Groundhog Day 2020 #232

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February 2020 ◆ Issue #232 ◆ Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition ◆ 1

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This guide will provide you with the information you need as you make the trek to Gobbler’s Knob, participate in the events located Downtown, and find your way throughout our community. You can also visit the large information/celebration tent in the town square for assistance. The most important thing is to have FUN!

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Scan QR Code to see a map to event, business or website or simply type the address into Google or Waze for directions.

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Mon. thru Fri. 7 am to 5 pm Sat. 7 am to Noon

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2 ◆ Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition ◆ February 2020 ◆ Issue #232

HAVE A SAFE

& HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY! www.stacareers.com

PUNXSUTAWNEY Family IT’S ALL ABOUT THE NAME Dentistry O 938-8554 938-5800

By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine ur little hometown of Punxsutawney is well-known to folk around the world.

That is supported by the many stories by residents who have engaged people in conversations during their travels and visits away from home. There are other accounts, too, by family members, our siblings and children, who have replanted their “roots” to other locations in the world, but not their loyalty to their hometown and its peculiar name.

They share the experience that has become all too familiar to all of us: When the name of “Punxsutawney” is mentioned, the reply is usually, “Oh, I’ve heard of Punxsutawney.”

Most of the favorable reaction to hearing the word “Punxsutawney” is certainly because of the successful promotion - for over a century of the Groundhog Day ceremony from Gobbler’s Knob each February 2. Furthermore, who can deny the popularity of the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day” and its ability to give Punxsutawney worldwide name recognition.

The mere fact, too, is that “Punxsutawney” is an old and odd name “of Indian origin,” as stated briefly on the old historic Pennsylvania roadside markers once seen along Pennsylvania roads. (A few of them have been rescued from disposal and are displayed around Punxsutawney at various sites.)

That fact has created a curiosity among people since the name first appeared on a map or in other printed forms as Punxsutawney.

In the 1928 publication “Indian Villages and Place Names in Pennsylvania,” Dr. George Donehoo lists five spellings for the place Na-

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On the cover: Pictured in the bubbles from left to right are the following: Picture 1: Members of the Inner Circle, Secretary Tom Dunkel, “Shingle Shaker,” Jason Grusky, “Big Chill,” and Vice President Jeff Lundy, “Fair Weatherman,” look upon Phil’s weather proclamation. Picture 2: Jory Serrian, “Day Breaker,” and Co-Handler AJ Dereume, “Rainmaker,” proudly pose with Phil for a photo.Picture 3: Luke and Zach Roberts, sons of deceased Inner Circle member Bob Roberts, took an opportunity to promote warmer weather while honoring the memory of their father. Picture 4: Co-Handler John Griffiths hoists Punxsutawney Phil into the air as he makes an appearance for his cold-weather friends. Picture 5: Inner Circle member Butch Philliber, “Iceman,” appropriately promotes six more weeks of winter weather.

Groundhog Day Photos by:

Jessica Uptegraph and friends of Hometown magazine ‘Punxsutawney Hometown’ magazine © Copyright 2020 — All Rights Reserved.

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Providing Quality Monuments to the area for over thirty years.

314 N. Findley Street PUNXSUTAWNEY When settlers entered the Punxsutawney area in the early 1800s and established homes, residents of the village of Punxsutawney identified themselves with the history of the Native Americans and the unique name for the site along the Mahoning Creek. (photos

by S. Thomas Curry)

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www.rdbrownmemorials.com NEW HOURS: Monday thru Friday 9-4 or by appointment

tive-Americans considered a “ponki-town.”

His list included the following: Puncksotonay, (1775) in Marie LeRoy’s writings about her captivity as a young girl in 1772 by NativeAmericans; Ponks-utenink, (1772) in John Ettwein’s journal that narrated his travels through the area as a Moravian missionary; Ponks Uteney, (1820), by John Heckewelder, also a Moravian missionary. From his experiences with the Delaware tribe, Heckewelder wrote a book about American Indian customs and languages.

In 1843, Sherman Day published his Historical Collections of the State of Pennsylvania. In

We are the only Punxsutawney-owned media!

Publisher Mary L. Roberts Advertising Mary L. Roberts, Tracey Young Hometown Staff Writers Jennifer Skarbek, Editor S. Thomas Curry, Shirley Sharp, Gloria Kerr, Marty Armstrong

Art Director Melissa Salsgiver Graphic Artists Melissa Salsgiver Joanna Erzal All material submitted becomes the property of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine.

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Our business mailing address: 129 Aspen Rd., Punxsutawney, PA 15767 With our office located in: Railroad Building, Suite 100 North Penn St., Punxsutawney, PA 15767 Yearly Subscriptions: $37 — First Class Mail www.punxsutawneymagazine.com

The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s popular Historical Roadside Marker Program began in the 1920s to provide motorists a brief history of communities and provide information about the number of miles to the next town. The signs were commonly called “history on a stick” (snapshot from file of S. Thomas Curry).

over 700 pages he presented individual histories of all the Pennsylvania counties (as available in 1843) and their major towns. Four towns in Jefferson County were described. Included were Brookville, Brockwayville and Somerville (or Troy). In southern Jefferson County, he listed, “’PUNXATAWNY’ is a small village with 15 or 20 dwellings, on a branch of Mahoning cr., {Creek] about 18 miles southeast from Brookville.”

When the village of Punxsutawney was incor- Continued on page 10

February 2020 ◆ Issue #232 ◆ Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition ◆ 3

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times as the Knob Bus. GHC Contact information: director@ghogclub.com or 814-618-5591.

There is a platform available at the Knob for handicap use.

P&N Coal

Ticket Prices and Ticket Booths Ticket Booths for the Knob buses will open at 2 a.m.Ticket prices for the buses to the Knob are $5 per person, 12 years of age and under ride for free. There will be two ticket booths at McDonald’s, two ticket booths at Punxsy Plaza, and two ticket booths at Walmart. The last bus to the Knob will be at 6:30 a.m.; at that point, there will not be any more buses going to the Knob.

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Bundle Up! Bundle up and dress warmly! Ensure that you enjoy your greatly anticipated visit to Gobbler’s Knob on Groundhog Day by properly dressing for inclement weather. Remember: It is the middle of winter, in the middle of the night, in the middle of the woods. Dress appropriately!

Know the local weather forecast before getting Phil’s forecast.Wear boots – rubber boots if you have them.The Knob can get icy, muddy, and slick. Also, a warm hat and toasty mittens are a must. Hand warmers are a plus!

It is recommended that small children are not brought to the Knob. Also, the event at the Knob is a standingroom-only event – there is no room for chairs.

A large bonfire will burn continually at the Knob. However, no other provisions for inclement weather or shelter are available, so please come prepared.

Trekking to the Knob The brave and stout of heart can hike to Gobbler’s Knob. The walk along Woodland Avenue is approximately 1.5 miles, but it’s uphill the entire way. The jaunt is strenuous, especially in inclement weather. Many, however, have found that trekking to the Knob – weather permitting, of course – a great way to avoid the wait for the buses.

Those who are making the trek on foot are invited to park at Brackman Chevrolet Buick Walkers Lot. The address is 600 E. Mahoning St. This lot is 1.3 miles from Gobbler’s Knob. ** This is not a busing location. **

Taking the Bus to the Knob Although visitors can walk the mile and a half from Barclay Square to Gobbler’s Knob, they can also choose to take a “Knob bus.” Buses to Gobbler’s Knob will run from 3 a.m. through 6:30 a.m. from the following locations: • McDonald’s, 102 N. Findley St., Downtown Punxsutawney.

• Punxsy Plaza, 545 West Mahoning St., Punxsutawney There is parking available in the Punxsy Plaza lot. This is the suggested parking lot for charter buses.

• Walmart, 21920 Route 119, Punxsutawney. There is parking available in the Walmart lot.

One-Way Traffic

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One-way traffic to Gobbler’s Knob starts at 3 a.m., beginning near Walmart. The one-way route, however, will not take you to Gobbler’s Knob – you cannot drive to the Knob! Traffic will be redirected back to town unless you have the appropriate handicapped placards.

700 Martha Street Punxsutawney

938-7411

Handicapped Access and Buses - Important!

WE LOVE PHIL! 700 Martha St. Punxsutawney

Goin’ to the Knob When Punxsutawney Phil greets his faithful from atop his famous knob on February 2, thousands of people – many of whom have shivered through the night – hold high hopes that he will not see his shadow. If your plans include being among the many who await Phil’s “shadowy” prognostication in person, you ought to do a bit of homework.

Advance planning is essential for ensuring an enjoyable morning on Gobbler’s Knob, so here is our “Groundhog Day Survival Guide,” containing a few helpful tips!

Festivities celebrating the annual trek to Gobbler’s Knob for Phil’s prognostication begin in the early morning hours. The morning’s events include live entertainment, music, fireworks, and fun with the Groundhog Club Inner Circle prior to Phil’s emergence from his stump at approximately 7:25 a.m. The Knob is located at 1548 Woodland Avenue Extension.

The party at the Knob, however, starts at 3 a.m. Plan to be there early! Admission to the Knob is free.

