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: 20,000 Rubber Ducks Are Racing Through Dayton This Weekend

• Hidden Gems: Jerardi’s Little Store, ContempoRoast Coffee & Roastery, Tano Bistro

• Local Events: 9/15 – 9/22

• Computer Love: Dayton Students Are Getting a Major High Tech Upgrade

• Money:  Major Aerospace Company Is Going 7X Bigger in Dayton

• Sports: Dragons Championship Dreams, Bengals Opening-Day Win, Bobcats Four-Overtime Classic, Buckeyes Stunned by Texas

— Tom

Did you know?

20,000 Rubber Ducks Are Racing Through Dayton This Weekend 🐥

Yes, you read that right 20,000 rubber ducks are about to hit the water in downtown Dayton. The 23rd Annual URS Rubber Duck Regatta returns Saturday, September 19, at RiverScape MetroPark. The big duck drop happens at 4:30 p.m., sending thousands of bright yellow ducks racing toward the finish line.

Each duck can be “adopted” for $5, with proceeds supporting United Rehabilitation Services and its programs for children and adults with disabilities across the Miami Valley. And one lucky duck could pay off. The first place finisher wins its adopter a $2,500 grand prize, with six additional prizes up for grabs. You don’t even have to be there to win.

The Regatta is happening alongside Dayton’s Hispanic Heritage Festival, so visitors can make a full day of it with live music, food and festivities at RiverScape.

20,000 ducks. One river. And a great Dayton cause.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Fine wine. Deli comfort. Jerardi’s in Dayton 🥪

Chef and musician Eric Jerardi’s résumé runs from concert stages to wine documentaries filmed in California and Bordeaux. His home base is Jerardi’s Little Store at 7325 Peters Pike in north Dayton, the neighborhood shop he took over in 1994. French and Italian bottles give the shelves an international accent, but chicken salad remains the bestseller.

Mediterranean turkey sandwiches layer pesto mayonnaise and roasted red peppers; crab cakes round out the familiar staples. The seasonal offerings change without displacing the deli’s everyday purpose. Serious wine knowledge and a sandwich counter make surprisingly good neighbors.

Check them out on Facebook

ContempoRoast lets the process show ☕

Coffee production isn’t hidden at ContempoRoast Coffee & Roastery. A glassed-in roasting area completes the photo wall’s blossom-to-cup story at 967 S. Main St. in Centerville, where a colorful flavor wheel punctuates the black-and-white décor. Mother-and-son owners Mindy and Andy Hoffbauer opened the café in 2023.

The woman- and veteran-owned business emphasizes ethical sourcing and sustainability, while hand-poured coffees give individual beans the spotlight. Seasonal creations have included honey-and-cinnamon Cinnabee lattes and cold brew topped with cherry foam. The lesson is built into the surroundings, leaving visitors free to explore the craft at their own pace.

Check them out on Facebook

Riverfront polish with a family heart: Tano Bistro 🥩

Salmon gets a crab, bacon, and brie filling at Tano Bistro. Wagyu pastrami on rye, with Russian dressing and dill pickle slaw, offers a more casual counterpoint at 150 Riverfront Plaza in Hamilton, across from Marcum Park. Chef Gaetano “Tano” Williams and his wife, Gina, began with home catering before opening their Loveland restaurant in 2009 and expanding here in 2019.

Today, seasonal cooking and a cocktail bar shape the contemporary setting. Dinner can be its own occasion, but the location supplies a pleasant extra: a downtown park for extending the evening beyond the table.

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

BIG IDEAS AT DAYTON STARTUP WEEK

• What: Connect with Dayton’s founders, makers, and small-business owners through workshops, expert talks, and networking. All experience levels welcome; register ahead.

• When: Sept. 15–17, 8 AM – 5 PM daily

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

• How Much: Free

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS: RESOURCE FAIR

• What: Meet community organizations connecting neighbors with housing, employment, mental-health support, child care, legal aid, and other resources for a stronger tomorrow.

• When: Sept. 15, 12–2 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library, Main Library, 215 E. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: Free 

MAKE YOUR MARK IN WOOD

• What: Customize wooden keepsakes in a hands-on scorching workshop. Beginners and experienced makers are welcome, with materials supplied.

