Author: Useppa

The Tradition of Croquet Continues – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Even a hurricane couldn’t stop croquet on Useppa. The Christmas Tournament didn’t happen, but new and old players gathered on the lawn in early January. Veteran players challenged each other to a game. New players were introduced to the sport by Michael and Karen Albert. A decades old island tradition continued. It felt good to be out there again. Life on Useppa is returning to the familiar life we remember. We don’t take it for granted, and we know how lucky we are.

Useppa Cotton Club Music and Dancing – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The tradition continues. Thanks to its generous supporters, Useppa’s version of New York City’s Cotton Club had fingers snapping and feet dancing at the Tarpon Bar. Wednesday, December 28th. The Moonstone Riders played music from all genres, and it was a night to remember. Useppa feels like the island we all love again.

Beach Christmas on Useppa – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Christmas was different on Useppa this year. More new spontaneous celebrations were held instead of the normal and familiar Island merriments. A tree was decorated on the beach, and everyone gathered for its lighting. Then on Christmas night we gathered below around a fire pit and longtime Useppan Bill Newbold led us in Christmas carols. It was sad not to have all our usual families and friends with us, but Useppa Christmas was still filled with love.

Useppa Celebrates Its Employees, Part I – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Just before Christmas in a family gathering at the Tarpon Bar, Useppa honored and thanked its employees. Some are working full time, some part time, and some are on furlough until the Island fully reopens. Each one in his or her way is a gift to Useppa. Pete Frazetta was named Employee of the 4th Quarter. He is here 24 hours a day ready and to help everyone. Landscaping Department members were named Employees of the Year. We could never have come this far in recovery without each of them. Thank you from Management, Membership, and Homeowners to all!

Merry Christmas and Thank You to Useppa Island Employees – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Thank you to all the Useppa Employees helping Useppa recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian. The Office, the Mailroom, and Reception building was destroyed. Working from the mainland online and in a makeshift office in the Tarpon Bar, the business of Useppa continues to operate. Landscaping and the Service Department juggle their jobs keeping the Island’s physical recovery on track. Housekeeping keeps cleaning and somehow the ladies keep smiling. The kitchen staff feeds workers on the dock, Island employees, and building contractors. It now also offers lunch and dinners to residents and guests. Hospitality behind the bar is back. The Marina may be gone, but the Captains are everywhere. The regular schedule of trips to and from the mainland is back. Each employee on Useppa is a gift. How lucky we are to have you in our Island family. It’s not too late. If you haven’t contributed yet or want to give more to the Useppa island Employee Christmas Fund….. Please contact Donald Beckstead at dbeckstead@useppa.com

A Soft Reopening – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – There was a Happy Hour in the Tarpon Bar for the first time since Hurricane Ian. Lunch was served over the weekend, and there was a dinner on Saturday night. Lunch will be served every day, Appetizers in the afternoon, and Dinner at night. Because we don’t have phone service, reservations must made by email to Reception @Useppa.com. Dock work continues. Island cleanup advances. Small steps forward but recovery will happen! Our hardworking employees and the contributions of residents make a difference every day. We are reclaiming Useppa.

Useppa Thanksgiving After Hurricane Ian – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – It wasn’t the normal Island Thanksgiving. Instead of a festive dinner inside and outside on the patio, the roof on the Collier Inn was being replaced. Instead of Homeowners’ and Members’ boats tying up at the dock, workmen were busy rebuilding the destroyed Marina. But…. there were still smiles. All of us here, residents and employees share a sense of gratitude for the gift of Useppa in our lives. Recovery is happening one day at a time. Thanksgiving.

Dogged Determination to Rebuild Part II – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Work continues. It sometimes seems unending, but rebuilding Useppa is a partnership of residents, employees, and volunteers. It’s happening one day at a time. And sometimes at night… dinner in the Tarpon Bar.

Dogged Determination, Hard Work, and Island Fellowship Part I – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Construction is underway on the new Marina. Structural and natural debris is properly disposed of in burn piles tended by employees and overseen by the Fire Department. Rebuilding of damaged homes has begun. An ancient Indian mound built centuries ago is cleaned up. Shells put there are once again visible. The work of yesterday’s Useppa stewards is appreciated and honored by those working today. The names of yesterday’s chiefs, workers, island families are unknown. Tomorrow no one will know our names, but the love we show in the rebuilding of Useppa is everlasting.

Faces of Recovery – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Yes, there are piles of debris. Cleanup after a hurricane is hard work. But there are also reasons to celebrate. A new baby begins her life on Useppa, and a longtime member and homeowner celebrates his 88th birthday. The Tarpon Bar serves meals to the staff living on Useppa, and on weekends everyone is welcome to watch football and share pizza and wings. Mail service is back. Trees are sprouting greenery. The rebuilding of homes is underway. Marina destruction is being removed, and dock reconstruction beginning. As another hurricane approached, Useppa was ready. The wind and rain from Nicole weren’t as strong as Useppa trees and people. We don’t give up.