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2 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256
A Groundhog Day Wedding D
On the cover:
Happy Groundhog Day! ‘Punxsutawney Hometown’ magazine © Copyright 2022 — All Rights Reserved. Schedule your advertising in our next edition! We reach 100% of the local and area homes and businesses! - Concentrated Circulation 8,100+ copies of Punxsutawney Hometown magazine are direct-mailed to homes in Punxsutawney and surrounding towns and areas, giving our advertisers nearly 100% coverage . . . we deliver to every home and business! (As always — our circulation is verified — mailing and printing statements available.)
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By Danielle Merrow for Hometown magazine earest Readers, You are hereby cordially invited to participate in The Wedding of the
Season. Please note February 2, 2022, at 5 o’clock in the morning as the date and time of the event, and join together to witness the marriage of Tara Trapani and Nathan Haupt at Gobbler’s Knob on the Main Stage. You may also attend from the comfort of your home via your favorite source of Groundhog Day coverage. “I will preface this by saying that we have had an unconventional relationship, so an unconventional wedding is sort of apropos for us,” Trapani begins. “Also, we love irony. And, it really is ironic that as nontraditional as we are, we have decided to get married on a stage in front of all of these people during one of the most celebrated traditions of Pennsylvania.” Their wedding will be a most perfect expression of the couple and their story. “Groundhog Day is one of those traditions that perfectly embodies Pennsylvania. It’s what makes our state unique,” she continues. “We wanted our wedding to reflect that.” According to the couple, even their engagement story was a unique event. “We had gone to an estate sale looking for jewelry,” Trapani explains, laughing. “We left with a ring…and also bought four new appliances!” Trapani, single mom to three boys, fifteenyear-old Dillon Rush and thirteen-year-old twins Jonah and Julian Rush, says that for her second wedding, she did not need another “white dress and a church” wedding. And Nathan, she says, is what anyone who knows him would have considered a perpetual bachelor. Thus, for this couple, something unexpected was most fitting because even their relationship was unexpected. When Trapani and Haupt met on the school bus in eighth grade, neither of them could have ever imagined their long friendship culminating in a Groundhog Day wedding in 2022. Throughout a lifetime of friendship and lives that took them in, quite literally, different directions (Trapani returned to her hometown in the Pittsburgh suburbs, Haupt’s pursuits took him to the Midwest), they remained close friends.
“Nathan’s family moved into my parents’ neighborhood when we were in eighth grade,” Trapani, a native of the Pittsburgh area, remembers. “We were close friends through all of high school and college,” she reports (Trapani attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania while Haupt went to Penn State University.), “We even kept in contact after my first wedding, while he lived in the Midwest.” Following Trapani’s divorce, life events brought Haupt back to the Pittsburgh area for work more specifically, back to the neighborhood where they’d first met. “I was a newly single mom, at home with these three little boys,” Trapani recalls, “and we had a big snowstorm. I looked out my window and there was Nathan, shoveling the snow outside my house. And, I remember thinking that I needed to find a guy just like The happy couple- Nathan Haupt and Tara Trapani – who Nathan. Someone who was good, will tie the knot at the Groundhog Day celebration. (submitted photo) who would take care of me. And too, before they even knew we were datthen I realized, maybe I liked Nathan. And ing.” it grew from there.” Trapani and Haupt known each other for When the future groom looks back on his thirty years and have been a couple for ten search for a soulmate, he recalls some key years. After all that time, they could not advice from a relative. “My Grandfather decide on the right way to celebrate their used to tell me that I needed to go to the union. They knew their wedding would dance hall to find a wife.” Haupt says. “He have to be something different, something met his wife of 75 years on a Johnstown unique. streetcar. I met the love of my life on a “We considered eloping,” Trapani exschool bus. Cleary, the real key to finding plains. “But too many friends and family love is public transportation.” would have been disappointed to hear we’d Their relationship, Trapani says, is entirely just gone and done it. We tossed around so based on their lifelong friendship. “Not many ideas- Niagara Falls, the courthouse many people get to marry their best friend,” and a justice of the peace, Las Vegas- and she points out. “But I am literally marrying nothing felt right, there was always some my best friend. It’s a great feeling, and our reason why not.” friendship was a great basis for our relaFinally, during a conversation where they tionship.” were discussing even more ideas with TraThey say they took the romantic aspect of pani’s sister, who is also engaged and contheir relationship slowly, not necessarily sidering wedding ideas, the couples started hiding it from the children from the time talking about wedding dates. they started dating in 2010, but not having “My sister and her fiancé are getting marto worry about the extra pressure of introried on the eleventh,” Trapani explains, beducing someone new to them. “They’d cause the significant milestones of their known Nathan their whole lives; they alrelationship all happened on the eleventh. ready loved him and he loved them. And, “They don’t know what month yet, but it he was involved with coaching their sports - Continued on page 5 teams and helping them with other things,
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256 – 3
COLLECT YOUR AUTOGRAPHS FROM MEMBERS OF THE
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Groundhog Day Wedding
really haven’t done much in the way of preparations. I don’t even know what I’m wearing yet!” She elaborates that supply Continued from page 3 chain issues have further complicated her will definitely be the 11th.” search for the perfect cold-weather outdoor Trapani joked that she wanted to get marwedding ensemble. ried on 2/2/22, and Nathan chimed in, A friend of the bride-to-be for over fifteen “That’s Groundhog Day! It would be like in years, Punxsutawney native Kara Bonaroti, the movie. I could fall in love with you says “[Tara] and Nathan are a perfect match. again every day!” They’re truly best friends, and have been The idea stuck. since day one.” Bonaroti goes on to say, “They’re a really fun, adventurous couple. So when Tara approached me with the idea [of getting married during the Groundhog Day celebration], it made total sense.” Bonaroti, who now resides in Pittsburgh, continues, “When Tara asked if there were weddings performed on Groundhog Day, I knew there were people I could ask.” She contacted the Groundhog Club to find out if a Groundhog Day wedding would be possible, and received an enthusiastic affirmative response. She says she will be attending the wedding on February 2. Haupt and Trapani say they have given full artistic license to Trapani and Haupt have known each other for years and are the Groundhog Club and Dan happy to become a family with Trapani’s sons, Dillon, Jonah, McGinley as far as the details of and Julian. This photo shows the group celebrating Trapani’s the wedding. birthday last year. “We have asked that they include my sons in whatever capacity the boys “We are fly-by-the-seat of our pants peowant to be involved,” Trapani says. “Beple, so naturally this idea just occurred to us yond that, we have entrusted the Groundhog in November,” Trapani laughs. “We Club with all of the details.” haven’t done any engagement photos, we Inner Circle Member, Dan “Moonshine”
McGinley, says the club is very excited booked. This place called us with a cancelabout this event. “The couple have been lation and also offered to accommodate us wonderful to work with,” he says. “We next year for our anniversary getaway.” have a lot planned for them. Former Inner The B&B- and the town in general- has Circle President (Bill Deeley) will be offi- been so accommodating that the happy couciating. We might see an appearance by the ple says they just may come back every year Philettes. Maybe Miss on their anniversary. Pennsylvania will stop by. “We are so thankful,” TraWe might see something pani says. “It is just so from the Thunder Conduclovely that the Groundhog tor (Inner Circle Member Club is working with us Dave Gigliotti). And we and including us onstage to might just have a party.” make our wedding happen, Once married, the couple for incorporating us into plan to continue their celetheir celebration.” bration with a reception for The couple have invited family and closest friends their families and close at The Oaks, a theater in friends and are thrilled to Oakmont, PA, that was be able to celebrate with built in 1938 and has been those who are able to atrecently renovated to its tend- including some of former glory. They are Nathan’s good friends from Haupt and Trapani met on a school planning a private screen- bus. They were the best of friends Chicago. ing of the movie “Ground- in this snapshot of when they were Trapani goes on to say, hog Day” with Bill Murray, about 18 years-old. “Santa even left a Groundcomplete with pizza, pophog Club membership in corn, pretzels, refreshments and groundhog my stocking this year. A donation was cupcakes that will be provided by a bakery made in my name, and I am an official near the theater. member of the Groundhog Club.” Trapani says that because of travel restricThis is not their first time attending a tions forced by Covid, they do not have a Groundhog Day celebration; both attended honeymoon planned at this time; that detail the festivities during their college years. is yet to be determined. “We would take When asked if they have any idea what recommendations, though!” she chuckles. Phil’s prediction might be, they say, “Six While no honeymoon is currently planned, more weeks of winter!” a local bed and breakfast has already reThe couple’s friend Kara Bonaroti sumserved a room for the couple to come back marizes the upcoming event perfectly by and celebrate their first anniversary in 2023. addressing the couple: “I wish them mutual “[This B&B] has been incredible,” Trapani love and respect, always. And, I hope they says. “My parents wanted to be here, but always have this much fun together!” ••• on such short notice, everything was
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Soup’s On By Mary Ellen Pollock-Raneri for Hometown magazine fter the Christmas decorations were tucked away until the next year, after all the kids went back to school again after a long break, and after playing with toys that Santa delivered, January arrived. There was not much to look forward to for a kid in the 60s except for snow, snow days, sled riding and Mom’s soup. That’s right: soup. My mother made soup out of anything that was leftover in the refrigerator and probably could make soup out of the air and water. I still remember wading through the big drifts in the alley beside Mrs. Corey’s house in Fairview on my way home after school. Sniffing the air, I could always tell what delicious brew my mother whipped up for supper that night. Chili was always a favorite at our house. My mom usually started it with some ground meat, onions and garlic. Then, she added a couple quarts of her home canned tomatoes to it. Her secret ingredient was tomato soup and elbow macaroni. When it was a chili day at the little elementary school I attended, I was so excited for its chili. Sadly, it was not like Mom’s. Mom’s chili was soupy. School’s chili was thick. I mean my spoon stuck straight up in it and didn’t waver. Little did I know that many people LOVE their chili thick and hearty. I, however, was used to chili at Mom’s Place and had a hard time adjusting. My mother learned most of her cooking skills from my Gram, who was Italian. Now, we didn’t eat many fancy meals, es-
A
pecially when it came to soup. I recall the big soup pot on my grandmother’s gas stove that was filled to the brim with either chicken broth or beef broth. The brew always had a tomato base that was typically watery with a carrot or two. Our soup was not limited to one meat either: Sometimes, the chicken soup had a beef bone in it, or the beef soup had some chicken feet in it. That’s right, chicken feet. Mom and Gram both attested that it gave the soup a delicious flavor, so, when my grandmother butchered the chicken, everything but the cluck, the beak and the comb got used. My father, of Slovak descent, preferred a more cream soup base or something with some vinegar. He had a very difficult time if a chicken foot floated to the top of the pot, and he had to tiptoe, or shall I say, “tip spoon” around it. I must admit, though, those claws did not bother me one bit. Many the time, my mom, Gram and I shared a hearty bowl of broth together, and we also shared a chicken foot or two. That grisly texture was fun to gnaw, even though my father looked on in sheer horror. Speaking of Dad, one of his favorite soups was a cream-based soup, kind of like mushroom, but with green beans and bits of ham in it. He just loved it, especially with chunks of potatoes. As soon as my mother ladled out his bowl of Cream of Green Bean Soup, Dad ran to fetch the cruet of vinegar that was in the cupboard above the stove. While my father doused his soup with the sour stuff, my mother usually gave a big speech about heartburn and how Dad’s sour addition would spoil the soup she spent so long in preparing. Nevertheless, my dad added it and slurped up every spoonful with great gusto! My mother never won the vinegar battle at our kitchen table, although she sure went - Continued on next page
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Soup’s On Continued from previous page
