ATTENTION MEMBERS:

March 2023

Dear PACC Members,

With the continued support of its membership for the past ninety-two years, the Philadelphia Aviation Country Club continues to stand the test of time. On behalf of the Board of Governors we would like to thank you for your backing and provide you with a short update surrounding the operations of the Club.

First, in three short months our General Manager, Joseph H. Case, Jr., will mark twenty-five years in our employ. Joe has been instrumental in not only saving the Club from being shuttered, but also seeing to every detail of the Club’s operation. The list is long, from staffing, to landscaping, to menu planning, to maintaining the pool, to opening the doors and locking the Club up at night. Joe has given us his all, and we remain indebted to him for his loyal leadership over the last two and a half decades. Please remind him how grateful you are for his hard work and dedication on our behalf next time you see him.

Further, we are pleased to have completed our pool building. We think we got it right in terms of the design, that is, the structure is not too big as to block our view of the field. Importantly, we are extremely happy to say goodbye to both the changing shed and portable bathroom. Our goal was not only to improve the aesthetic, but also to add another space for members to enjoy the Club and its amenities. Our heartfelt thanks go out to past-President, Stephen T. Scott, for overseeing all aspects of the project. Without his knowledge and hard work this project never would have left the drawing board.

Given your steadfast patronage, the Club remains in a sound financial position. However, while our new pool building may be small in stature it carried a price tag that cut into our surplus capital funds. The engineering costs were sizeable as the township has set requirements no matter how large or small your building design. Given that, our Initiation Fee will increase from $750 to $1,000. The counterpoise is that the Club is offering even more to future members than it has in the past. Another recent capital expense was a new pool heater. The original heater had become a welcome home to field mice who eventually disrupted its operating performance. Its replacement will be a self-contained unit which hopefully will serve as deterrent to our fury friends.

From a management standpoint, our biggest challenge is overseeing the Club’s “Waiting List” which is comprised of some thirty potential members. Our concern is that future members may lose their enthusiasm for joining our ranks if they hang in limbo for a protracted period. We understand that an overcrowded Club would serve as a detriment to every member, both new and old. Further, we have increased the total number of members to what we believe is the absolute maximum number. At this point the amount of time it takes to ultimately navigate the process now spans a minimum of 12 months. We ask that you remain understanding of our situation and communicate our challenge to those you may have proposed for membership. Potentially, a message of reinforcement that the wait to join PACC will be to their own benefit once time allows.

Going forward, our goal is to continue to make improvements to the physical plant both inside and out. Some of these upgrades will be visible and some will not. For example, we know that the stucco on a portion of the clubhouse needs to be restored; a very costly repair that does not necessarily improve your club “experience.” Even so, we remain committed to maintaining the existing charm of our facility. We are in the very early stages of discussion regarding the bar and some possible upgrades. We are also installing a stair glider that will help some individuals move from the first floor to the second floor of the building.

Additionally, we would like to inform you that the PACC Annual Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. After the meeting there will be a buffet dinner. Please RSVP to Joe so that he can plan on having an appropriate amount of both staff and food on hand.

In closing, we hope this communication finds you and your families both healthy and well. We look forward to warmer Spring months ahead and we remain ready to attend to the needs of our members. Lastly, we stand proud of our unique Club, our capable staff, our long heritage, and our faithful supporters.

Respectfully: PACC Executive Committee