Croquet on Useppa Island: Play On!

Croquet took root, sprouted, evolved and exploded on Useppa Island over 30 years ago! In 1978, Bob Sumwalt, our “Father of Croquet” dedicated himself to teaching all that would come, to learn, play and love Croquet. And, we did!!

Our first Nine-Wicket Tournament was in 1978, followed by the introduction of Six-Wicket in 1984, when we built “the perfect” Six-Wicket court overlooking Pine Island Sound. Women jumped in and competition really ramped up!

In 1989, we had our first Six-Wicket Tournament and subsequently, co-hosted several Invitational Tournaments with Boca Grande Croquet Club. Over the next several years, Useppa spawned more than a dozen nationally-ranked players. Our court and the resident level of play, in concert with the sheer beauty of the Island and many activities, drew members and attracted new home owners.

The REAL fun, however, began in 2003 with the emergence of Golf Croquet. Passersby saw the fun – the tailgating, laughter, incredible shots and pure exhilaration…an unbelievable esprit de corps that was not only on the playing field, but permeated the entire Island. It was contagious!

And, since you can’t play Croquet every hour of every day, croquet players participated in other island activities, joining The Useppa Yacht Club (No Dues! No Rules!) with a fleet of 15 ft. Marshal Cat Boats that race every Saturday, through April. All of the spirited competition on the water is followed by cookouts on the beach, moonlight and destination sails. Players also enjoy the fishing, boating and beaches, especially during the holidays with family and friends, young and old.

Regardless of the activity, everyone falls in love with the communal feel that permeates Useppa Island – the melding of compatible souls. The joy is fueled by an innate sense of adventure and love of nature, being with friends and enjoying an environment and atmosphere that evokes fond memories of a simpler time. No matter where people hail from, the common sentiment is that Useppa is “their neighborhood.”

 

Membership continues to grow with tournaments scheduled often. You can count on Nine-Wicket Beach Croquet, where everyone plays each December 30th (a 30-year tradition), along with three-day tournaments for Six-Wicket, Golf Croquet and Nine-Wicket in the Spring and Fall. There are always pick-up games in the afternoons.

And practice games! And those re-match games that go on…forever.

USEPPANS ON THE MOVE!!

USEPPA'S MOOCH MARCH CONTINUES!!

It's summer so it must be Mooch March Time!! And, Useppans do it so well.  And, there is one couple who has surpassed all prior efforts... even their own, which have been pretty amazing.

For those that don't know what the Useppa Mooch March is...it is when Useppans take to the highways and sea-ways and visit their Useppa neighbors, wherever they may be....US or abroad.  We all do it, at least once.  Some of us do it, annually....because there are some Useppans that play host, every year.  And there are some Useppans that accept every invitation given, every year. In general, invitations are plentiful and appreciated!!  And, there are awards, in categories.  The awards are:

         "The Couple Most Oft' Invited"  

         

                  

                "The Most Oft' Hosted"
                           
              "The Most Miles Driven "
                           
"The Most Travel Stories Told...Over'n'Over"
                           
"The Funniest Guests to Have Visit...and Visit"
                                

      The couple that wins all awards for 2014
                                   IS
                        THE SWIGS!!!
                  Paul and Shane Swigert

This could take all week so, to be quick, they drove 9,600 miles...12 "Happy" weeks on the road, visiting 12 Hampton Inns...family and more than 12 Useppans.

Colorado was for family where Shane entered and placed in the Boulder Bolder...a 10K run for charity. She ran it with her four grand kids and daughter and finished 13th in her Class, in which 75 competed. Paul took this photo from his seat at Moe's Bagels as she shot by, resisting his calls to join him - just for a few

They went to Minneapolis and Lake Wipigaki                to visit Mary and Carter Bacon.

Then on to Long Beach Island, NJ.  They really hit pay dirt, there!  LBI is almost a "Useppan Haven"...home to many of our neighbors.  So... they got to visit and stay with the Coyles, Colgans, Stevens, Torgs and the Ligibels who were renting and visiting.  All these Useppans           ...to stay with, play with, boat with!!

               Such a deal!!  And, such fun!!
I think they maxed out this stay for weeks!!

Then on to NY and New Hampshire, where they have a home but not one they could use.  So...they visited the Millers on Squam Lake!!

Those of us that have visited the Millers (we all mooch) know just how special that is.  The beauty of the place is one thing but, the most wonderful thing about it is...the Millers!! Themselves!!  Very special!  And, I think the Swigs stayed there about three months. They wish!
                                                   
         Then it was on to see the Symonds on                                        Cuttyhunk!

It was here they crossed paths with another "mooching" Useppa couple, the Trinos.

They are not done yet!!!  More to do!!  More people to see!  To the mainland to see the                                         Chapins! 
                     (Uh Oh...no photo??!)  

         On to Annapolis to see the Ligibels                      (remember...they were in LBI).

 They all hooked up with the Dohertys but, based on the color of these leaves and Craig's hair, this is not this year's photo.

Here, we see Craig in a race with a power boat...winning, as he would want us to know.

And, somewhere in this convoluted itinerary, they attended what Paul called a "Comedic Event"  I'd have to agree!!

Looks like Paul is a hit with the Super Heroes!!

That's it, folks!!  They decided they'd had enough...wanted their own bed and pillows and potty.  What a summer!  If any of you want to knock them out of first place and take home the trophies....let  me know!  We'll talk...

To another 9,600-Mile Happy Road Trip

Photography: credit Paul Swigert.   Was that "credit"????

Useppa Island Resident Plans Celebrity Wedding

 

Useppan's do WHAT in the summer?!?!Lots of things!!  Too many to gloss over so, we will take it, one by one.  What do you think about a celebrity wedding.  Not going to one but producing a big one.  A very special one!!

WHALBERG & MC CARTHY

  Don't you just love Donnie?!?!

One of our members owns and operates The Baker Hotel, just outside of Chicago.  Rowena Salas is a fantastic woman and a real go-getter. So, when she went after the "wedding business", it exploded.  And, this wedding absolutely validates her success!

     GORGEOUS!!

Not only does Rowena run a grand hotel....

She knows how to produce a first class show!

LOOK AT THE ROSES AND ROSE PETALS!

MORE ROSES!!  And, what a set she created!

  She's in Showbiz!!

 Congratulations, Rowena!!!

I think I know some Florida friends who would

    love to help you...on your next

 CELEBRITY WEDDING!!