

• Where: 2nd Street Market, 600 E. Second St., Dayton

• How Much: $35 

KOFI B LIGHTS LEVITT

• What: Smooth jazz takes center lawn with Kofi B and opener Harpoetic; bring blankets, friends, and downtown-summer joy.

• When: Jun. 11, 7–9:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

VANDALIA FLIGHT FEST

• What: Air Show weekend lifts off with food, family fun, music, and hometown aviation pride.

• When: Jun. 12, 6–10 PM

• Where: Vandalia Recreation Center, 1111 Stonequarry Rd., Vandalia

• How Much: Free 

RLJQ AFRO-CUBAN JAZZ

• What: Rhythms pulse with Latin jazz, brass, and percussion from the RLJQ Afro-Cuban Jazz Band at Whisperz Speakeasy.

• When: Jun. 12, 8–11 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

MIAMISBURG DANCES DOWNTOWN

• What: Main Street turns into a dance floor with live music, local flavor, and summer-night neighborly fun.

• When: Jun. 13, 7–10 PM

• Where: Downtown Miamisburg, 1 S. Main St., Miamisburg

• How Much: Free 

BLUE ANGELS OVER DAYTON

• What: Blue Angels headline two days of aviation thrills, flyovers, and hometown sky-gazing at the airport.

• When: Jun. 13–14, 8 AM – 5 PM

• Where: Dayton International Airport, 3600 Terminal Dr., Dayton

• How Much: $42+ 

SUNDAY SOUND SCULPTURE SESSION

• What: Michael Bashaw and Puzzle of Light Ensemble transform sculpture into music during a Sunday afternoon arts experiment.

• When: Jun. 14, 3 PM

• Where: Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave., Dayton

• How Much: $20 

RED WHITE YOU RALLIES

• What: Greene County marks America 250 with a free patriotic celebration, music, and lawn-chair community spirit.

• When: Jun. 14, 4–7:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

PRINCE PROJECT PARTY

• What: Centerville’s amphitheater turns purple with a lively Prince tribute, food trucks, and summer dancing.

• When: Jun. 14, 7–9 PM

• Where: Stubbs Park Amphitheater, 255 W. Spring Valley Pike, Centerville

• How Much: Free 

LIGHTSHIP BOOTCAMP LIFTOFF

• What: Entrepreneurs dig into mentorship, strategy, and pitch-building during a no-cost three-day bootcamp.

• When: Jun. 15–17

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

• How Much: Free 

MINI IMAGINATORS TAKE STAGE

• What: Little performers explore familiar stories, theatre games, and imagination in a joyful four-day creative camp.

• When: Jun. 15–18

• Where: PNC Arts Annex, 46 N. Ludlow St., Dayton

• How Much: $99

TECH TRAINING AT DOREN

• What: Adults get patient, hands-on help with devices, digital tools, and everyday tech questions.

• When: Jun. 16, 11 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Electra C. Doren Branch Library, 701 Troy St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Dayton Researchers Just Got a Major AI Superpower 🤖

Wright State University just gained access to some serious computing power. Through a new partnership with the Ohio Supercomputer Center, students and researchers can now use advanced supercomputers to accelerate AI projects, scientific research, and complex simulations.

Why it matters: As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, access to high performance computing is becoming a major advantage. The partnership strengthens Dayton's growing reputation as a technology hub and gives local researchers tools that can help drive future breakthroughs in AI, defense, and innovation.

Money

200 New Jobs Coming to the Dayton Region in Major Aerospace Expansion 💰

The Dayton region is set to gain 200 new jobs as aerospace and defense company AV announces plans to expand its production operations in Greene County. The project is expected to generate an estimated $28 million in annual economic impact, adding to the region's growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and defense technology.

State leaders and economic development officials say the expansion is another sign that companies continue to choose the Dayton area for high-tech investment. The new facility will support the production of next generation aerospace systems and has room for future growth, potentially bringing even more jobs and investment to the Miami Valley in the years ahead.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Wayne & CJ Bring Track Titles Home 🏃

Dayton-area speed showed out at the OHSAA state meet in Columbus. Huber Heights Wayne won the Division I boys track and field state championship, while Chaminade Julienne captured the Division II girls title with 44 points — the Eagles’ first girls track and field state crown.

A big week for Miami Valley track stars.

Dragons, AES Ohio Host Youth Baseball Camp

AES Ohio, the AES Ohio Foundation and the Dayton Dragons will welcome more than 70 Boys & Girls Club of Dayton members to Day Air Ballpark on Wednesday, June 10, from 8:30 AM–1 PM.

Youth will learn fielding, pitching and hitting from Dragons players and coaches, enjoy a Q&A, and receive free breakfast, lunch and event T-shirts.

Kenton Ridge Completes Perfect Softball Run
Springfield Kenton Ridge capped a dream season Sunday at Firestone Stadium, rallying past Newark Licking Valley 7–6 for the OHSAA Division IV softball crown.

The Cougars trailed 6–0 in the third, then clawed back with four runs in the third, one in the fourth and two in the sixth, finishing 32–0.

Dragons Look to Reset at Day Air Ballpark

Dayton started June with a tough 2–4 road series at West Michigan, winning 10–4 on June 2 and 4–3 on June 4 before dropping the final three.

The Dragons now return to Day Air Ballpark for six against Fort Wayne from June 9–14, then open a road series at Peoria on June 16.