Malverne Mel set to give annual forecast

Just after dawn on Feb. 2, hundreds of South Shore residents will gather at Reese Park in Malverne to watch as the village’s celebrity groundhog, Malverne Mel, makes his annual meteorological prognostication.

For the 15th consecutive year, the little critter — with the help of his caretaker, Baldwin resident Andre Ricaud — will determine for Long Islanders whether winter weather will stick around for another six weeks or if springtime is near.

“Malverne Mel and Groundhog Day festivities have been a [long-standing] tradition in Malverne,” said Peter Robideau, president of the Malverne Civic Association. “I remember hearing about Malverne Mel many years ago, before choosing Malverne as my home. At that time I thought, ‘Wow, Long Island has [its] very own groundhog right here in Malverne.’”

This year marks the second since the village took over sponsorship of the annual celebration, which had previously been sponsored by the Herald Community Newspapers.

“There was a core group of people who worked with the mayor to bring it back and it has fostered such a great sense of community for the village and its residents,” said Robert Powers, president of the Malverne Historical Society.

Last year, some 200 people braved the biting cold to join Malverne Mayor Patricia McDonald as she translated Mel’s prognostication: many playfully jeered when she announced his prediction of six more weeks of winter. Malverne Mel’s prediction had been in sync with those of Holtsville Hal, who represents Suffolk County, and Punxsutawney Phil of Pennsylvania, the country’s most celebrated groundhog.

“We’re excited,” McDonald said. “It’s something that the residents like, the kids like. The civic association has really stepped up to make it great.”