28 United Rd. DuBois, PA

There are a limited number of handicapped parking passes available for Gobbler’s Knob. For a pass contact the GHC. Additional parking is available at the Punxsy Plaza parking lot. We will have a handicapped accessible bus available for transportation. It will run the same route and

No Backpacks or Bags Security is tight at Gobbler’s Knob. Leave your backpacks, bags, and so on at home. No alcohol or weapons of any kind are permitted. Pennsylvania State Troopers will be present, searching bags and providing security.

After the Prognostication After Phil makes his prognostication, it’s time to board buses for the ride downtown or to the respective parking areas. Be patient! Thousands of people will want to board the buses.Visit with Phil and Groundhog Club Inner Circle members before joining the crowd boarding the buses.

If weather permits, walking downtown via Woodland Avenue after the ceremony can be fun and stimulating.

After the prognostication, the buses from the Knob will transport visitors back downtown. You can choose to get off the bus downtown to eat, to visit events, or to return to your car. Or you can stay on the bus to go back to Walmart. Visitors who parked at Punxsy Plaza will remain on the bus to take them back to that lot.

If you stay downtown to eat or visit, shuttle buses will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will run a loop from McDonald’s to Punxsy Plaza to Walmart every fifteen minutes or so. The shuttle buses will pick up folks in front of McDonald’s.

Breakfast, Souvenirs, and Festivities For many, warming up over breakfast at one of the many Punxsutawney restaurants, clubs or social halls is first on the agenda following Phil’s prognostication. After enjoying breakfast, a visit to local souvenir shops and shows is a must for those wishing to purchase a piece of Phil-related memorabilia.

Festivities will be held in Punxsutawney, from Friday, January 31, through Sunday, February 2. Please check the schedule of events in this special issue for all the events and find the most current information about Punxsutawney and Groundhog Day on the Groundhog Club’s website at www.groundhog.org.

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938-3850 4 ◆ Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition ◆ February 2020 ◆ Issue #232

313 Martha St. Punxsutawney

Punxsutawney Phil’s

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IF YOU WISH TO EXPLORE OUR TOWN ON YOUR OWN, HERE ARE SOME OF THE ATTRACTIONS WE THINK YOU SHOULD SEE.

GROUNDHOG HOURS: Fri., January 31st • 9am-9pm Sat., Feb 1st • 9am-midnight Sun., Feb 2nd • 7am-4pm

PUNXSUTAWNEY SELF-GUIDED TOURS BARCLAY SQUARE – Located in the heart of Punx-

PHIL’S BURROW – Visit

PHANTASTIC PHIL’S PUBLIC ART – Imaginatively decorated, larger-than-life Punxsutawney Phils can be found on nearly every street corner throughout the town. Pick up a map to each of the sculptures at the Chamber of Commerce office (located in the center of Downtown) or see the locations online at www.punxsutawney.com/ phantastic-phils.

HISTORIC HOMES – On West and East Mahoning Streets are many well-preserved examples of the early mansions of Punxsutawney.

THE PUNXSUTAWNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – is located at 102 West Mahoning Street and can be reached by telephone at (814) 938-7700, Ext. 2, or by e-mail at chamber@punxsutawney.com.

For more information about the Chamber, please visit its website at www.punxsutawney.com.

The Chamber’s hours during the Groundhog Day festivities are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Friday, January 31; 9 a.m. to Mignight Saturday, February 1; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, February 2.

PUNXSUTAWNEY AREA HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY – Explore Punxsutawney history, research the genealogy of area families, and browse through the gift shop at the museum located at 401 West Mahoning Street, just a couple blocks from downtown.

814-938-2555

THE COAL MEMORIAL – 404 West Mahoning Street honors those who worked in the Coal Industry in the Punxsutawney area. Open dawn to dusk.

PUNXSUTAWNEY MEMORIAL LIBRARY – The library is located at the Civic Complex on East Mahoning Street. Features include a Children's Library with visual access to Punxsutawney Phil. 814-938-5020

PATSY'S PARK – A play area for younger children located near downtown on Church Street. Picnic tables are available.

THE JOSH SMITH MEMORIAL PLAYGROUND located in the BARLETTA SKATE PARK on Elk Street in Punxsutawney.

PUNXSUTAWNEY AREA COMMUNITY CENTER & JACKSON THEATER – This facility offers activities forall ages, children through adults, including an open WalkTrak, the Community Fitness Center, ongoing fitness and education classes, and organized recreational activities.The Jackson Theater features movies Friday through Sunday, located one block from Mahoning Street on North Jefferson Street. 814-938-1008

SHOPPING DISTRICTS – Browse the shops of Punxsutawney, from the downtown to the East End, West End, and Walmart Plaza.

PUNXSUTAWNEY WEATHER DISCOVERY CENTER – “Become” a tornado! “Make” a thunderstorm! Be a TV meteorologist, explore Punxsutawney Phil’s burrow, experience the Weather Emergency Shelter, and much, much more at the Weather Discovery Center! The Center is located in a 103-year-old former post office building, where you can enjoy interactive exhibits, weather features in the theater, activities in the classroom, and a gift shop full of souvenirs and weather-related toys and gifts! Admission is $7 per person (children two years old and younger are admitted free).

The Center – whose website is weatherdiscovery.org – is located at 201 North Findley Street, Punxsutawney.

Hours during the festivities are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Saturday, January 25 with the crowning of Little Mr. & Miss Groundhog in our lobby at 10 a.m.; 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Friday, January 31; 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, February 1, Meteorologist Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at Noon; 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Sunday, February 2, Drawing of the Diamond Groundhog Necklace Raffle Winner at 3 p.m. Tickets available until 2:30 p.m. for $10

102 W. Mahoning St. Punxsutawney

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Tues., Wed., Thur. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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Offer includes 2 Sausage, Egg and Cheese, Ham Egg and Cheese or Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuit or CROISSAN’WICH® Sandwiches. No substitutions.

Single sandwich at regulr price on menu. Restrictions apply.

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Happy Groundhog Day!

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opening of a 7.4-mile portion of this Rails-to-Trails project is summer 2003. The trail can be accessed near the Rich Kuntz Teener League Fields located along Route 119 south at the entrance to Punxsutawney. Maps of the trail are available at the Chamber of Commerce office.

Woodland Ave. Visit the site of Phil's world-famous weather forecast. Gobbler's Knob is visited on February 2 by thousands of people from all around the world. If it's a nice day, why not make the pleasant mile-and-a-half trek to Gobbler's Knob on foot.

Start at Barclay Square and follow Mahoning Street to Woodland Avenue to Sportsman's Park, the site of Gobbler's Knob. See historical and rare Groundhog Club and Punxsutawney Phil items on display at the Visitor Center.

Have a

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sutawney, this beautifully preserved historic town square was named for the founding father of the town, Reverend David Barclay, who donated the land for public use in 1822.

The stone Memorial Bandstand in the center of the park was dedicated in 1932 as a memorial to veterans.

GOBBLER'S KNOB AND THE GROUNDHOG CLUB VISITOR CENTER – Located at 1548

814-618-5653

(814) 938-7700 or 1-800-752-PHIL

MAHONING SHADOW TRAIL – The anticipated

Punxsutawney Phil and family in their natural habitat, located off Barclay Square at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library.

Punxsutawney Phil can be seen from outside or from inside the Library.

Home of the Big Daddy

HAVE A HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY! Sausage Egg McMuffin and Bacon Egg & Cheese Biscuit

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February 2020 ◆ Issue #232 ◆ Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition ◆ 5

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AUTO HOME LIFE HEALTH BUSINESS

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Fri., Jan. 31 thru Sun., Feb. 2

Enjoy the Groundhog Day Events!

Shingle Shaker

Serving Your Business Needs!

DEPARTMENT of DEVELOPMENT 814-849-3047 Have a

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

Groundhog Day!

Noon - 8 p.m., Barclay Square, Vendors. Come enjoy craft vendors, great food and specialty items!

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Our family protecting yours, since 1932

Noon - 8 p.m., Barclay Square, Chain Saw Carving, Randy Rupert of Wizards Workshop will carve logs into beautiful sculptures. His work is available for purchase.

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21920 Rt. 119, Punxsutawney

Need insurance?

DR. JON J. JOHNSTON Chief Healthman

We can help.

Call or e-mail us.

Photo courtesy The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, Inc.

Happy Groundhog Day FROM

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"Serving the community we live in."

GROUNDHOG

OPEN

Cookies!

Cupcakes!

Souvenirs!

Feb. 2 • 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Oreo Stacking Contest.

No fee, 1st prize in 6 am each age group and to Groundhog Cookie 10 pm Decorating. $1 a cookie.

Alex J. Park Owner, Funeral Director Supervisor William C. Deeley, Funeral Director Douglas A. Deeley, Funeral Director

HAVE A SAFE & FUN GROUNDHOG DAY! (814) 938-5400 33 Hillcrest Dr. Punxsutawney

Stop, shop at the local busineses. See their advertisements in this magazine. Punxsutawney Hometown magazine can be found at the Chamber of Commerce, our newsstand outside the Punxsutawney Post Office on East Mahoning St., online at www.punxsutawneymagazine.com and also in your mailbox. You can also sign up on our website to get each issue delivered right to your inbox.

