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 Best Museums Are Free with One Card

• Hidden Gems: The Florentine, Sky Asian Cuisine, Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro

• Local Events: 9/23 – 9/30

• Computer Love: Beavercreek Company Secures $747M

• Money: Downtown Dayton’s $2M Renewal Plan

• Sports: Air Force Marathon, Reds’ magic number is 6, Bengals rocked 48–10

— Tom

Did you know?

Dayton’s Best Museums Are Free with One Card 🎨

Your Dayton Metro Library card is now a ticket to some of the city’s best cultural spots. With it, you can check out family passes for Carillon Historical Park, where you’ll find trains, historic mills, a hand-carved carousel, and a 4-D theater, or the Dayton Art Institute, home to world-class exhibits and galleries.

The library offers 22 passes to Carillon and 62 to the Art Institute, each covering multiple adults and children, and they’re in high demand. If they’re checked out, you can join a wait list and even “freeze” your spot until you’re ready to go. The goal is simple: to make Dayton’s history and art accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford admission.

Click here for more info

Hidden Gems

Germantown Brunch in a 200-Year Inn—The Florentine 🍷

The Florentine is a historic dining room where floorboards creak and stories linger—dating back to 1816. Inside the 200-plus-year-old inn at 21 W Market St in Germantown, you’ll find white-tablecloth warmth, a polished bar, and that small-town welcome. The kitchen focuses on classic American plates and steaks with seasonal touches; the bar leans into well-made cocktails and a thoughtful wine list.

Highlights include a tender filet mignon (a regular’s favorite), crisply battered fish & chips, and weekend brunch cocktails that keep the chatter lively. History, yes—but dynamic, too: a neighborhood landmark about 20 minutes from Dayton, built for anniversaries, weddings, Sunday brunch, and a great night out with friends.

Check them out on Facebook

Sushi bar energy on Wilmington Pike 🍣

At 4090 Wilmington Pike in Kettering, Sky Asian Cuisine blends a sleek sushi bar, cocktails, and warm service with a wide pan-Asian lineup. Neighbors slide into booths for the signature Kettering Roll, Sky Sushi platters, and beefy yaki udon, while General Tso’s and lo mein cover the comfort side.

Occasional omakase nights add a little theater to the evening. Traditional Japanese décor and a friendly hum set the pace, with patio seating when weather cooperates and a private lot out front. Easy online ordering keeps weeknights moving, whether you’re picking up or getting delivery.

Check them out on Facebook

Miamisburg’s rib icon since ’86 🥩

A staple in downtown Miamisburg at 19 N Main St, Bullwinkle’s Top Hat Bistro has been a local hot spot since 1986. A place where wood, neon, and the sizzle of the grill mingle with laughter. The claim to fame? Baby back ribs layered in house Q sauce, plus comfort plates like Ma! The Meatloaf and onion straws—pure Midwest nostalgia.

Out back, the sprawling patio brings game-day energy with big screens, fire pits, and a turf lawn that feels like a neighborhood backyard. Independently run, the newly refreshed upstairs rooms host private gatherings without losing the building’s old-town charm.

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 3500+ Daytonians?

Local Events

UD CAMPUS TOUR & INFO SESSION

• What: Guided info session and walking tour for prospective students and families. Explore campus highlights and ask admissions questions.

• When: September 23, 2–3:30 PM (also 4 PM session)

• Where: University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton

• How Much: Free

DIGITAL TOOLS FOR GOVERNMENT ARCHIVES

• What: Learn tech tips for researching government archival records—practical, hands-on session with a case study on the JFK files.

• When: September 23, 5–6 PM

• Where: DML – Vandalia Branch, 330 S Dixie Dr, Vandalia

• How Much: Free

MINDFUL EATING WORKSHOP

• What: Library-led session to slow down, savor food, and build healthier habits.

• When: September 24, 3–4 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library – Northwest, 2410 Philadelphia Dr, Dayton

• How Much: Free

STORY SLAM DAYTON

• What: Five-minute true stories around a theme; open-mic storytelling night.

• When: September 24, 7–8:30 PM

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

• How Much: $5–$10

PARALYMPIC CHAMPION & “MAKING GOOD” TALK

• What: Paralympian & NBC’s “Making Good” host Blake Haxton shares the grit, purpose, and opportunity along his journey.

• When: September 25, 6–7:30 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library – Main, 215 E 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER IN CONCERT

• What: Beloved series with live orchestra synced to HD scenes.

• When: September 25, 7:30–9:30 PM

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

• How Much: $35–$95

DOWNTOWN DAYTON HISTORIC WALKING TOUR

• What: Explore landmark blocks with local preservationists.

• When: September 26, 5:30–7 PM

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

• How Much: $10–$15

OKTOBERFEST WEEKEND AT THE DAI

• What: Dayton’s longest-running Oktoberfest returns with steins, live music, artisans, and family-friendly fun across three days.