down fighting! Potato soup was another all-time favorite soup that my dad enjoyed. Mom boiled potatoes and riced them for this concoction. She usually started this soup with the Holy Trinity of cooking: garlic, onions and celery. Mom always said that you could make anything taste better with those three ingredients – even shoe leather! She used that same starter for many of her masterpieces, especially lentil soup. How I loved digging into a large steaming bowl of that legume-based potage, made from Christmas’ leftover ham bone! I think one of my favorite soups that my mother prepared was a very simple one that most of all appreciate: vegetable beef soup, commonly known as “getridofeverything” soup. That’s right – use everything up in the vegetable bin. Have some cabbage that is starting to turn dark around the gills? Cut that black off and put the cabbage in the soup. Have some wilted celery with floppy leaves? Wash it, take off the rotten leaves, chop it all up and put it in the soup. Have some potatoes that are starting to rot? Cut out the bad parts and put the leftover good stuff in the soup. I’m sure you are getting the pattern. Every canning season, my mother canned quart after quart of fresh tomatoes that were destined for her homemade vegetable soup. She froze some of the endof-the-season corn, too – also destined for the soup. Mom’s canned green beans were plentiful in her homemade vegetable brew. And, we can never forget the big beef bone that she used to get free from the butcher. Ah! The good ol’ days, when soup bones were free, and you made your own beef stock! Yes, my mom treated soup with the upmost respect, and it was welcomed into our home on a frequent basis. It fought off the common cold, protected you from winter’s chills and just plain tasted good. Mom loved it because she could use up lots of stuff in her fridge, recycle leftovers, get the last bit of life out of a turkey or chicken carcass and have a meal that lasted for days. It saved her some budget money. In addition, it got me to eat some vegetables. All in all, soup was a win-win at our dinner table. Plus, it sure is M’m, M’m, Good! Make your own January soup. Here is a recipe for you to enjoy! Recipe from “Baking with Lucy in Her Cozy Kitchen: A Collection of 222 Recipes.” Green and Yellow Wax Bean Soup Ingredients 3 cups of snapped green beans (cooked) 3 cups of snapped yellow wax beans (cooked) 3 T. olive oil 1 cup of onion (par-cooked a bit) 1 cup of celery (par-cooked a bit) 1 clove of garlic (finely minced) 8 oz. of ham cut in small cubes 1 cup of diced carrots (par-cooked a bit) 1 large 22.6 ounce can of Cream of Mushroom Soup 1 large 22.6 ounce can of warm water (clean out your soup can) 1 potato, cubed into small pieces 1 T. fresh chopped parsley Salt and Pepper to taste Have your green and wax beans snapped,
broken and cooked. Drain and set aside. Par-cook onion and celery together and drain. Set aside. Par-cook the carrots separately. Drain and set aside. Put olive oil in a large pot and add the celery, onion and garlic. Simmer about five minutes over medium heat. Add the carrots and diced ham. Simmer another five minutes under a medium heat. Have the mushroom soup dissolved in the water in another pan and stir well. Heat a bit and stir. Add the mushroom soup mixture to the vegetables/ham and stir. Simmer slowly for about 30 minutes and stir occasionally until the mixture comes to a boil. Add the potatoes, parsley, and salt and pepper. Add the beans. Simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes. Shut off heat and put on a lid. You can serve soup as soon as potatoes are tender. •••
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Words Matter: Legend, Lore, True or Fake
By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine or another year, Groundhog Day is near and Punxsutawney will enjoy its moment of glory in news media of the world. Yes, the world, but it used to be mainly in the United States. By the mid-20th century, in the 1950s, the strange ceremony at Gobbler’s Knob near Punxsutawney became an international fascination. Especially, after the 1993 release of the movie Groundhog Day. With it, and newer digital and internet broadband methods of communication, the word about an annual weather prediction by a groundhog at Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, was shared to a world-wide audience. Earlier in time, before the 1900s and the coming of radio and television, Groundhog Day was only recognized in regions that were settled by German settlers. Newspapers were a source of information in print instead of word of mouth. Printing presses then were primitive when compared to printing methods developed in the 20th century. With most early efforts in local weekly newspapers, news was presented in brief paragraphs to be read as announcements about coming events in the town or a more detailed account after the events. Before any family stories, folk lore, town news, advertisements, etc. went into print, for many years there was the spoken word or handwritten journals to share with others their memories and opinions about important events in their lives. As the old sayings goes: “Words matter.” Wisdom is needed when using words and to grasp fully the impact of words For this writer, it brings to mind the lesson learned from the parlor game based upon gossip, when in a group of people a saying is passed along from one person to another, repeating the information in the message until it makes its way around to the end. Then, it was obvious the original message was altered to a surprisingly different wording.
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8 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256
Searching for the Truth A legend is defined in the dictionary as “a non-historical or unverifiable story related to people or groups and handed down by tradition from earlier times.” A further explanation includes that legends are based on facts but they are not completely true and often change the historical events. Also, the opposite of legend is fact. Folk lore is defined as traditional beliefs, customs and stories of a culture or group of people passed through generations. In early
times they were shared with younger generations by word of mouth, before the printing press helped pass the stories onto many more people. In Punxsutawney, the first newspaper, a weekly, was the Mahoning Register in 1848, two years before the village was incorporated as a borough in 1850, and a population of 100 residents. Twenty years later, in 1868, the Punxsutawney Plaindealer began as a weekly newspaper and continued in publication for a decade. Another newspaper began publication in 1873 as the Mahoning Spirit and the name was changed to The Punxsutawney Spirit. In the mid-1880s, The Punxsutawney Spirit provided weekly news. In 1885 it was provided competition by the Valley News, also a weekly to be renamed the Punxsutawney News in 1887. These are substantiated facts in Punxsutawney history. The newspapers in small towns, as in Punxsutawney, have always been a valuable primary source for research to discover local history as reported in the thoughts and words of local editors and writers. Is it the Whole Truth A 2005 publication titled “IT HAPPENED IN PENNSYLVANIA” presents a chapter on page 62 that is one example when “words matter.” It misinterprets words about the early years of Punxsutawney groundhog history. How did words, as in a gossip experience, become harmful accounts about those early years? Its 14th chapter about “fascinating stories about twenty-eight events that helped make Pennsylvania what it is today” is titled “The Whole Truth about the Groundhog.” There are unsubstantiated accounts that appear in the opening paragraph “...on the morning of February 2, 1887, the official gathering of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club made its first historic journey up to Gobblers Knob. The club was comprised of local businessmen, groundhog hunters, and town folk. Their fearless leader and founder was Clymer Freas, editor of the local newspaper, The Punxsutawney Spirit.” Copies of that issue of The Spirit, and many more, are preserved on microfilm at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library, and available online through its website. Research in these papers allows readers today to return to those years of the past and relive the experience of reading the words of February 2, 1887. “Today is groundhog day, and up to the time of going to press, the beast has not seen its shadow.”
- Continued on next page
As larger crowds began to appear for Punxsutawney’s Groundhog Day event, improvements were made to enhance the view for the many visitors. In addition to a raised stage and a more open area, a split-rail fence was made for members of the Inner Circle to make their annual “trek.” (1996 photo of construction a copy from The Punxsutawney Spirit; color photo by S. Thomas Curry)
Words Matter Continued from previous page However, the local leaders and promoters of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, who fixed 1887 as when “the first trek to Gobblers’ Knob” was made, had overlooked the February 3, 1886 weekly note about the long observed folk lore with the groundhog. To concerned farmers, hunters and outdoors folk, that issue expressed the annual moment in other words: “Yesterday was ground-hog day, and the venturesome woodchuck that was curious enough about the weather to come out and take a look around would undoubtedly see his shadow, then sneak back into his hole, carefully draw the hole in after him, and stay there for six weeks.” Two weeks after that statement, the doubt was expressed in the editor’s words, “The Groundhog has deceived us again and is no longer worthy of the respect of a too confiding public. His weather prognostications are no better than those of venor or wiggins, and like them, his great success in the past was due to the fact that people love to be
humbugged.” That issue also reported news about a cattle disease, a teachers’ institute, a Soft-Cranium Club and weekly news about Sportsburg, Pansy, Langsville, Marchand. Other major events were introduced with bold eye-catching headlines. The note about a traditional observation of a groundhog was among many other local items for the readers’ interests. In the context of the other news of the time, when mines were opening, two railroads had entered the town, old frame buildings were being replaced with two and three-story brick and stone buildings in the downtown after the 1886 October fire, it can be interpreted that there was no significance in these announcements about the woodchuck in connection to Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney. No names mentioned, no group of men by any name, no location described or named for a “first official trek,” no particular name for the emerging groundhog. That the animal involved was identified simply as a “venturesome woodchuck,” “the beast,” or “groundhog” (often not capitalized), there was no loyalty to a particular groundhog. There was no big commu-
nity celebration that was worthy of a detailed his shadow, as the sun shone quite awhile this report in the next week’s edition. forenoon.” While no records can be found to support a On February 2, 1869, farmer Samuel Kuntz, claim to a time in the 1880s for the beginning of German heritage, wrote in his personal of Punxsutawney’s celebration of Groundhog journal, “I was at home in afternoon. This was Day, other printed reports clearly indicate that Grd. Hog Day - It seen no shadow today.” local pioneers in this section of farming and There is a historical record that before the lumbering were caught up in the annual sight- 1880s earlier settlers in the area were aware of ings of the groundhog to determine the length the folklore about Groundhog Day. of winter for six more weeks, or to expect an early spring. On January 26, 1887, the weekly Marion Independent newspaper (of Marion Center today) announced “Groundhog day will soon be here.” The weekly Valley News (Punxsutawney News), in its first February edition to report the folklore, made its statement on February 3, 1886, “The groundhog crawled out yesterday and was so scared at his shadow of his emaciated form that he concluded to retire for six weeks Many local publications are available for research about the more.” evolution of Punxsutawney’s connection to Groundhog Day Years earlier, in the Punx- from a familiar folklore known by early German immigrants in sutawney Plaindealer of February the area. In other publications, efforts have been made to put into a few words Punxsutawney’s version of recognizing Feb3, 1870, there was a reminder to ruary 2 as Groundhog Day. (photo by S. Thomas Curry) those residents of German heritage who had immigrated to the area from Is it Misinformation or Fake News? eastern Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania Dutch) “GROUND-HOG DAY - Believers in this Reading other reports in newspapers, booksign can prepare for an abundance of cold lets, websites, etc., there is concern about weather, for yesterday was a sunshiny day, Punxsutawney’s unique involvement with which would afford the ground-hog a de- Groundhog Day and regarding its years-long lightful opportunity to see its shadow if it ven- history and celebration. tured out.” A year later, from the only Especially alarming was in a February 2018 newspaper in Punxsutawney, the Plaindealer edition of the Harrisburg Patriot News to proannounced on February 2, 1871: “T0-DAY is mote the celebration in Punxsutawney. In it ground-hog day. If not too thin he could see - Continued on page 14
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256 – 9
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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
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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
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Knob, they can also choose to take a “Knob bus.” Buses to Gobbler’s Knob start at 3 a.m. These bus stops are located at Punxsutawney Aldi, Punxsutawney Walmart, and Barclay Square Park. Visitors will be returned to these lots after the ceremony as well.The cost is $5.00 per person. Once at the Knob, everyone has a good view of the Stage. Bus passes are available online at shop.groundhog.org/products/groundhogday-bus-passes-2022-ticket or at the bus stops.
ONE-WAY TRAFFIC
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.
HANDICAPPED ACCESS AND BUSES - IMPORTANT!
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 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.
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 standing-room-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.
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.
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 Saturday, January 29, through Wednesday, 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 and the Punxsutawney Area Chamber or Commerce wensite at www.punxsutawney.com.
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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. If you stay downtown to eat or visit, shuttle buses will be available, running in a loop every fifteen minutes or so from Aldi, Walmart and Barclay Square.
