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: A Former NBA Player Is Building One of Trotwood’s Biggest Community Projects

• Hidden Gems: Harrison’s, Akashi Sushi Bar, Lucho

• Local Events: 2/3 – 2/10

• Computer Love: Ohio Becomes the Battleground for the World’s First AI Drone Grand Prix

• Money: Big Federal Money: CareSource Expands TRICARE Deal to $110M

• Sports: UD Hoops, Centerville flips the script vs Wayne, Northmont holds off Fairmont

We apologize—the newsletter was sent later than usual today due to technical difficulties. Thank you for your patience.

— Tom

Did you know?

A Former NBA Player Is Building One of Trotwood’s Biggest Community Projects 🏀

A massive new sports and community campus is coming to Trotwood, and it’s being led by former NBA player and University of Dayton standout Chris “Flyght” Wright. The project, called Flyghtwood Academy, is set to open its first phase in 2026 and aims to give local youth far more than just a place to play sports.

The initial build includes a 50,000 sqft indoor sports dome with multiple courts, training space, and room for large tournaments and community events. Backed by strong local partnerships, including naming rights from Universal 1 Credit Union, the campus is designed to grow over time with classrooms, outdoor fields, wellness programs, and family friendly spaces.

The goal? To create a hub where kids can build skills, confidence, and opportunity all while helping spark new energy and investment across Trotwood.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Main Street charm in an 1854 landmark: Harrison’s in downtown Tipp City 🍝

Downtown Tipp City’s Main Street gets extra character at Harrison’s, tucked into the Morrison Building at 106 E Main St—built in 1854 by brothers John and Robert Morrison. Since opening in 2005, owners Mary Seto Miller, Ray Jean Miller, and partner Mark Swindon have kept the vibe warm and steady.

The menu balances comfort and polish: signature White Turkey Chili, corn-dusted walleye, Reuben spring rolls, and hand-cut Certified Angus steaks. Upstairs, private Harrison and Tyler rooms add fireplaces and AV for rehearsals, reunions, and meetings. Lunch and dinner run daily (now including Mondays), with online ordering for easy planning.

Check them out on Facebook 

Akashi Sushi Bar — quiet mastery on Harshman 🍱

Knives flash at the counter of Akashi Sushi Bar, a softly lit pocket at 2020 Harshman Rd where regulars treat the chefs like neighbors. The menu runs from crisp nigiri and sashimi to specialty rolls—Tropical and Volcano among the crowd-pleasers—plus warm bowls like nabeyaki udon when the weather turns.

Booths keep it cozy for friends; the bar seats reward the front-row view. Hours follow a reliable cadence: split lunch/dinner Monday–Friday, dinner-only Saturday, and Sunday off. Order-ahead options keep pickup quick, but the calm, personal service makes staying awhile feel easy here.

Check them out on Facebook

Lucho at the Arcade | espresso at sunrise, mezcal after dark 🌮

Under the restored glass of the Dayton Arcade, Lucho at 37 W. Fourth St. runs on two fuels: espresso in the morning, mezcal after dark. Restaurateur Charlie Carroll teamed up with Gather’s Shane Anderson to turn the former Gather space into an all-day taqueria-meets-bar that’s polished but drop-in friendly.

Breakfast tacos kick things off, then the lineup slides into tacos, burritos, and bowls, with churros ready when the sweet tooth hits. Hours stretch 7a–9p most days, with later hours on the weekends (closed Sundays). Find it just inside the Arcade’s Fourth Street entrance; the barstools and booth corners invite a longer linger.

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

GROWING & GIVING FOOD JUSTICE PANEL

• What: Community conversation on food growing, distribution, access, and joy in the Dayton region (UD Food & Culture programming).

• When: Feb. 3, 5:30–6:30 PM

• Where: Sears Recital Hall (University of Dayton), 300 College Park, Dayton

• How Much: Free

GARDEN PARTY: START-OF-SEASON SWAP

• What: Bring your questions (and maybe a plant story) for a friendly gardening hangout.

• When: Feb. 4, 4–5 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library Miamisburg Branch, 545 E Linden Ave, Miamisburg

• How Much: Free

FRIDAY DIES LIVE

• What: Live comedy night downtown—grab a seat, laugh loud, and vibe with a crowd that’s here for a good time.

• When: Feb. 4, 7–8:30 PM

• Where: Cosmo Joe’s Atomic Lounge, 121 N Ludlow St, Dayton

• How Much: $10–$20 

TASTE & TALES WITH MICHAEL TWITTY

• What: Food historian Michael Twitty brings big stories (and bigger laughs) to UD’s Food & Culture Festival, with time for audience Q&A.

• When: Feb. 5, 5:30–6:30 PM

• Where: Roger Glass Center for the Arts, 29 Creative Way, Dayton

• How Much: Free (ticket required)

JAY LENO IN TROY

• What: A big-name stand-up night at Hobart Arena—classic jokes, sharp timing, and a room full of laughter.

• When: Feb. 5, 7:30–9 PM

• Where: Hobart Arena, 255 Adams St, Troy

• How Much: $45+

DAYTON OPERA: DOUBLE FEATURE

• What: Two bite-sized operas, one tasty night: The Cook-Off plus Bon Appétit! served with live voices and plenty of charm.

