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 New Bookstore Is Pouring Wine in Oakwood

• Hidden Gems: Bella Sorella Pizza, Carmagnola on 3rd, Buckhorn Tavern

• Local Events: 2/17 – 2/24

• Computer Love: Miamisburg’s New Golf Spot Runs on Pro-Level Tech

• Money: $42M Deal Near Dayton Airport Puts Hundreds of Jobs in Play

• Sports: UD Hoops, Tippecanoe girls perfect, Oakwood rolling, Alter title share

— Tom

Did you know?

A New Bookstore Is Pouring Wine in Oakwood 🍷📚

Dayton is now home to its first ever romantic bookstore and wine bar. Swoon Books & Wine recently opened in Oakwood, blending romance novels with wine, cocktails, coffee, and tea in one cozy, welcoming space. While romance is the main focus, the shop also features popular subgenres like romantasy and darker love stories.

The space is open to all ages not just 21+ making it a relaxed spot for readers of any age. Created by two local women, Swoon was designed to be more than a bookstore. It’s a place to slow down, sip something good, discover a new favorite read, and enjoy a calm moment away from the rush of everyday life.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Farm-Grown, Sister-Run, Wood-Fired: Bella Sorella Now Serving in Clayton Off US 40 🍕

The region’s first wood-fired pizza truck finally has a permanent address. Bella Sorella Pizza run by sisters Elizabeth Corrado Weizman and Gail Corrado Okafor now fires pies at 1405 Esther Price Way in Clayton, just off U.S. 40 near the Kleptz YMCA.

Dough gets mixed fresh each week with four simple ingredients, and many herbs and vegetables come from their own farm. Expect wood-fired pizzas, bright salads, sides, desserts, plus a bar and mobile catering units. It’s a Clayton anchor built for weeknights and weekend meetups.

Check them out on Facebook 

Carmagnola on 3rd + The Grey — Hamilton’s two-stop ritual 🍝 

Downtown Hamilton got a built in “choose your own night” on South Third. Carmagnola, at 24 S. 3rd St, leans trattoria house breads, handmade pastas, and wood-grilled meats served with a little ceremony.

The menu highlights house focaccia with roast garlic, a butter rich “OG Alfredo,” and “Steak Jess’s Way” picanha with spicy vincotto. Next door, sister space The Grey at 26 S. 3rd starts the morning with espresso and stays up late for cocktails, and the two connect inside for easy two-stop wandering. It’s the kind of place that turns dates into long conversations.

Check them out on Facebook

Buckhorn Tavern’s Stillwater time capsule 🍔

Antlers overhead, river air nearby, and a menu that hasn’t chased trends in decades that’s the Buckhorn Tavern. Tucked along the Stillwater River at 8800 Meeker Rd in Butler Township, the rustic steakhouse has been feeding the Dayton area since 1943.

In this tavern, you’ll find ribs and grilled steaks as the calling cards. The throwback charm is the point: dark wood, steady chatter, and the kind of night out that feels inherited.

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

WEST DAYTON TRANSPORTATION MEETING

• What: Community meeting on West Third Street & Gettysburg safety/aesthetic upgrades—come ask questions and weigh in.

• When: Feb. 17, 5–7 PM

• Where: City Hall, 101 W. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

SLEEPER AGENT: ATOMIC SPY WHO ESCAPED AMERICA

• What: Ann Hagedorn unpacks the Manhattan Project spy George Koval in a community history night with refreshments.

• When: Feb. 17, 6:30 PM (program starts at 7 PM)

• Where: RecPlex West Theater, 965 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton

• How Much: Free (donations welcome)

PRO BRANDING + FREE HEADSHOTS

• What: LinkedIn glow-up, confidence tips, and fresh professional headshots—drop in for any portion.

• When: Feb. 18, 10 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Sinclair College (Bldg. 7 Library, NW Loggia), 444 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

ROTARY REVEALED HAPPY HOUR

• What: Curious about Dayton Rotary? Pop in for wine, conversation, and ways to plug into local service projects.

• When: Feb. 18, 5–7 PM

• Where: Joui Wine, 117 E 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: Free (RSVP)

RAIDERS WBB VS MILWAUKEE

• What: Midweek hoops—cheer on Wright State women as they take on Milwaukee in Horizon League action.

• When: Feb. 18, 7 PM

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

• How Much: $10+

DSA PAST & PRESENT PANEL

• What: Hear longtime Dayton Society of Artists board voices swap stories, milestones, and what’s next—then open it up for community Q&A.