• When: September 26–28; Fri Lunch 11 AM – 1:30 PM & Preview 7–11 PM; Sat 12–11 PM; Sun 12–7 PM

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

• How Much: Lunch: Free; Preview Party: $55–$95; Sat/Sun: $12–$15 (seniors/youth $8–$10); Weekend Pass $20–$25; 6 & under free

CARS & COFFEE AT AUSTIN LANDING

• What: Classics to exotics—shine, chat, and sip coffee with local car lovers.

• When: September 27, 8–11 AM

• Where: Austin Landing, 10050 Innovation Dr, Miamisburg

• How Much: Free

FRONT STREET SATURDAYS

• What: Open studios, boutiques, and workshops across a creative campus.

• When: September 27, 11 AM – 4 PM

• Where: Front Street, 1001 E 2nd St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

PARIS FLEA MARKET (OUTDOOR)

• What: Sunrise treasure hunt; bargains and breakfast at the drive-in.

• When: September 28, 6 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Dixie Twin Drive-In, 6201 N Dixie Dr, Dayton

• How Much: $1/person; $2/carload

VINYLVINYLSUNDAY AT BARREL HOUSE

• What: Bring-your-own-vinyl spins; free donuts while they last.

• When: September 28, 1–8 PM

• Where: The Barrel House, 417 E 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

BEGINNING FENCING – RECPLEX

• What: Learn footwork, bladework, and safety in a friendly class.

• When: September 29, 6–7 PM

• Where: Washington Township RecPlex, 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd, Centerville

• How Much: $10–$20

BALLROOM MONDAY: LESSONS & SOCIAL DANCE

• What: Multi-level ballroom lessons, then a lively social dance.

• When: September 29, 7:30–10:30 PM

• Where: Arbor Event Center, 2150 Arbor Blvd, Moraine

• How Much: $10–$18

MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL (WCPL)

• What: Watch and vote on 10 Oscar-qualifying shorts with your neighbors.

• When: September 30, 2–4:30 PM

• Where: Woodbourne Library, 6060 Far Hills Ave, Centerville

• How Much: Free (registration requested)

JEANNE PHILLIPS TRIO AT WHISPERZ

• What: Jazz trio grooves and midweek wine specials to close out the month.

• When: September 30, 6–9 PM

• Where: Whisperz Speakeasy, 926 Watertower Ln, West Carrollton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Beavercreek Company Secures $747M Air Force Research Win ✈️

Beavercreek’s UES Inc. just landed a massive $747 million contract with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to study how electromagnetic energy impacts materials, systems, and components in air and space. The deal includes a $500 million base contract plus two task orders worth nearly $250 million combined, with work running through 2033.

UES, now part of a chain of acquisitions ending with AeroVironment, will lead the effort locally, bringing high tech jobs and investment into the Dayton region. The research is critical for national defense, as the electromagnetic spectrum is a battlefield for communications, radar, drones, and future warfare technology.

Money

Downtown Dayton’s $2M Renewal Plan Faces Praise and Pushback 💰

Downtown Dayton property owners have voted to renew the Special Improvement District for another five years, a program that collects extra fees to keep downtown clean, safe, and vibrant. The plan, expected to raise $1.85 to $2.25 million each year, will fund beautification, events, business support, and a bigger push on safety an issue many say is critical as visitors still feel uneasy downtown, even if crime isn’t rising.

Supporters say the fees are essential to attracting people and investment, but some property owners argue the spending is too heavy on salaries and events, and not enough on visible safety like more police patrols.

The decision highlights a divide between those who want more culture and vibrancy and those who want basic improvements, with the future success hinging on how well leaders balance those priorities.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Air Force Marathon draws 7,600 to Wright-Patt; Kreft, Brown take titles 🥇

Dayton’s signature race packed Wright-Patterson and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on Sept. 20, as more than 7,600 runners tackled the 29th Air Force Marathon.

Zach Kreft (2:21:57) and Kayla Brown (2:57:33) won the full, finishing beneath historic aircraft after a course that sweeps through Huffman Prairie and Area A/B—an annual mix of grit and Air Force heritage.

Reds’ magic number is 6 with six to play
With six to play, the Reds’ magic number to clinch a postseason berth is 6, and they hold the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Mets for the final NL wild card.

Cincinnati hosts the Pirates before a season-ending series in Milwaukee. Four of six NL spots are already clinched; Cincy controls its path.

Bengals rocked 48–10; Denver awaits on MNF
Cincinnati stumbled hard at Minnesota, falling 48–10 as five turnovers doomed a day that saw Jake Browning go 19/27 for 140 yards with a TD and two picks.

The reset comes fast: a Monday Night Football trip to the Broncos on Sept. 29 at 8:15 PM.