http://www.toledoblade.com The Latest News from Toledoblade.com (v5) Thu, 04 Jun 2026 07:02:38 GMT en-us hourly 1 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/06/04/crumbley-comedy-bringing-laugher-and-experience-to-toledo/stories/20260604007 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/06/04/crumbley-comedy-bringing-laugher-and-experience-to-toledo/stories/20260604007#comments Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:03:32 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/06/04/crumbley-comedy-bringing-laugher-and-experience-to-toledo/stories/20260604007 Dave Crumbley has learned from comedians around the world, bringing what he’s seen back to the Toledo area. Greg Rapport, of New Jersey, performs a comedic song while singing and playing guitar during a free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Aaron Broughton of Windsor, Ontario performs during a free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Comedian Lindsay Jay, middle, smiles during a free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Lindsay Jay, of Toledo, performs stand up during a free comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Aja D. Reynolds fist bumps Dave Crumbley after her set during a free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Jordan Berry, of Louisville, performs during a free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Dave Crumbley, founder of Crumbley Comedy, looks over a lineup sheet, consisting of over a dozen comedians, before the free stand up show begins at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Estefana Gonzalez, of Bowling Green, performs stand up during a free comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Comedians hang out in the greenroom before a free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy begins at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Attendees listen to a lineup of over a dozen comedians perform stand up comedy during a free show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Kayla Jensen records as her husband, Will, performs stand up during a free comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Dave Crumbley, founder of Crumbley Comedy, speaks to the crowd kicking off his free stand up comedy show at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Alexander Lyons, of Detroit, performs during a free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Attendees and comedians laugh listening to Dave Crumbley introduce his free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy begins at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Comedians look over notes in their sketchpads before a free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy begins at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Sandi Rao smiles while chatting with other comedians in the greenroom before a free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy begins at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Luke Mohler, of Toledo, performs during a free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Past comedian lineup sheets are posted on the wall inside of the greenroom before a free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy begins at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Attendees laugh during Will Jensen’s performs stand up comedy during a free show held by Crumbley Comedy at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. Comedians Bill May, Greg Rapport, Sandi Rao, and Lindsay Jay sit amongst each other in the greenroom before the free stand up comedy show held by Crumbley Comedy begins at Toledo Spirits in Toledo on May 28. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/31/hendel-toledo-opera-spotlights-nation-s-250th/stories/20260530003 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/31/hendel-toledo-opera-spotlights-nation-s-250th/stories/20260530003#comments Sun, 31 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/31/hendel-toledo-opera-spotlights-nation-s-250th/stories/20260530003 GENEROUS supporters are plentiful in Toledo. Phyllis Cauffiel shows off a car sweater at the Route 250 party. Three singers wear matching shirts at the Opera gathering. Clare and Joel Gorski enjoy the Opera's 250th festivities. Andria Fournier, Annette Foster, Katie Hannum, and Dave Gedman wear hats to get in the Cinco spirit at the RE/MAX event. Brian and Gerri Walczak, along with Char Winckowski, attend the RE/MAX party. Kathy Kuyoth, Katie Hannum, Brooke Neumeyer, and Andria Fournier enjoy the Cinco De Mayo festivities. John Mangas, Karen Jarosz, and Mike Bell at the RE/MAX party. Stu Goldberg and Ashley Lindsley perform together. Stu and Jo-Jo Goldberg at the annual family fund-raiser. