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: Teacher’s Home Becomes a History Lesson

• Hidden Gems: Meadowlark Shines, Jollity’s Koji Burger, Grist and Resonant

• Local Events: 5/6 – 5/13

• Computer Love: Make & Play Meetup

• Money: Dayton Children’s Investing $8.5M in West Dayton

• Sports: Middletown USHL Expansion Team, HS State Final Four in Dayton, Dragons Upcoming Homestand

—Tom

Did you know?

This Teacher Turned Her Home Into a History Lesson 👩‍🏫

Ms. Shirley Watson, a former American history teacher, turned her own 19 Linden Avenue home into a hands-on classroom where students alternate between exploring rooms and sketching architectural details. The Italianate-style Weldy House, built around 1870 by Eleanor Turner and later owned by streetcar pioneer William P. Huffman, features tall ceilings, stained-glass windows, wavy glass panels, and original wood floors that speak to Dayton’s storied past.

Set in the Huffman Historic District—a National Register neighborhood renowned for its late-19th-century Italianate, Queen Anne, and Neoclassical homes—the house embodies the area’s preservation ethos. During lessons, half the students tour marble fireplaces, curved staircases, and a mechanical intercom once used in the home’s clinic days, while the other half capture these features in drawings before swapping roles.

Renovations overseen by Dayton Reclamation and Restoration preserved imperfections like worn floor circles and reclaimed porch boards from the Stockyards Inn, blending authenticity with modern comfort. Students leave with vivid memories, proving that a home rich in history can be the best classroom of all.

Hidden Gems

MEADOWLARK SHINES AS DAYTON’S CHEF-OWNED HIDDEN GEM 🥪

Noted as a favorite by readers of The Gem, Meadowlark is a chef-owned neighborhood restaurant at 5531 Far Hills Ave, offering scratch cooking that celebrates local pride and bright, lively flavors. Led by Chef Elizabeth Wiley, Meadowlark blends high-quality American favorites like buttermilk mashed potatoes and burgers, with global-inspired dishes from around the world. Since opening in 2003, Wiley has grown Meadowlark into a staple of the community, known for approachable excellence and seasonal. 

In 2023, Wiley received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Ohio Restaurant & Hospitality Alliance, cementing Meadowlark as a pillar of Dayton’s dining scene. The ever-evolving menu features highlights such as the Meadow Burger, Seared Garlic Chicken with goat cheese and lima beans, and ricotta tacos with green chiles. Patrons praise the “killer cocktail list,” crisp garlic frites, and warm service, calling Meadowlark a hidden gem worth seeking out. Meadowlark welcomes guests Tuesday through Saturday, and is closed Sunday and Monday. Reservations are available via Tock, with walk-ins welcome, making it easy to savor contemporary everyday cooking in the heart of the Gem City.

JOLLITY BRINGS ECLECTIC JOY TO DOWNTOWN DAYTON

Jollity opened in the Fire Blocks District at 127 E. Third St. in early 2021 as the passion project of three seasoned restaurant professionals who trained and traveled together before planting roots in Dayton. The kitchen delivers ever-changing, scratch-made small plates that pair Midwestern comfort with global flavors, like Miso Corncake dressed in citrus cardamom chutney and Chashu Pork bathed in coconut-kosho broth. 

From Thursday through Saturday mornings, the Classic Koji Burger pop-up offers its signature beef blend with American cheese, pickles, onions, and Kewpie mayo on a toasted milk bun. The drinks menu features curated cocktails—such as the “Revival” with grapefruit shrub and Everlasting Roots sake—and a rotating list of craft beers and wines. Jollity’s commitment to fresh, local produce and inventive pairings creates a warm, adventurous dining experience that keeps diners coming back for more.

OWNERS OF GRIST LAUNCH FINE-DINING DESTINATION RESONANT

Dayton’s celebrated pasta and sandwich artisans, Patrick and Casey Van Voorhis of Grist, are set to unveil Resonant this May at 524 E. Fifth St., in the Oregon District’s former Roost Modern Italian space. Drawing on honors from the Culinary Institute of America and years honing their craft in Michelin-starred kitchens, the couple will offer an evolving five-, seven- or nine-course tasting menu, complete with chef’s-choice bites and a dedicated bar menu. Dinner service runs Wednesday through Sunday, and patrons can expect thoughtful touches—from liquid-nitrogen accents to the potential convenience of complimentary valet. 

