Spring Fever

Since it’s now March and spring is officially less than a month away, you may have a case of spring fever. Spring fever is a very real sensation which causes physical and psychological symptoms.

Arising from mid-March to mid-April in the northern hemisphere, the symptoms of spring fever may be more or less distinct based on the person. The most common symptoms include sensitivity to changes in the weather, faintness, irritability, headaches, and lack of drive.

The causes of spring fever are not yet fully known, however, hormone balance may be a contributor. One premise suggests that the body’s reserves of serotonin (the “happiness hormone”), which is produced by sunlight, become drained throughout the winter which causes melatonin (the “sleep hormone) to take more effect. In the spring when the days start to get longer, the body readapts its hormone levels which releases more endorphin, testosterone, and estrogen. The feeling of tiredness is caused by the strain this puts on the body. Food may also be a contributor. People usually consume more calories, fat, and carbohydrates in the winter, whereas the body needs more vitamins and proteins during the hormone adjustment period.

No matter what the cause of spring fever, it’s no doubt everyone’s felt it at some point. Since this winter was especially hard, spring fever may be more strenuous this year. Let the thought of beautiful, warm, sunny weather get us through!

Paupack Plunge Check Presentation - PaupackPlunge.com

The fourth annual Paupack Plunge raised $6,500 for the Ledgedale Dive Team and the Tafton Water Rescue Team, bringing the four-year total to more than $16,500. Kevin Gil, General Manager at Lighthouse Harbor Marina, who hosted this charity event, presents a check to (L-R) Rich Groo, Dive Captain Tafton; Rich Groo III, Tafton Dive Team Member, Rich Pontosky, Ledgedale Lieutenant; and Joe Sledzinski, Ledgedale Dive Captain.

The money will be shared by the two dive teams. Participants in the Paupack Plunge paid $25 each to jump into Lake Wallenpaupack from the marina's boat launch on Valentines Day. (Photo by Alex Zidock)

Spring Equinox - First Day of Spring

The first day of spring this year will be March 20 at 6:45pm EDT. Also called the vernal equinox, the spring equinox indicates the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.

The word equinox is derived from the Latin words meaning “equal night”. This suggests that during the equinox there are exactly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. While there is a time each spring when daylight and darkness hours are equal, it usually happens before the spring equinox.

While the spring equinox is the start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, it also is the first day of autumn in the Southern Hemisphere. In turn, the autumnal equinox in the north (in September) is the first day of spring south of the equator.

The only times the sun passes directly overhead is during the spring or autumnal equinox directly on the equator. These two equinoxes are also the only time the sun rises due east and sets due west. At this time, the Earth's axis points neither at, nor away from the Sun.

With spring comes the revival of vegetation and wildlife, the reappearance of birds, insects, and worms, longer daylight hours, and increased warmth.

It seems as if winter goes on forever, but spring is only one month away!

S&B Tree, LLC. Sponsors the Paupack Plunge!

Wally and the folks at the Paupack Plunge would like to thank S&B Tree, L.L.C. for their donation to our charity polar plunge style event held on February 14th, 2015.

"S&B Tree, L.L.C. in Lakeville, Pennsylvania, offers prompt and reliable tree maintenance services when you need it most. We have developed a strong reputation in Northeast Pennsylvania because we show up when we say we will and finish the job in a timely manner for the same cost we quoted in the beginning.

Our customers choose us because we are there to please them. We take great pride in what we do and enjoy all the different aspects the job brings to us. From large tree removal to utility line trimming, there is truly nothing we cannot do."

S&B Tree, L.L.C. offers tree trimming and removal services to the Pocono Mountains and surrounding areas.  Contact them at www.sandbtreellc.com or (844) 921-5835.

A special thank you to Bryan Ploransky.  Wally and the local dive teams appreciate the donation and all your help during the plunge.

The 2015 Paupack Plunge Charity Event - PaupackPlunge.com

Time is ticking down to the 4th annual Paupack Plunge Charity Event which will be held this Saturday, February 14, 2015 at Lighthouse Harbor Marina. All proceeds donated go to the Tafton and Ledgedale Dive/Rescue Teams. Plungers donate $25/ea to plunge into the icy waters of Lake Wallenpaupack. The safety of the plungers is the number one concern so the dive and rescue teams are present to assist during the event.

How you can support the Paupack Plunge:

1. Plunge - With a $25 donation you can plunge into the lake in support of the local dive/rescue teams
2. Sponsor a Plunger - If you don't want to plunge yourself, you can donate of behalf of someone who is plunging. The plungers with the most money raised through sponsors win prizes!
3. Corporate Sponsor - Businesses donate on the Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels
4. Individual Donation - You can donate directly to the Paupack Plunge as an individual

• All plungers need a signed consent form handed in on the day of the plunge.
• Plungers receive a FREE t-shirt and towel.
• Hot drinks, water, and refreshments will be provided the day of the plunge for everyone.

If you're looking for something different and memorable to do with your significant other for Valentine's Day, or if participating in a polar plunge is on your bucket list, or if you just want to support your local charities, you don't want to miss the Paupack Plunge.

We're freezin' for a reason!

Visit PaupackPlunge.com to sign up, donate, print consent forms, or get more information!