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Hot Off the Presses – Thoughts and Photos by UseppaGin – A new edition of the Useppa Chronicle will be in the mail this week, but a few Islanders got a sneak peek over the weekend. Happy Hour on Friday at the Tarpon Bar, a last sail for the season, lunch on the patio, new visitors and old friends – just some more reasons to be part of the Useppa community.

A Little of This, A Little of That – Words and Pictures by UseppaGin – A children’s Izaak Walton Fishing Tournament, Easter brunch at the Collier Inn, swimming in the pool, a Museum trip to the Everglades with people from the Everglades Foundation, an Osprey family, good-byes on the dock, and more, are pieces in the tapestry of Spring on Useppa.

Bunnies and Eggs on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – A little toddler was playing in the Collier pool when the Easter Bunny walked by on its way for the Useppa Easter Egg Hunt. The tiny girl had never seen anything like the big white rabbit, and at first, she was a bit hesitant. But the Bunny stopped and gently reached out. Soon the two were friends and snuggled into each other in a hug. Easter on Useppa is like that. Bunches of kids chased each other looking for eggs. The smallest children found theirs on the croquet lawn. The older kids went further down the hill. The Bunny smiled for pictures with everyone. Something about being on an island brings out the best in all of us.

Easter Sunrise and Community – Pictures and thoughts by UseppaGin – Before the sun even rises, islanders find their way to the beach. Some sit in golf carts, some on folding chairs in front of the gazebo. In waning darkness, we wait. he gentle music of familiar hymns, hushed greetings, conversations, and welcoming hugs, mark the beginning of Easter on Useppa. We gather in the spirit of community. For thirty-eight years, as the sun rises,
grandparents, parents, children, neighbors, friends, and visitors have celebrated the gift of Useppa, the gifts we are in each other’s lives.

A Flaming Success, Useppa Fire Department Fundraiser Part II – Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – Fire dancing at the Collier Inn Pool by Radiant Illusions set the stage for the second half of the night. People watched fascinated by fire twirling and juggling. A DJ kept everyone dancing. Chef Ryan and the Collier staff served a magnificent dinner. Raffle winners celebrated a new kayak, a woman’s bike and more. Boston Red Sox tickets, artwork, boat trips with Captain Dane, nights at the Tarpon Lodge, a formal ladies tea, cookies by the Cookie Brigade were just some of the items in the Silent Auction. No one went home without smiling. Once again, the Fire Department threw a great party.

Fire and Ice: The 2018 Useppa Fire Department Fund Raiser Part I – pictures and words by UseppaGin – Good food, good music, good friends and a good cause sum up the part Saturday night, March 24th on the Collier Inn patio. A raffle and silent auction, dancing under the twinkling lights, cocktails and dinner showed Islanders’ and visitors’ support of the Useppa Fire Department.

St. Patrick’s Day – Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – ‘Twas another grand Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Useppa. The wearing of the green on March 17th is an island tradition. For one family, it’s the fourth generation parading up and down the beach. Prizes, applause and accolades were awarded to all the participants aboard decorated golf carts. Green beer awaited all at the Tarpon, and for one day, everyone on Useppa was Irish.

A DAY ON USEPPA – photos and thoughts by UseppaGin – Families and friends on the water, enjoying a game of bocce, riding golf carts, playing on the beach, sitting in the sunshine on the back porch…it’s the time of year when we’re all together and grateful for each day.

Contagious Happiness – Comments and Photos by UseppaGin – A new baby makes her first island visit, archaeologists return, college friends enjoy a reunion, families play on the beach, cottages change ownership, and so much more…Useppa in March is a time to savor.

Orchids, Scoundrels, and Author Craig Pitman at the Useppa Museum – Comments and photos by UseppaGin – A standing room only audience listened to Craig Pitman’s tales of orchid adventurers in their quests to find the rarest flowers. For hundreds of years plant swashbucklers trekked across continents smuggling specimens home.
This nefarious activity is described in Pitman’s “true crime/gardening” book The Scent of Scandal.