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đ SALAR: DINE AROUND THE WORLD IN DOWNTOWN DAYTON

Happy Tuesday Daytonians!
Thanks for spending another week with The Gem, where good times arenât hard to find. Letâs take a look at what weâll be covering in this editionâŠ
Did You Know: Daytonâs Mayor Hits the Road
Hidden Gems: Salar Restaurant & Lounge, Old Scratch Pizza, Lilyâs Dayton
Local Events: 6/10 â 6/17
Computer Love: Wright State Powers Up Future Innovators
Money: Ohio Pumps $52M into Transit
Sports: Kayla Harrison Grabs UFC Gold, Logan Wilson Celebrity Softball Game, Galaxies FC Summer 7V7 League
â Tom

Did you know?
Daytonâs Mayor Hits the Road: Citywide âConversation Toursâ Bring Leaders and Neighbors Together đŁïž

Source: cityofdayton.gov
Daytonâs mayor, Jeffrey Mims, is touring the city this summer, hosting five informal gatherings called Mayorâs Conversation Tours. Each stop gives residents a chance to meet the mayor face to face, ask questions, and share ideas from youth to seniors, newcomers to long time Daytonians.
Instead of staying in City Hall, Mayor Mims is heading into neighborhoods from Patterson Park to Downtown to learn what matters most. These tours highlight local investments and give everyday people a platform to be heard.
2025 schedule (all events run 6â8âŻp.m.):
June 10 â Residence Park (Victory Project, 4519 Oakridge Dr.)
June 17 â Huffman (St. Paul United Methodist Church, 101 Huffman Ave.)
June 24 â Hillview (E.J. Brown School, 31âŻWillowwood Dr.)
July 8 â Downtown (Dayton Metro Library, 215 E. Third St.)
All events are free and open to the public. Just show up between 6 and 8âŻp.m. You can attend any neighborhood you like no RSVP needed. Bring your questions, stories, or ideas. Mayor Mims and his team want to hear whatâs on your mind.

Hidden Gems
SALAR: DINE AROUND THE WORLD IN DOWNTOWN DAYTON đ

Source: salarrestaurant.com
Salar Restaurant & Lounge, located at 400âŻE.âŻ5th St. in Daytonâs vibrant Oregon District, offers a world-fusion culinary adventure blending Peruvian, French, Mediterraneanâand even Nikkeiâflavors under the expert touch of Chef Margot Blondet. With dining priced under $30 and an inviting smart-casual vibe, guests enjoy two patios, two full bars, and unique spaces like a pisco bar, bubble lounge, and chefâs table peeking into the kitchen.
Weekend brunch starts at 11âŻAM, dinner and cocktail service begin at 4âŻPM daily, plus occasional live entertainment and catering options. Their chefâs table includes a $25 booking fee that supports Kuychi Runa, a nonprofit preserving Andean culture. For locals craving elevated, globally inspired dining with a neighborhood soul, Salar brings fresh flavor to Daytonâs dining scene.
Check them out on Facebook
OLD SCRATCH PIZZA: DAYTONâS ARTISAN PIES đ

Source: oldscratchpizza.com
Old Scratch Pizza transformed a 1960s auto parts store into a bustling Neapolitan pizza and beer hall when it opened in 2016 at 812 S. Patterson Blvd. in midtown Dayton. Co-founders Eric and Stephanie Soller built the 200-seat dining room around brick ovens that crank out wood-fired pies in minutes, pairing them with a rotating lineup of regional craft beers.
The menu features classic red and white pizzas, vegan options, shareable salads and Italian sandwiches crafted with house-made pickles and chips. Guests can sip Old Scratch Originals like the Old Scratch Fashioned or seasonal honey-berry lemonade alongside ever-changing wine and beer taps.
Beyond Daytonâs original location, the concept has grown to Centerville, Beavercreek and Troy, spreading artisan pies across the region. Whether youâre craving a floppy, authentic crust or a killer cocktail, Old Scratch delivers big-city flavors with hometown warmth.
Check them out on Facebook
LILYâS DAYTON SERVES TIKI-STYLE FLAIR đ„©

Source: lilysdayton.com
Since opening its doors in Daytonâs Oregon District, Lilyâs Dayton at 329 E. 5th St. has welcomed neighbors with a lush, tropical atmosphere and tiki-inspired craft cocktails. Under the Mendenhall familyâs guidance, Executive Chef Don Warfe blends Southern favoritesâlike fried chicken and shrimp & gritsâwith global twists, from bao-bun sliders to curry-spiced potato croquettes.
Three outdoor patios and botanicals-filled interiors invite guests to escape daily life, while a full bar pours creative sips such as the âBangkok Muleâ alongside curated wines and local beers. Open WednesdayâSunday, Lilyâs also supports community connection through inclusive service and a menu designed for sharing. Whether youâre gathering friends for Happy Hour or brunching under the patio lights, Lilyâs Dayton offers a playful, welcoming taste of the tropics in the heart of our city.
Check them out on Facebook

THE BULLETIN đ
Want to spread the good word about your business, a project youâre working on, a hire, or just want to say hi to 2000+ Daytonians?


