Month: November 2023

SIB December Activities

Santa Claus is coming to town, and our winter birds will help Rudolph lead the way. Join Seabrook Island Birders for some December fun!

Beyond Our Backyard: Lighthouse Inlet

When: Thursday, December 7, 2023, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Meet at Seabrook Island Real Estate to carpool at 8:30 am or
meet at meet at Lighthouse Inlet at 9:30 am
Max: 10 
Cost:  Free for members, $10 per guest

Join SIB for a “Beyond our Backyard” visit to the incredibly diverse northeast end of Folly Island at Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve. Once the home of a Coast Guard station, this Heritage Preserve protects maritime forest, beach, dune, and marsh habitats for wildlife. This is a flat and easy  0.8-mile out-and-back walk that leads to the Morris Island Lighthouse. We will also be exploring the inlet area beach and marsh for a further 1.0 mile along a beach path and beach. At this time of year, we hope to see Savannah Sparrow, Cedar Waxwing, Gray Catbird, Sedge Wren, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Eastern phoebe, Northern Harrier, dabbling ducks such as Red Breasted Merganser off shore, and a variety of sea birds and shorebirds.

Note there are no bathrooms at this location. Parking is along East Ashley Avenue.

A lunch option at one of Folly’s many restaurants will be determined later.

Travel details:

From Center Street, turn left onto East Ashley Avenue and follow this road to where it ends at a cul-de-sac.

Address:
Lighthouse Inlet Heritage Preserve
1750 East Ashley Ave.
Folly Beach

Please register no later than December 5, 2023.  All registrants will receive a confirmation letter the day prior to the trip

Register here.

Learning Together on Ocean Winds Golf Course

When: Monday, December 11, 2023, 8:30 am – 10:30 am
Location: Meet at The 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 and members

The Seabrook Island Club closes one course a day, each week and allows SIB to use golf carts to travel the course 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 fall/winter, we can also expect to see Eastern Phoebes, Northern Flickers, Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, Belted Kingfishers, Double-crested Cormorants, Bald Eagles, 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 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.

December Movie, “Wild America – Season Two – Bird Watching”

(Episodes 7 and 8)

When: Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at 4:00 pm 
Location:  In person at Oyster Catcher Community Center (if there are at least five people) and virtually via Zoom

Wild America | S2 E3 Birds of Prey | Full Episode HD - YouTube

Birdwatching is one very popular way in which many people enjoy the wonder and fascination of our great American outdoors. More so than any other creatures, birds have captured the imagination of humans as they float on the wind, soar to great heights and make the world a more wonderful place.

Episode 7: “Owls: Lords of Darkness” – The Owl’s incredible sight and hearing are second to none in the animal world, and its ability to fly with utter soundlessness is nothing short of remarkable. Its life history is endlessly intriguing. The eighteen species of North American Owls are creatures of mystery. Owls are undisputed champions of the Birds of Prey. They reign — as they have for ages — lords of darkness.

Episode 8: “Wild Wings”- America’s birds come in all shapes and sizes, and they range from homely to breathtaking. But they share one thing in common — the awesome power of flight. The airborne freedom which sets birds apart from other creatures has been envied by man for centuries. All the diverse bird types are seen — powerful predators, melodious songbirds, and graceful water birds.”

Register here.

Backyard Birding at the Boat Ramp/Crab Dock

When: Monday, December 18, 2023,  8:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: 1201 Creekwatch Trace
Max: 12        
Cost: Free for members; $10 donation for guests 

Join SIB members near the home of Melanie and Robert Jerome at the boat ramp on Creek Watch Trace on Seabrook Island on Monday, December 18 at 8:00 am -10:00 am. Yes, we are starting that early. You will have views of the marsh and river, with many shore birds, Spotted Sandpipers, Egrets, Herons, Marsh Wrens, and many songbirds.  There is a lot to see at the SIPOA boat ramp and crab dock. Low tide will be 5:52 am. The marsh by the fire station may have some additional birds. There will be seats available to sit and bird or a group can go walking. Just start out by walking back to the Jerome’s backyard.

Bring  binoculars and bug spray.  

Please register no later than December 15, 2023. All registrants will receive a confirmation letter on Sunday December 17.  

Register here.

-Submitted by SIB

(Image credit: SIB, Wild America)

Holiday Decorations at the Joseph Manigault House Dec 2 – 27

Annually, the Garden Club of Charleston uses this magnificent antebellum house as a backdrop for their creative holiday arrangements, using plant material that would have been available in the Lowcountry during the first quarter of the 19th century.

On Saturday, December 2, be one of the first to enjoy these floral decorations along with music and holiday refreshments. Costumed carolers from the Charleston Caroling Company will provide entertainment from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. The House will be open to enjoy from 1:00 – 5:00 pm, with guides throughout the House available for questions. From December 2 – 27, you can visit the Joseph Manigault House Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Sunday 12 noon to 5:00 pm. The last tour begins at 4:30 pm.

