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 Dayton Innovation Just Landed on TIME’s List

• Hidden Gems: Wat Da Pho, Olive Mediterranean Grill, Sea Jax Tavern

• Local Events: 10/21 – 10/28

• Computer Love: Ohio State Just Launched a Game Changing AI Hub

• Money: $3M Defense Expansion Fires Up Springboro

• Sports: Bengals edge Steelers, UD stays perfect atop A-10, Buckeyes blank Badgers, Flyers Basketball exhibition games

— Tom

Did you know?

A Dayton Innovation Just Landed on TIME’s List for Revolutionizing Mineral Refining 💎

Dayton-based Xerion Advanced Battery Corp. just earned a spot on TIME’s Best Inventions of 2025 for its breakthrough DirectPlate technology a single-step process that refines critical minerals like cobalt right here in the U.S. Instead of shipping raw materials overseas for costly, multi-step refining, Xerion’s process uses electricity and molten salt to extract ultra-pure metals in one clean cycle.

The result? Lower costs, less waste, and stronger American control over key materials used in batteries, electronics, and clean energy. It’s a major leap that could help power everything from EVs to smartphones made closer to home.

Hidden Gems

Pho Stone Bowl & Banh Mi—Wat Da Pho Beavercreek 🍜

Steam curls up from simmering stock at Wat Da Pho, where star-anise perfume and clinking chopsticks set an easy rhythm near Soin Medical Center. Inside its cozy nook at 3464 Pentagon Blvd, Suite D, Beavercreek, the menu ranges from pho dac biet and Hue-style bún bò Huế to crusty bánh mì and vermicelli salads—plus a dramatic Pho Stone Bowl that arrives like a tiny hot pot.

Plant-friendly options, boba, lychee–strawberry fruit tea, and strong Vietnamese coffee round out the scene. It’s fast-casual, generous, and neighborly—an everyday staple with weekend-treat flair. Open daily for lunch and dinner.

Check them out on Facebook

Shawarma & Feta Rolls 😋

At 44 W. Third St. in downtown Dayton, Olive Mediterranean Grill hums with the scent of warm pita and spice; there’s even convenient parking just around the corner at 16 S. Ludlow St. Plates land generously—basmati rice, Greek salad, tzatziki, and pita—with your choice of chicken shawarma, gyro, or shish tawook; the Mixed Grill sampler brings a little of everything.

Mezzes make the meal: crisp feta rolls, grape leaves with dill and lemon, silky hummus, and smoky baba ganouj. The vibe is quick, kind, and downtown-proud, with easy online ordering for dine-in, pickup, or delivery when you’re on the move.

Check them out on Facebook

20 Taps & Grouper Fingers 🍣

Sea breeze vibes without the shoreline. Sea Jax Tavern is the neighborhood joint “actually owned by the neighbors” from Dayton restaurant vets Ron & Christy Sweeney. Inside the cozy nautical haunt at 5900 Bigger Road in Kettering, cuisine leans American coastal: crisp fish & chips, house-made Grouper Fingers with tartar, and bang-bang shrimp tacos, plus jambalaya and a comforting clam chowder when available.

Around twenty craft beers keep the taps dynamic, and families mix easily with regulars at the bar. Easygoing, friendly, and proudly local since 2014.

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 3500+ Daytonians?

Local Events

JOINT HEALTH 101: ARTHRITIS & MOBILITY

• What: Premier Health’s free, one-hour talk covers arthritis basics, safe exercises, and physical therapy benefits; bring questions.

• When: October 21, 11 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Springboro Performing Arts Center (Premier Health Theater), 115 Wright Station Way, Springboro

• How Much: Free

DOWNTOWN DAYTON DEVELOPMENT TOUR 2025

• What: See behind-the-scenes of major projects, ride an RTA shuttle, and cap it off with happy hour at Pins Mechanical.

• When: October 21, 12 PM – 5 PM

• Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E 5th St, Dayton

• How Much: $75

AUSTIN LANDING TRUNK OR TREAT

• What: Decorated trunks, costumes, and candy at The Park. Family-friendly, festive, and photogenic.

