Category: Uncategorized

Christmas Croquet, A Useppa Tradition Continues – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Going back decades, players in white with mallets in their hands and balls in the grass take their positions on the Robert Sumwalt Croquet Court. Experienced players are matched with newbies and the fun begins. This year’s Golf Croquet Champions are longtime player Linda O’Connell and her partner, first time player Chloe Niebuhr. Runners Up are 3rd generation player Tor Carlson and novice Anna Nekoranec. Thanks to Winky and Dave Merrill for making it happen.

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.

Island Life Continues – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Happy Hours at the Collier, patio lunches, landscaping jobs, Service Department work, and Marina reconstruction are all part of Island life. Jobs inside and out smiles are shared, stories told, and one day at a time, Useppa hurricane recovery continues.

Hurricane Recovery Turns Another Corner – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – Pilings are being driven for Useppa’s new Marina dock. The Collier is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. There is a new chef and new menus. Meals are 4 star!!!! Cleanup continues. Island boats run back and forth from the Bocilla Shoreport. Water and electricity is restored. Barge deliveries continue to the North End. Mail service is back, and packages can be delivered again. The tennis, croquet and bocce courts await players. Is it perfect? No, but it’s starting to feel again like the island we love.

Boots on the Ground – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Two hurricanes smacked Useppa, but because of the men and women working on the island, recovery is happening one day at a time. Homeowners, the Fire Department, private contractors & their crews, volunteers, and loyal Useppa employees are rebuilding the island we love. It isn’t easy. It takes time, but Helene and Milton didn’t destroy us. New docks and decks are being built. We have water and electricity. Landscaping is being brought back. The Collier Inn is reopening on a limited schedule. The launch brings us back and forth from the mainland. Home repairs and cleanup are well underway. Cheers and thank you to the men and women who saved our island.

Sunrise Walkabout – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On a short Island walk this morning, I saw a sunrise sky reflection over the new Marina dock being built, I saw the beauty of a new day beginning on Useppa. Some things don’t change. The last picture is a 9:00 am picture of bright sun and dock reconstruction fully underway. It will take time, but Useppa is on the road to recovery.