To the Editor,

So Ground Hog Day has passed. Six more weeks of this lovely weather. Now I came up with this idea that I to go talk to Phil. Yes, the groundhog that sees his shadow every year. As I set off on my journey, my wife says I am crazy. I nodded my head, and obliged to her accusations.

As she proceeded to go shopping with her sisters, I headed off to my journey. Being that it was a Saturday morning, I knew traffic would be light.

Pennsylvania Avenue, Route 22, the Parkway…which we all love. Onward to find Pennsylvania Route 219 North. North to Indiana. Once I arrived in the town of Indiana, I followed the signs to Punxsutawney. Ah, just a few minutes away, and I’ll find this little town of 1000 residents. Oh I forgot to mention I texted Phil on where I could find him. He replied there is a tavern that has good food in town. The name of this eatery was Pats Place.

As I arrived and walked through the doors of this establishment, there was this huge bar in front of me. Three female bartenders greeted me, and they all looked and sounded like the TV characters they resembled: Daisy Duke, Jennifer Marlow, and Amy Faller.

As I told them I was looking for Phil, Daisy directed me to Phil in the dining area. As I walked into the dining area. A toy train ran overhead through the dining area. Before I could say anything, Phil said hi, and motioned me over to his table.

After our social greetings we began to talk about the Ground Hog week. “It’s a big celebration here,” Phil said. I asked him then: “Why is it so big”? Phil responded: “There’s parades, chili cookoffs, pie eating contests, card games, flea markets, and a ton of other fun stuff. And being that’s all inside at the high schools gym, it’s a pretty good turnout.”

So I asked Phil: “So how did you become the Ground Hog of this town”? And he replied:” Well, Kevin, this Ground Hog theory goes back three to four generations ago.This area was and is farmland. Many of the vegetables that you see in your local supermarkets, are grown here.”

I then asked:” But where does the Ground Hog come into play?” “Well Kevin, the Ground Hog was sort of a good luck charm. After the first of the year when the farmers have their first plow of the growing season, a Ground Hog would appear. That was a sign of good luck. About this time, the Farmers Almanac was starting to be published. So in comparison, the Almanac and the Ground Hog, sort of went together. And to this very day, all the farmers here prosper from their great harvest of crops.”

“Wow, Phil.Simply wow!” ” I knew you would like that story Kevin. Ooh, I lost the track of time! Are you hungry?” I replied:” yes, Phil!” “Okay, todays special is beer battered fish, curly fries, and a large cherry Coke.” “Phil that’s sounds great! Count me in!” ” Oh Kevin. I forgot to mention that our three chefs are from the nearby chefs school.They do a great job. Now, let’s eat.”

“And one more thing, Kevin.” “What’s that, Phil”? ” There’s no scratching here”!

Kevin Neverly

Weirton