Month: January 2016

Zuro & Weaver Win

2015 Useppa Beach Croquet Tournament

Photos by UseppaGin

The final croquet match pitted perennial nine wicket champion Mike Zuro and his novice partner player Chris Weaver against seasoned player Tyler Sipprelle and his beginner partner Sam Pastor. Zuro and Weaver won that game, but everyone who played on the beach during the long day, both winners and losers had a great time. That’s what croquet on Useppa is all about.

Block Winners

Clare Sipprelle & Maxwell Powell

Linda O’Connell & Cole Meznieski

Jake Merrill & Emily Fermint

Betty Folkerth & Curtis Chapin

Steve Kaufman & Mark Smith

2nd Place Winners

Tyler Sipprelle and Sam Pastor

1^st Place & Undefeated Winners

Mike Zuro & Chris Weaver

Forty-eight players were in the tournament. Thanks to Mike Albert, Karen Connery, Suzy Trino and Scott Carlson for backstage the work that made the day such a success. Thanks to all the seasoned players who shared their knowledge of the game with their inexperienced partners.

Let the Play Begin!

Useppa Annual Beach Croquet Tournament Part I

Photos by Island Annah, Starfish Maisie, Ocean Anna & UseppaGin

The players gathered on the beach December 30th for a day of nine wicket croquet. Names were drawn, pairings were made between the “Best of the Best” and “Newbies. Intermediates were divided into two groups.

The first rounds of play began at 9:30 and the fun began. Laughter and moans, missed shots and perfect hoops. It took a team of young photographers and UseppaGin to catch the action.

Winners????

Tune in for Beach Croquet Part II

1^st Annual Useppa Duathlon

by Simon Bound & pictures by UseppaGin

The 1st Annual Useppa Duathlon took place on December 29th with over 20 competitors finishing. Some entrants participated as individuals, some as members of a team, and all had fun.

A 2k run was followed by 1k sea swim and another 2k run.

The winner was Alex Bound, 2nd Tyler Sipprelle and 3rd was Jack Bound.

This will be an annual event over the Christmas week going forward.

See you all in December 2016!

Pirates on Useppa

POA Party at the Tarpon Bar

Photos by UseppaGin

It was only for one night, but there were pirates on Useppa walking the plank, dancing, looking for treasure, sipping a drink or two, and more.

Normally quiet homeowners on the island with patches on their eyes, carrying swords, and wearing ruffled shirts showed up and claimed the Tarpon Bar for one night. It was the Annual Useppa Property Owners Association Party and a good time for all ages. Neighbors old and new, young and old, celebrated being part of the Useppa family.

2015 Izaak Walton Kids’ Christmas Fishing Tournament

Photos by UseppaGin

Lots of kids, lots of fish, and lots of families participated in the 2015 Kids’ Izaak Walton Christmas Fishing Tournament.

Following in a long Davis tradition, little Loraine caught the most fish with her grandfather, grandmother and aunties by her side. Anastasia caught the Biggest Fish. Maxwell caught the Weirdest Looking Fish. Twins Anna and Maisie each won a trophy. Anna caught the 2^nd Biggest Fish and Maisie caught the 2^nd Most Fish.

Old time kids, now grownups, came back to cheer on the newest island fisherpersons. With the help of Captains Ken & Jeff and Donald Beckstead, the tradition continues of kids fishing off Marina’s docks continues.

Christmas Eve at the Collier Inn

Photos by UseppaGin

The tall tree in the foyer, Shane’s eggnog in a crystal bowl, Roxanne behind the bar, and music in the Barron Collier Dining Room….

Then the carols and the Useppa Chorale led this year by Miller grandson Tor Carlson.

Family pictures, children singing Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, the Capella Bound brothers Harry, Jack and Pete, a duet with Tor and Lynne Sipprelle, plus The 12 Days of Christmas Maestro Steve Kaufman…. a night of Useppa merriment, joy, and gratitude.

Christmas Eve, Santa, Useppa Kids & the Fire Department

Photos by UseppaGin

Twas the Night Before Christmas when Santa arrived on the island for cake and ice cream, and to ride on the fire truck with Useppa’s children.

(Later he said confidentially, “Riding on a fire truck is even better than riding in a sleigh pulled by eight tiny reindeer.”)

Thanks Stokes Family for making it happen.

Thanks Santa for stopping by.