American Legion Post 219
194 W. Fountain Street
Fruitland Park, FL 34731
October 2025 Newsletter
Commander’s Corner
We welcome back our Northern Friends. The Post has many activities to enjoy.
The NFL Football Pool is going strong with 18 weeks of games.
Bar Bingo is on Mondays and Saturdays at 1:00 p.m.
Lunches are also available until 2:00 p.m.
SAL BBQ is on the 1st Saturday each month beginning at 11:00 a.m.
Tacos are on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.
Lite Bites are at 5:00 p.m. every 2nd Friday, followed by Shoots at 6:00 p.m.
Ship, Captain, Crew is at 6:00 p.m. every 2nd and 4th Friday.
Euchre in the Lounge on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Cornhole is on Tuesday in the main hall from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. You don’t need to bring a partner. Chips will be drawn to pair players up.
Karaoke is every Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Early Bird Dinner is on October 16th at 5:00. If you have an Early Bird Stamp on your Membership Card, the meal is FREE.
The Halloween Costume Party & Dance is on October 25th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Live music by the Savage Soul Band. Members & guests only $10 per person. There will be a 50/50 drawing, and attendees are asked to bring quarters to vote for their favorite costume. Come and enjoy the fun.
Wings are back, available on October 7th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and October 21st from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. They are prepared with Debbie’s special ingredients.
Remember to drop off your donations of peanut butter. The collection ends on October 25th.
If anyone has ideas for other activities, let us know.
As you can see, your post is here for you, with several things to do. Please donate and support as much as you can so we can support our veterans and community.
For God and Country,
Jim Maynard, Commander
A message from the Adjutant
If you have not renewed your dues, please do so. January 1st 2026 the dues increases to $50. We are already half way to 100%, it would be great to get 100% this year. Also October 1st, 2025 we are going to be selling Memorial Bricks. See the bartender for forms, we need to have at least 10 bricks to be ordered for the price listed. If you require faster service on the bricks, contact the Adjutant at johngellapost219fl@aol.com and he will get back with the price.
Jeffrey Ivins, Post 219 Adjutant
Chaplain’s Corner
Being kind to others is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to make a positive difference in the world. A small act of kindness—whether it’s offering a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word—can brighten someone’s day and ease their burdens in ways we may never fully realize. Kindness builds trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a sense of community by reminding people that they are valued and not alone. It also has a ripple effect: when we treat others with compassion and respect, they are more likely to pass that kindness on, spreading positivity far beyond the original moment. In a world where everyone is facing their own challenges, being kind not only uplifts others but also enriches our own lives with purpose and connection.
If you are aware of any Legion family members who are sick or struggling, please let me know. My email address is ChaplainAL219@yahoo.com
Marjie DeCardenas, Chaplain
Legion News
Our annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony will be held on December 13, 2025. Mark your calendar.
Coming soon, watch for a Lotto board to be posted in the Lounge.
The Legionnaires meet on the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
Auxiliary News
The Peanut Butter Drive is in full swing and runs through October 25th. Let’s try to donate at least 300 jars of PB to Beyond the Walls food pantry again this year.
A (non-perishable) food drive is underway; all donations go to Beyond the Walls Food Pantry in Fruitland Park. The drive is sponsored by Auxiliary Unit 219’s Community Service Program.
Collection boxes are in the Lounge.
Auxiliary Unit 219 is having a Crafting Crop Sunday, October 19th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, October 20th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday, October 21st, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. $50 per person to benefit the ALA. You get a large round table and can keep your stuff there all 3 days. The event is open to the public. Free “Make & Take” gift, make a scrapbook page, complete your Kraft projects. Food & drink available for purchase on-site on the Lounge. Coffee & donuts provided. Light meal & snacks available. Lots of Fun!
The Auxiliary meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m.
SAL News
SAL BBQ resumes Saturday, October 4th.
Squadron 219 meets on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m.
Honor Guard News
The Honor Guard is still recruiting for Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons members to join our team. We will train and provide uniforms.
We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month for training at 6:00 p.m. Note new meeting time and date.
Contact Marty Myers at (443) 752-5375 if you have questions or would like more information about the Honor Guard.
Riders News
Registration for the 6th District Unity Ride will be held at Post 219 on Saturday, October 18th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Riders Bingo is the 1st Saturday of the month at 1:00 p.m.
The Riders meet on the 2nd Saturday of the month at 10:00 a.m.
Lounge News
The Lounge will resume normal business hours starting October 1st.
Lounge is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Mon-Sat, 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday
Welcome back, Pat! Stop in and say hello to our new bartender, Debbie.
Fish Fry returns Friday, October 10th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Lunch is served in the Lounge on Monday & Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Food is available in the Lounge on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Post 219 Lounge: 352-787-2338
Click on the following links to learn more about American Legion Post 219
Facebook: John Gella Post 219 FL
Website: John Gella Post 219
Facebook: American Legion Auxiliary Unit 219 FL
Facebook: American Legion Riders Chapter 219
