This morning, July 3, 2026, under beautiful sunny skies, a multitude of Seabrookers, family members and friends participated in the annual Seabrook Island Independence Day (just over 5K) Walk/Run. Over 400 people of all ages gathered at the Lake House prior to the 8:00 am start of the event to complete a circuit halfway around Seabrook Island.
While there were no official race times recorded, many people kept track of their personal times on a variety of devices. Congratulations to everyone who participated and thanks to the spectators who came out to watch! A big thanks to Nic Porter, Hannah Rice, the Lake House staff, and all the volunteers who every year make this such a special event.
The Fleming Open returns to Seabrook Island October 6–11, 2026, following major recognition from the International Tennis Federation, which honored the tournament with its 2025 Tournament Recognition Award for outstanding player experience and satisfaction. In addition, the Fleming Open singles and doubles events have been elevated to a United States Tennis Association sanctioned Level 2 tournament for 2026. Now in its 42nd year, the nationally recognized event welcomes more than 300 players from across the United States and around the world to compete in men’s and women’s age divisions ranging from 30 to 80, along with Level 1/ITF mixed doubles competition.
The event, hosted by the Seabrook Island Racquet Club, is coordinated by Director of Racquet Sports Laura Ferreira alongside tournament chair Mary Anne Rayfield and a dedicated team of volunteers. The Fleming Open has become known not only for exceptional tennis, but also for its strong sense of community and hospitality. Tournament organizers are currently seeking sponsors. Sponsorhip applications are due August 1 with details available at flemingopen.net. Tournament registration opens July 1.
Continuing its tradition of community support, this year’s tournament beneficiary is Sea Island Habitat for Humanity, which has served the local community for more than 45 years through affordable housing construction and critical home repair programs.
-Submitted by Susan Courtney for the Fleming Open Committee
Pinkies out! Join the RiverDogs for their first annual tea party on April 4, 2026.
Fans with this ticket package will have exclusive access to a tea party in the tented Murray’s mezzanine down the first base line. Enjoy the game from one of the premium picnic areas while sipping tea in partnership with the Charleston Tea Garden and indulge on a tea party menu of snacks, sandwiches, and sweet treats.
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”, which 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.)
The Credit One Charleston Open, North America’s largest women’s-only professional tennis tournament, is taking place March 28 – April 5, 2026 on Daniel Island in Charleston, South Carolina. The preliminary main draw is highlighted by 10 top 25 players, 11 Americans, three Grand Slam singles champions and four former Charleston champions. As the kick-off event of the clay season, the tournament was recently named the WTA 500 Tournament of the Year for the fourth consecutive year. For ticket information, click here.
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.
It’s time to play ball! The Charleston RiverDogs will open the gates to fans for home opening night on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 7:05 pm at “The Joe” when they welcome the Myrtle Beach Pelicans to the Holy City. Plan to come out and cheer on the RiverDogs baseball team!
The RiverDogs, long known for the fun and value delivered through weekly promotions like Thirsty Thursday and Fireworks Fridays, are taking things a step further in celebration of America’s 250th birthday with a brand-new slate of night-of-the-week promotions in 2026. For the first time, the team will host Wiener Wednesdays for all Wednesday evening games, when fans can get two hot dogs for just 50 cents, and leveled-up Dog Day Tuesdays feature 2-for-1 tickets and a dog-themed t-shirt giveaway each week.
It’s all part of the team’s 66 home game calendar at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park, themed “Land of the free, Home of the fun,” which kicks off on April 2nd’s Opening Night.
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”, which 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.)
Check out the Fleming Open website by clicking here and find tournament details, photo info, and more. Finals matches and the conclusion of some round robin matches will be played at Seabrook Island Racquet Club (SIRC) today.
Come out and enjoy brunch at the Fleming tournament (for purchase) while you watch some great tennis!
Here are the matches with Johns Island players and the final matches for Sunday, Oct 5:
Finals Matches –
Mens’ 40 Singles Paulo Baumer vs Ryan Pang 8:00 am SIRC
Mens’ 50 Singles Chris Wallce vs Doug MacKelcan 8:00 am
Mens’ 60 Singles Jaime Barajas v Taylor Hamilton 8:00 am
Mens’ 70 Singles Jeb Courtney vs Bill Ashley 9:30 am
Women’s 60 Singles Deborah Podolin vs Debbie Southern 8:00 am SIRC
Men’s 50 Doubles Doug MacKelcan/Kevin Stribling vs Vladimir Makatsana/Vladi Tsiperiyuk 11:30 am
Mens’ 60 Doubles Peter Kolaric/R Thomas Couton vs Bob Willimas/Taylor Hamilton 2:30 pm
Men’s 70 Doubles Bill Ashley/Roger Pearce vs Jeb Courtney/Tommy Bunch 1:30 pm
Women’s 30 Doubles Jennifer Ansari/Jeni Burnette vs Elzabeth Hodgles/Emily Perry 9:30 am
Women’s 40 Doubles Jeni Burnette/Emily Perry vs Deanna Vroman/Mary Neill Hagood 1:00 pm
Check out the Fleming Open website by clicking here and find tournament details, photo info, and more. Matches will be played at both Roy Barth Tennis Center (RBTC) and Seabrook Island Racquet Club (SIRC) today. For information on all of the brackets and players, click here.
