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 Water Circus Is Splashing Into Beavercreek This Weekend

• Hidden Gems: The Burger Bistro, elé Bistro, Anatolian Grill

• Local Events: 6/16 – 6/23

• Computer Love: Ohio Launches $300 Million Plan to Train the Next Generation of Workers

• Money: $168M Investment Brings Major Upgrade to Wright-Patt

• Sports: Knicks End 53-Year Title Wait, Hurricanes Claim the Cup, Dragons Update

— Tom

Did you know?

A Water Circus Is Splashing Into Beavercreek This Weekend 🎪

A one of a kind water circus is coming to Beavercreek this weekend. Cirque Italia’s Water Circus Atlantis will set up under its signature blue and white big top tent at the Mall at Fairfield Commons from June 19–22. The show combines aerial acrobatics, contortionists, hand-balancing acts, comedy, and dazzling special effects on a custom built water stage.

Designed to blend the excitement of a traditional circus with a modern theatrical experience, the performance has toured cities across the country and is making a limited stop in the Miami Valley. If you're looking for something unique to do with the family this weekend, this may be one of the most memorable events of the summer.

Click here to learn more

Hidden Gems

Grill smoke at The Silos: Burger Bistro smash burgers downtown 🍔

Shipping-container bustle meets grill-smoke comfort at The Burger Bistro, Chef Centruela “Cece” Collier’s spot inside The Silos at 810 E. First St. Collier brings her Cece’s Kitchen eye for quality ingredients, consistency, and house-prepared sauces and toppings to a downtown food-hall setting where beer-garden chatter feels like a block party.

Smash burgers anchor the fun, with creative sandwiches, buttermilk fried chicken, glazed salmon, black bean options, sliders, wings, mac-and-cheese bites, and fries rounding out the spread. Casual and bold, it’s a Dayton togetherness play: one counter, big flavor, plenty of reasons to stay awhile.

Check them out on Instagram

elé Bistro & Wine Bar | cake-shop sparkle, bistro ease 🍰

elé Bistro & Wine Bar gives Austin Landing a sweet-savory little detour at 3680 Rigby Road in Miamisburg. The broader elé Cake Co. story began in 1997 as A Taste of Elegance, baking from a home kitchen before expanding across the Dayton area. Here, bakery-case color shares space with bistro plates, wine flights, craft cocktails, espresso drinks, and dessert built into the plan.

Lunch, dinner, weekend brunch, happy hour, and WineDown Wednesdays make the room flexible without feeling frantic. It’s polished enough for girls’ night, gentle enough for coffee and cake, and bright enough to turn errands into a treat.

Check them out on Facebook

Anatolian Grill — Centerville’s Turkish welcome 🥘

Centerville’s former La Piñata space has a new story in brass, tile, and Turkish hospitality. Anatolian Grill, at 1069 S. Main St., is owner Selahattin “Sam” Kizilelma’s first U.S. restaurant, built after a major renovation and rooted in family recipes from Istanbul. Bread-and-spice warmth fills the room, where table checks feel sincere and the décor nods to home.

The cooking ranges across kebabs, lamb, beef, seafood, pastas, lentil soup, Turkish coffee, and pistachio baklava. It’s Mediterranean comfort with a passport stamp: generous, fresh-faced, and ready to give South Dayton something different and deeply welcoming.

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 4500+ Daytonians?

Looking for a new spot to kick back with friends? Hugo's Cocktail Lounge in Miamisburg is serving up cold drinks, great music, and a laid back atmosphere that feels like home.

Whether you're stopping in for a craft cocktail, catching up with friends, or just looking for a place to unwind after work, Hugo's delivers good vibes and memorable nights. Stop by at 2285 E. Central Ave and see why locals are making Hugo's their new favorite hangout.

Check them out on Facebook

Local Events

LIGHTSHIP BOOTCAMP LIFTOFF

• What: Entrepreneurs dig into mentorship, strategy, and pitch-building during a no-cost three-day bootcamp.

