The June 2023 edition of The Seabrooker can be accessed online through the Town of Seabrook Island’s website.
Click here and select the June 2023 link to read the following columns:
–Tidelines Editors
Indoor/Outdoor Pools
The Outdoor Pool hours:
– Monday through Friday opens at 9:15 am following the conclusion of the water classes and closes 9:00 pm
– Saturday and Sunday open from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm
Information about the Indoor Pool, as well as the rules for both Indoor and Outdoor Pools, can be viewed by clicking here. The updated Indoor Pool schedule can be viewed by clicking here.
Bring a towel with you, pool towels are not provided.
Fitness Classes
Monthly Schedule
The monthly schedule for fitness classes is available. To view the June fitness calendar, click here. This schedule does not include semi-private classes.
Class Information
Semi-Private Series
Sign up now for the following Semi-Private classes. For more information about the semi-private series as well as detailed descriptions about the individual classes, click here. Note the new June hours.
Lake House Wellness Services – click here for information.
-Submitted by Jamie Mogus Mixson, The Lake House Manager
Artists’ Reception
Monday, June 12, 3:00-5:00 pm
Lake House (by Photo Wall)
Please join SI Photo Club Photographers of the Quarter, Sue Dostal and John Sesody, for a reception on Monday, June 12, 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at The Lake House.
The reception will be held in the hallway just before the library, across from the Featured Photographer Wall where the artists’ works are displayed. Refreshments will be served.
Sue and John are both relatively new to photography. They have selected their photos to tell a story. “With these photos, we have joined together to share with you our travels, our family, and what we love about life here, and each other.”
-Submitted by John Sesody, Seabrook Island Photography Club
(Image credits: Sue Dostal, John Sesody)
The end of the Charleston County school year is right around the corner and the many Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island volunteers will pack the last bags for the school year on June 1, 2023.
We had an extremely successful school year because of our hard-working volunteers, generous donors, school representatives and many other members of the community. Collectively, we delivered over 15,000 bags of food between Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.
The many volunteers shop, pack and deliver over 385 bags of food weekly during the school year. This is an amazing accomplishment and the 385 children and families that we serve at Mt Zion Elementary, Lambs Elementary and St. Johns Island High School are grateful for the work of Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island.
Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island is successful due to the generosity of the Seabrook Island Community – thank you for your kindness and commitment to this very worthy cause. And remember, 94 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to school children.
Thank you again and we can’t wait for the next school year which begins in August 2023.
-Submitted by Lynn Baker for Backpack Buddies Seabrook Island
This week has been filled with unusual beach finds, sometimes challenging weather, a nesting turtle’s shenanigans, high tides and one crew of walkers going far above and beyond when it comes to keeping our beaches clean. We also have a new nest, bringing our total to 4 for the 2023 season.
May 28, 2023
In spite of the fair weather and reasonable tides, nothing new was found other than some large debris on the North beach area. The Seabrook Island Beach Patrol assisted with removal.
Nest #4, May 29, 2023
Mike Vinson, Rob Jerome, Catherine Scully, Ed Harris, Cary Wiggins and Bonnie Bohme were the lucky walkers that found the Momma turtle while she was still laying the nest near Boardwalk 3. The turtle lingered long enough that quite a few beach goers were fortunate enough to witness the miracle from a respectful distance. Mike Vinson, who is specifically authorized by the Department of Natural Resources, was able to measure the turtle on her way back to the ocean. Her carapace (top shell) measured 38” long and 30” wide. Our crew moved 150 eggs to higher ground in the dunes near Boardwalk #3. I like to think this affirmation of life is a fitting tribute to all those who have served and sacrificed for our country on this Memorial Day. Please see the photos that were contributed by one of Seabrook Island’s favorite photographers, Glen Cox.
May 30, 2023
We had no specific turtle related activity today; however, that doesn’t mean our walkers aren’t doing anything. One of our most important duties is to help inform other residents and visitors about the nesting sea turtles and other wildlife on our island. Our walkers were able to engage with and explain our activities to some visitors. Please feel free to approach us if you see us walking on the beach in our brightly colored t-shirts. We are more than happy to talk about our beloved turtles. Many of our turtle patrollers are also well informed about the shorebirds and other wildlife here.
