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: University of Dayton Secures $1.1 Million

• Hidden Gems: Coldwater Café, Pasha Grill, Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes

• Local Events: 7/29 – 8/5

• Computer Love: Kettering's TJ Chumps Takes Food Delivery to the Next Level

• Money: Dayton’s $57 Million Clean Energy Boost

• Sports: Flyer Golfer Sets Metro Record, UD Football Picked Fifth In PFL Poll, Dragons-Captains’ Six Game Showdown

— Tom

Did you know?

University of Dayton Secures $1.1 Million to Empower First-Generation Students 🎓

The University of Dayton is receiving a $1.1 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Wilpon Family Foundation to strengthen the Kessler Scholars Program. This initiative, launched in 2022, supports first-generation students in the UD Sinclair Academy by offering scholarships, mentorship, leadership opportunities, and personalized academic guidance.

The program fosters a strong community and provides crucial resources to help students thrive in higher education. UD President Eric F. Spina emphasized that first-generation students bring immense talent and determination, and the Kessler Scholars Program helps them succeed by creating a sense of belonging and ensuring ongoing support.

With this new funding, UD will continue its commitment to empowering these students, who are part of a nationwide network, with a proven track record of success. The program has already achieved a 76% four-year graduation rate for its participants, significantly higher than the 59% for first-generation students overall.

Hidden Gems

GOURMET FARE IN A VAULT: COLDWATER CAFÉ 🦆 

Coldwater Café housed in the lovingly restored First National Bank vault at 19 E. Main St., Tipp City has been blending small-town warmth with upscale American fare since 1994. Chef-owner Nick Hoover, a Johnson & Wales finalist, pilots a menu of handcrafted quiche, Scottish salmon with seasonal sides, and rich carrot cake, alongside inventive highlights like a roasted beet salad with chèvre and an ostrich steak paired with truffle pommes frites.

Vaulted ceilings, exposed brick and a cozy fireplace set a smart-casual tone perfect for weekly Wine Down Wednesdays or a leisurely weekend brunch featuring eggs Benedict and quiche selections. For intimate celebrations, the private “Upper Plate” boardroom vault seats up to ten, making Coldwater Café a special-occasion destination just outside of Dayton.

Check them out on Facebook

PASHA GRILL: BEAVERCREEK’S MEDITERRANEAN HAVEN 🍤 

Tucked into Greene Town Center at 72 Plum St., Pasha Grill welcomes guests into a cozy, lantern-lit dining room beneath classic tile floors. Owner Omar Aziz honors his grandmother’s handwritten recipes with mezze-style feasts: start with creamy Laban Ayran and shareable dips—smoky baba ghanoush, vibrant muhammara and cool tzatziki—then indulge in Shish Tawook skewers of marinated chicken served alongside fragrant rice pilaf and garlic sauce or a Falafel Wrap layered with hummus and pickled veggies.

A silky almond pudding or flaky baklava provides the perfect sweet finale. Weekday happy hour brings half-off appetizers and $5 cocktails, while late-night weekend hours keep the good times rolling. With warm hospitality and glowing reviews, Pasha Grill stands out as Beavercreek’s go-to spot for authentic Turkish and Mediterranean flavor.

Check them out on Facebook

DOLLY’S BURGERS & SHAKES: DAYTON’S RETRO BURGER RUN 🍰

Dolly’s Burgers & Shakes brings 1930s diner nostalgia to the Miami Valley with two lively spots—at 8181 N. Springboro Pike in Miamisburg and 20 Troy Town Drive in Troy. Each location, in a restored Frisch’s Big Boy building, welcomes guests with bright, vintage-style booths, neon signage and gleaming chrome accents.

Under owner Tamer Afr’s restaurant group—menus star hand-pressed patties, crispy fries and thick hand-spun shakes alongside signature Dolly Sliders®, the Dolly Chicken Sandwich® and Bob’s Hot Chicken Sandwich tossed in the house hot sauce. Online ordering and community giveaways add to the friendly vibe. With more Dayton-area outposts on the horizon, Dolly’s serves up fresh flavors, warm hospitality and that timeless, small-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 2000+ Daytonians?

Local Events

GREENE COUNTY FAIR

• What: Celebrate community spirit with carnival rides, livestock competitions, live music, 4-H showcases, and nightly grandstand events.

