NIAGARA, Wis. — A month ago, Punxsutawney Phil, America’s famous rodent meteorologist, emerged from his burrow in Gobbler’s Knob to predict when we can expect the arrival of spring. Each year since Feb. 2, 1887, Americans wait to hear his pronouncement. As I am sure you have all heard by now, Phil saw his shadow, became frightened, and scurried back into the warmth of his home to complete his hibernation. Thus, he has predicted another six long weeks of winter weather for our nation. Had he not seen his shadow, spring would be right around the corner.

We all know this is no real way to predict weather. And we can appreciate this custom for what it is: an entertaining distraction in the middle of a long, cold winter as well as a tourist destination in Pennsylvania if we care to witness the event in person. But how in the world did such a silly custom get started in the first place? And why, of all animals, a groundhog? As usual, the website history.com gave me the answers I share with you today.

Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on Feb. 2 and is an unusual holiday that stretches back hundreds of years to ancient Celtic times. The holiday is actually rooted in astronomy and the movement of the earth around the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, this date marks the midpoint between the winter solstice in December and the vernal equinox in March. In fact, the holiday stems from an ancient Celtic celebration called Imbolc. It also has a connection to the ancient Christian tradition of Candlemas when clergy would bless and distribute candles needed for winter. The candles represented how long and cold the winter would be. Germans expanded on this concept by selecting an animal — the hedgehog — as a means of predicting weather. German settlers in Pennsylvania continued the tradition, although they switched from hedgehogs to groundhogs, which were more plentiful in their new home.

Groundhogs, also called woodchucks and whose scientific name is Marmota monax, typically weigh between 12 and 15 pounds and generally live six to eight years. They eat fruits and vegetables, can climb trees and swim, and whistle when they are frightened or looking for a mate. For this reason, they are sometimes known as whistle pigs. They go into hibernation in late autumn. During this time, their body temperatures drop significantly, their heartbeats slow from 80 to five beats per minute, and they can lose 30% of their body fat. In February, male groundhogs emerge from their burrows to look for a mate before going underground again and emerging for good in March. This activity has absolutely nothing to do with weather prediction and everything to do with procreation.

In 1887, a newspaper editor belonging to a group of groundhog hunters from Punxsutawney — called the “Punxsutawney Groundhog Club” — declared that Phil, the Punxsutawney groundhog, was America’s only true weather-forecasting groundhog. The line of groundhogs that have since been known as Phil is certainly the most famous of weather predicting rodents, but there are others across North America. Birmingham Bill, Staten Island Chuck, and Shubenacadie Sam in Canada are but a few of these rodent celebrities. And in 1993, the movie “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray, gave a new meaning to the term. The movie popularized the usage of the phrase “Groundhog Day” to mean something that is repeated over and over.

Today, tens of thousands of people converge on Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney each Feb. 2 to witness Phil’s prediction. The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club hosts a three-day celebration featuring entertainment and activities in which everyone can participate. As the local folks of Punxsutawney say, “It’s a day to take everything a little less seriously and break up the winter monotony… at least for a little while.”

In case you missed the announcement… this year, Phil, that weather prognosticator extraordinaire, emerged from his burrow with a little help from his handlers. He took one look around and spotted the villain — his shadow! So, according to legend, “no matter how you measure, it’s six more weeks of winter weather.” Now we know not to rush to start planting any crops because Phil has predicted that snow and frost will continue well into spring.

But this year’s story does not end with Phil’s prediction in America. Our neighbors to the north in Val-d’Espoir, Quebec were the recipients of much worse news. Event organizer Roberto Blondin had to deliver the news of the rodent’s demise to the Canadian public who had patiently awaited the arrival of Fred, their weather-predicting groundhog. For the past nine years, Fred had been predicting the arrival of spring to the people of Quebec at their observance, la Jour de Fred, or Fred’s Day. This year, however, it was assumed that Fred had passed away late in his hibernation when he was found dead in his burrow. Blondin announced to the awaiting public: “In life, the only thing that’s certain is that nothing is certain. Well, this year it’s true. It’s sadly true. I announce to you that Fred is dead.”

