While walking through my hometown during the holidays, there was a sign marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of West Germany.
PGC was already flying at it’s current location in Hilltown, PA and many of the bylaws we go by today were put on paper way back then.
All this came to mind, when thinking of how 2023 went and what to expect in 2024. There have been some big changes for PGC over the last couple years, yet our core mission has not really changed from back in the early 1940s. By-Laws need the occasional tweaking – one such change will come up for vote in the Spring Membership meeting March 16th, which by tradition starts with the Board of Directors serving breakfast to the membership.
Phil Klauder said something during the last board meeting, which resonated. It was particularly aimed at the discussion around how trailer spots etc in the past changed ownership. Paraphrasing here: “It’s always been a gentlemen’s agreement. Nobody aims to make money by buying or selling”. This applies really to most of what we do. If we remember, what our core mission is, have respect of the past and courage to look forward, we will do well, bearing this tenet in mind.
With that, what will 2024 bring?
Let’s have one last glimpse backwards. Many PGC members showed up on clean-up day. You may recall, it was after some really wet days, with clouds hanging at knee-height. Again and again amazing to see, how PGC was transformed in 4 hours by some 30+ members. Big shout-out to those new to the club. You embrace, that we are an all-volunteer organization. Pitching in is how we get things done. Thank you!
While we may all feel in a bit of a slumber, there have been many activities.
- As every year about now, Phil Klauder organizes the Ground School, starting this Saturday at 9:30 in Classroom 6 or over Zoom.
- Budget and fees: We will discuss the 2024 budget and fee structure in the February board meeting. Reminder: PGC board meetings are generally every second Thursday at 7:30 pm over Zoom.
- BG and QD are packed up and on their way to Poland Thank you Jef Potters, Jack and everybody that made this possible.
- Classroom 6 now has electronic locks – same code as for the flight office – Thank You Dave
- Dave J and Phil K have reworked the by-laws as they relate to ownership of trailer spots etc. These will be reviewed during the next board meeting to prepare for vote at the membership meeting
- The Treasurer report has been reworked to split out cost centers for dues vs fees. This will more clearly delineate fixed vs flexible costs. Adam – once again, thank you!
- The endowment committee has worked with our financial advisor Mill Creek and the Endowment funds have been transferred into their care. Peter, Ajay, Aaron, thank you for taking this on.
- 80Y is being truly rebuild by George at Van Sant. Bob Panebianco is keeping us informed of the progress and you may have seen the latest pictures on Discord.
- Jef Potters and John Ortolf are leading a review of our insurances. We have signed up once again with Costello, but are continuing to look at options to increase our liability coverage and properly protect our directors and officers.
- Steph Lee has taken on organizing our document library. Long overdue and with this we are also thinking through a solution to make meeting agendas and minutes available in a timely manner. Thank you Steph!
Talking about minutes: Adam pointed out, that we vote on the minutes for membership meetings when nobody remembers what happened six month ago. So hear a refresher – meeting minutes from Last fall: - You may have seen fishing emails from some PGC members. I was informed during the last board meeting, that those may also have come from “my email”. At this point there is no reason to believe, that this was caused by insecurities of our website.
Chris Lee happens to work in this space (not fishing, but cyber security), and we thought it good to have just a quick presentation on the topic during the membership meeting. And as such also have a review of our cyber security practices. Note, that this is the exact reason, why we have never considered linking any financials (outstanding dues etc) to our web portal! - XC – Julia will be leading with Lukas a XC seminar on 2/17 starting around 1:30 pm in Classroom 6 or over Zoom. This is a fundraiser for our Youth XC team. Join, and get excited for the 2024 season! Want a primer? See Julia’s website with Pireps from her recent activity:
https://juliakarassoaring.com/list-of-posts/ - Request for feedback: As we are getting ready for the new season, please provide some feedback as to what could be improved for 2024. We will have some instructor and tow pilot meetings to review any proposed changes. Feedback how? Email me directly wthamm@outlook.com or if preferred, you can also drop them into the treasurer box in Classroom 6.
- The board approved a motion during the last board meeting, that it is in PGCs long term interest to buy back trailer/hangar/camper spots and lease them out to members.
- Calendars: If you ordered a calendar from Tom Stevenson, they are available in the Flight office.
And he once again made some small desk calendars, which are free for all members (one each!). Those are also in the flight office.
Important dates:
- Ground School 9:30-12:30 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 3/9 in Classroom 6 and over Zoom
Contact Phil Klauder phil.klauder@verizon.net - February Board meeting 2/8 at 7:30 pm on Zoom
- XC Seminar / Fundraiser 1:30pm 2/17 in Classroom 6 and over Zoom
- Spring membership meeting 9 am 3/16 at Calvary Church
- Encampment 7/15-7/19
- Founders Day Picnic 9/7
Looking forward to 2024 – and seeing all of you at PGC