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: Huber Heights Could Soon Be Home to a $55M Indoor Music Venue

• Hidden Gems: SoSo Cuisine, Hoshi Ramen, Venecia Italian Restaurant

• Local Events: 12/23 – 12/30

• Computer Love: Google Builds Ohio’s Tech Talent Pipeline

• Money: $262 Million Flows Into Dayton Area as Defense Contracts Land

• Sports: Bengals third-quarter avalanche in Miami, Cook carries Buffalo over Browns, Flyers split FSU & Liberty

— Tom

Did you know?

Huber Heights Could Soon Be Home to a $55M Indoor Music Venue 🎶 

Huber Heights is moving closer to a major transformation as plans take shape for a $55 million indoor music venue near the Rose Music Center. The project would give the city a year round entertainment destination, allowing concerts and large events to continue even when the weather turns cold.

Along with the venue, developers are also exploring a new hotel and restaurant space, designed to attract visitors, create jobs, and keep more spending local. City leaders see the development as a way to build on Huber Heights’ recent growth, boosting tourism while supporting nearby businesses. If approvals move forward, the project could help position Huber Heights as one of the region’s top destinations for live entertainment and economic activity.

Hidden Gems

Whole Tilapia & Plantains—Pickup at SoSo, West Carrollton 🐟

Blink and you might pass it: SoSo Cuisine glows from a quiet plaza at 1913 S Alex Rd in West Carrollton, its dining room strung with lights and soft gospel. Owner Solange Asingabona and her son, Angelo Ihirwe, turned community cooking into a welcoming restaurant where first-timers get friendly guidance and regulars are greeted by name.

Plates lean East African and homemade: crisp sambusa, pillowy mandazi, clove-perfumed pilau rice, sweet fried plantains, and fufu with peanut-butter stew or crackling whole tilapia. Portions invite sharing, call-ahead takeout is easy, and conversation stretches without hurry. SoSo appears modest, but offers a big welcome, and memorable flavors that reward the visit.

Check them out on Facebook

Broth-first comfort — Hoshi Ramen 🍜

Hoshi Ramen at 2820 Colonel Glenn Hwy in Fairborn marries a minimalist room to a gentle buzz—tile, wood, and steam in steady conversation. Bowls lead with depth: silky tonkotsu laced with black-garlic mayu, clean Tokyo-style shoyu, savory miso, and sesame-rich tantanmen. A curveball lands with house jjajangmyeon, a Korean-Chinese favorite that nods beyond Japan.

Service stays warm without hovering; solo slurps settle at the counter while date nights and study groups take tables. Online ordering keeps weeknights easy, but the calm lighting makes dining-in feel natural and relaxing.

Check them out on Facebook

Sicilian squares and smiles at Venecia 🍝

Venecia Italian Restaurant, at 1980 E Whipp Rd in Kettering, reads like a neighborhood living room—easy smiles, steady pacing, and hospitality that makes first-timers feel known. Opened in 2021 in the former McGillicutty’s space, it keeps the focus on comfort.

The red-sauce playbook lands satisfying and familiar: New York or thick-crust Sicilian pies, meat lasagna under molten cheese, chicken cutlet parmigiana with just-right crunch, and spaghetti or ziti dinners arriving with salad and warm garlic rolls. Delivery and takeout are a tap away when weeknights get busy, or settle in Tuesday through Sunday for a relaxed, no-fuss meal with friends.

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 4000+ Daytonians?

Local Events

SANTA DINNER WITH NORTH POLE MAGIC

• What: Dinner night with Santa at the clubhouse—bring cameras and wish lists; reservations recommended.

• When: Dec 23, 5–7:30 PM

• Where: The Golf Club at Yankee Trace, 10000 Yankee St, Centerville

• How Much: $34.95

 STRAIGHT NO CHASER HOLIDAY TOUR

• What: The a cappella crew behind “12 Days of Christmas” brings their Holiday Road Tour—funny, fast, and ridiculously tight.

• When: Dec 23, 7:30 PM

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

• How Much: $108+

 CHRISTMAS EVE ICE SKATE

• What: Slip into a holiday-eve glide downtown—music, cocoa nearby, and a heated comfort tent for warm-up breaks between laps.

• When: Dec 24, 11 AM – 8 PM

• Where: RiverScape MetroPark, 237 E Monument Ave, Dayton

• How Much: $7+

 DECK THE DIAMOND AT DAY AIR BALLPARK

• What: Day Air Ballpark flips the switch on Deck the Diamond, a brand-new outdoor walk-thru holiday light spectacular featuring over 1.1 million lights, music, and activities.

• When: Dec 24, 26, & 29, 6–9 PM

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

• How Much: $12+ (limited capacity; advance purchase encouraged)

 TARGET DAYTON – CHRISTMAS DAY 2025

• What: Community Christmas Day service plus a free lunch and gifts for guests; doors open at 10 AM, service begins at 11 AM.

• When: Dec 25, 10 AM – 1 PM

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

• How Much: Free

 WDAO LOVE FEAST

• What: Free Christmas meal and fellowship for anyone who’s alone or hungry—show up, eat, and spend the day with neighbors.

• When: Dec 25, 11 AM – 2 PM

• Where: W. Social Tap & Table, 1100 W. Third St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

 GUY TORRY LIVE AT FUNNY BONE

• What: A full-throttle stand-up set at The Greene—bring your loudest laugh and your best heckle-free manners.

• When: Dec 26–27, Times vary

• Where: Dayton Funny Bone, 88 Plum Street Suite 200, Dayton

• How Much: $24

 DAYTON CHRISTMAS CLASSIC HOOPS TOURNAMENT

• What: Youth basketball tournament weekend with teams from around the region; games run across multiple courts and age brackets.

