Month: April 2023

A Museum Adventure – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On a recent spring morning Useppa islanders boarded the Captiva Cruises boat Santiva and headed off for a day of exploration and fun. First, south of Useppa, the historic old fish houses were investigated. Then it was off to the Tarpon Lodge on the mainland for lunch and afterwards a personal tour of the University of Florida’s Randell Research Center – the place where a city of 800 to a 1,000 Calusa Indians lived on Pine Island. On the way home cast nets were thrown the way they’ve been for generations. A thank you to the Useppa Historical Society, Captiva Cruises, the Tarpon Lodge, and the Randell Center for making it happen. A new tradition has begun.

A Bunny, Egg Hunt, & Butterflies: Easter on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Still recovering from the damage of Hurricane Ian, Useppa’s Croquet Court was no place for the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Bunny looked around and decided why not join the butterflies? Why not hide eggs in the Butterfly Garden? And so, on Easter morning while everyone was at the Sunrise Service on the beach, Bunny hid eggs and asked volunteers to bring snacks and crafts for Useppa’s children. Great idea Bunny!! Everyone old and young had fun.

Sunrise Easter, Sunrise Hope – Thoughts and Photographs by UseppaGin – Useppa is still recovering from Hurricane Ian. The island’s Easter service is all inclusive. Everyone is welcome, everyone is part of a thoughtful celebration of community. On Easter Sunday as the sun rises beyond the gazebo, we lift our voices in prayer and song. We share the gift of fellowship and hope for a better tomorrow.

Celebrations and Ending, Useppa Yacht Club 2023 – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Useppa Yacht Club ended the 2023 season with prizes, the seasonal closing of Bill’s Grille, and discussions about next year. Longtime member and sailor Tony Colgan won the 1st John Coyle Memorial award. The trophy honors John Coyle “in recognition of his unfailing service to Useppa” and presented to a sailor showing similar “esprit de corp.” The 1st Stocker Cup Trophy went to race winners Ed King and Kim Lockhart. Kurt and Kathleen Stocker were long-time supporters of the UYC. It is fitting to have an award in their names. The crew at Bill’s Grille, Carol and Bill Newbold along with Amy Lockhart are turning in their gloves, but the tradition of delicious hamburgers and hotdogs will be carried on next year under new management. Memories of John Coyle and the Stockers will be preserved in trophies. The crew from Bill’s Grille will be honored in a continuation of table fellowship.

Easter Cotton Club – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Another night of fellowship and fun under the stars dancing poolside to music by Stolen Fruit. Thank you to Doug Hitchcox for arranging everything. Thanks to Jaclyn and Ryan Berger for sponsoring the event. And thank you to Donald Beckstead and the Useppa Island Club for making it happen. Hurricane recovery continues.