Category: Uncategorized

Useppa’s Easter Bunny and Egg Hunt – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The Bunny was out early. Working with a team, 300 Easter Eggs were hidden in the Useppa Butterfly Garden. While kids searched, grownups visited and shared snacks. There was also an Arts and Crafts Table. Thank you to the Bunny, Jasmin, Mary Wright, Barbara Mansfield, Beth Davis, and Coach Carl.

Useppa Easter Sunrise Service – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – The tradition continues. Useppa begins its Easter celebration with a Sunrise Service on the beach. Neighbors, families, and friends gather and give thanks for our island time together. It is a loving nondenominational observance. All are welcome. Differences are put aside. All are included.

Spring Break Useppa Style – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – The smiles are contagious. Families and friends together on Useppa just relaxing, just having fun. The island is a gift we share. How lucky we all are to be together.

2025 McMahon Trophy Race – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin and Sunny Race Pictures by Cindy Kuchman – It was a windy gray morning when the first Useppa Yacht Club McMahon race began. Then as the day continued, the sun set the stage for competition to continue. David Ullrich and Susan Bentley finally won!!!!! Congratulations! And congratulations to all the sailors. Thank you to the Race Committee, the volunteers at Bill’s Grille, and the people who made a delicious dinner happen on the beach. Congratulations to UYC Commodore Doug Ryan, winner of this year’s John Coyle Award.

Auction, Donations, and Fun at the Barbara Sumwalt Museum – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On a night in late March, Barbara Sumwalt Museum friends and supporters gathered and together raised $80,000. Dan O’Connell was the auctioneer. Island artists contributed their work. A vacation destination in North Carolina was donated. Hands were raised promising checks. It was a night of old fashioned Useppa fellowship and caring. The tradition of caring for the Barbara Sumwalt Museum continues.

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!