Recent News from the Weather Center

Officials, supporters celebrate Weather Center

Tuesday, February 6, 2007

By Tom Chapin Of The Spirit

PUNXSUTAWNEY - With the first induction into its National Meteorologist Hall of Fame under its belt, board members and supporters of the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center paused to celebrate its progress thus far Friday. Bill Cooper, president of the Groundhog Club Inner Circle, said there are two sides of weather, the art and the science.

"People on my side are more fun, the artists," he said.

Cooper said looking at the art and science of weather are like looking at a globe and a street map: Both tell you where you are, but the street map tells you in greater detail.

For Punxsutawney Phil, weather is neither mathematics nor high and low temperatures. It's an emotion, but it has its place, and it's not among the tools used to plan a trip or a financial decision.

"I have never gone to Gobbler's Knob to seek out Phil to plan if it's safe to travel," Cooper said.

The art and science of weather have a symbiotic relationship, he said, with no competition and no duplication.

"There are two ends of the spectrum of meteorology," Cooper said. "We're here today to share the stage."

U.S. Rep. John Peterson said the Weather Discovery Center project is "exceptional," and that its supporters have put more "sweat equity" - climbing ladders, installing displays, raising funds - into it than many other projects in other locations.

Peterson acknowledged that he has helped along the, including his work on the former U.S. Post Office's placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

But those who receive the help must run with it.

"You have taken a little bit of help and taken it a long way," Peterson said.

Former Punxsutawney mayor and center treasurer John Hallman said the vision for the center has dated back about 20 years.

With the building secured in 2001, supporters have been able to act upon their goals of preserving and highlighting "a bit of Americana by restoring and making functional this magnificent building, transforming it into an interactive science center focused on exploring technology and folklore of predicting weather," Hallman said.

The center's goal is to present weather science in a pleasant, enjoyable and easy-to-understand manner; to educate the public about weather using folklore, history, science and technology; and to enhance Punxsutawney's claim as the Weather Capital of the World by providing a valuable, informative center for weather education and technology.

Also Friday, Dr. Joseph Kernich said that while some people may argue that Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil and weather folklore are just for kids, the center has welcomed numerous groups of adults who enjoyed touring the center.

Tour educator Amanda Hornack said she always tries to find ways to make the tours fun and educational. Letters she receives from students who enjoyed their visit confirm that Hornack's is doing just that.

"Those are the things that keep me going," she said.

Also, board member Jack Lingenfelter said adults, such as veterans from the Butler VA Medical Center last weekend, also enjoy the center.

"It's great for kids, but it's also great for other people," he said.

House Minority Leader Sam Smith said the center's success thus far is what community is all about.

"Anything can be accomplished in the world, but only when it's done working as a team with vision and persistence," he said.