GHOG DAY #208

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AJ Dereume – Loving Groundhog Day & Handling Phil

On the cover: Punxsutawney Phil’s co-handlers John Griffiths (left) and AJ Dereume, as well as the Sage of Sage himself, look forward to Phil’s big day on February 2! (Hometown staff photo)

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By Jim Lauffer of Hometown magazine radition, tradition! Tradition!� Members of the Fiddler on the Roof cast sing about family tradition – the papa, mama, son, and daughter traditions. In “Punxsutawney Rock,� cast

tion of Bill Deeley, president of the Inner Circle, to become a member of the distinguished group. At the time of his election, AJ was thirty-one years old – then the youngest member ever elected to the Inner Circle. An Inner Circle tradition is the president’s bestowing of “handles� to members – for example, Ron Ploucha is the “Stump Warden� and Tom Uberti is “The Big Windmaker.� For AJ, his membership not only continued a proud family tradition, but also included the bequeathing of a special handle. “My dad was in the Inner Circle and he was ‘The Rainmaker,’� AJ explains, “and it was bequeathed to me when I joined the Inner Circle.� AJ’s father, Jack Dereume passed away at age forty-eight. As a boy, AJ thought about following in the Inner Circle footsteps of his grandfather and father, but merely make Inner Circle membership a goal to attain. “Well, you don’t necessarily aspire to be in the Inner Circle – you have to be chosen,� he explains, “but I hoped that I’d be able to do that, to be chosen.� “I never expected to be asked to join as early as I was,� he adds, “but when the invitation came, I welAJ Dereume with Phil (Hometown staff photo) comed the opportunity.� Fast forward to February 3, 2017, when AJ members of Groundhog Day: the Musical was offered another opportunity, one that praise of the “Shaman of the shadows� and sing “Phil! Phil! Phil!� – thus extolling Punxsutawney’s most famous tradition, the tradition of celebrating Groundhog Day with Punxsutawney Phil and his world-renowned weather prognostication! Punxsutawney native August John Dereume III – known as “AJ� – stands rooted in, and extols, both traditions – family and Groundhog Day! AJ is a fourth-generation member of the Groundhog Club and a third-generation member of the Inner Circle. He proudly and enthusiastically stands in the tradition that started with his great-grandfather, Raymond Dereume, a member of the Groundhog Club, and continued by his grandfather August John “Augie� Dereume, and his father, August John “Jack� Dereume, Jr., both of whom were members of the Groundhog Club and the club’s Inner Circle. AJ extended the family tradition in 2010 when he accepted the invita-

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2 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

Sam Light “The Groundhog Man� from 1952 to 1956 (Hometown file photo)

added to the tradition began by his forefathers. On that day, Phil’s co-handler Ron Ploucha resigned from his position, and AJ volunteered to step into Ron’s shoes and join John Griffiths as Phil’s co-handler. Aware of the commitment that the position demands, AJ could not, nonetheless, be dissuaded. The Inner Circle officially named him co-handler on that very day. “We kind of knew it was going to happen, that Ron was going to step down as co-handler, but everyone said, ‘Yeah, well, let us know when you do it’ – not really believing - Continued on page 4

A “Small” World Enjoys Punxsutawney’s Unique American Tradition

Before a permanent home was found for Gobbler’s Knob in the mid-1960s, the site was described in the imagery of words, creative props for photo stunts, or created from a pile of stones and a tree stump. In 1991, the Knob received major renovations to improve the site for visitors on Groundhog Day, to improve accommodations for print, sound, and visual media, and to create a suitable yearround tourist stop. Older residents of Punxsutawney may have memories of the major renovations to the Gobbler’s Knob seen worldwide through the popular media. (photos from collection of S. Thomas Curry)

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By S. Thomas Curry of Hometown magazine or many older residents, looking back to what has happened is easier than looking forward. In this, another January in a new year, many years of Punxsutawney Groundhog Days and all the hoopla with each one are lodged in our memories. That, of course, includes for some folk memories back to as early the 1940s. For some, those memories are of simple observances of Groundhog Day when only Punxsutawney Groundhog Club members and invited local dignitaries made the annual trek to the legendary Gobbler’s Knob for a private witness of the “shadowcasting” and the anticipated prognostication. Following the “trek,” the Groundhog Day Breakfast was enjoyed at the Punxsutawney Country Club. Not much more “celebrating” took place until the evening when the Groundhog Day Banquet with its program and special guest speaker was offered to a limited audience. From its founding years in the early 1820s, the village of Punxsutawney was known for its peculiar name of Indian origin. Not until

the early 1900s did civic leaders in Punxsutawney recognize the value of associating the folklore of a weather-prognosticating groundhog to the town. By this time, Punxsutawney had become a progressive city with a population nearing 10,000 people as a result of the industrial boom created by mining, railroads, iron foundries, and a bustling commercial district. Through the 1870s and into the late 1890s, in early February, editors of local weekly newspapers made brief generic comments about Groundhog Day on February 2 – the observance was coming, or it had come and gone. No special claim to the day was made on behalf of the town. No trek by any special group was made to a special place on a hilltop knob. And if “celebration” is defined as “to perform an appropriate ceremony; to honor a special day with festivities; to play up an event for public notice,” no individual or group celebrated the day. However, in fact, Groundhog Day was acknowledged by the early German immigrants who had settled in western Pennsylvania. In 1902, the city editor of the Punxsutawney Spirit named a group of men who gathered

annually in late summer for groundhog hunts and feasting on groundhog meat the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. The Spirit became a daily newspaper in 1906, and the writers of the newspaper became the voice of Groundhog Day through imaginative writings that portrayed events happening at a fictitious Weather Works. Even though, for many years, Punxsutawney and its observance of Groundhog Day had not been wellknown, the Punxsutawney Spirit rapidly changed that by publicizing both through the news media available at the time. A few years before 1940, concerns were expressed that the Punxsutawney celebration for Groundhog Day had become “tired and

lacking vitality and interest.” Many in the group of men recognized as the first Punxsutawney Groundhog Club were older. Thus, community leaders attended meetings with the Chamber of Commerce to develop a new strategy to assist the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club with activities “that will further center the attention of the world on Punxsutawney and its famed prognosticator.” On Groundhog Day, February 2, 1940, the Spirit reported the following in its afternoon edition: “[there was] a long, cold tramp by a lot of Groundhoggers to Gobbler’s Knob to see the Seer strut his stuff. ... The Scouts returned to Weather Headquarters, where they duly - Continued on page 6

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AJ Dereume Continued from page 2

that he would,” AJ explains. “Last year about this time [in mid-January], I thought to myself, ‘I am going to do this,’ so when Ron did step down, I immediately said, ‘I’ll do it!’” “I thought to myself, ‘Are you sure?’ It takes a lot of time,” he continues. “I really liked They are not expecting any wrong doings, power outages just a nice evening of dining at the Restaurant Southern Style

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Current co-handler John Griffiths with retired (Hometown file photo)

“Ben, Ron, and John took the presentation of Phil to new levels. From those guys, I learned that side of being a handler,” he adds. “Ben was the first guy to go to great lengths to try to domesticate Phil, and it showed. Phil would crawl up on his shoulder. It was because of the time Ben spent with him.” “Ben even went to Phil’s burrow and read to him,” AJ marvels, “and that’s what you have to do. The more Phil gets used to your voice, the calmer he will be.” AJ also learned a subtle aspect of handling Phil, one not readily obvious to a casual observer, but one indispensable in gauging Phil’s moods. “When we present Phil, he holds a finger, and we can feel his heartbeat,” AJ explains. “When the beat is regular and steady, he is calm. When the beat increases, we can tell that he’s getting agitated. Last year, he was agitated, but we don’t know why.” AJ is quick to praise handler Ben Hughes. both his immediate predecessor, Ron Ploucha, and his co-handler, John Griffiths. “Ron is full of helpful advice. He was an active handler, and he has passed that down to me – the way he would do his presentation,” says AJ. “He also told me to always make sure I have a chunk of kale or a banana in my pocket in case Phil gets a bit wild.” “If I walk into the zoo, Phil ignores me unless I have a banana. He eats a banana a day, and he doesn’t mind if they’re green,” he continues. “I have never peeled as many green bananas as I have since becoming handler.” AJ

what I was doing in the Club. I took care of the grounds, and I didn’t want to give that up.” “I am really glad that I made the choice,” AJ concludes. “It’s been really fun to get out and experience all that the Club does. It will be nice to see the assemblies and be at the members-only get-together, but don’t get me wrong – I really liked being on the Knob!” According to the AJ, the unofficial transfer of power, so to speak, actually took place on the day before the Inner Circle’s official appointment. “Ron had been saying that he was going to step down, but we weren’t really sure that he was going to retire,” AJ explains. “Last February 2nd, we did the prognostication in the morning, and after I was with the handlers when they did Phil 101.” “We were taking Phil back to the burrow at the library, and Ron pulls off the handlers gloves and hands them to me,” he continues. “He said, ‘I won’t be needing these anymore.’ So the gloves were transferred at around 2 p.m. February 2nd, 2017!” The position of handler has its own distinguished tradition – a tradition that AJ respects and acRetired co-handler Ron Ploucha (Hometown file photo) knowledges: “When Sam Light adds that Phil gets a large bowl of kale every took over the club in the 1950s, he was the day and has developed a taste for cantaloupe handler, and he did that until sometime in the and sweet potatoes. 1970s, when Jim Means took over. Bud Of co-handler John Griffiths, AJ simply says, Dunkel is the first handler that I remember from the ‘old school’ Groundhog Days.” “I could not do it without him!” “When he became president, Bill Deeley “We split the daily chores. If he is out of took over from Bud,” AJ continues. “With his town, I do them; if I’m out of town, he does funeral business, I don’t know how he did it them. If we’re both in town, we alternate alone. You are busy; you have to feed Phil and days,” he adds. “John keeps handling Phil interesting. He is go to events.” sharp and witty,” AJ concludes. “I couldn’t ask “John [Griffiths] and Ben Hughes were cofor a better partner in crime than John.” handlers when I got into the club,” AJ recalls. AJ and John follow a busy schedule as Phil’s “Ben’s style was really great; he took handling co-handlers – everyone wants a piece of Phil’s Phil to new levels. He researched everything.” AJ has learned from those who preceded him time. As an example of a typical week that he as Phil’s handlers. “I learned a lot from Bill, and John enjoy during the month or so before like how to take care of a wild animal,” says Groundhog Day, AJ describes a recent week: AJ. “Groundhogs are wild; they are not capa“On Tuesday, we had Phil at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. We had three school assemble of being domesticated. So I learned a lot from him in that respect.” - Continued on next page

4 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

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AJ Dereume

AJ’s father, Jack Dereume, in his inner circle tuxedo is ready for Groundhog Day. (Hometown file photo)

Continued from previous page

August John “Augie” Dereume (right) admiring and observing the work of his father, Raymond Dereume. (Hometown file photo)

blies on Thursday, and Friday night, we were at the Nieds Hotel in Pittsburgh for the vinyl release party of Slim Forsythe’s ‘Ballad of Punxsutawney Phil.’” (Slim Forsythe wrote the ballad, according to his record company’s website, in 2012 or 2013. He performed it in Punxsutawney on February 2, 2014 – a performance that can be enjoyed on YouTube. The “Ballad of Punxsutawney Phil” was released on vinyl as part of the Get Hip Folk Series (GHFS-601). Slim will be at the Knob on Groundhog Day 2018 to again regale those assembled for Phil’s prognostication.) “We definitely put some miles on,” AJ concludes. AJ chuckles as he offers additional evidence of the busy schedules that he and John, and other members of the Inner Circle, maintain. “When I was a boy, we always wanted to try on Dad’s top hat on, so it was hidden and stored in a hatbox in a closet,” AJ explains. “He got it out one time a year!” Today’s Inner Circle members keep a Groundhog Day-related schedule that is much fuller than the one kept by AJ’s father – a fact born out in the wear and tear of their respective top hats. “I keep my top hat in my truck and am on my third hat in eight years,” says AJ. “Dad kept his hat in the closet and had the same one for twenty years.” (AJ pointed out that the top hats of current Inner Circle members are made by the same company that made his father’s hat – Top Hats of America, a New York company that has been in the business of making top hats for more than a century.) Over the decades, the celebration of Groundhog Day at Gobbler’s Knob has changed – and grown! “Things were a little bit different when my grandfather was in the Inner Circle,” AJ recalls. “They would go out to the stump around 5 o’clock in the morning, do the prognostication with Phil, and be in their offices by 8 a.m., making Groundhog Day a threehour day!” “The first time I ever came to see Groundhog Day was when I came with Dad to see my grandfather, back in the mid to late 1980s,” AJ remembers. “There were not many people, perhaps 150 or maybe 300.” “Back then, it was not a controlled event,” he continues. “It was a party in the woods, with bonfires burning, and everyone doing what they wanted.” “There were radio broadcasters up in trees!” AJ marvels. “It’s all wireless now and is an interesting time and a fun event.” “With Dad, things started to get bigger,” he

