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: Helping Seniors Stay Safe with New Wellness Program

• Hidden Gems: El Meson, Amber Rose Restaurant, Fu Mon Lau

• Local Events: 8/5 – 8/12

• Computer Love: UDRI Wins $98M Contract to Advance U.S. Military Tech

• Money: East Dayton's $45M Senior Housing Project

• Sports: 2025 Cincinnati Open, Hamilton West Little League, Dragons-Captains Series

— Tom

Did you know?

Dayton Fire Department is Helping Seniors Stay Safe with New Wellness Program 🚒

The Dayton Fire Department has launched the Senior Safe Program to enhance the safety of older adults in the community. The initiative offers wellness check-ins via phone and text for seniors who live alone or have limited mobility, helping to ensure their health and well-being.

In addition, the program provides home safety assessments to identify potential hazards, such as fall risks, and ensures smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are properly installed. By identifying issues early, the program aims to prevent emergencies before they occur, strengthening the bond between seniors and first responders.

Seniors interested in the program can register through the Dayton Fire Department, ensuring they have the support needed to live safely and independently.

To register for the program click here

Hidden Gems

LATIN FUSION FIESTA AT EL MESON 🍗

El Meson, located at 903 E. Dixie Drive in West Carrollton, has been family owned and operated since 1978, when Herman and Gloria Castro transformed a small pizza parlor into the Miami Valley’s go-to spot for Latin American flavors. Now led by the third-generation, the full-service restaurant serves empanadas, paella, ceviches, gourmet fajitas, and more across an expansive menu.

Vibrant dining rooms connect to private banquet rooms, colorful patios, and a popular food truck for off-site events. Guests enjoy lunch Wednesday–Friday, dinner Wednesday–Saturday, and Sunday brunch, all amid décor showcasing family heirlooms and Hispanic artwork. With a full bar pouring handcrafted Meson Margaritas, mojitos, and sangrias, El Meson invites Daytonians to savor world flavors in a warm, community-driven atmosphere.

Check them out on Facebook

VINTAGE EUROPEAN EATS 🌭

Set in a 1912 frame building, Amber Rose Restaurant at 1400 Valley Street in Old North Dayton brings European flavors to Daytonians. Since 1990, owner Elinor Sluzas and her successor Joe Castellano have offered comfort favorites—sauerkraut balls, crispy potato pancakes, savory schnitzel, and hearty pierogi—alongside daily specials inspired by family recipes.

Cozy vintage dining rooms, two upstairs banquet spaces, and a Turkish marble bar form a perfect space to share meals amid warm décor. Surviving a flood, fire, and tornado, Amber Rose remains a cherished community gathering spot that feels like home.

Check them out on Facebook

SIZZLE & STEAM: CANTONESE FLAVOR 🦪

Fu Mon Lau at 2008 Miamisburg Centerville Road in Dayton takes its name from the Chinese for “a house full of happiness”, and is designed with modern décor and family warmth. This family-operated gem specializes in authentic Cantonese cooking, featuring live seafood like oysters in black bean sauce, steamed sea bass, signature clay-pot beef brisket and sizzling black pepper beef short ribs.

Guests can dine in cozy, art-filled rooms, enjoy take-out, or order via DoorDash. With healthy, fresh dishes and welcoming service praised by locals, Fu Mon Lau brings vibrant Cantonese flavors to the Miami Valley community, making every meal a celebration of family and flavor.

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 3000+ Daytonians?

Local Events

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

FAIRBORN FARMERS MARKET

• What: Browse home-grown produce, baked goods, crafts, and more at this longstanding community market.

• When: August 6, 10 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Main Street Commons, 103 W. Main St, Fairborn

• How Much: Free

HUNTERS OF THE SKY, JUNIOR EDITION

• What: Hands-on workshop for kids: learn about Ohio’s raptors and meet live educational ambassadors from Glen Helen Raptor Center.