• When: Sep. 16, 5–7 PM

• Where: Artisans at Harrington House, 3930 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek

• How Much: $40; materials included 

LIGHTS, CAMERA, FILMDAYTON CONNECTIONS

• What: Meet local filmmakers and hear Henry Couto share lessons on resourceful storytelling at FilmDayton’s monthly gathering. Your next creative collaborator could be there!

• When: Sep. 16, 7–8:30 PM

• Where: FilmDayton, Dayton Mall second floor, 2700 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton

• How Much: $5; Free for FilmDayton members 

DAKOTA CENTER FILLS NEIGHBORS’ PANTRIES

• What: Neighbors in ZIP codes 45402, 45405, 45406, and 45417 can pick up groceries at Dakota Center’s monthly community pantry.

• When: Sep. 17, 11 AM – 2 PM

• Where: Dakota Center, 33 Barnett St., Dayton

• How Much: Free for residents of the listed ZIP codes 

NEW HORIZONS, NEIGHBORLY HARMONIES

• What: Cheer on New Horizons musicians and the Dayton Celebration Chorus as these community ensembles fill the Levitt lawn with music.

• When: Sep. 17, 7–9 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

AIR FORCE EXPO GETS DAYTON MOVING

• What: Browse more than 100 exhibitors and discover health, fitness, and nutrition ideas at this two-day gathering for runners and curious neighbors.

• When: Sep. 17–18, times vary

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

• How Much: Free 

MIDWEST IDOL FEST AFTER DARK

• What: Celebrate idol performers, browse an artist night market, and dance at an anime rave. Ages 16+ with guardian until 11 PM; 18+ afterward.

• When: Sep. 18, 6 PM – Sep. 19, 2 AM

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

• How Much: Free with RSVP when entering 6–8 PM; $15+ after 8 

VINTAGE WINGS RETURN TO WACO

• What: Celebrate aviation history with vintage aircraft, exhibits, food trucks, and family activities at WACO’s three-day gathering. Biplane rides cost extra.

• When: Sep. 18–20, times vary

• Where: WACO Air Museum, 1865 S. County Road 25A, Troy

• How Much: $5+; ages 3 and under free 

RUBBER DUCKS, REAL COMMUNITY IMPACT

• What: Cheer rubber ducks down the Great Miami River while supporting United Rehabilitation Services’ programs for local children and adults with disabilities.

• When: Sep. 19, 4 PM children’s parade; duck drop at 4:30 PM

• Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E. Monument Ave., Dayton

• How Much: Free to watch; duck adoptions start at $5 

PORK, PARADES, AND SMALL-TOWN PRIDE

• What: Celebrate a volunteer-powered tradition with pork specialties, craft vendors, racing pigs, live entertainment, and Saturday’s parade.

• When: Sep. 19–20, times vary

• Where: Preble County Fairgrounds, 722 S. Franklin St., Eaton

• How Much: Free admission and parking 

NUTCRACKER DREAMS START HERE

• What: Young dancers ages 6–18 can audition for The Nutcracker. Current ballet study required; register by September 18 or attend walk-up auditions.

• When: Sep. 20, 9 AM – 5 PM; separate age-group sessions

• Where: Dayton Ballet Studios, Victoria Theatre fourth floor, 140 N. Main St., Dayton

• How Much: Dayton Ballet School students $30; other students $35 

CLASSICS AT DAYTON CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE

• What: Admire classic cars and motorcycles alongside live music and historical demonstrations. This gleaming gathering benefits Dayton History and includes access to Carillon’s exhibits.

• When: Sep. 20, 10:30 AM – 4 PM

• Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd., Dayton

• How Much: Adults $20+; ages 3–17 $10; children under 3 and Dayton History members Free 

DAYTON VEGAN FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

• What: Bring your appetite for plant-based eats, refreshing drinks, and local vendors. Gather downtown for an afternoon of community flavor.

