By:Jerry Burke
For weeks, Long Island has been in the grip of sub-freezing temperatures. Meteorologists are predicting that this may be the Northeast's coldest winter in a generation. There seems to be no end in sight for this bone-chilling blight.
But, of course, none of this scientific mumbo-jumbo can compare with the meteorological accuracy of an oversized rodent coming out of a tree stump and possibly seeing his shadow.
Once again, Long Island's most distinguished marmot will either confirm or contest the scientific community's findings this Groundhog Day as the Herald Community Newspapers presents the Ninth Annual Malverne Mel Celebration.
The fun begins at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, February 2, at the gazebo in Reese Park, Malverne, near the junction of Hempstead Avenue and Church Street. This yearly event traditionally attracts hundreds of curious spectators, and although this year's holiday falls at the beginning of the work week, there's sure to be plenty of activity in the Village of Malverne.
Since 1996, Malverne Mel has carried on the American tradition that began in 1886 by fellow prognosticator Punxsutawney Phil. Groundhog Day is a popular tradition in the United States, a legend that traverses centuries. Its origins are clouded in the mists of time with ethnic cultures and animals awakening on specific dates.
Traditionally, Feb. 2 is the day that the groundhog comes out of his hole after a long winter sleep to look for his shadow. If he sees it, he regards it as an omen of six more weeks of bad weather and returns to his hole. If the day is cloudy and, hence, shadowless, he takes it as a sign of spring and stays above ground.
The groundhog tradition stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christians in Europe. For centuries, the custom was to have the clergy bless candles and distribute them to the people. The event marked a milestone in the winter and the weather that day was vital to crop planting.
During the conquest of the northern country, the Roman legions supposedly brought this tradition to the Teutons, or Germans, who picked it up and concluded that if the sun made an appearance on Candlemas Day, a hibernating ground-dweller, the hedgehog, would cast a shadow, thus predicting six more weeks of bad weather, which they interpolated as the length of the "Second Winter."
Germans comprised many of Pennsylvania's earliest settlers and they found groundhogs to be plentiful in many parts of the state. They determined that the groundhog, resembling the European hedgehog, was a most intelligent and sensible animal. They therefore decided that if the sun did appear on Feb. 2, an animal as wise as the groundhog would see its shadow and hurry back into its underground home for another six weeks of winter.
Malverne Mel boosts an impressive track record unrivaled by other forecasting ground-dwellers across the country. Until 2001, Mel accurately predicted future climates with each attempt. But that year, Mel boldly disagreed with many of his brethren, telling the world that spring would, in fact, come early. A few weeks later, Long Island received some nasty winter weather, leaving a blemish on Mel's otherwise perfect record.
But during the last two years, Mel has fully redeemed himself. He returned to the top of the psychic marmot heap with the love and support of his now-wife, Malverne Melissa, predicting that winter would march on into March both years since his lone misfire. Only a few weeks after last year's divination, the metropolitan area was bombarded with two feet of snow on President's Day. Mel was once again vindicated.
So, what does 2004 hold in store? Only Mel knows, and he isn't telling until Feb. 2.
For the third year, the Malverne Mel celebration will be sponsored by Richner Communications, publisher of the Herald Community Newspapers. Village of Malverne Mayor Anthony Panzarella, a fluent speaker of "groundhogese," will join other Village Trustees as event dignitaries.
Reese Park is a two-minute drive from Southern State Parkway Exit 17 S. Proceed on Hempstead Avenue and turn left immediately after crossing the train tracks. The park is adjacent to Malverne's Long Island Railroad Station at the corner of Hempstead Avenue and Church Street.
For more information on the 2004 Malverne Mel Celebration or how your business or organization can get in on the fun, call Rhonda Glickman at 569-4000 ext. 250.