Resonant embodies the Van Voorhises’ “perfect triangle” of casual dining (Grist), fine-dining (Resonant) and future wholesale production, leveraging Grist’s reputation for approachable excellence since 2018. As they collaborate with the building’s owners on a tasteful renovation, Patrick and Casey hope Resonant will resonate with Dayton’s tight-knit community and set a new standard for special-occasion dining in town.

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 600+ Daytonians?

Local Events

CITY OF DAYTON NEIGHBORHOOD MINI-GRANTS APPLICATION OPENS

Applications have opened for grants up to $10,000 supporting grassroots projects—from murals to park repairs—empowering recognized neighborhood groups through Dayton’s Community Engagement office.

• Location: Dayton City Hall, Community Engagement Office, 101 W. Third St., Dayton, OH 45402

• Date/Time: May 5–June 9, 2025 (applications accepted)

• Price: Free

BARGAIN TUESDAY: $6.50 MOVIE DAY

Catch new releases at a steal—movies are just $6.50 every Tuesday at this historic downtown cinema.

• Location: The Neon, 130 E 5th St, Dayton, OH 45402

• Date/Time: May 6, 8 AM – 5 PM (recurring Tuesdays)

• Price: $6.50

OMEGA CDC READY 4 WORK PROGRAM AT METRO LIBRARY

Drop-in for one-on-one resume updates, mock interviews, soft-skill coaching and professional etiquette guidance led by workforce trainer Eleanor Newman-Bumpus.

• Location: Dayton Metro Library – Northwest Branch, 2410 Philadelphia Dr., Dayton, OH 45406

• Date/Time: Tuesdays beginning May 6, 2025, 11:00 AM–3:00 PM

• Price: Free

CHIPMUNK ADVENTURES FOR PRESCHOOL CHILDREN: AND THE BEES DANCED

Storytime and nature exploration inspired by “Honeybee’s Busy Day.”

• Location: Aullwood Audubon Center & Farm, 1000 Aullwood Road, Dayton, OH 45414

• Date/Time: May 7, 2025, 10:00 AM

• Price: Free

SPRING 2025 WINE FESTIVAL

Enjoy seasonal wine tastings and local brews paired with light bites at this indoor–outdoor gathering.

• Location: Southern Ohio Brewing, 292 Xenia Ave, Yellow Springs

• Date/Time: May 8, 5 PM – 8 PM

• Price: Free

PARTNERING FOR PEACE: WWII & BEYOND

A free panel featuring Sir Dermot Turing and local experts exploring Dayton’s pivotal codebreaking legacy and the power of international collaboration.

• Location: Dayton International Peace Museum, 10 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH 45402

• Date/Time: May 8, 2025, 11:00 AM–2:00 PM

• Price: Free

POLLINATOR GARDENS WORKSHOP

Learn to plant and maintain native gardens that support local pollinators.

• Location: Seed to Bloom Botanical & Community Garden, SR-42 & Wilberforce Switch Rd, Wilberforce, OH 45384

• Date/Time: May 8, 2025, 3:30 PM–5:00 PM

• Price: Free

BEAUTIFICA 360

A mind-blowing 360° immersive journey through real and imagined worlds, designed to delight your senses and leave you grinning ear to ear.

• Location: Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, 2600 DeWeese Parkway, Dayton, OH 45414

• Date/Time: Various May 9–10 showtimes (check website for full schedule)

• Price: From $12; 10% off with codes (FAMILY, GROUP, SOUL)

HEALTHY KIDS DAY

Families dive into obstacle courses, fitness demos, nutrition workshops and live performances with free snacks and water stations along the scenic riverfront trail.

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

• Date/Time: May 10, 2025, 12:00 PM–4:00 PM

• Price: Free

VANDALIA SWEET TREATS FEST

On Saturday, indulge in unlimited dessert samples, food trucks, dessert vendors, live DJs and family-friendly games for a sugar-coated adventure.

• Location: Vandalia Sports Complex, 1111 Stonequarry Road, Vandalia, OH 45377

• Date/Time: May 10, 2025, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM

• Price: Free entry; $10 unlimited-samples wristband

A SOUND SLUMBER – MOTHER’S DAY SOUND BATH

Certified sound therapist Aimee Rosen leads a meditative journey with crystal bowls, gongs and chimes, enveloping guests in soothing vibrations, herbal refreshments and a take-home gift for lasting calm.