continues. “They, perhaps, didn’t even own the Knob back then, but around the time of the movie, everything started getting bigger.” Of course, all film aficionados know that the film AJ refers to is 1993’s Groundhog Day, directed by the late Harold Ramis and starring Bill Murray. The movie laid the foundation for the modern, contemporary popularity of Punxsutawney’s Groundhog Day celebration. “I’m kind of the perfect age to have really lived through the explosion of Groundhog Day,” AJ says. “I’m close to it and have family ties to it. Some years, after the movie, it was so big that some people never got close to the stump for the prognostication.” “It’s a great, free event in the woods with people from all over the world!” he says enthusiastically. As the days are counted down to Groundhog Day 2018, the big day – his first as Phil’s cohandler – has been on AJ’s mind. “I have certainly been thinking it through and playing it in my mind,” he admits. “Last year, they told me, ‘We are going to give you the key to the stump, and you will be the one who opens it.’ I was so nervous and thought that I might bend the key or lose it.” AJ calmed his Groundhog Day nerves by thinking about another nervous time in his life. “I got engaged on Christmas Eve – in front of her family,” he recalls, “so I thought, ‘If you can do this, you can do it – you can pull Phil out of the stump!” AJ’s fiancée is Stevie Taylor. As Phil’s co-handler, with nearly a year’s worth of experience under his belt, AJ offers a bit of advice for any aspiring groundhog handlers. “I would say that you have to be ready for the commitment,” he says. “It’s not like have a dog or a cat!” “Our goal as handlers is to have Phil out for as long as possible, and I have definitely tried to do that, and through doing that, I have learned a lot about him,” AJ continues. “I try to talk evenly and have a calm disposition. If I do this, he is calm. If it’s noisy, he gets agitated.” “And if Phil gets agitated, then it’s only a matter of time before your hand moves from being a perch to becoming dinner!” he asserts. “When Phil bites you, you know he is done being held.” “It takes some good work to maintain a friendship with a groundhog,” AJ adds, as he rolls up his shirt sleeves to reveal a recent nip from Phil. “You have to be willing to roll with the experience – all in all, Phil doesn’t bite that much.” “To be a handler, you have to love Groundhog Day – and I really do,” AJ concludes, “and if you do all the hard work and preparation, you’ll be OK.” •••

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A “Small� World

In the 1950s, Groundhog Club President Sam Light initiated a new dress code of top hat and cutaway tuxedos for the Inner Circle. He wore the formal attire in many public appearances, including the annual crowning of the Punxsutawney Groundhog King and Queen. The first royal couple selected to reign over Groundhog Day activities was chosen in February 1955. The selection was by vote of seniors in the local high school. Here, Sam Light and Jim Miller crown King Jim Rice and Queen Diane Blose in 1969. (photo from 1969 Punxsutawney Area High School yearbook)

Seers, His Eminence and the King of Weather Forecasters,� Light introduced the Continued from page 3 top hat and cut-away tuxedo as the official attire for the Inner Circle – attire seen around registered the cast and the forecast, and rethe world in images on black-and-white teltired to their homes to rest up for the big doevisions and on the printed pages of magaings this evening.� zines and newspapers. On that Groundhog Day, the front pages of In the 1950s, more events were added for many newspapers in the country featured a the adult population in Punxsutawney. Inpublicity stunt – the Chamber of Commerce cluded with the celebration of the groundhad selected a “Punxsutawney Ground Day hog’s prognostication at the evening banquet Queen.� A pretty, seventeen-year-old, high was the recognition of Punxsutawney’s Man school student, Margaret (Peg) Humm, was of the Year, “a selection made posed in a bathing suit for a by a secret committee of three.� photograph with the famous Several years later, the selecSeer at Gobbler’s Knob. tion of a Punxsutawney The Spirit covered the day’s Woman of the Year was added. events with the headline, The granting of Ambassador “Radio, Newspapers All Gave Awards to former Punxthe Old Town Due Credit for sutawney residents living in Celebration.� The evening feaother area of the United States tured a big dinner served to was begun in 1953. The award 400 folk at the local Elks recognized their participation building. A ballroom dance in promoting the Punxfollowed with music by a fifsutawney groundhog tradition teen-piece orchestra. The in their “part of the world.� Queen of Groundhog Day was On Groundhog Day in 1955, a guest at the first annual comthe young people of the Punxmunity banquet “but had nothsutawney area were involved in ing to do but look pretty,� A program to enroll foreign according to the coverage by exchange students into the the expanded community celethe newspaper. local high school, through bration through the selection of The “rejuvenation� that the American Field Service a Groundhog King and Queen. (AFS), began in 1959. Unlike the first Punxsutawney began in 1940 gave a “rebirth� Through an ambitious to the celebration of the Febru- fundraiser by the Student Groundhog Queen in 1940, seary 2nd forecast of “the Seer of Council, sufficient money lected by the Chamber of ComSeers of Gobblers Knob at was raised to bring Ulla Nor- merce, the new royalty, who from Sweden to the high reigned over the day’s celebraPunxsutawney, the Weather lin school for an education and Capital of the World.� The new an introduction to American tion, were chosen by a vote community spirit surrounding life, including a visit to Gob- from senior students in local Groundhog Day led to the bler’s Knob on Groundhog schools. With a natural sense of (photo from 1960 Punx- showmanship and pageantry, election, in 1946, of Dr. Frank Day. sutawney High School yearSam Light, in his tuxedo and Lorenzo as president of the book) top hat, crowned the first couPunxsutawney Groundhog ple – the Groundhog King, James Costanzo, Club. The popular and highly respected local selected by the senior class of Saints Cosmas surgeon brought new energy and creativity and Damian High School, and the Groundto the Club. hog Queen, Margaret “Margy� Burrell, choFollowing the death of Dr. Lorenzo in 1952, sen by the senior class at the Punxsutawney Sam Light succeeded him as club president, Area Joint High School. and a new era of publicity began with the arUntil 1960, the selection of Queen and King rival of television to join the printed page and alternated between the public and parochial radio. high school seniors. With the opening of the With his colorful personality, Mr. Light in“new� high school building in September troduced the title “Inner Circle� for the select 1959 (at the top of North Findley Street), the group that was responsible for protecting and Groundhog King and Queen were selected maintaining the tradition of the Groundhog from the public high school. The vote was Day folklore – Punxsutawney style! Light kept secret until the announcement was made also initiated a new dress code for Inner Cirin a special assembly held in the afternoon of cle members when they made public appearGroundhog Day, an announcement followed ances. In the tradition of formally dressed by the official crowning ceremony of the dignitaries greeting VIPs from luxury couple to “reign over Punxsutawney’s steamships at ports of entry to the United Groundhog celebration.� States, Light likewise expected the same reRepresentatives of the Punxsutawney spect to be rendered to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club and the Chamber of ComGroundhog as a very important person each merce were in charge of the ceremonies. The Groundhog Day. A devoted follower of the - Continued on page 8 Punxsutawney Groundhog as “the Seer of

6 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

W

Healthcare is the Place to Be

hether you are planning your future, or you are looking for employment, the healthcare field is the place to be. This field is continually growing. A great increase in job opportunities accompanies that growth. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook released by the U.S. Department of Labor in October 2017, “Employment of healthcare occupations is projected to grow 18 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations, adding about 2.3 million new jobs. Healthcare occupations are projected to add more jobs than any of the other occupational groups. This projected growth is mainly due to an aging population and the fact that health is one of the most important things in a person’s life. All of which leads to greater demand for healthcare services.” A basic search of the internet yields many reasons, opportunities, and advantages for pursuing a healthcare career. Too often, people think of doctors, nurses, and dental hygienists as “healthcare careers.” The fact is that there are many, many job and career opportunities in healthcare that do not require a college degree, including clinical medical assistants, licensed practical nurses, and nurse assistants. Here are some of the best reasons you should consider a career in healthcare: Growing field All indicators show that the number of healthcare jobs is growing fast. Aging populations that require more medical assistance increase the demand for helping professionals. When you are making plans for the future, think about the long-term trends with advances in technology and consumer demand. A career in healthcare clearly presents many opportunities for the trained and dedicated professional that can only be accomplished by trained and caring people.

Working to help people Many people want more in a career than just a job and a paycheck. They want their work to have meaning, to make a difference, and to serve a greater good. Working in healthcare has a direct impact on improving the lives of others, especially at a time when they are most in need. The time spent with a doctor can be minimal compared to the time a person spends making the appointment, getting the basic diagnostics taken upon arrival, following up on test results, receiving advice on changing a diet or exercise routine, and resolving billing and/ or

insurance issues. Working in healthcare helps people lead better lives – the lives of people that often reside in your community.

Local, regional, state, and national employment If you are like many residents, you hope that you will be able to find employment without the need to relocate and leave your friends and family. Healthcare jobs are available in almost every geographical location, including where you live now. The future is often unpredictable, so if life does take you to other areas, you can feel confident there will be healthcare agencies in that area, as well, that need your skills.

Good salary Overall, people working in healthcare receive a good salary based upon their educational and previous work experiences. Making a living wage, while doing meaningful work, is often a win-win situation when searching for careers. Add job opportunities and employment security to this, and you have found an excellent career path.

initial training provides the employment and personal confidence to seek additional learning and educational opportunities. These additional opportunities may involve formal, credit-bearing coursework or additional certifications that lead to more career pathways, as well as value, to your employer. Sometimes the costs of these additional educational programs are covered by your employer as they look to invest in their people, as well as identify people within the company to fill future job vacancies. Hands-on learning Most healthcare fields require the person to be trained using a combination of hands-on learning as well as traditional learning methods, including reading and lectures. This combination of “book and lab” learning makes learning your profession exciting and something that fits most learning styles.

Balancing work and family life Some jobs require employees to work a full forty-hour work week, while other jobs are part-time endeavors. Many healthcare careers have options for you to find employment that meets your current situation. Because life never stands still, you will also have differing options as you experience different life events. If you, or someone you know, is thinking about a career change, or beginning a career, be sure to research the vast opportunities to receive the training and education necessary to enter a healthcare career. Educate yourself on the alphabet soup of training program, such as RN, LPN, CNA, PTA, and CMA. Most likely, there is an educational opportunity within reach that matches your interests and abilities, and guides you to a program leading to a healthcare career that many people never knew existed. •••

Diverse work environments Many healthcare careers allow for multiple options as your job and skills evolve. There can be opportunities to work remotely, or from home, in areas such as transcription and editing, billing and coding, etc. There are opportunities to work directly with people face-to-face in a hospital or office setting, as well as over the phone. As your career grows and your preferences change, healthcare employees often are able to move into transferable positions that increase or decrease contact with patients. Career ladders & advancement opportunities Most healthcare careers require some training. As the twentyfirst century expects us to be lifelong learners, the initial levels of education and employment do not have to be the endpoints! Instead, this

Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 7

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For Groundhog Day 1963, AFS foreign exchange students from area schools in western Pennsylvania were the first group of exchange students to visit Punxsutawney for a three-day stay to participate in Groundhog Day activities. The experience became a popular tradition for local high school students who hosted the visitors. In the 1965 photo above, the students were from Norway, Spain, Thailand, Philippines, Peru, Germany, New Zealand, Thailand, South Africa, Italy, Madagascar, and Egypt. (photo from Punxsutawney High School yearbook)

A “Small� World

Continued from page 6 queen and king were honored guests at the Groundhog Day Banquet, where they were introduced to the public. Also introduced in the 1950s was a Groundhog Day Hop that was held for teenagers at the local Y.M.C.A. in the evening – an event attended by the royal couple. In 1959, the American Field Service (AFS) program for foreign exchange students was introduced to Punxsutawney’s high school students. Through the program, the concept of the world for local students and their families was enlarged and changed. In early April 1959, the Student Council of the Punxsutawney Area High School began to raise funds to support a foreign exchange student for one year of schooling in the high school. The student was selected by an international committee from several European and Latin American countries. The student stayed in the home of a local family. With a goal of $650, students sold “stock certificates� to the general public in the amount of 25 cents, 50 cents, or one dollar, as an investment in the education of a foreign student to American life in Punxsutawney. The first AFS student to study in Punxsutawney, to experience life as an American teenager, and to witness the Punxsutawney Groundhog Day event was a seventeen-yearold young lady from Sweden. Ulla Norlin arrived in Punxsutawney in August 1959 and made her home with Mr. and Mrs. William Mechling and their daughter Gail. In addition to attending classes and participating in extracurricular activities, AFS students spoke at local civic and social organizations about life in their home country, broadening Punxsutawney residents’ understanding of world cultures and life. In 1962, the Chamber of Commerce and the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club made arrangements with AFS to sponsor an edu-