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/28/really-cool-pop-culture-con-comes-tailored-for-glass-city-center/stories/20260528015 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/28/really-cool-pop-culture-con-comes-tailored-for-glass-city-center/stories/20260528015#comments Thu, 28 May 2026 10:46:16 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/28/really-cool-pop-culture-con-comes-tailored-for-glass-city-center/stories/20260528015 Toledoans are going to have a really cool time this weekend at the city’s first Really Cool Comic Con. Activities include sessions of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, video game tournaments, a Pokémon scavenger hunt on Sunday, and several age-based cosplay — a Japanese blend word of costume and play — contests for attendees who come dressed like characters. Cosplayers pose for photos during Really Cool Comic Con in Flint, Mich. Con founder and organizer Mike Blagborne decided to bring this weekend's upcoming Really Cool Comic Con to Toledo when he fell in love with the Glass City Center during a visit with his kids. Attendees pursue the vendor hall of Really Cool Comic Con in Flint, Mich. Con founder and organizer Mike Blagborne decided to bring this weekend's upcoming Really Cool Comic Con to Toledo when he fell in love with the Glass City Center during a visit with his kids. Cosplayers pose for photos during Really Cool Comic Con in Flint, Mich. Con founder and organizer Mike Blagsborne decided to bring this weekend's upcoming Really Cool Comic Con to Toledo when he fell in love with the Glass City Center during a visit with his kids. Cosplayers pose for photos during Really Cool Comic Con in Flint, Mich. Con founder and organizer Mike Blagborne decided to bring this weekend's upcoming Really Cool Comic Con to Toledo when he fell in love with the Glass City Center during a visit with his kids. David Haverstick, owner, at The Stacks Books and Comics in Sylvania Township on May 21. David Haverstick, owner, speaks about some of the comics at The Stacks Books and Comics in Sylvania Township on May 21. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/24/hendel-hats-roses-and-specialty-cocktails-dot-events/stories/20260517033 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/24/hendel-hats-roses-and-specialty-cocktails-dot-events/stories/20260517033#comments Sun, 24 May 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/24/hendel-hats-roses-and-specialty-cocktails-dot-events/stories/20260517033 AND they’re off! Carranor Hunt and Polo Club president Jarman Davis and his mother, Pam Davis, with winnings. Trina and Jay Secor attend the Carranor party. Vicki Vath, Paula Fall, and Susan Denny show off their hats at the Carranor event. Becky Furhman and Don Leary at the Carranor's Derby party. Morghan and David Ender attend the Derby party at Toledo Country Club. Lary LaVigne and Joni Fought at the Toledo Country Club. Kris Miller, left, and Greg and Lauren Fockler are among the guests at the Toledo Country Club. Photo booth props sit on a table at the Kentucky Derby Party at Toledo Country Club. Pat Vance and Claire Lucarelli at Genesis Village's Derby Party. Sharron Barker in a hat at Genesis Village. Lou Vill and Lillian Zaborski attend the events at Genesis Village. Linda Robertson at Genesis Village. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/17/researchers-stunned-forgotten-medieval-book-rome-hiding-oldest-english-poem/stories/20260517092 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/17/researchers-stunned-forgotten-medieval-book-rome-hiding-oldest-english-poem/stories/20260517092#comments Sun, 17 May 2026 10:51:29 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/17/researchers-stunned-forgotten-medieval-book-rome-hiding-oldest-english-poem/stories/20260517092 ROME — The researchers in Ireland looked at their computer screen, marveling at a medieval book tracked down in a Roman library. They flipped through its digitized pages and found their sought-after treasure: the oldest surviving English poem. From left, Elisabetta Magnanti and Mark Faulkner from Dublin's Trinity College and Valentina Longo of Rome's National Central Library look at a manuscript containing a rare, long-lost copy of Caedmon's Hymn, the first poem ever to be written down in Old English, at Rome's National Library on May 8. A rare, long-lost copy of Caedmon's Hymn — the first poem ever written down in Old English — is visible in the five lines above the final line of the left page from an 8th century