Inner Circle Welcomes

Continued frompage 6 appreciation has grown since he became a member of the Inner Circle. “These guys put in a ton of work, not just leading up to February 2nd, but all year long,” he says, “We all volunteer to support our community … and it’s impressive how many committees / subcommittees they have, to get as much accomplished as possible.”

Josh continues: “Everyone seems to have their niche, and I’m pleased to have been selected as a member.”

And what about the “water leak” at Gobbler’s Knob? Josh tells the story: “In May, I was home getting ready for bed one evening and I got a call from AJ (Dereume, Phil’s Handler). Usually I would expect to see a text from him instead of a call. It was raining and getting late, so I answered to see what he needed. He said, ‘Hey! What are you doing for the next 20 years or so?’ I said, ‘Probably helping you fix leaking roofs.’ (AJ owns a roofing company.) He said, ‘Well, actually we have a leak up at the Knob; can you bring up a PEX plumbing tool?’ I said, ‘I don’t have one, but I have Sharkbite connectors.’ He said, ‘Great! Bring them up ASAP.’ construction as well as engineered steel buildings and excavation.” Rob adds that the company also offers snow removal services during the winter months.

“So I get up there about 10 minutes later, in my slippers, and as I walk in the door, they swarm me with a top hat. I was voted in as a member.” A bit of a ruse, but another story with a happy ending!

Rob’s understanding of the Groundhog Day celebration and the hoopla surrounding it began when he was a boy –as did his involvement in preparing for the event. “My grandfather, Jim Means, was an Inner Circle member, and enjoyed having us kids involved as much as possible,” he says. “From shucking corn for the picnic to prepping the grounds before the big day and going to breakfast at the Country Club on Groundhog Day, there was never a shortage of things to be done.”

Rob has a lifetime of Groundhog Day memories, but his favorite one is from 2019 when his daughter, Abby, was selected as a Philette. The proud father notes that another family member would have shared his pride: “I know she was making her Great-Grandpa very proud.” Continuing his family heritage is important to Rob: “I’m most looking forward to keeping the legacy of my grandfather, Jim Means, and my great-grandfather, WB Means, alive as an Inner Circle member – keeping the traditions and history going.”

As he approaches his first Groundhog Day as a member of the Inner Circle, Rob notes that “there’s always something going on.” The myriad of activities ensures that his list of memories continues to grow.

“Going with Phil to some Pittsburgh area elementary schools was definitely fun,” he recalls. “Seeing the kids so excited to meet the famous Phil and hearing their questions was a great experience!”

Rob continues: “I’ve also gotten to be part of some really fun events like Wigle Whiskey’s Phil-a-Palooza, a meet-andgreet with Phil at Threadbare Cider House, and working with Sam Adams.”

Rob ‘Storm Builder’ Gemmell

Born and raised in Valier, Rob is the husband of Cindy and the father of adult children, Rocky and Abby. He lives in Porter Township. Rob is the owner of Gemmell Construction, a general contracting company that, in his words, “specializes in commercial and residential

A chance encounter once again revealed to Rob the extent of Puxsutawney Phil’s fame – and by extension the fame of the Inner Circle. “We met an Uber driver who was so excited,” he remembers. “He’s Ubered pro football, hockey, and baseball players, but nothing compared to meeting the Inner Circle President and members … The energy and love surrounding Phil is just great.”

“Meeting people from different areas and all different walks of life has been great,” Rob concludes, adding that “I’m excited to meet people from around the area, the country, and all over the world who love Phil.”