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8 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

cational experience for AFS students from area school districts in western Pennsylvania. The unique experience was a visit to Punxsutawney to attend the Groundhog Day activities. The visiting students stayed in the homes of selected students of the Punxsutawney Area High School. Escorted by local students, the AFS students’ visit included an early morning appearance at Gobbler’s Knob for the annual shadowcast by the Punxsutawney Groundhog, breakfast at the Country Club, then to the high school to attend classes of their host students. They joined the high school students for the special assembly for the announcement and crowning of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Day King and Queen. The AFS students introduced themselves to the student body and enjoyed the spirited entertainment provided by students and faculty. To conclude their busy day, the students were the guests of honor at the evening’s Groundhog Day Banquet. At the banquet, they had the opportunity to share their impressions and understanding of the Groundhog Day tradition celebrated by the Punxsutawney ceremony on Gobbler’s Knob, when a groundhog emerged from its burrow, looked for its shadow, saw it or didn’t, and gave to the world its forecast for six more weeks of winter, or early spring! In 1973, various school clubs and community groups organized the first International Food Fair to help support the American Field Service student exchange program. Special foods from different countries were displayed and sold at booths in the high school cafeteria. The headline in the Punxsutawney Spirit for January 22, 1973, exclaimed, “Public’s Response To AFS Food Fair Great!â€? From the first joint visit, when five foreign exchange students came to Punxsutawney from area schools, the program expanded to up to sixteen AFS students visiting for a three-day experience. Punxsutawney has had students from Sweden, Germany, Finland, Pakistan, Thailand, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Argentina, Chile, Italy, New Zealand, and more visit the area. The exchange students’ introduction to the Groundhog Day tradition in Punxsutawney – the Weather Capital of the World – was another story to be told to their friends, family, and neighbors in the home countries. Following the 1993 release of the film Groundhog Day, and its wide distribution around the world and repeated showing on cable TV networks, more people of the world have heard about the celebration of Groundhog Day – Punxsutawney style! And more of the world schedules a day – either in real time or online – in Punxsutawney on February 2 for an experience of a lifetime. It’s a small world after all. Welcome the world to a unique American tradition! •••

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u On February 2, Phil comes out of his burrow on Gobbler’s Knob to predict the weather for the rest of the winter in front of thousands of faithful followers, who travel to Punxsutawney from all over the world. u According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.

u The celebration of Groundhog Day began with the Germans, Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers. They brought with them the legend of Candlemas Day, which states “For as the sun shines on Candlemas day, so far will the snow swirl in May‌â€? The settlers

u The members of the Inner Circle do not make Punxsutawney Phil’s forecasts in advance. After Phil emerges from his burrow on February 2, he speaks to the Groundhog Club President in Groundhogese. His proclamation is then translated for the world.

u Punxsutawney marked its first Groundhog Day in the late 1800s. The first official trek to Gobbler’s Knob was recorded on February 2, 1887. In 2018 it will be the 132nd prediction.

u As the story goes, Punxsutawney Phil was named after King Phillip. Prior to being called Phil, he was called Br’er Groundhog.

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through the night – hold high hopes that he will not see his shadow. If your plans include being among the many who await Phil’s “shadowy� prognostication in person, you ought to do a bit of homework. Advance planning is essential for ensuring an enjoyable morning on Gobbler’s Knob, so here is our “Groundhog Day Survival Guide,� containing a few helpful tips! Festivities celebrating the annual trek to Gobbler’s Knob for Phil’s prognostication begin in the early morning hours. The morning’s events include live entertainment, music, fireworks, and fun with the Groundhog Club Inner Circle prior to Phil’s emergence from his stump at approximately 7:25 a.m. The Knob is located at 1548 Woodland Avenue Extension. The party at the Knob, however, starts at 3 a.m. Plan to be there early! Admission to the Knob is free.

Trekking to the Knob

The brave and stout of heart can hike to Gobbler’s Knob. The walk along Woodland Avenue is approximately 1.5 miles, but it’s uphill the entire way. The jaunt is strenuous, especially in inclement weather. Many, however, have found that trekking to the Knob – weather permitting, of course – a great way to avoid the wait for the buses. Beginning at 3 a.m. one-way traffic to Gobbler’s Knob begins near Walmart, but even then you will not be able to drive to the Knob. Drivers will be redirected back to town before they ever reach Gobbler’s Knob.

Taking the Bus to the Knob

Although visitors can walk the mile and a half from Barclay Square to Gobbler’s Knob, they can also choose to take a “Knob bus.â€? Buses to Gobbler’s Knob will run from 3 a.m. through 6:30 a.m. from the following locations: • Barclay Square, East Mahoning Street, Downtown Punxsutawney (GPS coordinates: 40.943653, -78.969015). Parking is available on the streets and in public parking lots downtown. • Punxsy Plaza, 545 West Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney (GPS Coordinates: 40.94148, -78.983664). Parking is available in the Punxsy Plaza lot. This is the suggested parking lot for charter buses. • Walmart, 21920 Route 119, Punxsutawney (GPS coordinates: 40.929646, 78.982713). Parking is available in the Walmart lot. Continued on next Page

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10 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

Continued from Previous Page

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 passes available for parking at Gobbler’s Knob. For a pass, contact the Groundhog Club. Additional parking is available at the Punxsy Plaza parking lot. A handicapped-accessible bus will be available for transportation. It will run the same route and at the same times as the Knob Bus. Please contact the Groundhog Club by e-mail at director@ghogclub.com or by telephone at (814) 618-5591 if you have any questions.

Ticket Prices and Ticket Booths

Ticket Booths for the Knob buses will open at 2 a.m. Ticket prices for the buses to the Knob are $5 per person, but those twelve years of age and younger ride for free. There will be two ticket booths at Barclay Square, two ticket booths at Punxsy Plaza, and two ticket booths at Walmart.

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.

Leave your backpacks, bags, and so on at home. Of course, no use of alcohol will be tolerated. Pennsylvania State Troopers will be present, searching bags and providing security.

After the Prognostication

After Phil makes his prognostication, it’s time to board buses for the ride downtown or to the respective parking areas. Be patient! Thousands of people will want to board the buses. Visit with Phil and Groundhog Club Inner Circle members before joining the crowd boarding the buses. If weather permits, walking downtown via Woodland Avenue after the ceremony can be fun and stimulating. After the prognostication, the buses from the Knob will transport visitors back downtown. You can choose to get off the bus downtown to eat, to visit events, or to return to your car. Or you can stay on the bus to go back to Walmart. Visitors who parked at Punxsy Plaza will remain on the bus to take them back to that lot. If you stay downtown to eat or visit, shuttle buses will be available from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will run a loop from McDonald’s to Punxsy Plaza to Walmart every fifteen minutes or so. The shuttle buses will pick up folks in front of McDonald’s.

Breakfast, Souvenirs, and Festivities

For many, warming up over breakfast at one of the many Punxsutawney restaurants, clubs or social halls is first on the agenda following Phil’s prognostication. After enjoying breakfast, a visit to local souvenir shops and shows is a must for those wishing to purchase a piece of Phil-related memorabilia. Festivities will be held in Punxsutawney, from Saturday, January 27, through Saturday, February 3. Please check the calendar 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 (www.groundhog.org).

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• Sun., Jan. 28, 4pm: Groundhog’s Got Talent Competition • Thur., Feb. 1, 10pm - 6am: Groundhog Day Crash Pad, $8 • Thur., Feb. 1, 5pm & 11pm and Fri., Feb. 2, 10am: Groundhog Day Movie, FREE • Thur., Feb. 1, 1-9pm and Fri., Feb. 2, 7am - 2pm: Annual Craft Show & Sale • Fri., Feb. 2, 9-11am Phil’s Birthday Party • Sat., Feb. 3: Groundhog Jog, $30 Registration 11am-12:30pm Race at 1 pm at Barclay Square Benefits the Community Center

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Well-Known Area Meteorologist to be inducted into Hall of Fame

well-known personality to people in the region and a fixture at Gobbler’s Knob on Groundhog Day, Joe Murgo, chief meteorologist at Central Pennsylvania’s WTAJ-TV, is the 2018 inductee into the Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center’s Meteorologist Hall of Fame. Always interested in weather, Murgo was born in Brooklyn, New York, but also lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Morgantown, West Virginia, which allowed him to experience different types of climates and weather. Murgo says that “the blizzard of 1978 is a fond memory,� and it, along with the severe weather in Oklahoma, fueled his desire to become a meteorologist. Murgo received his Bachelor of Science degree in meteorology from Penn State in 1990. For several years, he served as a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather in State College, forecasting and broadcasting to radio stations and providing critical forecasts for television stations across the nation. He then moved on to television, joining the forecasting team at WTOV-TV in Steubenville, Ohio, and followed that up with time at WUSA-TV in Washington, D.C. Returning to Central Pennsylvania, Murgo accepted the position of chief meteorologist for WTAJ-TV and became the state’s first Certified Broadcast Meteorologist, a designation awarded by the America Meteorological Society (AMS). He later served as chairman of the AMS board of

A

DEVELOPERS AND PRODUCERS OF NATURAL GAS

0 4%K 2K#DGIK.F2 K7BI& /

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Happy Groundhog Day!

12 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

broadcast meteorology. In 2008, Murgo also earned a Television Seal of Approval from the National Weather Association. Murgo now shares his love and knowledge of meteorology by teaching introductory meteorology courses to students at Penn State Altoona. He also enjoys talking about weather on his visits to elementary schools. For many years, Murgo has covered Groundhog Day for his viewing audience from his coveted spot near Punxsutawney Phil’s stump at Gobbler’s Knob. On February 1, Murgo will be inducted into the Meteorologist Hall of Fame, joining other notable figures such as Dr. Louis Uccellini, the director of the National Weather Service and the assistant administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Dr. Joel Myers, the founder of AccuWeather; and last year’s inductee, Janice Dean, children’s book author and Fox News Meteorologist. The Hall of Fame annually honors meteorologists, scientists, and weather professionals who have made significant contributions to the science of weather. The Meteorologist Hall of Fame induction ceremony is open to the public with a $6 admission to the Weather Discovery Center. It will begin at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, February 1, with a small reception of punch and groundhog cookies during which the public can meet Murgo and his fellow weather forecaster, Punxsutawney Phil. To read more about this event, and other activities scheduled during the Groundhog Day celebration visit Weatherdiscovery.org. •••

GRounDHoG DAY 2018

SATuRDAY, JAnuARY 27 THRu SunDAY, FEBRuARY 4

SCHEDulE oF EvEnTS dors, Come enjoy craft vendors, great food, and specialty items!

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27

10 a.m., Crowning of Little Mr. and Miss Groundhog, Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., Come see the crowning ceremony! SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 8 a.m. - 11 a.m., Gobbler’s Knob, 1548 Woodland Ave. Ext., Breakfast with Phil & Gobbler’s Knob Tours, Come have a served breakfast with Phil. Bring your camera for pictures of Punxsutawney Phil and the Inner Circle! $10 per adult, $5 per child 12 & under, kids under 2 are free.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Worldwide Adventure of Phil Display, Come see the great display of pictures from the past years’ Worldwide Adventure of Phil Competitions. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Punxsy Area Historical & Ge- nealogical Society, 400-1 W. Mahoning St., Warming Station and Charging Station, Where visitors can stop in to get warmed up while charging cell phones.

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4 p.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Gobbler’s Knob Got Talent Competition, To participate contact the GHC at director@ghog- club.com.

Happy Candlemas Day

10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., Scavenger Hunt at the Weather Center, Come enjoy the interactive exhibits and activities, including a scavenger hunt and a make-n-take craft! $6 per person, children 2 & under are free.

Michael Mumau, CLU

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Enjoy the interactive exhibits and activities, including a scavenger hunt and a make-n-take.

11:30 a.m. – Meteorologist Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, enjoy cookies & punch

FRI., FEB. 2 • 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Enjoy the interactive exhibits and activities, including a scavenger hunt and a make-n-take.

SAT., FEB. 3 • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Enjoy the interactive exhibits and activities, including a scavenger hunt and a make-n-take. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. – Have Fun with Folklore, a selfdirected, interactive program for all ages that explores weather folklore. $8 per person includes program, exhibits & activities. 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. – Special Appearance by Punxsutawney Phil (no charge)

201N. Findley St., Punxsy

938-1000 4

www.weatherdiscovery.org

Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 13

Happy Groundhog Day

Linda Juliette's

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1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Mulberry Square, 411 1/2 W. Mahoning St., Fun at Mulberry, Free Admission! Live music, art show, and local vendors!

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10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., Scavenger Hunt at the Weather Center, Come enjoy the interactive exhibits and activities, including a scavenger hunt and a make-n-take craft! $6 per person, children 2 & under are free.

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11:30 p.m., Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., Meteorology Hall of Fame Induction, Come watch the induction ceremony of the newest member of the Hall of Fame!

