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 Major $6M Park Makeover Could Be Coming to Dayton

• Hidden Gems: La Embajada, Ozu852, Cafe Terra

• Local Events: 12/16 – 12/23

• Computer Love: $350K Boost: UD Researchers Push the Future of AI and Device Security

• Money: Sidney Bets Big: $7.6M Plan Aims to Turn Historic Theatre Into Economic Engine

• Sports: Bengals blanked at Paycor, Flyers roll, Browns’ rough day in Chicago

— Tom

Did you know?

A Major $6M Park Makeover Could Be Coming to Dayton 🏞️

Dayton is asking for $6 million to give one of its busiest downtown parks a major upgrade. The plan would replace worn-out pathways, add better lighting, refresh gathering spaces, and fix aging features that need attention. 

City leaders say the updates would make the park safer, more inviting, and better connected to the rest of downtown. If the funding is approved, RiverScape could soon get a fresh look that supports more events, more visitors, and a stronger community feel.

Hidden Gems

From underground dinners to Argentine steakhouse—La Embajada on Springboro Pike 🥩

Behind the modest facade at 9486 N. Springboro Pike, La Embajada carries the spark of its 2014 origins as La Embajada Underground—an invite-only dinner that grew into a full Argentine steakhouse with Italian and Spanish accents. The room feels like a gathering of friends: Tango on the speakers, staff greeting first-timers like regulars, the hum of conversation steady and warm.

Plates pass family-style—hand-crimped empanadas, bubbling provoleta, and a shareable parrillada with Argentinian chorizo and morcilla—while weekend brunch widens the ritual beyond dinner. Planning stays easy with online ordering and reservations; parties and catering mean more seats at the table.

Check them out on Facebook

Where sushi meets the wok — Ozu852 🍣

At 852 Union Blvd in Englewood, Ozu852 moves at an easy neighborhood pace—part sushi bar, part Chinese kitchen, entirely built for low-stress meetups. The menu runs two tracks: nigiri and classic rolls alongside playful signatures like the Volcano or Dancing Dragon; then hibachi dinners, poke bowls, and comfort-hit standards like General Tso’s.

Lunch specials roll Monday–Saturday, online ordering keeps takeout smooth, and dine-in invites lingering over another pot of tea. Open for lunch and dinner six days a week, it’s the sort of steady, quietly essential spot that turns “let’s grab something” into a standing plan.

Check them out on Facebook

Halal, Heartfelt, and Grilled to Order, at Cafe Terra 🥘

Sesame and charcoal drift from the open grill at Cafe Terra, a bright Mediterranean stop at 8351 N Main St in Dayton where online ordering is there when weeknights get busy. The Aegean-leaning menu spans Turkish and Greek favorites—lamb doner and Iskender kebab, smoky baba ghanoush, even whole grilled branzino—finished on a sweet note with pistachio baklava.

The team notes halal preparation, and the room’s friendly rhythm makes it easy for families, friends, and casual meetups to settle in. Welcoming and unfussy, it’s built for sharing—one of those neighborhood places where the table fills quickly and newcomers become familiar fast.

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 4000+ Daytonians?

Local Events

MINI RESOURCE FAIR (DML MAIN)

• What: Meet local service providers for housing, health, jobs, and more—all in one quick-stop fair.

• When: Dec 16, 12–2 PM

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

• How Much: Free

 LAUNCH DAYTON HOLIDAY SOIRÉE

• What: Founders, creators, and supporters toast the ecosystem; networking + cheer.

• When: Dec 16, 4:30–7:30 PM

• Where: The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: Free (RSVP)

 DECK THE DIAMOND AT DAY AIR BALLPARK

• What: Day Air Ballpark flips the switch on Deck the Diamond, a brand-new outdoor walk-thru holiday light spectacular featuring over 1.1 million lights, music, and activities.

• When: Dec 16–24, 6–9 PM

• Where: Day Air Ballpark, 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton

• How Much: $12+ (limited capacity; advance purchase encouraged)

 WAVE NETWORK WINTER CELEBRATION

• What: A festive gathering with giveaways and holiday energy hosted with The Wave Network.

• When: Dec 17, 5–6 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library West Branch, 300 Abbey Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Free

 VOCTAVE HOLIDAY HARMONIES

• What: A powerhouse vocal ensemble brings tight harmonies and a sleighful of seasonal favorites to the Victoria Theatre.

• When: Dec 17, 7:30 PM

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

• How Much: $58+

 OPEN STUDIO NIGHT AT THE CO

• What: Drop in, make art, and meet fellow creatives—materials provided, or bring your own—at The Co’s laid-back studio night.

• When: Dec 18, 5–6:30 PM

• Where: The Contemporary Dayton, 25 W Fourth St, Dayton

• How Much: $0 (members), $10 (non-members)

 BOOZE & BOARDS NIGHT

• What: Build a charcuterie board while sipping Dayton Barrel Works cocktails—part class, part hangout, all tasty conversation.

