Happy Friday, Toledo. In today’s edition: Disney on Ice, Toledo school week changes, Libbey House Christmas open house, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Grassroots plan to house neighbors: Lowrider Cafe owner Jacob Estrada seeks to acquire the vacant Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Toledo to convert it into a homeless shelter, with volunteers and construction firms offering support — read the full story.

Neighborhood school pride tested: Facing a multimillion-dollar deficit, Toledo Public Schools is weighing a four-day week and converting K-8 schools to K-6, prompting Beverly parents to question Bowsher ties and consider leaving the district — read the full story.

Older homes, tighter supply: Realtor.com named Toledo the fourth best housing market in the nation and No. 1 in Ohio, citing a nation-leading 13.1% year-over-year median price jump despite a slight dip in sales — see why Toledo stands out.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Identity theft is up 25%: Last year, Americans lost $12.5 billion to ID theft & fraud, and the stories behind those numbers are brutal. My friend just told me his dad’s on his fourth replacement credit card. Other folks have woken up to empty bank accounts or their personal info dumped online after a breach. Aura catches these kinds of attacks early by monitoring for new accounts, weird money movements, leaked data, and other red flags so you’re alerted before things blow up — learn more about it here.

Highlights this week

• Hear Vince Guaraldi’s Peanuts holiday soundtrack
• Discover cold water immersion and mindfulness
• Children’s Wonderland offers festive holiday fun
• Celebrate at FAMED Studios Holiday Showcase
• This pet insurance plan reimburses up to 90%
• A tiny hearing aid is taking the US by storm

🫶 We got your back

Braving the winter waters: Springfield Township is turning its word-of-mouth polar plunge into a bigger Splash. The fire department will use the event as live ice-rescue training, aiming to sharpen response times and teach safety. Join on Jan. 1, noon to 2 p.m., at Homecoming Park in Holland, with music, munchies, and more. See when and where to join.

Toledo pump price snapshot: Toledo drivers saw a bump at the pump this week: average gas rose by more than 10 cents to $2.69, per GasBuddy. The silver lining? It’s still 38 cents cheaper than a month ago and 5 cents below last year. Prices range $2.39–$2.89 locally, while the U.S. average dipped to $2.90. See current and historical prices.

Subtle glow-up, incoming: Hair feeling meh? Fiber + Strand specializes in lived-in color, bespoke extensions, and smart hair additions. A simple new-guest flow and quick virtual consults help you book the right service, so you can get back to your week feeling polished and low maintenance.

Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I decided to take Hers’ online quiz. They recommended a Biotin + Minoxidil green-apple gummy for regrowth and overall hair health. The whole thing was surprisingly easy: just verify who you are and a licensed provider signs off. Here’s the quiz if you want to check it out.

Makeup that actually works: My sister and I were talking the other day about how the makeup we used in our 20s… just doesn’t work now that we’re in our 30s and 40s. Laura Geller’s entire makeup line addresses this shift, with formulas that smooth, brighten, and actually stay put. If you’re in the same boat, their curated kits are worth a look.

📆 Around town this weekend

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

Today

⛸️ Disney on Ice: Frozen & Encanto @ Huntington Center | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Disney On Ice brings Frozen and Encanto to the arena with big skates, bigger songs, and enough sparkle to bedazzle a minivan. Consider it cardio by clapping while small humans lose their minds, and yes, you will hum Let It Go for days.

🧪 Cocktails & ChemisTree @ Imagination Station | Friday (12/12) at 7:00pm – Nothing beats holiday cheer with a side of science, so come raise a glass at Cocktails & ChemisTree. Expect clever cocktails, science-y surprises, unexpected twists, and just enough nerdy magic to make you feel festive, curious, and slightly proud of picking up something new. Lab coat optional.

This weekend

✂️ Start High School Holiday Craft Show @ Start High School | Saturday (12/13) at 10:00am – Holiday tables at Start High School means one thing, handmade gifts and prime people watching, all for a good cause. This annual craft show funds the Drama Scholarship, so your ornament shopping supports local student performers. Shop local, sip cocoa, and feel pleasantly accomplished.

