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Inner Circle
Meet the crew that carries on the Groundhog Day tradition year after year.
Who are these guys in the top hats?
Groundhog Club's Inner Circle
The Groundhog Club's Inner Circle is 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!
To contact the Inner Circle send e-mail in care of admin@groundhog.org
To contact the Inner Circle send e-mail in care of admin@groundhog.org
Current Members
Punxsutawney Phil
Weather Predictor Extraordinaire
Punxsutawney Phil
Weather Predictor Extraordinaire
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 Phil and they usually keep their conversations on simpler topics.
Favorite Drink: Need you ask: the elixir of life. It gets Phil 7 years of life. Forget what it tastes like, the end result is pretty amazing.
On Feb 3, I'll be busy: getting rest. It takes a lot of energy greeting the many faithful followers that come to Punxsutawney. Phil gets a lot of help from the members of the Inner Circle, but everyone is pretty tired by the end of the day on February 2.
On Groundhog Day Eve you can find me: resting, resting, resting.
If you want the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: Phil considers them like family. They do a good job of fielding questions and making sure I am protected and cherished. I guess you could say they are a heck of a posse.
To really experience Groundhog Day you have to: Believe. After all meteorologists are correct about 70% of the time. Phil is always right. To quote George Michael: You gotta have faith. Groundhog Day is growing every year because it has heart and soul. Come, meet strangers, sing, shiver and drink caffeine. It's the best all night party in Pennsylvania.
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 Phil and they usually keep their conversations on simpler topics.
Favorite Drink: Need you ask: the elixir of life. It gets Phil 7 years of life. Forget what it tastes like, the end result is pretty amazing.
On Feb 3, I'll be busy: getting rest. It takes a lot of energy greeting the many faithful followers that come to Punxsutawney. Phil gets a lot of help from the members of the Inner Circle, but everyone is pretty tired by the end of the day on February 2.
On Groundhog Day Eve you can find me: resting, resting, resting.
If you want the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: Phil considers them like family. They do a good job of fielding questions and making sure I am protected and cherished. I guess you could say they are a heck of a posse.
To really experience Groundhog Day you have to: Believe. After all meteorologists are correct about 70% of the time. Phil is always right. To quote George Michael: You gotta have faith. Groundhog Day is growing every year because it has heart and soul. Come, meet strangers, sing, shiver and drink caffeine. It's the best all night party in Pennsylvania.
Dan McGinley
Vice President, Moonshine
Dan McGinley
Vice President, Moonshine
Weather Philosophy: The sun shines every single day, sometimes we just don't see it.
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: Bored.
Favorite drink: One cold beer, please.
On February 3, I'll be: Hibernating.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: Perpetuating the Legend!
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: Ask our director Katie Donald, she's our best resource.
What's the best way to get to the Knob: Bus it.
To really experience Groundhog Day, you have to: Take in as much as you can, it's much more than a one day event.
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd probably be: Bored.
Favorite drink: One cold beer, please.
On February 3, I'll be: Hibernating.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: Perpetuating the Legend!
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: Ask our director Katie Donald, she's our best resource.
What's the best way to get to the Knob: Bus it.
To really experience Groundhog Day, you have to: Take in as much as you can, it's much more than a one day event.
Jason Grusky
Secretary, Big Chill
Jason Grusky
Secretary, Big Chill
Member Since: 2011
Weather Philosophy: Despite my title of “Big Chill”, 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 be: Enjoying all of the GHD festivities with my beautiful wife Holly and my three awesome children Matthew, Mary, and Luke.
Favorite Drink: Whatever is in my hand.
On February 3, I'll be: Propping my eyes open and teaching high school Geometry.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: Pulling an all-nighter at Gobblers Knob, then floating around town enjoying the festivities for the rest of the day… and with a little luck maybe a power nap in there somewhere!
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: The first rule of Groundhog Club is you do not talk about Groundhog Club. The second rule of Groundhog Club is, you DO NOT talk about Groundhog Club.
What's the best way to get to the Knob? Walk. It’s free, it’s healthy, there’s no traffic to worry about, and it’s better for the environment than driving.
