Month: December 2024

Christmas Eve Carols at the Collier – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The tradition of caroling at the Collier Inn goes back at least 40 years. Some years inside, some years on the patio, voices join celebrating Christmas Eve. The number of singers was smaller this year, but the musical spirit couldn’t be contained. It was a robust mixture of fun and harmony. The Twelve Days of Christmas were celebrated with full-bodied musical and physical energy. Our leaders were all those under 35.

Santa Visits Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The Fire Department and Island residents in golf carts were on the beach waiting. Sure enough, Santa left the reindeer on Pine Island and boated over to Useppa for his traditional Christmas visit. Only one little boy was here to greet him, but this year, grownups got the chance to tell Santa what their wishes were. (I know mine was fulfilled… my family gathered around our tree Christmas morning). Hurricane recovery is still going on, but next year, little ones will be back in their rightful places on Santa’s lap.

Useppa Employee Christmas Party – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Thank you to all the men and women who work so hard taking care of the Useppa we love. If it wasn’t for you, we couldn’t be here. Your smiles at the party, your camaraderie… it wasn’t a lunch of speeches. It was a lunch of fellowship. Not everyone was even at the party because post-hurricane recovery still goes on. Our Office friend Denise Martin recently died, but she was there in spirit. Useppa employees are a gift to the island. Donating to the Employee Christmas Fund is an honor.

Thank You in More Than Words: Useppa’s Employee Christmas Fund – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It’s that time of year to tangibly support Useppa’s stewards, the men and women who take care of the island we love. It’s time to give to the annual Employee Christmas Fund. Rebuilding after Hurricane Ian was still going on when Hurricanes Helene and Milton smacked Useppa. Instead of giving up, our employees only worked harder. Landscaping and debris cleanup is well underway. Our infrastructure is up and running. Shoulders squared and smiling, our boat captains juggle people, mail, packages, and tides, coming and going from a small Village dock. There is a new Joseffa Boutique in the Pro Shop, a Reception Center and Mailroom in Grandmother’s Cottage. The Bocilla Shoreport is being rebuilt. Housekeeping is busier than ever. There is a new chef at the Collier, the best we’ve ever had. The restaurant and kitchen staff are smiling. This year more than ever we need to say a concrete thank you and donate to the Useppa Island Employee Christmas Fund. Our staff has made recovery happen.

Thanksgiving on Useppa – Thoughts and Photos by UseppaGin – Thanksgiving was quiet on Useppa this year, but it was the best Thanksgiving dinner ever at the Collier Inn. Recovery after Hurricanes Helene and Milton is still going on and rebuilding the main dock is a slow and arduous process, but the spirit of the island never left. Those of us here are grateful for each other and grateful our island homes. Useppa’s Service Department staff works tirelessly to restore landscaping and solve problems. The Joseffa Boutique is now in the old golf pro shop by the pool. A new mailroom is being built under Grandmother’s Cottage where upstairs Reception and the Captains share an office. The launch is running on a limited schedule coming and going from a Village dock. The Collier Inn is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a hard-working crew and a delicious new menu for lunch and dinner. Cheers to Happy Hour fellowship and Useppa perseverance.