Published February 07. 2025 08:03AM
By LOU WHEELAND
Special to The Press
Temperatures in the mid 20s didn’t prevent visitors from joining Haaptmann (President of Grundsau Lodsch 16) David Adam, to watch Groundhogs Jahde and Lee float down the Jordan Creek at Wehr’s Dam Park, South Whitehall Township, on Feb. 2.
All were there to hear if Grundsau Lee would predict an early or late arriving spring in the northern hemisphere.
As it turned out, Lee predicted an early spring because he didn’t see his shadow.
This, however, disagreed with the prognostication of that other Pennsylvania Groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil.
As Lee is the Lehigh Valley representative to the Groundhog fraternity, the belief is this area will indeed be blessed with an early spring.
In addition to the annual prediction, a new Grundsau was introduced this year.
“Freddie” was overseeing the creation of newly added “pop-up” groundhog gifts for children of all ages.
A pop-up groundhog is picture of a groundhog on a Popsicle stick inside a paper cup.
A few dogs brought their humans along, as well this year, including first time visitors 2-year-old Leon, a Great Dane, owned by Kim and Don Cole of North Whitehall.
Grundsau Lodsch 16 (Groundhog Lodge 16) members Chris Wartzenluft and Helmut Wicker saw to the safe crossing of Grundsau Jahde and his nephew, Lee, on Groundhog Day, Feb. 2. Their crossing was made easier due to a frozen Jordan Creek in South Whitehall.
Haaptmann (President, Grundsau Lodsch 16) David Adam was master of ceremonies at the Groundhog Day celebration.
PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELANDHaaptmann David Adam listens as Grundsau Lee reveals he did not see his shadow, thereby predicting an early spring for the Lehigh Valley.
Haaptmann David Adam listened to Grundsau Lee predict an early Lehigh Valley spring as his uncle, Jahde, stood by during the annual Groundhog Day weather prediction program at Wehr’s Dam.
Grundsau Lodsch 16 Raatsmann (board member) Karl Haas shows the new pop-up groundhog gifts for children at the Groundhog Day program.
Ivy Maletsky, 6, of North Whitehall, shows her pop-up groundhog at the annual Groundhog Day weather prediction program.
First time visitors to the Groundhog Day celebration at Wehr’s Dam were Kim and Don Cole of North Whitehall and their 2-year-old Great Dane, Leon.PRESS PHOTOS BY LOU WHEELAND
Brinley Garger, 9, and brother Brenton, 11, visit with “Freddie,” the newest member of Grundsau Lodsch 16 during the Groundhog Day celebration. Their father is Greenawalds Fire Chief Andrew Garger.
Haaptmann David Adam, holding Grundsau Lee and Raatsmann Chris Wartzenluft take a break after the Groundhog Day weather prediction program at Wehr’s Dam, South Whitehall. Grundsau Jahde stands between the two.
