Winding Down
Photos and story by Useppa Gin
Another season on Useppa winds down. The Millers have gone back north. The last gardenias are blooming. Grotto Brian has packed away his tools. He’s left that magical spot on the end of the island to the rest of us for safekeeping until fall. The mulberry tree is almost empty. Spring is heading too rapidly into summer.
Easter Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Tournament
By Maxwell and Useppa Gin
Photos by Useppa Gin and Island Annah
Twenty-one children, rods in hand and shrimp on the hook, lined up on the Marina dock for the 2015 Easter Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Tournament. The buzzer sounded and the lines were cast. Maxwell writes, “At the fishing tournament my sister Annah got a trophy for winning the most fish. There were tons of kids who attended. My best friend’s Uncle dropped his pole in the water and it was really funny! Mac got the biggest fish and it was cool. Isabella got the second biggest fish and there was a four-way tie for the most fish. I can’t wait for the next tournament!” The trophies for Most Fish went to Annah, Emilia, Isabella P, and Brennan.
A big thanks to Captain Ken, Captain Dane, and their assistants Morgan and Hailey Hoover.
Photos by Useppa Gin and Island Annah
Useppa’s Easter Sunrise Service
Story byUseppa Gin, Photos by Useppa Gin and Island Annah
In a tradition that goes back 30 years, Useppa began its celebration of Easter with an Ecumenical beachside sunrise service. Hymns, readings, a sermon, a handshake of peace, and a communion of friends took place while the sun rose in the eastern sky. At the end, a benediction was read brought to Useppa by the Stockers from their small Colorado church.
Life is short
And we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who make this pilgrimage with us,
So, be swift to love,
Make haste to do kindness,
Shower abundant hospitality on friend and stranger,
Walk in justice,
That you may follow the path of mercy and love,
And the Blessing of God
Almost Easter
Story and Photographs by Useppa Gin
It’s that busy time of year on Useppa. Almost Easter and Spring Breaks are in full swing.
Boys on the island built a chess piece and palm frond fort. At Useppa’s southern tip, fresh flowers, new notes and creative trinkets are the personal signatures left behind by visitors to the grotto tucked under the mangroves. Bill Marquardt, Director of the Randell Center across the water, and his partner from the University of Florida, fellow archaeologist Karen Walker stopped by for an Open House at the Coyles’ home. Islanders dropped in to hear the latest in Randell news and learn more about Karen’s latest discoveries in Useppa digs.
The pool is filled with all ages, the Butterfly Garden spruced up with new plants, the Marina busy, fishing guides booked, and families everywhere. And Easter is only days away.
Museum Fundraiser Realizes Over $90,000 Net After Expense
Written by Bob Stevens, photos by Useppa Gin
The Museum Fundraiser was a thumping success for everyone — those who came enjoyed a delightful dinner and auction, and the Museum benefited enormously from the professional auctioneer’s work. As you can see from the looks on faces, everyone had a good time.
Thanks to all for your generous support once again of the Barbara Sumwalt Museum.
2015 Museum Fundraiser Part 1
Story by Bob Stevens, photos by Useppa Gin
The Useppa Island Historical Society’s Fundraiser was just a delightful dinner party for the 79 men and women who attended. The evening was magical – the black and white motif with all the chairs wrapped in white, with black bows, the black and white tablecloths, and the beautiful silk orchids in the center of the tables set the stage. Everyone joined with enthusiasm, dressed as they would have been in 1935. The men were in black tie, many with white dinner jackets, and some in “cruise wear.” The ladies came in beautiful dresses, some with hats, and a few in seashore summertime outfits – baggy pants and tops with square shoulders, all in the spirit of the 30’s.
McMahon 2015 Regatta Awards Dinner
Story and photography by Useppa Gin
On Saturday night, March 14th awards were given at a dinner on the beach celebrating this year’s winners in the Annual Useppa Island Yacht Club McMahon Regatta. Once a year Marshall Cats race each other for the Island Championship, bragging rights, and the privilege of carrying on a tradition in honor of UIC’s first Commodore Jack McMahon.
The competition is real, but more importantly, so was the fellowship and good-natured humor. The weather was a bit windy for some, but those who finished, all who sailed, and those cheering from the shore had a great day. Purrfect 4U skippered by Bill Welch and Sherry Welch as crew won the event. Ed King in Coot with Jane Ridolphi as crew came in second. Third was Spirit UB with Paul Beisswenger at the helm and Dave Merrill crew. Fourth was Little 7Up captained by Ray George and Tony Colgan crew, and Fifth was Osprey U23, Captain Walt Corbin and crew Jim Doherty. Jack McMahon would be proud of all the sailors and those onshore preparing lunch and dinner, but he would be particularly proud of his wife Pat….she’s quite a lady.
