Residents of Edgemere Host Solar Eclipse Viewing Party

All eyes were on the sky for the total solar eclipse. The celestial event captivated the country as millions observed the natural phenomenon on Monday, August 21. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, thereby totally or partly obscuring the sun when viewing it from Earth. As the light of day faded briefly from view, Edgemere, a premier senior living community in Dallas, hosted a “Solar Eclipse Viewing Party” to commemorate the event. For Glendora Trescher, who goes by Dodie, this event is one she did not want her neighbors and friends to miss. The senior living community began planning for the event after Trescher recommended that everyone should have the opportunity to view the eclipse and join in on the fun with their own solar viewing boxes. Family members joined residents in the courtyard of The Plaza at Edgemere, the community’s health services neighborhood, as they celebrated this historic day.

“This was the first total solar eclipse in 99 years to be visible in its totality exclusively across the United States,” said Rachel Cabal, lifestyles coordinator of The Plaza at Edgemere. “In Dallas, we saw about 77 percent of the sun blocked out. Observing an eclipse like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and we were thrilled to host this event for residents in all levels of living, including independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing. It was extra special to share this moment together.”

Before the event, residents crafted their own eclipse viewing boxes. Residents learned more about the eclipse, as well as eye safety and the significance of the eclipse. Cabal says making their own viewing boxes created a stronger connection with the event itself. She hopes the experience will be one they’ll always remember.

“It was like we were all back in science class,” said Cabal. “The residents used a box to make a pinhole projector to safely watch the eclipse. As they made the device, we discussed the sequence of events around the eclipse and the significance of this project. We were all very excited about the eclipse, and thrilled to use our finished products.”