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 Feast of Giving Is Serving 7,000 Free Thanksgiving Meals

• Hidden Gems: Ella Mae’s, Little Saigon, Cedarland Bakery & Restaurant

• Local Events: 11/25 – 12/2

• Computer Love: Sinclair Drops $30M to Build a New AI & Tech Center

• Money: Ohio Holiday Spending Surges to $32B

• Sports: Bengals late push falls short at Paycor, Buckeyes smother, ground & pound, Dayton's defense travels

— Tom

Did you know?

Dayton’s Feast of Giving Is Serving 7,000 Free Thanksgiving Meals 🦃 

Dayton’s beloved Feast of Giving is returning this Thanksgiving with a huge community push organizers are preparing 7,000 free meals for anyone who wants to celebrate together at the Dayton Convention Center. They’ve added extra servings this year to meet the growing turnout, aiming for smooth service with hundreds of tables ready to go.

The event isn’t just about food, either. Guests can enjoy live music, dancing, Santa, and family-friendly entertainment, all designed to make everyone feel welcome. And to make access even easier, RTA is offering free rides on Thanksgiving Day so anyone in the Miami Valley can attend.

Click here for more info

Hidden Gems

Golden-Crusted Fish, Mac & Greens—Ella Mae’s, W. Social 🐟

Rhythm on the speakers and friendly counter banter set the tone at Ella Mae’s, now tucked inside W. Social Tap & Table at 1100 W Third St in the Wright Dunbar district. Formerly on Salem Avenue in Trotwood, the family-run spot brings the same neighborly energy to the food hall’s communal tables.

Favorites fill the menu, including pressure-broasted chicken with perfect crust, pork chops and catfish, plus macaroni and cheese, collards, and potato wedges. Lines move fast, good times come with every plate, and the comfort keeps on rolling.

Check them out on Facebook

Pho & Banh Mi To-Go 🍜

A waft of star anise and fresh herbs greets you at Little Saigon, a friendly, no-frills staple at 1718 Woodman Dr in Kettering where regulars trade waves with the staff. The owners describe it simply as a humble, comfortable place for Vietnamese favorites—and that’s exactly the vibe.

Here you’ll find clear-broth pho, crisp-baguette bánh mì, and vermicelli bowls meant for mixing, with online ordering & takeout. Lunch-to-evening hours make it an easy weeknight anchor, portioned generously and priced kindly. Little Saigon keeps it modest—plain tables, warm smiles, no fuss.

Check them out on Facebook

Pita Warm From the Hearth 🥒

Since 2005, Cedarland Bakery & Restaurant has doubled as Dayton’s Lebanese pantry and gathering place. Upon entering, you’ll see the bakery case and stacks of market staples; then, a steady flow of neighbors trading quick hellos. At 4515 Linden Ave, tables sit under bright light with an easy pace that invites lingering. Patio tables pop on nice weather days.

On the plates you’ll find shawarma shaved to order, hand-shaped kibbeh, herb-bright grape leaves, and strong Lebanese coffee alongside warm pita. Online ordering keeps takeout moving, but dine-in is where the hospitality shines, as genuine, and reliably welcoming.

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

A CARILLON CHRISTMAS OPENING NIGHT

• What: Millions of lights, the Tree of Light, Model Train Museum, and festive village across 65 acres—pure Dayton magic.

• When: November 25, 5–9 PM (Nov 25–Dec 30)

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

• How Much: $10+, ages 3 and up 

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: November 25–30 & December 2–7, 6–9 PM

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

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

STOCK UP WEDNESDAY AT 2ND STREET MARKET

• What: Pre-Thanksgiving shopping from 40+ local vendors; breads, desserts, wreaths, and more.

• When: November 26, 11 AM – 3 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

THE LAST WALTZ LIVE

• What: A beloved Dayton Thanksgiving-week tradition: 25+ local musicians celebrate The Band’s iconic concert film.

• When: November 26, 8–11 PM

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

• How Much: $24+ 

MIAMISBURG TURKEY TROT

• What: 5-mile run/walk and 1-mile fun run—costumes, community, and pre-pie endorphins.

• When: November 27, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

• Where: Riverfront Park (start near Main & Water), 1 Water St, Miamisburg

• How Much: $35+ 

FEAST OF GIVING – THANKSGIVING IN DAYTON

• What: Free community Thanksgiving meal with music and activities; everyone is welcome.

• When: November 27, 11 AM – 2 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

RIVERSCAPE ICE RINK OPENING DAY

• What: The region’s largest outdoor rink returns—music, cocoa, skyline views under a covered pavilion.

• When: November 28, 11 AM – 10 PM

• Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 111 E Monument Ave, Dayton

• How Much: $7 admission; $3 skate rental 

MRS. CLAUS & ELVES: BLACK FRIDAY AT FAIRFIELD COMMONS

• What: Santa’s wife and crew pop in for family fun at the mall—music, magic, and merry photo ops.

