Malverne Mel makes annual Groundhog Day prediction

With the temperature in the mid-20s along with cloudy skies, Malverne’s annual Groundhog Day With Malverne Mel was a bit different from recent years. Usually, the village gathers at Chester A. Reese Veterans Memorial Park by the gazebo on Church Street to hear Malverne Mel’s prognostication on whether we’ll have an early spring or six more weeks of winter. Instead, about 100 residents filled the greenhouse at Crossroads Farm.
Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen and County Executive Laura Curran joined Malverne Mayor Patti Ann McDonald in this year’s celebration, donning top hats. When the clock hit 7 a.m., the village’s most celebrated rodent saw his shadow, which means that winter will be around a little longer. Most residents had hoped for an early spring, including the Gillen and Curran, but there were a few cheers from the spirited crowd.
Hot chocolate was provided by the Malverne Civic Association for residents to warm up for another six weeks of winter. After Malverne Mel made his prediction, the Banjo Rascals played “Winter Wonderland” to prep residents for the extended winter season.

–Nakeem Grant