Tidelines

Keep Up with the Lake House February 18

After 17 years serving the Seabrook Island community, February 13 was Jamie Mixson’s last day as SIPOA’s Lake House Manager. Jamie was a constant presence at the Lake House, shaping countless events, programs, and everyday experiences that make the Lake House such a special place. Our thanks and best wishes to Jamie!

On Monday, February 16, Hannah Rice began her new role as the Lake House Manager. Hannah is a familiar face, having worked as a trainer/instructor at the Lake House in recent years. With experience in the corporate world and her passion for health and fitness, Hannah brings energy, leadership, and perspective to build upon the strong foundation already in place at the Lake House. We welcome Hannah!

Fitness Classes

Cancellations
All Live Oak Hall classes will be canceled due to the Red Cross Blood Drive on Thursday, March 5.

Monthly Schedule
The Group Exercise Schedule can be viewed by clicking here.

Semi-Private Series
Sign up now for the following semi-private classes. For more information about the series and detailed descriptions of the individual classes, click here.

Classic Mat Pilates – Mondays and Wednesdays, 8:00 am from February 23 to March 18 at Oyster Catcher.
Chair Yoga – Wednesdays at 2:30 pm. The February series meets from February 4 to 25. The March series meets from March 4 to 25.
Yin Yoga – Tuesdays at 5:15 pm. The February series meets from February 3 to 24. The March series meets from March 3 to 31.
Yoga for Bone Health – Mondays at 11:00 am from March 2 to March 30

Turtle Patrol Accepting New Members

Are you interested in helping preserve the sea turtles that visit Seabrook Island’s beaches? The Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol has been safeguarding sea turtles since 1990. If you would like to join the team, we are pleased to announce that we will welcome and train new members this year. If you are interested, please click here to provide your contact information and general availability no later than March 25, 2026.

A kick-off meeting will be held at the Lake House on Thursday, March 26, beginning at 6:00 pm. At the meeting, you will get a brief overview of the program and a description of the various teams that you can sign up for. As a member of the Seabrook’s Island Turtle Patrol, you will be required to purchase a Turtle Patrol tee shirt, so please bring a check.

New members will also have an in-depth training session on Saturday, March 28. Further details will be forthcoming.

If you have any questions, please go to Siturtlepatrol.com or email us at hello@siturtlepatrol.com

A reminder to returning members, if you have not responded to our email communication, please do so before March 25.

-Submitted by Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol

(Image credit: Seabrook Island Turtle Patrol)

February in Your Charleston County Parks

Check out the wide variety of activities available during February by Charleston County Parks!

Festivals & Events
February 21 Senior Sneaker Dance at Lincoln Regional Center
February 28 Senior Sneaker Dance at Schroder Community Center

Nature, History & Culture
February 19 Seashore Exploration
February 19 Winter Tree Identification
February 20 Folktales Fish Fry
February 21 Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw
February 24 Seashore Exploration
February 25 Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw
February 27 Homeschool In The Parks: Partners And Rivals
February 28 Early Morning Bird Walk at Caw Caw

Outdoor Adventure
February 22 Adaptive Climbing Day – Youth
February 22 Adaptive Climbing Day – Adult

-Submitted by Charleston County Parks

SCOPE50 Motown Fundraiser February 20

SCOPE50 is hosting
“The Sounds of Motown 4”

When: Friday, February 20
Time: 6:00 pm
Where: Atlantic Room of the Seabrook Island Club
Tickets: $90, includes a free voucher for one drink (max. $12)

The fundraiser will include live music, food and dancing, and a raffle/auction. This is an all-island event open to everyone.

Tickets can be purchased from John Reynolds at JohnR99773@aol.com or 401-573-6008, or you can purchase tickets here.

SIPC Presents Rad Drew February 19

Rad Drew
How I Did It: The Magic of Snapseed

Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
Location: Lake House, 2319 Seabrook Island Rd,
Seabrook Island
Time: 6:15 – 8:15 pm
Refreshments 6:15 pm
Announcements 6:45 pm
Presentation 7:00 pm
Cost: Free for SIPC members, first-time guests free
Access: Non-residents, please email seabrookislandphotographyclub22@gmail.com to arrange a gate pass.