10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Memorial Library, 301 E. Mahoning St., Groundhog Story Time & Crafts for Kids, Sponsored by the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild. Free. Donations appreciated.

11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Barclay Square, Meet at Phil’s Burrow, Phantastic Phil Walking Tour, Enjoy a guided walking tour of more than a dozen of the Phantastic Phil sculptures with information about the project, trivia, and “insider� tidbits. Tour starts at Phil’s Burrow and lasts about 45 minutes. It’s free!

1 p.m. - 5 p.m., Christian School, 216 N. Jefferson St., Groundhog Day Art Show, Cocoa and cookies will be served. Come and see the works of local artists. Admission is free.

1 p.m. - 9 p.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Annual Craft Show ’n’ Sale, Groundhog souvenirs, crafts, and much more! 2 p.m. & 3 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Rock ’n’ Roll Pet Store Kids Show.

3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., Punxsy Eagles, 238 E. Mahoning St., Members Only Reception, Must be a member of the Groundhog Club to attend. Join on www.groundhog.org or at the door. Request a ticket by e-mailing director@ghogclub.com. Membership is $15.

Noon - 3 p.m., Various Locations, Groundhog Grub Walking Food Tour, For a $10 donation to the PACF, you will receive a map and pass to try out all the tasty treats around town. 1 p.m. & 3 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Jimmy Swogger & Friends, Come enjoy a great ventriloquism show with Jimmy Swogger and his friends!

1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., Punxsy Area Historical & Genealogical Society, 4001 W. Mahoning St., Historical Hay Ride Town Tour, Come enjoy a hayride town tour with refreshments to follow! It’s free!

2 p.m. - 8 p.m., 106 W. Mahoning St. at Jon J. Johnston DMD office, Shadow Vineyard & Winery Sales and Samples.

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

4 p.m. - 6 p.m., The Salvation Army, 229 W. Mahoning St., Spaghetti Dinner, $5 Ages 12 & up, $3 for ages 11 & under. 5 p.m. & 11 p.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Groundhog Day Movie, Free to the public.

5 p.m. - 8 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Nick Forsyth Guitar Performance, Enjoy the musical talents of Nick Forsyth as he performs today’s hits. Free! Continued on next Page

14 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

Continued from Previous Page

5 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Groundhog Day Corn Hole Tournament, 12 teams, single elimination tournament. Free to enter! Please pre- register! Winners will receive two Inner Circle Section Passes! 6 p.m. Doors Open, 6:30 p.m. Dinner Starts, Punxsy High School, 500 N. Findley St., Annual Groundhog Banquet, Sponsored by the Inner Circle of the Groundhog Club. Admission by ticket only. Tickets go on sale in January. 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., Punxsy Area Historical & Genealogical Society, 400-1 W. Mahoning St., Night at the Museum, Tour both the Bennis & Lattimer houses and see 8-9 “Spirits.�

6 p.m.- 8 a.m., WPXZ 104.1, 904 N. Main St., “Wet Your Whistle Comfort Stop,� Free wine tastings, coffee, hot chocolate, and more. Visit our open house the night of 2/1 through the morning of 2/2! 8 p.m. - Midnight, Punxsy Eagles, 238 E. Mahoning St., Groundhog Eve Dance, Featuring the band, On the Brink. Advanced tickets $8; tickets at the door $10, Proceeds to benefit the PACF unrestricted fund.

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

11:45 p.m., Outside the Weather Center, Shadow Summit, Count down the official start of Groundhog Day, as an illuminated fiberglass “Phil� is raised to the summit! Free! FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 GROUNDHOG DAY!

3 a.m. - 8 a.m., Gobbler’s Knob, Phil’s 132nd Groundhog Day Prognostication, Join us for Phil’s Prognostication stage show and fireworks show!

Shadow Vineyard & Winery Sales and Samples.

8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Barclay Square, Vendors, Come enjoy craft vendors, great food, and specialty items!

8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Punxsy Area Historical & Genealogical Society, 400 W. Mahoning St., Warming Station and Charging Station, Where visitors can stop in to get warmed up while charging cell phones.

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

8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Christian School, 216 N. Jefferson St., Groundhog Day Art Show, Cocoa and cookies will be served. Come and see the works of local artists. Admission is free.

8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., Scavenger Hunt at the Weather Center, Come enjoy the interactive exhibits and activities, including a scavenger hunt and a make-n-take craft! $6 per person, children 2 & under are free. 8 a.m. - 10 a.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Kids Korner, Free activities for kids ages 12 and under! 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Ray & Company, Stop and see this amazing performance by local and regional artists!

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

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

7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., 122 E. Mahoning Street, Hot Cocoa, Come enjoy a cup of cocoa at B’s Books.

9 a.m. & 11 a.m., Barclay Square, Meet at Phil’s Burrow, Phantastic Phil Walking Tour, Enjoy a guided walking tour of more than a dozen of the Phantastic Phil sculptures with information about the project, trivia, and “insider� tidbits. Tour hil’s Burrow and lasts about 45 minutes. Free!

7 a.m. - 8 p.m., 106 W. Mahoning Street at Jon J. Johnston DMD office,

Continued on next Page

7 a.m. - 2 p.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Annual Craft Show ’n’ Sale, Groundhog souvenirs, crafts, and much more!

Turn your love of food into a rewarding career Contact us today for more information about our nationally recognized programs in Culinary Arts and Baking and Pastry Arts.

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814-938-3310 We wish the Punxsutawney community a Happy Groundhog Day! pr i mar y- h e al th .n e t

Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 15

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Celebrate Groundhog Day with Us!

Shadow Vineyard and Winery will be located at 106 W. Mahoning Street, next to the 4 Chamber Office and Souvenir Shop.

Thur., Feb. 1 • 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. Fri., Feb. 2 • 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sat., Feb. 3 • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. We will be set up for tasting and sales Featuring 5 1681 Airport Rd. Punxsy Phil's™ Just 1/2 mile past the Punxsy Airport Phantastic 814-938-9463 (WINE) Phruit Phusion ORDER ONLINE

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10 a.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Groundhog Bingo, Free to play! All ages are welcome! Great prizes!

11 a.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Phil 101, Come learn everything there is to know about Punxsutawney Phil and groundhogs! 10 a.m., 11 a.m. & Noon, Punxsy Area Historical & Genealogical Society, 400-1 W. Mahoning St., Historical Hayride Town Tour, Come enjoy a hayride town tour with refreshments to follow! It’s free! 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Punxsy Shop ’n Save, 201 N. Hampton Ave., Oreo Stacking Contest, No fee, 3 different age groups. First prize in each age group. Under 6, 7-9, and 10-12.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m., Punxsy County Market, 201 N. Hampton Ave., Groundhog Cookie Decorating, $1 a cookie.

10 a.m. - Noon, Civic Center, Barclay Square, Groundhog Day Weddings, Stop by and watch couples get married or renew their vows! All weddings were scheduled in advance; no walk-in weddings available.

10 a.m., Community Center, 220 N. Jefferson St., Groundhog Day Movie, Free to the public.

Noon, Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Inner Circle Autograph Signing Session, Meet members of the Inner Circle and get their autographs! Noon - 1 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay

SOUTH SIDE

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Owner, Funeral Director Supervisor

William C. Deeley, Funeral Director Douglas A. Deeley, Funeral Director

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Square, Live Performance by Samantha Sears, Enjoy this specular live performance.

1 p.m. & 3 p.m. Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Dan Kuniak: Magic & Illusion, Check out this free show for all ages! You won’t believe your eyes! The master illusionist and mind reader will leave you breathless and crying with laughter!

Cell 724-840-9406

653-2792

Phone 814-938-2355 Toll Free (800)349-2814

Continued from Previous Page

938-9914

Dennis Rebuck, Nights - Res. 938-3577

16 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

8 p.m. - Midnight, 2509 Walston Road, Moonshine Outlaws, Walston Club, Party Bus provided for a shuttle transport. Pickup at Groundhog Plaza, behind Walmart, and Punxsy Plaza. Shuttle starts at 6:30 p.m. $5 fee to ride the bus. No cover charge required at the door. 9 p.m. - Midnight, The Burrow, 108 N. Findley St., Cutting Edge Dueling Pianos, An all-request show with two great musicians on baby grand pianos! $5 cover charge. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Christian School, 216 N. Jefferson St., Groundhog Day Art Show, Cocoa and cookies will be served. Come and see the works of local artists. Admission is free.

9 a.m., Celebration Tent Barclay Square, Top Hat Decorating Competition, A First, Second, and Third Place in each age group. 8-12 years old, 5-7 years old, 4 years old and under (Limited Adult help permitted) Free event, top hats and supplies will be provided.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., Scavenger Hunt at the Weather Center, Come enjoy the interactive exhibits and activities, including a scavenger hunt and a maken-take craft! $6 per person, children 2 & under are free.

10 a.m., Gobbler’s Knob 1548 Woodland Ave Ext., Best Groundhog Day & Best Winter Wear Dog Competition, The outfit/costume competition will be judged by three Inner Circle members! Winners will be award prizes! For more information email director@ghogclub.com. Continued on next Page

B’s Books, etc.

Continued from Previous Page

10 a.m. - 3 a.m., Weather Discovery, Center, 201 N. Findley St., Fun with Folklore, A self-directed, interactive program for all ages that explores weather folklore. $8 per person (includes program plus exhibits and activities). 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 106 W. Mahoning Street at Jon J. Johnston DMD office, Shadow Vineyard & Winery Sales and Samples. 10:30 a.m. - 11 a.m., Weather Discovery, Center 201 N. Findley St., Punxsutawney Phil Appearance, See Punxsutawney Phil at the Weather Center! No charge! 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Registration, 1 p.m. Start Time, Barclay Square, Groundhog Jog, Don’t miss the Groundhog Jog! Race distance, ways to sign up in advance, and more details to come. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Gobbler’s Knob, 1548 Woodland Ave. Ext., Stump Warden’s Soup Kitchen, Come and try the Stump Warden Specialty Soups. Prices for soups TBA. Punxsutawney Phil will be present at Noon! 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Groundhog Bingo, Free to play! All ages are welcome! Great prizes! 12 p.m. & 3 p.m., Barclay Square, Meet at Phil’s Burrow, Phantastic Phil Walking Tour, Enjoy a guided walking tour of more than a dozen of the Phantastic Phil sculptures with information about the project, trivia, and “insider� tidbits. Tour starts at Phil’s Burrow and lasts about 45 minutes. It’s free! 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, 80 Degrees, A mustsee performance of a youth band from the greater Pittsburgh area. Ages of band members range from 11 years old to 17 years old. The band’s primary genre of music is ’80s classic rock. You haven’t seen talent like this before!

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8 p.m. - Midnight, 2509 Walston Road, Moonshine Outlaws, Walston Club, Party bus provided for a shuttle transport. Pick up at Groundhog Plaza, back of Walmart and Punxsy Plaza. Shuttle starts at 6:30 p.m. $5 fee to ride the bus. No cover charge required at the door.

8 p.m. - Midnight, Eagles, Groundhog Ball, Punxsutawney Phil will be present! Rudy and the Professionals will perform. This year the Groundhog Ball will have a masquerade theme! Attendees are encouraged to participate and wear a mask! SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4

8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Christian School 216 N. Jefferson St., Groundhog Day Art Show, Cocoa and cookies will be served. Come and see the works of local artists. Admission is free. CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR SCHEDULE UPDATES: www.punxsutawneymagazine.com or www.groundhog.org Schedule subject to change. Not responsible for scheduling or typographical errors. Schedule as of January 26, 2018

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2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Weather Discovery Center, 201 N. Findley St., Punxsutawney Phil Appearance, See Punxsutawney Phil at the Weather Center! No charge! 3 p.m., Celebration Tent, Barclay Square, Phil 101, Come learn everything there is to know about Punxsutawney Phil and groundhogs!

