Batteries aren't included when Erika Weliczko is Making a Solar-Powered Toy Car. A renewable-energy expert, she says they're not needed. "It's a simple little kit of pieces and parts, and there's no drilling of holes or gluing and waiting an hour," she explains. "Enough with that baloney." Once the wooden auto is assembled, with a few twists of nuts and bolts, it's the size of an index card. And when the sun's rays shine on a small, blue center panel, pulleys of rubber bands fire up and make the back wheels turn. "It's not very technologically elegant, as far as having the capacity to run drag races on remote control or anything groovy like that," says Weliczko. "It's just putting together something that will run in the sun." Make your own toy car from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Boulevard. Materials are $50 for members, $60 for non-members; call 216-321-5935. -- Cris Glaser
Let's Get Metaphysical
SUN 2/27
On Sunday, artisans, rock-shop owners, and practitioners of the holistic arts will assemble for the third-annual North Coast Metaphysical Expo. "It's like a gathering of friends," says co-organizer Tajana Roehl of the eclectic crew of tarot, palm, and crystal readers. It happens 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Radisson, 35000 Curtis Boulevard in Eastlake. Admission is $2; call 216-935-3533. -- Lucy McKernan
Extreme Flowers
2/25-2/27
In addition to all the flora at the Akron Home & Flower Show, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition's Michael Moloney (pictured) and Constance Ramos will be there to show how shacks become showcases. It runs 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at the Knight Center, 77 East Main Street. Admission is $7; call 800-865-8859. -- Cris Glaser