• When: Feb. 19, 5:30–7 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library (2nd Floor), 215 E Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free (details in link)

RAIDERS MBB VS IU INDY

• What: Bring the noise for Wright State men’s basketball vs IU Indy—big plays, pep band energy, and green-and-gold pride.

• When: Feb. 19, 7 PM

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

• How Much: $12+

MICRO DRONE RACE WEEKEND

• What: High-speed micro drone racing plus hands-on STEM activities—watch pilots fly tight courses and explore drone tech with interactive stations.

• When: Feb. 20–22

• Where: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

THE SLEEPING BEAUTY BALLET

• What: Dayton Ballet brings Tchaikovsky’s fairytale to life—sparkling costumes, storybook sets, and a grand finale fit for a standing ovation.

• When: Feb. 20–22

• Where: Schuster Center, 1 W Second St, Dayton

• How Much: $16.50+

BUCKEYE WEDDING EXPO

• What: The Dayton Arcade turns into a wedding-planning playground—vendors, runway show, resale finds, and inspiration in a historic space.

• When: Feb. 21–22, 1–5 PM

• Where: Dayton Arcade, 35 W Fourth St, Dayton

• How Much: $10

DADS’ CIRCLE: FATHERHOOD CLUB

• What: A supportive, real-talk gathering for dads and father figures—share wins, swap tips, and build community.

• When: Feb. 23, 5:30–7 PM

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

• How Much: Free

MEDICARE MAZE LUNCH & LEARN

• What: RetireMed covers Medicare basics, costs, enrollment windows, and penalty pitfalls—plus Q&A and light refreshments.

• When: Feb. 23, 11 AM – 12 PM

• Where: YMCA at the Heights, 7251 Shull Rd, Huber Heights

• How Much: Free

OREO COOKIE CHALLENGE KICKOFF

• What: Build your most creative Oreo dessert, submit photos online, and compete for sweet bragging rights (and maybe prizes).

• When: Submissions open Feb. 23–27

• Where: Online (Sinclair Community College), 444 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

ENGINEERING & TECH VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR

• What: Log in, meet recruiters, and explore engineering/tech roles—great for networking without leaving your couch.

• When: Feb. 24, 2–5 PM

• Where: Online (TalentAlly Virtual Events), Virtual, Dayton area

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Miamisburg’s New Golf Spot Runs on Pro-Level Tech 🏌️‍♂️

A new wave of sports technology has landed in Miamisburg with the opening of First Cutt, a 4K indoor golf facility powered by TrackMan the same advanced system used by professional golfers around the world. Inside the 5,000 sqft, players hit real golf balls into simulator bays equipped with radar and high speed cameras that measure ball speed, spin, distance, and launch angle in real time.

The tech recreates famous courses in stunning detail while giving instant swing feedback, turning every shot into data. Open year round, First Cutt blends sports, software, and simulation tech, offering lessons, casual play, and group events all without worrying about the weather.

Click here to learn more

Money

$42M Deal Near Dayton Airport Puts Hundreds of Jobs in Play 💰

A massive industrial building near Dayton International Airport has sold for nearly $42 million, a deal that puts both money and jobs front and center. The 600,000+ sqft facility was built just a few years ago and has already supported hundreds of local jobs, along with millions of dollars in annual payroll.

Now, a New York based real estate investment group is taking over the property, signaling confidence that the site can continue generating employment and economic activity. With its prime location and scale, the building is positioned to remain a major job engine for the region proving that big money real estate deals can translate into real paychecks for the local workforce.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

UD Hoops 🏀

The men beat Davidson 70–59 on Feb. 15, then head to George Mason Feb. 18 before a two-game UD Arena homestand vs. Duquesne Feb. 21 and Saint Louis Feb. 24.

The women lost to George Mason 72–61 (Feb. 11), edged Saint Louis 65–63 (Feb. 14), and visit Davidson Feb. 21.

Tippecanoe girls finish perfect MVL run
A statement close to league play: Tippecanoe hammered Greenville 55–18 on Feb. 11 to complete an undefeated Miami Valley League run (18–0). The Red Devils improved to 20–2 overall and now turn toward the postseason with momentum—and a target on their backs—after dominating the MVL wire-to-wire this winter.

Oakwood rolling, Alter locks up a title share
Oakwood kept its SWBL Buckeye chase alive on Feb. 13 with an 85–76 win over Valley View—its 13th straight victory. In the GCLC spotlight, Alter beat Chaminade Julienne 58–54 as William Peagler Jr. poured in 27 and Thomas Nicholas added 14. The win secured the Knights at least a split of the league title (their fourth straight).