• When: Jun. 15–17

• Where: The Hub Powered by PNC, 31 S. Main St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

TECH TRAINING AT DOREN

• What: Adults get patient, hands-on help with devices, digital tools, and everyday tech questions.

• When: Jun. 16, 11 AM – 12 PM

• Where: Electra C. Doren Branch Library, 701 Troy St., Dayton

• How Much: Free

AACF COMMUNITY BREAKFAST

• What: Start the morning with artists, advocates, and neighbors celebrating Dayton’s creative future over breakfast and community connection.

• When: Jun. 17, 7:30–9 AM

• Where: Sinclair College, 444 W. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: $25+

POUR WITH A PURPOSE

• What: Sip, mingle, and do good: 10% of purchases support United Way, plus raffle baskets and downtown cheer.

• When: Jun. 17, 5:30–8 PM

• Where: Joui Wine, 117 E. Third St., Dayton

• How Much: Free to attend 

DAYTON SENIOR EXPO

• What: Seniors and caregivers connect with local resources, health info, exhibitors, and friendly community support under one roof.

• When: Jun. 18, 10 AM – 1 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

DRONES OVER WEST CARROLLTON

• What: West Carrollton kicks off summer with food trucks, Stranger onstage, family activities, and a 250th-themed drone show at dusk.

• When: Jun. 18, 6:30–9:30 PM

• Where: Across from Fire Station 56, 1 S. Elm St., West Carrollton

• How Much: Free 

MOJO BROOKZZ COMEDY NIGHT

• What: Mojo Brookzz brings quick wit and high-energy standup to The Greene for a laugh-filled weekend.

• When: Jun. 18–20, times vary

• Where: Funny Bone Comedy Club, 88 Plum St., Dayton

• How Much: $42+ 

FAIRBORN JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

• What: Fairborn gathers for music, vendors, food, and joyful reflection honoring freedom and community pride.

• When: Jun. 19, 11 AM – 3 PM

• Where: Central Park, 222 S. Central Ave., Fairborn

• How Much: Free 

JUNETEENTH ON THE LAWN

• What: Levitt’s sixth annual Juneteenth celebration brings Brownstone, live band energy, freedom stories, and joyful downtown gathering.

• When: Jun. 19, 4:45–9 PM

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

• How Much: Free 

WATER CIRCUS ATLANTIS BEGINS

• What: Cirque Italia brings splashy acrobatics, theatrical spectacle, and big-top family fun to Beavercreek.

• When: Jun. 19–22, times vary

• Where: The Mall at Fairfield Commons, 2727 Fairfield Commons, Beavercreek

• How Much: $15+ 

DAYTON BLACK RODEO RIDES IN

• What: Dayton’s first Black Rodeo brings rodeo action, live concert, trail ride dancing, vendors, food trucks, carnival fun, and a petting zoo to Welcome Stadium.

• When: Jun. 20, 12 PM

• Where: Welcome Stadium, 1601 S. Edwin C. Moses Blvd., Dayton

• How Much: Tickets $33.75+; parking $15 

BYRON STRIPLING SWINGS

• What: Jazz trumpeter Byron Stripling joins Dayton Performing Arts for a lively night of swing, soul, and showmanship.

• When: Jun. 20, 7:30 PM

• Where: Schuster Center, 1 W. Second St., Dayton

• How Much: $33.50+ 

FIVESTAR COMIC CON

• What: Comics, cosplay, gaming, anime, artists, and indie creators fill downtown with two days of bright pop-culture joy.

• When: Jun. 20–21, times vary

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

• How Much: $12.50+ day pass; kids 10 and under free with pass 

DAYTON TRIATHLON FESTIVAL

• What: Athletes of all ages race triathlons, duathlons, aquabikes, open swims, and runs with big finish-line energy.