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Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 17

Happy Groundhog Day from

Jefferson County Republican Party

PAID FOR BY JEFFERSON COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY STEVE HOAK, CHAIRMAN

2

gLENN "gT" THOMPSON - CONGRESSMAN JOSEPH SCARNATI III - SENATOR - PRO TEMP CRIS DuSH - STATE REPRESENTATivE JACK MATSON - COMMiSSiONER HERB BuLLERS, JR. - COMMiSSiONER BRENDA SHuMAKER - CORONER MAXINE ZIMMERMAN - COuNTY AuDiTOR MABEL "SIS" DuNKLE - COuNTY AuDiTOR JEFF BuRKETT - DiSTRiCT ATTORNEY TONYA gEIST - PROTHONOTARY DIANE MAIHLE KIEHL - REGiSTER & RECORDER CARL gOTWALD, SR. - SHERiFF JAMES "MOON" vANSTEENBERg - TREASuRER

Annual Groundhog Banquet Speaker Announced

T

he Annual Groundhog Club Banquet will be held on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at the Punxsutawney Area High School. The doors will open at 6 p.m., and dinner will start at 6:30 p.m. Jeff Lundy, Vice President of the Inner Circle, will serve at the master of ceremonies. The Man and Woman of the Year for Punxsutawney will be announced, as well as the new Ambassadors of the Groundhog Club. This year’s speaker for the Annual Groundhog Banquet will be Larry Richert. Jeff Lundy, the master of ceremonies states, “We are absolutely delighted to have Larry back as our guest speaker. He epitomizes the Western Penn-

sylvania friendliness of Groundhog Day. Larry set the standard and style for broadcasting from the Knob on Groundhog Day starting in 1993, the year the movie came out. He is on the Mount Rushmore of Groundhog Day broadcasters, right up there with Jim Cantore, Jen Carfagno, and of course, Phil Conners.� Larry originally came to KDKA in November of 1988 and has worked in both TV and radio ever since, including a ten-year stint as a weather anchor with sister station KDKA-TV. Since September of 2001 Richert has hosted the KDKA Radio Morning News part of CBS Pittsburgh. Larry Richert has been a constant in Pittsburgh radio and television since the early ’80s. He has long been an ambassador for the city of Pittsburgh and was winner of the Vector’s

Richard Caliguiri Award for that reason. Born in Millvale and raised in McCandless Township, Richert attended St. Ursula grade school in Hampton, then moved to North Allegheny High School, and graduated from Clarion University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. Richert is the voice of NFL Films/ Steelers Highlights, narrating his first film in 1985, and now he is the Public-Address announcer at Heinz Field for the Steelers. Plus he joined the Pitt Panthers Football network broadcast team where he hosts the pre-game show and reports from the sidelines. Larry also co-wrote and co-produced a feature family film in worldwide distribution called Amazing Racer starring Lou Gossett, Jr., Charles Durning, Eric Roberts, Jason Gedrick, Daryl Hannah, and many others. Larry is involved many charity organizations including vice president of the Pitts-

burgh Celebrity Hockey team. He also is the Honorary Chairperson for the American Cancer Society annual Golf Classic, spokesman for McGuire Memorial Home and the JDRF event plus the Autism Speaks annual walk just to name a few. He was honored this fall by McQuire Memorial, which offers services for people with mental and physical disabilities, by having a Playground named: Larry and Cindi Richert Playground. Larry and his wife, Cindi, have three children: Erica, Zach, and Emily. There is one caveat Larry told Lundy: “I am genuinely honored to come to the Banquet, but Jeff, if the Steelers go to the Super Bowl, I will be in Minneapolis for KDKA and have to cancel, if that’s all right?â€? Jeff’s response: “Larry, let’s all hope you can’t make this year’s Banquet. We’ll just put a life size cut out in your place and you can do a remote. We did that once on Groundhog Day for Bill Deeley when he slept in and no one knew the difference.â€? Tickets for the Annual Banquet went on sale at the GHC Headquarters at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 22. •••

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20 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

5

and 2018 1 SHOOTERS SALE January 26-27-28

THE MAGIC IN

More important, Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney is a safehold of magic that borders on the mystical . . . Punxsutawney, Gobbler’s Knob, Shadow Casting . . . and Phil.

The legend

For as the sun shines on Candlemas Day So far will the snow swirl ‘til May. . .

The mystique which surrounds the emergence of Punxsy Phil each Feb. 2 is based on centuries-old traditions. If Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter weather. If there is no shadow, spring is just around the corner. The tradition has endured for 129 years in Punxsutawney . . . and for good reasons. It has a club that — each year — pushes Punxsutawney and its Groundhog legend onto an accepting public.

Germans were said to have adopted the Candlemas tradition from the Romans. They concluded that if the sun made an appearance on Candlemas Day, an animal, the hedgehog, would cast a shadow, thus predicting six more weeks of inclement weather, or a “second winter.” Pennsylvania’s earliest settlers were Germans. They found groundhogs aplenty throughout the state. They determined that the groundhog, resembling the European hedgehog, was a most intelligent and sensible animal and therefore decided that if the sun appeared on February 2nd, so wise an animal as the groundhog would see

its shadow and hurry back into its underground home for another six weeks of winter. With history and tradition as the basis, a group of gentlemen in Punxsutawney began Groundhog Day with a groundhog named Phil. So what is the connection between Candlemas Day and a groundhog awakening from hibernation? While it is linked to the spiritual awakening associated with Candlemas Day, perhaps Punxsy Phil would tell us that — just as we get cabin fever in February — he gets “burrow fever.” He loves to get an early look at the weather outside. Punxsutawney Phil saw the country through five wars, a journey to the moon, visited the White House, and starred in his own major motion picture. Yet despite his travels and accomplishments, the centuryold Groundhog continues to delight millions with his hometown mystique, charm and shadow-casting magic each Feb. 2nd in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania!

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Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 21

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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.

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GROUNDHOG ZOO – Visit Punxsutawney Phil and family in their natural habitat at the Groundhog Zoo, located off Barclay Square at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library. Watch Phil and the other groundhogs as they play, eat, and — do what groundhogs do best — sleep! Punxsutawney Phil can be seen from outside or from inside the Library. GOBBLER'S KNOB – Just like there's only one Punxsutawney Phil, there's only one Gobbler's Knob — the site of Phil's world-famous weather forecast. Located in a picturesque woodland setting, Gobbler's Knob is visited on February 2 by thousands of people from all around the world who wait with the

Groundhog Club Inner Circle for daybreak and the official prognostication. Will Phil see his shadow and predict six more weeks of winter, or will there he no shadow, foretelling an early spring? 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.

COOLSPRING POWER MUSEUM – A museum of American technology, the Coolspring Power Nluseunt showcases engines of all types. It is located a short 10-minute drive from Punxsutawney on Route 36 north. P.O. Box 19, Coolspring, PA 15730. 814-849-6883

PUNXSUTAWNEY AREA HISTORICAL & GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY – Explore Punxsutawney history, research the genealogy of area families, and browse through the gift shop at the museum, which is the former home of the Bennis family. Located at 401 West Mahoning Street, just a couple blocks from downtown. 814-938-2555 Continued on next Page

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22 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

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

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

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

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

HARMON FIELD – A recreational area for all ages, facilities at this park include tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, a pavilion, picnic tables and grills. Located one block from the heart of downtown off Liberty Street.

PUNXSUTAWNEY AREA COMMUNITY CENTER & JACKSON THEATER – This facility offers activities for children through adults, including an open WalkTrak, the Community Fitness Center, ongoing fitness and education classes, and organized recreational activities. The Jackson Theater features movies Friday through Sunday. lo-

cated one block from Mahoning Street on North Jefferson Street. 814-938-1008

MAHONING S H A D OW TRAIL – The anticipated opening of a 7.4-mile portion of this Railsto-Trails project is summer 2003.The trail can be accessed near the Rich Kuntz Teener League Fields located along Route 119 south at the entrance to Punxsutawney. Maps of the trail are available at the Chamber of Commerce office. P H A N TA S T I C PHIL’S PUBLIC ART – Imaginatively decorated, largerthan-life Punxsutawney Phils can be found on nearly every street corner the throughout 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. H I S TO R I C HOMES – On West and East Mahoning Streets are many well-preserved examples of the early mansions of Punxsutawney.

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Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 23

Continued from Previous Page

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gROuNDHOg DAY gREETINgS

THE PUNXS U TAW N E Y CHAMBER OF COMMERCE – is located at 102 West Mahoning Street and can be reached by telephone at (814) 938-7700, Ext. 2, or by e-mail at chamber@punxsutawney.com. For more information about the Chamber, please visit its website at www.punxsutawney.com. The Chamber’s hours during the Groundhog Day festivities are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, January 27; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 28; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, January 29, Tuesday, January 30 and Wednesday, January 31; 9 a.m. to midnight Thursday, February 1; and 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, February 2; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 3.

SHOPPING DISTRICTS – Browse the shops of Punxsutawney, from the downtown to the East End,West End, and Walmart Plaza. PUNXSUTAWNEY WEATHER DISCOVERY CENTER – “Become� a tornado!

“Make� a thunderstorm! Be a TV meteorologist, explore Punxsutawney Phil’s burrow, experience the Weather Emergency Shelter, and much, much more at the Weather Discovery Center! The Center is located in a 103-yearold 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 $6 per person (children two years old and younger are admitted free). The Center – whose website is weatherdiscovery.org – is located at 201 North Findley Street, Punxsutawney.

PUNXSUTAWNEY GROUNDHOG CLUB HEADQUARTERS – This location has historical and rare Groundhog Club and Punxsutawney Phil items. It’s a must see location when visiting Punxsutawney! 200 West Mahoning St.

WHERE To FinD PHil SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, Crowning of Little Mr. & Miss Groundhog SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 Breakfast with Phil THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Meteorologist Hall of Fame THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 GHC Members Only Reception FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Phil 101 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Groundhog Ball & Phil 101

QUESTIONS?

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

FIND THE INFORMATION TENT AT BARCLAY SQUARE

INFORMATION BOOTH AT THE KNOB IS OPEN Thursday, February 1, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Saturday, February 3, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

+

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24 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

Groundhog Day, Mines, and legacies of Success

By the Coal Memorial Committee for Hometown magazine erhaps Seba Smith in a letter to the New York Express in 1841 first linked the groundhog and coal. The letter was republished by newspapers across the country, including the Jeffersonian Republican of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, on December 29, 1841. Seba Smith’s letter, written under the nom de guere Major Jack Downing, chided the opposition to universal currency and a tariff enacted by Congress when he wrote: “Now I say, and so says a considerable number of millions of my fellow citizens that to protect the gold and silver coined by order of Congress, we must have a good paper currency, and a good protective tariff, or else there is no use of going to the expense of coining gold and silver, if we can’t keep it. Nor is there any use of opening iron and coal mines, or building workshops, or making tools for the use of mechanics?” His letter continued: “I have no notion of compelling our democracy to go down into the mines and live like woodchucks and groundhogs, or drive them into the factories and workshops, and make them work – men, women, and children – in ignorance, like slaves, for a mere living on bread and water; just as the democracies of Europe live and work. I want them to earn something more, and live more like rational men, and be able to school their children.” Smith’s words summed up the promise of America for the great number immigrants coming to the United States to seek better lives. Pennsylvanians had experience with both groundhogs and mines. The message of the groundhog, which had evolved over eons of time, was hope. Hope for an early spring, or the comfort of knowing that

P

winter was nearing an end. Folk traditions of those who observed the religious tradition celebrated February 2 as Candlemas Day while the secular observer recognized it as Groundhog Day. The prognostications of the groundhog published in the earliest newspapers were often accompanied by the prevailing folk tradition. Where the tradition was reliFrancis A. Pugliese went to work in the coal mines at Rossiter at age fourteen to help support his family and to earn money to attend school. He graduated from Rossiter High School in 1926, the University of Pennsylvania in 1930, and Temple University in 1934. He completed his internship and residency at Allegheny General Hospital and practiced medicine at Adrian before locating in Punxsutawney 1941. (photo courtesy of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc.)

gious, an old folk saying from Scotland used was: If Candlemas is fair and clear, There’ll be two winters in the year. In the areas where the settlers were more secular, the Pennsylvania Dutch saying prevailed: If the woodchuck sees his shadow and the sun Six weeks of winter shall have begun; If the woodchuck his shadow does not see, Six weeks of spring-like weather there shall be. By the 1880s, immigrants from both traditions were firmly ensconced in the population of the Punxsutawney area. New

immigrants, from warmer climates, quickly accepted the local tradition of Groundhog Day. They had come to work in the coal mines with the hope of earning a comfortable living, having a rational life, and educating their children for an even better life in America. And succeed they did. The record of individuals from Punxsutawney area mining communities achieving success is legendary. Success came in many forms, and every success reflected on the community in many ways. Charles Margiotti, son of immigrant miner, at Walston, applied himself, using his rights and freedom to become a well-respected criminal attorney and served as the State Attorney General for three terms. He even campaigned for the office of Governor of Pennsylvania. Because of family circumstances, Margiotti had to help earn money for the family beginning at age eleven and quit school and went to work when he was fifteen. He worked as a sales clerk in a clothing store where his bilingual skills helped him to be successful. His ability to speak Italian and English led to him being called to translate for a hearing before a local justice of the peace.The experience gave him a vision of becoming an attorney. Through his own hard work, he was able to go to college then law school and to have successful career. Charles Margiotti was an active member and promoter of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Samuel Rinn, son of German immigrants, completed his education at local schools and, as was typical of young men of his time, went to the woods to timber in the winter. In 1881, he found work as a teamster hauling fill to build a new railroad to Punxsutawney. His work ethic and ability to learn was recognized. He was hired to Continued on Page 28

Happy Groundhog Day!

5

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PUNXSUTAWNEY AREA MUSEUM

Historical and Genealogical Society, Inc.