• When: November 28, 2–4 PM

• Where: The Mall at Fairfield Commons, 2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd, Beavercreek

• How Much: Free 

GRANDE ILLUMINATION & CHILDREN’S PARADE

• What: Downtown kicks off the season—performances, family fun, and the big tree lighting at 6:30 PM.

• When: November 28, 4–7 PM

• Where: Courthouse Square (Third & Main), Dayton

• How Much: Free 

MONSTER JAM AT NUTTER CENTER

• What: High-flying trucks, roaring engines, kid-friendly thrills.

• When: November 29-30, 12 PM

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

• How Much: $25+ 

LASER STRANGER THINGS AT BOONSHOFT

• What: Retro synth beams and Upside-Down vibes in the planetarium; museum access included.

• When: November 29, 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM (3 Shows)

• Where: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Pkwy, Dayton

• How Much: $15 members / $17 non-members 

CREATIVE KIDS HOLIDAY MARKET

• What: Young makers sell festive creations—shop small and encourage creativity.

• When: November 30, 10 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Funk Lab Dance Center, 1226 E Stroop Rd, Kettering

• How Much: Free 

DAYTON VEGAN HOLIDAY MARKET

• What: Vegan eats, artisan gifts, and good vibes from local makers inside a lively music club setting.

• When: November 30, 12–5 PM

• Where: Hidden Gem Music Club, 507 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd, Dayton

• How Much: Free 

LIGHTING UP OAKWOOD

• What: Tree lighting, carols, carriage rides, and a Santa visit in Shafor Park. Community sparkle!

• When: December 1, 6:30 PM – 8 PM

• Where: Shafor Park, 115 Park Ave, Oakwood

• How Much: Free 

WASTE-FREE DAYTON HOLIDAY PARTY

• What: Zero-waste festivities, music, and community at an outdoor-minded downtown shop.

• When: December 1, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

• Where: Base Camp Outdoors Co., 420 E 1st St, Dayton

• How Much: Free (donations optional) 

MINI RESOURCE FAIR: CONNECT & THRIVE

• What: Meet community partners for housing, health, and employment support.

• When: December 2, 12–2 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

GENERATION DAYTON: HOLIDAY MIX & MINGLE

• What: Young pros toast the season—food, one drink, and Foodbank donation included.

• When: December 2, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton

• How Much: $25 

BACK TO THE FUTURE: OPENING NIGHT

• What: Great Scott! The time-travel blockbuster lands at the Schuster with 1.21 gigawatts of Broadway energy.

• When: December 2, 7:30 PM – 10 PM

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

• How Much: $53+

Computer Love

Sinclair Drops $30M to Build a New AI & Tech Center 🤖

Sinclair Community College is making a major play in Dayton’s tech future with a $30 million investment to turn one of its existing buildings into a brand-new AI and technology training hub. The upgraded 36,000 sqft space will focus on fast-growing fields like AI, cybersecurity, and advanced IT, aiming to train more than 7,500 students a year starting in 2027.

College leaders say this isn’t just a remodel, it’s a response to the region’s urgent need for tech skilled workers, as employers across Dayton race to fill roles tied to automation and digital systems. Sinclair also emphasized that the project is fully funded from reserves, keeping the college debt-free while doubling down on the future of AI-driven careers.

Money

Ohio Holiday Spending Surges to $32B 💰

Ohio is heading into a strong holiday season, with shoppers expected to spend about $32 billion, a 3.1% increase from last year. Experts say the rise is driven by a steady job market Ohio’s employment grew 1.5% over the past year and cooling inflation, which is now around 3.1% in the Midwest.

The state’s three largest metros (Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus) will account for more than half of all spending, but Dayton stands out too, with holiday sales projected to grow 2.5%, one of the highest jumps in Ohio. E-commerce continues to climb as well, now making up 16.3% of U.S. retail sales. While some regions may see slower growth or slight declines, the overall picture points to a confident consumer base and a solid finish to the year for Ohio’s economy.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Patriots 26, Bengals 20 — late push falls short at Paycor 🏈

New England extended its streak to nine as Drake Maye threw for 294 yards and Hunter Henry posted 115 and a TD.

Cincinnati’s Joe Flacco had 183 and a score, Chase Brown rushed for 107, and Evan McPherson drilled a franchise-record 63-yarder—but a final drive stalled at the NE 26. Both teams scored on pick-sixes.

No. 1 Ohio State 42, Rutgers 9 — smother, ground & pound
The Buckeyes pulled away after halftime to stay perfect: Julian Sayin went 13/19 for 157 yards and two TDs, Bo Jackson ran for 110 and two scores, and TE Max Klare led with 7 receptions for 105 and a TD. OSU rushed for 254 yards, improving to 11–0 (8–0 Big Ten).

Dayton 74, NC Central 55 — defense travels
Deshayne Montgomery scored 17 and four Flyers hit double figures as UD controlled NC Central on Nov. 22 at UD Arena. Dayton’s defense held the Eagles to 34% shooting and pulled away after halftime; next up is Georgetown on Nov. 27.