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: Trick or Treat With Fighter Jets This Halloween

• Hidden Gems: Fête, Mr. Shawarma & Grill, Osaka Japanese Steakhouse

• Local Events: 10/27 – 11/3

• Computer Love: Tech Contractor Adding 125 Jobs Near Wright-Patt

• Money: More Than $100M Is Flowing Into Dayton Area Businesses

• Sports: Bearcats Homecoming Upset, Flyers Finish Strong, Cavaliers Rally, Miami Valley’s HS Top 10

— Tom

Did you know?

Trick or Treat With Fighter Jets This Halloween ✈️🎃

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is turning into a Halloween destination this Saturday for its Troops & Treats event.

Families can trick or treat at 14 stations throughout the museum while exploring hundreds of aircraft, missiles and aerospace exhibits.

The free event will also feature games, face painting, balloons, a bounce house and a petting zoo with alpacas, mini goats, pigs, sheep and more.

Troops & Treats runs Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and costumes are encouraged.

The Gem Tip: Where else can you collect candy while standing next to fighter jets?

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Fête: Dayton’s party on a plate 🥘

Whitney Kling’s name may ring a bell with Dayton Daily News readers. The “But First, Food” columnist and Top Knot Kitchen founder opened Fête in January 2026 at The Silos, 810 E. First St. in Dayton. Enchiladas verdes tuck creamy chicken into white corn tortillas with housemade salsa verde and white cheddar.

Chickpeas simmer in coconut milk and spices for a curry served over jasmine rice. Kling’s independently owned kitchen works from a converted shipping container. Historic grain silos, shared patios and neighboring 2nd Street Market give the setting a distinctly Dayton backdrop for her cooking.

Check them out on Facebook

A Campus Connection Worth 20% 🥙

Wright State’s dining perks extend beyond campus to a familiar Fairborn address. At Mr. Shawarma & Grill, students, faculty and staff receive 20% off when they present a Wright1 Card. The locally owned Mediterranean restaurant at 2844 Colonel Glenn Hwy. previously operated as Yaffa Grill. Dine-in service and online ordering accommodate lunch between classes, a sit-down dinner or something to take home after the workday.

The chicken shawarma wraps flame-roasted chicken, pickles, parsley and garlic sauce inside a pita. Falafel provides an option for anyone looking for a meatless meal, while kunafa appears on the dessert menu.

Check them out on Facebook

Osaka’s Local Roll Call 🍣

Two rolls at Osaka Japanese Steakhouse come with hometown names. The Wright Patterson Roll layers spicy crabmeat over shrimp tempura; the Beavercreek Roll wraps spicy tuna, yellowtail and avocado in salmon. The privately owned restaurant at 2476 Commons Blvd., Suite G, in Beavercreek offers a sushi bar, dining room and hibachi tables.

Its sauces are made in-house daily. Pickup and delivery accommodate meals at home, but the grill gives dining in its own appeal. A chef prepares dinner directly in front of guests, giving families and friends a view of the work behind their meal.

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

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 

CRAFTY COSTUMES AT THE ARCADE

• What: Bring a craft project, share ideas, and swap individually wrapped candy with fellow makers at The Savage Stitcher’s Halloween gathering. Costumes encouraged.

• When: Oct. 28, 5–8 PM

• Where: North Arcade, 24 W. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: Free admission 

WEDDING BELLS AND LOCAL FINDS

• What: Meet wedding professionals, sample cakes, explore décor, and gather big-day inspiration with your favorite planning crew. Reserve timed-entry tickets.

• When: Oct. 28, 6–9 PM

• Where: Hilton Garden Inn Austin Landing, 12000 Innovation Dr., Miamisburg

• How Much: Free with advance registration; $10 on event day. 

FIND YOUR NEXT LOCAL CHAPTER

• What: Meet local employers, explore career options, and bring your résumé for potential on-the-spot interviews.

• When: Oct. 29, 11 AM – 3 PM

• Where: Sinclair College Centerville, 5800 Clyo Rd., Centerville

• How Much: Free 

BEHIND THE CAMERAS AT THINKTV

• What: Peek inside Dayton’s PBS station and discover how local television, digital storytelling, and community programming come together. Registration required.

• When: Oct. 29, 2–4 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

TRIXX TREATS DAYTON TO BIG LAUGHS

• What: Bring your friends for a stand-up set from rising comedic star Trixx at the Funny Bone. Ages 21+.

• When: Oct. 30–31, times vary

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

• How Much: $20; two-item minimum. 

BIG BOOK HAULS, LOCAL GOOD

• What: Browse the Dayton Book Fair and support Daybreak, Preservation Dayton, and Threads of Miami Valley. Sunday brings the beloved bag sale.

• When: Oct. 30–Nov. 1, times vary

• Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Rd., Dayton

• How Much: $20 admission Oct. 30; Free admission Oct. 31–Nov. 1; Sunday books $10 per bag. 

COSTUMED CRAWL THROUGH DAYTON

• What: Gather your costumed crew for a seven-bar Halloween crawl, including three drink vouchers and downtown stops. Ages 21+.

• When: Oct. 31, 4–10 PM; check-in 4–6 PM

• Where: The Trolley Stop, 530 E. Fifth St., Dayton

• How Much: $20+ 

DCDC LIGHTS UP THE VICTORIA

• What: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company’s SPECTRA celebrates its artistic legacy through four works and the creativity of company alumni.