Many people assume that Seabrook Island Photography Club members are all very serious, technical, photography nerds with large expensive cameras. Yes, we have a couple of those, but many of our members rely heavily and some even exclusively on cell phone photography to create their images. For that reason, we are increasingly offering programs focused on cell phone photography.

Rad Drew is a teacher, photographer, speaker, and photo tour leader who creates with his iPhone, mirrorless, and infrared cameras. He is especially recognized for his knowledge of iPhone photography which he has built over 15 years since he bought an iPhone 4 in 2010. His creative images have been recognized internationally and exhibited in galleries around the world including SOHO Gallery in NYC and the L.A. Mobile Arts Festival.

TOSI Happenings for the Week of February 16

NEWS YOU CAN USE

Town Hall will be closed on Monday, February 16, 2026, for President’s Day. Town Hall will reopen on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

2026 Tide Tables – Residents may stop by Seabrook Island Town Hall (2001 Seabrook Island Road) or the SIPOA Office (1202 Landfall Way) during regular business hours to pick up a free copy of the 2026 Tide Tables. A digital copy (PDF) of the 2026 Tide Tables may also be viewed or downloaded on the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) Website.

Beach Off-Peak Season – Off-peak season beach rules are now in place. Click here to read the off-peak rules.

TOSI Monthly E-newsletter – To stay up-to-date with town communications, sign up for the e-newsletter by clicking here.

MEETINGS

To stay up to date on meeting dates and times, visit TOSI’s calendar located on its homepage.

Public Safety Committee Meeting
Tuesday, February 17 – 10:00 am
The agenda can be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

Seabrook Island Utility Commission Meeting
Wednesday, February 18 – 8:30 am
The agenda can be viewed by clicking here.

Discretionary Grants Committee Meeting
Wednesday, February 18 – 1:00 pm
The agenda can be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

Community Facilities and Infrastructure Committee
Thursday, February 19 – 1:00 pm
The agenda can be viewed by clicking here. Watch Live on YouTube.

Agendas will be posted at least 24 hours before each meeting. All videos are available on the town’s YouTube channel. Individuals wishing to participate in the meeting via Zoom can call (843) 768-9121 or email pwiggins@townofseabrookisland.org for login information before the meeting.

To view the calendar of meetings beyond this week, go to the home page of TownofSeabrookIsland.org.

-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

“Be Water Wise” Needs Volunteers

At the recent SIPOA Annual Meeting, the president of SIPOA talked about the success of “Be Water Wise”, the educational program of Waterproof Inc., a 501(c)(3) that provides free water safety and swim lessons to first graders from Johns Island. This program, now in its 15th year, is supported by private donations and is endorsed by the Charleston County School District. If you are looking for a meaningful way to volunteer in our community, consider this worthwhile program.

As approved by SIPOA, the Lake House outdoor pool is again the site for our annual “Be Water Wise” nine-day water safety and swim lessons program. Staffed by Seabrookers who volunteer their time and enthusiasm, last year 16 swim coaches and three deck helpers committed their mornings to provide free swim lessons to 47 children.

More volunteers are needed! This year, with the expansion of Angel Oak Elementary School, we plan to teach 75 first-grade students to swim, which requires additional swim coaches. If you are a competent swimmer, we will equip you with the skills to teach young children. The program will run from May 11 – 21, 2026, for nine weekday mornings, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Lake House outdoor pool.

Volunteers complete a three-hour online, age-specific, swim coaching certification course and a Youth Protection two-hour certification course. Each volunteer submits to a Charleston County Schools background check and must hold or obtain CPR/AED certification. Two character references are required. Waterproof, Inc. will reimburse all related expenses.

Our coaches not only provide lifesaving skills to children who otherwise would not have access to such education, but also enrich their own lives with joy and satisfaction from the endeavor.

To volunteer, contact Derek Fyfe at derekfyfe2014@gmail.com or text at 404-889-1690.

-Submitted by Derek Fyfe for Waterproof, Inc.

2026 SIPOA Votes in New Officers

The Seabrook Island Property Association Annual Meeting was held yesterday morning, Saturday, February 13, 2026 to a full house, and Seabrook Island Club provided coffee, tea, and delicious pastries. It was interesting to hear about SIPOA’s strong financial position and capital plans for the island. Did you know that Seabrook Island has 27.5 miles of roads! Additionally, it was a good time to catch up with fellow Seabrookers.