• When: July 29 – August 2, 8 AM – 10 PM (or later for evening entertainment)

• Where: Greene County Fairgrounds & Expo Center, 120 Fairground Road, Xenia

• How Much: $10 daily gate admission; free for ages 4 and under

CLOUD PARK FOOD TRUCK RALLY

• What: Rotating lineup of local food trucks, live music, and lawn games under the pavilion.

• When: July 29, 4 PM – 8 PM

• Where: Thomas Cloud Park, 4707 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights

• How Much: Free

DAYTON HORSE SHOW SPECTACLE

• What: Join equestrians at the 158th annual Dayton Horse Show, featuring top American Saddlebred competition and thrilling ring events at Champions Center.

• When: July 30 – August 2

• Where: Champions Center, 4122 Laybourne Rd, Springfield

• How Much: Free admission for all spectators

TREY POSEY & FRIENDS

• What: Dayton hip-hop artist Trey Posey shares the stage with special guests for an evening of live beats and high-energy performance.

• When: July 30, 8 PM – 10:30 PM

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

• How Much: $12 in advance / $20 at the door

GARDEN BROS NUCLEAR CIRCUS COMES TO TOWN

• What: Step under the world’s largest climate-controlled Big Top for a 100-minute spectacle of jaw-dropping acts—from the Human Cannonball to the Globe of Death—plus a fun-filled midway.

• When: July 31 – August 3 (showtimes 4:30 PM & 7:30 PM)

• Where: Fairfield Commons Mall Parking Lot, 2727 Fairfield Commons Blvd, Beavercreek

• How Much: Kids free with every adult ticket; adult GA from $22.50 (first 100 online)

MATILDA MAGIC AT LA COMEDIA

• What: Feel Matilda’s wit and wonder come alive in this award-winning Broadway smash packed with clever choreography and infectious songs. Full of high-energy, this family-friendly production delights all ages.

• When: July 31 – August 3, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  (Doors open at 5:30 PM; buffet service begins at 6:15 PM.)

• Where: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W. Central Ave., Springboro

• How Much: $70 – $79 (*plus $5 processing fee; kids 11 & under $39)

NATIONAL PINBALL DAY

• What: Enjoy complimentary pinball on National Pinball Day with any food or drink purchase, plus access to all arcade games.

• When: August 1, 1 PM – 12 AM

• Where: Level Up Pinball Bar, 3253 Seajay Drive, Beavercreek

• How Much: Free pinball with purchase of any food or beverage

DONATOS MOVIE NIGHT: MOANA 2

• What: Bring a blanket and watch Moana 2 on the big screen in the outfield, with pre-show games and giveaways.

• When: August 1, Gates open 6 PM / Movie 8 PM

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

• How Much: FREE tickets (claim via Donatos box-top form)

FRONT STREET ART HOP

• What: Meander through three industrial buildings showcasing live art demos—from glass blowing to woodworking—plus nearly 100 studios, galleries, and boutiques, all accompanied by live music and local bites.

• When: August 2, 11 AM – 4 PM

• Where: Front Street, 1001 East Second Street, Dayton

• How Much: Free admission

6888 SUMMER MARKETPLACE

• What: Local artisans, makers, and vendors set up shop in Webster Station for a weekly pop-up market.

• When: August 2, 10 AM – 2 PM

• Where: 6888 Dayton Station, 6888 Webster St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

CLODBUSTER BASE BALL

• What: Enjoy vintage base ball matches with 1860s rules and uniforms, featuring the Clodbuster BBC vs. the Iron Horses of the Erie Railway & Monarchs BBC.

• When: August 3, 12 PM

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

• How Much: Free

POLISH SUMMER PICNIC FESTIVAL

• What: Celebrate Dayton’s Polish heritage with live polka music by Chardon Polka Band, dancing, authentic food, and community fun—no coolers allowed!

• When: August 3, 2 PM – 8 PM (Music 4 PM – 8 PM)

• Where: Polish Club Picnic Grounds, 3690 Needmore Road, Dayton

• How Much: $10 per car

BINGO AT NORTHMONT BRANCH LIBRARY

• What: Join us for Bingo at the Northmont Branch—prizes include books, library swag, and goodies donated by the Northmont Chamber of Commerce.

• When: August 4, 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

• Where: Northmont Branch Library, 700 W. National Rd, Englewood

• How Much: Free

MONDAY NIGHT LAUGHS!