manuscript copy of the Venerable Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People, at Rome's National Library . From left, Elisabetta Magnanti, Mark Faulkner of Dublin's Trinity College, Andrea Cappa and Valentina Longo of Rome's National Central Library examine a manuscript containing a rare, long-lost copy of Caedmon's Hymn — the first poem ever written down in Old English — at Rome's National Library on May 8. A rare, long-lost copy of Caedmon's Hymn — the first poem ever written down in Old English — is visible in the five lines above the final line of a page from an 8th century manuscript copy of the Venerable Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People, at Rome's National Library on May 8. The 8th-century manuscript copy of the Venerable Bede's Ecclesiastical History of the English People, containing a rare, long-lost copy of Caedmon's Hymn — the first poem ever written down in Old English — is seen at Rome's National Library on May 8. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/17/hendel-birding-cooking-arts-mixer/stories/20260517010 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/17/hendel-birding-cooking-arts-mixer/stories/20260517010#comments Sun, 17 May 2026 10:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/17/hendel-birding-cooking-arts-mixer/stories/20260517010 THE Biggest Week in American Birding started on May 8 and ends Sunday. The Black Swamp Bird Observatory has led the flock here in northwest Ohio, the Warbler Capital of the World. Grant Beachy and Marquis Martinez enjoy the Mix by the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo. Congressman Bob Latta and his wife, Ohio State Parks Foundation Board Chairman Marcia Latta, are birding enthusiasts. There were a multitude of various birds to watch besides warblers. such as this red-winged blackbird. Isaac Klunk works up a caricature at the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo's mixer. Natalie Gray, director of Youth Services, and Haley Taylor reconnect during the Mix event at the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo's new digs on Adams Street. Renee Granados performs for Bird's Eye View Circus at the recent art commission event. Mike Fishbaugh, Tim Prophit, of the Storm Trysail Club and 2025 winner of the Old Sam trophy, Tim Yanda, and Dave Ryan at the Friends of the Mills party. Supporters of the Ohio State Parks Foundation gathered on the Maumee Bay State Park Boardwalk to spot birds during the great spring migration north. Peter Ujvagi and Brittany Ford greet each other at the Sister Cities event. Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz stands next to his likeness. From left, Sonya Lialien, Tim Valko, Elizabeth Foley, and Karen Johnson-Webb prove there is no such thing as too many cooks in the kitchen. Cheese puffs from the recent French event. A chef prepares a savory pear galette with goat cheese and walnuts during the French appetizer class with Tim Valko. Smoked salmon en crute tarte soleil. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/11/aging-adults-give-positive-marks-for-living-in-michigan/stories/20260507101 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/11/aging-adults-give-positive-marks-for-living-in-michigan/stories/20260507101#comments Mon, 11 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/11/aging-adults-give-positive-marks-for-living-in-michigan/stories/20260507101 More than a third of Michigan’s 10 million people are over 50, and a new poll shows that 82 percent of them see the state as a good to excellent place to live as they grow older. A view of the Pointe Mouille State Game Area in northeastern Monroe County. THE BLADE/TOM HENRY The Michigan Capitol is seen, May 24, 2023, in Lansing, Mich. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/10/hendel-speakeasy-set-up-for-jazz-night/stories/20260504110 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/10/hendel-speakeasy-set-up-for-jazz-night/stories/20260504110#comments Sun, 10 May 2026 10:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/10/hendel-speakeasy-set-up-for-jazz-night/stories/20260504110 COMMUNITY supporters are everywhere. Annette and Dick Sipp were among the more than 300 attendees making the 2020s roar as if it were the 1920s at the Bootleggers Bash. Jack and Cindi Sculfort party as if it's the 1920s at the 47th annual Perrysburg Rotary fund-raiser, the Bootleggers Bash. The Pinnacle owner Liz Thees, a Rotarian, raises a paddle to bid on an auction item at the Maumee Rotary 'Rooted in the Community' fund-raiser. Geoff Slawson and his wife, Marna, enjoy the Rotary Club of Maumee's Rooted in the Community fund-raiser. Rotary Club of Maumee President Paula Birney, and auction chairmen Julie Abbey and Sharon Trabbic bask in a successful fund-raiser. Executive Director Dottie Segur congratulates Marcus Hansen, who won his 'Oscar' as community volunteer at Sylvania Area Family Services' Oscars: Lights, Camera, Honor event. Dan Ridi was among the stars who was awarded for his community services at Sylvania Area Family Services star-studded event. Executive Director Dottie Segur shares a special thanks with retiring Sylvania Area Family Services board member Tom Ramsdell. Alexander Zonjic entertains at Lucille's. