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 Local Park Is Getting a $2.6M Upgrade

• Hidden Gems: Bill’s Donut Shop, Ginger & Spice, Chappy’s Social House

• Local Events: 3/31 – 4/7

• Computer Love: Google Drops $500M Just Outside Dayton — And It’s Only the Beginning

• Money: Dayton Area Plant Lands $62M Air Force Deal

• Sports: Reds’ Opening Day Shutout, Cavs Franchise Scoring Record, Dragons’ Season Begins

— Tom

Did you know?

A Local Park Is Getting a $2.6M Upgrade 🛝

A major park just south of Dayton is getting a big upgrade. Countryside Park is in the middle of a $2.6 million renovation, part of a larger multi-phase plan to completely transform the space.

The updates focus on better access, improved amenities, and new areas designed to bring the community together. This isn’t just a quick refresh it’s a long term investment aimed at boosting quality of life and increasing the area’s appeal for families and future growth.

Click here for more info

Hidden Gems

Fresh-glazed, 24/7 since 1960: Bill’s Donut Shop in Centerville 🍩

Bill’s Donut Shop has kept Miami Valley nights (and early mornings) sweet since 1960. Founded by Bill and Faye Elam, it began downtown before settling in Centerville in 1979, where it still glows at 268 N. Main St. like a lighthouse for the hungry-at-2-a.m. crowd.

Inside, it’s classic counter service—coffee chatter, warm sugar in the air, and bakers working while the world sleeps. The case runs deep: glazed rings, sour-cream cake donuts, long johns, and hefty fritters, plus pastries and coffee. First through third-shift crews share the same line—day after day, and enjoy fresh donuts all day.

Check them out on Facebook

Ginger & Spice — Brown Street’s takeout-only secret 🍤

Brown Street’s smallest storefront might be its biggest weeknight win. Ginger & Spice at 1105 Brown St is takeout-only, so the show happens in the fogged window: woks snapping, garlic and ginger hitting the air.

Owner Grace Peng opened the spot drawing on dishes created by chef Anne Tsao (of Tsao’s Cuisine), and the menu hops borders—Chinese, Thai, and Korean comfort in a tight lineup. Think ginger-spice wontons, mala beef, and bubble tea sweet enough to count as dessert. Perfect for late study nights or quick lunches.

Check them out on Facebook

Chappy’s Social House | big-group MVP in Washington Twp. 🍣

When the group chat can’t agree, Chappy’s Social House usually works. The roomy spot at 7880 Washington Village Dr in Washington Twp (in the former Champps space) opened in 2015 and became the Camplin family’s flagship after their original Moraine taproom consolidated here in 2018.

The room reads “reunion”: warm wood, TVs glowing, patio seats, two party rooms, and a wall of rotating taps. The kitchen keeps it comfort-forward—24-hour-marinated fried chicken, smoked ribs, Kentucky bourbon barrel salmon—served with a simple mantra: treat people how you want to be treated. Then linger over dessert or one more pour.

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

THE BEACON AUDITIONS

• What: Cold-read auditions for Dayton Theatre Guild’s upcoming drama “The Beacon”—new faces welcome; bring conflicts and jump into the story.

• When: Mar. 30–31, 7 PM

• Where: The Caryl D. Philips TheatreScape, 430 Wayne Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Free

CAREER FAIR CARNIVAL

• What: Game-based career prep—practice networking, polish your elevator pitch, and build confidence before meeting employers.

• When: Mar. 31, 11 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Sinclair Community College (Bldg. 8 Gym), 444 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

ESTATE PLANNING: QUICK ROADMAP

• What: Free session covering probate, taxes, and long-term care planning—perfect for anyone who keeps saying “we should do a will.”

• When: Mar. 31, 5–6 PM

• Where: Lofino Plaza, 3868 Dayton Xenia Rd, Beavercreek

• How Much: Free

CITY COMMISSION NIGHT MEETING

• What: See city government up close: public comment, agenda items, and community updates in the Commission Chambers.

• When: Apr. 1, 6 PM

• Where: Dayton City Hall (Commission Chambers, 2nd Floor), 101 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

DISCOVER DAYTON SCAVENGER HUNT

• What: All April, visit downtown businesses, complete photo/trivia/taste challenges, and score entries into prize drawings while exploring new corners.

• When: Apr. 1 – Apr. 30

• Where: Downtown Dayton (participating businesses), 10 N Ludlow St, Dayton

•  How Much: Free to play (purchases optional)

CARILLON HOME SCHOOL DAY

• What: Hands-on history day with exhibits, interpreters, Wright Brothers museum moments, demos, and rides—perfect for curious learners.

• When: Apr. 2, 9:30 AM – 5 PM

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

• How Much: $10–$14 (kids 2 & under free)

DRMA GOV RELATIONS MEETUP

• What: Talk local policy and manufacturing priorities with Commissioner Darius Beckham—network, ask questions, and hear what’s next for Dayton industry.

• When: Apr. 2, 4–5 PM

• Where: EzKin Company, 109 Webb St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

APRIL FIRST FRIDAY AT ARCADE

• What: Roam the historic Arcade concourse for shopping, music, and community vibes—springtime downtown energy under that gorgeous skylight.

