April 2022 – Page 5

Boat Carefully around South Carolina’s Marine Mammals

As spring approaches and South Carolinians prepare for beach and boating weather, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officials are urging residents and visitors to safely share the waters with wildlife such as dolphins.

South Carolina is home to an estimated several hundred bottlenose dolphins- large, fish-eating mammals that can reach 12 feet in length and an average 400-600 pounds in weight. These intelligent animals are year-round residents of our nearshore coastal waters with a reputation for their curious natures – but it’s important to remember: dolphins are wild animals that should be admired from a distance, for the safety of both humans and dolphins.

Bottlenose dolphins are social animals that often travel and hunt in small groups. (Photo: Bekah Nelson/Florida FWS)

Interactions with humans, including boat strikes and crab trap entanglements, are among the top causes of death for bottlenose dolphins in South Carolina.

According to federal guidelines, boaters must remain at least 50 yards from dolphins, porpoises, and sea turtles and 100 yards from large whales. Fifty yards is equal to 150 feet – roughly the length of three semi-trucks or half a football field.

Collisions between boaters and dolphins are more likely to occur in shallow waters, particularly in small tidal creeks and along marsh edges. Staying alert, following safe boating practices, and maintaining lower speeds in these areas can reduce the risk of a collision.

Injured, stranded, or dead dolphins should be reported immediately to the SCDNR wildlife hotline at 1-800-922-5431. If a boat accidentally collides with a dolphin, biologists ask that the boater stand by and immediately contact SCDNR or the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16. Doing so provides biologists the best chance to help the animal and gather valuable scientific data.

Beachgoers play an important role in dolphin protection as well. Lowcountry dolphins practice a behavior called strand feeding – seen in only a few dolphin populations worldwide – in which the animals work in synchrony to herd fish onto the shoreline and beach themselves temporarily to catch their prey. This fascinating phenomenon can be interrupted by beachgoers who come too close. If you’re lucky enough to witness strand feeding from the shore, follow the same distancing requirements and give the animals a wide berth.

Bottlenose dolphins are protected under federal law by the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, which makes it illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill any marine mammal. Conviction at the federal level is punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 and/or one year in prison.

For more information about safe interactions with dolphins and other marine mammals, visit NOAA Fisheries’ guidelines website.

For more information about participating in dolphin monitoring, reporting sightings, and other ways to protect dolphins in South Carolina, visit the Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network’s website.

Tips for being dolphin-friendly in South Carolina:

Use caution when navigating in shallow waters and tidal creeks.
Always heed “no wake” zones, operating boat at the lowest possible speed while maintaining steerage.
Never feed dolphins. This teaches animals to approach boats and docks, putting them at greater risk of a boat strike, and it is illegal. Do not dispose of fish carcasses when dolphins are nearby.
Never pursue, harass or interact with dolphins. It is dangerous for the animals and illegal.
Report any wildlife violations to SCDNR’s 24/7 hotline: 1-800-922-5431.

A bottlenose dolphin follows an SCDNR sea turtle trawl survey in 2015 (E.Weeks/SCDNR).

–Tidelines Editors

(Photo credit: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources)

US Navy’s Blue Angels Return April 9-10

Mark your calendars! Joint Base Charleston is holding its air show this weekend, April 9 and 10, 2022. Knocked out by COVID in 2020, the air show has not been held in Charleston since 2018. Included in the lineup of Navy airpower are the elite Blue Angels who have thrilled Charleston before. Performances, static displays, activities, and concessions are the same each day.

Learning from the traffic mistakes of four years ago, parking passes must be reserved in advance. There is no charge but this will help to control the traffic at the gate. A pass is required for each vehicle even if someone has other access to the base. Gates open at 9:00 am and inbound traffic closes at 1:30 pm on both days. For information on parking and details of the event, click here.

To learn more about the Blue Angels, always the most exciting of the attractions, check out their website to see the planes, meet the pilots and see where else they are scheduled to perform this year.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: newsairshow.com)

On the Peninsula with SINHG

SINHG members have been traveling downtown in recent weeks as part of SINHG‘s spring schedule of educational trips. A dozen members explored Wraggborough, the downtown neighborhood with the Joseph Manigault House and the Charleston Museum at its center. The neighborhood is named for Joseph Wraggborough, an early 18th-century slave trader who once owned the parcel bounded by King and E. Bay streets, and whose seven children have lent their names to the neighborhood’s seven major streets – Ann, Charlotte, Elizabeth, Henrietta, John, Judith, and Mary.