To really experience Groundhog Day, you have to: Arrive the morning of February 1st, leave the evening of February 2nd, and not sleep the entire time you are here!
Favorite Groundhog Club Event besides Groundhog Day: The Groundhog Assembly at the High School, where we crown the Groundhog King & Queen and try our best to embarrass as many Inner Circle members and teachers as possible. (You can check out the taped broadcast online if you miss it.)
Favorite Groundhog Day Memory: Back in 1992, Bill Murray came to Punxsutawney to research his role for the movie Groundhog Day. Word had gotten out a few days in advance that he was going to be here, so I brought a van-load of my college friends home from Pittsburgh to check it out. We tried to stay up all night but about 3AM we ran out of steam and decided we should pop in to my parents’ house for a quick 2-hour nap before heading up to the Knob. Needless to say we never got up until 9AM and missed to whole thing! I could still kick myself for that one- we could have met the great Bill Murray! It wasn’t my “favorite” Groundhog Day ever, but it certainly was my most memorable one.
6 More Weeks of Winter or Early Spring: How about we split the difference. If Phil predicted 3 more weeks of winter, would that make everyone happy?
Weather Philosophy: Despite my title of “Big Chill”, 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 be: Enjoying all of the GHD festivities with my beautiful wife Holly and my three awesome children Matthew, Mary, and Luke.
Favorite Drink: Whatever is in my hand.
On February 3, I'll be: Propping my eyes open and teaching high school Geometry.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: Pulling an all-nighter at Gobblers Knob, then floating around town enjoying the festivities for the rest of the day… and with a little luck maybe a power nap in there somewhere!
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: The first rule of Groundhog Club is you do not talk about Groundhog Club. The second rule of Groundhog Club is, you DO NOT talk about Groundhog Club.
What's the best way to get to the Knob? Walk. It’s free, it’s healthy, there’s no traffic to worry about, and it’s better for the environment than driving.
To really experience Groundhog Day, you have to: Arrive the morning of February 1st, leave the evening of February 2nd, and not sleep the entire time you are here!
Favorite Groundhog Club Event besides Groundhog Day: The Groundhog Assembly at the High School, where we crown the Groundhog King & Queen and try our best to embarrass as many Inner Circle members and teachers as possible. (You can check out the taped broadcast online if you miss it.)
Favorite Groundhog Day Memory: Back in 1992, Bill Murray came to Punxsutawney to research his role for the movie Groundhog Day. Word had gotten out a few days in advance that he was going to be here, so I brought a van-load of my college friends home from Pittsburgh to check it out. We tried to stay up all night but about 3AM we ran out of steam and decided we should pop in to my parents’ house for a quick 2-hour nap before heading up to the Knob. Needless to say we never got up until 9AM and missed to whole thing! I could still kick myself for that one- we could have met the great Bill Murray! It wasn’t my “favorite” Groundhog Day ever, but it certainly was my most memorable one.
6 More Weeks of Winter or Early Spring: How about we split the difference. If Phil predicted 3 more weeks of winter, would that make everyone happy?
A. J. Dereume
His Handler, Rainmaker
A. J. Dereume
His Handler, Rainmaker
Member Since: 2010
Weather Philosophy: It is what it is!
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd be: Working on Groundhog Day activities!
Favorite Drink: Punxsutawney Philsner!
On February 3, I'll be: Following Phil's lead.... hibernating.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: You can't miss me... I'll be the guy with a groundhog attached to my hand!
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: You'd have to talk to Phil... or better yet Katie
Favorite Groundhog Club Event besides Groundhog Day: The Groundhog Picnic and the Pittsburgh St. Patty's Day Parade!
Weather Philosophy: It is what it is!
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd be: Working on Groundhog Day activities!
Favorite Drink: Punxsutawney Philsner!
On February 3, I'll be: Following Phil's lead.... hibernating.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: You can't miss me... I'll be the guy with a groundhog attached to my hand!
