Happy New Year 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 $10 Million Flight Monument Could Soon Tower Over Dayton

• Hidden Gems: RollHouse Dayton, Toasted Brunch Bar + Café, Zen Grill

• Local Events: 1/6 – 1/13

• Computer Love: Dayton Truckers Are Using AI to Compete With Big Carriers

• Money: An $81M Project Could Transform Northmont

• Sports: Flyers 2–0 in A-10, Garrett Sets Sack Record in Cincy

— Tom

Did you know?

A $10 Million Flight Monument Could Soon Tower Over Dayton ✈️

Dayton could soon be home to a massive new aviation landmark. Leaders are backing a proposed $10 million project called the Triumph of Flight, a monument that would stand about 270 feet tall near the I-70 and I-75 interchange. The design features a giant steel version of the Wright Flyer III, honoring the plane that helped launch powered flight.

Supporters say the investment could pay off by attracting visitors, boosting the local economy, and reminding millions of drivers each year that Dayton is where aviation history truly took off.

Hidden Gems

Marian Lanes Reborn: Glow Bowling, Laser Tag, & Mini Golf at RollHouse in Huber Heights 🎳

Lanes glow, arcade bleeps, and a low murmur of high-fives set the tempo at RollHouse Dayton, the all-ages playground at 6170 Brandt Pike in Huber Heights. Fresh off a full overhaul of the former Marian Lanes, the complex stacks modern bowling with Hazzards mini golf, laser tag, and a sizable arcade—plus easy online lane booking.

Party packages and corporate events keep planning painless; leagues set a steady weekly cadence. A full bar and upgraded eats fuel the fun, but the headliner is choice: families, date nights, and team outings fit under one roof. Open daily with late weekend hours, so your schedule sets the score.

Check them out on Facebook 

Toasted Brunch Bar + Café — made-for-brunch moments 🍔

Morning rituals live happily at Toasted Brunch Bar + Café, tucked into 2733 Fairfield Commons, Unit C, in Beavercreek. Soft glow, clink of mugs, and a staff that remembers names set an unhurried pace made for lingering. The kitchen balances comfort and freshness: shakshuka and chilaquiles alongside familiar brunch classics, with craft coffee and a petite cocktail list to match.

Online ordering simplifies meetups, and a second location near The Greene is slated for mid-January 2026, extending the habit east. With an all-day rhythm, it’s the kind of cozy-modern spot where breakfast blends into lunch and the conversation runs overtime.

Check them out on Facebook

Zen Grill — quick sizzle, clean lines 🥩

Sizzle says hello the moment you step into Zen Grill, an express hibachi newcomer at 2821 Wilmington Pike in Kettering. Self-order kiosks and online ordering keep things moving; the room stays tidy, bright, and quick. Opened in May 2025, the menu keeps to “simple food, bold flavor”: hibachi bowls built around chicken, steak, shrimp, or salmon—plus tofu and veg—over fragrant rice with house sauces.

Portions hit the sweet spot for weekday wallets, and service is friendly without the showy stagecraft. Tuesday–Sunday hours make it a dependable drop-in when time is tight, whether you’re grabbing takeout or settling in for a fast, satisfying bite.

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

MAIN LIBRARY MINI RESOURCE FAIR

• What: Meet community organizations offering housing, employment, mental health, legal aid, and more—grab resources and make connections.

• When: Jan. 6, 12–2 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library (Main Library), 215 E. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

CODE FOR DAYTON HACK NIGHT

• What: Civic-tech “hack night” with show-and-tell, then hands-on project time—community problems welcome.

• When: Jan. 6, 6–8 PM.

• Where: The Hub at the Dayton Arcade, 31 S Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

ERMA BOMBECK WRITING COMPETITION CLOSES

• What: Final call to submit your humor writing—deadline night for the Erma Bombeck Writing Competition.

• When: Jan. 6, by 8 PM

• Where: Online (Washington-Centerville Public Library), 101 E. Franklin St., Centerville

• How Much: $25

WINGS LUNCHEON: COFFEE, CONNECTION, NEW LEADS

• What: Monthly women’s networking lunch with quick intros, updates, and plenty of Dayton-area “let’s-collab” energy.

• When: Jan. 7, 11:30 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Little York Tavern, 4120 Little York Rd, Dayton

• How Much: $15

NORTH CENTRAL ZOOM LAND-USE BOARD

• What: Weigh in on neighborhood planning and development with Dayton’s North Central Priority Land Use Board (Zoom link provided by the organizer).

• When: Jan. 7, 6:15 PM

• Where: Online (Zoom), link provided by organizer, Dayton

• How Much: Free

BEERS & BIZ AT STAR CITY

• What: Laid-back networking night for locals—small business owners, creatives, and neighbors—swapping ideas over pints and conversation.

• When: Jan. 8, 4–8 PM

• Where: Star City Brewing Co., 319 S 2nd St, Miamisburg

• How Much: Free

EDIBLE LANDSCAPES: LAWN-TO-FOOD CLASS

• What: Master Gardener talk on turning grass into an edible yard—pretty, practical, and pantry-friendly.

• When: Jan. 8, 6–7 PM

• Where: Burkhardt Branch (Dayton Metro Library), 4704 Burkhardt Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Free· 

COLLEEN KELSEY: LIGHT & SHADOWS

• What: Meet the artist behind “Light and Shadows” with a gallery talk and Q&A at Dayton Society of Artists.