• When: August 6, 4 PM – 5 PM

• Where: Kettering-Moraine Branch, Dayton Metro Library

• How Much: Free

PINCHE PINCHADISCOS WITH RUBÉN ALBARRÁN

• What: Levitt Pavilion’s Global Grooves Series welcomes Rubén Albarrán for an electrifying fusion of Latin beats and psychedelic vibes.

• When: August 7, 7 PM – 8:30 PM

• Where: Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134 S. Main Street, Dayton

• How Much: Free 

VOICES OF AMERICA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

• What: Four-day festival showcasing top country stars—including Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, and Bailey Zimmerman—set against scenic MetroPark grounds.

• When: August 7–10

• Where: Voice of America MetroPark, 7850 VOA Park Drive, West Chester Township

• How Much: Tickets $362 – $619 (4-day passes)

MIAMI COUNTY FAIR FUNTIME

• What: Celebrate community spirit with carnival rides, livestock shows, live music, 4-H exhibitions, and nightly grandstand events at Miami County’s annual fair.

• When: August 8–14; Midway opens at 5 PM, Grandstand events begin at 7 PM nightly.

• Where: Miami County Fairgrounds, 650 N. County Road 25A, Troy

• How Much: $10 daily admission; children 12 & under free

DAYTON GERMANFEST PICNIC

• What: Savor authentic schnitzel, brats, and strudel while dancing to live polka and folk bands, exploring a car show, and joining heartfelt Polka Mass in historic St. Anne’s Hill.

• When: August 8–10

• Where: Dayton Liederkranz Turner Clubhouse, 1400 E. Fifth Street, Dayton

• How Much: Free admission

DAYTON POTATO FESTIVAL

• What: Community carb carnival featuring dozens of potato dishes, craft brews, and quirky spud-themed entertainment at Oak & Ivy Park.

• When: August 9, 12 PM – 8 PM

• Where: Oak & Ivy Park, 803 Anderson Goodrich Ct, Dayton

• How Much: Free

NOIRE WINE EXPERIENCE

• What: Indulge in full wine tastings from Black-owned vintners, savor charcuterie, and groove to a live DJ set—all while celebrating Black excellence in wine and cigars.

• When: August 9, 2:30 PM – 9 PM

• Where: The Galleria, 4140 Linden Avenue, Dayton

• How Much: $55 GA individual; $100 couple bundle. VIP $75 individual; $140 couple bundle.

ART ON THE COMMONS

• What: Kettering’s premier fine arts & crafts festival showcasing 100+ artists in a scenic park setting; live music and artist demos.

• When: August 10, 11 AM – 5 PM

• Where: Lincoln Park Civic Commons & Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd, Kettering

• How Much: Free

DAYTON BBQ FEST FOOD TRUCK RALLY

• What: Downtown BBQ bash with top food trucks, craft brews, and live tunes at The Brightside’s family-friendly block party.

• When: August 10, 11 AM – 6 PM

• Where: The Brightside, 905 E. Third St, Dayton, OH 45402

• How Much: Free

DLCA CLASS: SIX – TEEN EDITION

• What: Youth fall-production class where teens dance, sing, act—and then perform Six: Teen Edition at PNC Arts Annex.

• When: August 11, 4:30 PM – 6 PM

• Where: PNC Arts Annex, 46 W. Second St., Dayton

• How Much: $200

DEVELOPMENT BIKE RIDE AT RIVERSCAPE

• What: Major Taylor Cycling Club’s no-drop development ride (9–12 mph), perfect for new riders, looping riverside trails.

• When: August 11, meet 5:50 PM; ride 6 PM – 7 PM

• Where: RiverScape MetroPark Pavilion, 237 E. Monument Ave, Dayton, OH 45402

• How Much: Free

EAP WORKSHOP: OVERCOMING ANXIETY

• What: Interactive EAP training to build resilience and coping strategies for workplace and daily stress.