May 31, 2023
No new activity today. We have noticeably fewer nests than usual for May this year but do not despair, our busiest months for laying of nests are usually June and July. Some very high tides and erosion of the beach in our normal nesting areas are the most likely reasons. We do have very important work to do even when nests are not being laid, including keeping the beach free of litter, caring for the nests in place and providing education to anyone interested. We are keeping our fingers crossed for more nests soon.
June 1, 2023
We started the month of June with some activity but no new nests. We had one crawl but it was quickly determined that no nest was left. I want to send special thanks out to Lucy & Ray Hoover, Lisa & Jeff Caprossi, Carol Heilman, and Amy Kashmer. They showed dedication and initiative by removing a deeply buried tarp and a large black box from the beach at Camp Saint Christopher. We are also continuing to find unexpected creatures on our beaches.
June 2, 2023
It was a lovely morning to walk in spite of no new activity and extremely high tides at both ends of the beach.
June 3, 2023
We had high tides and nothing new on our beach today but we do have a message from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
“South Carolina’s commercial shrimp trawl season began as of 8 am June 1 with the opening of the General Trawl Zone (full shrimping grounds in state waters). A Marine Turtle Program aerial survey revealed numerous trawlers working offshore in certain areas, particularly from Kiawah Island southward to the Savannah River. Please let this serve as a reminder to be on the lookout. You may see shrimp trawlers working along the shoreline during morning nesting patrols. All boats are required by state and federal laws to be equipped with Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) and are routinely checked by SC state law enforcement officers.”
-Submitted by Anne Snelgrove, Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol
(Image credit: Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol)
The Charleston County Public Library is hosting a free concert entitled “Love and Patriotism: Music from the English Renaissance and Early America.”
Saturday, June 10, 2023
1:00 pm
Main Library
68 Calhoun St, Charleston
A madrigal is a song sung by several singers without any musical instruments. This short concert is inspired by two subjects: love and patriotism. Through song, the Meeting Street Madrigal Singers will share facets of love such as first love, courtship, and commitment before shifting to uplifting music from our country’s early times, including the Revolutionary War and the early years of the Republic. If you are in town, be sure to stop by and enjoy this free performance.
–Tidelines Editors
On Thursday, June 1, 2023, the Town of Seabrook Island hosted this year’s Joint Disaster Awareness Day event with The Town of Kiawah Island.
With many residents in attendance, both communities (Kiawah and Seabrook Island) gathered to discuss everything related to storm evacuation, communications, and recovery efforts & safe return; each topic had a dedicated panel of experts to help guide the conversations and answer questions from the community.
Additionally, the Town was pleased to have Trooper Bob (Bob Beres) serving as the event’s moderator and mc.
The Mayors for the Towns of Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island would like to thank all who were in attendance and are looking forward to the 2024’s event.
For individuals unable to attend, click here to watch the 2023 Disaster Awareness Day Event 1 hour and 46 minute video.
If you have limited time and are just interested in a specific topic, select that item from the list below to watch that particular part of the event.
-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island
(Image credit: Town of Seabrook Island)
Summer is heating up! Come enjoy nature. Join SIB for one of our birding adventures.
Backyard Birding on Seabrook Island Road
When: Tuesday, June 06, 2023, 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Seabrook Island Road
Location: 2986 Seabrook Island Road
Max: 15
Cost: Free for 2023 members; $10 donation for guests
Join us on Seabrook Island Road at the home of Sally and Doug Boudinot for backyard birding. Their property backs up to a large marsh near the fire station . There are great egrets (quite a few juveniles) and blue herons in the marsh right now. Many times, there are ibis and wood storks. The Boudinots feeders often get woodpeckers, cardinals, blue jays, tufted titmouse, mourning doves, wrens and an occasional osprey.
As always, be sure to bring your water, binoculars, hats and sunscreen.
Please register no later than Sunday, June 04. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Monday, June 05, 2023.