• When: Apr. 3, 5–8 PM

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

• How Much: Free

KATT WILLIAMS BRINGS THE GOLD

• What: Katt Williams’ Golden Age Tour lands at the Nutter Center for a full-throttle comedy night.

• When: Apr. 3, 8 PM

• Where: Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn

• How Much: Prices vary

DAMON WILLIAMS LIVE

• What: A weekend comedy set with Damon Williams—laugh loud, clap often, and head into the weekend lighter.

• When: Apr. 3–4, times vary

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

• How Much: $22

EARTH DAYTON KICKOFF EXPO

• What: Earth Month kickoff at the market—mini sustainability expo plus an EV ride-and-drive and community partners ready to share resources.

• When: Apr. 4, 9 AM – 3 PM

• Where: 2nd Street Market, 600 E 2nd St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

OHIO VINTAGE FEST DAYTON

• What: Over 50 vendors of vintage clothing and finds—shop, stroll, and leave with something that already has a story.

• When: Apr. 4, 12–5 PM

• Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E 5th St, Dayton

• How Much: $5–$15 (kids under 12 free)

DEEDS CARILLON MORNING CONCERT

• What: Hear 57 bells sing across the park as carillonneur Alan Bowman plays the towering Deeds Carillon.

• When: Apr. 5, 6:30 AM

• Where: Deeds Carillon (Carillon Historical Park), 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton

• How Much: Free

EASTER MASS AT UD

• What: Easter Sunday Mass of the Lord’s Resurrection on campus—one service, lots of joy, and a packed “Alleluia.”

• When: Apr. 5, 10–11 AM

• Where: Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, 300 College Park, Dayton

• How Much: Free

BUC-EE’S OHIO DEBUT

• What: Ohio’s first Buc-ee’s opens in Huber Heights—fuel up, grab snacks, and soak up peak road-trip cheer.

• When: Apr. 6, 6 AM

• Where: Buc-ee’s Huber Heights, 8000 Ohio 235, Huber Heights

• How Much: Free

VOTER REGISTRATION LAST CALL

• What: Last day to register for the May 5 primary—BOE stays open late, so you can get it done.

• When: Apr. 6, 8 AM – 9 PM

• Where: Montgomery County Board of Elections, 451 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

YOUTH HOUSING WORKSHOP #3

• What: Workshop on youth group housing impacts—schools, health, and social services in the spotlight, with practical discussion for community providers.

• When: Apr. 7, 2–3:30 PM

• Where: Montgomery County Employment Opportunity Center, 4303 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

RIVERDANCE RETURNS TO DAYTON

• What: Riverdance 30 brings high-energy Irish music and dance back to the Schuster Center—two hours that fly by.

• When: Apr. 7, 7:30 PM

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

•  How Much: Prices varies

Computer Love

Google Drops $500M Just Outside Dayton — And It’s Only the Beginning 💻

Google has been revealed as the company behind a massive $500 million data center being built just north of Dayton one of the biggest tech investments in the region. These centers power the internet, meaning this project puts the Miami Valley deeper into the future of tech.

But it’s not just about servers… Google is also investing around $50 million into local infrastructure like roads and utilities, plus committing $250,000 a year to local schools for 15 years. Thousands of construction jobs are expected, along with long-term economic growth as more companies follow. Bottom line: Big Tech is moving closer to Dayton and the money is coming with it.

Money

Dayton Area Plant Lands $62M Air Force Deal 💰

A Troy manufacturing plant just scored another big win from the Pentagon. Collins Aerospace landed a contract modification worth up to $62.2 million to keep making heat sinks for the C-130 cargo plane’s braking system, a key part that helps the aircraft stop safely under pressure.

The contract runs through March 31, 2030, and the work will support the Air Force through the Defense Logistics Agency in Utah. That matters here in Ohio because Collins’ Troy facility employs about 620 workers and builds wheels and brakes used on more than 30,000 commercial and military aircraft. It is the kind of deal that shows how this region’s manufacturing muscle keeps powering missions far beyond Dayton and keeps serious defense dollars tied to local jobs.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Reds’ Opening Day ends in a shutout ⚾

A sun-splashed Opening Day at Great American Ball Park (81 degrees and breezy) didn’t bring a run, as Boston blanked Cincinnati 3–0 on March 26.

Garrett Crochet struck out eight over six scoreless innings, and Ceddanne Rafaela’s seventh-inning RBI single broke the tie. Reds rookie Sal Stewart still shined with three hits; Aroldis Chapman closed it out for Boston.

Cleveland ties a franchise mark with 149 points
On Friday night (March 27), the Cavs lit up Miami 149–128, matching the franchise record for points in a regulation game.

Max Strus torched his former team for 29 points with eight threes, and Jarrett Allen returned from a knee injury with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Evan Mobley added 23 and 10, and Harden handed out 14 assists.

Dragons Open 2026 With Road Test, Then Home Opener

Dayton’s 2026 campaign begins with a three-game road series at the Lansing Lugnuts April 2–4. The next stop is Day Air Ballpark for Opening Night on Tuesday, April 7 (7:05 p.m.), when the Dragons welcome the Lake County Captains to the Water Street District.