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/08/toledo-author-releases-debut-short-story-collection-on-arab-american-family/stories/20260504111 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/08/toledo-author-releases-debut-short-story-collection-on-arab-american-family/stories/20260504111#comments Fri, 08 May 2026 13:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/08/toledo-author-releases-debut-short-story-collection-on-arab-american-family/stories/20260504111 Fiction writing is a quixotic activity. Toledo native Hasan Dudar's debut short story collection, 'Carryout,' follows an Arab American couple who open a corner store in 1970s Toledo. Toledo native Hasan Dudar's debut short story collection, 'Carryout,' follows an Arab American couple who open a corner store in 1970s Toledo. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/05/beyonc-bad-bunny-and-janelle-mon-e-take-artistic-liberties-with-met-gala-dress/stories/20260505088 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/05/beyonc-bad-bunny-and-janelle-mon-e-take-artistic-liberties-with-met-gala-dress/stories/20260505088#comments Tue, 05 May 2026 11:05:51 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/05/beyonc-bad-bunny-and-janelle-mon-e-take-artistic-liberties-with-met-gala-dress/stories/20260505088 NEW YORK — Met Gala guests from Beyoncé and Naomi Osaka to Emma Chamberlain did not play it safe this year for the Met Gala, delivering custom works of art in honor of the dress code “Fashion is art.” Beyoncé arrives at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Costume Art" exhibition on May 4 in New York. Bad Bunny arrives at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Costume Art" exhibition on May 4 in New York. Janelle Monae arrives at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Costume Art" exhibition on May 4 in New York. Naomi Osaka arrives at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Costume Art" exhibition on May 4 in New York. Emma Chamberlain arrives at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Costume Art" exhibition on May 4 in New York. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/04/cutting-fuel-cholesterol-pancreatic-cancer-survival/stories/20260504013 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/04/cutting-fuel-cholesterol-pancreatic-cancer-survival/stories/20260504013#comments Mon, 04 May 2026 10:17:22 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/04/cutting-fuel-cholesterol-pancreatic-cancer-survival/stories/20260504013 Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers. It often shows up without much warning, and when it does, we don't have many ways to stop it from growing. Ahmad Hegazi works in his lab on the Health Science Campus. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/03/hendel-school-fund-raisers-popular-this-spring/stories/20260503028 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/03/hendel-school-fund-raisers-popular-this-spring/stories/20260503028#comments Sun, 03 May 2026 10:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/05/03/hendel-school-fund-raisers-popular-this-spring/stories/20260503028 SCHOOL benefits were plentiful as the end of this year is in sight. Kelsy Oberhaus, with her hands on her face, reacts after winning a one carat diamond during Maumee Valley Country Day School's 48th Annual Gala inside Market Hall at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 11. Ivan and Michelle Jaffe of I.M. Jaffe Jewelers stand together during Maumee Valley Country Day School's 48th Annual Gala inside Market Hall at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 11. Kelsy and Anthony Oberhaus embrace after winning a one carat diamond during Maumee Valley Country Day School's 48th Annual Gala inside Market Hall at the Glass City Metropark in Toledo on April 11. Guests enjoying the blackjack table at the Central Catholic High School gala. The honorary chairmen were Pat Boyle (class of 1982) and Julie (Schuller) Boyle (class of 