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A SPRING FIESTA
'Taco bout' a fun evening! On April 30th, 20 of our new and established members gathered for our Spring Tennis Fiesta. Each member received a festive necklace upon arrival. We then all took to the courts for four rounds of "Down River" using green dot balls. Player levels ranged from 2.5 to 4.0 but laughs were the strength of the day! Throughout the evening, four Door Prizes were called out that included a large margarita glass filled with an OTA wristband, hot sauce, or hot tamales candy - the inscription read "Thanks for coming hot stuff!" We then drew names for the first and second batters of tennis ball pinata. Tatyana Liversedge and Diana Royo showed us how to get the job done. We aren't sure who had more fun, them or the spectators! After a hilarious struggle, the pinata exploded releasing candy and OTA wristbands for all. Our Sponsors in attendance were recognized - Wanda Simpson (Stretch Zone), Isaac Vergara, MD, and Nneka Nwakoby (Ocala Kidney Group). We enjoyed cuban sandwiches and other snacks throughout the evening. We look forward to being together soon. Please send OTA your thoughts and suggestions. We aim to improve events one fiesta at a time! Muchas gracias a todos!
SPOOKY SATURDAY SOCIAL
What a spooktacular and spectacular event! The OTA hosted a Spooky Saturday Social on October 23rd to rave reviews. The Fort King Tennis Center was decked out in its ghoulish attire to greet a group of about 45 enthusiastically costumed players: Bobby Riggs was in attendance along with Billie Jean King, and even the Demon Gene Simmons made an appearance! Players were welcomed with a glow-in-the-dark bracelet and an OTA wristband. A Fast Four format ensured good paced tennis orchestrated by our gladiator tournament director. The players hit the courts where ghosts swayed, fog enhanced the moonlit night, and spooky music blasted. When not playing, participants enjoyed delicious sandwiches catered by The Fiery Chef and their beverages of choice at lantern lit tables. (Interesting how well you think you play after a glass of wine!) Sweet ghost pops were specially prepared by Wanda Simpson for the event who also generously offered a raffle prize of a $100 gift certificate to her new place of business – the Stretch Zone. We certainly appreciate ALL our OTA Sponsors! The winners of the four flights received a prize of mini mums and fixings for a Bloody Mary. Our OTA thanks go out to the event team of Nicole (and Craig) Millsaps, Michele Duffy, Pam Copeland, Nneka Nwakoby, and Marianne Marcoux. We sure hope you’ll join us for the next fun tennis event coming your way soon!
OTA’s Lucky Charms
Last month the Ocala Tennis Association sponsored and hosted a long overdue social for its adult members. 50 participants gathered together March 13th for a Saint Patrick’s Day green ball mixer at the Fort King Tennis Center. Beautifully organized by Nicole Millsaps, Michele Duffy, Laura Roberson, Ebony Evans-Molock, and Pam Copeland, players enjoyed a fun play format along with food, a live 50/50 raffle, and a DJ pumping out tunes - thanks Dwayne! Participants were invited to bring their own drinks. The event was free to all OTA members and 13 non-members simply paid $10 and automatically became members. CDC and USTA safety guidelines were in place as evident by the already assembled and packaged meals, and treats in leprechaun hats, the socially distanced tables and sitting areas. Eight players sat out from play to minimize gathering at any one time. A fast paced “Upriver/Downriver” format was used: Rotating every 13 minutes, the losers moved and split while the winners stayed and split. OTA Sponsors were recognized with yard signs featuring their names and businesses placed all around the facility. Michele and Todd Duffy and Wanda Simpson posed by their respective signs with our thanks for their generous sponsorship. A rainbow of balloons culminating in a pot of gold adorned the grounds and many players came dressed in their lucky Irish greens. A hit with the players were the specially designed cookies, and the requisite mini boxes of Lucky Charms. Each participant received a St. Paddy’s Day necklace, while four lucky players won door prizes. Rhonda Sangster won the 50/50 raffle and promptly donated her winnings to the Ocala Tennis Association. The OTA recognizes and appreciates her generous spirit! The evening came to a close with about 20 ladies dancing the cupid shuffle. What fun, and we suspect everyone was charmed with the event and enjoyed themselves. Stay tuned for the next OTA Adult Social!
Article written by Marianne Marcoux and Nicole Millsaps