• When: Dec 26–28, Times vary

• Where: Bales Arena, 1321 Research Park Dr, Beavercreek

• How Much: $230 per team

 FREE FINANCIAL MENTOR POP-IN: SUCCESS CENTER FOUNDATION

• What: Local entrepreneurs share practical money guidance for personal or business goals—no appointment, just come with questions.

• When: Dec 27, 1–3 PM

• Where: Dayton Metro Library Huber Heights Branch, 6243 Brandt Pike, Huber Heights

• How Much: Free

 YELLOW SPRINGS KWANZAA CELEBRATION

• What: Community readings of the Nguzo Saba, local performances, and a potluck meal—welcoming, reflective, and full of togetherness.

• When: Dec 27, 6–8 PM

• Where: Foundry Theater (Antioch College), 920 Corry St, Yellow Springs

• How Much: Free (donations welcome)

 SCROOGE DINNER-THEATER BRUNCH SHOW

• What: A buffet-and-musical take on Dickens—big holiday choruses, cozy theater vibes, and a full afternoon out.

• When: Dec 28, 11 AM – 3 PM

• Where: La Comedia Dinner Theatre, 765 W Central Ave, Springboro

• How Much: Price varies

 FREE HOLIDAY PARTY AT YELLOW CAB

• What: DJs, dancing, and a warm come-as-you-are hangout to close out the holiday weekend at Yellow Cab’s big room.

• When: Dec 28, 6–9 PM

• Where: Yellow Cab Tavern, 700 E 4th St, Dayton

• How Much: Free

 RAIDERS HOME HOOPS NIGHT

• What: Wright State men’s basketball home game—loud arena energy and a great “winter break” outing.

• When: Dec 29, 7 PM

• Where: Wright State University Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Fairborn

• How Much: Price varies

 GMVWA HOLIDAY WRESTLING TOURNAMENT

• What: Two-day holiday wrestling tournament with dozens of Miami Valley teams, from early-morning weigh-ins to finals under the bright SAC lights. Entry window closes 12/28 at 1 PM.

• When: Dec 29–30, 10 AM

• Where: Butler High School Student Activity Center, 600 S Dixie Dr, Vandalia

• How Much: TBA

 WSU WOMEN VS GREEN BAY

• What: Wright State women’s basketball hosts Green Bay—an easy, energetic weeknight game in Fairborn.

• When: Dec 30, 7 PM

• Where: Wright State University Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton

• How Much: Varies

 RIKE’S WINDOWS: SANTA’S SECRET (CLOSING DAY)

• What: Dayton’s classic animated holiday windows in the Wintergarden—plus a tiny hidden “Santa’s Secret” with a Dayton twist.

• When: Dec 30, 6 AM – 6:30 PM

• Where: Schuster Center (Wintergarden), 1 W Second Street, Dayton

• How Much: Free

 A CARILLON CHRISTMAS (CLOSING DAY)

• What: Wander a 65-acre winter wonderland of lights, vintage toys, Santa sights, and warm snacks across Carillon Historical Park.

• When: Dec 30, 5–9 PM

• Where: Carillon Historical Park, 1000 Carillon Blvd, Dayton

• How Much: $0–$14 (varies for age)

Computer Love

Google Builds Ohio’s Tech Talent Pipeline 🖥️

As tech growth accelerates across Ohio, Google’s STAR (Skilled Trades and Readiness) Program is helping local workers land jobs that support data centers, fiber networks, and cloud infrastructure. The program offers paid, four to six week training with safety certifications and direct job connections.

Since 2022, more than 160 Ohio residents have completed the program, with most already placed in jobs tied to major tech projects. Google plans to keep the program running through 2026, strengthening Ohio’s pipeline for tech-driven infrastructure work.

Money

$262 Million Flows Into Dayton Area as Defense Contracts Land 💰

Three companies with operations in the Dayton region were recently awarded more than $262 million in new U.S. defense contracts, bringing fresh dollars and long-term work into the local economy. Northrop Grumman received the largest share, with a contract worth over $140 million to support testing and maintenance of its high-altitude Global Hawk aircraft, with work tied to facilities in Vandalia and across the country.

Lockheed Martin secured nearly $100 million for Army support services, including fire-control and launch systems, with part of the work based in Fairfield. Meanwhile, ARCTOS Technology Solutions in Beavercreek landed a $20 million Space Force contract focused on launch safety and mission analysis. Together, these deals highlight how defense spending continues to be a major economic engine for the region, supporting skilled jobs and steady growth.

Real Estate 🏠

Sports

Bengals 45, Dolphins 21 — third-quarter avalanche in Miami 🏈

Joe Burrow carved up Miami with 309 yards and four TDs, and Chase Brown scored three times (two catches, one rush) during a 21-point third quarter as Cincinnati pulled away at Hard Rock Stadium on Dec. 21.

The defense sparked the surge with takeaways right after halftime. A feel-good road rout for the Stripes.

Bills 23, Browns 20 — Cook carries Buffalo in Week 16
Cleveland’s rally ran out of time as the Bills escaped 23–20 on Dec. 21. James Cook gashed the Browns for 117 yards and two TDs, while Josh Allen gutted it out after a first-half foot injury. The Browns fell to 3–12 despite a late push at Huntington Bank Field.

Flyers split FSU/Liberty; idle until NYE
Dayton’s mid-December slate is a split: the Flyers thumped Florida State 97–69 on Dec. 16, then were edged by Liberty 64–61 on Dec. 20, both at home. UD resumes on play Wednesday, Dec. 31 vs. Fordham at 2 PM, to open Atlantic 10 play.