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: First Motorized Bookmobile in 1923

• Hidden Gems: Mamma DiSalvo’s, Paragon Supper Club, Kabuki

• Local Events: 8/26 – 9/2

• Computer Love: Ohio is Reimbursing Businesses for Hiring Tech Interns

• Money: County Invests $1M to Tackle Food Insecurity

• Sports: Bengals Contract Standoff Over, Local Spins To Bronze in YoYo Contest, Dragon Snags Midwest League Honors

— Tom

Did you know?

Dayton Invented Ohio’s First Motorized Bookmobile in 1923 📚

The Dayton Metro Library just rolled out a brand new Bookmobile, bringing reading and resources straight to neighborhoods across Montgomery County. This modern, wheelchair accessible vehicle replaces the library’s 20 year old model, which made more than 500 stops and served nearly 20,000 visitors last year. Bookmobiles have been part of Dayton’s story for over a century starting with horse drawn wagons and later, in 1923, Ohio’s first motorized version led by librarian Electra C. Doren.

Thanks to more than $650,000 raised through donations and grants, the new Bookmobile will continue visiting schools, childcare centers, and community events for years to come. This fall, locals can tour it at special open house stops in Brookville, Burkhardt, West Branch, and Huber Heights where you can even sign up for a library card and check out books on the spot.

Want to see the new Bookmobile up close? You’re in luck! This fall, it will visit several local branches. Check your calendar:

• 3-6 p.m., Sept. 18, Brookville Branch

• 3-6 p.m., Sept. 24, Burkhardt Branch

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sept. 27, West Branch

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oct. 4, Huber Heights Branch

Hidden Gems

The Kettering Red-Sauce Legend—House-Made Since 1979 🍝 

For over 45 years, Mamma DiSalvo’s has felt like Sunday dinner with family. The DiSalvos cook from their Italian roots at 1375 E. Stroop Rd. in Kettering, and the dining room hums with easy conversation. Sauces simmer, bread arrives warm, and servers move with calm confidence.

The menu focuses on house made pasta, classic red sauce plates, and old-school desserts like cannoli and tiramisu. Portions are generous without being fussy. If you’re planning a party or need food for a crowd, the team also handles catering. A deli next door stocks take home favorites, so the comfort can follow you home.

Check them out on Facebook

Prime Rib or Martini? Paragon. 🥩

The Paragon Supper Club has been glowing since 1978 at 797 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd. Think low lights, polished wood, and the clink of a well made martini. The open broiler sends up a char-kissed aroma while servers deliver steakhouse staples and seafood favorites with practiced ease.

Details matter here white tablecloth pacing, a house account option for regulars, and rotating chef features that keep the board fresh. It’s a room built for celebrations, business milestones, and unhurried conversation. The experience feels timeless, like stepping into a Dayton tradition that still knows how to make dinner a great experience.

Check them out on Facebook

Kabuki Centerville: Sizzle & Roll 🍣

At Kabuki, the stone bowls arrive hot and the room answers with a happy sizzle. This family run spot at 848 S Main St. in Centerville blends Korean comfort and Japanese sushi in a cozy, unfussy space. Steam carries the scent of sesame and scallion while chefs work in plain view.

The menu spans bubbling rice bowls, grilled meats, noodle dishes, tempura, and neat, tidy rolls. Servings are plentiful, service is kind, and the pace makes it easy to linger. It’s an everyday place that still feels a little special when the bowl lands and the crackle starts.

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 3000+ Daytonians?

Local Events

KETTERING BLOCK PARTY AT FRAZE

• What: Celebrate neighbors with free hot dogs, city booths, and the Kettering Civic Band's 7 PM concert.

• When: August 26, 6–8 PM

• Where: Lincoln Park Civic Commons & Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd, Kettering

• How Much: Free

KWELIFEST: TALIB KWELI AT YS FIREHOUSE

• What: Hip-hop night featuring Talib Kweli and guests in an intimate, phone-free venue vibe.

• When: August 26, 8 PM

• Where: YS Firehouse, 225 Corry St, Yellow Springs

• How Much: Check tickets

GRANTSEEKING BASICS (NONPROFITS)

• What: Library workshop on finding grants and funders; practical tools for beginners.

• When: August 27, 10 AM – 11:30 AM

• Where: DML West Carrollton, 300 E Central Ave, West Carrollton

• How Much: Free

TROTWOOD COMMUNITY MARKET

• What: Local vendors, produce, treats, and crafts—easy midweek shop-and-stroll.

• When: August 27, 3–7 PM

• Where: American Legion Post 613, 5200 Salem Ave, Trotwood

• How Much: Free

HEEDFEST XIII KICKOFF AT THE BARREL HOUSE

• What: Raise a pint and welcome GBV fans with an all-vinyl DJ set and tasty Dayton Street Snacks.

• When: August 28, 5–8 PM

• Where: The Barrel House, 417 E 3rd St, Dayton, OH 45402

• How Much: Free

HAPPY TOGETHER TOUR AT FRAZE

• What: The Turtles + icons of the ’60s/’70s; sing-along night!

• When: August 28, 8 PM

• Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd, Kettering

• How Much: $45 – $63

FRIDAY NIGHT MIC AT BRICKY’S

• What: Up-and-coming comics in an intimate brewery club.

• When: August 29, 7:30 PM – 9 PM

• Where: Bricky’s Comedy Club, 319 S 2nd St, Miamisburg

• How Much: $10 – $15

A RAISIN IN THE SUN

• What: Hansberry’s classic follows the Younger family’s fight for dignity and a home—timeless, tender, and urgent on the TheatreScape stage.