🏰 Yuletide – Holiday Ren Fest @ Toledo Club | Saturday (12/13) at 12:00pm – Holiday spirit meets Ren Fest nerdery at this Yuletide bash, with music, local makers, and a bar to steady your sword arm. Admission is free, bring a canned good for SeaGate, wear your cloak or sparkly best, trade trinkets, play tabletop, and greet Santa Tom.

🍲 Cultural Cooking Series: A Taste of Syria @ Toledo-Lucas County Public Library | Saturday (12/13) at 2:00pm – If your paprika has been phoning it in, come learn Syrian flavors with Chef Moffida at the library, then smugly pass around a recipe card later. Taste samples while they last, meet fellow food people, and enjoy a free, a genuinely engaging afternoon.

🏠 Libbey House Christmas Open House @ Libbey House | Sunday (12/14) at 11:00am – Libbey House is opening for a Christmas open house, letting you wander all three floors for free, no reservations. Then duck into the Tea Room for tea or hot chocolate and cookies for five bucks, because nostalgia pairs well with sugar, caffeine, and central heating.

🍵 Nutcracker Tea @ Dollop Shop | Sunday (12/14) at 1:00pm – Nothing beats a proper tea when you need a civilized timeout from real life. Expect finger sandwiches, sweet and savory pastries, and an eclectic dessert parlor. It skews adult, so think 12 and up, tickets for all, and no high chairs.

🚶 1 Hour Fitness Hike @ Manhattan Marsh | Sunday (12/14) at 2:00pm –Lace up for a brisk, one-hour hike through Manhattan Marsh, complete with winter views and fresh air. It’s free, dog-friendly, and volunteer-led, but registration is required. Rain, snow, or shine, bring water, boots, and good leash manners.

Next week

📦 Woodland Winter Box @ Beautiful Blooms by Jen | Tuesday (12/16) at 5:30pm – Whether your mantle is magazine-ready, or your dining table doubles as a mail sorter, head to Beautiful Blooms by Jen to design a Woodland Winter box arrangement that actually lasts. Hands-on, festive, and keepsake-worthy, with real greens, textured bits, and a project that turns out polished and gift-ready.

🍷 Toledo Paint and Sip Party – Christmas Joy @ Real Seafood Company | Tuesday (12/16) at 6:00pm – Swap holiday chaos for a Maumee-side Paint & Sip at Real Seafood, where Laura guides you through candy-cane lettering, a wreath, and an unbothered cardinal. Eat well, sip better, then leave with festive art and confidence, no experience required.

🏫 Christmas at Clay High School| Tuesday (12/16) at 7:00pm – If your holiday playlist needs an upgrade, the Toledo Symphony is taking it live at Clay High with all the festive favorites. It is free, beautifully performed and family-friendly. Bring your people, soak up the cheer.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/13 Reggae & Cocktail @ The Truth Colours Gallery – 6 pm
• 12/13 Beer & Pastry Pairing @ Quenched & Tempered Brewing – 7 pm
• 12/18 Sean Dobbins Soulful Holidays @ TolHouse – 7:15 pm
• 12/18 Low Dough @ Caper’s Pizza Bar – 8 pm
• 12/19 Ramona Collins @ Lucille’s Jazz Lounge – 7:15 pm
• 12/20 The Menus @ Hollywood Casino – 4 pm
• 12/21 Siberian Solstice @ St Paul’s Lutheran Church – 4 pm

🏠️ Price is right – Toledo edition

How it works: We’re going to give you some facts about a home for sale, including a picture of the outside, the kitchen, and one additional room. Your job? Guess how much it’s listed for (preferably before you click to find out).

Listed by: Victoria D. Valle (The Danberry Co.)

A custom ranch villa with arched entryways and coved ceilings, built for timeless charm and easy flow. The open layout links kitchen, dining, and family room, a gas fireplace anchoring the cozy core. Stone and stucco set the vibe, mature trees frame a quiet block of well kept homes.

An eat in kitchen handles weeknight rush and weekend spreads. The private primary suite adds a whirlpool and separate shower. A 3.5 car garage suits tinkering and storage. Out back, a fenced yard with sprinklers awaits pets, gardens, and low key evenings, all on one level.

Make your guess, then (and only then)… see how much it costs →