American Legion Post 853 • Desert Breeze
MAY 2024
FROM THE LEGION
Remember that May is our month to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. Post 853 will offer a service for our fallen comrades at Christmas Circle, as we do each year. Please consider helping Post 853 remember our comrades through your service. Volunteers are needed for our Memorial Day event. More information to come as we work through the details.
Elections for The American Legion (TAL) Legion Year 2024 - 2025 will be held at our next meeting. To participate, you must be a member in good standing. Your 2024 Membership card is validation of your standing. If you have an issue with your membership, please contact Tim Kight - Post 853 TAL Membership. Nominations will again be made at the May General Meeting followed immediately by the Election of Officers and Executive Board Members for Legion Year 2024 - 2025. BRING YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD.
May also marks the end of our busy season and Post 853’s 26th year of service to veterans, the community, and local youth. This year has been challenging with new rules and procedures that have proven rewarding. For the Legion, new membership and renewals have exceeded 100% which hasn’t been achieved in years. Our thanks to Tim Kight for his steadfast efforts as Membership Coordinator and to the volunteers and bartenders who checked membership cards and provided wristbands at Post events. This effort improved membership but also helped ensure our continued ability to maintain our CA Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) license as a private club for veterans.
The Post improved the operations and appearance of its grounds and RV Park. Through the oversight of the newly formed House Committee and primarily the efforts of ChrisAnn Wells (ALA), Chris Pedersen (SAL), Mark Dedes (SAL), and other volunteers, the facility landscaping, inner courtyard area, and RV Park grounds were improved.
Jim Keith stepped up to be the Bar and RV Park Manager. Jim and the team of bartenders: Valeen S. Carol M. Jim B. Denise B, and Rick D., have met regularly to discuss and improve operations that have provided us with the ‘Cheers’ environment we enjoy at the Post. Their efforts have kept the bar open through the season and helped to implement consistent procedures as a private club. In addition, you’ll find that your beverages will be consistently colder and fresh next season with the new coolers, inventory process, and keg system now in place.
Jim and Rick & Mindy Dobbins as RV Manager and Camp Hosts have smoothed the RV Park reservations and operations process. Online RV Site reservations are now available and a direct line to the Camp Hosts is provided. Online reservations for members, veterans, and their guests can be made at: https://ca853.org/index.php?id=97 Our thanks to Kym McNabb for making the time to place this link on our website.
The Bargain Barn had another stellar year through the guidance of Susan Kight and the team of steadfast volunteers. All who braved the crowds, weather, and much drama to offer rare bargains and treasures to shoppers from all over southern CA.
Similarly, Rick and Mindy, and Chris and ChrisAnn, led the Burger Night volunteers to deliver Post 853’s famous burgers to hungry and demanding customers every Wednesday come rain or shine. At their side were the ALA volunteers - Rosa, Danna, Marie, Ann, Teresa, Karen, and others - providing delicious baked goods.
Tuesday nights were hopping with Bingo. Under the management of Gina Moran, the volunteer Bingo Team offered hours of fun for all who enjoy this sometimes raucous game of chance.
The Post hosted dinners, potlucks, events for other groups such as the Clampers, and so much more throughout the season. All of this is possible because of the efforts of volunteers and longtime members who make this place a special haven in the desert for veterans. I thank all our volunteers, many not mentioned, for your time and your devotion. I want to thank the Legion Officers and Executive Board for 2023 - 2024: Harry Jones, Gary Saunders, Heide White, Tim Kight, Rick Dobbins, Lee Quarcelino, Rik Brown, Ed Cate, and Jim Keith - your guidance, support, and dedication keep the Post moving forward. I offer a special thanks to the Auxiliary and their President, ChrisAnn Wells and to the Sons and their Commander, Chris Pedersen - who make this a lively and happening Post through their support and energy. I appreciate all that has been accomplished this season and I look forward to whatever 2024 - 2025 may bring.
Yours in service,
Dale Jones
Commander 2023 - 2024
FROM OUR ALA PRESIDENT
Happy May Ladies and Legion Family,
The 2024 season is coming to a close. It was a successful year for our fundraising to support our Veterans programs. I would like to thank all of our hard-working ladies for their tireless volunteering. Whether it be raising funds through the bake sale or meals. Or helping at The Bargain Barn or bartending, we are all ALA sisters. I would especially like to thank my officers for their support in my endeavors as ALA President. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Ann for always helping in the kitchen or wherever I have needed her!
We are in need of volunteers to hold various officer positions that will be available next season. Let me know if you are interested. You will need to be present at our next meeting to accept the nomination and vote. Our next meeting is May 13, at 5:00pm. Pot luck to follow. Please continue to support our Post and Veterans by stopping by and having a cold beverage at the bar this summer. We have some fun things planned. Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Yours in serviceš„not in self,
ChrisAnn Wells
ALA Unit 853 President
FROM THE SALS
Summer is coming fast. At our May meeting on the 13th @18:00 we will vote on officers they are the same with the exception of Sgt of Arms. Eric Hartman will be replaced by Tom Collins.
Welcome to new members Edward Radtke and Kevin Macafee.
Our meetings will resume on October 14th.