Bennis House 401 W. Mahoning St. 1-4 p.m. Thurs. - Sun.

Exhibits & Displays

938-2555

punxsyhistory@ outlook.com

Lattimer House 400 W. Mahoning St. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday & Saturday 1-4 p.m. Fri. & Sun.

GROUNDHOG WEEK HOURS

Thurs., Feb. 1 • 10-4 • Fri., Feb. 2 • 9-4 Sat., Feb. 3 • 10-4

HAYRIDES Thurs., Feb. 1 • 1, 2 & 3 p.m. Fri., Feb. 2 • 10 & 11 a.m. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM Thursday, Feb. 1, 6-8 p.m.

The Bennis and Lattimer Houses will be open, and in each, several “Spirits” of past citizens, past artists, etc. will appear to enliven the experience.

3

Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 25

COLLECT YOUR AUTOGRAPHS FROM MEMBERS OF THE

GRounDHoG CluB

MEMBERS OF THE INNER CIRCLE WILL BE AVAILABLE TO SIGN YOUR COPY ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2, STARTING AT NOON AT THE CELEBRATION TENT - BARCLAY SQUARE

BILL DEELEY

A. J. DEREUME

JEFF GRUBE

JASON GRUSKY

JON JOHNSTON

PAT OSIKOWICZ

BUTCH PHILLIBER

RON PLOUCHA

President

Sky Painter

O-Zone

C0-Handler

Big Chill

Iceman

TOM DUNKEL Shingle Shaker

Chief Healthman

Stump Warden

DAVE GIGLIOTTI

JOHN GRIFFITHS

JEFF LUNDY

DAN McGINLEY

JOHN PRUSHNOK

PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL

Thunder Conductor

Fair Weatherman

Coal Front

Co-Handler

Moonshine

Seer or Seers

43

26 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

“Spirits� Host Historical Society’s night at the Museum

By Marty Armstrong exhibit,Weather and War. Appropriately, one for Hometown magazine poster is titled The Coldest Winter. It des the year is one to recognize serv- scribes the extreme weather conditions ice, visitors to the Punxsutawney faced by United Nations soldiers serving Area Historical & Genealogical So- during the Korean Conflict (1950-1953). ciety’s “Night At The Museumâ€? scheduled There were monsoon rains, humid summers, from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 1, will and freezing winters with heavy snow, icy encounter military, public, religious, and com- winds, and temperatures as low as minus 40 munity service “spiritsâ€? from Punxsutawney’s degrees Fahrenheit. An excerpt from the arpast as well as the builder/ homeowners of ticle “Combating Cold Koreaâ€? by Karl both the Lattimer and Bennis Houses at 400 Warner, U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, November 10, 2010, states: and 401 West Mahoning Street. “Korea’s climate is very similar to that of Judge James E. Mitchell, who in 1869 built a home in the undeveloped section between the United States’ east coast but more acute. Punxsutawney and Clayville later known as During the summers, the heat and humidity Middletown, will greet visitors at 400 West are nearly unbearable, and during the winter, Mahoning Street. In the Gaylord L. Griffiths especially in the northern mountains, the Galleries, newly reopened with the Child- arctic winds from Siberia turn the country hood exhibit, tour participants will meet an into a frozen wasteland. Frostbite was the worst malady brought early physician, a scout leader, an athletic coach, “night At The Museumâ€? on by the cold weather, but during the first winand a former one-room Thursday, February 1 ter of the Korean War, school teacher. These 6 to 8 p.m. Soldiers also suffered reenactors will illustrate from frozen rations, icy their roles in the develat Punxsutawney terrain, jammed opment of area youth Area Historical & weapons, and a shortand point out other age of cold weather highlights in the galleries. Genealogical Society gear.The winter of 1950 Also on display downstairs in the Punxsutawney Groundhog Day started in the middle of November, several History exhibit and in the Reschini room are weeks ahead of forecasts. American troops reminders of the town’s unique annual cele- found themselves without the proper gear bration and the impressive large photograph to guard against the intense Siberian cold.â€? Paul E. Shaffer, a veteran of that war, served of young men on the eve of their departure in Korea from December 24, 1952, to Dein 1917 to Army service in World War I. At 401 West Mahoning Street, Edwin C. cember 26, 1953.Trained for and looking forMcKibbon, Punxsutawney Iron Furnace ex- ward to operating amphibious landing craft, ecutive, will introduce visitors to the home Shaffer was reassigned to work at the food he had built in 1903, an early property on and supply distribution depot in Incheon and Punxsutawney’s “Millionaires’ Row.â€? Spirits traveled up to the 38th parallel, which still dion hand will include an early Native Ameri- vides the northern and southern parts of the can leader, Pennsylvania State Police troop- Korean peninsula. He remembers quite well ers, a former missionary to Japan, and one the freezing cold, when soldiers positioned or two surprise appearances. Overlaying the in foxholes were subject to serious frostbite. Those attending the Society’s Night At The various rooms, which display much of the region’s industrial history and early life, is a Museum event should gather at the Lattimer sampling of military uniforms and related ar- House at400 West Mahoning Street, where tifacts, including the silk wedding dress that small groups will be directed either across a local young lady made of the parachute the street to the Bennis House or inside. sent home to her from her husband-to-be, Tours will easily take thirty minutes or more stationed in the Pacific during World War II. at each property. Refreshments will be availIn addition, the Society is fortunate to have able at the Lattimer House for those waiting on loan signage prepared by the Punx- or wishing to relax. Marty Armstrong is a member of the Collecsutawney Weather Center for their prior tions Committee of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. •••

A

Service at Home during War and Peace

Beginning in 1905, a brave group of men volunteered to serve the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania by becoming part of a newly formed constabulary. Underground coal mining had become a major industry and drew many investors, mine operators, and workers from all parts to Pennsylvania. Mining conditions were harsh, and the level of potential conflict between management and labor was beyond the ability of rural town police officers or county sheriffs to control. Mine owners “solved� the problem by hiring their own private policemen, many of whom were not

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One of the first companies of the Pennsylvania State Police was Troop D, quartered in Punxsutawney. The troop’s members – including (from left), Charles T. Smith, Henry Hilton, Homer A. Chambers, and George W. Haas – wore “Rough Rider� clothing until they received their uniforms. Chambers was wounded during a confrontation in the mining town of Florence. Two troopers died in the confrontation. (photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania State Police website)

impartial peacekeepers. Following miners’ strikes and egregious acts by company police, Pennsylvania Governor Samuel Pennypacker determined to create a professional independent commonwealth-wide constabulary. The force was recruited, trained and deployed to four carefully chosen locations where potential unrest was deemed likely to occur. Punxsutawney, in the center of the western Pennsylvania coal region, was one of the four.Trained troopers arrived in town, ahead of horses and uniforms. (Troopers wore “rough riderâ€? clothing at first.) Trouble soon erupted in the nearby mining town of Florence. Troopers from the Punxsutawney barracks were able to quell the violence but two were killed in the line of duty – the first such deaths in the Commonwealth. A monument at the Punxsutawney barracks and an exhibit at the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society commemorate their sacrifice. Among the early arrivals to Punxsutawney was Olaf D. Carlton. In 1994, His son, Pierre (Pete), recounted his understanding of Carlton’s involvement in the Florence incident, which is described in newspaper accounts. A lone officer on the scene called for help, and four troopers from Punxsutawney went to his aid. One of these, Private John F. Henry, was shot and killed. On a call to the barracks for additional help, all eighteen troopers then on duty (including Carlton, according to his son) rode as fast as their horses could take them to Florence, their lieutenant following by streetcar. In their attempt to storm the building in which the suspects had taken cover, a second trooper, Private Francis Zehringer, was killed. The building was eventually dynamited and destroyed, killing one of the suspects. Homer A. Chambers was one of the wounded. Sergeant Chambers and Privates Smith, Hilton, Haas, and Carlton are all listed on the roster of 1908 on the occasion of an anniversary banquet hosted at the barracks for the townspeople. Carlton’s obituary reveals that he remained with the force through 1910, worked in the construction of the Panama Canal, later enlisting with Troop F of the 104th Calvary here, where he served as the troop’s commanding officer for five years before going on to a career in law enforcement. He was one of many who served their communities during times of war and peace, coming from other parts of the country – Carlton was from Ohio and then Philadelphia – marrying local young women and instilling pride of service in their children. Olaf and Imogene Smith Carlson were the parents of an infant daughter, Suzanne, and five sons, Willian, Sidney, Richard, John, and Pierre. •••

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Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 27

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be a laborer at the new mine at Walston. His continued willingness to learn and to take on responsibilities earned him advancements, and he became the superintendent for the Rochester & Pittsburg Coal and Iron Company’s mine at Eleanora. He later stepped up to being a partner in a coal mining company.While working to become successful, Rinn also cared for the community, leading the effort to establish a Board of Trade, which continues today as the Punxsutawney Chamber of Commerce. Samuel Rinn was active with the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club and was a staunch promoter of Punxsutawney. Theodore Kurtz, son of German immigrants, grew up near where the Walston mines would be opened. He attended the local schools and then Waynesburg College. Upon his return to Punxsutawney he tried his hand at newspaper publishing and retail work before settling in to the mining business with his brother-in-law Samuel Rinn. Like others, Theodore Kurtz served his community as burgess of Punxsutawney and later as state senator. Kurtz was an active promoter of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Immigrants Joseph Pugliese and his wife, Maria A. Capirosso Pugliese, claimed the promise of America and raised a family of successful children, including sons Francis and Sebastian and daughter Rose. Francis A. Pugliese as a young man worked in the mines to help support his family and to earn money to attend school. He graduated from Rossiter High School and after completing medical education returned to the area and was appointed pathologist of the Adrian Hospital. Frank’s wife, Edith Culbert Pugliese, a nurse at the Adrian Hospital for twenty-five years, was named Punxsutawney’s Woman of the year in 1988. Their son, Frank A. Pugliese, Jr., was the first Punxsutawney Rotary Club Boy of the Month, earned a Ph.D. in microbiology in 1970 and was a professor of biology at Slippery Rock University for thirty-two years.

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Sebastian C. Pugliese graduated from Indiana University and Dickenson Law School and became a lawyer in Allegheny County. Rose Pugliese Reschini graduated from Punxsutawney High School and worked for the Glenn Insurance Agency. In 1938, she founded the Reschini Insurance Agency in Indiana, Pennsylvania. She was active in the community, establishing the first Girl Scout troop at Ss. Cosmas & Damian Parish and

Charles J. Margiotti was born into a family in the coal mining community of Walston, near Punxsutawney. At age 15 he had to quit school in order to help support his family. He later put himself through college and law school by working at the Walston Coke ovens during summers, and during the school year, he earned money by providing interpreter services at the courts in Indiana and Jefferson Counties. He attended college at Indiana Normal which is known as Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Law School at the University of Pennsylvania. (photo courtesy of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc.)

the first library at the Adrian Hospital in Punxsutawney. At Indiana, she was the first woman to be invited to membership in the Indiana Rotary Club, was instrumental in founding the original Newman Center at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and was active in many community projects, earning her the recognition of being the Indiana Civic Leader of the year in 1990 among many other honors.

Jesse W. Miller, who was born in Falls Creek, lived and worked in the coal mines in Coolspring, Anita, and Rossiter. Jesse’s three sons, Jesse, James, and Duane Miller also worked in coal mining. A mining accident in 1957 forced Jesse to find other work. He was a salesman at Meneely Motors until 1969 when he began what would become Miller Brothers Furniture.The furniture company expanded from a store at Hudson to include sites at DuBois and Falls Creek. The Hudson store was closed and the store currently on West Mahoning Street in Punxsutawney opened in 1987. Jesse W. Miller, who felt that the best job he ever had was in the coal mines, left the legacy of Miller Brothers Furniture and a family committed to the betterment of Punxsutawney. These are only a few of the thousands of stories about the men who came to work in Punxsutawney area coal mines and the found a better future. They achieved the hope that Seba Smith described in his 1841 letter. They earned something more, lived more like rational men, and were able to school their children. And that is the essence of Punxsutawney, which is captured in the spirit and hope of Groundhog Day and shared with the world. This article was prepared by the Coal Memorial Committee of the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, Inc. Information used in the preparation of this article is available at the Punxsutawney Memorial Library, the Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society, the U.S. Census online, and the Library of Congress. Comments on this article may be directed to PAHGS, P.O. Box 286, Punxsutawney, PA 15767. Forms for purchasing a Coal Memorial tile to honor any person who worked in any aspect of the coal industry, including railroads may be found online at www.punxsyhistory.org or may be picked up at the Lattimer House, 400 West Mahoning Street, Punxsutawney. Forms may also be requested by e-mailing punxsyhistory@outlook.com or by calling (814) 938-2555. •••

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Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 29

Subscribe to Hometown Today!