• When: August 29, 8 PM; August 30, 5 PM; August 31, 3 PM

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

• How Much: $25 adults; $23 seniors; $18 students (+$1 online fee). $12 student rush at door (limited)

ALTER FEST (OPENING NIGHT)

• What: Rides, games, live entertainment—Labor Day weekend tradition.

• When: August 29 – September 1 (festival hours vary)

• Where: Alter High School, 940 E David Rd, Kettering

• How Much: Free entry (ride/game costs)

ROLLER DERBY DOUBLEHEADER THRILLER

• What: Gem City Roller Derby hits the track—big hits, bigger heart. Family-friendly with concessions.

• When: August 30, 5 PM

• Where: Dayton Convention Center, 22 E Fifth St, Dayton

• How Much: See site (typically $10–$15)

LEVITT REGGAE FEST FEAT. ETANA

• What: Sun-splashed grooves and community dancing on the lawn.

• When: August 30, 5:30 PM – 9 PM

• Where: Levitt Pavilion, 134 S Main St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

VW AIR-COOLED CAR SHOW

• What: Holiday at Home’s VW showcase with vintage bugs, buses, and custom builds; family-friendly.

• When: August 31, 11 AM – 4 PM

• Where: Fraze Pavilion, 695 Lincoln Park Blvd, Kettering

• How Much: Free

2ND STREET MARKET — SUNDAY

• What: Shop local growers, bakers, and artisans in a lively indoor market; grab lunch and flowers.

• When: August 31, 11 AM – 3 PM

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

• How Much: Free

HOLIDAY AT HOME LIVE MUSIC

• What: Two-day live music across Fraze Archway, The Woods, and The Plaza—Flashback, Authorized Personnel, The Fries Band, 5 Band, Cigar Box, Soul Express.

• When: August 31 – September 1; times vary

• Where: Lincoln Park Civic Commons (Fraze Archway, The Woods, The Plaza), 695 Lincoln Park Blvd, Kettering

• How Much: Free

OHIO RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL: LABOR DAY

• What: Step into a 16th-century village—jousts, live shows, artisans, and giant turkey legs. Opening weekend fun for all ages.

• When: September 1, 10:30 AM – 7 PM

• Where: Ohio Renaissance Festival, 10542 E State Route 73, Waynesville

• How Much: $12.40–$39.57 (under 4 free)

PAINT & TRIVIA: OTTER MAILMAN

• What: Guided painting class with trivia breaks; ages 16+. Reserve seats; all supplies included; fun, beginner-friendly night out.

• When: September 2, 7–9 PM

• Where: Painting with a Twist (Dayton), 8010 McEwen Rd, Dayton

• How Much: $39–$48

DRAGONS BASEBALL UNDER THE LIGHTS

• What: Dayton Dragons vs. Lansing Lugnuts—family night at the ballpark with fireworks-level energy.

• When: September 2, 7:05 PM

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

• How Much: From ~$10 (varies)

Computer Love

Why Ohio is Reimbursing Businesses for Hiring Tech Interns 💻

Ohio is making it easier for businesses to bring in young tech talent. Through the College Technology Internship Program, employers can get back two-thirds of an intern’s wages up to $7,500 each while students gain hands-on experience in fields like software, IT, data, and digital marketing. Companies of any size can hire up to 10 interns, who must earn at least $15 an hour as W-2 employees.

Applications for businesses close August 29, with student applications running September 2–26. Internships take place November through April, giving students a chance to learn by doing while companies get fresh ideas at a fraction of the cost.

Money

Feeding Futures: County Invests $1M to Tackle Food Insecurity 🥦 

Montgomery County has stepped in with a $1 million donation to The Foodbank, Inc., using funds usually reserved for business development. With state and federal cuts squeezing food supplies, the county chose to direct this year’s ED/GE money toward fighting hunger instead.

The timing couldn’t be more urgent: more than 114,000 county residents, including 1 in 4 children, face food insecurity. Leaders say this gift will help keep shelves stocked for The Foodbank’s 110+ partner pantries and shelters, providing relief to families who often must choose between paying bills and buying groceries.

Commissioner Carolyn Rice called the move an investment in the community’s future: when kids are fed, she said, “our economy grows stronger.”

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Bengals Contract Standoff Over 🏈

The Bengals and All-Pro edge Trey Hendrickson agreed to a revised 2025 deal that boosts his pay by $14 million to $30 million, ending his weeks-long hold-in. The 30-year-old, who led the NFL with 17.5 sacks last season, returns as Cincinnati’s tone-setter on a retooled front.

The short-term fix keeps Hendrickson on track for 2026 free agency and raises expectations for Lou Anarumo’s defense with Week 1 looming.

Local Spins To Bronze in 2025 World YoYo Contest

Xenia’s Chandler Steele delivered a breakout on the biggest stage, taking bronze in the 1A division at the World YoYo Contest in Prague and earning a standing ovation for his finals routine.

The podium was topped by South Korea’s Mir Kim—his third straight 1A world title. Steele’s surge follows a runner-up finish at U.S. nationals and underscores southwest Ohio’s rise in competitive yo-yoing; training partner and Oakwood native Connor Seals, the national champ, placed sixth at worlds.

Dragon Snags Midwest League Honors

Dayton Dragons infielder Carter Graham earned Midwest League Player of the Week for Aug. 18–24 after batting .467 (7-for-15) with two doubles and two RBIs in five games. He added three walks and three steals as Dayton swept six straight to push its win streak to seven.

In August, the 2023 Reds 8th-rounder from Stanford is hitting .343 with two homers and 10 RBIs (.927 OPS).