The voting results are as follows:

Four candidates were elected for 3-year terms on the SIPOA Board of Directors:

Tim Demmitt
George Fink
Chris Hix
Michelle Wiedemuth

Two candidates were elected for 2-year terms on the Nominating Committee:

Mike Sankovich
Gary Walton

Seabrook Island voters also approved the 2026 SIPOA Annual Budget and the proposed Bylaw updates. No one in the audience asked questions of the former or current Board of Directors.

Thank you to everyone who volunteers their time and talents to make Seabrook Island such a special place to live.

–Tidelines Editors

Seabrook Island Artist Guild Supports Local School Art Programs

On Friday, January 30, the Seabrook Island Artist Guild (SIAG) presented donation checks to the principals of St. John’s High School and Haut Gap Middle School, continuing the Guild’s commitment to supporting arts education on Johns Island.

Guild members met with St. John’s High School Principal Jermaine Joyner and art teacher Dana Brown to present a $3,000 check designated to enhance the school’s art program. This marks the second consecutive year the Guild has provided financial support to the St. John’s High School Art Department; last year’s contribution totaled $1,771. Funds were raised through SIAG member donations and a percentage of proceeds from SIAG Arts and Crafts Shows held on Seabrook Island.

Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra

Sunday, February 15, 4:00 to 5:30 pm
Church of Our Savior, 29455

Come enjoy the dedicated and talented young musicians from our local community. The event features a thoughtfully curated and engaging program showcasing both individual artistry and ensemble excellence. Attendance is free, but tickets are required. Click here for more information and to reserve a seat.

-Submitted by Town of Kiawah Island

(Image credit: Town of Kiawah Island)

Monday, February 16 is a Federal Holiday

On Monday, February 16, we celebrate Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday. According to almanac.com, the official federal holiday is called Washington’s Birthday. In the late 1960s, it was decided to honor both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and it became Presidents’ Day to honor all presidents, past and present, on the third Monday of February.

Even though it is a federal holiday, states do not have to observe it, and they can call it whatever they would like to call it. The name ranges from President’s Day to Presidents’ Day to Washington and Lincoln Day to George Washington/Thomas Jefferson Birthday to George Washington’s Birthday and Daisy Gatson Bates Day, as well as several other names. Click here to see what each state calls the third Monday in February and which states do not observe the holiday. South Carolina observes it as a state holiday and calls it either President’s Day or George Washington’s Birthday.

The US Post Office will be closed, and there will be no mail delivery on Monday, February 16. Most banks, as well as some schools, will also be closed. ATM machines, of course, will still be available for you to get cash or make deposits into your accounts.

In addition, the following will be open or closed:

Town of Seabrook Island Offices will be closed all day on Monday, February 16.

SIPOA Offices will be closed all day on Monday, February 16. ARC and Commercial Access will also be closed. Since contractors are allowed on the island that day, trash will be collected as usual.

Harris Teeter will remain open all day on Monday, February 16.

Vincent’s Drug Store will remain open all day on Monday, February 16.

Post and Computer Center will be open all day on Monday, February 16.

The Lake House will remain open all day on Monday, February 16.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image Credit: istock.com)

WineLines: America’s Special Wine Grape

I’m going to build on last month’s WineLines, “Wine in America” and give my take on the question “What’s America’s special wine grape?”

IMHO, it’s Zinfandel, specifically red Zinfandel.

Many grapes are grown and vinified the whole world over: Cab Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, to mention just a few, but there’s one that’s (almost) unique to America. I’m not going to include our native grapes in this, such as Muscadine, Scuppernong, Concord and Niagara – the less said about them, the better.

It’s known that Zin’s not native to North America. Like so many of our wine grapes, it was imported from Europe, in this case from Croatia via Italy and Austria. In Croatia, it’s known as Tribidrag or Kastelanski, and has some close relatives. In Italy it’s known as Primitivo. It appears to have been grown in the U.S. Northeast 200 years ago, and found its way to California, where it found a home, around the time of the Gold Rush.