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: You'd have to talk to Phil... or better yet Katie
Favorite Groundhog Club Event besides Groundhog Day: The Groundhog Picnic and the Pittsburgh St. Patty's Day Parade!
Butch Philliber
Iceman
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 complex meteorolgical phenomena to the general public in a way that is undetstandable, entertaining and descriptive.
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day, I'd be doing: what I like to do every Groundhog Day. I would be on Gobblers Knob, walking around town, talking to and enjoying visitors to our community.
On February 3, I'll be: busy trying to make a living.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: at the information center at Gobblers Knob. Stop in and say hello!
If you want to get the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: you need to get a life.
What's the best way to get to the Knob? Turn towards Wal Mart off Rt. 119 south, go straight for about 2 miles and the Knob is on your right. I will be in the little Dark Red house under the treees watining to help make your Groundhog Day experience enjoyable.
To Really enjoy Groundhog Day, you have to: Attend the Groundhog Banquet, usually the night before Groudnhog Day. Socialize at a few of the establishments downtown after the banquet. Try to get some sleep. Get up early, find a place to park downtown, get on a School Bus to the Knob by 5:00 AM- earlier if you want to take in all the entertainment. After Phil does his prediction find a place to eat breakfast, enjoy tha activities downtown and then start for home. If that doesn't put a smile on your face you just don't have the Groundhog Gene.
Groundhog day! It is adult Christmas cone to enjoy and believe in the magic of Punxsutawney Phil. We will be waiting for you.....
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 complex meteorolgical phenomena to the general public in a way that is undetstandable, entertaining and descriptive.
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day, I'd be doing: what I like to do every Groundhog Day. I would be on Gobblers Knob, walking around town, talking to and enjoying visitors to our community.
On February 3, I'll be: busy trying to make a living.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: at the information center at Gobblers Knob. Stop in and say hello!
If you want to get the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: you need to get a life.
What's the best way to get to the Knob? Turn towards Wal Mart off Rt. 119 south, go straight for about 2 miles and the Knob is on your right. I will be in the little Dark Red house under the treees watining to help make your Groundhog Day experience enjoyable.
To Really enjoy Groundhog Day, you have to: Attend the Groundhog Banquet, usually the night before Groudnhog Day. Socialize at a few of the establishments downtown after the banquet. Try to get some sleep. Get up early, find a place to park downtown, get on a School Bus to the Knob by 5:00 AM- earlier if you want to take in all the entertainment. After Phil does his prediction find a place to eat breakfast, enjoy tha activities downtown and then start for home. If that doesn't put a smile on your face you just don't have the Groundhog Gene.
Groundhog day! It is adult Christmas cone to enjoy and believe in the magic of Punxsutawney Phil. We will be waiting for you.....
Jeff Lundy
Fair Weatherman
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 all-knowing weather power of the Seer of Seers.
Favorite Drink: IPA
On February 3, I'll be busy: with my grandchildren.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: following the President.
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: ask Phyllis.
What's the best way to get to the Knob? Ride up, walk back.
To really experience Groundhog Day, you have to: get there early and don't leave too soon... it gets good late at the Knob!
Favorite Groundhog Club Event other than Groundhog Day: Meeting people at the Knob.
Favorite Groundhog Day Memory: I have two. First, watching the fireworks with my grandchildren. The second would be meeting Ned Ryerson.
Six More Weeks of Winter or Early Spring: Spring, Hope is Eternal.
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: IPA
On February 3, I'll be busy: with my grandchildren.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: following the President.
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: ask Phyllis.
What's the best way to get to the Knob? Ride up, walk back.
To really experience Groundhog Day, you have to: get there early and don't leave too soon... it gets good late at the Knob!
Favorite Groundhog Club Event other than Groundhog Day: Meeting people at the Knob.
Favorite Groundhog Day Memory: I have two. First, watching the fireworks with my grandchildren. The second would be meeting Ned Ryerson.
Six More Weeks of Winter or Early Spring: Spring, Hope is Eternal.