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12 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256
• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Groundhog Week Craft Vendor Show at Vendor Mall of Punxsutawney, 117 East Mahoning St. • 11 a.m.: Daily activities, local artisans, craft vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and more in the Park, Barclay Square, Downtown. • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Build-A-Phil, build your own Phil Groundhog at Build-A-Phil Tent, Barclay Square, Downtown. • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Local wine, distillery and craft beer tastings, Barclay Square, Downtown. • 11 a.m.: Phil 101, learn about the facts and legend of Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day straight from the Inner Circle members themselves, Barclay Square, Downtown. • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Information about Unity Rises Assn., merchandise, handing out FREE coats, hats and gloves and FREE hot cocoa, 400 N. Walnut St., 814-952-9019. • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Visit the Gobbler’s Knob Visitor Center and Gift Shop for souvenirs and information, 1548 Woodland Ave. Extension. • 10 a.m.: Crowning of Little Mr. and Miss Groundhog 2022 in the lobby of the Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., Punxsutawney. No charge to attend. Weather Discovery Center open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $8 admission, children 2 & under free. Free make and take Groundhog crafts in our classroom with paid admission. • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Punxsutawney Phil’s “Official” Souvenir Shop, located in the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 1 p.m.: Phil’s Paint Party at Walston Club, 2509 Walston Rd. $35 per person, cash only. Includes groundhog painting,
snacks and drinks. Proceeds benefit SPLASH. Reservations required by January 23. Call 814-952-6302 to register. • 2 p.m.: The band 7 Mile Run will perform, Barclay Square, Downtown. • Largest Groundhog - Come take a photo and view the 28-foot-tall wooden Groundhog Statue at Joe’s Drive In, located at the bottom of Indiana Hill, 308 Indiana St. • 8 p.m.: Mid-Winter Bash featuring Almost Mulberry at the Punxsutawney Eagles, 238 E. Mahoning St. Sponsored by Punxsutawney Area Community Foundation, Inc. Doors open at 7 p.m.; band starts at 8 p.m. Cash bar, please bring a valid form of ID; must be 21 years or older. Tickets are $15, donated for in advance. Tickets are available at Laska’s Pizza or www.pxycf.org/shop. A Mid-Winter Package is available including a One-Night Stay at the Cobblestone Inn and Suites, One Voucher for an Admission to the Weather Discovery Center, One Mid-Winter Bash Ticket and One Voucher for a Phantastic Phil Walking Tour on Sunday, January 30. A $125 donation will secure this package. For an additional $25 donation, another person can be added. Package is available at www.pxycf.org/shop.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Information about Unity Rises Assn., merchandise, handing out FREE coats, hats and gloves and FREE hot cocoa, 400 N. Walnut St., 814-952-9019. • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Groundhog Week Craft Vendor Show at Vendor Mall of Punxsutawney, 117 East Mahoning St. • 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Visit the Gobbler’s Knob Visitor Center and Gift Shop for souvenirs and information at 1548 Woodland Ave. Extension. • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Punxsutawney Phil’s “Official” Souvenir Shop, located in the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Punxsutawney. • Weather Discovery Center open 10 a.m. - Continued on next page
HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY!
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is open to visitors from dawn to dusk. Sponsored by The Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. • Largest Groundhog - Come take a photo and view the 28-foot-tall wooden Groundhog Statue at Joe’s Drive In, located at the bottom of Indiana Hill, 308 Indiana St.
MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2022
- Continued from previous page
- 4 p.m. $8 admission, children 2 & under free. Free make and take Groundhog crafts in our classroom and weather book reading 1-3 p.m. with paid admission. • 11 a.m.: Daily activities, local artisans, craft vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and more in the Park, Barclay Square, Downtown. • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Build-A-Phil, build your own Phil Groundhog at Build-A-Phil Tent, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 11 a.m.: Phil 101, learn about the facts and legend of Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day straight from the Inner Circle themselves, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Local wine, distillery and craft beer tastings, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 11 a.m.: PA Express Polka Band, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 11 a.m.: Snowman Building Contest, Groundhog Day themed, bring your own decorations. Judging will be at 4:30 p.m., Barclay Square, Downtown. • 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Lunch with Phil at the Knob, 1548 Woodland Ave. Extension. Meet the Inner Circle, check out the Knob, have a nice lunch and meet the Seer of Seers himself! Tickets are $15 per person, sold at the door or purchased at shop.groundhog.org/collections/tickets. Phil, along with his wife, Phyllis, can be found in his burrow in Barclay Square during most other times. • 1 p.m.: Chamber Chili Cook-off, bring your best chili to win, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. Email or call the Chamber to register, 814-938-7700 or chamber@punxsutawney.com. • 2 to 4 p.m.: Gobbler’s Knob Got Talent at the Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St. This is an open judged talent show where those entering perform. Two performers will be chosen to perform at the Knob February 2, with the winner awarded $500.00. The event is free to the public, no ticket required. • 5 to 9 p.m.: Program on the contributions of the coal industry to the Punxsutawney area, at the Coal Memorial, 404 W. Mahoning St. The Coal Memorial
• 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Leila Jo’s Cafe & Bakery, special Groundhog Week hours, 246 W. Mahoning St. • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Information about Unity Rises Assn., merchandise, handing out FREE coats, hats and gloves and FREE hot cocoa, 400 N. Walnut St., 814-952-9019. • 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Groundhog Week Craft Vendor Show at Vendor Mall of Punxsutawney, 117 East Mahoning St. • 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.: Visit the Gobbler’s Knob Visitor Center and Gift Shop for souvenirs and information at 1548 Woodland Ave. Extension. • 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Punxsutawney Phil’s “Official” Souvenir Shop, located in the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Punxsutawney. • Weather Discovery Center open 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. $8 admission, children 2 & under free. Free make and take Groundhog crafts in our classroom and weather book reading 1-3 p.m. with paid admission. • 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.: The Burrow Bar & Grill, special Groundhog Week hours, open for food all day, 108 N. Findley St. • 11 a.m.: Daily activities, local artisans, craft vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and more in the Park, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 11 a.m.: Phil 101, come learn about the facts and legend of Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day straight from the Inner Circle themselves, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Build-A-Phil, build your own Phil Groundhog at Build-A-Phil Tent, Barclay Square, Downtown. • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Local wine, distillery and craft beer tastings, Barclay Square, Downtown. • 7 to 11 p.m.: The Groundhog Ball at the Punxsutawney Eagles, 238 E. Mahoning St. Traditional formal evening Ball and Dance will feature a live band, beverages and a chance to meet and engage with the Inner Circle and local and out of town guests. The Theme this year is, “Get Decked Out in Black and Red.” Tickets are $30 per person purchased at shop.groundhog.org/collections/tickets. • Largest Groundhog - Come take a photo and view the 28-foot-tall wooden Groundhog Statue at Joe’s Drive In, located at the bottom of Indiana Hill, 308 Indiana St. - Continued on page 17
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256 – 13
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About Groundhog Day.” This major news source printed, “In 1887 Clymer Freas deContinued from page 9 clared Phil as America’s official forecasting the governor of Pennsylvania stated, “Februgroundhog.” ary 2nd is an exciting day for Punxsutawney Other sources made statements that Clymer as the nation turns to the charming town to Freas was the city editor of The Punxcelebrate this cherished Pennsylvania tradisutawney Spirit in 1887 when the words, tion. Groundhog Day began right here in “Today is groundhog day, and up to the time Pennsylvania in 1886.” of going to press, the beast has not seen its Other news stories have stated: “America’s shadow,” first appeared in its edition. Groundhog Day started in Punxsutawney in Clymer Freas was not the editor of The 1887 with the first official trek to Gobbler’s Spirit in 1887, in 1886 or 1885. W.O. Smith Knob.” was the editor of the newspaper since 1885. With the spotlight on February 2 in 2016, Young Smith, a native of Reynoldsville, was CNN (Cable News Network) attempted to with the Reynoldsville Herald until he besummarize Punxsutawney and its history to came editor of The Spirit, at the age of 26. Born in 1867, Clymer Freas was 20 years old in 1887 and attended school at Punxsutawney’s Normal School to prepare to be a teacher. Other facts about him are numerous and recorded in The Punxsutawney Spirit. For a time, he was a teacher in the local public schools and, in 1890, resigned his position as assistant principal on account of ill health, heart disease. He spent months in Oregon to recuperate and recover. At 30 years of age, with time with the While some publicity about Punxsutawney’s Groundhog Day lists Clymer Freas as Spirit editor in 1887, it Falls Creek Herald and Reynoldsville was a young W.O. Smith who was editor. As editor since Volunteer, in December 1897 he re1885, Smith occasionally referred to the old German folklore each February. In Punxsutawney history, Cly- turned to a more populated and prosmer Freas was city editor of The Punxsutawney Spirit perous town of Punxsutawney. The from 1902 to 1910 and is credited for his annual stories former small town had a population of promoting Punxsutawney with Groundhog Day. (copy nearly 10,000 residents, with Clayville of Clymer Freas Hometown file) nearby and Young Township surroundGroundhog Day. With years of history on ing it adding approximately 7,000 to the total. record the network put into a few words, In 1899 until 1902, Freas was a clerk in the “Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is the birthcensus office in Washington D.C. He returned place of Groundhog Day and the home of to Punxsutawney in 1902 when W.O. Smith, Punxsutawney Phil, the Peyton Manning of editor of The Punxsutawney Spirit, was runprescient rodents.” ning for congress in the election of 1902. “The “birthplace of Groundhog Day,” or After Smith was elected, Clymer Freas be“America’s Groundhog Day started in Punxcame city editor of The Punxsutawney Spirit. sutawney”- an untruth, fake or misinformaHe retired from The Spirit in 1910 on account tion? of his health, moving to Florida. It brings to mind, again, the old saying, Clymer H. Freas died in Tampa, Florida in “Words matter,” or the parlor game of “gos1942. It is a fact that Clymer Freas is credited sip” that repeats words in a simple statement by W.O. Smith for the promotion of Punxuntil it makes its way around to others at the sutawney and its Seer of Seers, Bre’r Groundend of game as an altered, surprising meshog, in that early decade of the 20th century. sage. It was written about him in his obituary, “He it was who brought national recognition to Editor Clymer Freas and National Punxsutawney as the home of the GroundRecognition hog. Clymer H. Freas was father of the conIt was also in February 2018 that another ception that Punxsutawney is the home of the reputable news outlet promoted the PunxGroundhog, and the Weatherworks.” sutawney Groundhog Day event. From proIn January 1938, while Freas was living in vided information, The Washington Post Florida, The Punxsutawney Spirit was be(Washington, D.C.) shared with its readers an sieged with questions about the origins of the article titled “Punxsutawney: The Truth - Continued on next page
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Words Matter Continued from previous page Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Editor P.L. Smith, son of W. O. Smith, wrote his article titled “Punxsutawney Groundhog Had Its Genesis in One Man’s Imagination.” From a familiarity with local history or from stories he heard from his father, editor Smith shared, “It was back in the summer of 1900 that a half a dozen local residents hied themselves into the hills back of the old Punxsutawney Brewery for an outing. [Note: where Mahoning Milling Company is located] They dug out a couple of groundhogs and enjoyed roast chuck, along with the customary side dishes and liquid refreshments (a keg of beer from the old Punxs’y Brewery) it is recalled.” More information about those early years was offered. “About the third year the gang went high hat and hired themselves a rig to go to a point near Oak Tree. That outing was reported by Clymer H. Freas, then city editor of The Spirit, and now of Brooksville, Fla., and in the report he referred to the group as The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The following year he enlarged upon the club’s activities and delegated to its members the task of ascertaining whether or not the Groundhog saw his shadow on the subsequent February 2.” It was Freas, of German heritage, who is credited with the name for the unidentified small group of men who loved to hunt and eat groundhogs in the summer; thus, the name The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club in 1902. It was Freas who gave the name Weather Works for the location to observe shadowcasting and where weather was created for Punxsutawney to become “The Weather Capital of the World,” as he named Punxsutawney for promotion of the town. For a few years the site was referred to as Ground-
hog Knob, before identified in 1910 as Gobbler’s Knob, the name used for more than 100 years. It was Freas who created the local legend of “Groundhogese,” claiming that those earlier feasters of groundhog ate so much groundhog that they had absorbed the language of a groundhog. And each yearly forecast message was shared only with the Groundhog Club president in groundhogese to be announced to the world. Let’s Give Credit Though mistakenly identified in many news efforts and publicity as editor of The Spirit in 1887, Clymer Freas (1867-1942) deserves full credit for creating the Punxsutawneystyle “celebration” of the old folklore about Groundhog Day on February 2 each year. Surviving the competition of over 50 communities outside Pennsylvania, and a dozen more in Lancaster and York counties in eastern Pennsylvania, the fact is Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, is the recognized center for the popularity of Groundhog Day for many. Didn’t the 1993 movie “Groundhog Day” convince us of that? And didn’t the Pennsylvania Lotto groundhog, Gus, “the second most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania” recognize Punxsutawney, too? Whether native to Punxsutawney, new arrivals as residents or visitors, we all can appreciate the volunteer efforts of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club members and other organizations who have worked to preserve and defend the tradition of Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney-style since 1902, remembering the old German lore - if the groundhog sees its shadow it will be six more weeks of winter; if it fails to see it - early spring. •••
VFW Open House Event Tuesday , February 1
The VFW Post 2076 at 121 Maple Ave., Punxsutawney will host an open house from noon until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1 and from 7 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, Feb. 2. Stop by for a picture of Sgt. Major Phil and for a free cup of coffee and a groundhog cookie. •••
Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256 – 15
HAPPY GROUNDHOG DAY!