1982). They have six children who graduated from Central Catholic. Max Boyle (class of 2014) sang “An Irish Blessing” while playing piano. He was a contestant on Season 17 of 'The Voice' and now performs as a contemporary pop artist in Nashville. Chris Knapik, with The Duckhorn Portfolio, pours a glass of wine during the Knight of the Vine event at Zia's and Real Seafood at The Docks in East Toledo on April 14. Katy Walker, left, and Kristen and Arturo Polizzi during the Knight of the Vine event at Zia's and Real Seafood at The Docks in East Toledo on April 14. Dan and Jane DiSalle, at left, and Maureen and Tim Martindale during the Knight of the Vine event at Zia's and Real Seafood at The Docks in East Toledo on April 14. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/30/local-hobby-shops-prep-for-free-comic-book-day/stories/20260430017 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/30/local-hobby-shops-prep-for-free-comic-book-day/stories/20260430017#comments Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:50:26 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/30/local-hobby-shops-prep-for-free-comic-book-day/stories/20260430017 Millions of free comic books will be handed out at more than 2,000 retailers across the country Saturday for Free Comic Book Day, and shops in northwest Ohio expect hundreds of readers to come through their doors. Ed Katschke, owner of Monarch Comics in South Toledo, is excited to welcome customers on Free Comic Book Day after last year's fire meant the store couldn't participate. Ed Katschke, owner of Monarch Comics in South Toledo, stands in front of rows upon rows of comics on April 25. Jake Laird browses the comics at Monarch Comics in South Toledo on April 25. Jake Laird browses the comics at Monarch Comics in South Toledo on April 25. Comic books line a wall at Monarch Comics in South Toledo. Comic books line a wall at Monarch Comics. Boxes of comic books are available to peruse at Monarch Comics. Misty and Loren Smith, owners of Freedom Comics in West Toledo Michael Lorigan browses comic books at Freedom Comics in West Toledo on April 25. Inside Freedom Comics in West Toledo. Freedom Comics, at 2223 West Laskey Rd., is also letting guests on Free Comic Book Day pick up as many of the previous years’ selections as they like, in addition to three of the 2026 free issues. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/26/hendel-social-events-among-the-first-signs-of-spring/stories/20260426035 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/26/hendel-social-events-among-the-first-signs-of-spring/stories/20260426035#comments Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/26/hendel-social-events-among-the-first-signs-of-spring/stories/20260426035 SPRING flowers and green grass are finally here. But even before spring began to show itself, there was a lot to do in Toledo. People mingle during the annual gridiron kickoff party at Hannon's Garage in downtown Toledo on March 4. A sea of Atlantic Cream Puffins, colorful to look at, sweet to eat, tempt the hungry at the Birders Tea. The menu for the 10th Anniversary Birders Tea was something to flock together for and to feather one's stomach, and gluten-free to boot. From left, Black Swamp Observatory board members Sallie Traxler, executive director Kimberly Kaufman, Board members Mindy Withrow and Margy Trumbull attended the tea to support the Ohio Young Birders Club. Event planners Julie Heitz, Kimberly Kaufman, and Pattye Nicolls. Ohio Young Birders Emma and Mia French with Tai French and Rachel Shamy. Ryan Jacob’s serves a Tea Tier to Kisa Weeman. Jake Riem and Casey Prokopow attend the annual gridiron kickoff party at Hannon's Garage in downtown Toledo, on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. From left, Megan Anderson, Claire Griffin, and Sarah Knepp attend the annual gridiron kickoff party at Hannon's Garage in downtown Toledo on March 4. From left, Ryan Dolan, Kayla Henderson and Cindy Kirby attend the annual gridiron kickoff party at Hannon's Garage in downtown Toledo on March 4. Jocelyn Groll and Emily Wilhelm attend the annual gridiron kickoff party at Hannon's Garage in downtown Toledo on March 4. From left, Alexis Clarke, Maddie Stiegler and Nick Borrillo attend the annual gridiron kickoff party at Hannon's Garage in downtown Toledo on March 4. Lucas County Commissioner Lisa Sobecki was busy hobnobbing in the Hens' suite section. Julie and Jim Lindsay visit with community movers and shakers in the corporate suites area. Judge Jack Puffenberger, Jim Hoffman, and Nancy Miller visit in the corporate suites during the Hens season opener. Larry Boyer, John Martin, and Laurie and Jeff Huskisson were in the corporate suites on the Hens season opener. