Author: Useppa

Mother’s Day on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Mother’s Day was different this year. The Collier Inn still served its delicious brunch. Boats came and went from the dock in the normal way. From a distance, families all looked like the same happy groups. But closer up, the love between generations was almost palpable. Being together wasn’t just tradition, wasn’t just fun. It was a gift realized by everyone. Fathers made sure their mothers’ pictures were taken with grandchildren. Three generations smiled into my camera lens. Staff members smiled in pictures to share later with their children or their moms. There was enough love on Useppa that even those of us with families far away felt included. COVID taught us something. We’ve learned being together cannot be taken for granted. Cheers to all Useppa Moms. Cheers to all Useppa families.

Derby Day, A Nor-Tec Poker Run, and More – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – May 1st was a busy day on Useppa. Nor-Tec sponsored a Poker Run with boats stopping at Useppa for lunch. Then Islanders and friends gathered in the Tarpon Bar to watch the Kentucky Derby. Sunday was more relaxed, and by Monday Useppa was back on Island Time.

Artists, Paintings, Friends, Families & Lizards – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It was a weekend of artists. The Useppa Island Club hosted Suzie Seerey-Lester and a show of her husband’s artwork in the Tarpon Bar on Friday, April 30th. John is gone now but his paintings are part of Useppa history. Over thirty years ago another artist, Paul Arsenault was the first painter Gar Beckstead brought to the Island to document its appearance before renovation. Paul was back for a few days painting today’s Useppa for a show next year. Families, friends, a sleeping cat, a flirting lizard, and more were all part of April Island smiles.

Mulberries, the Banyan Tree, Bocce & More – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It’s mulberry season, and the rules are informal. Eat what you can reach. Don’t hoard. Hope red stains wash off your hands and clothes. On the beach, girlfriends climb the Banyan Tree. The Davis Bocce Court attracts players. Old Useppans return for a visit. New people discover the island for the first time. Folks relax by the pool and lunch at the Collier. Springtime … another Useppa gift.

Looking back at Easter – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – One week ago after a Sunrise Service and Easter Egg Hunt, Islanders gathered at the pool and on the Collier patio. Easter lunch and friendship were shared and enjoyed. Thank you to Useppa’s employees who made it all possible.

Eggs, Bunny, and Kids – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On Saturday before Easter, the Useppa Egg Dye Gang met at the Tarpon Bar porch and colored eggs for the Easter Bunny to save her from having to bring so many over from the mainland. Then Sunday morning Useppa kids met the Bunny and went on an Easter Egg Hunt all over the croquet court and beyond. Eggs were everywhere, and two Golden Eggs had money inside. It was fun for all ages. Grownup smiles were as big or bigger than children’s smiles.

Easter Grace – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It was only social distancing. God’s arms held us all in Useppa’s Sunrise Service. Nature’s beauty framed Islanders gathered in an annual nondenominational celebration. Inspiration in words and place blessed everyone as the orb of color rose over our heads.

Easter Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Tournament – Thoughts by Brady Stokes and Pictures by UseppaGin – Being able to help run the Useppa tradition of the Easter Kids Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament is such an amazing experience. As a boy I once participated in the competition. Now seeing new kids getting excited for the same tradition is very exciting. Additionally being able to work with my friend Kyle Corey and Captain Ken Horney to teach the kids safe fishing practices and good sportsmanship is a wonderful experience.

Springtime Island Fun 2021 – Photos and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Catboats sailed then sailors and friends shared lunch at Bill’s Grille. The Paradise Partnership planted orchids. Families with grownups, youngsters, and dogs played by the pool. Groups of people lunched on the patio. Kids played chess. Multi generations spread out along the beach. Some folks played croquet. Boats tied up at the Marina brought Useppa Members and guests. Islanders just walked out their front doors. There was something for everyone on Useppa the weekend before Easter.

McMahon Regatta Awards – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Trophies were given. Paul Beisswenger and Doug Ryan’s victory in the 2021 McMahon Catboat Regatta was celebrated in a beachside dinner Saturday, March 20th. Second Place Winners Ed King, Kim Lockhart and Jack David and Third Place Winners George Preckwinkle and Commodore Steve Acuff were applauded. John Coyle, one the club’s founders, was given a special award. Today’s Useppa Yacht Club still operates under its 1981 original rules… 1. NO DUES 2. NO CLUBHOUSE 3. NO RULES. Michael Albert presented John’s award “In recognition of all he has done for forty years to make Useppa’s Yacht Club the center of our social lives here during the winters.” Bob and Sydney Stevens were also given a special award for doing so much for sailing on Useppa for over twenty years. Honor was also paid to Pat McMahon in whose late husband Jack’s honor the regatta is named. Long time sailors “Old Salts” posed for a picture. The night was one more memorable Useppa evening.