“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.” — Helen Keller

This morning, at approximately sunrise on the morning of February 2, 2026, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a crowd gathered on Gobbler’s Knob as the groundhog known as Punxsutawney Phil emerged from his burrow. Shortly after dawn, with the sun low in the sky, he saw his shadow—a traditional sign that WINTER WILL CONTINUE FOR 6 MORE WEEKS…...

This annual ritual is a uniquely American folk tradition with roots that stretch back to the late 19th century. German-American settlers in Pennsylvania brought an old weather-prediction custom from Europe, interpreting the emerging animal’s reaction to its shadow as a clue to the coming season. In 1887, local members of what became the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club formalized the practice at Gobbler’s Knob, naming their prognosticating mascot “Punxsutawney Phil.” Since then, every February 2 has drawn thousands to witness his forecast—whether it be more winter or an early spring.

Here in Georgia, we’ve just experienced some of the coldest nights of the season. It’s the kind of weather that makes you think twice about going outside without an extra layer, and it’s no surprise that news of Phil seeing his shadow feels familiar. But while the notion of “six more weeks of winter” might sound like a complaint to some, I see it as something else entirely: To serve those in need! Rotary has always taught us that how we approach a situation often matters more than the situation itself. We choose service when others see struggle; we choose action where others see only adversity.

As we all know, this week leads up to Super Bowl Sunday! One of the biggest nights of sports. It reminds me of a story I heard about Alex Smith, NFL QB and how he was faced with what looked like the darkest of winter of his life and turned it into a blessing. In November 2018, Alex Smith, then the starting quarterback for Washington, suffered one of the most devastating injuries in NFL history. On a routine play, his right leg snapped—he broke two bones. He faced multiple surgeries, a life-threatening infection, and months in a wheelchair, unsure if he would ever walk again—let alone play football. For most athletes, that would have been the end of the story.

Instead, Smith entered what he later described as the hardest season of his life—not just physically, but mentally. He spent nearly two years rehabbing, learning to walk again, and rebuilding strength. While he couldn’t play, he stayed with the team—mentoring younger quarterbacks, helping break down film, and becoming a steady presence in the locker room. What looked like a long and harsh winter of his life turned into a new role. In 2020, against overwhelming odds, Smith returned to the field and won NFL Comeback Player of the Year. But many teammates said his greatest impact wasn’t in the games he played—it was in the way he led during the time he couldn’t play.

So if winter does indeed linger, let it be another reason to serve.

There’s warmth in a meal shared with a neighbor, helping a less fortunate family with their heating bill, and hope in showing up where others might shrink back. Spring will come in its time—but the service we give today creates the kind of spring that lasts all year long.

Here’s to staying warm in heart, strong in purpose, and steadfast in our commitment to Service Above Self.

Sic Vos Non Vobis,

Trummie Lee Patrick III