Mark Dedes
Finance/Membershipc
POST OPERATIONS
For the Bar:
May will be the last month of being open 7 days a week. June will start the off-season hours. Closed Monday - Thursday and Open Friday, Saturday 3PM - Close and Sunday "Funday" 11AM - Close.
The season is drawing to an end and folks are leaving the post for the summer. This also includes Dawn Thurman who was responsible for the janitorial services at the post. If anyone our members would be interested in stepping in for light cleaning duties during the off-season, please contact me at the post.
We've lost 2 more bartenders to the off-season, so you'll see me behind the bar serving you your favorite adult beverages. Casey McGuire will be stepping in for me in mid May.
Construction on the bathroom by the bar is continuing to make progress. Please resist "peeking" in the "construction zone" until the big unveiling.
As the Bar Manager, it pains me that some of our members are refusing to comply with the "P.I.C." (bartender). The bartenders are acting under the direction of myself and the Post Executive Board in protecting our unique license (Type 52 - Veterans Club). If you choose not to comply with the bartender, you will not be able to enjoy your adult beverage until another day. The bartenders are volunteers and work for tips - please be respectful and generous.
For the Facilities:
New beer coolers have been installed and keeping your favorite chilled beverage at a frosty 30 - 32 degrees. You may also noticed that the draft beer is rather sparse. That is by design. I'll be overhauling the draft beer system along with cleaning up and clearing out the keg walk-in. I'll be running 6 taps. If you have any request for your favorite draft beer, please let me know and I'll see if it is feasible.
Bids have been put out for repair of the old front patio decking (safety concern) and extending the back patio (also a safety concern) so we can bring the bbq up to the same level as the door to save our "achy-breaky" parts.
For the RV park:
We are now "live" with online reservations with the ability pay by a credit card. Go to the website https://ca853.org/ and click on "Camping At The Post". We are now on Google Maps, Campendium, RV Life, Trip Advisor and The Dyrt.
Bids have gone out for upgrading the 30 amp electrical and hope to start that project very soon. With Rick and Mindy leaving for the off-season, that means that I'll be taking over the Camp Host duties. If needing any assistance with staying with us, please call or text the Camp Host at (442) 340-8869. Of course, you can always book online.
Jim Keith
Bar / RV Manager
American Legion Post 853
4515 Borrego Springs Rd.
Borrego Springs, Ca. 92004
(972) 330-9076
FROM THE HOUSE COMMITTEE
The House Committee met on 14 April and discussed and forwarded on to the Executive Board the following item for consideration:
Repair the Old Deck at the Post (flooring & deck).
The old Deck at the Bargain Barn needs to be inspected for safety.
The HC (House Committee) continues to work on making suggestions to The Legion E-Board on future improvements to the Post. Including special planning, furniture placement and replacement, fixing and upgrading appliances in the bar, landscaping, irrigation, lighting just to mention a few items. There will not be a House Committee Meeting in May.
Gary Saunders
Chairman, House Committee
KITCHEN KORNER
Legion Family,
Well, we made it through another season! The kitchen was kept hopping with record breaking burger nights provided by ALA, SALS and TAL volunteers. Several special meals were provided by ALA volunteers.
The wrist band controversy still rears it’s ugly head now and again. Everyone needs to understand this is a Post 853 rule. We are a private club and, since we are not licensed to be open to the public, have had several ABC violations. It was a compromise to the ABC to show we would make serious changes to keep any violations from becoming an ongoing problem. It was recommended by the House Committee to the Legion E-board and approved by the Legion members. We implemented the wristband program in October. By now everyone should be used to the policy. Show your membership card to the bartender or check in with the people who give you wristbands before you get a drink or a meal. Everyone is required to do this. Do not get hostile with bartenders or kitchen staff you may be asked to leave until your next visit. You can be signed in by a member who knows you also. This policy will be indefinite. So get used to it. Take a picture of your card on your phone. Almost everyone carries one. Also, contrary to barstool gossips, this policy and getting members to join against their will is not about money! All of the Legion Family increased membership and all of us hit 100% or above of our required goals. That is the silver lining of the policy. Rather then gossiping at the bar, attend meetings or ask an officer (ALA, SAL or TAL) for the real explanation of policy changes.
Thank you for your support of Post 853. Have a great summer everyone. See you at the Post for a great time always.
ChrisAnn Wells
BINGO!
We had a successful season thanks to the small but dedicated team of volunteers.
We dedicate this season in memory of volunteer Kathleen Carson who passed suddenly in March. Kathleen always had a smile as she worked at the sales table. She told me that bingo was a favorite part of her week. We miss her!
Bingo concluded for the season on April 30. We will begin again on Tuesday, October 1.
Thank you to all of our bingo players who came on a regular basis and brought wonderful food to share. Every week was a surprise with the variety of tasty treats.
Thank you also to those who generously donated door prizes. There was always a great variety of items. A special thanks to Ermelinda Salon and Spa and Valeen Szabo Notary Public for their donations.
Your support of this fundraising program of The American Legion Post 853 helps veterans, our community, and youth.
If you are interested in volunteering for Bingo or donating door prizes, please contact Gina Moran at 209-327-1803 or maxchibby1987@gmail.com.
Gina Moran
Bingo Manager