Jeff Grube Recognized as Punxsutawney Man of the Year

By Jim Lauffer of Hometown magazine

It seems only fitting that on Groundhog Day Eve, Jeff “Sky Painter” Grube, one of Phil’s own, was honored as the 2022 Punxsutawney Man of the Year. The Inner Circle of the Punxsutawney Groundhog also presented him with a House Citation from his office and a Senate Citation from the office of Sen. Joe Pittman.

Jeff’s name now joins that of his father, Robert, on the long list of men of the year who invested their time and energy in the Punxsutawney community.

Club – of which he is treasurer – made the announcement at the Annual Groundhog Banquet held at the Punxsutawney Area High School on February 1. State Rep. Brian Smith – the 2021 Man of the Year –presented the award to Jeff. The legislator

Jeff is a lifelong resident of Punxsutawney. He and his wife, Ruth, are the proud parents of Michael (and wife, Courtney) and Melissa (and husband, Kyle Means) and grandparents of Mackenzie, Samantha and Benjamin. Jeff readily acknowledges Ruth’s involvement in the community and her support of his various endeavors. Jeff has served his community for decades in many organizations. As a member and Chairman of Punxsutawney Hospital Board, he was active in developing the hospital and its West Wing fundraiser and addition. A Rotarian since 1990, he served as president, updated the multiphasic screening program, and provides the site, labor, and equipment for Rotary auctions. He served as a founding member of the Punxsutawney Community Center Board, worked on the restoration of the landmark Jordan’s clock downtown, and has been a coach for Little League baseball and youth soccer league. As treasurer of the Inner Circle, he was instrumental in raising funds for the new Gobbler’s Knob Visitor Center.

After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University, this electrical engineer returned to Punxsutawney to work for and eventually become president of the family business, BFG Manufacturing Services. Under his

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