Author: Useppa

Decades of Fatherly Island Love – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Twenty years of fathers on Useppa. Twenty years of love passed on from one generation to the next. Some children in these photos are now fathers themselves. Some fathers in these photos are here in spirit. Some fathers, now grandfathers, still walk the Pink Path, tie up in the Marina, swim in the pool, dine at the Collier. We are all one family. Different generations all part of the Useppa community.

Familes and Fun on Useppa – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – The best parts of the last two weekends on Useppa were families and friends celebrating the gifts of fellowship. In a world with too much physical and verbal conflict, having lunch on the Collier patio, swimming in the pool, being on a boat, just being together are gifts we don’t take for granted. And on Sunday the Goodies Brigade shared croissants and eclairs from a French bakery on Pine Island with Useppa employees and each other. Families and friends… a 10,000-year-old island tradition.

Families, Friends, and Gratitude: Island Memorial Day Weekend – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Flags on Useppa flew at half-mast in honor of the children and their teachers murdered in a Texas school shooting. Safe and protected, families and friends gathered on Useppa. On Monday flags were raised in honor of the men and women who fought for the security we no longer take for granted. We thank those who gave their lives. We know how lucky we are to gather round the pool, have dinner at the Collier, lunch on the patio, walk the beach, watch a sunset. Each of these pictures is a visual thank you note.

Memorial Day 22 Useppa Izaak Walton Youth Fishing Tournament – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Twenty young anglers fished in the Izaak Walton tradition of catch and release during Memorial Day’s Useppa Youth Fishing Tournament. They learned or sharpened their skills reeling in and letting go Snapper, Snook, Flounder, Grouper and one Skipjack. Harlow caught The First Fish. Bryce caught The Most Fish. Eric caught The Ugliest Fish. Lillian caught The Biggest Fish – a 23 1/2” Snook. All the kids (and their families) had fun. Thanks to Maggie McCormack in the Front Office for record keeping and organization. Thanks to Kyle Corey, a former Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Tournament participant, now coach and a Tournament Director to the next generation of Island anglers. How lucky all of us are to share the gift of Useppa.

Derby Day and Mother’s Day, Moms and Horses on Useppa – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Okay, last weekend the horses were on T.V. at the Tarpon Bar, but mothers and grandmothers were everywhere. At the dock, in the pool, and on the patio, there was laughter and affection. The traditional Derby Day Party and Roxie’s Mint Julips were delightful. Everyone enjoyed the Collier Inn Buffet on Sunday. All ages from new babies to “old” grandmothers shared hugs and love with their families. Smiles were everywhere. How lucky the Useppa family was to be together. A special thank you to the Island employees who gave up being with their mainland mothers and grandmothers to take care of us.

Sunday Croissants & Eclairs, and Seasonal Good-byes – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Good-byes are never easy, and it’s that time of year for seasonal Useppa sendoffs. There are tears behind the smiles and waves, the musical shell cries as the boat pulls away. Lots can happen between May and November to the Island and to our Winter homeowners. Some this year said good-bye for good. And yet, on Sunday there were reasons for grins and fun. On Pine Island in the Getaway Café French Bakery, boxes of chocolate and vanilla eclairs and bags of croissants were ready for pickup. It’s on a first seen first shared basis. Employees and kids get the first chance when the 11:30 Joseffa Launch pulls in. Then …. If there are any left… lucky grownups can have some too. Useppa is a gift shared by everyone.

2022 Easter Kids Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Thirteen young anglers brought their rods and their families to fish in this year’s Easter Kids Izaak Walton Tournament. Three young ladies were the Champions, but everyone had fun. Flounder, Snapper, Catfish and Sheepshead were all reeled in, measured, recorded, and released. As pledged in the oath, fellow fishermen were helped whenever needed, and all the fish swam away unharmed.

Easter on Useppa – Thoughts and Photos by UseppaGin – Easter on Useppa is a celebration of family. This year it was also a remembrance and gratitude for the gift of island time. Generations came by boat tying up in the Marina, happy to be on the water, happy to be together. Useppa residents of all ages walked the beach, had Easter dinner with friends. Useppa is a present in our lives. This year we humbly celebrated the present.

The Easter Bunny and Useppa Kids – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Somehow every year, the Easter Bunny finds its way to Useppa and there are eggs everywhere for Island kids to find. On the Bocce Court, in unkempt tall grasses, off the roadway between the Marina and the Village… there are eggs waiting to be discovered. Some have candy inside. A few have money, and there is one Golden Egg with $50.00. What a great way for a family to spend time Easter morning on Useppa. Thank you Easter Bunny. Thank you Useppa.

Benediction – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – With gratitude and in humility the Useppa community gathered on the beach for the Island’s annual Easter Sunrise Service. It was a nondenominational celebration by residents, workers, visitors, and guests. In prayer, in stories, in music, and in love, we watched the sun rise. Communion included everyone; the handshake of peace was from our hearts.