Register here
Learning Together on Golf Course-Ocean Winds
When: Sunday, June 11, 2023 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: Meet at Island House (Golf course parking lot next to Spinnaker beach houses) for ride along the golf course in golf carts
Max: 24 (If all seats in golf carts are used)
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests – Priority will be given to prior waitlisted & members
The Seabrook Island Club will be closing Ocean Winds Golf Course for aeration and Seabrook Island Birders will be able to use golf carts to travel the course with our members to bird. Join us for a morning of birding by riding in golf carts for at least 9-holes on Ocean Winds golf course. We expect to see a large variety of birds including Egrets, Herons and birds of prey. We will also see and hear some of the smaller birds like Tufted Titmice, Eastern Bluebirds, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Wrens and some of the many warbler species. Since it is summer, we can also expect to see Eastern Kingbirds, Great-crested Flycatchers, Orchard Orioles, Summer Tanagers, Mississippi Kites and more!
As always, be sure to bring your binoculars/cameras, hats and sunscreen. Water will be provided.
Please register no later than Friday prior to the trip. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on the Sunday, the day prior to the trip. If you need to cancel, please let us know so we can invite people on the waitlist to attend.
Register here
June Movie – “The Hummingbird Effect“
When: Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Location: Oystercatcher Community Center (if there are at least five people) and virtually via Zoom
Discover how tiny hummingbirds influence their many flowering kingdoms and their ripple effects on macaws, quetzals, monkeys, tapirs and more. Set in the exotic landscapes of Costa Rica.
Register here
Learning Together-Palmetto Lake
When: Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Meet at equestrian end of The Lake House parking lot
Max: 15
Cost: Free for 2023 members, $10 for guests
Celebrate the official start of summer by joining SIB for a leisurely walk around Palmetto Lake. The path around Palmetto Lake is wheelchair navigable and for those walking it will be less than a half a mile. As we walk along the path going towards the equestrian center we hope to see Cat Birds and Brown Thrashers hiding in the thicket. In this area we always see the Mockingbirds, Northern Cardinals, Carolina and House Wrens, Bluebirds and perhaps recently seen Orchard Oriole. Looking into Palmetto Lake we are likely to see Anhingas, Double-crested Cormorants, terns, gulls, Night Herons and possibly Green Herons that might be nesting in the shrubs around the lake. At the back side of the path we hope to see and hear vireos, summer warblers like the Northern Parula, and year round resident warblers like the Black and White Warbler and Yellow-throated Warbler. If the “white birds” get the invitation, we can expect to see Snowy Egrets, Great Egrets and White Ibis as they return from their day foraging. There’s also the possibility of a Roseate or raptor flyover. We saw 33 species when we did this evening walk in 2022.
Dress in layers and bring your binoculars, hats, and a beverage of choice. You may also want to bring a chair to watch the birds coming in for the evening.
Please register no later than Monday, June 19. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the activity.
Register here.
-Submitted by SIB
(Image credit: SIB)
The Saturday, June 3 edition of the Charleston Post & Courier contains an article titled “Laid Back Living on Seabrook”. This article was written by Rachael Lolar. The article, which appears in the Real Estate section of the newspaper, is positive and favorable toward Seabrook Island but it contains one significant error. Ms. Lolar writes erroneously:
“a purchasable pass will allow you to enter this protected world.”
Seabrook Island does not allow uninvited guests to purchase a pass to enter the island. We have reached out to Ms. Lolar requesting a published correction of her statement in error. We have also informed our gate access team that there has been no change to our access policy and instructed them to politely turn away anyone asking to purchase an entry pass.
-Submitted by Bill Connolly, Board President for SIPOA
Full Moon Bonfire
Saturday, June 3, 2023
On the beach between BW 1 and 2
Sunset – 8:23 pm
Moonrise – 8:18 pm
High Tide – 8:36 pm
Full Strawberry Moon
It’s almost summer and a great time for a bonfire on the beach. The forecast is for clear skies with temperatures in the 60s. The fire will primarily be for ambiance, perfect for a great time on the beach with family and friends.
To keep things simple, each person brings what you want: food, drinks, chairs and a stick of firewood for a big bonfire. Nothing will be provided but a beautiful beach, a bonfire and, hopefully, a full moon.
Hopefully the weather remains accomodating (unlike last month). People ask if the bonfire will be held if it’s rainy…. the bonfire will be cancelled if it is raining or rain is threatening as few would be comfortable attending.