• When: Sep. 20, 12–6 PM

• Where: Courthouse Square, 23 N. Main St., Dayton

• How Much: Free admission 

OPEN DOORS TO WORK AND HOUSING

• What: Get help taking the first steps toward employment and housing qualification certificates with local reentry specialists and volunteer lawyers.

• When: Sep. 21, 1–3 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library, Main Library Tech Lab A, 215 E. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: Free 

PATHWAYS TO PEACE OPENS ITS DOORS

• What: Mark the opening of Pathways to Peace: Peace Is a Verb with neighbors at Dayton’s International Peace Museum.

• When: Sep. 21, 4:30–7 PM

• Where: International Peace Museum, 10 N. Ludlow St., Dayton

• How Much: Pay what you choose 

AILERON SUMMIT: LOCAL LEADERS, FRESH PERSPECTIVES

• What: Business owners, presidents, and CEOs connect through two days of leadership conversations, practical learning, and time with fellow entrepreneurs.

• When: Sep. 22–23, 8 AM start daily

• Where: Aileron Campus, 8860 Wildcat Rd., Tipp City

• How Much: $395+ 

DAYTON TALKS ABOUT TOMORROW’S WORKFORCE

• What: Join neighbors, employers, and educators for networking and a television town-hall taping exploring Southwest Ohio’s future jobs and workforce needs.

• When: Sep. 22, 6–8:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free; RSVP requested

Computer Love

Dayton Students Are Getting a Major High Tech Upgrade 🤖 

Dayton students will soon have access to even more cutting edge technology.

The Dayton Regional STEM School is adding a new 11,000 sqft Center for Manufacturing Sciences, featuring advanced labs for manufacturing, engineering and chemical physics.

Students will get hands-on experience with technologies like photonics, which uses light in everything from communications to advanced manufacturing.

Construction is expected to begin this fall, with the new center opening during the 2027–28 school year.

The goal: prepare more Dayton area students for the high-tech jobs of the future.

Money

Major Aerospace Company Is Going 7X Bigger in Dayton 💰

Dayton’s aerospace economy just landed another major investment.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems is opening a new 22,000 sqft innovation hub near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, expanding its local footprint by more than seven times.

The facility is expected to initially create 50 full time jobs and will focus on advanced hardware, software and technology for U.S. Air Force programs.

Set to open in spring 2027, the expansion brings more high tech jobs and investment to the Miami Valley.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Championship dreams at stake: Dayton Dragons tonight ⚾

Dayton’s postseason ride is alive. After dropping the Sept. 8 opener 6-0 at Great Lakes, the Dragons rebounded with 3-1 and 5-0 wins at Day Air Ballpark to reach the Midwest League Championship Series for the first time.

Quad Cities then took Game 1, 4-0. Dayton hosts Game 2 tonight at 7:05 PM, with Game 3 Wednesday if necessary. 

BENGALS DEFENSE FUELS OPENING-DAY WIN

Cincinnati opened the NFL season with a 33-27 home win over Tampa Bay, fueled by a revamped defense that forced four fumbles. Demetrius Knight Jr. returned the first recovery 27 yards for a touchdown, while Joe Burrow threw for 254 yards and a score.

Evan McPherson added four field goals as the Bengals held off the Buccaneers’ second-half push to start 1-0. 

BOBCATS SURVIVE FOUR-OVERTIME CLASSIC

Ohio University needed four overtimes Saturday to outlast Jacksonville State 29-27 in the longest game in program history. The Bobcats extended their home winning streak to 14 games, with Matt Vezza throwing a touchdown and rushing for 67 yards.

Darren James-Hamilton supplied a huge spark with a 98-yard kickoff-return touchdown as Ohio battled through rainy conditions to improve to 1-1. 

BUCKEYES STUNNED BY TEXAS COMEBACK

Ohio State watched a 20-point fourth-quarter lead disappear Saturday as No. 4 Texas stunned the No. 1 Buckeyes 24-23 in Austin. Ohio State led 23-3 entering the fourth before allowing three unanswered touchdowns. Julian Sayin threw for 278 yards, while Jeremiah Smith caught eight passes for 164 yards and a touchdown. Texas sealed the comeback by intercepting Ohio State’s final pass.