• Location: Space Three, 39 S. St. Clair St., Dayton, OH 45402

• Date/Time: May 10, 2025, 11:00 AM–12:30 PM

• Price: $40

THE DAYTON WOMAN’S CLUB MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

Celebrate Mom in a historic mansion with a chef-crafted buffet of smoked-salmon benedict, brioche French toast and more, plus live piano and a cash bar for mimosas.

• Location: The Dayton Woman’s Club, 225 N. Ludlow St., Dayton, OH 45402

• Date/Time: May 11, 2025, 11:30 AM–2:00 PM

• Price: Adults $39.95; Children 10 & under $18.95; Under 5 Free

PLANT & SIP: MOTHER’S DAY EDITION

Sip local craft beverages while potting spring succulents in a guided workshop—each ticket includes a wine or mocktail, plant supplies, and expert instruction for a personalized potted keepsake.

• Location: Wholly Grounds, 825 Wayne Ave., Dayton, OH 45410

• Date/Time: May 11, 2025, 3:00 PM–6:00 PM

• Price: Tickets (purchase on site or via Instagram link)

Computer Love

Game On: Dayton’s Monthly Make & Play Meetup 🎮

If you love games or want to make your own, here’s an event you won’t want to miss! The Gem City Game Developers are hosting their monthly Make & Play meetup on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Arcade Innovation Hub, located at 31 S Main St, Dayton, OH.

This event is all about coming together with other people who are passionate about making games—whether they are board games, video games, or mobile games. It’s a great chance to meet new friends, share ideas, and learn from each other.

This meetup happens every second Thursday of the month, so if you can’t make it this time, there will be more chances to join in the fun!

For more details and to RSVP, visit the Gem City Game Developers Meetup Page.

Come bring your creativity and make some awesome games!

Money

Dayton Children’s Investing $8.5M to Bring Urgent Care to West Side Kids 🏥

Dayton Children's Hospital is building a new urgent care center just for kids in west Dayton. This new center will be at 1711 Germantown Street and will cost $8.5 million to build. It's being made because families in the area need more places to take their children when they're sick or hurt.

The hospital listened to what the community said in a recent health survey. People shared that they needed more help nearby, especially after regular doctor's office hours. This new center will help with that by offering care for things like fevers, minor injuries, and other urgent health needs.

Building this center shows that Dayton Children's Hospital cares about all kids, no matter where they live. It will make it easier for families in west Dayton to get the help they need quickly.

This project is a big step toward making sure every child in Dayton has access to good health care.

Sports

Renaissance Pointe Nears Launch with USHL Expansion Team 🏒

Middletown’s Renaissance Pointe project, anchored by a 160,000-square-foot arena, is set to welcome a United States Hockey League expansion franchise pending final agreements and USHL board approval. Warren County and the City of Middletown leveraged $3.5 million in federal ARPA funding toward design and feasibility, sparking roughly $200 million in total development investment. The new multipurpose center will feature three ice pads, including a 3,500-seat main rink expandable to 5,000 seats for concerts and graduations.

The league, which produced the 2024 NHL No. 1 pick and sends nearly 200 alumni to the NHL each season, is “very deep into conversations” with letters of interest signed. County Commissioner Shannon Jones confirmed negotiations are “close to inking a deal” for the developmental hockey team. Officials anticipate groundbreaking this summer, with an official team announcement expected before autumn’s end. This landmark development promises up to 400,000 new visitors, boosting sales tax revenue and energizing Middletown’s east-side corridor.

OHSAA BASKETBALL STATE SEMIFINALS LAND IN DAYTON AREA

The Ohio High School Athletic Association announced that beginning in March 2026, all basketball state semifinals will take place in the Dayton area—most games at UD Arena and select divisions at nearby neutral venues.

Previously, only the finals were in Dayton, but expanding to seven divisions required additional sites to host the “final four” experience. Local ADs at Fairmont and Butler have already signaled interest in hosting semifinal matchups, noting the boost to community pride and youth sports engagement across Montgomery and Greene counties.

DRAGONS VS. GREAT LAKES LOONS HOMESTAND

Cheer on Dayton’s Dragons through a six-game homestand May 6–11 against the Great Lakes Loons, featuring ballpark classics, family-friendly fun, and under-the-lights excitement at Day Air Ballpark.

• Location: Day Air Ballpark, 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton, OH 45402

• Date/Time: May 6–10 at 7:05 PM; May 11 at 1:05 PM

• Price: Tickets from $12