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Monday, Jan. 31: Celebrate Supporters! Punxsutawney Phil making a guest appearance with a Q&A and pictures with Inner Circle members! Student Art Show Opens! (Displayed at SSCD School until Friday, then moved to Mulberry Square) Prayer and Paint w/ Parents 2:30-4:30 or 68 p.m., $5/Person
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16 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256
theme of this year’s celebration is, “Catholic Schools: Faith, Excellence, Service.” Pastor Monsignor Riccardo reminds us that, “All good things begin with faith!” Thus, it is only fitting that this special week begins with an open invitation to alumni, friends and supporters to join current school families at Mass on Sunday, Jan. 30, for a prayerful celebration of the school’s 130th year in Punxsutawney. Principal Heather Serian Kunselman and her staff are proud of the outstanding academic achievements of their students and look forward to a week filled with enriching activities and, of course, lots of fun! The highlights of this
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Tuesday, Feb.1: Celebrate Nation! Courtyard Prayer & Pledge, 8 a.m. in courtyard (weather permitting) Open House/School Tours for prospective new families. Wednesday, Feb. 2: Celebrate Community! Talent Show! Parents can watch the show on Facebook Live. Open House/School Tours for prospective new families. Thursday, Feb. 3: Celebrate Vocations! Bingo for Books! Bingo w/ Student Bingo Buddy Friday, Feb. 4: Celebrate Families! Children’s Mass at 9 a.m., Families invited! Faith, Family, Fun, Fitness Challenge Finale! Saturday, Feb. 5: Celebrate Alumni Alumni are asked to Facebook message or email heather.kunselman@sscdschool.com and share how their faith has shaped their life. Contact us to be a guest speaker during our morning announcements to share your SSCD school or faith experiences in-person! Be a role model for our students by sharing your faith journey with our school. •••
Punxsutawney Area Community Center - Continued from page 13
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022
• 7 a.m. to 2 a.m.: The Burrow Bar & Grill, special Groundhog Week hours, open for food all day, 108 N. Findley St. • 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Leila Jo’s Cafe & Bakery, special Groundhog Week hours, 246 W. Mahoning St. • 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Providing the community with information about Unity Rises Assn., selling our merchandise, handing out FREE coats, hats and gloves and FREE hot cocoa, 400 N. Walnut St., 814-952-9019. • 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Punxsutawney Phil’s “Official” Souvenir Shop, located in the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown. • Paul Beatty Jewelers will have artisan Cathy Strate selling decorative painted items, hand knitted hats, seasonal décor, 120 W. Mahoning St. • Roseman's Florist & Gifts, 126 W. Mahoning St., is hosting several local artists with their goods for Groundhog Day. Deb Fleckenstein of Gingerbread Angel with her wooden groundhog items, and Whitney Bargerstock from Shimmering Twig Sweets LLC. • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Visit the Gobbler’s Knob Visitor Center and Gift Shop for souvenirs and information at 1548 Woodland Ave. Extension. • 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., Groundhog Week Craft Vendor Show at Vendor Mall of Punxsutawney, 117 East Mahoning St. • Saints Cosmas and Damian School Open House, 205 Chestnut St., Punxsutawney. Call to schedule your appointment, 814-938-4224. • 11 a.m.: Daily activities, local artisans, craft vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and more in the Park, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 11 a.m.: Phil 101, come learn about the facts and legend of Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day straight from the Inner Circle themselves, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Build-A-Phil, build your own Phil Groundhog at Build-A-Phil Tent, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Local wine, distillery and craft beer tastings, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 11 a.m.: 8 Track Daze will perform, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 11 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.: Concession Stand at the Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St. • Noon to 4 p.m.: VFW Open House, stop by for a picture of Sgt. Major Phil, FREE cup of coffee and a groundhog cookie, 121 Maple Ave. • Noon to 9 p.m. (set up 8 a.m. to Noon):
Craft Show in the Gym at the Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St. • 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.: Wed., Feb. 2, Crash Pad, $8 per person at the Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St. • Weather Discovery Center open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. $8 admission, children 2 & under free. Free make and take Groundhog crafts in our classroom and weather book reading 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with paid admission. • Noon: Meteorologist Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Weather Discovery Center, Groundhog cookie and punch reception prior to ceremony, $8 admission, children 2 & under free. • Noon to 6 p.m.: Visitor’s Welcome Station on the Side Porch with a “Recharge Station” for cell phones at the Lattimer House, 400 W. Mahoning St. The Gift Shop, Reschini Room Exhibits and Groundhog Day Museum will be open. *Activities will be mostly outdoors. Indoor activities will require masks for everyone with limits on the number of people in the facility. Sponsored by The Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. • 2 to 3:30 p.m.: Killin’ Time musical performance, Barclay Square, Downtown. • Photos and Autographs with Inner Circle - The Inner Circle will be walking and visiting around town on Groundhog Day Eve and Groundhog Day. Please feel free to ask for a photo or autograph. • 3:30 to 5:50 p.m.: The annual Groundhog Club Members Only Reception at the Punxsutawney Eagles, 238 E. Mahoning St. This is a free event, but you must be a member of the Groundhog Club to attend. You can join the Groundhog Club for $15 at www.groundhog.org. Phil, along with his wife, Phyllis, can be found in his burrow in Barclay Square during most other times. • 4 to 5:30 p.m.: Derek Woods Band, Barclay Square, Downtown Punxsutawney. • 5 p.m., 7 p.m. & 11 p.m.: Watch the movie “Groundhog Day” FREE at the Punxsutawney Area Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St. • Largest Groundhog - Come take a photo and view the 28-foot-tall wooden Groundhog Statue at Joe’s Drive In, located at the bottom of Indiana Hill, 308 Indiana St. • Annual Groundhog Banquet at Punxsutawney High School Cafeteria, 500 N. Findley St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; Banquet begins at 6 p.m. This fun filled evening has been a favorite for locals and visitors from around the world for decades. Featuring Luigi’s Restaurant catering and a guest speaker. Tickets are $35 per person. • 5 to 9 p.m.: Program on the contribu- Continued on next page
• Movies Weekly at the Jackson Theater • Community Fitness Center • Facility Rentals for Meetings or Parties
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Punxsy Phil’s Restaurant, Punxsy Shop ‘n Save, Punxsutawney Chamber Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256 – 17
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tions of the coal industry to the Punxsutawney area, at the Coal Memorial, 404 W. Mahoning St. The Coal Memorial is open to visitors from dawn to dusk. Sponsored by The Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. • 6 p.m.: Phil’s Paint Party, at the Social Hall, 201 S. Jefferson St, Punxsutawney. $35 per person, cash only. Includes groundhog painting, snacks and drinks. Proceeds benefit SPLASH. Reservations required by January 23. Call 814-9526302 to register. • 6 to 9 p.m.: Coffee House sponsored by The First United Methodist Church youth group held at First United Methodist Church, on the corner of Church and Mahoning streets. • 9 p.m. to Midnight: Dueling Pianos, ATA Building, 222 N. Findley St. Lively, musical entertainment with adult beverages available for purchase. Must be 21 years or older. Tickets are $20 per person at shop.groundhog.org/collections/tickets.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2022
GROUNDHOG DAY!
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18 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256
• 12 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Concession Stand at the Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St. • 3 a.m.: Gobbler’s Knob opens, 1548 Woodland Ave Extension. • 3:30 to 6:30 a.m.: Entertainment on the stage at the Knob. • 3:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.: Souvenirs, Gobbler’s Knob Hall. • 3 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Shuttles to the Knob, 3 shuttle locations in town - Aldi’s Parking Lot, Walmart Parking Lot, Barclay Square. Purchase tickets online now or at ticket booths Groundhog Day morning. • 4 to 9 a.m.: Hogspitality Village at Gobbler’s Knob Visitor Center Pavilion. This ticketed event features a warm space to relax, food, hot beverages, live feed from the Knob, fire pit, gift and a
chance for a photo with Phil after the Proclamation. Tickets are $50 per person. (Event is sold out.) • 6:30 a.m.: Fireworks at the Knob. • 7 a.m.: Inner Circle makes its annual Trek to the Knob. • 7 a.m. to Noon: VFW Open House VFW OPEN HOUSE, stop by for a picture of Sgt. Major Phil, FREE cup of coffee and a groundhog cookie, 121 Maple Ave. • 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Punxsutawney Phil’s “Official” Souvenir Shop, located in the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown. • 7 a.m. - 1 p.m., Groundhog Week Craft Vendor Show at Vendor Mall of Punxsutawney, 117 East Mahoning St. • 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Craft Show in the Gym at the Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St. • 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Leila Jo’s Cafe & Bakery, special Groundhog Week hours, 246 W. Mahoning St. • 7 a.m.: Groundhog Breakfast at the Punxsutawney Salvation Army, 229 W. Mahoning St. For only $5 dollars, you'll get unlimited pancakes, sausage, eggs, and juice! Plus your choice of unique syrups to try! Proceeds benefit various programs and services. • 7 a.m., Breakfast Buffet at the Punxsutawney Eagles. 238 E. Mahoning St. • 7:20 a.m.: Phil will make his prognostication. Phil, along with his wife, Phyllis, can be found in his burrow in Barclay Square during most other times. • Photos and Autographs with Inner Circle - The Inner Circle will be walking and visiting around town on Groundhog Day Eve and Groundhog Day. Please feel free to ask for a photo or autograph. • 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Rumors Tavern will be open for breakfast. Regular hours for lunch and dinner. 901 W. Mahoning St. - Continued on next page
- Continued from previous page
• 9 to 11 a.m.: Phil’s Birthday Celebration in Meeting Room at the Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St. • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Oreo Stacking Contest, no fee, 1st prize in each age group. Groundhog Cookie Decorating, $1 a cookie at Punxs’y Shop ‘n Save in the Groundhog Plaza. • 10 a.m.: Inner Circle Meet & Greet & Autographs, Barclay Square, Downtown. • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Visit the Gobbler’s Knob Visitor Center and Gift Shop for souvenirs and information at 1548 Woodland Ave. Extension. • 11 a.m.: Daily activities, local artisans, craft vendors, live entertainment, food trucks and more in the Park, Barclay Square, Downtown. • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Build-A-Phil, build your own Phil Groundhog at Build-A-Phil Tent, Barclay Square, Downtown. • 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Local wine, distillery and craft beer tastings, Barclay Square, Downtown. • Noon to 9 p.m. (set up 8 a.m. to Noon): Craft Show in the Gym at the Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St. • Largest Groundhog - Come take a photo and view the 28-foot-tall wooden Groundhog Statue at Joe’s Drive In, located at the bottom of Indiana Hill, 308 Indiana St. • Saints Cosmas and Damian School Open House, 205 Chestnut St., Punxsutawney. Call to schedule your appointment, 814-938-4224.
• 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Welcome Station on the Side Porch with a “Recharge Station” for cell phones, Lattimer House, 400 W. Mahoning St., Story time for youngsters, Gift Shop, Reschini Room Exhibits and Groundhog Day Museum will be open. *Activities will be mostly outdoors. Indoor activities will require masks for everyone with limits on the number of people in the facility. Sponsored by The Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. • Weather Discovery Center open 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. $8 admission, children 2 & under free. Free make and take Groundhog crafts in our classroom and weather book reading, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. with paid admission. • 8 a.m. & 10 a.m.: Watch the movie “Groundhog Day” FREE at the Punxsutawney Area Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St. • Roseman's Florist & Gifts, 126 W. Mahoning St., is hosting several local artists with their goods for Groundhog Day. Deb Fleckenstein of Gingerbread Angel with her wooden groundhog items, and Whitney Bargerstock from Shimmering Twig Sweets LLC. • Paul Beatty Jewelers will have artisan Cathy Strate selling decorative painted items, hand knitted hats, seasonal décor, 120 W. Mahoning St. • 9 a.m.: Phil’s Paint Party, at the Social Hall, 201 S. Jefferson St., Punxsutawney. $35 per person, cash only. Includes groundhog painting, snacks and drinks. Proceeds benefit SPLASH. Reservations uuu required by January 23. Call 814-9526302 to register. ©2022 This schedule compliments of Punxsutawney Hometown Magazine, the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce and the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club.