The Knights of Columbus, Council #452 are planning their 4th Annual

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Tickets can be purchased by contacting John “Bruno” Martino, The funds will be Joe Defelice, Frank McSteen, used for the SSCD school scholarship Paul Koza 814-590-4203, fund sponsored by or any member of the the Knights. Knights of Columbus or calling the church office

129 Aspen Rd., Punxsutawney, PA 15767 814-938-0312 hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com

Name_____________________________

Address____________________________ City____________ State____Zip_______ Phone____________________________

(“From Our Past,” researched by S. Thomas Curry, features items of interest from past editions of Punxsutawney and area newspapers.)

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30 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

the word following the January meeting of the Board of Health. The pig ordinance became effective January 6. (Punxsutawney News)

January 30, 1913 — Many of our old citizens are in remarkably good health. Mr. James W. Wachob, at age 73, is in good health but says his age is getting the better of him. Too much civil War for Mr. Wachob but we are pleased to have as good a citizen as Mr. Wachob to come to our little city to enjoy the rest of his days. (Big Run Tribune)

February 1, 1888 — The heavy snow prevailing at this time has caused the trains to arrive at late hours. The train on the B. R. P. railroad due here at 6 o’clock Saturday evening, did not arrive until 12 o’clock Sunday night. (Punxsutawney News)

February 2, 1887 — Be careful about over-heating your rooms. Many of the colds we “catch” are directly the results of overheated rooms. People using gas for heating purposes are more liable to over-heat their rooms than those using coal. (Valley News) February 5, 1890 — Rabbi Lovitz, the new Jewish man of letters, who is here to inspect meats, etc., is teaching a German school in town. (Punxsutawney Spirit)

February 9, 1882 — VALENTINES – C. K. McCartney, of the book store, has a full assortment of Valentines. A fine assortment of fancy sentimental valentines and an endless variety of cheap comic ones of new and original designs. (Punxsutawney Spirit) •••

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

n Jan. 31: Fine Free Month ends at the Punxsy Memorial Library. Get those late books & materials in!

n Feb. 2: Groundhog Day! See the official schedule in Hometown magazine.

n Feb. 2 & 3: Free clothing at Grange Church of God’s Helping Hands program. Friday, noon to 4 p.m. & Saturday, 9 a.m.to noon. n Feb. 3: Groundhog Jog, benefits Punxsy Area Community Center. Preregister by Jan. 26. Call 938-1008 for more information.

n Feb. 5: Last day to order Daffodils from the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days in Jefferson County. Delivery March 18. E-mail Nikki.carey@cancer.org or call (724) 834-9081, ext. 85289, for ordering information.

n Feb. 6: First Tuesday Community Meal, 5 p.m., at Punxsy Presbyterian Church. Free & open to the public.

n Feb. 9: Comedy for a Cause, 7 p.m. at One Life Church, Punxsy. Benefits mission project. Tickets required. Email lisakllr6@gmail.com for information.

n Feb. 10: Girl Scout Brownie “SHARE Water� program, 10 a.m. to noon, at the Punxsy Weather Discovery Center. To register, call 938-1000 or email info@weatherdiscovery.org.

n Feb. 12: Community Meal, 5 p.m., at First United Methodist Church. Free & open to the public.

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32 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

n Feb. 17: Fourth Annual Night at the Races, doors open at 6 p.m.; races begin at 7 p.m., Wienker Hall, the Knights of Columbus, Council #452. $25 ticket includes buffet dinner & 10 races. Coffee & tea included (BYOB). Must be 21 to enter. Purchase tickets from John “Bruno� Martino, Grand Knight; Joe Defelice, Deputy Grand Knight; Frank McSteen, treasurer; or by contacting any member of the Knights of Columbus or the SSCD church office. Event benefits the SSCD school scholarship fund sponsored by the Knights. n Feb. 19: Coping with Loss support group, 7 p.m., at First Church of God, Skyview Dr., Punxsy. Call 938-6670 for information.

n Feb. 20: Blood drive, 12:30 to 6 p.m., at SSCD Church. Benefits American Red Cross.

n Feb. 21: “A Vision for Punxsutawney� public workshop, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at Gobbler’s Knob.

n Feb. 24: “Glow in the Dark Day,� 10 a.m. to noon, at Punxsy Weather Discovery Center. $7 per person. Pre-registration helpful, walk-ins welcome. Call 938-1000 or e-mail info@weatherdiscovery.org for information.

n 2018 Dog Licenses are now available at several locations in Punxsy. n The Salvation Army has rummage sales every Friday from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

n A Young Adult Ministries group, for ages 18-29, has begun at the First United Methodist Church. The group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. Sundays. Call 938-7500 for more information.

n The Punxsy Weather Discovery Center offers “Toddler Time� from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Monday for children ages 2-5 and their parents, grandparents, babysitters, etc. No registration necessary, just walk in. $6 per person & free admission for children age 2 and under.

n The Punxsutawney Area Community Center offers indoor cycling, batting cage, Fifty & Fit, SilverSneakers, AM men’s basketball, Pilates/yoga, and gymnastics. Call 938-1008 for more information. •••

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Chicken Parmesan on Pasta with Salad $1495 or Choice of Prime Rib or Steak Green Beans, Twice Baked Potato, Salad $2095 Dinner includes bread, desert and complimentary wine.

Tues., Wed., Thurs., 9 - 7; Fri. & Sat. 9 - 8; Sun.,9 - 3

112 East Main St., Dayton • 257-0122

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Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 33

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FREE Vein Screening Thursday, February 22

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www.vein-doc.com SCHEDULE INCLUDES: "THE CHAMPAGNE CHARLIE STAKES" by Bruce Graham It's a special day at the racetrack as "Champagne" Charlie, a racetrack regular, has had a race named in his honor. A dreamer and teller of tall tales, Charlie and his wife, Mary Lee, hold court for the occasion.They are accompanied by family friend and bookie Jackie, and their daughter Mary, a divorced teacher and the family realist who has nervously invited along her boyfriend, Paul, to meet her parents. On this special day, Charlie conspires with Jackie to place the bet of his life (his entire meager savings) on a long-shot hunch, all for his family. Can Charlie make one big score, or will he lose it all in this heartwarming comedy? (Presented in early March)

INVITES YOU TO SHARE THE LAUGHTER AND THE FUN OF OUR 43RD SEASON. Join our Patrons' drive by completing this form and returning with payment BY FEB. 17, 2018 to:

PTAG PATRONS' CAMPAIGN P.O. BOX 152 PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA 15767

"AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS" by Mark Brown Stampeding elephants! Raging typhoons! Runaway trains! Unabashedly slapstick! Join fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant Passepartout as they race to beat the clock because of an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and his life at risk. Fogg sets out to circle the globe in an unheard-of 80 days. But his every step is dogged by a detective who thinks he's a robber on the run. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a show adapted from Jules Verne's classic adventure tale. (Presented in Punxsy in June and at the Sawmill Theater in Cook Forest in July. Patron tickets NOT valid at the Sawmill)

"GRAVY ANXIETY" by Rosemary Frisino Toohey Before she moves into a retirement community, a widowed mother invites her family to Thanksgiving dinner in her small apartment. When the dysfunctional group arrives, mayhem ensues. Arguments, misunderstandings, and marital discord are bad enough to confront; when two strangers show up unexpectedly, the situation grows even funnier. A cooking disaster, coupled with an environmental crisis, means nobody can leave the scene until further notice. This is a holiday nobody will forget! (Presented in late fall) *All shows subject to change.

o Yes, I want to be part of PTAG's 43rd Season by helping to underwrite the costs of high-quality, live stage performances in Punxsutawney. I have indicated below the level of my support by checking the appropriate box. In addition to returning this form, I will send my check payable to PTAG by return mail no later than Feb. 17, 2018, to the address shown at the top of this ad.

Name ____________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________ Phone ____________________________________________________

o Patron: $45 donation; receives 6 tickets good at all local PTAG shows. o Sponsor: $60 to $99 donation; receives 8 tickets good at all local shows. o Benefactor: $100 or more donation; receives 10 tickets good at all local shows. o Advertiser: Business owners might prefer to advertise in our programs at very reasonable rates for great exposure year-round. Phone for details.

Call 938-6928 or 938-0378 for more information about the shows or the patrons' drive or our advertising rates for our programs.

Guild’s 43rd Season Offers Comedy, Adventure, and Fun A

udiences who attend the three shows to be presented this year as part of the 43rd season of the Punxsutawney Theatre Arts Guild are in for nights of comedy, adventure, and fun. Since 1975, the Guild has been spotlighting local talent in live stage productions. The tradition continues in 2018 with the launching of the annual patrons’ drive to encourage area residents to become part of the activities. The three productions chosen to entertain local theater-goers represent a variety of dramatic styles, including a poignant comedy set at a racetrack, a globe-circling adventure based on a literary classic, and a close-up look at a dysfunctional family gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving. First up will be The Champagne Charlie Stakes by Bruce Graham. It’s a special day at the racetrack as “Champagne” Charlie, a racetrack regular, has had a race named in his honor. A dreamer and teller of tall tales, Charlie and his wife, Mary Lee, hold court for the occasion. They are accompanied by family friend and bookie, Jackie, and their daughter Mary, a divorced teacher and the family realist who has nervously invited along her boyfriend, Paul, to meet her parents. On this special day, Charlie conspires with Jackie to place the bet of his life (his entire meager savings) on a long-shot hunch, all for his family. Can Charlie make one big score, or will he lose it all in this heartwarming comedy? The Champagne Charlie Stakes is a funny, heartwarming look at family, friendship, and the lengths people will go to for the ones they love. This poignant comedy mixes family, love, and an over-sized bet at the race track to illustrate the power of loyalty, integrity, and growing older gracefully. Performances are slated for early March under the direction of Kathy S. Dinsmore. In the summer, a Jules Verne literary classic comes alive with the Guild’s presentation of Around the World in 80 Days by Mark Brown. Stampeding elephants! Raging typhoons! Runaway trains! Unabashedly slapstick! Join fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg and

his faithful manservant Passepartout as they race to beat the clock because of an outrageous wager that puts his fortune and his life at risk. Fogg sets out to circle the globe in an unheard-of eighty days. But his every step is dogged by a detective who thinks he’s a robber on the run. Danger, romance, and comic surprises abound in this whirlwind of a show. Performances in Punxsutawney are set for June, followed by two weeks at the Sawmill Theater in Cook Forest in July. Jef Dinsmore is directing. Patrons are reminded that Guild season tickets cannot be used at the Sawmill. The season will end with a holidaythemed show full of comedy and surprises – Gravy Anxiety by Rosemary Frisino Toohey. Before she moves into a retirement community, a widowed mother invites her family to Thanksgiving dinner in her small apartment. When the dysfunctional group arrives, mayhem ensues. Arguments, misunderstandings, and marital discord are bad enough to confront; when two strangers show up unexpectedly, the situation grows even funnier. A cooking disaster, coupled with an environmental crisis, means nobody can leave the scene until further notice. This is a Thanksgiving nobody will forget! The director is Terry A. Fye. With preparations underway for the first show, the Theatre Arts Guild is now conducting its patrons’ campaign. Those who wish to be part of the fun of the Guild’s 43rd season by helping to underwrite the costs of high-quality, live stage performances in Punxsutawney can enroll as a patron, a sponsor, or a benefactor, according to the amount of their gifts and the number of tickets they wish to receive. The deadline for joining is February 17. Business owners can elect to buy advertising in the Guild’s programs at reasonable rates for great exposure year round. (Please see the advertisement with the enrollment form in this issue of Hometown magazine.) Anyone who wishes more information about the upcoming shows or additional details about the patrons’ drive or the advertising opportunities should call the Dinsmores at 938-0378 or the Fyes at 9386928. •••

DAVE’S

METAL ROOFING LLC

CONTRACTORS WELCOME

DELIVERIES AVAILABLE

• NOW OFFERING STANDING SEAMS! •

• 40 Year Warranty • 21 Colors Buy direct from the manufacturer, no middle man! 444 Rt. 410, Punxsy

34 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

Manufacturer of Roofing & Accessories

814-427-2921

Mon.-Fri. 6 am-5 pm • Sat. 7 am-12 pm

’s o k e N FAMILY RESTAURANT

Comes An An Even Even Comes Brighter Future! Future! Brighter

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desire to maintain mobility and involvement in activities. Our Christ The King Manor specialists in physical therapy work diligently to improve daily living mobility and lessen pain.

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Call Christ The King Manor today at 814-371-3180 for an appointment.

HOURS: Mon.-Thur. 10:30-9 Fri. & Sat. 10:30-10; Sun. 11-9

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Affordable Fun Family Haircare & More

PENNY 99 N. Gilpin St. & Punxsutawney HALEY 938-3502

Massages

— EAT IN OR TAKE OUT —

Wings • Strombolis • Pizzas • Calzones

STOP AND SEE OUR FULL MENU DINE IN OR OUTSIDE ON OUR PATIO COLD SIX PACKS TO GO - fall beer varieties in stock

Open 7 Days A Week at 11 a.m.

stop in 11 am till 2 pm - no longer the n a 5 minute wait for a pepperoni pizza!

