The Charleston County Public Library (CCPL) branches may be closed, but patrons can still engage with their library from the comfort of their homes. CCPL offers an array of digital resources, programming and services, and continues to expand these offerings every day. To learn more, click here.
–Tidelines Editors
(Image credit: CCPL)
To Our BIFMC Supporters,
As we encounter an unparalleled moment together, we hope this article finds you and your loved ones healthy and safe. Please know that we will continue to keep you informed via our website news and social media presence, and we invite you to follow these sources of information for any important community updates. We want to share with you what the Clinic is doing in order to maintain the health and safety of our immediate community, as well as communicate how we may work together going forward to ensure the Clinic’s success in serving uninsured adults across the Barrier Islands and downtown Charleston.
Barrier Islands Free Medical Clinic has set up telemedicine access for our patients to continue to receive access to quality health care and necessary prescriptions while keeping our patients and volunteers safe. While we are not currently able to see patients in person, we are actively consulting with them over the telephone, writing prescriptions, obtaining non-generic medications and assisting them with the virtual screenings at MUSC and Roper St. Francis for any concerns surrounding COVID-19. Our staff and volunteer nurses are doing a great job fielding patient calls and connecting them with volunteer doctors. We also continue to provide our patients with diabetes monitoring supplies and any other needs they may have until we are back to normal operations. Over the days and weeks to come, we will reassess the CDC guidelines and will re-open our Clinic doors to all as soon as possible. Continue reading
Message from Board President, Dan Kortvelesy
In this new reality of sheltering in place, we often find ourselves searching for methods that allow us to maintain that important human connection.
Of a more immediate concern for the Board of Directors has been, how do you conduct the meetings necessary to carry out SIPOA business? Over the past 10 days, the SIPOA Board and staff have been trying various methods to “meet” remotely. We have had email discussions about how to set up committee meetings. On Monday we had our first video conference meeting of the executive committee. And today we conducted a special Board meeting through video conferencing. Each time we use this method, we improve our skills and efficiency to conduct a productive session. Just a quick FYI, the Board today appointed Ian Millar to fill a vacant director position until 2/13/2021. Our goal is to conduct our regularly scheduled April 2020 Board meeting through video conferencing. Towards that end, we are working on the logistics to be able to include the property owners in that meeting. Details will follow as we get closer to the meeting date.
Committee chairs have been working through the process of holding committee meetings through video conferencing. In fact, the ARC held 2 sessions through video conferencing earlier this week. At one meeting, multiple outside participants took part in the session. Builders, architects, and property owners from around the country were able to start the process of building their dream home on Seabrook Island. Many thanks go to all the directors as they work with staff to be sure that the committees meet to conduct SIPOA business. They are spending much time adjusting schedules, material presentations, and meeting format.
So how can we use the technology of video conferencing to help us as we progress through this emergency period? As I noted above, this human connection with others is important as we shelter in place. Almost every grandparent knows the value of FaceTime, Duo, or Skype; all video conferencing platforms. Connecting with your grandchild as they eat breakfast or get ready for bed is often a highlight of our day. The use of technology to maintain a connection with family or friends is essential to our emotional health. If you’re old enough, you may remember the telephone commercial where they said, “Reach out and touch someone.” (I am probably dating myself now). The ability to complete a call and not only talk with but see the other participant, allows us to connect on an even higher emotional level. Reach out and “touch” someone today.
Stay safe.
-Submitted by SIPOA, sipoa.org or 843-768-0061
March 26, 2020 — 5:00 pm
Mayor Issues Executive Order to Restrict Gatherings. On March 26, 2020, Mayor John Gregg issued Executive Order 2020-01. The order prohibits gatherings of more than ten people while outside their homes and requires people within groups of ten or fewer people to practice “social distancing” by maintaining a minimum separation of six feet between individuals. Violations of this order are punishable in accordance with provisions of the Town Code, including the imposition of fines of up to $500.00 per violation. The town’s Code Enforcement Officers are authorized to enforce the Order and are also authorized to cooperate with state and county law enforcement officers in their enforcement of the Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-13, which allows for the dispersal of gatherings of three or more individuals if the officers determine that the gathering poses a threat to public health. The Mayor’s Order was effective immediately and will remain in effect for the duration of the State of Emergency. The order applies to gatherings at all indoor and outdoor locations throughout the town (including, but not limited to, the beach, the Lake House, the Island House, and Bohicket Marina), but does not apply to gatherings within an individual’s residence.
More Info: Executive Order 2020-01 | Statement from Mayor Gregg
Seabrook Island Beach Patrol. The town’s Beach Patrol services were scheduled to begin on April 1st. As a result of the Mayor’s Order, the town has elected to activate this contract early. The town’s Beach Patrol will commence services on Friday, March 27th and will continue providing daily service through September 30th. In addition to enforcing the town’s general beach ordinances, the town’s Beach Patrol Officers have been authorized to enforce Executive Order 2020-01 and may issue citations to individuals who fail to comply with the requirements of this order. At this time, the town’s beaches remain open; however, beachgoers must limit their group size to no more than ten people, and beachgoers must also practice “social distancing” at all times.