BEER SHOP open daily 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. for all your wine & beer needs!

LOW PRICES!!!

FRESH BAKED GOODS

U.S.D.A. CHOICE MEATS

Groundhog Plaza Punxsutawney

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Various Locations, Passport to Punxsutawney. Enjoy a self-guided tour of everything Punxsutawney has to offer.

10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Worldwide Adventure of Phil Display. See great display of pictures from the past years of the Worldwide Adventure of Phil Competitions.

1 p.m. & 3 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Jimmy Swogger & Friends. Music, Magic, and Ventriloquism for all ages! Free!

2 p.m. & 6 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Tim Hartman Professional Storyteller for all ages! Free!

4 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Scavenger Hunt. Looking for a challenge? This is for you!

5 p.m. - 9 p.m., 106 W. Mahoning St., Shadow Vineyard Wine Tasting. Enjoy a great local winery! Get your Punxsutawney Phil’s Phruit Phusion Wine here as well as Groundhog Day Wine Box Set! 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Jason Patrick Meyers. With his gritty vocals and acoustic guitar stylings, Jason Patrick Meyers captures the spirit of the bluecollar worker in his music.

7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., Firemen’s Flashover Club, 205 N. Findley St., Magic Mike’s “Groundhog Comedy Club Extravaganza” 3 hilarious, nationally known comedians! Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Call (800) 933-2346 for advance tickets.

6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Laska’s Pizza, 405 N. Main St., Wigle Whiskey & Threadbare Cider Tasting.

Stop by and try Phil’s Shadow and Phil’s Burrow!

Happy Groundhog Day!

3-H ABRASIVE COMPANY

8 p.m. - Midnight, Punxsutawney Country Club, 408 N. Main St., Groundhog Ball. Punxsutawney Phil will be present! Rudy and the Professionals will be performing. The theme is Roaring 20s.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 8 a.m. - 12 p.m., IUP Academy of Culinary Arts, 125 S. Gilpin St., Live Ice Carving Demo. Free!

Enjoy great demonstrations.

8:30 a.m. Registration, 10 a.m. Start, Barclay Square, Groundhog Jog 4 Mile Run/Walk. For more info visit runsignup.com.

10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Barclay Square, Vendors.

Come enjoy craft vendors, great food and specialty items!

10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Central Fire Hall, 301 E. Mahoning St., Central Fire Dept. Groundhog Souvenir and Craft Show. Enjoy local and regional artisans!

10 a.m. - Noon, Gobbler’s Knob, 1548 Woodland Ave Ext., Brunch with Phil & Gobbler’s Knob Tours. Come have a served breakfast with Phil. Bring your camera for pictures of Punxsutawney Phil and the Inner Circle! $12 per adult, $8 per child 12 & under, kids under 2 are free.

10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Barclay Square, Chain Saw Carving. Randy Rupert of Wizards Workshop will carve logs into beautiful sculptures. His work is available for purchase.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Various Locations, Passport to Punxsutawney. Enjoy a self-guided tour of everything Punxsutawney has to offer.

10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Worldwide Adventure of Phil Display. See great display of pictures from the past years of the Worldwide Adventure of Phil Competitions.

10 a.m. & 2 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Jimmy Swogger & Friends. Music, Magic, Ventriloquism for all ages! Free!

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Barclay Square, Venture Outdoors Demos. Snowshoe Shadow Walk: Try on a pair of snowshoes! Tyke snowshoes are available for children under 40 lbs. Fire building Workshop: Learn how to start a (small) fire in a personal aluminum pan! Parents must assist children under age 12. Shelter building Workshop: It’s cold out here! Can you make a shelter that would keep Punxsutawney Phil warm and safe? Learn how in this workshop. Free!

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Punxsutawney Christian School, 216 N. Jefferson St., Punxsutawney Arts Association Art Show. Enjoy work of Continued on Next Page

GREAT FOOD SERVICE • PARKING OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Rt. 119 South

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814-938-7821 FAX 814-938-3293 46 Sheesley Way Hamilton, PA

OPEN MAY THRU OCTOBER CALL FOR HOURS

theDoubleDiamondDeerRanch.com

12211 Rt. 36 Clarington, PA

6 ◆ Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition ◆ February 2020 ◆ Issue #232

117 N. Jefferson St. Punxsutawney

Punxsutawney Area Community Center

Continued from previous Page

local artists. Free!

10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Jefferson County Housing Authority Social Hall, 201 N. Jefferson St. Build A Phil. Hot chocolate and groundhog cookies for sale. Cost to participate is $25. This is a benefit for SPLASH. 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Punxsutawney Memorial Library, 301 E. Mahoning St. Kids’ Fun Groundhog stories and crafts by Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library. Donations appreciated.

11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., Barclay Square, Meet at Phil’s Burrow, Phantastic Phil Walking Tour.

Enjoy a guided walking tour of more than a dozen of the Phantastic Phil sculptures with information about the project, trivia, and “insider” tidbits. Tour starts at Phil’s Burrow and lasts about 45 minutes. Free!

11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Snowshoe Hike. This low-impact activity is just as easy as walking but more fun!

On snowshoes, you’ll explore 1-2 miles of the Mahoning Shadow Trail. Register for this event on www.groundhog.org for $15. For ages 8 and older.

Noon - 2 p.m., Various Locations, Groundhog Grub Walking Food Tour. For a $10 donation to the PACF, you will receive a map and pass to try out all the tasty treats around town. Visit www.groundhog.org for tickets.

12 p.m. - 8 p.m., 106 W. Mahoning St., Shadow Vineyard Wine Tasting. Enjoy a great local winery! Get your Punxsutawney Phil’s Phruit Phusion Wine here as well as Groundhog Day Wine Box Set! Noon - 9 p.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Craft Show. Great local and regional vendors! A must see!

Noon, Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., Meteorologist Hall of Fame InductionCeremony. See the 2020 inductee into the Hall of Fame. Following the induction there will cookies & punch and a chance to meet Punxsutawney Phil. Admission is $7 per person,

Noon, Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Lisa Bodnar & Whistlegrass. Join us for a free performance of this talented musician!

1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, 400-401 W. Mahoning St., Historical Hayride Town Tour.

Come enjoy a free hayride town tour with refreshments to follow at the Lattimer House. Pick up your free ticket at the Bennis House to reserve your seat. It fills up quickly!

1:30 p.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Gobbler’s Knob Got Talent. Come enjoy great entertainment as people compete to perform on the Gobbler’s Knob Stage Groundhog Day morning!

2 p.m. - 4 p.m., Barclay Square, Guided Geocaching. Come enjoy guided geocaching for all ages. Get passes on www.groundhog.org.

2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Punxsutawney Eagles, 238 E. Mahoning St., Members Only Reception, Must be a member of the GHC to attend.

Visit groundhog.org for more info.

DEVELOPERS AND PRODUCERS OF NATURAL GAS

3 p.m. - 5 p.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Kids’ Korner, Free for Phil’s Phriends 12 and under! Must be accompanied by an adult.

3 p.m. - 5 p.m., Barclay Square, Guided Neighborhood Hike. Enjoy a guided hike for all ages!

For tickets visit www.groundhog.org.

4 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square. Scavenger Hunt. Free to participate! Great Prizes!

● New Construction ● General Remodeling ● Additions ● Ditchwich & Bobcat Services ● Roofing, Siding,Soffit/Fascia

your headquarters for

814-236-2670 or 1-800-834-1615

at the light in Grampian, PA Exhibits & Displays

Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc. at the Lattimer House and Bennis House 400 & 401 W. Mahoning St. 938-2555 punxsyhistory.org GROUNDHOG WEEKEND HOURS AND EVENTS Warm up with hot chocolate & cookies, charge your cell phone & visit our exhibits & gift shop Friday, January 31 • 1-6 pm Saturday, February 1 • 10-4 pm 1, 2 & 3pm: Hay Rides (first come, first served) Noon-2pm: Grub Tour (Advance Ticket Required) 7 p.m. :Special Entertainment "Baseball & Punxsutawney" Sunday, February 2 • 8 am - 4 pm 10 & 11 am & Noon: Hay Rides

400 & 401 W. Mahoning St. Punxsutawney

Honda Generators!

Continued on Next Page

DELANEY HONDA 724-717-1500 115 Lenz Rd. Indiana, PA

Happy Groundhog Day!

$7 per person, kids 2 & under FREE

• Sat., Jan. 25 – Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Auto

Home

Life Business

10 a.m.: Crowning of Little Mr. & Miss Groundhog in our lobby

• Fri., Jan. 31 – Open 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

• Sat., Feb. 1 – Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

12 Noon: Meteorologist Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

• Sun., Feb. 2 – Open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Kengersky Insurance Agency Matthew E Kengersky kengerm@nationwide.com

Happy Groundhog Day!

(814) 938-3092 139 Fairview Rd., Dayton PA

52 Notary Lane Punxsutawney

3 p.m.: Drawing of the Diamond Groundhog Necklace Raffle Winner.

Tickets available until 2:30 p.m. for $10

www.weatherdiscovery.org

938-1000 A2

201 N. Findley St. Punxsutawney

It’s time to celebrate our community and our groundhog.

