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(at)punxsutawney.com

Current Members

Punxsutawney Phil

AKA: Seer of Seers Prognosticator of Prognosticators Weather Predictor Extroidinaire National Treasure Most Photographed Pennsylvanian

Weather Philosophy: Phil...

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...

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...

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...

Ben Hughes - Co-Handler

Given Name: Fog Spinner

Member Since: 2001

Weather Philosophy: Only farmers, gardeners & construction workers should follow the weather. Others should take up a hobby.

If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd...

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...

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,...

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...

Tim Fezell - Sun Beamer

Member since 2006

Weather Philosophy: We can't control it, so we deal with it

If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day Activities I'd: Be jealous of those that are

Favorite drink: Transfusion, Welch's Grape Juice,...

Mike Johnston - Vice-President

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...

Jeff Lundy - 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...

Steve Means - Plow Man

Member Since: Seems like forever

Weather Philosophy: Whether or not to go to meetings

If I wasn’t working on Groundhog Day I’d Probably be: ...

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...

Ron Ploucha - Stump Warden

Member Since: 1997

Weather Philosophy: If you enjoy all types of weather, come to Punxsutawney because we have it all... sun, clouds, rain, snow, wind, hail, etc. We are "The Weather Capitol of the World!"

If I wasn't...