Operation Care Package Live Now in Toledo

Good morning, Toledo.

It’s one of those weeks where the city feels both small and surprisingly connected — neighbors packing boxes for people overseas, early risers catching a once-in-a-lifetime flash in the sky, and local communities quietly rolling out 250 year celebrations. Nothing flashy, but plenty that reminds you why Toledo still shows up when it matters.

Here’s what’s happening around town.

News

Care Packages for Troops

A Northwest Ohio family is making sure deployed service members feel the love from home through Operation Care Package. Started by Sabina Rodriguez and her mother after Rodriguez's daughter served overseas, the initiative collects everyday essentials like snacks, hygiene products, and comfort items that are hard to find on military bases abroad.

Through January 31st, you can drop donations at any of seven Taylor Automotive dealerships across Lima, Findlay, Toledo, and Perrysburg. The response has been incredible, with troops sending back heartfelt thank-you notes and photos that remind everyone why this community effort matters so much.

Fireball Lights Up Morning

Early risers across Toledo got quite the show this morning around 6:45am when a brilliant fireball meteor streaked across the southeastern sky. The celestial display was visible throughout Ohio and neighboring states, with more than 50 reports already filed with the American Meteor Society.

If you missed it but have security cameras or dashcams, you might want to check your footage from just before sunrise. Sometimes the best meteor sightings happen when we're not even looking up.

Maumee Celebrates America's 250th

Maumee officially launched its year-long celebration of America's 250th anniversary with a special program at the high school featuring student-gathered oral histories from local residents. Mayor Chelsea Ziss kicked off the festivities, which will continue throughout 2025 with events ranging from cemetery tours to flag football games.

The city received a $5,000 grant from America 250 to help fund the celebration, joining other northwest Ohio communities like Lima, Defiance, and Oregon in marking this historic milestone. Events are planned monthly through December, including a July 3rd family picnic and fireworks in Uptown Maumee.

📅 Coming Up This Week — Jan 12 – 18

🎭 Live Music & Performances
Jan 16 — Handel, Bach & Stravinsky
🕗 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm — A classical music evening featuring works by three masters at local venues.
🔗 Full calendar: visittoledo.org/events-calendar (search “Handel, Bach & Stravinsky”)

🎤 Jan 16 & Jan 17 — Open Mic Night @ First Base Lounge
🕕 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm — Bring your voice or just enjoy local performers.
🔗 Details: visittoledo.org/events-calendar/search (open mic)

🎶 Jan 22 — Live at the Library with Chloe Kimes
🕡 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm — Free music event in the library’s community room.
🔗 Calendar: visittoledo.org/events-calendar (search live at the library)

🏒 Sports & Games
Toledo Walleye ECHL Hockey — on the road this week:
Fri Jan 16 — Toledo Walleye @ Iowa Heartlanders, Xtream Arena — 7:00 pm EST
Sat Jan 17 — Toledo Walleye @ Iowa Heartlanders, Xtream Arena — 6:00 pm EST
Sun Jan 18 — Toledo Walleye @ Bloomington Bison, Grossinger Motors Arena — 5:00 pm EST
🔗 Tickets & schedule: toledowalleye.com (2025-26 schedule)

🎨 Ongoing Seasonal Fun
Ice Skating @ Ribbon Ice Skating Trail
Daily through mid-March — Bring skates and glide on the refrigerated trail at The Ribbon at Glass City Metropark.
🔗 Visit Toledo events listing for times & details

🎙️ Regular Weekly & Community Events
Every Thursday Night — Comedy @ Toledo Spirits
🕗 8:00 pm – 9:45 pm — Free stand-up comedy under The Underground (weekly).
🔗 Toledo Spirits / event calendars for details

Weekly — Toledo Mindfulness Institute Classes
Ongoing wellness classes most weekdays in January.
🔗 VisitToledo.org Events for times & info