We here in America extend our sympathies to the people of Quebec, along with our hopes that a suitable stand-in for Fred is found soon. We further hope that this is simply the unfortunate luck of one loyal Canadian groundhog … and not Mother Nature’s warning of dire weather ahead for us all.

——

NURSING HOMES/SENIOR LIVING FACILITIES

Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Community

Kingsford

906-774-1530

Group activities are ongoing, and doors are unlocked for visits. They welcome anyone who would like to entertain residents.

Sunday: Church on TV, 10 a.m.; crossword, 1 p.m.; color a picture, 2 p.m.; TV – “NCIS” on ION, 6 p.m.

Monday: Rosary in the dining room, 10 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; reminisce, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Mover/shakers group, 10 a.m.; card games, 10:30 a.m.; music and milk shakes, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: Exercise, 10 a.m.; devotions, 10:15 a.m.; game choice, 10:30 a.m.; arts and crafts, 2 p.m.

Thursday: Mover/ shakers group, 10 a.m.; card games, 10:30 a.m.; popcorn and bingo, 2 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass with Fr. Joe, 10 a.m.; mover/ shakers group, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Color by number, 10 a.m.; word search, 2 p.m.; “Undercover Boss,” on CNBC, 3 p.m.

Iron County Medical Care Facility

Crystal Falls

906-874-1501

Sunday: Room visits, 9 a.m.; trivia, 10 a.m.; chair exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; bingorama, 2 p.m.

Monday: Crafts, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; sunshine club, 2:30 p.m.; jokes and cocoa, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: Just friends, 9 a.m.; book club, 10 a.m.; travel film, 1:30 p.m.; penny ante, 2 p.m.; action movie, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Coffee social/Animal Kingdom,10 a.m.; Sagola senior center, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1 p.m.; Christ United, 2 p.m.; current events, 2:30 p.m.; night bingo, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Puzzler, 9:30 a.m.; bowling, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1 p.m.; wildlife film, 1:30 p.m.; happy hour with music, 2 p.m.

Friday: Crafts, 9:15 to 10:30 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; room visits, 1p.m.; pass the prize, 2 p.m.; mystery movie, 6 p.m.

Saturday: “Price Is Right”/high rollers, 10 a.m.; geri-gym, 11 a.m.; room visits, 12:30 p.m.; social hour, 2 p.m.; classic movie, 6 p.m.

Optalis Healthcare

(formerly ProMedica)

Kingsford

906-774-4805

The center is now open for visitation. Visitors no longer need to call in advance.

No information was available on activities.

Maryhill Manor Nursing Home

Niagara, Wis.

715-251-3172

Visitation is allowed as long as all infection control guidelines are followed, including wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing. Daily scheduled activities continue to be for residents only.

Sunday: Crafts, 10 a.m.; delivery of communion, 12:30 p.m.; rummage bingo, 2 p.m.

Monday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; baking, 10 a.m.; history of the Oreo cookies, 2 p.m.

Tuesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; prayer service, 9:30 a.m.; Bob Larson, 10:15 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Wednesday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Protestant service, 10 a.m.; tic tac trivia, 10 a.m.; pamper and polish, 2 p.m.; evening prayer, 5 p.m.

Thursday: Rosary/communion, 9 a.m.; Uno, 10 a.m.; joker-eno, 2 p.m.; Chaplet of Divine Mercy, 3 p.m.

Friday: Shut the box, 10 a.m.; happy hour, 2 p.m.

Saturday: Trivia and coffee, 10 a.m.; movie and popcorn, 2 p.m.

Florence Health Services

Florence, Wis.

715-528-4833

Visitation is allowed seven days a week in designated areas only. Each visit is limited to 30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. All visitors will be subject to health screening before entering the facility. There are no group activities at this time.

Victorian Pines

Iron Mountain

906-774-5158

Sunday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; Bible study, 1:30 p.m.

Monday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; crosswords, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Juice time, 10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; bingo, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Thursday: Communion with Deacon Don,10 a.m.; exercise, 11 a.m.; Lutheran Bible study 1 p.m.; “Wheel of Fortune,” 2 p.m.

Friday: Juice time, 10; exercise, 11 a.m.; birthday party, 1:30 p.m.; refreshments, 2:30 p.m.

