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: Dayton Has a Warehouse Where Every Book Is Just $1.50

• Hidden Gems: Smales Pretzels, Great Greek Grill, Hello Thai

• Local Events: 3/10 – 3/17

• Computer Love: Dayton Students Designing Missions to the Edge of the Solar System

• Money: $33 Billion Power Deal Could Shape Dayton’s Energy Future

• Sports: Miami (OH) goes 31–0, OHSAA tourney watch, March Madness Starts in Dayton

— Tom

Did you know?

Dayton Has a Warehouse Where Every Book Is Just $1.50 📚

Hidden inside a warehouse on Dayton’s north side is a reader’s dream called Dollar Book Swap, where every book costs just $1.50. The family-run shop is packed with thousands of titles from children’s books and cookbooks to mysteries, novels, DVDs, and CDs. Now celebrating its 10th year in the Dayton area, the store has become a favorite for bargain hunters and book lovers alike.

Visitors can also bring in books they no longer want to trade for store credit, and the shop often helps teachers stock their classrooms with affordable reading materials. It’s a simple idea that has turned into a community treasure proof that in Dayton, you can still walk out with a stack of books for just a few dollars.

Click here for more info.

Hidden Gems

Five generations, four ingredients: Smales Pretzels on Xenia Ave 🥨

Dayton has been twisting dough the same way since 1906, and Smales Pretzel Bakery is the proof. In the small shop at 210 Xenia Ave., fifth-generation twister Emma Smales and husband Joe still hand-form pretzels from four humble ingredients—no shortcuts, just muscle memory and heat.

The story begins with German-born Rudie Schaaf, who opened Gem City Pretzel on Warren Street and baked a neighborhood staple into city lore. Today’s case holds soft pretzels by the dozen and Dutch-style hard pretzels in bags, with a Dayton Arcade return in the works, too.

Check them out on Facebook

The Great Greek Grill: Gyro daydreams near Costco 🥙

Cornerstone Plaza has a new quick escape: The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill, tucked beside Costco at 5409 Cornerstone North Blvd. in Centerville. Opened in July 2024 by franchise owner Rohit “Rick” Patel in the former Which Wich space, it runs fast-casual with a little shine—bright counters, warm pita aromas, and orders moving with a smile.

The menu leans Aegean-classic: gyros and souvlaki plates, Greek salads, feta fries, and a quartet of house dips like hummus and tzatziki, with baklava for the sweet finish. Easy, breezy, and built for lunch breaks that feel like a mini-vacation.

Check them out on Facebook

Hello Thai — Beavercreek’s Thai + sushi chapter 🍜

Suwapat “Sue” Whitted has quietly built a Thai trio in the Dayton area, and Hello Thai is her bright Beavercreek chapter at 3301 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Suite 110. The room stays family-friendly but lively—clinking ice, a full bar, and a sushi counter led by chef Saard “Art” Sabsombat. The menu stretches wide without feeling scattered: curries, stir-fried noodles, and classic Thai plates alongside specialty sushi rolls.

Boba and Thai iced tea keep the sweet side covered, while service moves fast enough for lunch breaks and kind enough for lingering dinners. A strip-plaza surprise that quickly becomes a default option.

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

MARIO KART TEEN TOURNAMENT

• What: Celebrate MAR10 with a bracket-style race day—bring your best drift skills and cheer on the final “Winner’s Circle” round.

• When: Mar. 10, 3–5 PM

• Where: West Carrollton Dayton Metro Library (Community Room), 300 E. Central Ave., West Carrollton

•  How Much: Free

BUILD YOUR BRAND: GEN DAYTON

• What: A fast, practical panel on personal and business branding—show up for insights, leave with new connections and next steps.

• When: Mar. 10, 3:30–5 PM

• Where: Life Connection of Ohio, 2800 Donation Circle, Kettering

• How Much: $20–$30

OREGON DISTRICT SOCIETY NIGHT

• What: A casual, history-loving gathering focused on the Oregon District’s community life (and how to keep it thriving).

• When: Mar. 10, 7 PM

• Where: Oregon District Park, 140 Brown St, Dayton

• How Much: Free 

REFRAMING AGING SYMPOSIUM

• What: A half-day Chapman Symposium on aging—fresh research, practical takeaways, and conversation for anyone thinking about the “next chapter.”

• When: Mar. 11, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM

• Where: Daniel J. Curran Place (University of Dayton), 300 College Park, Dayton

• How Much: $35

WATER & ENVIRONMENT HUDDLE

• What: Public meeting on regional water-quality planning, wastewater workforce, and facility planning updates—bring your questions and local perspective.

• When: Mar. 11, 9:30 AM

• Where: Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, 6 N Main St Suite 400, Dayton

• How Much: Free 

TEDXDAYTON YOUTH: COLLIDE

• What: Big ideas from young voices—fast, inspiring talks built to spark curiosity and the kind of “wait…what if?” conversations you take home.

• When: Mar. 12, 7 PM

• Where: Roger Glass Center for the Arts, 29 Creative Way, Dayton

• How Much: Free

UPTOWN: MOTOWN & SOUL

• What: Uptown delivers Motown classics and today’s hits with tight harmonies and choreography—Victoria Theatre turns into a soul-packed dance floor (in your seat).