• When: Jan. 9, 6:30–8 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

VINCE MORRIS COMEDY NIGHT

• What: A Friday standup show to kick off the weekend—big laughs, 21+ crowd, and classic comedy-club energy.

• When: Jan. 9, 7:30 PM; Jan. 10, 6:30 & 9:15 PM

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

• How Much: $22

GOALS & GLITTER VISION BOARD JAM

• What: Make a sparkly vision board and set your 2026 intentions—supplies provided, big-dream energy encouraged.

• When: Jan. 10, 10:30 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Market Square Building, 4 N. Main St, Miamisburg

• How Much: Free

DAYTON’S BIGGEST WEDDING SHOW

• What: One-stop wedding inspiration—vendors, ideas, and a runway show—whether you’re planning or just love a good expo.

• When: Jan. 10, 12–4 PM; Jan. 11, 11 AM – 3 PM

• Where: Wright State Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton

• How Much: Free (with code listed)

AMERICA 250: OHIO’S INVENTIONS

• What: Kick off America’s 250th with a talk on Ohio’s big ideas—innovation, imagination, invention, and hometown pride.

• When: Jan. 11, 2–3 PM

• Where: Woodbourne Library, 6060 Far Hills Ave, Centerville

• How Much: Free

WINTER WALK AT E MILO BECK

• What: Bundle up for a guided winter hike exploring how plants and wildlife adapt—prairie paths, Clear Creek views, and neighbors enjoying the fresh air.

• When: Jan. 11, 2 PM

• Where: E. Milo Beck Park, Lower Springboro Rd, Springboro

• How Much: Free

LEVY COUNCIL PUBLIC MEETING

• What: Montgomery County’s Human Services Levy Council kicks off 2026—public meeting, public impact, and a chance to listen in.

• When: Jan. 12, 8:15–9:30 AM

• Where: ADAMHS, 409 E Monument Ave, Dayton

• How Much: Free

LEGO NIGHT AT DAYTON BRICK SHOP

• What: Free family LEGO build night with food provided—projects covered by the Montgomery County Fatherhood Initiative.

• When: Jan. 12, 6–8 PM

• Where: Dayton Brick Shop, 5519 Bigger Rd., Dayton

• How Much: Free

ALL-ABILITIES ADVENTURE MORNING MIXER

• What: Inclusive morning hangout with storytime, crafts, sensory stations, and coloring—built for adults of all abilities. Registration required.

• When: Jan. 13, 10:30–11:30 AM

• Where: Northmont Branch (Dayton Metro Library), 700 W. National Rd., Englewood

• How Much: Free

DAYTON CITY PLAN BOARD

• What: City Plan Board tackles plats, zoning tweaks, and honorary street naming—see what’s shaping Dayton’s next chapter.

• When: Jan. 13, 4:30–6 PM

• Where: City Hall (Mezzanine), 101 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Dayton Truckers Are Using AI to Compete With Big Carriers 🤖

A Dayton-based trucking group is bringing artificial intelligence into an industry that runs on thin margins. Haulers United, which supports hundreds of small trucking companies, has partnered with Radian AI Solutions to roll out new AI-powered tools designed to help truckers save money and operate more efficiently.

Haulers United represents more than 500 members and over 2,000 trucks, many owned by small operators with 10 trucks or fewer. The group is already known for its fuel card program, which gives members access to wholesale diesel pricing. Now, AI will be used to analyze data, spot savings opportunities, and help smaller trucking companies make smarter decisions similar to the tools used by large national carriers.

The AI tools, built locally in Dayton, are expected to launch in 2026 and could help members better manage fuel costs, insurance, and operations. For small trucking businesses facing rising expenses, this partnership shows how AI is moving beyond big tech and into everyday industries where efficiency matters most.

Money

An $81M Project Could Transform Northmont ⚡️

A massive $81 million innovation district is being planned for Northmont, and it could bring hundreds of jobs to the area. The project, called the BOLT Innovation Center, is designed to combine job training, business startup space, and community events all in one place. The name BOLT stands for Business, Opportunity, Learning, and Technology and that’s exactly the focus.

Plans include workforce training programs, shared workspaces, vendor markets, and outdoor events like concerts and pop-ups. State leaders have already backed the project with grant funding, and organizers say the goal is to help local residents learn new skills, start businesses, and attract employers to the region. If built as planned, BOLT could become one of the most important growth projects Northmont has seen in years.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Flyers 2–0 in A-10; GW at home Tuesday, Duquesne next week 🏀

Dayton opened league play with a 63–56 win over Fordham on Dec. 31, fueled by Jordan Derkack’s 15-point, 14-rebound double-double, then rallied to beat Loyola Chicago 70–68 on Jan. 3 on Javon Bennett’s layup with two seconds left.

Next: George Washington visits Tuesday, Jan. 6, followed by a trip to Duquesne on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Tickets and live stats available via the schedule.

Browns 20, Bengals 18 — Garrett sets sack record; Szmyt at the horn
Andre Szmyt drilled a 49-yard field goal as time expired to beat Cincinnati at Paycor on Jan. 4, capping a game that also saw Myles Garrett set the NFL single-season sack record (23).

Joe Burrow threw three TDs, including a late strike to Ja’Marr Chase, but Cleveland’s final drive answered. Season-finale drama on the riverfront.