ACME MACHINE &

Happy Groundhog Day! Enjoy the festivities.

HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY! 46 Anchor Inn Rd. Punxsutawney

If We Don’t Have It...

We Can Get It! www.freedomchryslerjeepdodge.com CALL OUR

“LUCKY NUMBER”

814-948-7777 447 Shawna Rd., Rt. 219 Northern Cambria, PA

Family Dentistry 938-8554 938-5800 Amy Peace Gigliotti, DMD ronald j. walker III, DMD New Patients Welcome!

203 Cleveland Ave. Punxsutawney

YOUR #1 SOURCE FOR WINDOWS AND DOORS Local Products…

Local People Showroom Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm Saturdays & Evenings by Appointment Only

www.burke-sons.com

938-7303 110 Gaskill Ave. Punxsutawney g ervin 6 dly S Prou Since 196 You

Thomas M. Frick Jr. CIC & CPIA

56 S. 6th St. Indiana

Learn Well. Live Well. Serve Well.

724-349-9270 & 12 N. Main St. Homer City

200 Central Christian Rd. DuBois, PA 15801

724-479-2005

Pre-K thru 5th Middle/High School 814.371.2570 814.371.3060

Admissions 371-6689

www.duboiscatholic.com

Thomas M Frick Insurance Agency, LLC. With two Locations to Serve You!

The Central Difference:

WELDING CO.

938-6702

FREEDOM

Hands On Weather Fun For All Ages!

PUNXSUTAWNEY

308 Indiana St., Punxsutawney

Bad Credit, Slow Credit, No Credit, Good Credit, We love to say, “YES, You’re Approved!”

203 CLEARFIELD AVE., PUNXSY

Very Smart.

5 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Groundhog Day Corn Hole Tournament, 12

Municipal Lane, Punxsutawney

Maytag, GE, and Crosley Appliances and T Vs WE STOCK APPLIANCE PARTS FOR ALL BRANDS Serving the Community for over 40 Years

938-1008 220 N. Jefferson St. Punxsutawney

PUNXSUTAWNEY AREA MUSEUM

938-2565 or 590-3459 Bill Hawk, Owner PA# 017948

GRAMPIAN HARDWARE

7am - 2pm: Craft Show, Gym 9-11am: Phil's Birthday Celebration, Meeting Room 9am & 11am: Groundhog Day movie, free

5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square “Wild Card” Live Music Performance! Free! You don’t want to miss this amazing talent!

814-938-0800 1406 N Main St. Punxsutawney

1:30pm: Gobbler’s Knob Got Talent Competition Noon - 9pm: Craft Show, Gym 11am Feb 1 - 2pm Feb 2: Concession Stand 3pm: Kids Korner, Meeting Room 5pm, 7pm,& 11pm: Groundhog Day movie, free 10pm Feb 1 - 6am Feb 2: Crash Pad, $8

(first come, first served)

3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Meet the Artist & Class. Kelly Porada, a local Punxsutawney artist, will be displaying some of her famous works and teaching a class!

D.E. LIMITED FAMILY PARTNERSHIP

DEL

Construction

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2

children 2 & under are free.

HAWK

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

MEMBER FDIC

200 Central Christian Rd. DuBois, PA

573 W Mahoning St. Punxsutawney

Auto - Home Business - Life

info@Frickins.com

56 S. 6th St. Indiana, PA

February 2020 ◆ Issue #232 ◆ Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition ◆ 7

Oldest Antique Mall in Indiana County Furniture, Primitives, Hand Mades, Glassware and much more Area’s Largest Co-Op Store Two full floors - Over 30 dealers To Our Neighbors in Punxsutawney, Our Regards on Groundhog Day

(724) 349-4001 232 Hampton Ave. Punxsutawney

860 Rt. 110 Hwy Creekside Exit, Indiana

Shadow Vineyard and Winery Setup for tasting & sales at 106 W. Mahoning St. next to the Chamber Office & Souvenir Shop Fri., Jan. 31 • 5 - 8 p.m.

Sat., Feb. 1 • 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sun., Feb. 2 • 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.

“Hog” Box Special $44

1681 Airport Rd. Just 1/2 mile past the Punxsy Airport

814-938-9463 (WINE) ORDER ONLINE

Phil’s Phruit Phusion Bruiser & Whistlepig

www.shadowvineyard.com

GROUNDHOG DAY CELEBRATION

WINE TASTING LOCATION E-cards Available online or at store.

106 W. Mahoning St. Wines available at Shop n’ Save Punxsutawney and local Wine and Spirits Stores.

• FREE Expert Advice • FREE Measure & Design Consultation • FREE 12 mo. same as cash, with credit approval • FREE 7/16" 8lb. Best Pad • FREE Professional Install with any carpet purchase over 25 sq. yds.

930 Beaver Rd. DuBois, PA

For all your retreat & conference needs www.laurelakecamp.com Ideal for church groups, businesses, organizations, family reunions, family vacations & wedding receptions

814-938-9300 76 Lodge Rd. Rossiter, PA

Continued from previous Page

Teams, Free to enter! Please preregister at the Celebration Tent. Winners will receive two Inner Circle Section Passes!

5 p.m., 7 p.m., 11 p.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Groundhog Day Movie, Free!

Come watch this great classic with us!

6 p.m. Doors Open, 6:30 p.m. Dinner Starts, Punxsutawney High School, 500 N. Findley St., Annual Groundhog Banquet, sponsored by the Inner Circle of the Groundhog Club. Admission by ticket only.

7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Historical Genealogical Society, 400-401 West Mahoning St., “Eternal Baseball”. Enjoy an original presentation by the Coal Memorial Committee on the history of baseball in the Punxsutawney Area. Learn about the historic local players who made it to the "BIG" League. Donations accepted.

7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., Firemen’s Flashover Club, 205 N. Findley St., Magic Mike’s “Groundhog Comedy Club Extravaganza” 3 hilarious, nationally known comedians! Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Call (800) 9332346 for advance tickets.

9 p.m. - Midnight, Punxsutawney Eagles, 238 E. Mahoning St., Groundhog Eve Dance. Featuring the band, “On the Brink”. Advanced tickets $8, $10 at the door. Proceeds to benefit the PACF unrestricted fund. Call 814-938-7700 for tickets & info.

8 p.m. - 9 p.m., ATA Building, 238 E. Mahoning St., “Nick Forsyth” Guitar Performance.

Enjoy the acoustic talent of Nick while he performs today’s hits opening for the dueling pianos.

8 p.m. Doors open, 9 p.m. - Midnight, ATA Building, 238 E. Mahoning St., Dueling Pianos. An all request show with two great musicians on baby grand pianos! Cash bar available. Must 21 years of age or older to attend. Tickets are $15.

200 Prushnok Drive • Punxsutawney, PA

814-938-3310 We wish the Punxsutawney community aa We wish the Punxsutawney community Happy Groundhog Day! Happy Groundhog Day! 200 Prushnok Dr. pr i mar y-h e alth e t y-h e alth pr i.n mar .n e t Punxsutawney

7 a.m.- ? 106 W. Mahoning St., Shadow Vineyard Wine Tasting. Enjoy a great local winery!

Get your Punxsutawney Phil’s Phruit Phusion Wine here as well as Groundhog Day Win Box Set! 7 a.m.- ? 225 W. Mahoning St., Open House, Stop by the Masonic Lodge for coffee and donuts!

7:30 a.m. - Noon, Punxsutawney Country Club, 408 N. Main St., Breakfast Buffet. Warm up with our traditional breakfast buffet, Irish coffees, Bloody Marys and more. Adults $22, alcoholic beverages charge separately. Children 6-11 $11 children under 5 , free. Larger parties, please call ahead, 814-938-8243.

8 a.m.- 2 p.m., Barclay Square, Vendors.

Come enjoy craft vendors, great food and specialty items!

8 a.m. - p.m., Various Locations, Passport to Punxsutawney. Enjoy a self-guided tour of everything Punxsutawney has to offer.

8 a.m. - Noon, Barclay Square, Chain Saw Carving, Randy Rupert of Wizards Workshop will carve logs into beautiful sculptures. His work is available for purchase.

8 a.m. - 12 p.m., Central Fire Hall, 301 E. Mahoning St., Central Fire Dept. Groundhog Souvenir and Craft Show. Great craft show featuring local and regional vendors.

8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, “Ray’s Final Cut” Stop and see this amazing performance by local and regional artists!

8:30 a.m. - ?, Jefferson County Housing Authority Social Hall, 201 N. Jefferson St.. Build A Phil. Hot chocolate and groundhog cookies for sale. Cost for participation is $25. This is a benefit for SPLASH.

10 p.m. - 6 a.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Crash Pad. Bring your sleeping bags and pillows! $8 fee.

9 a.m., Barclay Square, Scavenger Hunt. Do you enjoy a challenge? Come participate in the scavenger hunt as a single or a group of two.

Prizes awarded to the winners.

11:45 p.m., Outside the Weather Center, 201 N. Findley St., Shadow Summit Count Down.

