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: One of Dayton’s Biggest Memorial Day Traditions Returns This Weekend

• Hidden Gems: Jag's, El Gallo Cocina, India Chaat Café

• Local Events: 5/19 – 5/26

• Computer Love: Dayton Company Wins $9M Contract In Race For Hypersonic Technology

• Money: $8.2M Bet Could Transform Abandoned Dayton Properties Into Economic Goldmines

• Sports: Cavs Reach East Finals, Dragons Update, Centerville Postseason Softball

— Tom

Did you know?

One of Dayton’s Biggest Memorial Day Traditions Returns This Weekend 🇺🇸

One of Dayton’s biggest Memorial Day weekend traditions is coming back to Carillon Historical Park on May 24. Heritage Day with the Dayton Philharmonic will bring the park to life with costumed interpreters, hands-on history activities, live music, miniature train rides, and a patriotic evening performance from the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra.

The event turns the 65 acre park into a full old-fashioned American celebration blending Dayton history, family activities, and one of the city’s most iconic outdoor concerts all in one day.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Low lights, live piano: Jag’s steaks and seafood in West Chester

Some restaurants feel dressed for the occasion before the first pour. Jag’s Steak & Seafood brings that mood to 5980 West Chester Rd., layering mahogany rooms, fine art, and piano-bar energy into a night out that still feels gracious.

Open since 2003 and billed as West Chester’s first fine dining, event, and entertainment venue, it pairs classic steakhouse polish with live music and private-dining ease. Expect Certified Angus steaks, seafood, raw bar favorites, and seasonal cocktails, but the real pleasure is the hum: low lights, attentive service, and tables quietly making memories right here.

Check them out on Facebook

El Gallo Cocina Mexicana — Airway Road color, no-fuss welcome

Fajita steam does the greeting at El Gallo Cocina Mexicana, a bright, family-owned cantina at 4770 Airway Rd. in Dayton. The room leans festive without fuss—quick holas, colorful plates, and enough bar chatter to make a Tuesday feel social.

Street tacos and quesadillas anchor the easy choices, while tortas, huaraches, sopes, molcajete plates, fajitas, seafood, and all-day breakfast widen the table. Reservations help larger groups; online ordering keeps busy nights moving. What lingers is the hospitality: Airway Road warmth, lime on the air, and a neighborhood place proud to feed its own again.

Check them out on Facebook

India Chaat Café — chaat, curry, and big South Dayton spice

A South Dayton curry run can feel like a small trip at India Chaat Cafe & Curry Out, tucked at 984 Miamisburg Centerville Rd. in Washington Twp. The space stays simple—counter chatter, naan perfume, trays moving fast—but the cooking ranges wide.

Hyderabadi biryani and Chicken Chettinad bring deep spice; masala dosa arrives crisp and golden with potato filling; choley bhatura goes hearty with chickpeas and puffed bread. Tandoori staples, chaat snacks, and online ordering make it work for sit-down lunches or weeknight carryout. Bright, generous, and no-frills, it’s comfort with serious 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 4500+ Daytonians?

Local Events

STRESS RESILIENCE RESET

• What: Premier Health shares practical ways to spot burnout, manage stress, and build everyday resilience.

• When: May 19, 11 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Springboro Performing Arts Center, 115 Wright Station Way, Springboro

• How Much: Free

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SESSION

• What: Residents can follow county decisions and civic updates during Montgomery County’s public general session.

• When: May 19, 1:30 PM

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

• How Much: Free

ESTATE PROTECTION, MADE PLAIN

• What: A practical workshop on protecting assets, planning for care, and easing financial worry before long-term needs arise.

• When: May 20, 10–11:30 AM

• Where: West Carrollton Senior Center, 10 E Central Ave, West Carrollton

• How Much: Free

WHOSE LAUGHTER IS IT?

• What: The “Whose Line” cast brings fast, family-friendly improv comedy packed with audience-fueled surprises.

• When: May 20, 7:30 PM

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

• How Much: $56+

BLACK WOMEN’S FILM FESTIVAL

• What: Opening night celebrates Black women filmmakers with a patio party and big-screen storytelling. Additional events include a hands-on workshop for storytellers building skills, screenings and tributes.

• When: May 21–24

• Where: The Neon, 130 E 5th St, Dayton

• How Much: Tickets vary

BIG TOP ROLLS IN

• What: Garden Bros brings acrobats, big-top spectacle, and family circus thrills to the fairgrounds.

• When: May 21–25

• Where: Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 645 Infirmary Rd, Dayton

• How Much: Tickets vary

FAT BOYZ FIRES UP

• What: A new Salem Avenue barbecue stop celebrates its grand opening weekend with smoky community energy.

