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Ho!Ho!Ho! Santa Visits Useppa – Thoughts and Pictures by UseppaGin – T’was the middle of the afternoon when Santa arrived on the island. He left the reindeer on Pine Island. He needed his yearly visit to Useppa to see his young friends and ride the Fire Truck. Sleighs are okay for an overnight job of delivering presents around the world, but a chance to sit on the beach for a bit… it’s just the break Santa needs. Thank you to the Useppa Fire Department, Chief Maria and Chief Chris for making it happen.

Useppa Island Employee Christmas Party 2019 – Photos and thoughts by UseppaGin – A big thank you to all the employees who take care of Useppa and a thank you to all the members and homeowners who generously contributed to the Annual Employee Christmas Fund. Seventy men and women work on the island and its shore port Bocilla Marina. The Christmas Party is our chance to honor them. “Skippy” Elgin, known and loved by everyone was named Employee of the Year. Reina Escobar who works quietly and efficiently in Housekeeping was named Employee of the 4th Quarter. Stockings filled with cash or gift cards hung on the tree and were awarded to lucky raffle winners. Cash gifts were distributed based on time of employment, and for long time employees, pins were also given. Island CEO Tim Fitzsimmons received a special pin for 40 years of Island service. Only Gar and Sanae Beckstead with 43 year pins have spent more time nurturing the place we all love. The afternoon was a true celebration of Useppa and its hardworking custodians.

Support Useppa Island Employee Christmas Fund – Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – The annual Useppa Employee Christmas Party is next week. A Christmas tree will be decorated with envelope ornaments holding cash or gift cards awarded in a raffle. Pins will be given to longtime employees signifying the years they have been part of Useppa. The Annual Christmas Fund will be distributed based on employment seniority to all except senior management. It’s a celebration of the holidays and the men and women who work so hard nurturing and caring for the island we love. If you are a Useppa Member, if you are a resident like I am, give from your heart and give generously. We couldn’t be here without Useppa’s employees.

Cotton Club Magic – Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – Kaleidogroove joined Useppa’s musical spirits of the ages on Thanksgiving Friday night. The six member band featuring lead singer Kara Nally had everyone dancing. Couples old and young were spinning and twirling. There was a chemistry in the air that will last until the next notes sound when the Cotton Club reopens in the Tarpon Bar, Saturday the 28th of December.

Kids Thanksgiving Izaak Walton Catch and Release Fishing Tournament – Photos and thoughts by UseppaGin – Six anglers caught nineteen fish in one hour during the Kids Izaak Walton Thanksgiving Tournament. Snook, Redfish Sheepshead, Snapper, Grouper and Pin Fish were all represented in the tally. Thanks to Captain Ken, his assistant, the Island’s best fisherman Kyle Corey, and Miss Lisa for making it happen.

Island Holidays – Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – The weather was picture-perfect. Boats started arriving in the morning and kept coming all day. The Useppa Marina was filled with families and friends coming to visit the Island. The Captains made it look easy by directing the traffic, helping people tie up, giving advice and direction to all needing assistance. Island hospitality begins on the dock.

Useppa Thanksgiving – Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – It was a peaceful Thanksgiving on the Island. Families took their time over turkey dinner at the old Collier Inn. Some chose to dine inside. Others sat on the patio savoring soft warm breezes. Children swam. Grownups sipped a glass or two of chilled wine. The staff graciously and professionally made us all feel at home.

Welcome Back II – Pictures and thoughts by UseppaGin – Members, Guests and Island Staff Members enjoyed the night. It was the 2019 Annual Useppa Members Welcome Back Party, and everyone had fun. New Members and new employees discovered that reception into the Useppa community requires only a smile. Oldtimers renewed friendships and began new ones. It was an easy night to feel at home.

Welcome Back to Useppa – Thoughts and photos by UseppaGin – We missed you. Saturday Night was the Annual Useppa Island Club Members Welcome Back Party. Saxophone music in the old Tarpon Bar set the stage. Delicious trays of hors d’oeuvres were passed about. Conversations between old and new friends went on in every room, and on the patio beyond. Fine wines were poured, drinks were served. Food tables offered selections of fruits, cheeses, Beef Wellington appetizers, and more. It was a night of smiles, and the beginning of another season.

Veterans Day Weekend On Useppa – Thoughts and pictures by UseppaGin – It was a quiet Veterans Day on the island this year, a peaceful gathering of families and friends grateful for the serenity Useppa offers in a too busy world. Seasonal residents are returning, local families came by boat and relaxed by the pool. Happy Hour was a mixture of cocktails and people. Useppa welcomed everyone.