Socially Speaking

H OPS Sets Spring and Annual Plans

STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON | SOCIAL EDITOR Ron@ocalamagazine.com

Recently, the annual meeting of the Historic Ocala Preservation Society (HOPS) was held and attended by dozens of members and friends of HOPS. The meeting was hosted at the historic Marion Theatre in downtown Ocala. The in-coming executive committee of the HOPS board was announced consisting of President Brian Stoothoff, Vice President Rhoda Walkup, Secretary Rick Perry and Treasurer Dennis Phillips. Pamela Stafford serves as the past President. Stoothoff thanked the supporters of HOPS and recognized the 2020 board members for their dedication and assistance.

HOPS was established in 1980 as a not-for-profit organization. In 1980, there was a proposed plan to widen Southeast Wenona Avenue which would have resulted in the destruction of dozens of historic homes. To address this issue, two citizens, Shirley Lovell and June Jaycox, contacted residents of the area and ultimately formed a citizen’s action committee.

This committee eventually convinced city leaders to abandon the plan to destroy dozens of historic homes and this committee become the Historic Ocala Preservation Society. HOPS members initiated the creation of the Ocala Historic District and, with cooperation from the city of Ocala, the 55 square block area was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Many of the city’s historic residences from the late 1800s and early 1900s remain protected thanks to the vision and determination of this volunteer organization.

Now, there are four historic districts in Ocala. In addition to the Ocala Historic District, Tuscawilla Historic District was formed in 1992, Downtown Historic District in 1999 and West Ocala in 2002. Citizens who take the time to explore our city’s historic districts marvel at the magnificence.

HOPS President Stoothoff believes that the historic districts promote a sense of community among its residents and offer visitors a glimpse into the past and simpler pleasures of life. Stoothoff observes, “Nothing compares to the relaxed feelings experienced while sitting on a front porch rocking chair listening to the birds chirping or riding a bicycle down a street under a canopy of tree branches dripping Spanish moss all the while admiring the beautiful architecture that surrounds us.” Stoothoff adds that the best part is knowing your neighbors by name and taking the time to wave and say hello.

With the generosity of donors and members, in recent years HOPS has been able to financially support dozens of local endeavors such as the Fort King Heritage Site, signage recognizing the American National Thrift Association Hospital founded in 1925 and the David Cook Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Many residents are enjoying the current 59 properties that contain HOPS signage in our historic districts that display history such as the architectural style of the building, year

Julie McCammon and Rhoda Walkup

Stephanie Howard and Sean Galloway

Rhoda Walkup, Julie McCommon, Suzanne Green and Carly Lucas Trish Kilgore and Sarah Kirk

Lois and Gordon Schwenk Penny Miller, RJ Jenkins, Caryl Lucas and Holly Yocum

John and Karl Hagood and Linder Anker

Pam Calero and Brian Stoothoff constructed and information on the first owners. This past year certainly presented challenges for all of us due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Even though organized group walking tours of the neighborhoods were not possible for most of 2020, the signs have allowed people to enjoy the beauty of our districts at their leisure. Additional signs will appear soon and HOPS looks forward to resuming group tours later this year once it is safe to do so.

Speaking of tours, please mark your calendars now for the weekend of April 2425, 2021. HOPS will be hosting an outdoor event that will allow for social distancing. Several private home gardens will be open for viewing during this spring garden tour from 10 am until 4 pm each day. Tickets will be available for purchase in the near future. Proceeds from the event will be used to fund local education and preservation projects.

For Spring Garden Tour tickets, membership information, donations or questions please contact HOPS by Email at www.historicocala.org or phone 352-351-1861.

The HOPS Board of Directors

Paradise Opening

at NOMA Gallery STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLIE J. WENGLER

When the news of Covid-19 spread and we all went into locked down, it all looked a little differently for everyone. For local artist David D’Alessandris he spent his time committing to his passion; art. An award-winning artist, David is known for his use of sustainable and recyclable products in making his work. This time he went for “ One Liner’s “ Which turned out to be nothing short of beautiful works of something similar works of a tropical paradise. These one-liners were created with Sharpies, and he created several during the months of March-May. David accredits his influence on his travel and also has a B.A in Fine Arts in Painting and Design & graphics from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania As well as a Masters of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University. We were all able to celebrate his success on February 6th at NOMA Gallery, with a lovely reception that included two bands and several decadent appetizers and libations. To find out about more of David's work, please visit Nomaocala.com

Leslie Wengler, Randi Dugas, Lisa Midgett and Mardi Carter

David Midgett and Matthew Wardell

Godiva Kaycee and James Hartley

Scott and Danuta Jacob Chris Hershberger

Mark and Mary Emery

Horse Fever 2021 Family Day

at Transformco STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LESLIE J. WENGLER

Ithink we can all agree on many things, and among them is that life is simply unpredictable.