• When: October 22, 6 PM – 9 PM

• Where: Austin Landing, 10050 Innovation Dr, Miamisburg

• How Much: Free

STORY SLAM: CREEPED OUT EDITION

• What: Open-mic storytelling with five-minute spooky tales. Names drawn randomly; top storyteller wins $50 and future tickets.

• When: October 22, 7 PM – 8:30 PM

• Where: The Brightside, 905 E 3rd St, Dayton

• How Much: $5 advance / $10 day-of

LEVITT UPCLOSE: SECRET CONCERT

• What: A secret-location show with three surprise artists. Your ticket fuels next summer’s free concerts.

• When: October 23, 7 PM – 9:30 PM

• Where: UpClose – Mystery Venue (revealed day before), Dayton

• How Much: $45

LAUGHING FOR A CURE (COMEDY NIGHT)

• What: Benefit comedy show at The Funny Bone—laughs for a great cause.

• When: October 23, 7:30 PM

• Where: Dayton Funny Bone, 88 Plum St #200, Beavercreek

• How Much: $20–$30

DIAL ‘M’ FOR MURDER

• What: Hitchcock’s classic thriller springs to life in a taut, twisty stage production at the Guild.

• When: October 24, 8 PM

• Where: Dayton Theatre Guild, 430 Wayne Ave, Dayton

• How Much: $21

BEETLEJUICE JR. AT PNC ARTS ANNEX

• What: Youth performers bring Beetlejuice JR to life in an intimate black box. Spooky, family-friendly fun.

• When: October 24–26 (see showtimes)

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

• How Much: Pay-what-you-wish (minimum $7)

VANDALIA HALLOWEEN HANGOUT

• What: Food trucks, hayrides, inflatables, trick-or-treat, costume judging and craft vendors—community fall fun for all ages.

• When: October 25, 11 AM – 2 PM

• Where: Vandalia Sports Complex, 1111 Stonequarry Rd, Vandalia

• How Much: Free

HAUNTFEST ON FIFTH

• What: Dayton’s biggest Halloween block party returns with costumes, live music, performers, and food trucks across the Oregon District.

• When: October 25, 6 PM – 12 AM

• Where: Oregon District – E Fifth St, Dayton

• How Much: $15–$20

2ND STREET MARKET TRICK-OR-TREAT & PUMPKINS

• What: Dress up, trick-or-treat with vendors, and decorate a free pumpkin to take home.

• When: October 26, 11 AM – 3 PM

• Where: 2nd Street Market, 600 E 2nd St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

YELLOW SPRINGS SQUARE DANCE

• What: Old-time tunes by The Corndrinkers, caller-led fun; benefits the Senior Center and Glen Helen.

• When: October 26, 2 PM – 4 PM

• Where: Camp Greene, 3452 Grinnell Rd, Yellow Springs

• How Much: $25

MARK GREGORY & FRIENDS LIVE AT LEGACY

• What: Dayton comic Mark Gregory hosts a showcase with special guests. High-energy laughs on Dayton’s west side.

• When: October 26, 7 PM – 9 PM

• Where: Legacy Bar Dayton & Legacy Event Center, 6628 W Third St, Dayton

• How Much: $20

STODDARD AVENUE PUMPKIN GLOW

• What: Hundreds of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns light the hillside in a beloved neighborhood tradition.

• When: October 27 – October 28, 6 PM – 10 PM

• Where: Grafton Hill hillside, 500 Belmonte Park N, Dayton

• How Much: Free

OREGON EXPRESS COMEDY OPEN MIC

• What: Up-and-coming comics test new material; hosted laughs in the Oregon District.

• When: October 27, 9 PM – 11 PM

• Where: Oregon Express, 336 E 5th St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

DLCA FAMILY THEATRE CLASS

• What: “A Family Affair – The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” workshop from Dayton Live’s Creative Academy.

