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’s Art Museum Is Giving Everyone a FREE Pass to Explore This Weekend

• Hidden Gems: Franco the Foodie, Charlie’s Deli & Catering, Lefty’s Eats & Espresso

• Local Events: 11/3 – 11/10

• Computer Love: Dayton Is Becoming an AI Powerhouse as the Air Force Brings Cutting Edge Tech to Wright State

• Money: Ohio Is Sitting on $5.4 BILLION in Unclaimed Money Some of It Could Be Yours

• Sports: Raiders Clinch the Crown, Flyers Bounce Back, Cavaliers Spoil LeBron’s Return, Miami Valley’s HS Top 10

— Tom

Did you know?

Dayton’s Art Museum Is Giving Everyone a FREE Pass to Explore This Weekend 🖼️

Looking for something fun to do this weekend without spending a dime? The Dayton Art Institute is welcoming visitors for a special free admission weekend on November 14–15!

This is your chance to explore one of Dayton’s most iconic cultural landmarks, home to incredible artwork spanning more than 5,000 years of history. From stunning paintings and sculptures to fascinating collections from around the world, there's something for everyone to discover.

Whether you're planning a family adventure, a unique date, or simply looking to try something new, this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a little art and culture right in your own backyard.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Franco’s Dream Found a Storefront 🍝

Franco Gallo once imagined a food truck. That plan became Franco the Foodie, the family restaurant he opened in 2022 at 120 W. Jefferson St. in downtown New Carlisle. The chef from Brindisi, Italy, brought 15 years of experience at the Dayton Bicycle Club. His wife, Karen Gallo, and their daughters Jess and Alexa now continue the late chef’s work.

Past offerings include ricotta-stuffed jumbo shells under tomato sauce and chocolate chip cannoli. Carryout is the focus, with a small dining area for those staying to eat. Weekly menu updates are available on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Check them out on Facebook

Old North Dayton, Stacked High 🍔

For lunch at Charlie’s Deli & Catering, the scenery includes a few aquariums. The locally owned shop at 429 Troy St. in Old North Dayton has a small dining area and a history stretching back to 1964. Toasted rye holds corned beef, sauerkraut and Swiss in the Reuben; baked ham, oven-roasted chicken and bacon meet Dijon honey mustard in the Prego Melt.

Founder Charlie Vangas built the business around the neighborhood’s German immigrants and Eastern European families. They came looking for familiar German foods and imported goods, shaping the deli’s early place on Troy Street.

Check them out on Facebook

A Nod to Dad at Lefty’s ☕

Carnitas grilled cheese brings slow-roasted pork, spicy Jack, green chiles and lime aioli together at Lefty’s Eats & Espresso. The Green Goddess layers roasted red pepper hummus, spinach and avocado on flatbread. The café at 2 W. Main St. in downtown Fairborn first welcomed guests in March 2018.

Founder Lawren Williams had already spent a decade running Williams Eatery in Yellow Springs; the new name honored his father. Williams opened with a 25-seat dining room furnished with booths and a long communal table. Today, indoor and outdoor seating are available, along with online pickup ordering.

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

CHAMPIONS FOR DAYTON’S YOUNG PEOPLE

• What: Gather for Daybreak’s annual Champions for Youth fundraiser, featuring food and stories supporting young people experiencing homelessness. Register ahead.

• When: Nov. 10, 11:30 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Top of the Market Catering & Events, 32 Webster Street, Dayton

• How Much: Free 

SILVER RINGS, MADE BY YOU

• What: Learn introductory silversmithing with Caysee and create three sterling silver rings. Ages 18+; advance registration required.

• When: Nov. 10, 5–7 PM

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

• How Much: $110 

WALK AMONG WOODLAND’S MILITARY HEROES

• What: Honor military heroes from the Revolutionary War through Vietnam on a guided cemetery walk. Reservations required.