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Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society is sponsoring COVID Compliant* Groundhog Mon., Jan 31. from 5-9 p.m. and Tue., Feb. 1 from 5-9 p.m. Program on the contributions of the coal industry to the Punxsutawney area
Coal Memorial, 404 West Mahoning St.
Note: Coal Memorial is open to visitors from dawn to dusk.
Day Activities
Tue., Feb. 1 from Noon-6 p.m. and Wed., Feb. 2 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visitor’s Welcome Station on the Side Porch with a “Recharge Station” for cell phones, the Gift Shop, Reschini Room Exhibits and Groundhog Day Museum will be open.
Lattimer House, 400 West Mahoning St.
*Activities will be mostly outdoors. Indoor activities will require masks for everyone, and have limits on the number of persons in the facility. Thank you in advance for your cooperation to help everyone have a safe Groundhog Day.
For up-to-date information o changes please visit www.groundhog.org, www.punxsutawney.com or www.punxsutawneymagazine.com. Our sincere apologies for any errors or omissions. Schedule as of 1-18-22.
Happy Groundhog Day!
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HOURS: Monday-Saturday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sunday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256 – 19
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20 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256
T
he Punxsutawney Weather Discovery State University. He joined WJAC- TV, a Center is pleased to announce that Johnstown-Altoona market broadcasting WJAC-TV Chief Meteorologist Tony station, as a broadcast meteorologist in Martin is its 2022 inductee into the 2003. In 2016, the station named him its Meteorologist Hall of Fame. Martin will Chief Meteorologist. Martin holds the join other prominent seal of approval from the previously-inducted meAmerican Meteorological teorologists and scienSociety for meeting its tists including Erik high standards for on-air Salna of the Internaweather forecasting and tional Hurricane Reis also a member of the search Center (IHRC) at National Weather AssociFlorida International ation. University and The While Pennsylvania Weather Channel’s Jen weather can be challengCarfagno. ing, Martin says meteorTony Martin grew up in ological forecasts in the Johnstown, PA, area general keep improving. in the town of Windber He likes to think that the and, after living with his specific weather details family in Pittsburgh for he offers his viewers set 12 years, returned to the him apart from the ubiqarea. He recalls that uitous weather apps. even as a youngster he “I always like to include had a great fascination seasonal-specific inforwith the weather. But, mation in my forecast, Tony Martin what really got him for example, the humidthinking of meteorology ity and heat index in the as a career was an event that took place summer and the wind speed and wind when he was in fifth grade in Beaver chill in the winter. That’s what you really County. need to prepare for as you step out the “There was a school visit from Joe door,” he says. DeNardo,” recalls Martin. (Joe DeNardo Yet, even seasoned meteorologists like was a legendary meteorologist who Martin can be awed by the weather at broadcast the weather on WTAE-TV out times. “The super storm of March 1993 of Pittsburgh for 36 years.) “He landed and the big snowstorm of February 5-6, (in a helicopter) on the football field of 2010,” cites Martin as his most dramatic my school and greeted all of us as he weather memories to date. “The snowfall made his way into the school. I’ll never rates were extreme, and it was amazing to forget that.” watch it pile up!” Both storms dropped Martin stayed on the course of his fifthmore than 20 inches of powder in Westgrade career choice and graduated with a ern Pennsylvania. degree in meteorology from Mississippi When asked what he likes most about being a meteorologist, Martin goes back to the school visit that made such a lasting impression on a young boy. “What I like best about my job is the school visits and interacting with the kids,” he says. Happy Martin will be inducted into the Weather Discovery Center’s Meteorologist Hall of Groundhog Fame in a ceremony that will take place Day! at noon on Tuesday, February 1. The ceremony is open to the public with an $8 admission. A small reception of refreshments will be held beforehand during which time the public can meet Martin and fellow weather forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil. To read more about this event and other activities scheduled during the Groundhog Day celebration, please visit Weatherdiscovery.org. •••
DuBois Central Catholic School Celebrates Catholic Schools Week C
atholic Schools Week (Jan. 30 – Feb. 5, 2022) is swiftly approaching for our family at DuBois Central Catholic School. The sense of family, of community, is a large part of being a “Catholic” school. Students, teachers and parents work together to help each student succeed academically, emotionally, physically and spiritually. Catholic education has been thriving in DuBois for over 100 years: beginning with St. Catherine’s School, in the late 19th century to DuBois Central Christian High School, which was founded in 1961, and then to the building of our current school for Preschool through grade 12 established in 2002. In addition to our sense of community, we express our faith during Catholic Schools
ward to activities on Friday afternoon including sledding, volleyball, basketball and other games. If you are looking for any more information about our school, come join the fun at our open house! RSVP to Debbie Kruise at 814-371-6689, email dkruise@duboiscatholic.com or visit our website at www.duboiscatholic.com. •••
The Original Punxsutawney Spicy Groundhog Cookies 2 c. sifted all purpose flour 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground cloves 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 c. soft butter 1 c. sugar 1/2 c. molasses 1 egg yolk 1 egg, slightly beaten Currents or raisins
yolk. Stir in flour mixture and mix well. Form into a ball. Wrap in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Chill one hour or longer. Roll out a small amount at a time on a sugar-sprinkled board. Roll 1/8-inch thick. Cut out cookies with lightly-floured groundhog cookie cutter. Place cookies on greased baking sheet. Brush with slightly beaten egg. Decorate with currant eye, raisins, etc. Bake 8 to 10 min. in a preheated 350 degree oven. Cool slightly before removing from cookie sheet. Sift flour, salt, soda, baking powder, and spices Yield: Makes 12 to 15 large size groundtogether. Set aside. Cream butter and sugar to- hogs, or 3 to 4 dozen smaller ones. ••• gether until fluffy. Blend in molasses and egg
Happy g ho Ground! Day Week. This is the time of year that we are acknowledged for being different. It is a time to celebrate our connection with God and thank Him for all our blessings. Catholic Schools Week Mass is a time to gather in faith and acknowledge all whose service and support make our school possible. The national theme of this year’s celebration is, “Catholic Schools: Faith, Excellence, Service.” Our kickoff for the week begins on Sunday, Jan. 30, with an open house from 1-3 p.m. for families interested in our school. After an introduction in our auditorium, and tour, families who visit are invited to our All DCC School Family Winter Candyland. We will have a DJ, games, food contests for the best BBQ and best dessert, using candy as an ingredient, and more! This year’s elementary weekly theme is Our Catholic School is so SWEET in Candyland! There are daily themes that follow along with the Candyland game board. It should be a week full of fun events, STREAM lessons and activities celebrating our Catholic School. The middle school is focused on “Catholic Schools – a Timeless Choice” with daily themes throughout the week that are related to the decades including the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and ‘00s with games, lessons and snacks that relate to the decade of the day. High school students will be looking for-
Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256 – 21
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22 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256
By Coal Memorial Committee for Hometown magazine here is an old riddle which asks, “Railroad crossings, without any cars. Can you spell that without any ‘R’s?” The answer is simple, yet it confounds many when they first hear it. Residents of Punxsutawney were often confounded by the lack of safety at railroad crossings. By 1890, Punxsutawney’s residents had settled into a new, normal lifestyle brought on by the rapid development of the coal industry in the local area. A major component of that lifestyle was the presence of railroads. In the borough of Punxsutawney, the main part of the town was surrounded by railroads. It was practically impossible to enter or leave the town without crossing over a railroad. Most residents had to cross a railroad several times each day in the course of their daily activities, whether for work, shopping or attending school. Residents were awakening to the issues of safety at the railroad crossing on Monday morning, January 11, 1892. The event was described in the Punxsutawney News on Wednesday, January 13. “While a Mr. Hamill and family, of Indiana county, were driving into Punxsutawney in a sled, on Monday morning, they were besieged on all sides by school children who climbed onto the vehicle for a ride and by the time the sled and its precious freight reached the railroad crossing, south side, the passenger train from Horatio was due, and when the team was crossing the track the train ran into it, smashing the sled into small pieces and scattering the occupants right and left. Strange to say no one was hurt. It was a miraculous escape for the party, as the sled was almost crowded with boys and girls. It gave them all a terrible fright and shaking up.” An editorial comment in the same newspaper raised the issue of public safety: “The accident that occurred at the South Side railroad crossing on Monday morning, in which there might have been several lives lost, is another warning to the Borough to take steps in the matter of having something done that would insure safety to the traveling public at that place. Pressure should be brought to bear upon the railroad company to have gates put up or a flagman stationed at that point. The cut in the wagon road and the railway make it difficult for either a driver to see if a train is
T
coming or, an engineer to observe if a wagon is in danger.” The Borough of Punxsutawney undertook an effort to install street lighting to improve safety in the community. There was strong advocacy among citizens to have street lighting at the railroad crossings at Front and Findley streets, and crossings on the south side, at Bubeck’s addition and the Elk Run Junction. In March 1893, bills were introduced in the Pennsylvania State Legislature to give boroughs the authority to provide for public safety at railroad crossings. Thursday evening, June 15, 1893, tragedy struck when three young women, Bridget Welch, Emma Lundy and Bridget Meehan were returning home between eight and nine in the evening. They were walking arm in arm the sidewalk down Main Street in Clayville toward the Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburgh Railroad crossing at Sawmill Run, chattering about their day. There was no light at the crossing. The whistle of a locomotive sounded in the distance and, thinking they had sufficient time, with their arms linked, they stepped onto the crossing. In an instant, a long line of empty cars was upon them. Two young men grabbed and pulled to get the women off the track. Sadly, only two of the three young women were pulled away. Bridget Meehan, age 17, who had been in the middle, was struck down. Twenty-four cars passed over her body, leaving it badly mangled. Her body was taken to the undertaking rooms of Crissman & Jenkins, and a jury was impaneled. The jury determined that the cause of Bridget Meehan’s death was the neglect of the B.R. & P. Company, which had not provided precautions to guard against accidents and running too high speed through the borough limits while pushing long trains with the engine in the rear. Scarcely a month later, on July 18, 1893, Mrs. Mary Laughlin, who lived on West Mahoning Street, was on her way to visit her daughter, Rebecca “Kate” Laughlin Evans, who lived on Main Street in Clayville. Mrs. Laughlin, 73 years old and wearing a sunbonnet as she walked onto the railroad crossing, was immediately struck by a train of fifteen cars being pushed toward Walston by Engine No. 10. A brakeman, riding on the first car, shouted for her - Continued on page 29
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FIND THE INFORMATION TENT AT BARCLAY SQUARE OR THE INFORMATION BOOTH AT THE KNOB Groundhog Day(s) in the Park Information Tent Barclay Square Downtown, Punxsutawney open 11 am daily
Hello, Punxsutawney!
Gobbler’s Knob Visitor’s Center and Gift Shop for souvenirs and information 1548 Woodland Ave Extension Sat., Jan 29 • 10 am - 4 pm Sun., Jan 30 • 10 am - 4 pm Mon., Jan 31 • 10 am - 5:30 pm Tues., Feb 1 • 10 am - 2 pm Wed., Feb 2 • 11 am - 4 pm
GROUNDHOG DAY LUNCHEON WEDNESDAY, FEB. 2ND, NOON $3.00/Call For Details!
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GROUNDHOG PREDICTIONS Tues., Feb. 1 at 10:30 am
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MARDI GRAS PARTY Tuesday, Feb. 15 at 10:30 am Mardi Gras Bingo at 11 am
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Remember: Masks are required for attendance! Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256 – 23
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BARCLAY SQUARE – Located in the heart of Punxsutawney, 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.
PHIL’S BURROW – Visit 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.
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GOBBLER'S KNOB AND THE GROUNDHOG CLUB VISITOR CENTER – Located at 1548 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.
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
Enjoy our Homemade Groundhog Spice Cookies!