• When: Jun. 21, 5:30 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Buck Creek State Park Beach, 1976 Buck Creek Ln., Springfield

• How Much: $50+ entry, varies by race 

FATHER’S DAY AT BISTECCA

• What: Downtown dads get steakhouse-style brunch, chef-driven favorites, cocktails, and an easy family gathering spot.

• When: Jun. 21, 7 AM – 1 PM

• Where: Bistecca, 137 N. Main St., Dayton

• How Much: Menu pricing 

ROOFTOP GRILL-OUT FOR DAD

• What: Skyline views meet ribs, flank steak, brats, chicken, sides, cocktails, and laid-back luxury for Dad’s big day.

• When: Jun. 21, 12 PM

• Where: The Foundry Rooftop, 124 Madison St., Dayton

• How Much: $50 

JESSICA SIMPSON AT FRAZE

• What: Pop-country star Jessica Simpson brings a big summer concert night to Kettering’s favorite outdoor stage.

• When: Jun. 22, 8 PM

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

• How Much: $30+ 

FLYERS BASKETBALL CAMP

• What: Young hoopers build skills, confidence, and Flyer spirit during a multi-day University of Dayton basketball camp.

• When: Jun. 22–25, 9 AM

• Where: University of Dayton, 300 College Park, Dayton

• How Much: $325 

DINOSAURS AT WEST CARROLLTON

• What: Boonshoft Museum brings fossils, dinosaur life cycles, and junior paleontology fun to families at the library.

• When: Jun. 23, 5–6 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library West Carrollton Branch, 300 E. Central Ave., West Carrollton

• How Much: Free

Computer Love

Ohio Launches $300 Million Plan to Train the Next Generation of Workers 🚀

Ohio is making a big bet on its future workforce. State leaders and JobsOhio have launched a new $300 million “Earn and Learn” initiative aimed at helping employers fill high-demand jobs in industries like technology, healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, and logistics. The program will fund paid apprenticeships, internships, co-ops, and technical training opportunities that allow workers to gain experience while earning credentials.

The investment comes as Ohio faces a growing need for skilled talent, with an estimated 540,000 STEM and technical jobs expected to open over the next decade. The first phase alone is expected to help 25,000 Ohioans gain hands on training and connect with higher paying careers. State leaders hope the program will strengthen Ohio’s workforce pipeline while giving more residents a faster path to in demand jobs.

Money

$168M Investment Brings Major Upgrade to Wright-Patt 💰

Visitors staying at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base will soon have a much different experience. Base leaders recently broke ground on a new visitors' quarters and temporary lodging facility as part of a $168 million investment aimed at modernizing accommodations for military members, government employees, and official guests. The project replaces aging lodging facilities and is designed to better support the thousands of people who travel to Wright-Patt each year.

The investment is another sign of Wright-Patt's growing importance to the region's economy. As one of the largest employers in Ohio, the base continues to attract defense, research, and technology activity to the Dayton area. While the new facility won't create headlines like a major factory or office development, it represents a significant federal investment that helps strengthen the infrastructure supporting one of the region's most valuable economic engines.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Knicks End 53-Year Title Wait 🏀

The New York Knicks are NBA champions for the first time since 1973, closing the Finals with a 94-90 Game 5 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

Jalen Brunson delivered a Finals-record 45 points and earned Finals MVP honors, powering New York to a 4-1 series victory and a long-awaited citywide celebration.

Hurricanes Claim the Cup

Carolina is back on top of the hockey world. The Hurricanes beat the Vegas Golden Knights 3-0 in Game 6 to win their first Stanley Cup since 2006.

Brandon Bussi stopped all 22 shots, while Taylor Hall, Jackson Blake and Nikolaj Ehlers scored. Captain Jordan Staal earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

Dragons Heat Up, Hit the Road

The Dragons turned their June 9–14 homestand against Fort Wayne into a 5-1 surge, winning 12-2, 14-2, 5-4, 7-3 and 17-1, with their lone stumble a 10-6 loss.

Dayton blasted six home runs Sunday, then headed to Peoria June 16–21 before returning June 23 to host West Michigan.