Saturday: Juice time, 10 a.m.

Pinecrest Medical Care Facility

Powers

906-497-5244

Sunday: Phase 10, 10:30 a.m.; social circle, 2 p.m.

Monday: Spa treatments, 10:30 a.m.; movie, 2 p.m.; Yahtzee, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Tuesday: “Family Feud,” 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; Scattegories, 6 p.m.

Wednesday: Tea party, 10:30 a.m.; tea party, 2 p.m.; trivia, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Thursday: Bus ride, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 1:45 p.m.; cards, 3:30 p.m.; sensory, 6 p.m.

Friday: Catholic Mass, 10:30 a.m.; “Family Feud,” 2 p.m.; Kings’ Corners, 3:30 p.m.; one-to-one visits, 6 p.m.

Saturday: Pictionary, 10:30 a.m.; bingo, 2 p.m.

SENIOR CENTERS

Alpha-Mastodon Center

906-875-3315

Amasa Center

906-822-7284

This center remains open. Their new cook prepares meals on site.

Tuesday: Pork chop, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables and coleslaw.

Wednesday: Chicken dumpling soup and chef salad.

Thursday: French bread pizza, and broccoli salad.

Breen Center

Kingsford

906-774-5110

Open for dine-in eating Monday through Thursday, serving at noon. Friday and night meals are on hold indefinitely. Carryout meals are available. Soup and salad bar are also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Hamburger, potato wedges and chef choice vegetable.

Tuesday: Pulled pork, baked potato and baked beans.

Wednesday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and vegetable.

Thursday: Stew and garlic bread.

Note: All meals served with a choice of skim milk or juice and fruit.

Crystal Falls Center

Head Cook: Sterling Peryam

Assistant Cook: Bitsy Peryam

906-875-6709

The center is now open on Mondays and serving meals for dine-in or takeout — call the center by 1 p.m. to make reservations or place an order. All food is purchased from local vendors. All dinners include warm vegetables, salad bar, soup, homemade desserts, coffee, tea or milk. Salad bar begins at 4:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5 p.m. Pickup for takeout meals is 4 p.m. — call ahead and leave a message with phone number. A volunteer will deliver meals to homebound citizens only.

Home-delivered meal menu –

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, breadstick and winter-blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Potato and ham soup and ham slider.

Wednesday: Lemon pepper cod, cauliflower with cheese sauce and garlic biscuit.

Thursday: Chicken ranch bake, stuffing and green beans.

Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency

DICSA

Iron Mountain

906-774-2256, ext. 230 or 235.

This is a Meals on Wheels program only. Home-delivered meals only — call to make arrangements. Menu for the week —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, breadstick and winter-blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Potato and ham soup and ham slider.

Wednesday: Lemon pepper cod, cauliflower with cheese sauce and garlic biscuit.

Thursday: Chicken ranch bake, stuffing and green beans.

Friday: Egg salad sandwich, pasta salad and dessert treat.

Note: All meals include a choice of skim milk, juice, or no beverage.

For more information, call Christine McMahon at 906-774-2256.

Crystal Lake Center

Iron Mountain

906-828-1776

Schedule for the week:

Monday: Spinning Spools quilting, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Les Artistes’ art club, noon to 4 p.m.; woodcarvers, staring at 9 a.m.

Tuesday: Cards — Pinochle and cribbage, noon to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: Bingo, 1 to 3 p.m., cards cost 25 cents with 10 games played; Happy Quilters, 1 to 3 p.m.

Thursday: No activities at this time.

Friday: Cards — Smear, noon to 4 p.m.

Felch Center

906-246-3559

Open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and vegetables.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joe, baked beans and chips.

Wednesday: Pork roast, mashed potatoes and vegetables.

Note: All meals served with skim milk or juice.

Home-delivered meals —

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, breadstick and winter blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Potato and ham soup and ham slider.

Wednesday: Lemon pepper cod, cauliflower with cheese sauce and garlic biscuit.

Aging and Disability Resource Center of Florence County, Wis.

ADRC

715-528-4890

Director: Tiffany White

Menu for the week —

Monday: Goulash, green beans, breadsticks and fruit.

Tuesday: Sloppy Joes, western beans, sweet potato puffs and fruit.