Charleston’s troubled but colorful pirate history was the focus of another SINHG trip, during which members learned of Blackbeard’s blockade of Charleston harbor in 1718 to wring medical supplies for his crew from the city and of the city’s rambunctious reputation as the Las Vegas of the British colonies during the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

SINHG Trips continue through May, and a full schedule of fall trips will be announced soon.

-Submitted by Norm Powers, for SINHG

(Image credit: SINHG)

Updating Your Contact Information with SIPOA

Remember when you first became a property owner on Seabrook Island and you filled out forms and information for the property owners association? No? Well, that probably means it’s time to update your information. And where can you do that? On the Seabrook Island Property Owners Association (SIPOA) website, of course! Has your email address changed? You can also do that on the SIPOA website.

It is important that SIPOA has the most current personal contact information and emergency contact information for each owner. If your email is on file correctly you will receive their weekly eblasts as well as other important or emergency information. Don’t wait! Get your information current now!

Go to SIPOA.org, find the Owners tab and look for Update Contact Information.

–Tidelines Editors

Paying Too Much For Medications?

Are you paying a lot for prescriptions even though you have insurance? Are you overwhelmed with the cost of the medicine you have to take?

According to an article in the Sunday Post & Courier, you may be able to save money by paying for your prescriptions without going through your insurance carrier.

Click here to read the article by David Slade.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: Unsplash)

Bohicket Half Marathon and 5K

Registration is now open for the Bohicket Half Marathon and the 5K races which will be held Saturday, November 19, 2022.

Early bird entry fee for the half marathon is $65 and $30 for the 5K run. Prices will increase after May 31, 2022.

The Kiawah-Seabrook Exchange Club and the Charleston Animal Society are beneficiaries of the Bohicket Half Marathon and 5K races. Both organizations use funds received from the Bohicket races to support various programs, schools and other non-profit organizations in the local community. Please visit these organization’s websites to learn more about their community outreach: ks-exchangeclub.com and charlestonanimalsociety.org.

–Tidelines Editors

Get Ready for Some RiverDogs Baseball

It’s time to play ball! The Charleston RiverDogs will open the gates to fans for opening night, presented by REV Federal Credit Union, on Friday, April 8, at 7:05 pm, at The Joe against the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. So plan to come out and cheer on the RiverDogs baseball team!

The Charleston RiverDogs are the Single-A Affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. They play in the Joseph P. Riley Stadium, also known as “The Joe.” “The Joe” sits near the Ashley River and catches the breezes from the river and adjoining marshland. It has been rated one of the best stadiums in the minor league and collegiate levels. (The Citadel baseball team plays there as well.)

For more information about the RiverDogs, their schedule, and how to purchase tickets visit their click here.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: RiverDogs website)

Keep Up With The Lake House April 6

Fitness and Recreation

Indoor/Outdoor Pools

The Outdoor Pool hours:
– Monday through Friday from 9:15 am to sunset
– Saturday and Sunday from 8:00 am to sunset.

The Indoor Pool schedule can be viewed by clicking here.

Fitness Classes

Zumba Flare will be canceled as of April 1.
HIIT It to Spin It will be canceled on Wednesday, April 6.

The monthly schedule for fitness and recreation classes is available on the SIPOA website, click here to view it. This does not include the semi-private classes.

Semi-Private Series

Sign up now for the following Semi-Private classes. Please note, Semi-Private classes are limited to a maximum of 10 participants. Pre-registration is required. There are no drop-ins or refunds. Semi-private classes are not included in the monthly class pass, and the entire class will be charged to your Property Owner/Club account at the time of registration. Semi-private classes are available to Seabrook Island Property Owners, Seabrook Island Club members, and guests staying on Seabrook Island.

Tai Chi Workshops – Tai Chi is a series of low impact, slow-flowing, standing-only movements, accompanied by focused breathing. It promotes stress relief, flexibility, and especially balance.
-Monday, March 28 at 5:15 pm. $10 for the workshop.
-This workshop is taught by Lisa Anderson

Tai Chi Semi-Private Series – This series is similar to the workshop above. It is a series of low impact, slow-flowing, standing-only movements, accompanied by focused breathing. It promotes stress relief, flexibility, and especially balance.
-Mondays at 5:15 pm on April 4 – April 25. $48 for the series.
-This series is taught by Lisa Anderson

Fitness Rewired Outdoor Semi-Private Series – This class focuses on cardio, strength, mobility, balance, and overall fitness improvement. Enjoy the camaraderie and good humor of your workout buddies as you meet three times a week for a challenging workout.
-Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, April 4 – April 29 at 8:30 am. $120 for the 4-week series.
-This workshop is taught by Patti Romano and Kayleigh Breaux.