• When: Nov. 11, 2–4 PM

• Where: Woodland Cemetery & Arboretum, 118 Woodland Avenue, Dayton

• How Much: $5 suggested donation 

MAKE GAMES, MEET YOUR PEOPLE

• What: Bring your game idea for playtesting, feedback, and friendly collaboration with local developers. Curious newcomers welcome.

• When: Nov. 11, 5:30–7:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

LUNCH AND THANKS FOR OUR VETERANS

• What: Share lunch and community appreciation honoring military veterans. Ages 18 and older; registration required.

• When: Nov. 12, 11 AM – 1 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

JOE GATTO BRINGS THE LAUGHS

• What: Grab friends for Impractical Jokers star Joe Gatto’s stand-up at the Funny Bone. Ages 18 and older; valid photo ID required.

• When: Nov. 12–14, times vary

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

• How Much: $50+ 

THREE DAYS OF BLUEGRASS JOY

• What: Fill your weekend with bluegrass, old-time music, and roots artists at this family-friendly indoor festival.

• When: Nov. 12–14, times vary

• Where: Roberts Centre, 123 Gano Road, Wilmington

• How Much: $46+ 

GROW SOME GOOD TOGETHER

• What: Meet growers and neighbors for hands-on conversations about healthy soil, food forests, and pollinator pathways. Free registration includes breakfast and lunch.

• When: Nov. 13, 8:30 AM – 4 PM

• Where: Antioch College Arts & Science Building, 199 Marshall Street, Yellow Springs

• How Much: Free; RSVP required, optional $25 donation 

ROLL INTO A WEEKEND OF GAMES

• What: Roll dice, discover board games, and make new gaming friends at Dayton’s three-day tabletop convention. Family friendly.

• When: Nov. 13–15, times vary

• Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E. Fifth Street, Dayton

• How Much: $20–$55 standard adult badges; $5 children / $20 teens 

ART FOR EVERY NEIGHBOR

• What: Explore museum collections and special exhibitions during a free weekend that welcomes every neighbor to discover something inspiring.

• When: Nov. 14–15, times vary

• Where: Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton

• How Much: Free 

MEET DAYTON’S SECRET WARTIME HEROINES

• What: Discover the women whose secret wartime work made Dayton vital to WWII codebreaking, with researcher Lucinda Davies. First-come seating.

• When: Nov. 15, 2–3 PM

• Where: Wright Memorial Public Library, Community Room, 1776 Far Hills Avenue, Oakwood

• How Much: Free 

ORRRC TURKEY HUNT ADVENTURE

• What: Follow a map, find checkpoints, and meet fellow adventurers in this two-hour orienteering challenge. Loaner compasses provided.

• When: Nov. 15, 2–4 PM

• Where: George Rogers Clark Park, 930 S. Tecumseh Road, Springfield

• How Much: $5 for nonmembers ages 15+; Free for ORRRC members and ages 14 and under 

CATCH NEW FRIENDS AT POKÉMON PLAYTIME

• What: Kids ages 5–14 battle and trade Pokémon with new friends. Bring cards or gaming devices; snacks and drinks included. Preregistration recommended.

• When: Nov. 16, 5:30–7 PM

• Where: Vandalia Recreation Center, Special Events Room, 1111 Stonequarry Road, Vandalia

• How Much: $7 residents/VRC members / $9 nonresidents 

LOCAL THERAPISTS LEARN TOGETHER

• What: Occupational therapy practitioners explore practical strategies for helping patients with back pain in this interactive continuing education class. Registration required.

• When: Nov. 16, 6–7:30 PM

• Where: Rehabilitation Institute of Ohio, Cafeteria, 835 S. Main Street, Dayton

• How Much: $35 

TURN BOOKS INTO BLOOMS

• What: Turn a hardback book into a floral vase, with faux flowers provided. Ages 18+; reserve your spot by phone.