• When: Feb. 6–7, times vary

• Where: Roger Glass Center for the Arts, 29 Creative Way, Dayton

• How Much: $11.50+

IAN FIDANCE LIVE

• What: A fearless comedy set from Ian Fidance—grown-up laughs, great crowd energy, and a perfect “Friday night out.”

• When: Feb. 6–7, times vary

• Where: Dayton Funny Bone, 88 Plum St Suite 200 @ The Greene, Dayton

• How Much: $27+

BLACK UNITY CONFERENCE DAY

• What: A day of talks and connection celebrating Black history, culture, and community—come learn, network, and leave energized.

• When: Feb. 7, 10:30 AM – 3 PM

• Where: Sinclair Conference Center, 301 W Fourth St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

DAYTON RECORD FAIR SUNDAY

• What: Crate-dig for vinyl, tapes, CDs, and memorabilia—Midwest vendors + local record shops turn the brewery into a music-lover meetup.

• When: Feb. 8, 11 AM – 5 PM

• Where: Eudora Brewing Company, 3022 Wilmington Pike, Kettering

• How Much: Free

SUPERB-OWL PARTY

• What: Live owls + a short educational presentation before kickoff—sports fun with a wildlife twist and a good cause.

• When: Feb. 8, 1–5 PM

• Where: Full Circle Brewgarden, 324 Union Blvd, Englewood

• How Much: $3 donation encouraged

SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY RESOURCE ROUNDTABLE

• What: Part resource fair, part neighborly meetup—organizations share tools and support for special-needs families, with time for questions and connections.

• When: Feb. 9, 5:30–6:30 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library West Branch, 300 Abbey Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Free 

TELLING OUR STORIES: REPRESENTATION

• What: A Black History Month conversation on why kids need to see themselves as heroes in books—stories, identity, and practical takeaways.

• When: Feb. 9, 5:30–6:30 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library Vandalia Branch, 330 S Dixie Dr, Vandalia

• How Much: Free

DAYTON CITY PLAN BOARD

• What: A public planning meeting—land use, development, and the behind-the-scenes work of shaping Dayton’s growth.

• When: Feb. 10, 4:30–6 PM

• Where: Planning & Resource Room (Mezzanine, City Hall), 101 W 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

HEALTHY HEART TALK

• What: Free heart-health chat with Obsidian Physical Therapy—cardio basics, timing, and benefits, plus Q&A.

• When: Feb. 10, 6–7 PM

• Where: Vandalia Recreation Center, 1111 Stonequarry Rd, Dayton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Ohio Becomes the Battleground for the World’s First AI Drone Grand Prix 🚁

Ohio is gearing up to host one of the most futuristic tech competitions in the world. In fall 2026, defense tech company Anduril Industries will bring its AI Grand Prix to the state a first-of-its-kind drone racing event where humans don’t fly the drones at all. Instead, teams compete by writing artificial intelligence software that allows drones to race fully on their own, relying on code, sensors, and real-time decision-making.

What’s at stake is serious: a $500,000 prize pool and a potential fast-track job opportunity with Anduril for the top performers. All teams use identical drones, meaning the competition comes down to who builds the smartest AI not the best hardware. The event highlights how fast autonomous technology is advancing and why Ohio is becoming a key hub for aerospace, defense, and AI innovation. In this race, resumes don’t matter the code speaks for itself.

Click here to learn more

Money

Big Federal Money: CareSource Expands TRICARE Deal to $110M 💰

CareSource is now tied to more than $110 million in federal healthcare spending after securing a new $25 million contract modification connected to the TRICARE Prime program. The latest award builds on an existing agreement and expands CareSource’s role managing care for military families in the Tampa and Atlanta markets. In total, the TRICARE Prime Demo contract is valued at roughly $110 million, making it one of the larger government healthcare wins linked to a Dayton based organization in recent years.

These types of federal contracts are especially valuable because they offer predictable funding, multi year revenue, and the potential for future expansions if performance targets are met. For CareSource, the deal strengthens its position in the government healthcare space and opens the door to even bigger dollars if the pilot program is rolled out nationally.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

UD Hoops: men regroup, women hit a Philly swing 🏀

Dayton Flyers men hit a rough patch: overtime loss to Rhode Island (81–76) on Jan. 27 and a 102–71 setback at No. 21 Saint Louis on Jan. 30. Next up: St. Bonaventure visits Feb. 3 before a Feb. 6 trip to VCU.

The women beat St. Bonaventure 75–71 (Jan. 28) then fell to George Washington 66–54 (Feb. 1) and head to La Salle (Feb. 4) and Saint Joseph's (Feb. 7).

Centerville flips the script vs Wayne, 81–54
A big hoops statement: Centerville Elks thumped Wayne Warriors 81–54 on Jan. 28 in Centerville. It was a role reversal from the first meeting—Wayne won 71–51 in December—but the Elks controlled the second half and ran away at home. 

Northmont Bolts holds off Fairmont Firebirds, 63–52
Northmont built a 30–20 halftime lead and withstood a Fairmont rally to earn a 63–52 win on Jan. 30. Both teams moved to 11–6 overall and 8–4 in the Greater Western Ohio Conference, keeping the race tight heading into February.