Yin Yoga Semi-Private Series – This class is a slow, soothing, and meditative style of yoga where the legs, hips, and lower back are the main benefits.
-Tuesdays at 5:15 pm on 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, and 4/26. $60 for the series.
-This series is taught by Natasha Stevens

Chair Yoga Semi-Private Series – This is a gentle form of yoga that can be done sitting on a chair or standing on the ground while using the chair for support.
-Wednesdays at 2:30 pm on April 6 – April 27. $60 for the series.
-This series is taught by Natasha Stevens

Booty Camp Semi-Private Series – Sizzle your seat, burn up your buns, and gear up your glutes. Whatever you call your backside, this class will help you sculpt tone, strengthen…and feel the burn.
-Thursdays from 10:15 am to 11:00 am on April 7 – April 28. $40 for the series.
-This series is taught by Patti Romano

RideSBI Semi-Private Series – This Spinning class focuses on strength, endurance, cardiovascular, and recovery training while on a stationary bike. It is a group class, but each rider controls his or her own RPM and resistance. Enjoy the energy of the group even if you have never taken a Spin class.
-This series is taught by Sarah Mae Yuncker
-Saturdays, April 9 – April 30 at 8:30 am. $40 for the series.

For more information about the classes above, go to sipoa.org and click on The Lake House, Semi-Private Series, or click here to be directed to the semi-private series page. You can also email your questions to The Lake House staff at Wellness@sipoa.org.

The Seabrook Island Property Owners website includes everything you need to know about all the classes, any cancellations that may occur, The Lake House Spa, and The Lake House Guide. Once on the SIPOA website, look at the area close to the top of the homepage for The Lake House. There is a dropdown menu with all this information.

-Submitted by Jamie Mogus Mixson, The Lake House Manager

2022 Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament Oct 5-9: Volunteers Needed

Save the date
Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament
October 5 – 9, 2022

The Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament began as a local Seabrook Island event in the early 1980s. Since then it has grown into a premier tournament in the Southeast and nationally, attracting more than 250 senior tennis players from as many as 20 states. Spectator admission is open to the public and free.

The tournament has become a key event for the Charleston region and beyond and the US Tennis Association (USTA) has awarded the tournament its highest-level status for its mixed doubles 40s, 50s, and 60s events. The Championship tournament joins an elite class of tournaments in the Southeast awarding 200 points to the winners of the various divisions. The tournament offers competition for men and women ages 30-80 in singles, doubles and mixed doubles events.

As tournament time approaches, the need for volunteers to pull off the charity event moves into high gear. With a growing number of players and spectators, volunteers are needed to help with everything from registering and handing out favors to players to assisting in the “players’ lounge” (handing out drinks, restocking the ice cream cooler and interacting with the players) to helping direct cars to a parking spot.

If you are interested in volunteering please contact Karen Petrucelli at kpconsultingllc@yahoo.com.

-Submitted by Karen Petrucelli, Alan Fleming Tournament Chairperson

Protect Our Shorebirds

As you head out to the beach this spring, you will notice some new temporary signs posted by the Town of Seabrook Island. The signs remind residents and visitors that it is Red Knot season and that it is a violation of town ordinance to harm, harass or disturb any shorebird which is designated as threatened or endangered.

In a recent letter, Janet Thibault, Wildlife Biologist, SCDNR Coastal Bird Program noted that shorebird migration peaks in the spring. Large flocks of Red Knots, up to 4,000 birds, are on the beaches at Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, and the Captain Sams inlet area. Red Knots are a federally threatened shorebird and are stopping over on South Carolina beaches as they migrate north to their nesting grounds above the Arctic Circle. The Red Knots will be on beaches now until the end of May. It is important to allow these birds to rest and feed before they make their long-distance journey. Research shows that this time of year is crucial for their survival and even success in nesting this summer.

Red Knots are feeding on small clams in the intertidal zone of the beach as the tide exposes the wet sand. Foraging flocks may be distributed along extensive sections of the beach as they feed and fly to the next foraging spot.

SCDNR is working with the Beach Steward Programs at Kiawah and Seabrook Islands to help ensure birds can rest and feed while they are in the Captain Sams inlet area until they depart for the breeding grounds.