The Joseph Manigault House, a National Landmark, was the first structure to be saved from demolition in Charleston’s budding preservation movement of the 1920s. The house is an exceptional example of Federal style architecture, showcasing a prominent spiral staircase in the central hall, and features historic objects from the Museum’s collections.

–Tidelines Editors

(Image credit: charlestonmuseum.org)

December Activities at Freshfields

Letters to Santa – Drop off your letters to Santa in the special mailbox near the Christmas Tree on the Village Green. Freshfields will make sure Santa’s elves pick them up to deliver to Santa Claus in time. Don’t forget to include your return address and Santa will send you a special surprise!

Holiday Starlight Cinema Series – Bring your chairs, blankets, and picnics to enjoy a family friendy movie under the stars. The movies start at 6:00 pm.
~The Polar Express – Saturday, December 9. Starring Tom Hanks, this inspiring adventure is based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg.
~The Santa Clause – Saturday, December 16. A divorced adman inadvertently becomes the real Santa Claus when he puts on the suit of a guy that falls off his roof. This is another Tom Hanks movie.

Cars & Coffee – Saturday, December 16 from 9:00 – 11:00 am. Arrive in your favorite ride or stop by the Village Green to browse unique, antique, and other cool cars.

Jazz Night at Porch Bar – Thursday, December 28 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Enjoy a local jazz group at the Porch Bar at the Andell Inn.

For more information about the events at Freshfields, click here.

–Tidelines Editors

$100,000 SIHAF Challenge

Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation Announces

2023 – $100,000 Hunger Awareness Challenge

The Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF) is excited and very thankful for the loyal donors who have already generously offered to match our 2023 – $100,000 Hunger Awareness Challenge! 

As we approach the season of giving, we hope you will join us in raising awareness and much-needed funds to support our programs and partners in their quest to provide nutritious food and clean water to our sea islands neighbors for the coming year.

This is the foundation’s only fundraising event and we need the entire community’s support. Awareness is our “middle name,” and we’d like to make you aware of some important hunger facts regarding our neighbors on the sea islands and what we do to help.

SIHAF supports fourteen local organizations and programs. We partner with Zion Emergency Food Pantry, Hebron Zion Senior Citizens Ministry, Meals on Mondays of the Rockville Presbyterian Church, Charleston Area Senior Citizens Meals on Wheels Program, New Webster Johns Island Parish Food Pantry, St. James Bethel Food Pantry, Temple Take-Out Ministry of Wesley UMC, and Fields to Families and Sweetgrass Garden Co-op.  We also have three programs – Sea Islands Blessing Basket, Crock-Pot Cooking Classes, and Water Wellness Mission.

Our programs and partners serve Johns and Wadmalaw Islands residents in need, providing consistent, satisfying, and nourishing food, clean water, and special programs to over 2,500 sea islands neighbors, including 825 families.

We must buy nearly all the food we provide and, as you are aware, food prices are higher than ever.  And of course, as food costs rise, the number of new applicants for assistance continues to rise.

 In addition, SIHAF seeks special funds to provide stoves, refrigerators, microwave ovens, crock pots and electric can openers to those who need assistance in preparing, cooking, and storing their food.

SIHAF is an all-volunteer organization and hundreds of volunteers, including 9 Board members, give their time, talent, and treasure to provide, prepare, secure, sort, pack, and distribute food to our clients, as well as work on our many outreach programs.

Please help us reach our goal of at least $200,000 so we can continue to provide our programs, support our partners, and provide food and clean water to our sea islands neighbors in need in 2024. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors, new and old!

Donate: 

By Check Mailed To
Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation (SIHAF)
PO Box 268
Johns Island, SC 29457-0268

Donate Online
Via Credit or Debit Card at: fightislandhunger.org

SIHAF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization –
All donations are tax-deductible

For more information about SIHAF go to fightislandhunger.org

-Submitted by Sea Islands Hunger Awareness Foundation

(Image credit: fightislandhunger.org)

Keep Up with The Lake House Nov 29

The Lake House Activities & Event

  • 8th Annual Canned Food Drive – November 1 – December 8. Drop off your canned goods at The Lake House lobby. We are off to a great start – 3,362 pounds donated already!
  • Working Together to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Presentation – Live presentation on Wednesday, November 29 at 1:00 pm. Available on Zoom on Thursday, November 30 at 10:00 am.
  • Get The Scoop – Monday, December 4 at 4:00 pm in the Oyster Catcher Community Center. The topic is Sustanaility on Seabrook ; SIPOA’s Compost Program.
  • BYOB Bingo – Monday, December 4 from 4:30 pm until 6:00 pm.
  • Keep Betsy Beautiful – Thursday, December 7 at 4:30 pm.
  • Happy Hour Singles Game Night – Tuesday, December 12 from 4:30 – 6:00 pm.
  • Polar Bear Plunge – Monday, January 1 at 10:30 am at North Beach near Boardwalk 1.

