Inner Circle
We are often asked, "Just who are these guys in the top hats?" Well, these gentlemen are known as the Groundhog Club's Inner Circle. They're a group of local dignitaries responsible for carrying on the tradition of Groundhog Day every year. They're the ones who are not only responsible for planning the events every year, but they're also responsible for the feeding and care of Phil himself!
Click the names of any Inner Circle member on the left for individual photos and additional information. To contact the Inner Circle send e-mail in care of events@punxsutawney.com
Current Members
A. J. Dereume- Rainmaker
Member Since: 2010
Weather Philosophy: There’s no time like snow time!
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd be: Celebrating "Groundhog Day Eve" at 510 Myrtle Ave. with...>>
>>
Bill Deeley - President
Member Since: 1986
Weather Philosophy: Winter is to be cold, & summers are to be warm.
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: working.
Favorite Drink: Diet Coke.
On February 3, I'll be: very happy.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: wherever Phil is.
If you...>>
>>
Butch Philliber - Iceman
Member Since :1988
Weather Philosophy: The application of science and technology to predict the state of the atmosphere is about as believable as the Government telling you they are here to help you. When you hear Punxsutawney Phil's Prognostication on February 2nd be a believer! He has the ability and the attributes to take a...>>
>>
Dave Gigliotti - Thunder Conductor
Member Since: 2007
Weather Philosophy: Live your life! Let the weather do what it may.
If I wasn’t working on Groundhog Day I’d Probably be: Packing up the family and making the Trek to Gobbler’s Knob to see Phil make his Prognostication.
Favorite Drink: A Gobbler’s Knob (A...>>
>>
Jason Grusky- Big Chill
Member Since: 2011
Weather Philosophy: I would be perfectly happy if Phil never saw another shadow again! Bring on Spring!
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably...>>
>>
Jeff Grube - Sky Painter
Member Since: 2006
Weather Philosophy: Meteorologist!? We ain't got no meteorologist. We don't need need no meteorologist! I don't have to show you no stinking meteorologist!!
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: Talking to the great Phil fans in Punxsy to clelbrate Groundhog Day.
Favorite...>>
>>
Jeff Lundy - Vice President, Fair Weatherman
Member Since: 1990
Weather Philosophy: Phil says any day above ground, shadow or no shadow, is a good day.
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: tracking down and converting those who doubt the all-knowing weather power of the Seer of Seers.
Favorite Drink: Captain Phil's Spiced...>>
>>
John Griffiths - Co-Handler
Member Since: 1999
Weather Philosophy: Snow is beautiful through a picture window.
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: enjoying a thick, luxurious set of hair instead of pulling it out over Groundhog Day.
Favorite Drink: Groundhog Brew.
On February 3, I'll be busy: working and...>>
>>
Jon Johnston- Chief Healthman
Member Since: 2011
Weather Philosophy: Enjoy whatever weather you have it is the only weather you get.
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: At the Knob...>>
>>
Keith Shields - Secretary/Treasurer
Member Since: 1992
Weather Philosophy: 6 more weeks of winter means 6 more weeks of snowmobiling!
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: getting a head start on girls' softball season.
Favorite Drink: Groundhog Brew
On February 3, I'll be busy: hibernating like Phil.
On...>>
>>
Punxsutawney Phil
AKA: Seer of Seers Prognosticator of Prognosticators Weather Predictor Extraordinaire National Treasure Most Photographed Pennsylvanian
Weather Philosophy: Phil has been predicting weather for over 120 years. He is accurate 100% of the time. Only the president of the inner circle talks with...>>
>>
Ron Ploucha - Stump Warden - Co-Handler
Member Since: 1997
Weather Philosophy: Into each life a little rain must fall (along with some snow and sleet and freezing drizzle) but always remember that the warmth of the sun is right behind the nearest cloud!
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: sitting around wondering...>>
>>
Tom Dunkel- Shingle Shaker
WEATHER PHILOSOPHY: I am a commercial roofing contractor and if you want to know the weather forecast for the next seven days just ask me. My work world revolves around weather and I rely heavily on Phil
.
IF I WASN’T WORKING ON GROUNDHOG DAY ACTIVITIES, I’D PROBABLY BE: I’d be enjoying the great activities Punxsutawney has to offer like the...>>
>>
Tom Uberti - The Big Windmaker
Member Since: 2005
Weather Philosophy: 6 more weeks of winter means 6 more weeks of Pittsburgh Penguins hockey with Crosby, Malkin & company. Go Pens.
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: taking the time off from work anyway to work security at the "knob" as I had done prior to...>>
>>Retired Members
Bill Cooper - Past President
Given Name: President & Wind Warden
Member Since: 1986
Weather Philosophy: Don't worry; you can't do a thing about it!
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: doing something constructive, but not nearly as much fun.
Favorite Drink: Water - the favorite drink of groundhogs
On...>>
>>
Ed Jekielek - Storm Chaser
Member Since: 1998
Weather Philosophy: Originally my philosophy was influenced by Aristotle but, as I grow older I’m a bit more Socratic.
If I wasn’t working on Groundhog Day I’d Probably be: In Florida
Favorite Drink: Beer
On Feb 3rd I’ll Be: In the Sunny Florida Keys
On Groundhog Day you can find...>>
>>
Mike Johnston - Big Flake Maker
Member Since: 1992
Weather Philosophy: You can't change it, so enjoy it!
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: unhappy.
Favorite Drink: Diet Pepsi.
On February 3, I'll be busy: getting ready to go fishing.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: at Gobbler's...>>
>>