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/19/hendel-fantasy-ball-a-big-hit-at-toledo-club/stories/20260418008 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/19/hendel-fantasy-ball-a-big-hit-at-toledo-club/stories/20260418008#comments Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:00:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/19/hendel-fantasy-ball-a-big-hit-at-toledo-club/stories/20260418008 THE MYTHS & Legends Ball, hosted by Gathering of Kingdoms, LTD, was held on March 28 at the historic Toledo Club, built in 1915. It was a sight to see as about 400 costumed guests paraded throughout the stately club with its rich woods, candles, chandeliers, and more. Last year was the first event and everyone enjoyed the venue so much that it returned for the second annual fantasy ball, which was sold out. Angel Breeden and Kasey Davis display their wings at the fantasy ball. Micah Tamari is shown in pose at the ball. Four women show off their costumes at the Toledo Club's second annual fantasy ball. Kelson Carey and Kirsten Hunter were among the 400 ball attendees. The Baroness, who is the hostess of the ball. Oberon and Tatiana, also known as Steve Thal and Stacy Butler of Montana, who attended the fantasy ball. Jeff and Crystal Reichardt at the Toledo Club, wearing the costumes made by Crystal. Brittany White participates in the fantasy ball festivities. Attendees gather for the award banquet put on by The Voice of Hope Outreach Ministries on March 29. From left, Rev. Rowena Lee, Sabrina Prince, George Cowell and Ellena Lee during the banquet titled “The 2026 Silent Soldiers” at the Premier Banquet Hall in Toledo on March 29. From left, Councilman Cerssandra McPherson, Judge Ian English, Tom Cole and Linnie Willis during The Voice of Hope award banquet. From left, Rev. Cedric Brock, Doris Greer, Juanita Greene, Idell Watson and Albert Easterly during “The 2026 Silent Soldiers” event. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/18/life-jacket-worn-passenger-survived-titanic-auctioned900-000/stories/20260418089 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/18/life-jacket-worn-passenger-survived-titanic-auctioned900-000/stories/20260418089#comments Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:09:05 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/18/life-jacket-worn-passenger-survived-titanic-auctioned900-000/stories/20260418089 LONDON — A life jacket worn by a passenger on RMS Titanic as she escaped the sinking steamship on a lifeboat sold at auction on Saturday for 670,00 pounds ($906,000). A Titanic life-preserver, which belonged to a survivor is shown in London in 2007. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/12/hendel-fans-hit-the-streets-suites-and-stands-for-the-mud-hens/stories/20260411004 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/12/hendel-fans-hit-the-streets-suites-and-stands-for-the-mud-hens/stories/20260411004#comments Sun, 12 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/12/hendel-fans-hit-the-streets-suites-and-stands-for-the-mud-hens/stories/20260411004 THE Toledo Mud Hens opener on Tuesday at Fifth Third Field was a home run for the unofficial first day of spring. Becca Murray, middle, stands with her children (from left) Charlie, 7, Millie, 4, and Hank, 8, during a pregame party before opening day for the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on April 7. Muddy the Mud Hen stands with fans for a picture during opening day for the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on April 7. Isaiah Vasquez sits next to Mike, Eliza, and Bella Trzonkowski during a pregame party before opening day for the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on April 7. Lilliana, 5, and Genevieve, 7, are held by their parents Lizzie and Joe Marck while dancing to music during a pregame party before opening day for the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on April 7. Joey Chestnut, an American competitive eater, stands next to Brody Cavitt, for a picture at a pregame party before opening day for the Toledo Mud Hens outside of Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on April 7. From left, Jeff Kimble, CEO of Communica, and Barry Rosen, Communica chief integration officer, Ken Knight, CEO of Knight Insurance, and Dennis Schroder, CEO and founder of Arakyta, attend a pregame party before opening day for the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on April 7. Marty Sutter, president of Genoa Bank, and David Franke, director of business development at MVM Moving and Storage, attend a pregame party before opening day for the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field in downtown Toledo on April 7. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/06/heading-off-brain-injuries/stories/20260405071 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/06/heading-off-brain-injuries/stories/20260405071#comments Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:29:23 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/06/heading-off-brain-injuries/stories/20260405071 Have you ever watched a sporting event where an athlete takes a hard hit to the head? Syed Abdul-Moiz Hasan, Ph.D. Candidate in experimental therapeutics, conducts research on the Health Science Campus. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/05/hendel-victory-center-sports-fashion-affair-helps-to-fit-wigs/stories/20260404003 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/05/hendel-victory-center-sports-fashion-affair-helps-to-fit-wigs/stories/20260404003#comments Sun, 05 Apr 2026 10:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/04/05/hendel-victory-center-sports-fashion-affair-helps-to-fit-wigs/stories/20260404003 HAPPY Easter! Many families will gather today for egg hunts and dinners, and in some cases with a special guest: the Easter Bunny. Peggy Keyes, a cancer survivor, fixes her wig during a fitting in the Wig Bank at The Victory Center in Perrysburg on March 18. Keyes is the recipient of the 3,000th wig the center has provided. Shelves stocked with various different wigs for cancer survivor patients to choose from sit inside the Wig Bank at the Victory Center in Perrysburg. Carson Myers sits with the Easter Bunny at the Epilepsy center Purple Day event. Owen Langenderfer, 4, grabs eggs during a community egg hunt in recognition of Purple Day, an international epilepsy awareness initiative, at the Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio in Maumee on March 26. Carson Myers, 2, and Tyler Sherman, his uncle, look at the candy contents of an egg during a community egg hunt in recognition of Purple Day at the Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio in Maumee on March 26. A person working the event grabs a large handful of eggs to set out for the kids during a community egg hunt in recognition of Purple Day at the Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio in Maumee on March 26. Damoni Winfree, 4, finds an egg during a community egg hunt in recognition of Purple Day at the Epilepsy Center of Northwest Ohio in Maumee on March 26. Amir Adnan, designer; Dr. Anwer Ali, host; Naureen Ali, host; and Huma Adnan, designer at the home event. Guests at the meet and greet event with designers at the Ali home in Perrysburg. https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/03/29/hendel-two-kinds-of-pie-help-mobile-meals-of-toledo/stories/20260328006 https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/03/29/hendel-two-kinds-of-pie-help-mobile-meals-of-toledo/stories/20260328006#comments Sun, 29 Mar 2026 10:30:00 GMT https://www.toledoblade.com/a-e/culture/2026/03/29/hendel-two-kinds-of-pie-help-mobile-meals-of-toledo/stories/20260328006 SPRING is finally here! It’s been a busy month leading up to the anticipation of sunshine and warm weather amid all the snow, wind, and ice. But it didn't stop people from being out and about supporting our community. Beth Paul, a culinary aid for Mobile Meals, serves slices of pizza to attendees March 12 during Pies and Pints for Mobile Meals at Earnest Brew Works in West Toledo. Scott and Lynne Forsythe enjoy slices of pizza and beer March 12 during Pies and Pints for Mobile Meals at Earnest Brew Works in West Toledo. Kris Bowser, bartender, smiles while serving patrons March 12 during Pies and Pints for Mobile Meals at Earnest Brew Works in West Toledo. Boxes of pies are stacked March 12 during Pies and Pints for Mobile Meals at Earnest Brew Works in Toledo. Linda Paetz, kitchen director, and Alison Foreman, CEO of Mobile Meals, stand together March 12 during Pies and Pints for Mobile Meals at Earnest Brew Works in Toledo. Paul and Stephany Johnson are handed their pizza and pie from volunteers Liz Thees and Trina Myers on March 12 during Pies and Pints for Mobile Meals at Earnest Brew Works in Toledo. Mark Fisher proudly displays his Maria award at the Montessori school event. West Side Montessori Alum Alec Schoepf entertains guests. Seth Metzger, Valentine Ononye, Niraj Shah, and Jeff Stephens attend the Montessori festivities. West Side Montessori Founder Lynn Fisher with her two sons Mark Fisher and David Fisher.