The official start of Groundhog Day, as an illuminated fiberglass ‘Phil’ is raised to the summit!

Free!

9 a.m. - 11 a.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St. Phil’s Birthday Party. Do you have a Groundhog Day birthday? Bring valid proof and receive a small gift, cake and punch.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 PUNXSUTAWNEY COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER

7 a.m. - sell out, The Punxsutawney Eagles Club #1231, 238 E. Mahoning St., Breakfast Buffet. Open to the public!

3 a.m. - 8 a.m., Gobbler’s Knob, Phil’s 134th Groundhog Day Prognostication. Join us for Phil’s Prognostication, stage show, and fireworks show!

7 a.m. - 2 p.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Annual Craft Show n’ Sale.

Groundhog souvenirs, crafts, and much more!

7 a.m. - sell out, The Salvation Army, 229 W. Mahoning St., Pancake Breakfast. All you can eat! Pancake and sausage breakfast, $5 per person, kids 2 and under eat for free!

8 ◆ Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition ◆ February 2020 ◆ Issue #232

9 a.m. & 11 a.m., Barclay Square, Meet at Phil’s Burrow, Phantastic Phil Walking Tour. Enjoy a guided walking tour of more than a dozen of the Phantastic Phil sculptures with information about the project, trivia, and “insider” tidbits.

Tour starts at Phil’s Burrow and lasts about 45 minutes. Free!

9 a.m. & 11 a.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Groundhog Day Movie. Free to the Public.

9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Barclay Square, Venture Outdoors Demos, Snowshoe Shadow Walk: Try on a pair of snowshoes. Tyke snowshoes are Continued on Next Page

Michael Mumau, CLU Financial Representative

Imported & Domestic Cars Repaired

LIFE INSURANCE INVESTMENTS* RETIREMENT PLANNING • HEALTH INSURANCE LONG TERM CARE • DISABILITY INCOME

Ingham & Sons Automotive Services

fulfilling life.

Continued from previous Page

available for children under 40 lbs. Fire building Workshop: Learn how to start a (small) fire in a personal aluminum pan! Parents must assist children under age 12. Shelter building Workshop: It’s cold out here! Can you make a shelter that would keep Punxsutawney Phil warm and safe? Learn how in this workshop. Free!

1 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Top Hat Decorating Competition. A first, second, and third Place in each age group - 8-12, 5-7, 4 years old and under (limited adult help permitted) Free event, top hats and supplies will be provided.

9 a.m. - 11 .a.m., Barclay Square, Guided Neighborhood Hike. Enjoy a guided hike for all ages! For tickets visit www.groundhog.org.

3 p.m., Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., Drawing of the Diamond Groundhog Necklace Raffle Winner. Tickets available at the Weather Discovery Center until 2:30 p.m.

Cost per ticket is $10.

10 a.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square.

Groundhog Bingo. Free to play! All ages are welcome! Great prizes!

Check Website for Schedule Updates: www.punxsutawneymagazine.com or www.groundhog.org

10 a.m.,11 a.m., Noon, Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, 400-401 W. Mahoning St., Historical Hayride Town Tour.

Come enjoy a free hayride town tour with refreshments to follow. Pick up your free ticket at the Bennis House to reserve your seat. It fills up quickly! Browse exhibits including Native American, Early Settler, Music, Fiber Arts, Farming, Coal and Railroads.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Punxsutawney Christian School, 216 N. Jefferson St., Punxsutawney Arts Association Art Show. Enjoy artwork from local artisans!

10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Punxsutawney Shop N Save, 201 N. Hampton Ave., Oreo Stacking Contest.

No fee, 3 different age groups. First prize in each age group - Under 6, 7-9, & 10-12.

10 a.m.- 1 p.m., Punxsutawney Shop N Save, 201 N. Hampton Ave., Groundhog Cookie Decorating. $1 a cookie.

10 a.m. - 11 a.m., Civic Center, Barclay Square, Groundhog Day Weddings. Stop by and watch couples get married or renew their vows!

All weddings were scheduled in advance, no walk-ins available.

10:30 a.m., Barclay Square, Scavenger Hunt.

Do you enjoy a challenge? Come participate in the scavenger hunt as a single or a group of two. Prizes awarded to the winners 11 a.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Phil 101 & Art Show. Come learn everything there is to know about Punxsutawney Phil and groundhogs! Purchase works of art by Punxsutawney Phil! Cash Only!

2 p.m. - 4 p.m., Barclay Square, Guided Geocaching. Come enjoy guided geocaching for all ages. Get passes on www.groundhog.org.

12:30 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Scavenger Hunt. Do you enjoy a challenge?

Come participate in the scavenger hunt as a single or a group of two. Prizes awarded to the winners 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Kids Korner. Free activities for kids ages 12 and under!

Noon, Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Inner Circle Autograph Signing Session. Come meet and get the autographs of the members of the Inner Circle!

A PRIVATE RECREATION COMMUNITY ADJACENT TO LAKE GLENDALE

Schedule subject to change. Not responsible for scheduling or typographical errors.

Serving the area since 1976

• 814-938-5080 • mmumau@aicinvest.com Michael Mumau, CLU, Registered Representative: *Securities offered solely through Ameritas Investment Corp.

(AIC). Member FINRA/SIPC. AIC and Ameritas Financial Services of WPA are not affiliated. Additional products and services may be available through Michael Mumau of Ameritas Financial Services or WPA that are not available through AIC.

938-4291

31 Universal Dr., Suite A, Punx’y

22368 Rt. 119 Indiana Hill, Punx’y

MAHONING PHYSICAL THERAPY TWOLICK VALLEY P.T. AQUATIC THERAPY MEDICARE CERTIFIED MAHONING PHYSICAL THERAPY MEDICAL CENTER

Where to find Phil during the Celebration

Marion Center, PA 405 Franklin St., Clymer, PA

(724) 254-1010

8 p.m. - Midnight, Punxsutawney Country Club, 408 N. Main St., Groundhog Ball.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 3 a.m. - 8 a.m., Gobbler’s Knob, Phil’s 134th Groundhog Day Prognostication.

Phil will be at his burrow in Barclay Square during all other times! See individual schedule listings for information for each event.

QUESTIONS? FIND THE INFORMATION TENT AT BARCLAY SQUARE

KYLE LINGENFELTER, MD FACS Providing all aspects of

GENERAL SURGICAL CARE. Please call for details.

814-938-4121

(FAX) 814-938-4158 81 Hillcrest Dr., Punxsy Suite 2600

Happy Candlemas 81 Hillcrest Dr. Punxsutawney

INFORMATION BOOTH AT THE KNOB IS OPEN

for visitor information packet SEE THE LIONS CLUB TRAILER DOWNTOWN IN MCDONALD’S PARKING LOT!

CABINS Ideal for those who seek to own a weekend or vacation spot.

Build your own or choose one of our pre-built models.

9 p.m. to Midnight “ON THE BRINK”

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC 21& OVER

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

BREAKFAST BUFFET $ 8/person • 7 a.m. to Sell Out

Martino’s Auto Service QUALITY AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE Happy Groundhog Day!

938-6722 Rt. 536 near Frostburg, PA

Roseman’s FLORIST & GIFTS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 2:30 a.m. - ?

PUNXSUTAWNEY AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DANCE

238 E. Mahoning St. Punxsutawney

FRIDAY, JANUARY 31

Noon, Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., Meteorologist Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

Punxsutawney Sat., Feb., 1st

938-9976

Office Hours By Appointment

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1

F.O. Eagles 1231

Sun., Feb. 2nd

(724) 397-9100

10 a.m. - Noon, Gobbler’s Knob, 1548 Woodland Ave. Ext., Brunch with Phil & Gobbler’s Knob Tours.

Groundhog Day Rocks!

Downtown Punxsutawney

814-938-7364

Hosting Well Known

Local Artists

Groundhog Souvenirs!

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Continued from page 3 porated as a borough (1850), the official spelling of our hometown was “Punxsutauney.”

From common usage, the sound of ”u” in “tauney” became “w” in written form and “Punxsutawney” became the established use.

After you have pronounced it, how many times have people asked you to spell it?

We rattle off the sequence of letters without any difficulty while others attempt to write them down or put them in order in their mind.

In June 1869, the Punxsutawney Plaindealer, a weekly newspaper, published the many variations of spelling for the town that were from letters directed to the local post office.

(This would be a time when the people might not have seen the name in print but would have written it as it sounded.)

Among the varia- With the newly organized Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in the early 1900s and tions of spelling were its ceremony of Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney began a new identity and popusuch arrangements of larity in the world as Home of the Groundhog, Groundhog Town or Weather Capital of the World. (photos by S. Thomas Curry letters as Punxswatona, Punksietonie, Punkistawny, Punicatowny, Pounxatouny. Nevertheless, the letters made it work to have that ‘ville’ cut off. ‘Reynolds’ to the little village in the wilderness of western would be a very pretty name for the town. And while we’re at it we’d cut the ‘ville’ off Pennsylvania in Jefferson County.

The errant spellings by “outsiders” continued Brookville and call it ‘Brooks.’”