Local Events

CENTRAL STATE MOBILE MARKET
What: An open-air food distribution in partnership with Dayton Foodbank and United Way, offering free groceriesâno income proof neededâevery second Tuesday.
When: June 10, 1 PM â 2 PM
Where: Norman E. Ward Sr. Center Parking Lot, Central State University, 1400 Brush Row Rd, Wilberforce
How Much: Free
TRIVIA TUESDAY AT CURIO
What: Lunchtime trivia fun on the Squareâbring your team or play solo!
When: June 10, 12 PM â 1 PM
Where: Courthouse Square, Third & Main Sts, Dayton, OH 45402
How Much: Free
FREE SUMMER YOGA
What: Guided yoga session under the historic rotunda, welcoming all levels.
When: June 11, 5:30 PM â 6:30 PM
Where: Dayton Arcade, 35 W 4th St, Dayton, OH 45402
How Much: Free
BECOMING BANKABLE
What: Learn exactly what banks look for when funding businessesâfrom credit benchmarks to common funding pitfallsâin this practical, no-fluff webinar.
When: June 12, 6 PM â 7:30 PM
Where: Online (Hosted by Ohio SBDC at Miami Valley)
How Much: Free
ST. CHRISTOPHER SUMMER FESTIVAL
What: Family-friendly festival with carnival rides, games (including bingo and gambling booths), live music, food vendors, and community activities over multiple days.
When: June 13 â June 15
Where: St. Christopher Catholic Church Grounds, 435 E National Road, Vandalia
How Much: Free entry; individual ride/game tickets or wristbands may apply (check festival details)
2025 GMB JUNE CHAMPIONSHIPS (YOUTH BASEBALL)
What: Multi-day youth baseball tournament for ages 14U through 18U at various divisions, featuring at least 3 games per team and community sports engagement.
When: June 13 â June 15 (opening games on June 13)
Where: Action Sports Center, 1001 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Dayton
How Much: Daily gate fee applies for spectators
PEACH TRUCK LOCAL PICKUP AT MALL
What: Grab a box of tree-ripened Georgia peaches straight from the orchardâfresh, juicy, and perfect for summer snacking.
When: June 14, 4 PM â 5:30 PM
Where: Dayton Mall, 2700 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd, Dayton
How Much: $38 (12 lb box) â $55 (25 lb box)
FOR DAYTON BY DAYTON MUSIC FEST
What: A free, all-ages outdoor music festival spotlighting Daytonâs own talent across hipâhop, rock, folk, funkâand more, with local food trucks and lawnâside vibes.
When: June 14, 5âŻPMâŻââŻ9âŻPM
Where: Levitt Pavilion Dayton, 134âŻSouthâŻMainâŻSt., Dayton
How Much: Free
ART BALL: BLACK-TIE AT DAI
What: Daytonâs premier blackâtie gala returns with cocktails, gourmet hors dâoeuvres, seated dinner, live music, dancing, specialty martini & bourbon bars, and exclusive museum access under Jane Reeceâinspired dĂ©cor.
When: June 14, 7 PM (VIP Reception 6 PM)
Where: Dayton Art Institute, 456 Belmonte Park North, Dayton
How Much:
Grand Patron Table (10 seats): $5,000
Patron Table (10 seats): $4,000
Grand Patron Individual: $500
Patron Individual: $400 (DAI members) / $425 (nonâmembers)
DAYTON FIVE SEASONS PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
What: Test your skills in Ohio Social Sportsâ two-day, competitive 7v7 pickleball tournament with round-robin play and award-winning indoor courts.
When: June 14â15
Where: Five Seasons Sports Club, 4242 Clyo Road, Dayton
How Much: $50 registration fee per player; registration closes June 11
OCEANS OF FUN AT DAYTON SEAFOOD FEST
What: Dive into a seafood loverâs paradise at this vibrant food truck rally featuring shrimp, lobster, crab, and more under one roof.
When: June 15, 11âŻAMâŻââŻ6âŻPM
Where: The Brightside Music & Events Center, 905âŻE.âŻ3rdâŻSt, Dayton
How Much: Free entry
FATHERâS DAY CONCERT: DAYTON PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
What: A special Fatherâs Day evening featuring concert band followed by Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra performance at Carillon Historical Park, celebrating music and community.
When: June 15, 6 PM â 8 PM (Concert Band at 6 PM; Philharmonic at 7 PM)
Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Boulevard, Dayton
How Much: Free admission; bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor seating
BEAVERCREEK'S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
What: Sunday evenings come alive with free live music and local food trucks under the starsâbring a lawn chair and enjoy seven weeks of family-friendly performances.
When: June 15 (Sundays, 7 PM â 8 PM)
Where: Dominick Lofino Park Amphitheatre, 640 Grange Hall Road, Beavercreek
How Much: Free
NEXT CHAPTER BOOK CLUB
What: Weekly book club for adults with disabilitiesâattend in-person or virtually.
When: June 16, 6 PM â 7 PM
Where: Wright Memorial Public Library, 1776 Far Hills Ave, Oakwood
How Much: Free
JUNETEENTH SPOKEN WORD EVENING
What: A night of rhythm, truth, and liberation featuring poets MoPoetry Phillips, Norman Riggs, and ASlate inspiring community reflection.
When: June 16, 6:30 PM â 8 PM
Where: Wilmington-Stroop Branch Library, 3980 Wilmington Pike, Kettering
How Much: Free
MAYORâS CONVERSATION TOUR: HUFFMAN
What: Neighborhood dialogue with the mayorâshare feedback & ideas.
When: June 17, 6 PM â 8 PM
Where: St. Paul United Methodist Church, 101 Huffman Ave, Dayton
How Much: Free