• What: Comedy Open Mic hosted by G-Money—sign up to perform or just come for the laughs.

• When: August 4, 8 PM

• Where: Oregon Express, 336 E 5th St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

COMMEMORATIVE EVENING OF PEACE

• What: Join the International Peace Museum for a reflective evening of art activities, inspiring speakers, live cello, and a streamed gong-ringing ceremony from Oiso, Japan.

• When: Tuesday, August 5, 6 PM – 8 PM

• Where: International Peace Museum, 10 N. Ludlow Street, Dayton

• How Much: Free (RSVP recommended)

A COMMEMORATIVE EVENING: 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF HIROSHIMA AND NAGASAKI

• What: Reflect with art activities, inspiring speakers, live cello, and a live-streamed gong-ringing ceremony from Oiso, Japan, honoring the 80th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

• When: August 5, 6 PM – 8 PM

• Where: International Peace Museum, 10 N. Ludlow Street, Dayton

• How Much: Free (RSVP recommended)

CODE FOR DAYTON HACK NIGHT

• What: Join local developers and civic-minded community members for a “hack night” featuring a brief discussion, show-and-tell, then collaborative work on community projects.

• When: August 5, 6 PM – 8 PM

• Where: The Hub at The Arcade, 31 South Main Street, Dayton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Sky-High Lunch: Kettering's TJ Chumps Takes Food Delivery to the Next Level with Drones! 🚁

TJ Chumps in Kettering is launching a groundbreaking drone delivery service in partnership with DEXA, the region's first restaurant drone delivery. From July 31 to August 2, customers within a one-mile radius can get their meals delivered by drone between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m..

To order, simply use the free DEXA NOW app, and the delivery fee is included. While the menu will be limited due to the drones' size restrictions, this pilot program offers a sneak peek into the future of food delivery. What's even better, all proceeds from these drone orders will be donated to Freedom Whiskey Co., supporting local veterans' charities. This innovative service marks a step forward in local business and technology, offering fast, autonomous, and efficient deliveries.

Don’t miss out download the DEXA NOW app and be part of this exciting new chapter in food delivery!

Money

Dayton’s $57 Million Clean Energy Boost: Powering a Sustainable Future 💰

Dayton is investing in a greener future with $57 million for two groundbreaking clean energy and waste projects. Southpaw Enterprises is installing a large solar power system at its Moraine facility, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting down on emissions.

Meanwhile, Rumpke is building a landfill gas-to-energy plant that will convert methane gas from its landfill into clean energy, powering local homes and businesses. These initiatives are not only environmentally friendly but also promise to create jobs and boost economic growth in the region. With these projects, Dayton is setting an example for sustainability and innovation, paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient future.

Real Estate 🏠

Home Services 👨‍🔧

Sports

FLYER GOLFER SETS METRO RECORD 🏌️‍♂️

UD grad student Ben Cors captured the 103rd Miami Valley Golf Metropolitan Championship at Windy Knoll Golf Club with a record 23-under-par total, the lowest in tournament history. His second-round 62 broke the competitive course mark and, despite two rain delays, Cors held a six-shot cushion through 36 holes.

He closed with a 66 to finish two strokes ahead of Dayton’s Brody Simms, who shot 21-under. The win earns Cors an exemption into the 125th U.S. Amateur at The Olympic Club (Aug. 11–17) and the 2026 Ohio Amateur. Cors, the 2025 Atlantic 10 individual champion, will soon begin an MBA while serving as a graduate assistant coach.

UD FOOTBALL PICKED FIFTH IN PFL POLL

The Flyers were picked fifth in the preseason PFL coaches poll, for this upcoming season. The Flyers sit behind San Diego, Drake, St. Thomas, and Butler but ahead of peers like Morehead State. Their 2025 season opens at Eastern Illinois on August 28, with conference play starting September 27 at Welcome Stadium versus Stetson. Head coach Trevor Andrews returns after a 6-5 season.

DRAGONS-CAPTAINS’ SIX‑GAME SHOWDOWN

• What: Lake County Captains bring six nights of Midwest League action to Day Air Ballpark, with special promotions like Dragons Fire Night and Baseball Buddies.

• When: August 5–8, 7:05 PM; August 9, 7:05 PM; August 10, 1:05 PM

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

• How Much: Tickets range from $12–$17