By terms of the permit, the fire needs to be out no later than 10 pm. The later sunset and moonrise times eases the challenge for scheduling dinner but still gives us plenty of time to enjoy the evening.
Other night sky observation opportunities:
The Internationial Space Station Flyovers should be visible at 9:24 pm looking WNW. Venus will be the “star” of the evening. The next SpaceX launch is 12:35 pm from Cape Kennedy – not a good time to view for the bonfire but a possible viewing opportunity on Seabrook Island.
Put these dates for the Full Moon Bonfires on your calendar:
Sunday, July 2 (to avoid conflict with fireworks)
Tuesday, August 1 (the first of two full moons in August)
Wednesday, August 30 (the second of two full moons in August- a blue moon)
There’s always plenty of room on the beach for everyone, so invite a friend or bring your house guests.
According to almanac.com, Juno is the ancient Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. And the month of June is still a popular month for weddings today! As a natural extension of marriage, Juno was also the goddess of childbirth. Another interpretation of the origins of “June” says that the name came from the Latin juvenis, “young people,” who were celebrated at this time.
Juno, in Roman religion, was the chief goddess and female counterpart of Jupiter, similar to the relationship between the Greek Hera and Zeus. Perhaps not surprisingly, given her role of protector of women and children, this powerful queen of the gods was also considered the fierce protector and special counselor of the state and a guardian angel warning those in times of danger.
How the Full Moon got its name:
Per Old Farmers Almanac, (https://www.almanac.com/content/full-moon-names), June Full Strawberry Moon was the time to gather ripening strawberries in what is now the northeastern United States.
Other names:
• Berries Ripen Moon (Haida)
• Birth Moon (Tlingit)
• Blooming Moon (Anishinaabe)
• Egg Laying Moon (Cree)
• Hatching Moon (Cree)
• Green Corn Moon (Cherokee)
• Hot Moon
• Hoer Moon (Western Abenaki)
Another web site, (http://newsclipper.hubpages.com/hub/The-Moon-Facts-Trivia-and-Folklore), also says the Cherokee Indians called it the Green Corn Moon and the English Medieval name was the Dyan Moon.
Another web site, (https://www.space.com/16830-full-moon-calendar.html), says the Chinese call it Lotus Moon.
-Submitted by Judy Morr
(Image credit: istockphoto.com)
The Seabrook Island Garden Club announces the Annual 4th of July Patriotic Mailbox Decorating Contest for 2023
Come on and join the fun! Show your patriotic spirit and decorate your mailbox in red, white and blue, and everything you love about our country. Help us show our American pride, Seabrook style!
Prize: The coveted “Most Patriotic Mailbox” Blue Ribbon Award! Flags are waving, and our pride is high, decorate your mailbox for the 4th of July!
How to enter and contest details are below:
-Submitted by Beth Wright, Seabrook Island Garden Club Publicity
(Image credit: SI Garden Club)
What is your typical reaction when you see a snake? Recently the Town of Kiawah Island provided the following interesting information about snakes.
Snakes are likely the most misunderstood animals. They are often feared, reviled, and persecuted. Although they can make some cringe or fearful, snakes serve a vital role in our ecosystem and rarely cause conflict with people. Snakes fear people and will retreat when approached, unless cornered. As the weather warms, you may see more snakes as you move through the island, and here is some information to keep in mind as you do.
The three most common snakes in this area are all non-venomous and include the yellow rat snake, black racer, and corn snake. All three feed on insects, frogs, rats, and mice. The most common venomous snake is the copperhead, but it is rare to see them here. Often what people think are copperheads turn out to be corn snakes. To identify a copperhead, look for hourglass-shaped blotches, browner in color, and a large, triangular-shaped head (see image).
If you encounter a snake in your yard, simply leave it alone. Instruct your landscapers to refrain from killing snakes they encounter on your property. In a world without snakes, rats and mice would devastate food crops and cause countless economic and ecological problems. The next time you see a snake, stop to think about the good things that snakes do, and enjoy the encounter just as you would with any of the island’s other wildlife species.
While snakes are important predators and prey, they can be dangerous. If you see a snake, keep your distance, step back and allow it to proceed. Do not try to handle a snake, even if you think it is dead. To learn more about living with snakes, click here.
–Tidelines Editors