Jon Johnston
Chief Healthman
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 or watching it on TV
Favorite Drink: Coffee
On February 3, I'll be: Looking forward to my annual fishing trip in the Keys.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: As of this year, at the Knob
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: Find one of the emeritus members and hope his long term memory is intact.
What's the best way to get to the Knob? Suck up to someone with a parking pass. Unfortunately, it is the worst way to get off the Knob.
To really experience Groundhog Day, you have to: Get there really early, the hallucinations don’t start unless you’re exhausted.
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 or watching it on TV
Favorite Drink: Coffee
On February 3, I'll be: Looking forward to my annual fishing trip in the Keys.
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: As of this year, at the Knob
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: Find one of the emeritus members and hope his long term memory is intact.
What's the best way to get to the Knob? Suck up to someone with a parking pass. Unfortunately, it is the worst way to get off the Knob.
To really experience Groundhog Day, you have to: Get there really early, the hallucinations don’t start unless you’re exhausted.
Dave Gigliotti
Thunder Conductor
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: Punxsutawney Philsner
On Feb 3rd I’ll Be: Still Celebrating Groundhog Day; Around here it is a year round thing.
On Groundhog Day you can find me: On the Knob in the morning and in town for the rest of it. For the evening listening to Waldo at Dicks Inn.
If you want to know the scoop on the Inner Circle: Ask Phil
What is the best way to get to the Knob: Find a sober local to drive you or take the bus.
To really experience Groundhog Day you have to: Party all night long, Get yourself to the Knob, enjoy the entertainment, see Phil’s Prediction, have breakfast in Punxsy and find somewhere to sleep.
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: Punxsutawney Philsner
On Feb 3rd I’ll Be: Still Celebrating Groundhog Day; Around here it is a year round thing.
On Groundhog Day you can find me: On the Knob in the morning and in town for the rest of it. For the evening listening to Waldo at Dicks Inn.
If you want to know the scoop on the Inner Circle: Ask Phil
What is the best way to get to the Knob: Find a sober local to drive you or take the bus.
To really experience Groundhog Day you have to: Party all night long, Get yourself to the Knob, enjoy the entertainment, see Phil’s Prediction, have breakfast in Punxsy and find somewhere to sleep.
Patrick Osikowicz
O-Zone
Patrick Osikowicz
O-Zone
Weather Philosophy: If life gives you snow... Let's go skiing!!!!
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd be: At the knob with the rest of the crazies!
Favorite Drink: Old Fashioned
On February 3, I'll be: Back to work
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: At the Knob
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: Talk to Phil
Favorite Groundhog Club Event besides Groundhog Day: Phil Phest
Spring or Winter: Winter
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd be: At the knob with the rest of the crazies!
Favorite Drink: Old Fashioned
On February 3, I'll be: Back to work
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: At the Knob
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: Talk to Phil
Favorite Groundhog Club Event besides Groundhog Day: Phil Phest
Spring or Winter: Winter
Jory Serrian
DayBreaker
Jory Serrian
DayBreaker
Weather Philosophy: Red at night, sailors delight. Red in the morning, sailors take warning.
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd be: Spending time at Camp
Favorite Drink: Gin and Tonic... & Keep 'em coming
On February 3, I'll be: Back to real life work or doing my part of cleaning up Gobbler's Knob
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: At the Knob and Downtown
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: Attend the Banquet or ask a knowledgeable Local !!
Favorite Groundhog Club Event besides Groundhog Day: St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pittsburgh. Great time, Great people and Stanley's hot sausages to end the day, doesn't get any better.
If I wasn't working on Groundhog Day activities, I'd be: Spending time at Camp
Favorite Drink: Gin and Tonic... & Keep 'em coming
On February 3, I'll be: Back to real life work or doing my part of cleaning up Gobbler's Knob
On Groundhog Day you can expect to find me: At the Knob and Downtown
If you want to know the inside scoop on the Inner Circle: Attend the Banquet or ask a knowledgeable Local !!
Favorite Groundhog Club Event besides Groundhog Day: St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pittsburgh. Great time, Great people and Stanley's hot sausages to end the day, doesn't get any better.