THE COAL MEMORIAL – 404 West Mahon-
ing 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 – Located near downtown on Church Street.
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24 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED
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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 Walk Track, 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
MAHONING SHADOW TRAIL – The trail can be ac-
cessed 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.
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.
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– is located at 102 West Mahoning Street and can be reached by telephone at (814) 938-7700, Ext. 2, or by email at chamber@punxsutawney.com. For more information about the Chamber, please visit its website at www.punxsutawney.com. – “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 $8 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.
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Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256 – 25
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William G. Fox of Punxsutawney September 16, 1965 - December 14, 2021 Bill was self-employed as the owner and operator of Bill’s Small Engine Repair. He worked at Brookville Wood Products and Guzzo Equipment before he started his own business. He liked hosting picnics and spending time with his family and friends He is survived by his wife of 10 years, Debra S. (Lewis) Fox; a daughter, Ashley (John) Hain; a son, Aaron “AJ” Carey; a granddaughter, Makenzie Hain; his father, Charles John Fox; three brothers and a sister, John (Cindy) Fox, Jane (Eric) Hetager, Charles “Ed” (Helen) Fox, Clifford “Vince” Fox; nieces and nephews, Roxanna Gossert, Christian, Terrance, Nichole (James) Himes, Wyatt, Madalyn, Jonathan (Jessica) Skidmore, Jacob Hetager, Tiffany and Courtney Fox, Heather and Randy Fox, and many more nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ora (Stephens) Fox. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Ronald M. States of Rochester Mills, December 14, 1934 - December 15, 2021 Ronald attended the Canoe Ridge Church of God. He was a 1954 graduate of Marion Center High School. Ron worked as a heavy equipment operator for numerous coal companies before working and retiring from PennDot. He was a former Canoe township supervisor. He enjoyed farming, traveling with the Groundhog Campers Club and spending time with his family. He is survived by a son, Ronald (Yvonne) States; a daughter, Nancy Hartmann; three grandchildren, Luke (Ashley) States, Heather Hartmann and Anthony, Zack Hartmann; four great-grandchildren, Abbi, Ryeley, Kashen, Cully; a sister, Lois Kay (Sam) Miller; a brother, Darrel States; a brother-in-law, Donald King; three sisters-in-law, Donna States, Sarah Clayton, Joann Getty; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Murrel A. and Katherine (Baun) States, his wife, Donna Jane States on October 6, 2021, and a brother, Robert D. States. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Mary Elizabeth Dobson of Punxsutawney November 15, 1950 - December 15, 2021 Mary was an active member of the Dora Evangelical Church. She served as the Zion Cemetery Treasurer, and she also worked in the Dobson Family Stores for many years. She loved gardening and spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed putting peoples’ birthdays in the paper. Mary is survived by a sister, Anna Belle Straitiff; brothers Elmer Dobson and Clifton Dobson Jr. and wife Debbie; nephews Joshua Straitiff and Caleb Dobson; and a niece, Desiree Dobson. In addition to her parents, Clifton B. Dobson, Sr. and Erma M. (Elkin) Dobson, she was preceded in death by an infant son, Christopher and a brother-in-law, Josh Straitiff. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u
26 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256
Norma M. Krawzyk of Punxsutawney, October 7, 1933 - December 21, 2021 Norma was a lifelong resident of Punxsutawney and was well known for her 40+ years working at S&T Bank, attaining head teller at the Hampton Ave. office before her retirement. Norma attended the Baptist and Methodist churches in town and was active in community service. She is survived by two sons, Gary (Dede) Krawzyk and Jeffrey Krawzyk; a grandson, Nathan (Emily) Krawzyk; a great-granddaughter, Caroline; a brother, Ronald Swanson; a sister, Beverly (Al) Gerth; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Alma (Burkett) Swanson; her husband, Walter Krawzyk; a brother, Robert Swanson; and a sister, Nancy Sloniger. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Nancy L. Bennett of Big Run April 7, 1949 - December 23, 2021 She was an active attendee of the Mount Carmel Church, where she played the organ every Sunday. Nancy worked numerous jobs: truck driver, flagger, bar tender, then retired from DuBois Regional Medical Center, where ahe worked in medical records. She could also play the guitar and was known for her wonderful singing voice. She is survived by two daughters, Heather (Jim) Mills and Christa (Jim) Overbeck; a son, Mike (Michelle) Bair; eight grandchildren; a sister, Susan (Richard) Daisher; two nieces; one grandniece; and two grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Laura (Hickok) Truance; her husband, George Bennett; and a brother, Francis Truance. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Linda Lou Means of Punxsutawney August 12, 1933 - December 25, 2021 She worked for Jordan Furniture, Anderson Co., and Fred R. Means Co., her family’s business. She volunteered in the kitchen for Perry Township Fire Co. and in the snack bar at the Adrian Hospital. Linda was a member of the Valier United Methodist Church and served as a children’s Bible school teacher. Surviving relatives include a nephew, Doug (Delores) Boyer and their son Denton Boyer and his son Brantley. In addition to her parents, Fred R. and Lula E. (Pearce) Means, she was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Jean Fairman and an infant brother, Robert Means. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Joyce Henneman formerly of Punxsutawney November 20, 1933 - December 25, 2021 Joyce was a homemaker and a pastor’s wife, often serving as a pianist and Bible study teacher. She also worked in the office for Alcoa in New Kensington, PA. Joyce and her husband pastored in the Church of the Nazarene throughout PA and OH for 35 years until they retired in Punxsutawney in 1994.
She is survived by two daughters, Dr. Dawn (Gordon) R. Butler and Debra Brown; five grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; a sister, Joan Lowmaster; and a brother, Don (Winnie) Palm. In addition to her parents, Carl and Agnes (Caldwell) Palm, and her husband, Chester A. Henneman, she was preceded in death by a sister, Sally McMillen and two grandchildren, Jessica Gutberlet and Ashley Dale. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Larry J. Wingard of Punxsutawney March 16, 1947 - December 26, 2021 Larry was a 1966 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School. He was a certified welder and retired as a Union Boilermaker. He loved Jesus and his family. He also enjoyed hot rods, motorcycles, racing cars and ATVs, restoring classic cars, golfing, singing and going to Florida. He was a craftsman who built his own house. Larry was a member of the Boilermakers #154, Eagles, Wheels of Yesteryear Car Club and the Knight Riders Car Club. In addition to his wife, Roberta H. (Kohl) Wingard, surviving relatives include five children, Matthew Wingard, Shawn (Debbie) Wingard, Kipp Wingard, Lori Roney and Jessica Abraham and Michael Murray, Jr.; eight grandchildren, Kayla (Justin) Cameron, Tyler (Shelby) Wingard, Karlee (Daran) Bingaman, Blade Roney, Phoenix Wingard, Priyanka Abraham, Penelope Kinter and Michael Murry III; three great-grandchildren, Tate, Lily and Evelyn; and three sisters, Joan Fiscus, Barbara (Donald) Brash and Judy (Ron) DuMont. In addition to his parents, Hazel L. (Johnson) and Frank D. Wingard, he was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Wingard and two infant sons. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Vicki L. Cochran of Punxsutawney (Foxburg) November 17, 1953 - December 29, 2021 Vicki worked at Rolo Jensen and then attended Vale Technical Institute in Blairsville, where she graduated valedictorian. After graduating, she was office manager at Lakelawn Cemetery, where she retired in 2014. Vicki loved family gatherings and just spending time with her family. She is survived by her husband, Donald R. Cochran; two daughters and a son, Rebecca Elkin, Christopher Cochran and Melissa Kennis, Jodi (Dan) Glover; and adopted daughter Tammy (Kurt) Strawcutter Miles; grandchildren, Wendell Elkin Jr, and Katelyn, Kaycee Elkin, Melia Cochran, Dylan Aul, Jessica Keihl, Michelle Burkett, Ricki Burkett; and several other natural and adopted grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Harmonee and Huntyr Elkin, Dakota, Jayde and Rylee Keihl, and Everley Aul; two brothers, Michael (Julie) London, Jeffrey (Cathy) London; a sister-in-law, Bernadette London; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Della (Berringer) London, a son, Donald Cochran Jr., a daughter, Connie Cochran and a brother, Joseph R. London. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Continued on next page
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Christopher Todd Blose July 20, 1979 - Dec. 31, 2021 He is survived by his high school sweetheart of 24 years, Bobbie (Jean) Troutman; his parents, Donald and Cherie Blose; brothers, Benjamin Blose, Brady Blose and Trey Blose; sisters, Lacie Blose and Annarose Blose. He is also survived by his nephew, Zachary and his niece, Kaydence. He was preceded in death by his sister, Ivy Reeger; his niece, Katelyn Reeger; maternal grandparents, Ronald and Emogene Reams; and paternal grandparents, Donald E. Blose and Evelyn Adams. Richard L. Fait Funeral Home www.faitfuneralhome.com u Delbert P. Reitz of Punxsutawney April 13, 1929 - January 2, 2022 Delbert was a graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School, class of 1948. He was active in sports and was inducted into the Punxsutawney Sports Hall of Fame for his basketball achievements. He was an active member of the First English Lutheran Church of Punxsutawney. Delbert was also a member of the John W. Jenks Masonic Lodge #534. Delbert retired from T.W. Phillips Gas and Oil Company after thirty-five years. He enjoyed going to his hunting camp, “The Old Wagon Shed,” and was very involved within the Punxsutawney Groundhog Little League as a coach and as an assistant coach. He was also involved with building the first field at the little league complex. In addition to his wife, J. (Lydick) Reitz, Delbert is survived by two sons, Bill (Alyson) Reitz and Dan (Kelly) Reitz; three grandchildren, Renee (Jamie) Albert, Danielle (Jay) Lundy and Josh Reitz; four great-grandchildren, Dan (Breanna) Albert, Hunter Albert and Patrick and Hazel Lundy; and a brother, Willard Reitz. In addition to his parents, Sarah Jane (Lewis) and Carlton E. Reitz, he was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Q. Reitz and five sisters, Hazel Wesnitzer, Seiler Reitz, Luetta Curtis, Jean Douthit and Joann White. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Michael A. Defelice of Punxsutawney December 10, 1958 - January 4, 2022 Mike was always helping the community and people in some fashion. He was a Young Township Supervisor and the owner of Thermal Guard Building Products, Yates Excavation and many other businesses. Mike gave his all into every project, person and business. Most of all he loved his family and adored his grandchildren. He is survived by wife Donna (Cheravich) Defelice, daughter Lindsay (Marty) Kendra, son Chase (Brandi) Defelice, 10 grandchildren, Carter and Averie Defelice, Gabriella Kendra, Kenlie Defelice, Greyson Kendra, Parker, Cooper, Elerie, and twins Annelie and Adalie Defelice, two brothers and eight sisters, Rose (Jim) Handyside, Patricia (Bill) Benninger, Michelle Dobson, Joseph (Ruth) Defelice, Delores Defelice, Anthony (Dawn) Defelice, Mary Ann (Bud) Lewis, Diane (Keith) Powell, Susan (Jerry) Gomola, Lill