Seabrook Island Town Hall Closed. Town Hall staff are currently working remotely to provide “virtual services” to residents and business owners by phone and email. For assistance during normal operating hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm), please contact us by phone at (843) 768-9121 or by email at info@townofseabrookisland.org. The town’s code enforcement officers will remain active on the island as long as it is safe for them to do so. As a reminder, all public meetings have been canceled through April 30th, with the exception of emergency meetings.
Charleston County Offices Closed. Charleston County government has announced that all county offices will be closed to the public beginning on Friday, March 27th. County staff will remain accessible by phone and email. Several county services, including tax payments and building permits, may be accessed on the Charleston County website. The Charleston County landfill will remain open at this time, and solid waste and recycling services will continue to operate on a normal schedule. The county’s judicial center will remain open for limited hours on weekdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Seabrook Island Village Offers Assistance to Individuals on Seabrook Island. In the spirit of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors,” Seabrook Island Village (SIV), a local 501(c)3 organization, realizes that there may be many people on Seabrook Island who might need a little assistance because they are impacted by, or may be at a higher risk, during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the SIV Board has decided to extend grocery shopping and prescription drug pick-up services at Freshfields to non-members. If you would like to use this service, please call SIV at (843) 580-2088 or visit their website. Please join us in thanking SIV and its volunteers for providing these important services to residents of Seabrook Island.
Protect Yourself and Others. To minimize the risk of exposure and to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the CDC recommends that individuals take the following precautions:
More Information. For general questions about COVID-19, please contact the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) Care Line at (855) 472-3432. Staff will be available to answer calls from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm seven days a week.
For the most reliable information about COVID-19, including what to do if you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms, residents are strongly encouraged to visit official resources, including the SCDHEC and CDC websites.
Official updates from the Town of Seabrook Island will continue to be posted on the following channels:
Property Owners with rental guests should forward this notice to their rental guests.
-Submitted by Joseph M. Cronin, Town Administrator, Town of Seabrook Island.
Yesterday we posted information about the Charleston Jazz Orchestra virtual performance of Mess Around: A Tribute to Ray Charles. They have released the link to their virtual stage tonight at 7:00 pm. Click here to see it on YouTube. Click here to view on FaceBook. If you have not signed up to receive their links for future virtual performances, click here to see the Tidelines post.
Our neighbors from the Town of Kiawah Island have sent out a list of Charleston’s attractions which you can access remotely:
Music
Friday, March 27 at 7:30 p.m. the Charleston Symphony Orchestra will live stream Pictures at an Exhibition. Click Here
To see Chamber Music Charleston’s upcoming virtual concerts and catch up on their previously streamed programs. Click Here
The Post & Courier and the Charleston Music Hall have teamed up to bring you “No Intermission” a new video series connecting local artists with audiences. Click Here
Virtual Tours
Join the South Carolina Aquarium for a virtual visit weekdays at 10 a.m. EST on Facebook Live and then at 1 p.m. Click Here
Discover exhibits during the Gibbes Museum of Art’s video tours. Click Here
Museum from home with The Charleston Museum as they share videos from inside their many Lowcountry collections. Click Here
–Tidelines Editors
A Day at the Museum – Day 3
National Gallery of Art, Washington
The National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, houses an extensive collection of art and offers changing exhibitions throughout the year. This famous American art museum features two online exhibits through Google Arts & Culture. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer. Enjoy!
–Tidelines Editors
(Image credit: The NGA website)
Many of us are using this stay at home time to clear our pantries and freezers. If you wonder whether something is still edible or safe to use, there are several sources you can consult. For instance, if you find a package of ground beef in your freezer from last summer, is it safe to eat? You may be surprised to learn it is… the flavor may have degraded but it will not harm you. Rather than hamburgers, use it in a casserole.
And that box of crackers? Even if it’s beyond the “best by” date, it is not necessarily unhealthy. Check here for details.
For more information on this, click here to see a publication on food safety from the USDA. Click here for a list of other publications from the USDA.
–Tidelines Editors
COVID-19 UPDATE #10
This afternoon Governor McMaster tweeted a request that all out of state visitors to South Carolina planning a stay of two or more nights, self-quarantine for two weeks immediately upon arrival.
Please continue to abide by the CDC recommendations for social distancing – one of our property owners even carries a tape measure on his belt to verify the 6′ of separation! Also, per the State of SC, gatherings of more than 3 people outside the home are not permitted. The Town of Seabrook Island has indicated that they plan to activate the beach patrol to remind beachgoers of this requirement.
Follow the links below to learn more:
-Submitted by SIPOA, sipoa.org or 843-768-0061
The following cancellations and changes due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak have been reported to Tidelines:
-The Turtle Patrol Orientation and T-Shirt meeting was canceled. A reminder that the deadline to order T-Shirts is April 2. If you need instructions and/or an order form, contact Gary Fansler at fanslergary@gmail.com.
–Spoleto Festival USA 2020 has been canceled. They are committed to making the 2021 Festival, scheduled for May 28 – June 13, 2021, an even more wonderful way to celebrate life and the arts. For more information, click here.
