Pictured left to right are master of ceremonies Wayne Carrington, “Holtsville Hal’s” handler and
 Ecology Center volunteer Greg Drossel and Town Highway Superintendent John Rouse.

Farmingville, NY – On Thursday, February 2, at 7:15 a.m., “Holtsville Hal” emerged from his burrow and did not see his shadow, predicting an early spring for the Town of Brookhaven. This bodes well for the Town after experiencing near record snowfalls last winter. More than 100 people attended the annual Ground Hog Day celebration at the Town’s Holtsville Ecology Center.

Brookhaven Town Highway Superintendent John Rouse, who read a proclamation declaring an early spring, was pleased with “Holtsville Hal’s” prognostication and said, “After the winter we had last year, I couldn’t be happier to get this great news from Holtsville Hal. It’s going to be summer all year round in Brookhaven Town.”

Supervisor Mark Lesko said, “So far it’s been a mild winter and to think we will have an early spring is very good news. My hope is that Holtsville Hal’s prediction remains true for the rest of the winter so we can keep our plows off the streets for as long as possible.”

Holtsville Hal is one of the many animals that live year-round at the Holtsville Wildlife and Ecology Center. The center is open all year-round and includes a wildlife preserve, greenhouses, gardens, jogging and exercise trails, three swimming pools, picnic and play area. Admission is free and guided tours are available Monday through Thursday for school groups, scout troops, camps and other organizations. For more information, go to www.brookhaven.org or call 631-758-9664.

Division of Public Information * Office of the Supervisor
One Independence Hill • Farmingville • NY 11738 • Phone (631) 451-6595 • Fax (631) 451-6258