We didn’t think the first Horse Fever would happen after the horrific tragedy of 9/11. That the second one would happen during one of the greatest economic recessions in our country’s history was no small miracle, let alone the third during a worldwide pandemic. What we do know is that the champions behind this project have gumption, even during the toughest of times.

We have the women of MCA and the late E.L. Foster to thank for that.

What started as a dream in conversations at round tables has circulated as generations of traditions of artists and families gathering to celebrate “herds.” We all have a fever for something and Ocala’s is for horses. If you take a closer look, you will find the intricacy of the beautiful artwork Ocala has to offer within its city limits even in such families as the Hershbergers.

February 13 was Family Day for the 15 new horses added to the special herd of Horse Fever and even though it rained, it shined, especially for artist Derek Grimsley, who had the task of honoring the late police chief Greg Graham. He did it with such precision, yet with grace and compassion. One could tell Grimsley’s heart was completely devoted to the memory of this man and his family and it was a beautiful thing to see.

So many wonderfully talented artists contributed to this year’s herd, such as Maggie Weakley’s “Kind Hearted” which was in memory of Diane Palmer’s husband, Whit, who founded Camp Boggy Creek. Another highlight was Tyrus Clutter’s “Heart of Florida,” which featured the Appleton Museum, Silver Springs, the Reilly Arts Center and the Marion Theatre in such detail that it was breathtaking.

It was a pleasure to see all the families enjoying themselves despite the weather and I hope you get a chance to seek out these horses because every one of them is truly wonderful and has something of Ocala in it you would enjoy. Horse Fever is truly for everyone and I hope you seek out these horses.

Artist Derek Grimsley with Legacy

Ava Densmore and Macie Collins, Livestock volunteers Ashley Justiniano

Payton and Baily Reese with Legacy Jud and Tracy King

David Salay and Artist Paul Ware

Artists Chris and Mark Hershberger Erin Davis Karla Grimsley, Shane Greenway and Laurie Zink

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A Happy 50th Celebration

at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO

Afew dozen friends and family members joined Ocala Magazine Publisher Philip Glassman for a birthday celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 17. Glassman turned 50. The party was held at the Golden Ocala Country Club and was attended by, among others, Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn. Gifts, of course, were appropriate for the occasion, with plenty of black. Dinner and a birthday cake were served.

Philip Glassman and Sharon Raye

Melissa Savorelli, Madison and Brax Glassman Cristina Campos, Eric Shaw, Randy Woodruff, Dino Savorelli and Philip Glassman

Glenn and Theresa Lane Jessi Miller, Evelyn Nussel and Laurie Zink

Adam Hamersky and Philip Glassman

Philip Glassman and Randy Woodruff

Philip, Brax and Madison Glassman Madison Glassman and Sharon Raye Laurie Zink and Jessi Miller

Dana Demilio and Heather Gillespie Ronald Wetherington, Evelyn Nussel, Aggie Albright, Penny Miller and Carlton Reese

Angelina Miller-Bearden and Jaston Alba Carlton Reese, Jessi Miller, Randy Woodruff, Penny Miller, Brad Rogers and Philip Glassman

Madison, Philip and Brax Glassman Brad Rogers, Philip Glassman and Mayor Kent Guinn

Grandview Invitational

at Florida Horse Park PHOTOGRAPHY BY RALPH DEMILIO

In early February, the annual Grandview Invitational took place at Florida Horse Park with as many as 168 draft horses with 21 world class hitch wagons being maneuvered by some of the best drivers in the country. Categories ranged from single-horse Ladies Cart, the threehorse hitched Unicorn class, Four-Horse Hitch, Six- and Eight-Horse Hitch and junior classes.