• When: Oct. 31, 7:30 PM; Nov. 1, 4 PM

• Where: Victoria Theatre, 138 N. Main St., Dayton

• How Much: $21.50+ 

COUNTRY NIGHT WITH GARY ALLAN

• What: Country fans gather in Troy for Gary Allan’s signature vocals, with special guests Saw Crush opening the evening.

• When: Oct. 31, 7:30 PM

• Where: Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St., Troy

• How Much: $62+ 

VEGAN TREATS AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT

• What: Extend Halloween with costumes, vegan vendors, and community connection at Hidden Gem. Trunk-or-treat candy runs from 11 AM to 1 PM.

• When: Nov. 1, 11 AM – 3 PM

• Where: Hidden Gem Music Club, 507 Miamisburg Centerville Rd., Dayton

• How Much: Free; vendor purchases extra. 

A SUNDAY SCREENING WITH HUMAN HEART

• What: Watch American Doctor, a documentary following three American doctors working in Gaza, at Yellow Springs’ independent Little Art Theatre.

• When: Nov. 1, 2 PM

• Where: Little Art Theatre, 247 Xenia Ave., Yellow Springs

• How Much: $8+ 

PUT YOUR NEXT CHAPTER ON PAPER

• What: Strengthen your résumé and prepare for your next career move at Southeast Branch’s Next Step workshop. Job seekers of all ages welcome.

• When: Nov. 2, 11 AM – 1 PM and 4:30–6:30 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library, Southeast Branch, 21 Watervliet Ave., Dayton

• How Much: Free 

FOOD TRUCK FRIENDS, GATHER ’ROUND

• What: Dayton-area food truck owners can meet association members, swap ideas, ask questions, and build connections over a casual meal.

• When: Nov. 2, 6–8 PM

• Where: The Lumpia Queen Downtown, 38 E. Second St., Dayton

• How Much: Free; food and drinks extra. 

LITTLE FEET, AUTUMN DISCOVERIES

• What: Children ages 0–5 and their adults explore seasonal changes on a guided Bill Yeck Park hike. Register by Nov. 1.

• When: Nov. 3, 6–7 PM

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

• How Much: Free for park-district residents; $4 nonresidents. 

PUT YOUR TECH SKILLS TO WORK

• What: Join Code for Dayton’s monthly gathering to share ideas and collaborate on projects that serve the local community.

• When: Nov. 3, 6–8 PM

• Where: Arcade Innovation Hub, 31 S. Main St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Tech Contractor Adding 125 Jobs Near Wright-Patt 💻

A technology and federal contracting company is making a major expansion in Beavercreek.

Delaware Nation Industries plans to add 125 new jobs as it grows its work with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.

The company specializes in IT, cybersecurity, engineering and research, and says the expansion will help meet growing demand for defense technology and federal contracts.

The move will grow the company’s local workforce by nearly 50%, adding another boost to Dayton’s rapidly expanding defense tech scene.

Money

More Than $100M Is Flowing Into Dayton Area Businesses 💰

Dayton area businesses secured more than $100 million in SBA loans last year, giving local companies fresh capital to grow.

Fifty businesses received loans of at least $500,000, while four local companies were approved for the SBA’s maximum $5 million loan.

The money is flowing into industries including manufacturing, construction and hospitality, helping businesses expand, hire and invest across the region.

It’s another sign that serious capital is still moving through Dayton’s local economy.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Bearcats Turn Homecoming into an Upset Party 🏈

Cincinnati celebrated its 100th Homecoming by defeating No. 8 Texas Tech 37–24 at Nippert Stadium October 24. Cole Tabb rushed for a career-high 173 yards, including a 58-yard touchdown, while JC French IV threw four touchdown passes.

The Bearcats improved to 5–2 and earned their first home victory over an AP top-10 opponent since beating Rutgers in 2006. 

Flyers Finish Strong, Opening Night Awaits

Dayton’s men wrapped up exhibition play with an 88–56 victory over Morehead State October 24. Amaël L’Etang led five double-figure scorers with 14 points, while Malcolm Thomas contributed 11 points, six rebounds and five blocks.

Next comes the regular-season opener: NJIT visits UD Arena Monday, November 2, at 7 p.m., with coverage on WHIO TV and radio. 

Cavaliers Rally to Hand Minnesota Its First Loss

Cleveland erased a 15-point deficit to beat Minnesota 127–125 in overtime October 26. Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points and hit the go-ahead jumper with 1:02 remaining in overtime.

Rookie Meleek Thomas added 16 points in his NBA debut, while Peyton Watson’s late block helped force the extra period. The Cavaliers improved to 2–1 despite Anthony Edwards’ 47-point night. 

Miami Valley’s Top 10: Shutouts and a Shootout

Wayne edged Centerville 63–60 on October 23, highlighting the regular-season finales for MaxPreps’ October 25 Dayton-area top 10. Bellbrook blanked Ross 35–0 and Marion Local beat Coldwater 27–0, both finishing 10–0.

Tippecanoe shut out West Carrollton 63–0, London beat Kenton Ridge 35–0, and St. Henry defeated Delphos St. John’s 53–0. Springfield topped Northmont 41–6, Middletown routed Hamilton 63–6, and Springboro beat Miamisburg 50–17. Top-ranked Trotwood-Madison fell 35–8 to Walsh Jesuit.