He referred to the fact that many early villages and the writers in local newspapers gleefully shared the efforts in brief notes: were named after pioneer families, ville, burg, “Punpsutawnix” (1892), “Tonseytoona” or town added to the family name. Such was (1898), “PenixSutowney” (1903), “Pink the case for Reynoldsville and Brockwayville Sutawnee”(1939), “Puneixytone” and “Prusspi- in Jefferson County. Reynoldsville was named after early settlers of the Reynolds family in the towney” (1949).

While we “locals” have little trouble writing 1830s. In 1829, Brockwayville was named for and spelling it, the strangers living in other cul- settlers Alonzo and James Brockway. In 1925, tures and commerce centers wrestle with it. the official name was changed to “Brockway.”

But, editor Smith added, “We shudder when Several of their attempts at spelling it are ludiwe think of what some of these fellows will crous and pathetic in the eyes of some.

In 1892, the Reynoldsville Volunteer newspa- suggest we should do to ‘Punxsutawney.’ There per published a poem titled “Spelling Punx- could be valid objection to the appendage ‘tawney,’ which attached to ‘Punxsu’ provides sutawney.” In one part was: the name for our own fair city. After all, “Said the smallest, you’re the tallest, ‘tawney’ is only Algonquinese for ‘town.’

You’re big Injun, stout and brawny, However, the name Punxsutawney has given But you’re blowing, and you’re crowing; the town such wide publicity that it would seem Now, just tackle Punxsutawney, folly to curtail it.”

In the state of Pennsylvania.

In 1950, years before Groundhog Day, the Then the x-i’s, and the k-y’s, Movie was released, the movie “When Willie All were mingled with their betters, Comes Marching Home” was produced and By this seller and great speller, had a premier showing in Punxsutawney’s JefTill the air was black with letters ferson Theater. With it, young, beautiful actress Flying like wild thoughts in mania.”

Colleen Townsend made a personal appearance The frantic effort to arrange the letters in in town. The movie was set in a mythical town proper sequence was rhymed: called “Punxatawney;“ however, this Punx“Wildly glaring, madly tearing, atawney was located in West Virginia. Leaders Like a lion, grim and tawny, in West Virginia had looked around for a vilLoudly spouting, yelling, shouting, lage there that would be willing to change its “Punx’y! Punxs’y Punxsutawney, name to “Punxatawney.”

How in thunder do you spell it?”

That created an uproar of protests from local Toward the ludicrous and pathetic attempts at leaders in the Punxsutawney Chamber of Comspelling the town’s name, editor W. O. Smith of The Punxsutawney Spirit, with a sense of merce. In Washington, D.C., U.S. Rep Leon humor, shared a joke in August 1899 that had Gavin spoke in front of the House of Represenappeared in the Pittsburg Press. It was a “dig- tatives in defense of Punxsutawney. “There’s nified joke on Punxsutawney,” he wrote. It was only one Punxsutawney in the world, no how between a school teacher and a small boy. “For you spell it, and that’s Punxsutawney, Pa.,” he what is Punxsutawney distinguished?” asked - Contunued on next page

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the teacher. “For its name,” replied the smart boy.

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PUNXSUTAWNEY Continued from previous page

said. “It’s a name few people can pronounce and fewer can spell, Punxsutawneyites love it.

In fact, they’re trying to have it copyrighted,” he added, in reference to the effort to create a “Punxatawney” in West Virginia that is setting

in the movie. (January 24, 1950, The Punxsutawney Spirit) With a reference to its historical name of Indian origin, and recognized nationally as the city from which the annual Groundhog weather prediction is sent out, the Chamber of Com-

merce asked, in its application to the Library of Congress, that “by virtue of its honorable useage [sic] over the years this name, Punxsutawney, be made exclusively ours.”

The Punxsutawney Spirit reported other news from area newspapers. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette carried a front page article on Punxsutawney and the visit of Colleen Townsend.

The Pittsburgh Press carried an editorial comment, “Punxsutawney ought to be the best known small city in the land.”

Who can deny the popularity of Punxsutawney?

It’s probably the most widely known town of its size in the country. With the assistance of a continuous showing of 1993s “Groundhog Day,” the town is wellIn May 1904, a “house- known around boat” of three Punx- the world, too. sutawney families was launched at Valier on the Whether we like Mahoning Creek for a two- it for its oddity month journey to the St. of spelling, its Louis Fair. Christened as origin in our “PUNXSUTAWNEY,” the riverboat provided comfort Native-Ameriin its four bedrooms, dining can history or room, kitchen and closet, its fame from with equipment for hunting a s s o c i a t i o n and fishing along the way.

It was recorded as “the since the early with longest trip made by any 1900s Groundhog Day, we take pride when we hear the name.

Taking the Name “PUNXSUTAWNEY” to the World With the weekly Punxsutawney Spirit as the pri-

mary source of information, it can be said, for fact, that Punxsutawney’s association with the groundhog lore of Groundhog Day on February 2 began in the early 1900s.

It began in 1902 with one of Charles Payne’s cartoon characters in his “Coon Hollow” comic strip in the Pittsburgh Gazette. In it, he had his Br’er Groundhog character with other animals he portrayed in the animal kingdom of “Coon Hollow.”

On September 21, 1902, there appeared a groundhog with an umbrella, a stovepipe hat, and a suitcase marked “Br’er Groundhog, Punxsutawney.”

The character, with his animal friends, appeared in the comic strip after Mr. Payne had attended the annual outing of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club’s Hunt and Feast in early September. It was the fourth annual gathering of men to gather and feast on groundhogs and share the lore about the groundhog on February 2 and its prognostication for winter days to follow.

With Clymer Freas as city editor of the Spirit in the early 1900s, Punxsutawney began to claim Groundhog Day as its own. Through his imaginative writing skills, Freas began to report to the nation what Punxsutawney’s Seer of Seers said and did.

With the “official” Groundhog’s prognostication reported, February 2 was put aside and the activities of everyday life returned to the schedules of Punxsutawney area residents. But residents’ association with their hometown and its name “Punxsutawney” continued with pride. That claim to “Punxsutawney” can be illustrated with a story from the early 1900s.

For many years in the late 1800s, the Mahoning Creek attracted adventurous men, and some women friends, to cruises and voyages to parts of the country south and west of Punxsutawney. With its dependable season of “favorable floods,” April or May seemed to be a good time to prepare and plan the daring launches of cabin boats with people down the Mahoning Creek and on to the Allegheny River.

With only local newspapers from the 1870s available to research the daily life and events of local people, it was found in the Punxsutawney News in mid-April that, “Some of the young men in

Clayville contemplate the building of a boat to navigate the waters of the Mahoning to its mouth and from thence possibly to New Orleans.”

Other notable trips on riverboats from Punxsutawney were reported in the two weekly newspapers at the time. On these trips, the groups of people did their cooking, eating and sleeping on the boat. On one trip, in May 1889, the river boat was forty feet long and sixteen feet wide and had two decks.

Probably the most chronicled journey of a houseboat from Punxsutawney was the cruise in late May of 1904. In April, the Punxsutawney News announced: “The hull of the boat that is to take Messrs, Grube, Witherow and Fairman and their respective families to St. Louis this summer was finished and was launched at Cloe Monday. The hull will now be brought to a point below town and the cabins built and everything made ready for the trip to Pittsburg where the propelling power will be installed.” Three weeks later, it was reported that the houseboat was moored at Valier “where the finishing touches are being added.“ The boat included: ”four good sized rooms with all modern conveniences and will make an ideal mode of travel to St. Louis, as well as a comfortable stopping place while visiting the Fair.”

The ceremony of launching the “house-boat” included the christening of the boat as “PUNXSUTAWNEY.” It was 76 1/2 feet long and 18 feet wide, to be propelled by a stern paddlewheel and run by an eight-horsepower gasoline engine. It had four bedrooms, a 12 x 18-foot dining room, kitchen and closets. On it would be equipment for hunting and fishing.

The “Punxsutawney” left Valier on May 19, at 9:30 in the morning with its first goal “to wake up the town of Perrysville” (now named Hamilton).

“Everybody was out to see us go by,” it was reported. Three miles farther it passed North Point where people also turned out to see them as they passed by.

Later on the trip, on the Allegheny River below Kittanning, Attorney and Mrs. William Fairman, Mr. and Mrs. R. T. Witherow, Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Grube and William Steffy and their sons and - Contunued on page 15

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February 2020 ◆ Issue #232 ◆ Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition ◆ 11

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could claim an amount of land that they could plow in one day. In parts of Russia, named for the Viking people Rus women plow around their communities as a charm against illness.

The plowing story and landtaking is seen most with the Danes, when the Goddess Gefjon is seen plowing the fields with her sons in the form of giant oxen.

The plowing of the Swedish fields was so deep the land uprooted, creating a lake. That land, named Zealand, and had the richest Danish soil. Celebrations of Charming of the Plow sometime honor Gefjon or a Germanic goddess named Nerthus.

Wayland, the blacksmith, was also honored for making the tools used in farming and the metal also harvested form the soil.

SPURCALIA In 8th century Germany, Spurcalia was celebrated.

During this time in February, first livestock births of the year occurred, and pigs were most likely sacrificed at this time.