Complimentary coffee and snacks are available from 7:30 to 10:00 am in the clubhouse for the players. Lunch will be available to players and guests each day from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. You can get wraps, sandwiches, sides, desserts, and drinks. Cash, credit card, or a member number will be accepted.
Be sure to review the parking information since the Racquet Club has limited parking for players, LSVs, and handicap vehicles. Check the Tidelines post or the website by clicking here.
There will be several finals, semi-finals and consolation matches being played today and tomorrow so be sure to look at the posted schedules at the courts in addition to the finals listed below.
Here are the matches with Johns Island players and the final matches for Saturday, Oct 4:
Finals Matches –
Men’s 80 Singles: Richard Shipman vs Jimmy Washington 8:00 am SIRC
Women’s 70 Singles: Becky Timmis vs Miriam Morey 8:00 am SIRC
Mixed Doubles 70s: Pamela Simons/Herb Cooper vs Cynthia Babb/Andy Steingold 11:30 am SIRC
Women’s Singles –
40s Amanda Benepe vs Anne Billion 8:00 amRBTC
50s Andrea Hines vs Renee Fleishman 8:00 am SIRC
Men’s Doubles –
30s Aldrich Boss/Steven Sutton vs Sean Bacha/Donny Reeder 2:30 pm SIRC
40s Tom McDaniel/Billy Stover vs Lee Ingram/Barry Quinn 12:30 pm SIRC
70s Tommy Bunch/Jeb Courtney vs Kari Juusela/Doug Myser 2:15 pm SIRC
80s Chris Ryan/Richard Shipman vs Charles Burns/Richard Weathers 2:00 pm SIRC
-Submitted by Ellen Smith, Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament Committee
Check out the Fleming Open website by clicking here and find tournament details, photo info, and more. Matches will be played at both Roy Barth Tennis Center (RBTC) and Seabrook Island Racquet Club (SIRC) today. For information on all of the brackets and players, click here.
Complimentary coffee and snacks are available from 7:30 to 10:00 am in the clubhouse for the players. Lunch will be available to players and guests each day from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. You can get wraps, sandwiches, sides, desserts, and drinks. Cash, credit card, or a member number will be accepted.
Be sure to review the parking information since the Racquet Club has limited parking for players, LSVs, and handicap vehicles. Check the Tidelines post or the website by clicking here.
Tonight is the big event, the player party for players and their guests! Tickets are required for both players and guests so don’t forget to bring your tickets with you. The party will be at the pool located across the street from the Seabrook Island Club, 3772 Seabrook Island Rd, Seabrook Island. Be ready for some fun!
Here are the matches with Johns Island players for Friday, October 3:
Men’s Singles –
50s Chris Polychron vs Christopher Cagle 9:30 am SIRC
60s Harvey Hines vs Jaime Barajas 9:45 am SIRC
70s Andrew Hodge vs Jeb Courtney 8:00 am SIRC
Women’s Singles –
40s Amanda Benepe vs Barnes Dix 9:30 am RBTC
50s Andrea Hines vs Amy Templeton 8:00 am SIRC
Men’s Doubles –
30s Aldrich Boss/Steven Sutton vs Kevin Graf/Conor Salceetti 2:00 pm SIRC
70s Tommy Bunch/Jeb Courtney vs Greg Williams/Jack Barker 3:00 pm SIRC
Women’s Doubles –
30s Katie Richey/Marsha Davis vs Elizabeth Hodges/Emily Perry 1:00 pm SIRC
60s Lindy Small/Nan Steen vs Tamara Fleming/Rhonda Coumas 11:00 am SIRC
Mixed Doubles –
50s Patti Kelly/Richy Gray vs Deanna Vroman/Shirish Deshpande 11:00 am SIRC
Lisa Duckworth/Jonathan Barth vs William Mendler/Tracy Sladish 11:15 am SIRC
-Submitted by Ellen Smith, Alan Fleming Tennis Tournament Committee
