Donald L. Hendricks, W.M., of Puxsutawney Lodge (left, upper photo), presents an oversize check to Kae Ploucha and Pat Prushnok of the Community Center. Groundhog Handler Bro. William Deeley holds Punxsutawney Phil (left in lower photo), as the famed prognosticator receives a proclamation for James L. Ernette, R.W. Grand Master.

Famed weather prognosticator, Punxsutawney Phil, found more than his shadow this Groundhog Day when he ventured from Gobbler's Nob to the Punxsutawney Country Club to accept a $5,000 gift on behalf of the Punxsutawney Area Community Center from Masons of John W. Jenks Lodge No. 534.

On the evening of Groundhog Day, more than 200 citizens of Punxsutawney gathered for a banquet to honor the members of the local Masonic lodge for their generous support to the Community Center. Elected Officials from the surrounding area and the State were in attendance to hear guest speaker James L. Ernette, R.W. Grand Master of Pennsylvania Masons, address the community. The Grand Master presented Punxsutawney Phil with a Proclamation commending him "as a universally recognized symbol of community spirit ... a representation of that special unanimity among neighbors in furthering the community for the benefit of all mankind."

The Worshipful Master of John W. Jenks Lodge, Donald L. Hendricks, then presented the $5,000 donation to Kae Ploucha, Executive Director of the Community Center, stating that the caring of Masons ". . . is doing things like we've gathered for this evening." Masonry is about serving mankind.

The donation will be used to aid the Community Center's programs and services, both cultural and recreational. The Center is open to all community organizations and is commonly called "the community's hub for fellowship." The Center is also the designated meeting place for the organizers of Groundhog Day, the Inner Circle.