IMBOLC/ST. BRIGHID’S DAY: Irish/Celtic origin During Imbolc (Ewemeolc or Oimelc), which translates to “ewe’s milk,” ewes gave birth and their milk was available. It was also the period when land was prepared for planting.

February 2 is also Brighid’s Day. Originally, the Irish goddess Brighid was a Celtic fire goddess, the keeper of the sacred flame and guardian of home and hearth. Brighid the goddess and St. Brighid were both associated with sacred fire, holy wells, springs and both foretold the transition from winter to spring.

As Ireland converted to Christianity, the church allowed worship of Brighid, who was later canonized as a saint.

Celts celebrated an early version of Groundhog Day on Imbolc. Instead of a groundhog speaking groundhogese to his handlers, this involved a serpent and the singing of this poem:

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By Melissa Salsgiver of Hometown magazine s Phil’s faithful followers gather at the Knob for his wise words on weather, and as tourists from near and far attend the multitude of festive events held in honor of Punxsutawney’s Groundhog Day, some may wonder about the origins of such an exceptional occasion. There are several explanations, whether from nature, folklore, tradition or religion, that suffice as a possible source.

Throughout our modern and ancient world, the seasons were split into four parts. In ancient times they were also split in half or cross-quarter points. February 2 is one of these, falling midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, a time when daylight has been gaining for six weeks and a time to celebrate the coming of spring. The timing of these celebrations can vary due to differences in region, season and calendars but many of them share the same ideas.

CHARMING OF THE PLOW or DISTING: Germanic/Scandinavian origin This was the time when cattle and one’s wealth were counted. New calves born during Disting were a sign of great prosperity.

This holiday was a way to say goodbye to winter and to celebrate the renewal of nature. Disting was comprised of the Disablot, a ritual to the Disir, who are spirits of the women of a family line who remain to protect and watch over the families and community.

In Norway and Iceland this festival was known as Dísablót, “sacrifice to the Disir.” It took place at the beginning of winter. In Sweden, the Disting, “DisirAssembly” was held at the beginning of February.

In Denmark, this is the time when the fields were first plowed, and a feast of new beginnings was held to bless the work of the year to come.

The Anglo-Saxons called it Modraniht, “Mother’s Night,” and it took place around the New Year. The principal act was a sacrifice, followed by a feast at which one would hope the sacrificed animals were consumed. The main purpose of this festivity was to honor the female spirits, the female ancestors, the goddesses, nature spirits, the Valkyries and others who were worshipped for fertilization of the land, good crops, healthy livestock and good soil for future plantings, as well as order and peace at home, and motherly care and love. The Disir and the Valkyries were both warlike and protective, like a mother who will protect her children.

FESTIVAL OF SOWING: Ancient Roman origin After seed was sown and land was fertilized, the lands were purified. Spelt cakes and pork were set out on hearths for Tellus (Mother Earth), and, seven days later, on February 2, to Ceres (where the word cereal originates). Legend says that she gives corn its vital power and Tellus gives it a place to grow.

SOLMONAD: Anglo-Saxon origin The Anglo-Saxon month of February was known as Solmonath, meaning month of mud, referencing the plowing the fields. It was celebrated by offering cakes or loaves to the gods.

PLOW MONDAY: English origin In England, Plow Monday was the first Monday after Yuletide ended. The ceremonial plowing of the first furrows in the fields was based on Christian practices or was adapted from pagan rituals. It was believed to restore fertility to land or heal blemished land. The plow was consecrated and anointed with soap and herbs, the land is plowed, loaves or cakes were put into the furrows and then the people prayed to the earth.

Other land rituals can be found in Iceland. Men might walk their property with fire and women

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The serpent will come from the hole on the brown day of Brighid though there may be three feet of snow On the surface of the ground.

CANDLEMAS Candlemas is a Christian holiday celebrated on February 2 that also has aspects in common with Imbolc. It can be traced to 4th century Greece as a purification holiday and a celebration of the return of light. Candles have traditionally been used in its observance.

The earliest mention of the Candlemas celebration was in the 4th century in Jerusalem. Etheria, a pilgrim, wrote about attending the celebration. Candlemas, also called Presentation of the Lord, Presentation of Christ in the Temple and previously named Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is a Christian celebration on the second day in February.

Christians believe that Mary presented Jesus to God at the Temple in Jerusalem after observing the traditional 40-day purification period of mothers after a birth. A Jewish man, Simeon, held the baby in his arms and said that he would be a light for the Gentiles (Luke 2:32). In 542, Justinian I decreed that the date should be moved to February 2, 40 days after Christmas. By 5th century, the custom of observing the festival with lighted candles had been introduced, along with the name Candlemas.

Some people lit candles to scare away evil spirits on dark winter nights. Others brought beeswax candles to their church to be blessed and then used them in the church or at home.

In medieval times, Candlemas was a festival of lights. The congregation carried lit candles to be blessed by the priest. They took these candles home to ward off storms, demons and other evils. This custom lasted in England until the Reformation. Traces - Contunued on next page

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ach Groundhog Day, the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center honors a scientist whose contributions have furthered the science of meteorology and broadcast meteorology by inducting him or her into the Meteorologist Hall of Fame. This year’s inductee is meteorologist Erik Salna who is Associate Director of Visualization, Communication, Public Education and Engagement for the Extreme Events Institute (EEI) and the International Hurricane Research Center (IHRC) at Florida International University (FIU) in Miami.

Salna’s interest in weather was sparked as a child growing up in the suburbs of Chicago. He experienced lightning hitting a tree outside his bedroom window, the blizzards of 1967 and 1979 and thundersnow. These events started a fascination with weather that has stayed with Salna and has contributed to his focus on extreme weather.

Salna earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical geography with an emphasis in meteorology from the University of Illinois and his Master of Science in meteorology from Northern Illinois University. His diverse career includes over 25 years of broadcast meteorology, serving as director of the Hurricane Warning Education Program at the Disaster Survival House in Deerfield, Fla., and time at America’s Emergency Network, which provides video streaming of emergency information for the media, emergency management agencies and the public.

In his current position at IHRC, which is a research and education organization with a goal of reducing hurricane damage and loss of life, Salna was a part of the team that constructed the Wall of Wind, an experimental facility capable of simulating hurricane force winds up to Category 5 for the purpose of hurricane engineering and damage mitigation.

Throughout his career, Salna’s focus and passion has been education outreach. He has participated in and presented many outreach programs, including the National Weather Service’s Owlie Skywarn Live Theater Show. His current endeavor, however, might be his greatest public education effort to date—Extreme Weather Experience is a one-of-a-kind company that develops weather education/entertainment experiences, such as hands-on exhibits, interactive programs and immersive live events, as a way to teach people how to be prepared and to survive dangerous weather situations. As chief creative officer of Extreme Weather Experience, Salna has gathered an impressive advisory group of professionals whose affiliations include Disney, Pixar Films, the National Weather Service, The Weather Channel and more.

“I believe entertaining special effects and immersive techniques can be used to educate the public about extreme weather,” says Salna. “Immersing a person in a hurricane, tornado, or flood could cause a positive change in behavior regarding preparedness and safety.”

On Saturday, Feb. 1, Salna’s Hall of Fame Induction ceremony will begin at noon. Following the program, the public can meet Salna, see Punxsutawney Phil—who will be in attendance—and enjoy groundhog cookies and punch. The cost to attend the induction ceremony is $7 per person, children two and under are free.

To read more about this event and other activities scheduled during the Groundhog Day celebration, visit Weatherdiscovery.org.

HISTORY OF FEB. 2

January and February were not included. Later, the Etruscans added those months back. They changed February to Februus because it was the month in which Rome was purified by making offerings and sacrifices to the gods of the dead.

Since fire is seen as a method of purification, Februalia is also associated with Vesta, a hearth goddess like the Celtic Brighid. Vesta comes from the Greeks, who called her Hestia since her power extended over altars and hearths. Februalia was a month-long period of sacrifice and atonement, involving offerings to the gods, prayer, and sacrifices.

Februa, the Roman god of purification came from the Etruscan Februus, god of purification and the underworld to the Etruscians he was also the god of and death, both connected to the underworld like the Roman god Pluto.

THE FEAST OF NUT Ancient Egyptians celebrated this time of year as the Feast of Nut, The Goddess of Nut’s birthday falls on February 2 in the Gregorian calendar. Nut was seen as mother to the sun god Ra. OTHER FEB. 2, 2020 CELEBRATIONS: Crepe Day, Dump Your Significant Jerk Day, Groundhog Day, Groundhog Job Shadow Day, Heavenly Hash Day, Hedgehog Day , Marmot Day (Alaska), Popcorn Day, Rheumatoid Awareness Day, Scout Sunday, Sled Dog Day , World Play Your Ukulele Day, World Wetlands Day. nnn

Continued from previous page

of the festival lingered until recently in Great Britain.

For Christians, February 2nd continues to be celebrated as Candelmas, the feast of purification of the Virgin. Some Christians still observe the practice of leaving Christmas decorations up until Candlemas.

It is traditional to eat crepes on Candlemas in some parts of Europe, such as France. Each family member prepares and cooks a crepe while holding a coin in hand. This is believed to assure wealth and happiness until the next Candlemas celebration.

