Communities across the county are planning activities related to the April 8 total solar eclipse.
In Streetsboro, the fun starts at 7 p.m. April 2, when Ron Kalinoski, a member of the Astronomy Club of Akron, will present “Why Eclipses Occur and Archeoastronomy.” Kalinoski’s hour-long presentation will be held at Streetsboro’s new community center, 8970 Kirby Lane. Admission is free, but pre-registration is requested at https://streetsbororec.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs?leaguesid=1988
Stephen King fans may enjoy Streetsboro Library’s “Eclipse Edition Pop-Up Book Club” event, an opportunity to discuss King’s classic story “Dolores Claiborne.” Due to the book’s subject matter, this gathering is for adults only. Seating is limited to 20. The event will take place from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. April 3 at Pierce Streetsboro Library, 8990 Kirby Lane.
Participation is limited to 20 adults, so pre-registration is encouraged. To register, visit https://portagelibrary.libnet.info/event/9980773 and click on the registration button to the left.
Also at the library, teens may enjoy “Teen Galaxy Crafts Day,” set for 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 5. Kids aged 13-18 will create galaxy-themed crafts, including galaxy slime, to celebrate the total solar eclipse.
Kids and adults of all ages are welcome to make a solar system bracelet. The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. April 6 at the library. Pre-registration is not required.
Like all Portage County district libraries, Streetsboro’s library is distributing eclipse glasses to anyone who walks in. Library cards are not required. Pierce Streetsboro Library is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays.
The big day is April 8, when the city will partner with the Portage County District Library to present Total Eclipse in the Park. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at City Park, there will be kids crafts and educational activities leading up to the afternoon eclipse. Pre-registration is required: https://streetsbororec.activityreg.com/selectactivity_t2.wcs?leaguesid=1988&fbclid=IwAR0thCQ8UtNANa-JLbt0v1kigjwfF4r3EeV7XbbPhc_Y940V5zj9avD06D0
Members of Friends of Streetsboro Parks, a community group connected with Streetsboro Parks and Recreation, have been selected by the Great Lakes Science Center as Community Eclipse Ambassadors. The ambassadors have undergone training in eclipse education, basic astronomy and eclipse viewing safety. They will be on hand throughout the April 8 event.
In addition to food trucks, live DJ entertainment and children’s craft activities, 88.9 FM WSTB will be doing live remote broadcasts. The first 250 people to show up will receive free grab bags filled with eclipse goodies, safe eclipse viewing glasses and a limited edition eclipse souvenir treat.
People who show up after the grab bags are gone still receive free eclipse viewing glasses while supplies last. Streetsboro Parks and Rec has about 1,000 on hand.
Streetsboro’s Shaffer Branding Co. will also be selling “Total Eclipse in the Park” souvenir T-shirts that will feature a retro rocket with bright, space-themed colors of the sun, moon and Earth. The cost starts at $27. The shirts will be available through March 18 at this website: https://official-total-eclipse-in-the-park-souvenir-t-shirt.cheddarup.com
Purchasers will be notified when the shirts will be available for pick up at the Streetsboro parks and recreation office at 8970 Kirby Lane.
Because northeastern Ohio is in the path of totality, city and emergency management agency officials anticipate a massive influx of visitors to call Portage County home for a day or so. Streetsboro has the most hotels anywhere in the county, so the city’s Visitors and Convention Bureau is gearing up.
Guests staying at one of Streetsboro’s many hotels will receive a free pair of eclipse glasses, courtesy of the VCB. The organization reports that the hotels are already filling up, so planning ahead is recommended.
Wendy DiAlesandro is a former Record Publishing Co. reporter and contributing writer for The Portager.