(Bret) Cameron and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph C. “Yates” and Emogene (Sloniger) Defelice and a brother, Pasquale “Butch” Defelice. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Viola Irene Huey, 83, of Home, passed away on January 4, 2022. A crochet hook and skein of yarn was her tranquility every day; she would make one or two afghans a week or more always gifting her “Made with Love” treasures for her loved ones. She was a home maker but, over the years, had worked as a supervisor for Valley Maintenance and Musser Nursery. She loved her Shelties and cat, but most of all she loved her family. She is survived by her husband, James Elmer Huey, six daughters, Cathy Morano, Charlene (Larry) Mosandel, Marlene Bonafede, Edith Lori (Garry) Richardson, Lisa (Jim) Montague, Jessica (Joseph) Stonebraker; 22 grandchildren, Michael, Jason, Bobby, Ronnie, Frank, Charles, Marcus, John, David, Eddie, Garrett, Marshall, Christopher, Patricia, Bryan, Michael, Laura, Devin, Aiden; 16 great-grandchildren, Alex, Phoenix, Aaliyah, Ciarah, Marcus, Austin, Matthew, Jenna, Domonic, Charles, Jordan, Violet, Iris, Reagan, Greyson, and greatgreat-granddaughter, Zariah; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys E. (Campbell) Mangioni and by siblings, Bud, Rich, Betty Lou, Janice “Punky” and Lettie Loretta, three grandchildren, Vinny, Amber, Angel, and a son-in-law, Vincent. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Arthur Nicholson Evans Sr., 81, of Monroeville, PA, passed away on January 4, 2022, in Punxsutawney, surrounded by his children. Art was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Evans and Elsie (John) Geer; and his siblings, Ray Evans, James Evans, Robert Evans, Margaret Morningstar, Elsie Baker and Rachel Heckman. He is survived by his wife, Darla Evans; former wife, Kathy Kusha; loving children, Sherry (Joe) Evans, Kristi (Ken) Evans, Desiree (Brian) Verheyen, Joyce (Chuck) Mountain, Arthur (Jennifer) Evans Jr., David (Joyce) Evans, William (Tee) Evans and Jenny (Michael) Wagner; brother, John Geer; 20 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Art was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His warmest memories were of time spent with his family at Keystone State Park, where he served as campground host. He also enjoyed keeping in touch with his extended family and visiting with them at family reunions. His friends will remember him fondly as “hot rod” for his expert driving skills of his scooter, where he would race around town giving treats to all the fur-babies. Richard L. Fait Funeral Home www.faitfuneralhome.com u
Gilbert M. “Muck” Reed of Punxsutawney August 20, 1932 - January 6, 2022 As a tyke, he loved milk, but he pronounced it “Muck,” and that nickname stuck. Muck was an Army veteran of the mid1950s. Muck and his wife, Barb, purchased their farm in 1963 and grew it into 500 acres of managed land, providing hay, corn and oats from Ohio to the east coast. He was still actively operating the farm and tilling the land as recent as last fall. Many young men found summer employment on the Reed farm and were accepted as family. The Reed family would like to thank all of them, in particular Wes Smith (unofficial fourth son) who still dropped by a couple times a week to visit Muck. Muck loved hunting, fishing, camping, Marion Center Speedway - specifically the #12, LT1 and 54 cars. He loved children and drove school bus for over 40 years up until age 80. Most importantly, Muck accepted Christ as his savior a few years ago and was baptized at the age of 87. He is survived by brother Bill Reed, sister Delores Burkett, sister Helen Hazlett; four children: Dennis (Ronda) Reed, Cheyenne (Nina), Robin (John) Reed Poling and Dean Reed; ten grandchildren: Brandon (Laura) Patrick, Derek (Amanda) Reed, Cheyenne (Jeongmi) Reed Jr., Heath Reed, Logan (Rachel) Reed, John Poling III, Angel (Jose’) Poling-Soto and Dirk Poling.; eight greatgrandchildren: Ace Patrick, Trip Patrick, Cannon Patrick, Ella Grace Cagle, Anson Cagle, Hudson Reed, Kyle Poling and Rhea Soto-Poling. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara (Whitesell) Reed, mother and father, Glenn E. Reed and Helen V. (Palmer) Reed, infant brother, Carl Reed, brother, Paul “Bud” Reed and brother, Mervin Reed. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u Joseph T. “Joey” Fetterman of Punxsutawney April 14, 1978 - January 10, 2022 Joey was a graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School, class of 1999. He loved to watch television, especially professional wrestling, Barnwood Builders and cooking shows. He also enjoyed drawing trucks, collecting coins and money banks and enjoyed his matchbox cars and monster trucks. He was a happy-go-lucky guy and loved his animals. In addition to his mother and father, Mary Ellen (Grube) Fetterman and Joseph D. Fetterman, he is survived by three siblings, sister Patti Fetterman and fiancé Mike Whitesell, brother Charlie (Jennifer) Fetterman and brother David Fetterman; a niece, Grace and a nephew, Jakob Fetterman; aunt, Kathy (Jim) Fetterman; his favorite cousins Sue Fetterman Pearce and Mike Fetterman; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Daniel and Mary Belle Grube, and an aunt and uncle, Judy and Don Neal. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u
Harold A. “Andy” Smith of Worthville September 11, 1934 - January 10, 2022 Harold was a life member of the National Rifle Association and the North American Hunting Club. He was employed by TW-Phillips for 40 years before his retirement in 1996. He enjoyed traveling, hunting and fishing. He and his wife traveled to almost all 50 states. Harold was an avid hunter of antelope, elk, mule deer and whitetail. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Lola (Good) Smith; two sons and three daughters, Terry (Doris) Luce, Connie (Ed) Bodenhorn, Sharon (Howard) Barnett, Mark (Michelle) Smith, Cathy Smith; 10 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Georgiann Geist; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Reed and Elizabeth (Caylor) Smith, his first wife, Marlene (Wonderling) Smith, four sisters, Gladys Smith, Jane Byerly, Marion Snyder, Marjorie Johnson, and two brothers, Robert and Reed Smith. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Gregory C. Smith of Punxsutawney January 13, 1970 - January 13, 2022 Greg was a 1988 Graduate of Jeff Tech. He mainly worked construction, but he could do almost anything. Greg enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid fisherman, but fishing for walleye was his favorite. He is survived by his mother, Violet (Sheilds) Smith; his father, Robert C. Smith; three brothers, Robin (Lonnie) Smith, Cliff (Heather) Smith and Shawn A. Smith; a sister, Beth (Chuck) Edwards; nieces and nephews, Heather, Julie, Morgan, Charli, Hailey, Olivia, Shayla, Shawn, Kayla, Dane and Brianna; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother, Douglas Grant Smith and step-mother, Leora “Mae” (Pifer) Smith. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Boyd E. Cressley December 23, 1940 - January 14, 2022 Boyd Cressley ran into the arms of Jesus surrounded by loved ones both here and in Eternity. He spent his life committed to fair treatment of all he encountered, unwaveringly demonstrating his love for Jesus, his Savior, hard work, and priorities of faith, and family. He and his bride, Beverly “Kay” Cressley, were married April 15, 1960. They raised three children: Kevin (and wife, Heidi) of Summerville, SC, Scott (and wife, Tabatha) of Rochester Mills, PA, and Penny Clark (and husband, Bruno) of Valencia, PA. After Kay’s tragic death to cancer in 1995, Boyd married Nancy Parsons of Cambridge, OH, on December 27, 1997. Boyd loved and enjoyed Nancy’s family as his own: James Clipner (and wife, Debra) of Columbus, OH, and Julie Kerr (and husband, Roger) of Cambridge, OH. Boyd and Nancy’s favorite memories with their grandchildren were made at a campsite and a little camper where they gathered their combined pride: Aubren Whatley (and husband, Daniel), Corban Cressley (and Continued on next page
Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256 – 27
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(“From Our Past,” researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers. January 14, 1891 — The Berwind White Coal Company are [is] making preparations to sink another slope near No. 1 drift below Clayville. The new opening will be situated on the opposite side of the creek, and will tap an extensive body of coal that has hitherto remained untouched. (The Punxsutawney Spirit) [Note: The mentioned “below Clayville” is also a reference to what is today a part of the Mahoning Shadow Trail, below West End in Punxsutawney.] January 21, 1869 — John Montgomery, Proprietor, wishes to inform his friends and the public, that he, as contractor on the Brookville and Indiana Stage route, is now completing his arrangement to accommodate the traveling public. He has at great expense put new stock on the road, and is determined to make travelers comfortable. Express goods sent either to Brookville or Indiana, will be delivered at any place on this line. Stages leave this place for Brookville and Indiana on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Friday, and return Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. (Punxsutawney Plaindealer) January 23, 1938 — More than 150 persons, including members of council and members of the Central and Lindsey Fire Companies, attended an opening and inspection tour of the new Elk Run Fire House. After inspection of the building, 38 active members of the company were sworn in by Burgess W. C. Tibby. Plans are being made for an opening of the fire house to the public. (The Punxsutawney Spirit) January 25, 1905 — For several days the Pittsburg papers have been sounding the praises of Otis E. Clymer, who played ball in the Punxsutawney League two seasons. The reason for devoting so many columns to the former Punxsutawney star is due to the fact that Clymer’s name is now on the Pirate’s roster. It is now said that President Dreyfuss, of the Pittsburg Pirates team, kept a close watch on Clymer all last season. (The Punxsutawney Spirit) [Note: In the 1890s, Pittsburgh, as we know it today, was officially Pittsburg until 1921, when it was restored to its original spelling with the “h.”] January 29, 1908 — Come to the Electric Theater at West End and hear the laughing comedian. Singing and dancing, guitar and mouth organ music. Also special laughing and comical songs with banjo accompaniment. If you want to laugh come and see William Newman, the great laughing comedian. All week, and moving pictures, too. (Punxsutawney News) [Note: The West End section of Punxsutawney was the village of Clayville until it was incorporated into Punxsutawney in 1907.] February 6, 1894 — About ten coal dig-
28 – Punxsutawney Hometown – February 2022 - Issue #256
wife, Lauren), Kaitlyn Duminske (husband, Dustin), Brandon Cressley (and wife, Gracie), and Patrick, Brody and Ian Clark, Brandy Orndorf, Erin Weyandt, Matthew Clipner (and wife Jessica), Morgan Arbogast (and husband Matthew), and Shannon Aungst (and husband, Neal). Recent years provided Boyd and Nancy with great-grandchildren: Bentley, Harrison Boyd and Sophia; Madison, Julia, James, Henry, Charlotte, Juliette, Jack and a great-great-grandson, Thorton. Boyd was preceded in death by his parents, Velma and Ralph Cressley, brothers Merle “Bub” and Gene and sister Lois Pearce, brothers-in-law James Michael, Sherwin Farmery and Joe Pearce, sister-in-law Pat Cressley. Surviving siblings are Norma, “Teckie” Riddle (and husband Clayton), sister-in-law Clara Cressley, Carol “Cookie” Michael (and Bill Carney), Linda Farmery, Jackie Temchulla (and husband, Terry) and Pam Sprankle (and husband Doug) along with numerous nieces and nephews. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Richard D. Kitchen of Mahaffey June 15, 1944 - January 17, 2022 Dick was a member of Calvary Chapel Church. He lived in Virginia for over 20 years before moving back to Mahaffey. He enjoyed attending church and being around his church family. In his younger years, he enjoyed spending time outdoors, hunting and doing yard work. He loved spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Pamela K. (Carver) Kitchen. He is also survived by a daughter, Marcellia (Marcy) Tenon, two sons, Richard D. Kitchen, and Samuel T. Kitchen, three grandsons, James (Sarah) Kitchen, Allen (Tiffany) Kitchen and Jacob Kitchen, four sisters, Nancy (Arthur) Hugill, Joyce Rummel, Sandra Watson, Helen Gallipo, three step children, Lisa (Rick) Shane, Dan Grad, and John Grad, step-grandchildren, Brandie Dean, Garrett Dean, Jackson Grad, Presley Cline, Kennedy Grad, Ashley Vasquez, John Grad Jr., Richard Grad, and numerous step great-grandchildren, great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Theadore and Etta (Guyer) Kitchen, a granddaughter Samantha Kitchen, one brother and five sisters. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Barbara J. Himes March 30, 1935 - January 17, 2022 Barb was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church and enjoyed riding snowmobiles and working on the farm. She drove school bus for the Brookville School District for many years. She is survived by two children, daughter Renee (Fred) Reed and son Justin Himes; seven grandchildren, Matthew (Tina) Enterline, Seth (Jessica) Enterline, Keaten (Courtney) Enterline, Ashlee Himes, Justin Himes, Jr., Nigel Himes and Jaden Himes; six great grandchildren, Brian Shean, Aubrey Enterline, Haley Enterline, Jonathan Enterline, Tyler Enterline and Luke Enterline; a sister-in-law Patricia Hall and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband Frank D. Himes, and parents, Elizabeth Pauline (Rugh) and Joseph Hall, she was preceded in death by a brother Jack Hall and a son-in-law William T. Enterline. Deeley Funeral Home, Inc. www.deeleyfuneralhome.com u James M. “Satch” Jenary of Rossiter August 24, 1951 - January 18, 2022 Satch was an active member of Chestnut Grove Independent Church. He was employed as a truck driver for over 48 years. Satch was a selfemployed over the road truck driver for over 30 years. After selling his truck, he worked for Marc A. Sallack trucking and most recently driving for Dustin Brooks Trucking. Satch enjoyed restoring his 1972 Plymouth Duster. His first car that he purchased new, sold and then found in a field in Rossiter and restored it back to its original condition. His favorite places in his travels were Alaska and Yellowstone National Park. Most of all Satch loved the Lord and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife Debbie Jo (Clark) Jenary, two sons Steve Jenary, and Sean (Barb), a daughter Shanna (Jimmy) Adams, five grandchildren, Cullen Jenary, Harley Jenary, Tucker, Jenary, Gabbie Adams, and Stella Adams. A brother Art Jenary, and a sister Laura Jenary, numerous nieces, nephews and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve S. and Junipher (Henry) Jenary and a sister-in-law, Betty Jenary. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u John David Orange of Punxsutawney June 22, 1951 - January 17, 2022 David was born in Pittsburgh, the oldest son of John Robert and Elinore (Venturella) Orange. David was a graduate of Penn Joint High School, class of 1969. His family moved to Big Run and he started to work at Sportsware, where he met his future wife, Terry. He then worked at Kromer’s Dairy and Dean Foods for a combined 35 years. He was a Boy Scout leader for many years. His biggest loves were his sons and their girlfriends and grandsons. He was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Byzantine Catholic Church and believed in the power of prayers. He is survived by his wife Terry (Meckley) Orange, two sons, John Robert “Rob” Orange and Brittany Boyer, Michael Orange and Tabatha Frantz, grandsons, Jonas Orange, Brock Malmberg and Brody Malmberg along with several nieces and nephews. Two brothers, and a sister, Frank Orange, Windber, Adam Orange, New Bethlehem and Donna Orange Raya, Gloucester, VA. McCabe Funeral Home Inc. www.mccabewaldronfh.com u Please visit the website of the funeral homes listed to view complete obituary, sign their guestbook, plant a tree and offer your condolences. u If you have a loved one who has passed away and would like to publish it in Hometown Magazine, please contact us at hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com or call 814-952-3668. uuu