Candlemas is also known as Candelaria in Spanish speaking countries. Whoever finds baby figures hidden inside the Kings Cake on Epiphany on January 6 must bring food to the February 2 gathering.

It’s possible that Candlemas is a Christian adaptation of the Roman holiday Februalia.

FEBRUALIA Februus, after whom February is named, was a god associated with both death and purification. The Februalia festival was held near the end of the Roman calendar year. Originally, the Roman year had ten months from March through December,

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February 2020 ◆ Issue #232 ◆ Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition ◆ 13

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to noon, at Weather Discovery Center. Preregistration helpful, but not necessary. Call 814-938-1000 or email info@weatherdiscovery.org for information.

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n Feb. 17: Coping with Loss Support Group, 7 p.m., at First Church of God.

By the staff of Hometown magazine rom the staff of Hometown magazine and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events coming up in our area:

n Spring programs begin the week of Feb. 3 at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library.

Visit the library, its website or Facebook page for registration information. n Jan. 31 & Feb. 1: Grange’s Helping Hands, free clothing at Grange Church of God, Friday, noon to 4 and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. n Feb. 1: 2nd Annual Cash Extravaganza, 5 to 9 p.m., at Big Run Event Center. Tickets required. Sponsored by the Big Run Area Vol. Fire Co. & Big Run Event Center.

FREE TAX ASSISTANCE & PREP The AARP Tax Aide Program is offering free tax preparation and assistance to all tax payers with low to moderate income. Tax Aide Clinics will be held by appointment only at Aging Services, Inc., Oak Place Building, 1055 Oak Street, Indiana. Call (724) 349-4564 to make your appointment.

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Wed., Feb. 5, 10:30 am

Wed., Feb. 12 - Blood Pressure

by Anew Home Health at 11 am Tues., Feb. 18th - Blood Pressure & Blood Sugar Testing by Punxsutawney Home Health at 11 am

BREAKFAST Mondays from 9:30 - 11 am Feb. 3 - Fried Mush & Ham Feb. 10 - French Toast & Sausage No Breakfast Feb. 17th - Center Closed Feb. 24 - Pancakes & Sausage

MAKING VALENTINES BINGO Every Tuesday at 1 pm Thurs., Feb. 20 - 1 pm Bingo with Kim from Arista Care

CRAFT CLASS WITH GAIL

Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 10:30 am Thursday, Feb. 27 at 10:30 am

VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY Thursday, Feb.13 at 11 am

HYMN SING WITH KAY YOUNG

FUN & GAMES Thurs., Feb. 6 - Game Day Marathon 10:30 am - 1:30 pm Mon., Feb. 10 - "Umbrella Day" Parade at 11 am (Bring YOURS for the PARADE!) Wed., Feb. 19 - Presidents Day Quiz 12:30 pm Wed., Feb. 26 - Tell A Fairy Tale 12:30 pm

Thurs., Feb. 20 at 11 am

MARDI GRAS PARTY

n Feb. 2: Groundhog Day! See the official schedule of events in Punxsutawney Hometown magazine! n Feb. 4: First Tuesday Community Meal, 5 p.m., at Punxsutawney Presbyterian Church. Free & open to the public. n Feb. 6: Cancer Support Group Meeting, 6:30 p.m., at One Life Church.

Feb. 8: Potluck Sweethearts’ Dinner for couples, 5 p.m., at Grange Church of God. n Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day! Treat someone special to something special from one of Hometown’s advertisers. n Feb. 14: Community Meal, 5 p.m., at First United Methodist Church. Free & open to the public. n Feb. 15: Glow in the Dark Day, 10 a.m.

n Feb. 17: Presidents’ Day. Federal holiday, some businesses may be closed.

n Feb. 18: Blood Drive, 12:30 to 6:00 p.m., at SSCD, sponsored by F.O. Eagles 1231.

Benefits the American Red Cross. n Feb. 21: Parents’ Night Out, 4 to 8 p.m., at The Salvation Army. Drop your child off for dinner, crafts, games and a movie. $25 first child, $10 each additional child. For ages 3 to 12, potty-trained welcome. Register by Feb. 14 at 814-938-5530 or visit the Facebook page for more information. n Feb. 21, 22 & 23: PAHS Dramatics Club & Music Theater programs present “The Addams Family,” a musical, at the PAHS auditorium, Friday & Saturday, 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets available at the door. n Feb. 26: Ash Wednesday, begins the religious season of Lent. n Feb. 29: Learn About Light, 10 a.m. to noon, at Weather Discovery Center. Registration necessary by Feb. 24, seating is limited. Best for ages 5-12. Call 814-938-1000 or email info@weatherdiscovery.org for information. n Community Action offers free income tax preparation. For eligibility guidelines, call 814-938-3302, ext. 236 or 800-648-3381, ext. 236. n The Punxsutawney Memorial Library will close at 2 p.m. on Saturdays during February. n 2020 Dog Licenses are now available at - Contunued on next page

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PUNXSUTAWNEY Continued from page 11

daughters of Punxsutawney, were joined by Mr. and Mrs. Robert O’Connor, of Brookville. The crew and passengers were thirteen in all.

Upon arrival, Mr. O’Connor, a painter and paper hanger by trade, painted and papered the boat inside and out. On the outside of the cabin he painted the name “PUNXSUTAWNEY” in large black letters - “large enough to be visible almost across the Allegheny river,” it was reported in correspondence to the Punxsutawney News dated May 28, 1904, the news to be shared with readers.

That letter was followed by others written at frequent stops along the way. Under the headline “ST. LOUIS REACHED AT LAST,” a letter dated July 20, 1904, was shared by the News for interested Punxsutawney residents. After a trip of 1,478 miles in the house-boat named “PUNXSUTAWNEY,” the families arrived safely at the St. Louis World’s Fair.

In that final report about the voyage, the spokesperson for the crew wrote, “We have had reporters visit us all along the route and they think ours was the longest trip made by any boat of its class.” With plans to visit the World’s Fair the next day, the appeal was made to others - “Should any parties from Punxsutawney or vicinity visit St. Louis they will find our latch string hanging out. Please bring well filled baskets. Provisions are low.”

On April 30, 1904, St. Louis opened its doors to the world for what was officially called the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, but the eightmonth event was widely known as the St. Louis World’s Fair. The fair stayed open until December 1, with nearly 20 million people visiting it.

In late July 1904, a representative of The Punxsutawney Spirit visited the Fair and wrote a summary of the experience. In his opening remarks he stated, “Without intending any offense whatever it begs leave to advise others to go and do likewise.” The writer also noted, “Accommodations within the grounds cost about double the price prevailing in the city.”

Throughout the summer of 1904, The Punxsutawney Spirit regularly published the prices of excursions on the Pennsylvania Railroad to the St. Louis World’s Fair. At a rate of $14.75, leaving from Punxsutawney at 8:45 a.m., the special train would arrive at St. Louis the next day at 4:15 p.m.

The fair inspired the song “Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis,” which was recorded by many artists. The song relates the story of a year in the life of a family in St. Louis, leading up to the opening of the Fair in the spring of 1904.

Punxsutawney residents and natives, wherever they are, regularly have their spot in the limelight when asked, “Where are you from?” and the response is, “Oh, I’ve heard of Punxsutawney!”

The mere fact that Punxsutawney is an old and odd name is not enough to distinguish it from many other towns just as old or older. Its special claim is the pride of the people who live and work

in it and carry that pride beyond the region to other parts of the world.

In a song written in 1986 by Art Desimone and Joy Tobin, the musicians expressed their experience with the friendliness of Punxsutawney residents: “Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is the cutest little village in the U.S.A. And if you pass this way, you’ll see what I mean.”

For Punxsutawney’s Sesquicentennial Celebration in 2000, residents Terry A. and Charlotte Fye wrote words to be sung to the tune of “My Country, “Tis of Thee.”

As long-time volunteers contributing many hours to community life in Punxsutawney, their feelings can be felt in these words sung to the tune: Dear Punx-su-taw-ney Hometown to you and me, Thy name we cheer.

We love our Barclay Square The trees and clean, pure air With friendly people everywhere And the joy they bring.

Dear Punx-su-taw-ney The place we love to be Of thee we boast.

You are a fine old town, A place that’s earned renown; Through the future may our toast resound, “Long may you thrive!”

HOMETOWN

Continued from previous page

several locations around Punxsutawney.

If you’d like to volunteer at the Jackson Theater, call the Punxsutawney Area Community Center at 814-938-1008. n The First Church of God offers a Celebrate Recovery program. Contact the church or visit its Facebook page for more information. n Jeff Tech offers several Adult Education classes. Visit www.jefftech.info for information on what courses are available and starting dates. n The First United Methodist Church holds a prayer service at 7 p.m. Thursdays. n The Punxsutawney Memorial Library offers several programs, including computer classes, Teen Club, ‘Tween Group, Book Club for adults, adult coloring and activities for children. n The Punxsutawney Area Community Center offers several programs. Check the website or call 814-938-1008 for program availability. nnn

nnn

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February 2020 ◆ Issue #232 ◆ Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition ◆ 15

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