• When: Mar. 12, 7:30 PM

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

• How Much: $39+

HARRY POTTER IN CONCERT

• What: Watch Prisoner of Azkaban on the big screen while a live orchestra performs the score—Dementors, Knight Bus, and goosebumps included.

• When: Mar. 13–14, times vary

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

• How Much: $27+

STEVEN HO, NOT YOUR HERO TOUR

• What: A stand-up set with sharp storytelling and big laughs—date-night energy, full bar, and a late show option if you’re feeling bold.

• When: Mar. 13–14, times vary

• Where: Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St, Beavercreek

• How Much: $37+

DAYTON CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL

• What: A kid-powered afternoon with games, bounce zones, characters, and community resources—bring the stroller and big smiles.

• When: Mar. 14, 12–3 PM

• Where: Fairborn Primary School, 63 W Funderburg Rd, Fairborn

• How Much: Free

PRICE IS RIGHT LIVE

• What: Play along as The Price Is Right hits the stage—Plinko, Big Wheel spins, and local contestants hearing their name called to “Come On Down!”

• When: Mar. 15, 7 PM

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

• How Much: $42+

CLICK, CLACK, MOO

• What: Dayton Live’s family theatre series brings the beloved barnyard tale to the Victoria stage.

• When: Mar. 15–16, times vary

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

• How Much: $20+

DUBLIN PUB ONE-MILE RACE

• What: A timed one-mile plus an untimed “Longest Mile” option—St. Paddy’s warmup with swag, finish-line fun; presented by Jameson.

• When: Mar. 16, 6 PM

• Where: The Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave, Dayton

• How Much: $35+

ST. PATROCK’S DAY AT THE ROSE MUSIC CENTER

• What: All-day St. Patrick’s celebration—music, vendors, and a “stay awhile” party zone with radio-station energy.

• When: Mar. 17, 10 AM – 11 PM

• Where: Rose Music Center at The Heights, 5700 Executive Blvd, Huber Heights

• How Much: Free

DUBLIN PUB ST. PATRICK’S

• What: Dayton’s biggest green party: tents, shuttles, music, and all-day cheer. Show up early, wear green, and enjoy the neighborhood turning into a festival.

• When: Mar. 17, 11 AM – 11 PM

• Where: Dublin Pub, 300 Wayne Ave., Dayton

• How Much: $20 cover

Computer Love

Dayton Students Designing Missions to the Edge of the Solar System 🚀

The University of Dayton is helping train the next generation of space engineers. Through a new international program called the Space Technology Exchange Program (STEP), UD graduate students are working with researchers at the University of Leicester’s Space Park in the United Kingdom to design real spacecraft missions. Over six months, the first student cohort developed a concept spacecraft aimed at exploring the heliopause the distant edge of our solar system where the Sun’s influence ends.

Along the way, students planned key systems like propulsion, communications, power, and thermal controls while also mapping the mission’s launch timing and trajectory. The program combines hands-on engineering with international collaboration, giving Dayton students real experience tackling the kinds of challenges faced by today’s aerospace industry.

Money

$33 Billion Power Deal Could Shape Dayton’s Energy Future 💰

The parent company of AES Ohio the utility that powers much of the Dayton region is set to be acquired in a massive $33.4 billion deal. A group of major global investors, including BlackRock’s infrastructure arm and private equity firm EQT, has agreed to buy the company in an all-cash transaction. AES Ohio, which serves more than 527,000 customers across West Central Ohio, is expected to continue operating locally after the deal closes.

For the Dayton area, the bigger story is investment. AES Ohio has already outlined more than $1.5 billion in grid upgrades between 2024 and 2027 to strengthen reliability and prepare for rising electricity demand including demand driven by data centers and new development. The investors behind the deal are essentially betting that the future economy will require far more power, and that utilities like AES Ohio will play a critical role in supporting that growth.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Simply perfect: Miami (OH) goes 31-0 🏀

Simply perfect: Miami (OH) goes 31–0 🏀
Miami University completed an undefeated regular season, finishing 31–0 overall and 18–0 in the MAC after a 110–108 overtime win at rival Ohio on March 6. Eian Elmer scored 32 and Trey Perry added 21 as the RedHawks capped a rare, modern-era perfect run.

Next: postseason play with an NCAA résumé that now starts with “31–0.” 

OHSAA tourney watch: regionals + state week
Ohio’s postseason hits high gear Mar/ 10–15, with boys regional semifinals and finals statewide determining who advances to the state tournament (state semis begin March 19).

On the girls side, the state semifinals run Mar. 12–13 around the Dayton area (including UD Arena, Nutter Center, and Vandalia Butler), with championship games Mar. 13–14 at UD Arena. 

March Madness Starts in Dayton: First Four at UD Arena
The road to the Final Four begins right here: UD Arena hosts the First Four on Tuesday, Mar. 17 and Wednesday, Mar. 18, with four win-or-go-home games to open the men’s NCAA tournament.

Selection Sunday is Mar. 15, and once the bracket drops, Dayton becomes college basketball’s front porch—again. The games will air on truTV.