Category: Photos

New Year’s Eve 2014

New Year’s Eve on Useppa

* Photographs  by Natalie Kerr, Story by Useppa Gin

For one night Useppa became a South Pacific island instead of a small, private island off Florida’s west coast.  Menu, music, fire dancers, and guests created a different world, and a unique experience that all will remember.

*Special thanks to volunteer photographer, Natalie Kerr.  She is only thirteen, but her poise and talent are the marks of a future professional.

Wassail Bowl 2014

Christmas Eve at the Collier

Story and photos by Useppa Gin

Paul Miller was in fine form and the Useppa Chorale ready to sing.  The sounds of old standards and Christmas carols filled the inn.  Children were laughing, people singing, all dressed in holiday finery for the island’s once a year musical gathering of family and friends.  Stephanie S. led everyone in “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”  Steve K. directed “The Twelve Days of Christmas” and Miller sang “Silent Night” in German with his grandson Tor C.

Family pictures round the Christmas tree.  Yesterday’s children are now this year’s young adults.  Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament playmates have graduated from college.  Last year’s little kids still hang out in the pool and at the hot tub, but only after dark.  A new generation of Useppans takes its place in island history passing down island traditions.

Parents are now grandparents.  Those once babysat are now the babysitters.  And on Christmas Eve, past and present come together under the leadership of an eighty-seven year old conductor, younger at heart than most of his choir.

Annual Employee Christmas Party

2014 Employee Christmas Party

Roxanne Fiorello Employee of the Year

JR Hillier Employee of the 4th Quarter 2014

Story and photos by Useppa Gin

The Annual Useppa Employee Christmas Party was held in the Tarpon Bar on Christmas Eve.  Laughter, a few tears, gratitude, memories and celebration…good ways to end the year.

The Christmas Fund, donated by Useppa Island Club members, was distributed based on years of service and particular jobs with more given to “behind the scenes folk” not visible for regular tipping.  Lucky numbers determined recipients of Santa gifts in stockings hung on the tree.  Gift cards and cash for fortunate winners.

Applause and backslapping followed JR through the crowd as he received his award as Employee of the 4th Quarter.  Then there was a standing ovation for Roxanne when Tim Fitzsimmons announced her name as Employee of the Year.

Thanks to Lou Ann and her crew.  Thanks to Useppa Island Club.  Thanks to Club Members.  Thank you all for making it a great end to the year.

And thank you to all of the employees of Useppa who make the magic of this island happen.

Winter’s First Sail

Useppa Sandpiper Race
January 25, 2014
By Race Committee Chair Bob Stevens
We got lucky Saturday!  The breeze from the north was just right at the start, diminished a bit, but held on enough for a fun “race-around-the-Island”  to start the season.  It simply went away during the afternoon.
Six boats were on the water for the delayed start at 10:30.  The trip around the Island took the lead boat about an hour.  Charlie Chapin, with crew Kim Lockhart, sailed Buttercup with his usual wisdom, and won handily.
Charlie started on the beach side of the starting line, made a tight beat to North Point, where Buttercup’s centerboard left a line in the sand in the shallows, and led the way around the west side of the Island.
Jay Taylor went too far north at the start, but made up considerable distance rounding the south end of the Island, and with his crew Ginny and Linda O’Connell, finished second, sailing the Millers boat, Seacat.
Walt Corbin, with Jim Doherty as crew and tactician in Osprey, made up a lot of distance after, too, going out to far at the start, and finished in third place.
The others sailing were Wiggy captained by Charles Shook with his wife Rhonda aboard, Amrita with Mike Albert at the helm and Dan O’Connell as his crew, and Cats-Up skippered by Suzy Trino and crewed by husband Vic.
Hamburgers and hot dogs, chips, cookies, and peach pie made for a delightful Bill’s Grille on the beach.  Kay Chapin, Amy Lockhart, and the Swigerts, with help from Rhonda Shook, provided the lunch.

 Photos by UseppaGin

A Snapshot from Christmas Eve

Glimpses of Christmas Eve on Useppa

Story and Photos by Useppa Gin

Christmas Eve on Useppa was especially busy this year.  It began with the Annual Employee Christmas Party at the Tarpon.  Then Santa came by boat from the mainland and was met on the beach by the island kids and Captain Randy on the fire truck.  After cake and ice cream, Santa went back to work delivering presents round the world, and the children, their parents, and other Useppans went to the Collier Inn to sing Christmas carols and see old friends.

More pictures to follow….