Computer Love
Wright State Powers Up Future Innovators with Hands-On AI Summer Camp đ€

Wright State University is launching its first-ever AI Summer Camp on June 26â27 for high schoolers and incoming college students. Held at Rike Hall and the Student Success Center, the two-day camp will introduce up to 60 students to the world of artificial intelligence through hands-on projects like writing with generative AI, building basic models, and exploring ethical issues.
Sponsored by the AES Ohio Foundation, the camp is part of Wright Stateâs bigger push to expand AI education and prepare students for high-demand fields like healthcare, finance, and defense. Registration is open until June 13.
Click here for more info

Money
Ohio Pumps $52M into Transit, Dayton Lands a Major Share đ

Ohio is giving a big boost to public transit awarding $52 million in state grants to help local agencies upgrade buses, improve tech, and keep things running smoothly. Six agencies in the Dayton area will share over $4 million, with the Greater Dayton RTA receiving the largest piece at $2.2 million.
Others like Springfield SCAT, Butler County RTA, and Greene County Transit also received key funding. The goal? More reliable service, fewer breakdowns, and better rides for workers, students, and seniors.
Greater Dayton Regional Transit Authority gets $2.2 million, almost the same as last year
Springfield City Area Transit (SCAT) receives $434,000 (a small drop)
Butler County RTA gets $522,000 a rise from last year
Middletown Transit Services keeps $421,000
Greene County Transit Board improves to $401,000
Warren County Commissioners receive $284,000
Real Estate đ

Sports
FLYER-ALUM HARRISON GRABS UFC GOLD đȘ

Middletownâs own Kayla Harrison claimed the UFC Womenâs Bantamweight Championship on June 7, submitting Julianna Peña in the final seconds of Round 2 at UFC 316 in Newark. The 2012 and 2016 Olympic judo gold medalist improved her MMA record to 19â1, showcasing a flawless kimura finish that underscored her elite grappling.
Harrison became the first former UD Flyer in 48 years to reach a UFC title bout, cementing her journey from campus standout to MMA champion. Along the way, she earned First Team All-American honors, Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, and AP National College Player of the Year at University of Dayton. President Trump even greeted her with a congratulatory front-row kiss after the win. Next on her horizon is a superfight against Amanda Nunes, ensuring Harrisonâs reign will be a highlight of MMAâs summer slate.
DAYTON CELEBS SWING FOR YOUTH SPORTS
On June 11, 2025, Day Air Ballpark hosts the third annual Logan Wilson Celebrity Softball Game, where Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson leads teammates and stars like JaâMarr Chase and Tee Higgins for a home run derby at 6 PM and a game at 7 PM.
Gates open at 5 PM with a pre-event plaza party at 4 PM, featuring meet-and-greets and premium âUltimate Fanâ experiences like honorary coaching and team photos. Proceeds benefit the Brooks Joshua Anderson Foundation, supporting local youth leagues and SIDS research. Tickets start at $10.20 and luxury suites are available, making this fun, family-friendly event a highlight of Daytonâs community calendar.
GALAXIES FC SUMMER 7V7 LEAGUE
What: High school boysâ and girlsâ teams compete in a fast-paced, seven-aside soccer league to sharpen skills and teamwork all summer.
When: June 10 â July 22
Where: Multiple Dayton area venues (check schedule for details)
How Much: Open registration; team fees apply

đ§ This week's edition is Gemmy & Rocky approved!We'd love to get your feedback too... |
Thanks for reading The Gem! Until next TuesdayâŠđ
âTom, Publisher


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