• When: Nov. 17, 10 AM – 11 AM

• Where: Springboro Library, 125 Park Lane, Springboro

• How Much: Free; registration required 

PEEK BEHIND DAYTON’S PBS CAMERAS

• What: Go behind the scenes at ThinkTV and discover how local public television serves Dayton’s community. Reserve a place for the approximately two-hour tour.

• When: Nov. 17, 2 PM

• Where: ThinkTV, 110 S. Jefferson Street, Dayton

• How Much: Free; registration required

Computer Love

Dayton Is Becoming an AI Powerhouse as the Air Force Brings Cutting Edge Tech to Wright State 🤖

The future of artificial intelligence is taking shape right here in the Miami Valley! Wright State University is now home to three Air Force units, including a specialized team focused on developing advanced AI technology.

The Air Force Research Laboratory's Autonomy Capability Team (ACT 3) is developing technology that could revolutionize military aviation, including AI systems capable of flying fighter jets autonomously.

With more than 60 Air Force researchers involved in university research facilities, this partnership strengthens Dayton's growing reputation as a hub for innovation.

From the birthplace of aviation to the future of AI powered flight, Dayton continues to lead the way!

Money

Ohio Is Sitting on $5.4 BILLION in Unclaimed Money Some of It Could Be Yours 💰

What if you had money sitting somewhere that you completely forgot about? According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, the state is currently holding a staggering $5.4 billion in unclaimed funds, and some of it could belong to Dayton area residents.

This forgotten money can come from old bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and other financial accounts that have gone untouched for years.

In fact, Ohio returned approximately $190 million in unclaimed funds during fiscal year 2026, proving that plenty of people are discovering money they didn't even know they had.

The best part? Checking is completely free and only takes a few minutes. Simply visit UnclaimedFunds.Ohio.gov, search your name, and see if the state is holding money that belongs to you.

You might not strike it rich, but finding an unexpected check could be a pretty nice surprise heading into the holiday season!

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Raiders Clinch the Crown With 15 Straight Wins 🏐

Wright State volleyball clinched the Horizon League regular-season championship with two road wins over Milwaukee November 6–7. After Friday’s sweep, the Raiders rallied from a first-set loss Saturday to win 3–1. Katie Sowko supplied 16 kills and 14 digs in the clincher, while Lauren Yacobucci delivered 52 assists.

Wright State improved to 19–5 overall and 14–0 in conference play, extending its winning streak to 15. 

Flyers Bounce Back as Big Home Matchups Await

Dayton basketball packed a dramatic week. The women fell 91–87 to Illinois State in overtime November 5, then bounced back to beat Penn State 77–71 November 9 behind Olivia Leung’s 17 points. The men lost 81–76 in overtime to Northern Illinois November 7 despite Aiden Derkack’s 20-point double-double.

Coming up at UD Arena: men vs. Siena (November 10), Cincinnati (14) and Central Michigan (17); women vs. Western Michigan (15). 

Cavaliers Spoil LeBron’s Return With a Cup Win

Donovan Mitchell delivered 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists as Cleveland beat Philadelphia 119–95 in NBA Cup play November 6. Evan Mobley added 22 points, while former Cavaliers star LeBron James was held to 8 for the 76ers in his return to Cleveland.

The Cavaliers pulled away after Philadelphia cut the deficit to two early in the third quarter, opening group play 1–0. 

Miami Valley’s Top 10: Eight Advance, Two Bow Out

Wayne edged Beavercreek 35–34 on November 6, highlighting playoff action for MaxPreps’ November 8 Dayton-area top 10. Trotwood-Madison beat Edgewood 39–14, Springfield blanked Fairmont 38–0, and Marion Local shut out Fort Loramie 49–0.

Bellbrook defeated Unioto 49–14, while Tippecanoe topped Goshen 49–7. London beat Valley View 27–13, and St. Henry routed Tri-Village 49–14. Springboro fell 37–20 to Elder, while Middletown lost 27–6 to Princeton. Eight advanced to regional semifinals November 13, keeping their championship hopes alive.