• When: August 12, 1 PM – 3 PM

• Where: Montgomery County Administration Building, 451 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

• What: Join the Community Overdose Action Team for a compassionate evening of remembrance, harm-reduction resources, and support services at Levitt Pavilion.

• When: August 12, 5 PM – 8 PM

• Where: Levitt Pavilion, 134 South Main Street, Dayton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

UDRI Wins $98M Contract to Advance U.S. Military Tech 🤖

The University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) has secured a major $98 million defense contract with Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. This funding will support advancements in counter targeting technology, strengthening the U.S. military's ability to identify and neutralize threats before they can cause harm.

UDRI, a leader in defense and technology research, plays a pivotal role in areas like materials, sensors, and autonomous systems. This partnership highlights the growing collaboration between academic research institutions and the military, ensuring the development of cutting edge solutions for national security.

As the project progresses, it will contribute to vital defense technologies, cementing Dayton’s role as a hub for innovation in military advancements.

Money

East Dayton's $45M Senior Housing Project to Revitalize Historic Site 💰

A $45 million senior housing project is set to transform a vacant lot in East Dayton, once home to a beloved elementary school, into a vibrant community for seniors. Marian Development Group plans to build a four-story, 30,000-square-foot facility featuring 118 studio and one-bedroom units. The project will provide affordable housing options for Dayton’s aging population while honoring the site’s history.

With modern amenities, the development will offer a comfortable and supportive environment for residents. The $45 million investment is expected to boost the local economy by creating jobs, attracting investment, and addressing the housing needs of seniors. Construction is set to begin soon, bringing positive change to East Dayton.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

GREATER COURTS, GRANDER FAN EXPERIENCES: CINCINNATI OPEN 🎾

The 2025 Cincinnati Open at Mason’s Lindner Family Tennis Center now spans 40 acres after a $260 million renovation, adding 10 sunken practice courts and a new two-story clubhouse to enhance the fan experience. Tournament draws expanded from 56 to 96 singles players per gender, stretching the event to 14 days from August 5–18 and offering more matchups.

Fans can enjoy free Fan Fest events, on-site entertainment, and specialty bars throughout the park-like grounds. New amenities include shaded commons seating, premium seating on Champions Court, and diverse dining options showcasing local and international cuisine. With top ATP and WTA stars in the field, the revitalized venue promises an electric atmosphere that locals can’t miss. 

HAMILTON WEST SIDE WINS WITH EASE ON ESPN NIGHT

Hamilton West Side Little League defeated Clarendon Hills, Illinois, 11–1 in the Great Lakes Region semifinals at Whitestown’s Little League Central Region Complex. Pitcher Jordan Malloy earned his second start of the day, striking out 10 and allowing no runs over five innings to help lift the hometown squad. West Side scored three runs in both the first and second innings, then added four more in the fourth to pull away decisively. The win sends the team to Wednesday’s regional championship game at 7 p.m. ET, airing on ESPN.

Hamilton West Side is a five-time Little League World Series qualifier, with appearances in 1991, 1993, 2007, 2010, and 2021. Their opponent in the final will be decided by Tuesday’s semifinal between Michigan and Kentucky. The team’s success continues a proud Ohio tradition in youth baseball. Families across the Miami Valley are rallying behind the stars, packing viewing parties and cheering on hometown heroes.

CAPTAINS CONVERGE ON DAYTON DIAMOND

• What: Lake County Captains bring six nights of high-energy Midwest League baseball plus themed promotions like Fire Night and Baseball Buddies.

• When: August 5, 7:05 PM; August 6, 7:05 PM; August 7, 7:05 PM; August 8, 7:05 PM; August 9, 7:05 PM; August 10, 1:05 PM

• Where: Day Air Ballpark, 220 North Patterson Boulevard, Dayton

• How Much: Tickets start at $8 (Fire Night tickets $17.50)