Please remember to avoid disturbing feeding and resting flocks.
Walk around the birds and do not cause them to fly.

-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

(Photo credit: TOSI & SCDNR)

SIAG Welcomes Amelia Rose Smith, April 19

Seabrook Island Artist Guild (SIAG) announces that Amelia Rose Smith
will offer a demonstration titled ‘Painting Wading Birds’
Tuesday, April 19
1:30 – 4:00 pm
The Lake House

A Charleston native, multifaceted artist Amelia Rose Smith has painted professionally for three decades. A versatile artist, she is equally at home with oils, watercolors or pastels. Her work covers subjects ranging from still life to portraits, from animals to landscapes. To quote one art critic, “Amelia Rose Smith displays an amazing facility with a range of media. In an age when artists are increasingly ‘specialists,’ devoted to one subject painted one way, she resists being pressed into a single mold.”

As Rose explains: “I relish my time both in the studio and outdoors. It is my desire to bring life and love into each painting…I employ light, value and color to transport the viewer to a stimulating understanding of Charleston’s people and places. Using a harmonious palette and confident brushwork I seek to capture the Carolina’s lofty, majestic skies and ever-changing marshes. “

Rose is an art graduate of Coker College in Hartsville, SC. On graduation she went to work as an illustrator for the S.C. Department of Natural Resources and other agencies. After years of painting for shows on weekends, in 1984 she became a full-time painter, developing her vision and skills. She has studied with numerous acclaimed artists whom she lists as inspirations. These include Zoltan Zabo, Ovanes Barberian, Charles Movalli, Sondra Freckelton, Alex Powers, Joan Rothermel, Sherri McGraw, Albert Handel and Rhett Thurm

Rose has developed a national following. Her award-winning work has been featured at such venues as the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition and Spoleto, as well as in a number of local and regional galleries.

For more information on the Guild’s events, workshops, and membership, visit www.seabrookislandartistguild.com

-Submitted by Monique Boissier-Sporn, Seabrook Island Artist Guild

(Image credit: Amelia Rose Smith)

The Internet’s Latest Sensation

Hello Seabrookers!

It’s been quite a while since I last posted something here on Tidelines. Today I’d like to discuss something that has taken the Internet by storm lately. Have you been on social media and seen anyone post something that looks like this?

It’s the latest craze that everyone of all ages is playing. Wordle!

In short, it’s a game where a new puzzle is released once a day, and you have 6 chances to guess the 5-letter word. Upon each guess, if a space is colored in green, that means the correct letter is in the correct position. A yellow space indicates that the letter is in the word, but it’s not in the correct spot. And finally, a grey or black space means that the letter is not in the word. But the catch is you only get 6 chances to guess the word. According to Google, the English language has over 158,000 different 5-letter words, so Wordle is sure to stick around.

It became such a hit with users near the end of 2021 that The New York Times, who for the longest time has been known for their great crossword and sudoku puzzles, purchased the game for over 1 million dollars earlier this year. The release of the game hit at just the right time, as we hadn’t quite gotten out of the midst of the pandemic, so the timing was perfect for its developer, Josh Wardle. (See what he did there!?) The fact that the game is free to play (for how much longer, who knows) and that it’s quick and easy to make it part of your daily routine has helped to increase its popularity. People also enjoy sharing their results with friends and family and engaging in friendly competition.

As to be expected, there has been a lot of Wordle variations that have sprung up in recent months, all similar to the original game.

Crosswordle Wordle with a crossword-type twist.

Hello Wordl Similar to the original, but allows up to 11-letter words. You can also play as many times as you like.

Heardle Try to guess the title and artist of a song by listening to the fewest number of seconds.

Worldle Look at a silhouette of a country in the world and try to guess it in the fewest number of attempts.

Nerdle Math version of Wordle, but instead of guessing the word of the day, you need to guess the equation.

All of this talk about Wordle has me reminiscing about online games of the past that took the Internet by storm. Do you remember these?

One thing is for sure, the evolution of computers and the Internet, and particularly social media, has given us the ability to connect with just about anyone in the world and start a friendly game, no matter how simple or trivial the actual game might be. Perhaps these games challenge our brains and keep us mentally sharp whereas others may just be mindless time-wasters that take our thoughts away from the troubles of the everyday world, even if only for a few minutes each day.

What are some other online games in the past decade or so that you remember hearing about? I’d love to hear about them.

Chad Droze, IT Systems Analyst
Compu-Experts & Post & Computer Center (in Freshfields Village)
chad@compu-experts.com