Hometown Community Happenings
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rom the staff of Hometown magazine and the Community Calendar at Punxsutawney.com, here is a list of events coming up in our area: At press time, Coronavirus restrictions and mask requirements were changing. Please check with the host organization’s website or Facebook page for up-to-date information. n Hometown Steelers Football contest winner: The Pittsburgh Steelers verses the Cleveland Browns final game score on January 3, 2022 was 26 to 14. Aden D. Brown was the tie breaker winner. He wishes to redeem his gift card at Fox’s Pizza Den. Congratulations, Aden! Readers, remember you must play to win. Enter today. n PTAG Auditions for Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play! Jan. 24 & 25; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Punxsy Presbyterian Church on Union & Findley Streets. Two women, three men, plus two persons to create live sound effects. For more information, contact Director Kathy Dinsmore at 814938-0378. n Registration is open for spring programs at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library. Programs start Feb. 7. Call the library at 814938-5020 for more information. n The Big Run Fire Co. holds Honey Badger Bingo every first and third Wednesday of the month at the Big Run Event Center. Doors open at 4 p.m., early bird games start at 6 p.m. and regular games start at 6:30 p.m. Food and beverages available. n The Perry Township Vol. Fire Co. holds an All You Can Eat breakfast on the second Sunday of every month at the fire hall, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Adults, $8. n Tickets are available for the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce Gun Bash on April 30. Ticket information is available at the chamber office, Laska’s Pizza and from members of the Chamber Board of Directors. n The Weather Discovery Center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays. Contact the center for admission prices. n Jan. 29-Feb. 2: Groundhog Day! Enjoy the events listed on the schedule inside this edition of Hometown magazine. n Feb. 2: Punxsutawney Memorial Library closed. n Feb. 4 & 5: Grange’s Helping Hands free clothing. Friday, noon to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Grange Church of God. Check the Facebook page to make sure this event is happening. n Feb. 5: Groundhog Wine Fest at Clearfield County Fairgrounds. Must be over
21. Tickets required. n Feb. 9: The Salvation Army’s Club 3:16 children’s program will start. Contact the SA on its Facebook page or call 814-9385530 for registration information. n Feb. 9: Pizza Across America Day. Check out Sliceouthunger.org for more information. Punxsy Pizza will be donating to Community Action’s Crossroads Project. n Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day. Treat someone special or yourself to something from one of Hometown’s advertisers. n Feb. 15: Blood Drive, noon to 6 p.m. at Punxsy VFW on Maple Ave. Sponsored by the American Red Cross. n Feb. 16: Jeff Tech Recruitment Fair, 5 to 7 p.m. at Jeff Tech, Reynoldsville, for high school and adult students for 2022-23 enrollment. n Feb. 19: Glow in the Dark Day, 10 a.m. to noon at Weather Discovery Center. Preregister by Feb. 14, but walk-ins welcome if space available. Call 814-938-1000 or email info@weatherdiscovery.org for more information. Suggested for grades K-6. n Feb. 21: Presidents Day. Federal holiday, some businesses may be closed. The Punxsutawney Memorial Library is closed. n Feb. 23: Drive-Through Community Dinner, 5 to 6 p.m. at Punxsutawney Presbyterian Church. Enter the alley off East Mahoning St. beside the Pantall and drive toward Union St. Meals will be handed to the driver. The meal will include an entrée to be heated at home and a dessert. n Feb. 25 and 26: PAHS Dramatics Presentation, “Alice VS Wonderland,” Friday 7 p.m. and Saturday, 5 p.m. at Punxsutawney Area High School Auditorium. n Feb. 26: SSCD Sportsman’s Raffle, 6 to 10 p.m. at Wienker Hall. Doors open at 5 p.m. Contact the school or church for more information. n The Punxsutawney Memorial Library’s Adult Coloring Club meets at 10:30 a.m. Mondays at the library. Bring your own supplies or borrow some from the library. n The Catastrophic Book Club meets at 5:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Contact the library for book information. n 2022 Dog Licenses applications will be available at several locations around Punxsutawney. n The Salvation Army of Punxsutawney has Men’s and Women’s groups. Check the SA’s Facebook page or call 814-938-5530 for more information. •••
Railroad Crossings Continued from page 22 to stop. Mrs. Laughlin did not hear the warning. She was knocked off the track, and she landed about 25 feet ahead of the train. A jury was empaneled and determined the accident was due to the railroad company not providing a guard at the railroad crossing to protect the traveling public. They also recommended the Clayville Borough authorities take action in the matter immediately. The News, that same day, opined the similarity between these two events: pedestrians being struck by empty cars being pushed by locomotives. Could these accidents have been prevented if the locomotives had been pulling the cars? Would the presence of guards or gates have prevented these accidents? The next accident happened on January 17, 1894, when Christian Miller, a very old man and father of Judge Miller, was attempting to cross the Pittsburgh & North Western Track on the south side and was struck by the 11:15 a.m. passenger train going towards Clayville. He was not killed on site, however, he suffered injuries including a broken hip bone which, due to his advanced age of 80 years, caused his death on January 22. The News again opined in its January 31, 1894 edition that someone is at fault for letting these crossing continue without anyone to warn the public of the danger. The paper advocated some effort be made by the borough or the company to prevent railroad crossing accidents. They identified, as dangerous to human life, the four crossings within the borough; crossings between Punxsutawney and Clayville, the crossing at the water tank on the B.R. & P. Railroad; and the two crossings on the P. & N.W. Safety at railroad crossings would continue to bubble and boil as the years brought new safety challenges. Among these challenges were bicyclist, automobile
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and bus driver accidents at crossings. Attempts to make individuals responsible to “Stop, Look and Listen” before crossing a railroad, were minimally effective at best. Like the slow understanding that the answer to the old riddle is the word “that” has no “r,” the development of public safety at the railroad crossings has been a slowly developing cooperative effort between the state and federal government and railroad companies and communities. This article has been prepared by the Coal Memorial Committee of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society. Resources used in preparing his article are from PAHGS, Punxsutawney News @ Newspapers.com. and the Library of Congress. Direct comments to PAHGS, P.O. Box 286, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Individuals desiring to honor a coal or coal related industry worker are encouraged to purchase their tile by June 30, 2022. A Coal Memorial tile may honor persons who worked in any aspect of the coal industry including railroads and ancillary services. Additional information and forms may be found online at www.punxsyhistory.org or may be requested by an email to: punxsyhistory@outlook.com, or calling 814-9382555 and leaving a message. •••
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Larry Richert Returns as Guest Speaker for Groundhog Club Banquet
Christmas Baby of 2021 Contest Winner
T
he Annual Groundhog Club Banthers Football network broadcast team quet will be held on Tuesday, Febwhere he hosts the pre-game show and ruary 1, 2022, at the Punxsutawney reports from the sidelines. Area High School. Larry Richert returns Larry also co-wrote and co-produced a as speaker for this year. feature family film Since 2001 Richert has called “Amazing Racer” hosted the KDKA Radio starring Lou Gossett Jr, Morning News. He has Charles Durning, Eric been a constant in PittsRoberts, Jason Gedrick, burgh radio and televiDaryl Hanna, Scott Eastsion since the early ‘80s. wood and more. He also Born in Millvale and co-produced a Docuraised in McCandless mentary. Township, Richert atLarry is involved many tended North Allegheny charities including High School and gradu“Larry’s Heroes” recogated from Clarion Uninizing ordinary people versity with a B.S. in doing extraordinary Communications. things and supporting Larry originally came our Veterans. He also is to KDKA in 1988 and the Honorary Chairperhas worked in both TV Larry Richert son for the McGuire Me(Hometown file photo) and Radio ever since inmorial annual Celebrity cluding a ten year stint Golf Classic and the JDRF event plus the as a weather anchor with KDKA-TV. Autism Speaks annual walk just to name Richert is the voice of NFL a few. Films/Steelers Highlights, narrating his Larry and his wife Cindi have three first film in 1985 and now he is the Pubchildren: Erica, Zach and Emily. lic Address announcer at Heinz Field for ••• the Steelers. Plus he joined the Pitt Pan-
Punxsutawney Hometown magazine and the sponsors of its Christmas Baby 2021 Contest wish to recognize the recipient of the distinction and his family. Emerson John Deyarmin was born on December 28,
First Baby of 2022 Punxsutawney Area Hospital recently welcomed the first baby of 2022, born at the facility’s Expecting You maternity department. Connor William-Henry Zorak, son of Sara E. and Joshua P. Zorak of Indiana, Pa, arrived on Monday, Jan. 10, 2022. •••
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ndrew Mack, grew up in Indiana, PA, and has ties to Punxsutawney through his dad and his wife. Mack is celebrating the release of his premier solo EP, “Storyteller,”. He was inspired by his grandfather, whom Mack says introduced him to country music. Mack is the son of Punxsutawney native Jeff and Linda (Moore) Mack, and the grandson of Albert Mack’s EP cover. and Helen Mack of (contributed photo) Punxsutawney, and Frank and Peggy Moore. It was his late grandfather, Frank Moore, previously of Rochester Mills, who was the inspiration for his music. Andrew Mack’s wife, Julia (Voris) Mack, is also a Punxsutawney native. Her parents are Ron and Jill Voris of Punxs’y’s Paul Beatty Jewelers. Mack began his musical career with a few gigs in Indiana, PA, as he neared the end of his
high school career, before joining local country band 7 Mile Run in 2013. In 2019, Mack moved to Nashville where he currently resides while he pursues music full-time. According to his website, Mack has also had the opportunity to open for many national acts including Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye, Jake Owen, Justin Moore, Josh Turner and others “The EP is a collection of songs I’ve written or co-written since moving, including the track ‘Storyteller,’ (which is the name of the whole project) about my grandpa who first introduced me to country music,” Mack says. “I’m excited to get this first release out and give a little snapshot of who I am as an artist, with even more music to follow soon. I hope my audience will be able to relate to my music, even if the things I wrote about might not be totally true for them, and that they can feel the emotion behind the songs, whether it’s happy, sad or sentimental.” “Storyteller” is available on all streaming platforms including iTunes and Spotify. Hard copies are available through andrewmackmusic.com. •••
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