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Families, Carols, and Christmas Eve on Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It wasn’t our customary Christmas Eve of carols, voices raised inside the Collier Inn. It was an outside night of Island family magic. Less formal, in many ways more loving, we gathered on the patio. Children danced to the music. Grownups smiled and everyone had fun. Thank you to Music Man Steve Kaufman for leading us from the traditional Twelve Days of Christmas into a new way of celebrating the holiday in a safe, spontaneous Useppa way.

Santa Visits Useppa – Thoughts by Yardley Cub Reporter and Pictures by UseppaGin – We all waited to start the parade. Our golf cart went first! Santa came on the boat. Last year, he stayed on the boat but this year he got off the boat and met all the kids! Everyone told him what they wanted for Christmas and we each got a candy cane. Everyone decorated cookies and we had cake and ice cream. That’s all for today’s news on Christmas Eve!

Thank You Useppa Employees Part I – Pictures and Thoughts by UseppaGin – The Annual Useppa Employee Christmas Party on December 1st celebrated all the men and women who make island life a year-round gift to members, homeowners, and visitors. Donations to the Employee Christmas Fund were distributed based on length of employment from years ago to one lady here on her first day. A thank you to all who contributed. Billy Gay who runs our Water Department was honored as Employee of the Year. Tim Fincher on staff in the Collier Inn was honored as the Employee of the Quarter. Special recognition by Management and Staff was also paid to CEO Tim Fitzsimmons, part of the Useppa family for 42 years.

Useppa Tree Lighting, A New Tradition Begins – Thoughts by Cub Reporter Yardley Wiessen and Pictures by UseppaGin – We had a tree lighting party on Useppa, and we all made ornaments for the tree out of shells. Shelby Gatewood’s was probably my favorite because I loved her creativity in her work. There were also cookies, and personally, my favorite were the little sugar cookies! Shelby and Kay Chapin hosted the tree lighting. Ryan Conner lit the tree which he thought was very special!
That is all for today’s news!!

Thanksgiving – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Today was day of gratitude and thanksgiving for the gift of family, friends and Useppa. Dinner at the Collier was prepared and served by hardworking and caring men and women. There was time on the dock for families to go fishing, play volleyball on the beach, or spend hours by the pool. The Tarpon Bar and Joseffa Boutique were open. The Front Desk and Marina Captains helped in any way necessary. Serenity, fun, good friends, good food …generations together shared Thanksgiving on the island we all love.

Welcome Back – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – On Saturday, November 20th Useppa Island Club hosted its annual Members Welcome Back Party at the old Collier Inn. Old and new friends gathered in the Tarpon Bar, the Baron Collier Dining Room or out on the Patio. It was a relaxed and comfortable affair with delicious dishes to sample, cocktails to enjoy, and easy conversations among all the guests. A thank you to the Club and to its staff for a memorable evening.

Island Fall…Mellow Serenity – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Old friends reunited, an Island neighbor welcomed home after surgery, families together, boats in the Marina, peaceful morning walks…Fall on Useppa,a gentle time between seasons.

Halloween Island Time – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It was a Halloween celebration island style, laid back and all inclusive. Almost everyone on Useppa was there, but our numbers are still small enough that it felt like family. Thank you to the Collier Staff and the Front Office for making it happen. Other pictures are of daylight Islanders and an early morning goodbye to Indomitable Donna off for some needed surgery.

Columbus Weekend and More, Island Style – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – It’s that soft sunset time of year between the fun of summer and a new season beginning. There is just the right amount of people – not too few, not too many. Each smile matters. Pictures show friendship and mischief. Island bees have a new home. The pool is redone. New faces join the Useppa family. New relationships begin. Old friends leave, but their spirits stay. Dragonflies, lizards, children, and grownups enjoy the island. It’s Fall on Useppa.

Island Fall Begins – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – Temperatures are still warm. Palm fronds stay green. Children play in the pool. Sunrises and sunsets are tapestry skies embroidered in color. It’s a quiet time between summer busyness and the return hustle and bustle of seasonal residents. Birds claim the docks. On foot, in the air, in a kayak, we are all part of the Island family.