Click here for more information about The Lake House Activities

Fitness Classes

Monthly Schedule
The December fitness calendar can viewed by clicking here. This schedule does not include Semi-Private classes.

Class Changes

  • Morning Flow Yoga – Effective Friday, December 1, Morning Flow Yoga will move to 10:05 am in The Lake House Studio.  

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 of the individual classes, click here.

  • Brain Health – Tuesdays & Thursdays, December 5 – January 25 at 2:00 pm
  • Mind & Body Chair – Mondays & Fridays, December 1 – 22 at 4:00 pm.
  • All Over Fit – Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, December 4 – December 22 at 8:30 am.
  • Yin Yoga – Tuesdays, December 5 and 19 at 5:15 pm.
  • Chair Yoga – Wednesdays, December 6, 20 and 27 at 2:30 pm.
  • Sit & Be Fit – Mondays & Fridays, December 1 – 22 at 3:00 pm.
  • Social Fit Hybrid – Wednesdays, December 6 – 27 at 4:00 pm.

The Lake House Wellness Services

For complete information about the Wellness Services, click here.

Indoor/Outdoor Pools

The regular 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.

Please bring a towel with you. Pool towels are not provided. Amenity Cards are required to access The Lake House.

-Submitted by Jamie Mogus Mixson, The Lake House Manager

Keep Betsy Beautiful Dec 7

Join the Kiawah Conservancy on Thursday, December 7, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm at The Lake House to learn about our exciting new campaign to preserve the natural beauty, watershed, and wildlife habitat on Betsy Kerrison Parkway!

This area is vital to the ecological health of Kiawah Island and with the ever-increasing development of Johns Island, the Kiawah Conservancy recognizes the importance of preserving this area now before it’s too late.

If you can’t attend the December 7 presentation at The Lake House, there are 3 other opportunities to learn about “Keep Betsy Beautiful.” These are on Kiawah Island, click here for details.

All the sessions are open to the public, but space is limited and registration is required. Click here to register.

–Tidelines Editors

Reminder: Holiday Concert on Dec 4

Remember that on Monday, December 4, 2023 the Charleston Coastal Choir will perform a holiday concert, “Sing of a Merry Christmas.” The concert will take place at 5:00 pm at the Holy Spirit Catholic Church, located at 3871 Betsy Kerrison Parkway.

Under the direction of Van McCollum, the Charleston Coastal Choir will perform both traditional holiday music as well as some unique musical pieces which will certainly help the audience get into the holiday spirit! Please come out to enjoy seasonal holiday music and to support your friends and neighbors in the Charleston Coastal Choir. We hope to see you there!

-Submitted by Deborah Banecker

Brown & White Pickup Dec 1

The next monthly
Brown & White Pickup is Friday, December 1, 2023.

Bulk items can be left curbside by 7:00 am. Place items including furniture, appliances, grills, lawn furniture, or other similar household items where you would normally leave your trash and recycling.

Hazardous waste such as old paint cans, electronics, batteries, fluorescent lights, and old yard or household chemicals can be taken to the Maintenance Area (adjacent to the Community Garden) that morning between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. Hazardous materials must be handed directly to the attendant on duty. The materials cannot be left on the ground. 

Before you put your used furniture or other items on the curb for Brown & White Pickup on Friday, consider recycling them with Sea Island Habitat for Humanity Restore. Contact the store at 843-559-4009 for more information and to arrange for free pick up of large items.

Click here for the 2023 SIPOA Garbage, Recycling, Yard Debris Pickup Schedule.

–Tidelines Editors

Last Day: TOSI New Gateway Sign Survey

The Town of Seabrook Island is working on a new gateway sign for the entrance to Seabrook Island. The new sign will replace the existing sign located along Betsy Kerrison Parkway, near the entrance to the roundabout. 

Today, November 27, is the last day to provide feedback on three proposed alternatives and feedback on two font alternatives. Use the survey link below to preview the designs. Please provide feedback on your preferred design and font alternatives. 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9YLKVWD

-Submitted by the Town of Seabrook Island

Highlights of Thanksgiving Weekend at The Lake House

It was a busy weekend at The Lake House with a variety of holiday events. Thanksgiving day dawned sunny with a cool 48-degree temperature for the (just over) 5K Turkey Trot, an annual family-friendly, multi-generational, tons of fun event. Friday morning, our local artisans gathered to showcase their talents and wares at the Holiday Art Fair. Mid-afternoon on Friday, creatively decorated vehicles of all shapes and sizes led by Santa and Mrs. Claus made a loop around the island in the annual Holiday Parade. As dusk approached, a crowd gathered for the lighting of the Christmas tree while enjoying refreshments, music, s’mores and lots of holiday cheer.

Click on the line below to see a photo gallery of these events.

Continue reading “Highlights of Thanksgiving Weekend at The Lake House”