• When: Dec 18, 5–9 PM

• Where: Dayton Barrel Works, 318 E Second St, Dayton

• How Much: $55+

 CANDLELIGHT: BON JOVI & ZEPPELIN NIGHT

• What: A candlelit string concert spotlighting arena-sized anthems and singalong rock classics.

• When: Dec 19, 6:15 PM

• Where: Dayton Masonic Center, 525 W Riverview Ave, Dayton

• How Much: $35+

 ANNUAL HOLIDAY IMPROV SHOW

• What: Two-night holiday special packed with improv bits, big laughs, and an improvised musical.

• When: Dec 19, 8–10:30 PM

• Where: The Black Box Improv Theater, 518 East 3rd Street, Dayton

• How Much: $22+

 DAI SPECIAL FOOD TOUR

• What: A curator-led bite of art history—food in the collection, plus a charcuterie board to round it out.

• When: Dec 20, 1–2:30 PM

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

• How Much: Included with museum admission

 CHRISTMAS TROLLEY RIDE

• What: Hop the historic trolley for a festive downtown loop—lights, laughs, and a little Dayton nostalgia on rails.

• When: Dec 20, 4–6 PM

• Where: Downtown Dayton (see pickup details), 33 W 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: Varies

 WINTER SOLSTICE AT SUNWATCH

• What: Sunrise-to-noon solstice celebration—history, nature, and that quietly magical “new season” feeling.

• When: Dec 21, 7 AM – 12 PM

• Where: SunWatch Village, 2301 W River Rd, Dayton

• How Much: Varies

 THE NUTCRACKER BALLET RUN—CLOSING DAYS

• What: Dayton’s own Nutcracker adventure—big sets, classic score, and that “holiday tradition” feeling turned up loud.

• When: Dec 21–22, 2:30 PM

• Where: Schuster Center, 1 W 2nd St, Dayton

• How Much: Varies

 VANDALIA WINTER CAMPREC 2025

• What: Winter-break kid camp with crafts, gym games, swimming, and rock-wall energy—pack a lunch and send ’em off smiling.

• When: Dec 22–23 & 26, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• Where: Vandalia Parks & Rec, 1111 Stonequarry Rd, Dayton

• How Much: $125+

 STRAIGHT NO CHASER HOLIDAY TOUR

• What: The a cappella crew behind “12 Days of Christmas” brings their Holiday Road Tour—funny, fast, and ridiculously tight.

• When: Dec 23, 7:30 PM

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

• How Much: $108+

Computer Love

$350K Boost: UD Researchers Push the Future of AI and Device Security 🤖

Two University of Dayton computer science professors just secured nearly $350,000 in National Science Foundation funding to push forward new tech research. Professor Ngoc Nguyen is building an AI-powered learning game that helps people practice real-time decision-making and teamwork through interactive scenarios. 

Professor Tianming Zhao is exploring how wearable devices like smartwatches can use heart-signal data to verify a person’s identity and block security threats. Both projects give UD students hands-on experience in fast-growing tech fields, while positioning the university as a rising hub for AI innovation and next-generation cybersecurity.

Money

Sidney Bets Big: $7.6M Plan Aims to Turn Historic Theatre into Economic Engine 💰

Sidney is moving forward with a major push to stabilize its 100 year old Historic Sidney Theatre, requesting $7.6 million in state funding to shore up the building’s roof and exterior walls. Local leaders say this phase is critical to protecting the structure so future interior upgrades and the long-term redevelopment vision can actually happen. 

The theatre, owned by nonprofit Raise the Roof for the Arts, is a key piece of downtown Sidney’s economic strategy. Once restored, it’s expected to drive foot traffic, boost nearby businesses, and support a growing arts and entertainment district. City officials see the project as both a preservation win and an investment that could pay off through tourism, events, and renewed energy downtown.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Ravens 24, Bengals 0 — blanked at Paycor 🏈

Baltimore shut out Cincinnati on Dec. 14 as Lamar Jackson hit Rasheen Ali (30 yards) and Zay Flowers (28) for touchdowns. An 84-yard Alohi Gilman pick-six in the fourth sealed it.

Joe Burrow threw for 225 yards with two INTs, and the Bengals slipped to 4–10. A long afternoon in a game that hinged on turnovers and red-zone futility. 

Flyers roll, then host FSU and Liberty
UD handled North Florida 84–61 on Dec. 13 behind De’Shayne Montgomery’s 23 at UD Arena.

Next up: Florida State on Tuesday, Dec. 16 (7 p.m.), followed by Liberty on Saturday, Dec. 20 (12:30 p.m.). After that, the Flyers break for the holidays before A-10 play opens on NYE. 

Bears 31, Browns 3 — rough day in Chicago
Cleveland managed only a third-quarter field goal at Soldier Field on Dec. 14. Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders threw for 177 yards (three INTs) with long completions to Isaiah Bond (42, 47) but little else; he also led the Browns with 24 rushing yards.

Chicago rode early offense and takeaways to a comfortable win as Cleveland fell to 3–11.