Month: March 2025

Useppa March Madness Part II – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Work on the Main dock continues. The Collier is open Wednesday – Sunday, and the tradition of weekend breakfasts continues thanks to Chef Jon and the Collier staff. Children and grownups relax and enjoy island life. How lucky we all are to be part of the Useppa family.

March Madness Useppa Style – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Island ladies gathered to celebrate birthdays. The Useppa Yacht Club raced and lunched at Bill’s Grille on the beach. Members returned juggling boat tie ups at the Main Dock. Kids of all ages hung out at the pool. The Collier Inn Restaurant is open Wednesday – Sunday. March Madness and March Fun on Useppa. Come back and join in!!!!

Saint Patrick’s Day Cheer Part II – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It’s been a hard time on Useppa over the last year. The old ways of doing things broke down. BUT…. because of volunteers, because of love for the island, some traditions continue with new life, new energy. A thank you to the anonymous leprechauns for organizing this year’s parade and the party on the beach. A toast to memories of Useppa leprechauns up above.

St. Patrick’s Day on Useppa Part I – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Spirit and spirits filled the air. The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Useppa is an Island tradition. Led by the Fire Department decorated golf carts go up and down the beach. Friendly competition is only part of the fun. This post is only the beginning. The Judges were only beginning to make their decisions. The Winners and Party afterward come next. Cheers and thank you to the volunteers who made this year happen.

Racing Schooner Turned Warship, Museum Talk by Bob Macomber – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Award winning author, lecturer, and Pine Island neighbor, Bob Macomber spoke Saturday night, March 8th at the Barbara Sumwalt Museum. Continuing a 28-year tradition of Useppa visits, once again Bob made history come alive telling his audience the 94-year story of the America built in 1851 at Brown’s Shipyard in New York City. From winning a world-famous 1851 regatta in England to being used by both sides during America’s Civil War, racing again beginning in 1870 for the US Navy, until finally rotting away and collapsing in the Naval Academy shipyard in 1942, the America was an iconic yacht. Hearing Bob tell the story was a delight!

Cotton Club Magic – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – An afternoon of dancing, fun, and fellowship by the water. Music by Mattlee Crew set the stage. Island neighbor and guitar player Doug Ryan added the right notes. Thanks to hosts Patty and Brendt Rusten and Doug Hitchcox for making it happen. Save the next dance for me….

Weekend Fun on Useppa – Sailing Pictures by Steve Acuff, Other Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Finally, a weekend of Island fun with Happy Hour at the Collier, sailing and lunch at Bill’s Grille, Members docked at the Marina, Homeowners back, Captiva Cruises and Museum visitors, dinner and lunch in the Collier and on the Patio, families and friends at the pool. Familiar faces were together again on Useppa. Their smiles were contagious.