-Charleston County is canceling the in-person Main Road Corridor: Segment A public information meeting scheduled for March 31 at St. John’s High School. The public information meeting will now take place as an online meeting, which will go live on the project website, at 5 pm on March 31.
-The Post and Computer Center is open with normal hours, but they are limiting the number of people in the store to 10 people. They will be locking the door when the building reaches the 10 people maximum. If you are trying to enter the store when it is locked, please wait until a Post and Computer Center employee opens the door to let you in.
–Seabrook Island Club has announced the following:
-For the latest update from Town of Seabrook Island, click here.
-For the latest post from SIPOA, click here.
-For the latest update on Freshfields Village store hours and closings, click here.
Dining To-Go Options Offered Locally:
-Freshfields To-Go click here.
-Seabrook Island Club To-Go click here.
-Kiawah To-Go click here.
-McCann’s Irish Pub curbside pickup 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm.
To read about previously posted cancellations and changes, click on read more.
An Important Reminder from the Seabrook Island Utility Commission:
Please do not flush wipes or paper towels down the toilet even if they are labeled “flushable”.
Studies show that wipes do not fall apart or disintegrate enough to safely pass through the sewer system and may pose real damage to your home’s plumbing system, blockages within the island’s utility system, and damage to the pump stations.
If you experience a service emergency such as a backup in your drain or toilet, contact your plumber or a service such as Roto-Rooter immediately. Only when the blockage appears beyond your private plumbing system where your line connects to ours, contact SIUC. The utility service emergency number is 843.768.0102.
The SIUC Team is fully staffed and working to provide our customers the water and sewer service they need. We do not expect any service disruptions. The water we supply our customers comes to us already treated by the Charleston Water System. According to the CDC, Covid-19 virus has not been detected in drinking water.
As a reminder, paying your bill through Auto Draft or our online payment system will help you pay on time and it helps us in processing your payments more efficiently. If you haven’t already done so, please consider signing up for Auto Draft today through our website at www.siuc.org. An application can be found in the Forms & Reports section.
Thanks and stay safe and healthy!
-Submitted by the Seabrook Island Utility Commission
Have you watched a terrific show or movie at home lately? Maybe you’ve discovered an interesting series on Amazon Prime or Netflix or another media service provider. Since we are all spending more time in our homes these days, Tidelines is inviting you to share your recommendations for things to view. We’ll publish a list now and then showcase the variety of things that Seabrookers are watching.
Below are a few examples to get us started.
The Sopranos (TV series 1999-2007)
New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano deals with personal and professional issues in his home and business life that affect his mental state, leading him to seek professional psychiatric counseling.
The Wire (TV series 2002-2008)
The Baltimore drug scene, as seen through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement.
Downton Abbey (TV series 2010-2015)
A chronicle of the lives of the British aristocratic Crawley family and their servants in the early twentieth century.
For more information on content, try IMDb (Internet Movie Database), an online database of information related to films, television programs, home videos, video games, and streaming content.
Submission Guidelines
Share your recommendations with other Seabrookers so we can all enjoy entertaining content at home. We welcome your submissions.
–Tidelines Editors
COVID-19 UPDATE #9
Yesterday, Governor McMaster issued an order to reduce gatherings of people outside their homes, to three people. He also reinforced the use of common sense and awareness of CDC guidelines in our daily activities. Each of us, with thought, caring, and conscientious attention to recommendations can help keep our families and our neighbors safe.
This SCDHEC site which is updated regularly provides information on health questions and best practices: https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19
Today, the Governor announced that SC schools are closed through the end of April. This will likely extend SIPOA virtual operations to enable employees to tend to their families.
Many Admin staff members are working remotely to follow health recommendations and keep things running smoothly. Some employees are reporting to the Admin office each day (different schedules and lots of distance), and the phone is ringing off the hook! Vastly more call volume than a normal business day!
We’re responding to calls as we can, however, we strongly urge property owners to communicate with SIPOA via email regarding requests or questions – especially if there are any orders to shelter-in-place in the future. There are basic forms, such as Vehicle Information forms (to obtain new barcodes), ARC applications, and the Public Comment form (for general info/questions), on the website at www.sipoa.org. We are fortunate to have online tools available to help staff, committees and the Board of Directors work more efficiently at remote locations. A great improvement, even over tools in the most recent hurricane. Of course, having power and internet access makes a huge difference!
Also, please acknowledge our Maintenance staff, Lake House staff, and Security officers who continue to work on-site every day while following best health practices.
SIPOA facilities remain closed. To assist our property owners in keeping fit and reducing stress while social distancing, the Lake House will be introducing online fitness videos for each of our current classes. They can be accessed by owners with monthly class passes. The videos should be available by the end of the week. We’ll provide more information as soon as they are available.
This is a stressful and anxious time for all of us. We want to thank the many owners that have emailed us with comments on the exceptional community we live in. We appreciate everyone taking the time to provide their thoughts and opinions. Whatever the opinion, all communications reflect a commitment to Seabrook Island as a community that our owners – resident and/or non-resident – are dedicated to and consider home. That is something we can all be proud of.
By working together, we can help each other stay safe.
-Submitted by SIPOA, sipoa.org or 843-768-0061
