Border noted that the Board held its first “Meet the New Executive Committee and Activity Chairs” session at the Fairfax facility, where it will also held its first EXCOM and Committee Chairs meeting on 23 November. Although Club usage at Fairfax remains lower than at the Arlington facility, “our Fairfax campus holds a special place in our heart and plays a critical role in accommodating our member needs, requiring our investment and close attention,” Border observed. Border also explained that with a 2,400 Resident member cap in the By-Laws being reached, the Club will face financial strain without our recent influx of new members, both civilian and military. Border also noted that ANCC’s average initiation fees are significantly lower than every country club in the region, which is not sustainable over the long term. Border stressed the need to “continue making capital investments for our future, not just operating and maintaining our club.” Affordability of the club, however, remains a priority for all members. Border highlighted one way of continuing to make capital and needed investments without burdening the membership with special assessment or dues/ initiation fee increases are lump-sum gifts and legacy gifts. A recent example is the opening of fire pits just in time for the Winter season. “The fire pits are the result of a legacy gift from one of our generous members, and we’re deeply appreciative,” Border stated. “Keeping ANCC in mind as a lump-sum gift or as part of your estate planning can be a wonderful way of leaving a legacy and giving back to the Club that has provided great enjoyment and special memories for you and your family over the years,” Border said. ANCC’s foundation—headed by LTC Eric Schnabel—is another great way to give back. Apart from focusing on the our military heritage, the foundation also seeks to give back and support our great staff and our local communities. Because the foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity, it also serves as a tax-wise investment in our club for our members.
Club Secretary Quinn highlighted “our core values of accountability, civility, kindness, open-mindedness, and transparency in governing.” Both members and Governors “need to know and respect our rules,” Quinn noted, “and a little courtesy, decency, and mutual respect can go a long way, whether on the golf course, at the pool, on the tennis court, at the bar, or in meetings.” Teamwork and “disagreeing without being disagreeable” were identified as essential for effective governance and a harmonious board dynamics. The Board and Membership Chair are hoping for a much-reduced workload from complaints, encouraging greater compliance with Club rules and informal dispute resolution. Quinn noted that much of the Board’s work is accomplished through its committees, with the principal committees of Finance, Membership, and Planning, with key activity special committees of House & Entertainment, Racquet Sports, Aquatics, Youth Activities, Fitness & Wellness and Golf and Green. He noted that minutes of these meetings are placed on the Club website for review by all members. GM Patrick King noted at the orientation session that utilization of the pool, golf courses, tennis courts, and food & beverage (including the Wine Club and special events) are at, or near, all-time highs. This high demand and utilization will continue to create a challenge for the Club and its professional staff. All members are encouraged to sign up quickly for events and have patience, as the Club attempts to increase the number of opportunities to enjoy at the Club. Border concluded the Orientation by stressing that Board members were urged to think boldly, recognize budget constraints, take advantage of AI and new technology, and understand that not all good ideas can be implemented immediately. Teamwork, compromise, trade-offs, and open-mindedness are critical for club progress, noted the new Chair.
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