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Warmth, Friendliness, and Generous Spirits – Pictures and thoughts by UseppaGin – A magical nighttime walk and delicious dinner at the Collier were bookends of Useppa’s Christmas. Two families hosted Islanders in their homes to begin the holiday celebration two days before Christmas. Thanks to the hard work and hospitality of the Collier Inn staff, Christmas ended with love, fellowship and feasting. Kind-heartedness, the adjective describing the Useppa community at its best.

Collier Christmas Eve Part II – Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – New parents and a great grandmother, familiar carols, new and old friends, a restaurant staff sharing holiday cheer – Useppa family at its best.

Christmas Eve at the Collier Inn Part I – photos and thoughts by UseppaGin – The music began and a tradition continued, the tradition of Useppa families and friends celebrating Christmas Eve in song. Tor Carlson and his cousin Maggie Merrill led the caroling just as their grandfather once did. The Island’s children sang. Steve Kaufman led a vociferous rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas. Music replaced conversation, pictures were taken by the tree, yesterday’s children were this year’s parents.

Santa Takes a Break – Pictures and words by UseppaGin – It was the afternoon of Christmas Eve on Useppa, that time when Santa takes a break from delivering gifts around the world, leaves the reindeer on Pine Island, and comes over for a break on Useppa. Fire Chief Maria and Deputy Chris were there with all the island children to say hello. For some it is a tradition remembered when their children rode the fire truck. Now those kids are parents. For Keekee it was her new great-granddaughter’s first meeting with the bearded man. Corinne remained skeptical. For all of us on Useppa, it is a chance for families and friends to come together every year with love and laughter. Thank you, Elves and Santa. Thank you, Chief Maria and Deputy Chris.

Useppa Island Employees Celebrated – Pictures and words by UseppaGin – Useppa’s Employee Picnic is a celebration and a thank you to all the men and women who work so hard taking care of the island we love. It was also a good-bye to Comptroller and new mother Sarah McMillen moving back north to be closer to her family. Her computer and technical skills changed the way business is done on Useppa. Paul Webb-Martin, Head of the Service Department is retiring and will leave in early February moving to Texas and closer to his wife Jane’s family. He started work two weeks before Hurricane Charley devastated the island. His skills and determination, his loyalty and hard work helped us rebuild. CEO Tim Fitzsimmons says we could not have done it as well or as quickly without him. The Employee Christmas Fund given by Useppa Members was distributed. Pins were given to long-time employees. Gar and Sanae Beckstead have pins reading 42 Years. Tim Fitzsimmons’ pin reads 39. Lucky folks with the right numbers, won a chance to take a stocking from the tree holding either a gift card or cash. The menu chosen by a secret vote was a plate filling Mexican Feast. And then, when the party ended, the traditional picture atop the marina. Thank you to all Useppans, the men and women who work here. and the men and women who contributed to the Employee Christmas Fund.

Lunch at the Fire House – Words and pictures by UseppaGin – Fire Chief Maria Silva and Deputy Chief Chris Wilfong hosted Useppa Island Employees for lunch last week. It was a feast, a way of saying thanks for all the work the men and women do to take care of the island. Maria and Chris are Useppa’s new Fire Chiefs and they seemed to enjoy the party as much as their guests. Kudos from Useppa’s Staff. There were only two things missing… a chance to ride the truck and shoot a hose. Maria and Chris promised to put that on the menu next time.

Dedication of the Useppa Museum Miller Room – Thoughts and pictures by UseppaGin – On Saturday night, November 24th Island neighbors and friends gathered in the Barbara Sumwalt Museum to dedicate the Miller Room. It was a chance to both honor the memory of Paul F. Miller Jr and to celebrate all he and Warren Miller have done for Useppa’s Museum and the Useppa Island Historical Society. Last year’s Museum Fundraiser paid tribute to both Paul and Warren, and the money raised enabled this year’s interior redesign to accommodate larger crowds attending Museum events. Because of Paul and Warren’s stewardship, the voluntary contribution of architectural design advice, the physical sweat equity of hard working men and women, the Museum Board, its Director Rona Stage and The Useppa Island Club, the Barbara Sumwalt Museum is both a place to learn Useppa history and to gather together as an island community.

Thanksgiving on Useppa 2018 – Thoughts and pictures by UseppaGin – Thanksgiving on the Island begins on Wednesday when the Cookie Brigade bakes chocolate chip cookies and draws pictures for the men and women who take care of Useppa. This year the children’s good deeds were rewarded when Deputy Fire Chief Chris let them play with a hoses at the Firehouse. On Thursday all ages played in the pool, walked the beach, visited with friends, walked pets and enjoyed Island life. The Collier Inn served a traditional Thanksgiving meal, and the hospitality of its staff made all of us feel welcome. Dinner was delicious. On Useppa we are all a family.

Useppa Members Welcome Back Party Part II – Pictures and thoughts by UseppaGin – The smiles were genuine, the fellowship real at the Useppa Island Club Members Welcome Back Party. Summer was rough this year in Florida. For year-rounders to be able to gather outside with friends old and new was especially meaningful. We don’t take island life for granted. For seasonal residents just being back on Useppa was cause for celebration. Thank you to Useppa Island Club Management and Staff for a great evening.

Useppa Island Members Cocktail Party Part I – Pictures and thoughts by UseppaGin – It was the best Members Party in recent memory. The setting both across the new Collier Patio and inside the Inn was perfect. Gourmet stations with appetizers and dishes tempted and satisfied every palette. New and long-time Members mixed sharing family and Island stories. The Collier staff seemed to enjoy it as much as their guests. The evening ended with everyone smiling.