Category: Uncategorized

Ragtime Skippered by Kurt Stocker with Crew Tony Colgan Wins 2019 McMahon Regatta – Words by UseppaGin, Photos by UseppaGin and Alexander Poplawski – Morning and afternoon races, Bill’s Grille for lunch, dinner and awards at the Tarpon Bar were all part of the 2019 McMahon Regatta. Longtime sailors Kurt Stocker and Tony Colgan were the winners. Skipper Ed King and crew Kim Lockhart on Coot took 2nd place. The Regatta is named in honor of Useppa’s first Yacht Club Commodore Jack McMahon, and it determines the Island’s Marshall Catboat Championship. Sailing on Useppa is open to all. There are no membership dues. The Useppa Island Yacht Club is one more example of island good-natured fun and fellowship.

Saint Patrick’s Day Useppa Style – Pictures and words by UseppaGin – It’s a family tradition on the Island. Families and friends decorate golf carts to parade up and down the beach. This year children and dogs stole the show, except for the cart Erin “no” Bragh. Humor, good fun and wearing of the green, the Admiral’s uniform passed down through generations, prizes, and smiles – where else but Useppa?

Tales of Elvis in Florida – Words and pictures by UseppaGin – It was not just a talk but a conversation in the Barbara Sumwlt Museum on Saturday, March 9th. The book was “Elvis Ignited, The Rise of an Icon in Florida” by Bob Kealing. With slides and stories, the road map of Elvis’ rise to fame was traced through the Sunshine State. Antidotes were shared with audience members adding their own memories. The truth behind an illegal alien Colonel Parker’s contriving nature, the genuine kindness of Elvis to all around him, the era when Rock ’n Roll began, the sexy and controversial guitar playing hunk… all were part of another fine night on Useppa. A thank you to Edward R. Murrow and five-time Emmy award-winning Bob Kealing. A thank you also to Island poet Virginia L. Amsler for the gift to the Museum that night of a 100-copy limited edition of her book “Spirits on an Island.”

Island Winter – Thoughts and photographs by UseppaGin – Sometimes you just have to jump for joy, throw a ball into the water for a little dog to chase. Sometimes it’s fun to go on an island walkabout and learn more about the island. Sometimes it’s showing you care with sweat equity, planting bromeliads with the Paradise Partnership. Sometimes it’s being on a boat or just sitting around the pool. Winter on Useppa offers something for everyone.

Useppa Yacht Club Doherty Day Races – Story by Race Committee Chair Bob Stevens and photographs by UseppaGin – On March 2nd, day of fun races was held in honor of former Useppa Yacht Club Commodore James Doherty. The Doherty Day Champion is Ed King, who sailed Coot, U238, to three wins, with Kim Lockhart as his crew.  My mysterious courses were no mystery to Ed.  Second place was taken by Ragtime, U5, with Kurt Stocker at the helm and Tony Colgan as crew.  It was a fine showing by two long time Useppa sailors.  Sink ‘r Swim, no sail number, was sailed by Michael Albert. Mike had John Coyle aboard as navigator. The newest Sandpiper fleet prize, the Doherty Day Useppa Handicap Cup, was taken by Paul Swigert, in Patty P, U11.  Shane Swigert was aboard as crew.  The Handicap is a completely subjective measure of the boat on the course making the finest showing, but not in the top three places.  Congratulations to Paul and Shane. Thanks to Bill’s Grille for lunch, and the Committee Crew for making it all happen.

Useppa Home Companion: Laughter, Stories, Music and More – Thoughts and Photographs By UseppaGin – For one night only on Feb 16th in the historic Tarpon Bar Theater, the Useppa Players took turns on stage singing songs, telling bad jokes, performing skits. The vigorous Sound Crew added any necessary punctuation. Island Poet Virginia Amsler read a few poems from her new book Spirits on an Island. A band played, a comfort dinner of meatloaf was served. Beautiful downtown Useppa Island was the place to be. Thanks to the Useppa Historical Society, and Rona, Dan, Linda, Kurt, Judith, Allie, Mother Shane, Paul and Aimee.

President’s Day and More – Words and thoughts by UseppaGin – Families in and around the pool, sailors out on the water, Bill’s Grille on shore, croquet games, lunch on the patio, boats at the Marina…. Life on Useppa is a gift.

Lessons for Useppans About Complex Water Quality Issues – Written by Museum Board Chair Bob Stevens, photos by UseppaGin – Three water quality advocate organizations were the attraction Saturday night, February 9th at the Barbara Sumwalt Museum. Their representatives talked about a very real concern for all of us connected to Useppa Island. Our beloved little island is touched by both Red Tides and by algae blooms. The blooms develop from water run-off from Lake Okeechobee and the Caloosahatchee River watershed. The three organizations are working very hard, with the best available scientific information, to lessen the impact of the water run-offs. Daniel Andrews from Captains for Clean Water, Rae Anne Wessel from the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation, and Steve Davis from the Everglades Foundation spoke explaining the problems and offering hope for the future. Solutions are in sight, and the Florida Governor has put his leadership support to the efforts, a heartening change from previous state administrations.

Super Bowl, Super Fun – thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – A father and son watching the game, friends around a table, good food, standing for the National Anthem, and a Patriots win. For some life just couldn’t get any better.

Super Bowl on Useppa – Comments and photographs by UseppaGin – What better place to watch the Super Bowl than on Useppa Island? Boats in the Marina, good food, drinks, and football on the big screen in the Tarpon Bar. Life doesn’t get much better… unless you are a Patriots’ fan.