Wednesday: Chicken stuffing bake, squash, broccoli salad, fruit and cookies.

Thursday: Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, candied carrots, fruit and birthday cake.

Friday: Garden quiche, dark green salad, breadstick and fruit.

Note: All meals served with whole grain bread, butter and milk.

Fence Center/Town Hall

715-336-2980

RSVP for meal at 855-528-2372

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on Wednesday only.

Florence Community Center/Town Hall

RSVP for meal at 715-528-4261

Same as ADRC menu. Open Monday through Thursday serving at 11:30 a.m.

Tipler Town Hall

RSVP for meals at 715-674-2320

Same as ADRC menu, served at noon on second Thursday only.

Hillcrest Senior Dining Center, Aurora

RSVP for meals at 715-589-4491

Same as ADRC menu. Now open, served at 11:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.

Hermansville Center

Coordinator: Barb Peters

906-498-7735

Center is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are served through the Menominee-Delta-Schoolcraft Community Action Agency in Escanaba. Meals-On-Wheels program is available for those who are homebound.

Monday: Mushroom Swiss burger with bun, oven potatoes, green beans and fruit.

Tuesday: Turkey broccoli casserole, peas and fruited Jell-O.

Wednesday: Barbecue ham balls, baked potato, country vegetables and applesauce.

Thursday: Beef and bean enchiladas with tomato, olives, and lettuce, Spanish rice, corn and fruit cup.

Friday: Fish filet, red potato, green beans and fruit cup.

Iron River Center

906-265-6134

Now open for dine-in eating, serving at 11 a.m. Salad bar available. No night meals. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Monday: Scalloped potatoes with ham, green beans and dinner roll.

Tuesday: Chicken noodle soup, egg salad sandwich and yogurt.

Wednesday: French bread pizza and pasta salad.

Thursday: Chicken Divan, carrots and dinner roll.

Niagara Senior Center/Café

715-251-1603

The center is open, and dinner is served at noon on Monday through Thursday. Reservations are required one day in advance. Suggested donation is $5 for those older than 60 and $7 for 60 and younger. Bingo played on most Wednesdays. Transportation is available.

Menu for the week —

Monday: Pork cutlet, sweet potatoes, green beans and applesauce.

Tuesday: Potato soup, egg salad sandwich and German chocolate cake.

Wednesday: Macaroni and cheese, hot dogs, baked beans and cookie.

Thursday: Egg bake, sausage links, hashbrown potatoes, muffin and juice.

Join the center for bingo on Wednesday this week.

Norway Center

Director: Joyce Olesky

Head Cook:  Brian Gutkowski. 

906-563-8716

Open for dine-in eating served restaurant style beginning at 11:15 a.m. Salad bar available from 10:30 to 11 a.m. Takeout meals will remain available for pick-up from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Let staff know if planning to dine in or pick up. Menu for the week —

Monday: Shepherd’s pie, biscuit and vegetable.

Tuesday: Cranberry chicken wrap, sweet potato fries and vegetable.

Wednesday: Meatballs, mashed potatoes with gravy and vegetable.

Thursday: Chicken parmesan over noodles, breadstick and vegetable.

All meals include milk, juice, fruit, bread and dessert.

Center activity schedule:

Mondays and Thursdays — Exercise at 10 a.m. and card bingo after the meal.

Monday through Thursday — Card game 101 from noon to 3 p.m. Call Joe at 906-563-5587 for information.

Tuesdays — Quilting and sewing.

Wednesdays — Ceramics and crocheting.

Second Thursday of each month — Birthdays and bingo.

Sagola Center

906-542-3273

Now open for dine-in eating — call for serving times. Carryout meals also available. Menu for the week —

Tuesday: Ham and scalloped potatoes and carrots.

Wednesday: Cheese ravioli, broccoli and dinner roll.

Thursday: Tuna melt sandwiches, chips and coleslaw.

All meals served with an option of milk, juice or no beverage.

Home-delivered meals

Monday: Spaghetti with meatballs, breadstick and winter blend vegetables.

Tuesday: Potato and ham soup and ham slider.

Wednesday: Lemon pepper cod, cauliflower with cheese sauce and garlic biscuit.