Today, everyone at Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs celebrates one of the most hallowed traditions in the Western World: Groundhog’s Day. The groundhog – marmot monax – is a hibernating mammal and ancient tradition holds that such drowsy creatures can serve as nature’s most accurate prognosticator. For hundreds of years, the miniscule mammals have used a simple ruse to forecast the duration of this year’s winter. If Punxsutawney Phil (our local groundhog) sees his shadow, we will have six more weeks of winter. If he does not, we will have an early spring (roughly 5 6/7 additional weeks of winter). Proponents of today’s festivities rate Punxsutawney Phil’s accuracy at well over 90%. I don’t think many meteorologists can boast those numbers. (Sorry, Al Roker.)
Today’s a day on which we must pay homage to all those great mammals that helped us through a bitter winter. I tip my hat to you, Punxsutawney Phil, General Beauregard Lee, Staten Island Chuck and Wiarton Willie. You never let us forget that, no matter how cold it gets, Spring and Summer are just around the corner. Also, you never let me forget my sister’s birthday, which, unfortunately, falls beneath the long shadow cast by your predictions. So, I predict for her a happy birthday and – for the rest of us – an amazing spring.
Happy Groundhog’s Day from everyone at Julian Krinsky Camps & Programs.