Meeting Room Available with a Special Menu for up to 25 People 405 N. Main St. Punxsy

938-4647

Rt 36 South in Cloe, 2 Miles South of Punxsy

GREAT QUALITY LARGE PORTIONS REASONABLE PRICES We treat you like one of the family with fast, friendly service.

and See

Laska’s Pizza

938-3449

Pizza Town

Entry Deadline is Thur., Feb. 1 at 4 p.m.

Stop by

FOR ALL YOUR GAME DAY EATINGS

HOuRS: 8 to 5 Mon. thru Fri. Saturday 8 to noon

Fresh Homemade Dough & Sauce Made Onsite Daily For All Our Dinners & Pizza!

Wild Hair Salon

Now taking appts for

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See for yourself how Christ the King is preparing for the future and building on the past. One of the fastest growing needs among seniors today is the

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AMPLE PARKING

GROUNDHOG

The high standards of detail to medical and health care will 2)F4,,)02/*72/ continue to always improve as the caring staff and management seek better and more efficient ways of servicing all those who 27(7<<48 F )8F)0"F( 42 7< come through its doors.

GREAT

206 Elk Run Ave. Punxsy

You’re In ...You’re Out WE DO IT RIGHT!

For almost a half-century, Christ The King Manor has set the standard for professional caring in DuBois. What has been the “past" is merely a "prologue" for the future at Christ The King.

TAKE OUT AVAILABLE FULL MENU • PIZZA HOMEMADE FOOD FRESH BAKED GOODS

HOURS: Mon-Sat 11am-9 pm • Closed Sundays

There’s More To Life at Christ The King Manor

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

CONTEST RULES

1. Complete the coupon on this page.

2. Guess the winning team and the total number of points you think will be scored in the AFC vs. NFC Super Bowl Game and enter the guesses in the spaces provided on the coupon. 3. Enter one of the participating advertisers on this page in the space provided to redeem your coupon should you be the contest winner.

4. Clip and forward the coupon to:‘Super Football Contest,’ c/o Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Rd,. Punxsutawney, PA 15767. PLEASE MARK YOUR

TEAM PICK AND TOTAL POINTS ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE ENVELOPE. 5. All entries must be received by 4 p.m. Thursday, February 1, 2018. 6. No purchase necessary to participate. All entries must be original magazine coupon (no photocopies).

7. In the event two or more contestants correctly pick the winning team and total number of points, one winner will be randomly selected and awarded the winning prize. In event two or more contestants tie for closest to the total score, one winner will be randomly selected to win the $20 certificate. Each issue we will give one $20 certificate.

8. Hometown magazine retains the right to make any final decisions regarding the contest, and by submitting an entry, contestants agree to abide by the rules of the contest.

Punxsutawney Area Historical & Genealogical Society

Lattimer House: 400 West Mahoning Street Bennis House: 401 West Mahoning Street Punxsutawney, PA 15767 • 814-938-2555

punxsyhistory@outlook.com • punxsyhistory.org

Preserving the history of the Punxsy area. Museums, library, photos, galleries & genealogy Workshops, exhibitions & programs.

W. Mahoning St., Punxsy Plaza

938-2380

Hometown magazine’s ‘Super Football Contest’:

Complete, Clip or Mail to: Super Football Contest Hometown magazine, 129 Aspen Rd., Punxsutawney, PA 15767

Name

Address

City & Zip Phone

Coupon for Super Bowl Game of February 4th Step 1: Guess the Winning Team:

______AFC

______ NFC

Step 2: Guess the Total Points that

will be Scored in that Game: __________

Step 3: Should I win, I would like to redeem my certificate at: (must be a participating advertiser on this page) ______________________________________

Football Contest Winner Named!

On Christmas day, the Pittsburgh Steelers, perhaps playing a curmudgeonly Grinch for the occasion, presented the Houston Texans with loss on their home field, defeating them by the score of 34-6. Big Run’s John Niver picked the Steelers to win, but missed picking the total number of points scored by a single point! (Another contestant also missed the total by one point, so a drawing was held to pick this game’s winner.) John plans to redeem his gift certificate at Laska’s Pizza. Congratulations, John, and enjoy your meal! •••

BRING THE FAMILY to the new Anchor Inn

new

A Menu to Serve Every Taste

FRESH, DELICIOUS PIZZA & WINGS (CBFJK904 K;? K(BIK@ J2

1

:91814%4

Punxsy’s Family Favorite Always Was, Always Will Be!

$

7; K-K'@ . @ ;;

Any Size

Soft Drinks or Hot Coffee

DOWNTOWN PUNXSY OPEN TIL MIDNIGHT

Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 35

Hours: Monday & Friday 10 - 8 Tues., Thursday, Saturday 10 to 4 Closed Wednesday & Sunday If these hours don't suit you, we can meet by appointment with no purchase necessary.

Rt. 536 North Freedom between Ringgold & Mayport

36 – Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208

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Rt. 536 to Frostburg: • Darlene Stuchell, Registered Tax Return Preparer (Hamilton-Porter Area) • Martino’s Auto Service • Freedom Furniture Take Rt. 36 North to: • Double Diamond Deer Ranch (Cook Forest) • #1 Brookville Chevy-Buick • Jefferson County Development (Brookville) • Grandma’s Kitchen • Jefferson County Republican Party Office • Moon VanSteenburg, Jefferson Co. Treasurer • Tonya Geist, Prothonatary • Peterson Funeral Home

WELCOME TO

PENNSYLVANIA

Dr. Kyle Lingenfelter

Jim Wehrle School Board Rep.

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to Rt. 410: Wise Veterinary Clinic

National Guard Armory

The Hatchery

Vintage & Antique

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BUS TO PARKING OR DOWNTOWN AFTER PHIL’S PROGNOSTICATION After the prognostication, the buses from the Knob will transport visitors back downtown. You can choose to get off the bus downtown to eat or visit the events or go to your car or you can stay on the bus to go back to Walmart. Visitors who parked at Punxsy Plaza will remain on the bus to take them back to that lot. If you stay downtown to eat or visit the events, shuttle buses will be available from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. and will run a loop from McDonald’s to Punxsy Plaza to Walmart every 15 minutes or so. The shuttle buses will pick up in front of McDonald’s. The PA State Police will be present, searching bags, and providing security.

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Carol’s Carpet World

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A. Barclay Square - Celebration Tent and Information B. Phil’s Souvenir Shop - Everything Phil C. Punxsutawney Community Center - Craft Sale Groundhog Day the movie D. Punxsutawney Weather Discovery Center E. Groundhog Club Headquarters F. Historical Society and Hayride Tours G. IUP Academy of Culinary Arts - Ice Sculptures

I I I I I

B.K. Smith Autobody

• Mahoning Physical Therapy (Marion Center & Clymer) • Patrons Mutual Fire Insurance Company (Indiana) • Floors by Cherry Hill • The Home Made Restaurant • Frye’s Antique Mall

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Harmon Field Playground

4-Way Stop

Park & Drive

Woodland Avenue United Methodist Church

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Indiana First Bank

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Cloe Lumber and Supply

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Christian & Missionary Alliance Church

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Verizon Wireless Zone

Pizza Hut

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Burke & Sons Window Specialists

KNOB BUSES

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Walmart Supercenter

Pasquale’s Italian Restaurant

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First Baptist Church

DOWNTOWN EVENT LOCATIONS

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World’s Largest Groundhog

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Parking Lot

Shadow Vineyard and Winery

Punxsutawney Civic Center: • Phil’s Burrow • Memorial Library • Police Department • Fire Station • Council Chambers

Punx’y Phil’s Family Restaurant

ProForm Powdered Metals

Dunkel Roofing Co.

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Home of the Monster Sandwich

A.

KNOB BUSES

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Frank ‘n Steins

Community First Bank

McCabe Funeral Home

Dr. Nathan Stebbins Optometrist

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Jacque Perry Insurance

Punxsutawney Industrial Park

Presbyterian Church

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CRW Home Center

Michael Mumau, CLU

CNB Bank

Mulberry Square Elder Care & Rehabilitation Center

Patsy’s Park

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Pizza Town

Punxsutawney Historical & Genealogical Society

IUP Academy of Culinary Arts

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Rebuck’s

Union

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Barclay Square

Pantall Hotel Building

36

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KNOB BUSES

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B’s Books

Dr. Jon Johnston

P&N Coal Co.

Laurel Lake Camp & Retreat Center (Lodge Road Rossiter) Sunrise Metal Roofing (Rossiter) • Grampian Hardware

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First Commonwealth Bank

Gigliotti & Walker Family Dentistry

The Medicine Shoppe

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Margiotti Bridge

McDonald’s

Rt. 36 S. to: • Hawk Construction • Grice Gun Shop (Clearfield) • Freedom Chrysler Jeep Dodge (Northern Cambria)

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Marion Center Bank

Wendy’s

Punxsy Shop ‘n Save

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Roseman’s Florist & Gifts

Primary Healthcare Network

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Groundhog Club Headquarters

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Nick Gianvito Attorney at Law

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Nic’s Tobacco Outlet

South Side Service

The Burrow

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Saints Cosmas & Damian Church & School

Rails to Trails

Fox’s Pizza Den

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First English Lutheran Church

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The Spirit Building Apartments

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Burger King

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First United Methodist Church

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Weather Discovery Center

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Punxsy Chamber of Commerce/ Souvenir Shop

Monkey Steps

Punxsutawney Community Center & Jackson Theater Clark

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Punxsutawney Hometown magazine (B&P Railroad Building)

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Indiana University of PA - Punxsy Campus

Jenks Hill Elementary School

R.D. Brown Memorials

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SS. Peter & Paul Byzantine Catholic Church

U.S. Army Reserve

a

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to Big Run: Peace Kitchens Yoder Furniture • Indiana First Bank • Star Iron Works • Marion Center Bank to DuBois: Hampton Inn Hilton • Dunlap Lawn & Garden • DuBois Central Catholic • Christ the King Manor • Edner & Kness Insurance & Investments

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West End Elementary School

Smith, Nale & Co., Inc. Certified Public Accountants

436

Punxsutawney Municipal Airport

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Pennsylvania State Police

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Elk Run Fire Company

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EASY TO VIEW MAP

• Windgate Vineyards

Bell Township Elementary School

Av

Burleigh Appraisals

Punxsutawney Area Hospital

Take Rt 210 to Valier: • Linda Juliette Hair Salon

310

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Take Rt 210 to Smicksburg:

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Auxiliary Parking & Shuttle to Punxsy Plaza

High atop the hills overlooking Punxsutawney, the world-famous Weather Prognosticating Groundhog emerges from his winter hibernation on Gobbler's Knob every February 2nd, Groundhog Day. If Phil sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of frightful winter weather. If there is no shadow, spring is near.

H&H Supply

The Moose #954

The New Anchor Inn

j Shadow Vineyard and Winery

k

First Church of God

6

Acme Machine

i

to Reynoldsville: • Double M Ceramics of Jefferson County • Fastrak • 310 Lawn & Garden

El

Grace United Methodist Church

5

h

Punxsutawney Area High School

Kengersky Insurance Agency Deeley Funeral Home

4

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Punxsutawney Area Middle School

D.E. Limited

36

2

TAKING THE BUS TO THE KNOB Visitors can walk to Gobbler’s Knob (1.5 miles from Barclay Square) or take a Knob bus. Buses to Gobbler's Knob will beginning at 3 a.m. until 6:30 a.m. from the following locations: Barclay Square, E. Mahoning St., Downtown Punxsutawney (GPS coordinates: 40.943653, -78.969015). Parking available on the streets and in public parking lots downtown. Punxsy Plaza, 545 W. Mahoning St., Punxsutawney (GPS Coordinates: 40.94148, -78.983664). Parking available in the Punxsy Plaza lot. This is the suggested parking lot for charter buses. Walmart, 21920 Route 119, Punxsutawney (GPS coordinates: 40.929646, -78.982713). Parking available in the Walmart lot.

ks A

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Walston Club

Jen

a

White Celebration Tent

6

MAP KEY

Event Areas Food & Dining Businesses & Services Shopping and Souvenirs Municipalities, Schools & Churches

7

This map produced by: Punxsutawney Hometown magazine, Suite 100 Railroad Building, North Penn St., Punxsutawney, PA, 15767 © January 2018, All Rights Reserved.

To Add Your Business to Our Next Map, Phone Hometown Publications (814) 938-0312 or 938-9141 hometown@punxsutawneymagazine.com www.punxsutawneymagazine.com

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Punxsutawney Hometown’s Groundhog Day Edition – February 2018 - Issue #208 – 19 j

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