Author: Useppa

Bows, Fishing Rods, Coaches and Outstanding Students

Story and photography by UseppaGin

On Useppa, we know him as Captain Jeff Gosnell.  He runs the barge, the boat parked at the end of the Collier Inn dock that brings supplies from the mainland and takes off our trash, furniture no longer needed, anything too big to on the launch.  Last Saturday, August 1st, he was Coach Gosnell, and he brought twenty-five members of the Martial Arts University’s Archery Team with him to spend the day on the island.  The students were here to learn safety, conservation, and survival skills.  Their ages ranged from 8-55, and they arrived with fishing rods and archery bows.  They hiked Useppa, fished off the Collier dock and the docks on the old airstrip.  They played chess, had a picnic, and swam.  They explored a different life than the one they are used to on the mainland.

MAU has been open in Cape Coral, Florida, for thirty years, and is directed by Retired Deputy Jeff Santella and his wife Leela.  They have taught fifteen styles of martial arts to over 18,000 students.  Both Captain Jeff and his son volunteer there.  Captain Jeff and Bert Rapp coordinated Saturday’s trip.  The young students were polite, confident without arrogance, disciplined and helpful.  When they left, the chess pieces were back in proper positions.  Except for a lingering delicious smell and a grill, there was no sign of a picnic.  The pool toys were put away, and the fish relieved that those well-armed adversaries finally gone from the docks.

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Employee Summer Ice Cream Social

Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin

Summer on Useppa is HOT!  Working every day to take care of the island is hard.  Sometimes the best way to deal with it a big bowl of ice cream.

Hot Lazy Summer Days on Useppa

Stories and Photos by UseppaGin

Temperatures in the 90s during a Useppa summer.  What to do?  Hours in the pool, a morning game of croquet, a walk to the island’s tip with flowers to leave under the mangroves, a little dog to love, family vacations, long talks with friends, pink sunset colors, and more.

4th of July Useppa Style

Story by Useppa Gin

Photos by UseppaGin and Island Annah

Parties poolside, a magician at the Tarpon, fishing off the dock, fireworks and cookie baking at Miss Ginny’s were all part of the 4th of July celebration on Useppa.

Large families with children of all ages, a young couple in love, residents, visitors, and guests all called the island home for the long weekend.  Three girls and one boy spent the morning of the 4th baking chocolate chip cookies and drawing pictures of George Washington, a fire truck and more to show their respect for the United States, and to say thank you to the men and women who make the holiday special on Useppa.  They took cookies to the Office, to the Marina, and to the members of the Collier Staff.  They gave cookies to the band playing by the pool.  They made a special picture for Fire Chief Randy and island CEO Tim Fitzsimmons.

Spending a holiday on Useppa is spending it with family.

 

Summer at the Firehouse

–photos and story by UseppaGin

One summer day Fire Chief Randy Seeley invited island kids and grownups too over to the Firehouse.  It was a chance for everyone to learn more about the Useppa Fire Department, ride on the truck up and down the beach, and play with a real fire hose.

The smiles say it all.  Fire fighting gear was examined.  Equipment was explained; some children got to try on the bright yellow pants and coats, the heavy helmets.  At the end, some got a chance to play in the spray from a BIG hose.

Thank you Chief Randy.  Even when the Stokes Fire Department family is off island, we know we are in good hands.