• When: October 28, 6 PM – 8 PM

• Where: PNC Arts Annex, 46 W 2nd St, Dayton

• How Much: $15–$25

SINCLAIR ART GALLERIES: THE DIALOGUE

• What: Paintings and mixed media from Chao Ding and John Tronsor explore memory, texture, and quiet spaces on campus (ongoing since September 29).

• When: October 21 – October 28

• Where: Burnell R. Roberts Triangle Gallery, 444 W Third St, Bldg 13, Dayton

• How Much: Free

FAMILY WALK FOR THE CURE—DAYTON

• What: Two-mile walk at Day Air Ballpark benefiting Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation; teams welcome.

• When: October 25, 9 AM

• Where: Day Air Ballpark, 220 N Patterson Blvd, Dayton

• How Much: Free to register; donations support CBTF.

BOO-ZY BLOCK PARTY: BRUNCH, CRAFTS & COSTUMES

• What: Brunch buffet, craft a succulent pumpkin, sip wine, and tackle a Fire Blocks scavenger hunt—costume prizes included with your ticket.

• When: October 26, 11 AM – 2 PM

• Where: Joui Wine, 117 East 3rd Street, Dayton

• How Much: $53

Computer Love

Ohio State Just Launched a Game Changing AI Hub 🤖

Ohio State University has launched the AI(X) Hub a bold new research center designed to make the school a national leader in artificial intelligence. The Hub connects 15 colleges and focuses on six key areas: AI foundations, health, engineering, agriculture, cybersecurity, and trustworthy AI.

Led by AI expert Ness Shroff, the initiative gives researchers shared data, powerful computing tools, and a space to team up across disciplines. Backed by the university’s Education for Citizenship 2035 plan, the Hub aims to boost innovation, strengthen Ohio’s tech ecosystem, and prepare students in every field to understand and use AI responsibly.

Money

$3M Defense Expansion Fires Up Springboro 💰

Springboro based Thaler Defense Systems is investing $3 million to expand its headquarters by 32,000 square feet, doubling production space and adding new high tech equipment. The project, approved by the city’s planning commission, will include a larger EDM clean room, a new warehouse, and more parking to support growth.

Founded in 1952 as a small Dayton machine shop, Thaler has become a key defense manufacturer, supplying precision parts for national security and space applications. The expansion is expected to create 20 to 40 skilled jobs and be completed by summer 2026, signaling continued strength in the region’s advanced manufacturing sector.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Flacco, Chase star as Bengals edge Steelers 33–31 on TNF 🏈

Joe Flacco tossed three TDs and Evan McPherson drilled a late 36-yarder as Cincinnati outlasted Pittsburgh, 33–31, on Oct. 16.

Ja’Marr Chase set a Bengals single-game receptions record (16) and finished with 161 yards. Cincinnati celebrated a primetime “White Bengal” win and moved on to Week 8 vs. the Jets.

UD stays perfect atop A-10
Dayton volleyball completed a two-match sweep of Saint Louis with a straight-sets win and remains unbeaten in conference play.

The Flyers are 9–0 in the A-10, 14–6 overall, riding a nine-match win streak. Next up: Duquesne at the Frericks Center on Tuesday, Oct. 21 (5 PM).

Buckeyes blank Badgers 34–0; Sayin tosses four TDs
No. 1 Ohio State dominated Oct. 18 in Madison, shutting out Wisconsin 34–0 behind Julian Sayin’s 36-of-42, 393-yard, four-TD clinic and a defense that allowed just 144 yards.

The Buckeyes moved to 7–0 (4–0 Big Ten) and head into a bye before hosting Penn State on Nov. 1 at Ohio Stadium.

Flyers Basketball ready for second exhibition
After Sunday’s 78–62 charity win over Penn State, Dayton’s second preseason tune-up is Monday, Oct. 27 vs. Bowling Green at 7 PM at UD Arena.

It’s UD’s second Division I exhibition before the Nov. 3 opener against Canisius, part of the program’s expanded preseason slate.