Category: Photos

Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Tournament & Cody Davis

The Christmas Kids Izaak Walton Tournament was fun for all ages. Kids, parents, grandparents, and new friends were all part of the excitement on the Marina Dock. Lots of fish were caught and all were safely released. There were blue ribbons for everyone and prizes for some. But, this year’s event was especially memorable.

Long-time Useppa member and resident Cody Davis helped granddaughter Lorraine reel in a good-sized catch. He also helped a new young man catch his first Izaak Walton fish. It was the last time Cody could so. This kind-hearted man who helped so many learn to fish died a few days later of a heart attack.

There will always be holiday Izaak Walton Kids Fishing Tournaments, but there was only one Cody Davis.

He will be remembered by all of us.

Photos by UseppaGin

Useppa’s 2^nd Annual Duathalon

By UseppaGin

Some swam. Some ran. Some did both in Useppa’s 2^nd Annual Beach Duathalon.

Little kids, big kids and adults bantered and competed to the cheers of a raucous Island family crowd.

Team Winners were brother and sister Will and Josie Ervin

The Men’s Winner was Alex Bound
The Woman’s Winner was Maggie Bound

Another Useppa great time.

Carols, Shane’s Eggnog & Friendship: Christmas Eve at the Collier Inn

Photographs by Useppa Gin

Christmas Eve at the Collier Inn is an old Island tradition. Homeowners, Members, Guests, and Staff join together to celebrate. Our Useppa family includes everyone.

This year Steve Kaufman (Our “Twelve Days of Christmas” Conductor) welcomed an overflow crowd and made us all feel at home. Lynne Sipprelle and Harry Bound led our choir. The littlest ones sang “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.” Pictures were taken round the tree, hugs were exchanged, and the only presents exchanged smiles.

It was Useppa at its best.

by UseppaGin

Can celebrating Christmas be any better than it is on Useppa Island?

Santa arrives by boat. Children on the Fire Truck wave hello as he walks down the Collier Dock with Fire Chief Frank and Laura. Santa climbs on the back of the truck for a quick ride up and down the beach. Then he talks and listens to all Useppa’s children. No one is rushed. Santa cares about kids and what they have to say.

After some cake and ice cream, Santa heads back to Pine Island where the reindeer await.

The real work of Christmas is about to begin

More fun at the Members Cocktail Party…

Photos by UseppaGin

This year marks the 40^th Anniversary of the Useppa Island Club. Thanks to the vision and hard work of Gar and Sanae Beckstead; Island members old and new, guests and friends celebrated together Saturday night at the Collier Inn. Old timers here from the very beginning remember those days when sweat equity mattered as much as money in the creation of the modern Useppa.            Today’s members enjoy the results of their efforts.

Thank you Useppa.  One of your best parties ever!

Photos by UseppaGin

Good News & Bad

Photographs by UseppaGin

Old friends were back on Useppa.  New friends discovered the island. Residents returned for another season. Family reunions introduced new members. Stories were swapped, old memories shared, and new memories made. Smiles tell that story.

A dead Loggerhead Turtle was found just off the beach. Frank and Laura Stokes from the Fire Department had help pulling it ashore. Florida Fish and Wildlife investigated. The turtle was probably killed by a boat, shell cracked by a propeller. A thumbs down and grimace from young Garfield Beckstead sums up the way we all felt.

Useppa Fall Employee Appreciation Lunch

Photos by UseppaGin

A “Meaty” Menu offered a Cuban Style Pig Roast, Black Beans & Rice and Plantains. For “Veggie” lovers and Non-Carnivores it was Blake’s Mac & Cheese, Salad and a Fruit Bowl. All were served with Tortillas & Cuban Bread. Luscious Dessert Bars were on the menu as well.  What better way to say ‘thank you’ to all the employees who take care of Useppa? It was a family party with all the trappings of a private affair.

Thank you to all who worked behind the scenes. It was great!