• When: May 22, 12 PM

• Where: Fat Boyz BBQ, 3736 Salem Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Prices vary

PRINCE VIBES ON THE RIVER

• What: Miamisburg kicks off its Star City Concert Series with The Prince Experience and opener Heath Bowling.

• When: May 22, 7–10 PM

• Where: Riverfront Park, 1 Water St, Miamisburg

• How Much: Free

CHROME ROLLS INTO BUCKEYE

• What: Chrome, horsepower, live music, vendors, raffles, and Memorial weekend hangout energy roll into Buckeye Harley-Davidson.

• When: May 23, 9 AM – 4 PM

• Where: Buckeye Harley-Davidson, 7220 N Dixie Dr, Dayton

• How Much: Free for spectators; $20 vehicle entry

FOREST AFTER DARK

• What: Explore the nighttime forest with naturalists, listening for wildlife and soaking in after-hours wonder.

• When: May 23, 8:30–10 PM

• Where: Taylorsville MetroPark, 2101 US 40, Vandalia

• How Much: Free; registration may be required

FUTURE IS NOW, DAYTON

• What: Local creatives gather for an arts-forward evening celebrating imagination, performance, and what’s next.

• When: May 24, 5–11 PM

• Where: Dayton Society of Artists, 48 High St, Dayton

• How Much: Tickets vary

ALL WHITE DAY PARTY

• What: Dress fresh for a stylish downtown gathering with music, dancing, and celebratory Memorial weekend flair.

• When: May 24, 5–10 PM

• Where: The Steam Plant, 617 E 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: Tickets vary

MILITARY HISTORY OPEN HOUSE

• What: Explore local military stories, artifacts, and remembrance-centered exhibits during a Memorial Day open house.

• When: May 25, 9 AM – 5 PM

• Where: Miami Valley Military History Museum, 4 E Main St, Fairborn

• How Much: Free; donations welcome

NATIONAL CEMETERY TRIBUTE

• What: Dayton National Cemetery hosts a solemn ceremony honoring America’s fallen service members.

• When: May 25, 11 AM

• Where: Dayton National Cemetery, 4400 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

BINGO FOR BOOKS

• What: Play bingo, win books or swag, and enjoy a cheerful morning with fellow readers.

• When: May 26, 10 AM – 11 AM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library, Wilmington-Stroop Branch, 3980 Wilmington Pike, Kettering

• How Much: Free

DAYTON HEALTHCARE JOB FAIR

• What: Healthcare job seekers can meet employers virtually and explore new opportunities across the Dayton area.

• When: May 26, 11 AM – 3 PM

• Where: Virtual event, Dayton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Dayton Company Wins $9M Contract In Race For Hypersonic Technology 👨‍💻

Dayton’s growing influence in the aerospace world just got another major boost. ARCTOS Technology Solutions secured a $9 million federal contract to help develop hypersonic aircraft technology vehicles capable of traveling more than five times the speed of sound. The project is part of the Pentagon’s MACH-TB program, which is focused on speeding up the testing and development of next-generation military aircraft and defense systems.

Over the next five years, ARCTOS researchers will study how extreme heat, pressure, and vibration impact hypersonic vehicles during flight. The work could help make future aircraft safer, faster, and more reliable. The contract also highlights Dayton’s expanding reputation as a national hub for aerospace innovation, powered by Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the region’s deep engineering talent.

Money

$8.2M Bet Could Transform Abandoned Dayton Properties Into Economic Goldmines 💰

Ohio is investing $8.2M into cleaning up abandoned industrial properties across the Greater Dayton region, helping transform long-forgotten sites into land ready for new business, jobs, and development.

The funding will support environmental cleanup, demolition, and redevelopment projects that local leaders believe could attract manufacturers, logistics companies, and tech related growth to the area. Instead of sitting vacant for decades, these properties could soon become warehouses, mixed use developments, and new economic hubs that help power Dayton’s next chapter.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Cavs Blast Pistons, Reach East Finals

Cleveland punched its first Eastern Conference Finals ticket since 2018 with a 125–94 Game 7 rout at Detroit on May 17. Donovan Mitchell scored 26, Jarrett Allen and Sam Merrill each added 23, and Evan Mobley posted 21 points with 12 rebounds.

Next up: the Knicks, starting Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.

Centerville Softball Starts Postseason Strong
Centerville softball opened postseason play May 18 with a 10–0 win over Walnut Hills, staying hot after a 21–7 regular season.

The Elks entered the week atop the GWOC standings at 13–1 in conference play, ahead of Springboro and Northmont, and gave local fans another spring tournament team to watch.

Dragons Split Lake County Set, Head to Fort Wayne

Dayton shook off two rough losses to Lake County and battled back to split the May 12–17 homestand, winning three of the final four, including an 8–7 Sunday finale.

Next, the Dragons visit Fort Wayne for six games May 19–24, then return to Day Air Ballpark on May 26 to open a home series with Great Lakes.