Fc Flipbook

PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID FOLLY BEACH, SC PERMIT NO 27

Vol. 1 Issue 9

Folly Beach’s Newspaper

February 20, 2009 w FREE

Original photo provided by Save the Light

I N S I D E

Whale of a lesson on page 3

Know your Charleston on page 5

Manhattan on Folly on page 12

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February 20, 2009

Shine on

Running for the light

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By Bri Horahan

By Ali Akhyari

early 700 people from at least 18 58, Ray Baumil (70), Michael Ezzel (90), different states came together Robert Nevell (100), Ben Demeyer (133), on Folly Beach for the 2009 Keith Tomlin (148), Kate Barattini (158), Save the Light Half Marathon and 5K Brian Caldwell (166), Laura Rafferty (223) and Thomas Eason (279). on February 7. Tom Bessent was the highest ranking “It was a great success,” says Pat Stormer of the Save the Light Folly Beach runner who participated in organization. “The weather was perfect, the half-marathon, placing number 53. the sun was shining, and the runners and Tripp Ransom finished 64, followed by Ryan Graham (242). families were smiling.” Congratulations to everyone who The event drew nearly 40 percent more people than in 2008. The increase helped the Save the Light organization was noticeable according to Josh Minton, continue to protect the Morris Island a 15 year-old James Islander who, in Lighthouse by participating in the races. his first attempt, won the 5K last year. He only started running in the seventh For more information about Save the Light grade. Minton, now a tenth grader at or the race, visit www.savethelight.org. James Island Charter School, was the second male finisher of the 5K this year and third overall. Minton admitted to making the mistake of starting off at too quick a pace in an effort to keep up with competitor Will Huff, who ended up winning. Huff, of Augusta, Georgia, took first place with a time of 17:02. Sopagna Eap, a 27 year-old Johns Island woman, finished in second with a time of 17:52. Riley Mullen was the only Folly Beach resident to crack the top 10. He finished ninth with a time of 19:45. There were 355 total runners in the 5K race. Steve Pastorek of Jonesborough, Tennessee won the half marathon with a time of 1:17:10. Nathan Jackson of Charleston and Ben Sherard of Mount Pleasant took second and third place respectively with times of 1:21:48 and 1:22:46. They finished in the top three of 315 runners. Other Folly Beach residents that finished the 5K were Davis With the finish line in sight, runners give all they have left Whitfield who finished

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here has been a light on Morris Island since the early 1670s, when it was little more than a “’fier ball of pitch and ocum lit in an iron basket”, funded by taxing each ship that left the harbor. The first permanent lighthouse was constructed in 1767 and reached 42 feet high, burning “whale oil in lamps suspended from the dome’s interior”. The “Charleston Light”, as it was called, was one of ten Revolutionary War lighthouses in the colonies. It was rebuilt in 1800 during the lighthouse service boom in order to “cast the light further out to sea”. It stood until the Civil War, when it was destroyed by the Confederate Army to guard against enemy occupation. Today, the 158 foot structure that still stands off Morris Island was first illuminated on October 1, 1876. Its light reached 19 miles out to sea. It was left untouched until 1938, when the lighthouse was mechanized with a four-power acetylene lens. It was in this same year that the lighthouse keeper’s house was dismantled for fear that it would wash away and endanger ships entering the harbor. In 1939, monthly inspections showed the extent of damage incurred on the building. It was the bomb training of the Naval Aviators, dropping bombs on Folly Beach houses, that damaged the concrete base of the lighthouse. However, with technological advancements, lighthouses were becoming less and less needed by the 1940s, and, in 1956, the Sullivan’s Island Lighthouse proposed site was concluded to be more in line with the harbor than the Morris Island Light. It was put out in 1965, since it was no longer adjacent to the channel. Local fishermen and mariners feared that the lighthouse, their landmark, would be demolished as Coast Guard Headquarter plans originally stated, because it was of no use and inactive. However, Commander Tindle announced in 1962 that “[s]o long as she remains in reasonably good shape structurally, we will see Lighthouse on page 10

Happy Birthday Miss Margaret! Provided by Leo Brueggeman

Miss Margaret, as she is fondly called, has been an active member of the Charleston community since 1939 and maintains a schedule that would exhaust women half her age. She has volunteered with the American Red Cross, is an associate member of the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy (OLM), has served as an usher for the Dock Street Theatre, and is an active member of the Theresian’s, a Catholic women’s organization that fosters intellectual, spiritual and community enrichment opportunities. She approaches all of her activities with boundless good humor and a twinkle in her eye.

www.follycurrent.sc

February 20, 2009

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civic

All or nothing C it y e x a m i n e s e n c r oac h m e n t polic y Staff Report

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he City Council continued to discuss their feelings on recovering roadside public properties which have been taken and utilized by many residents as private properties. The City has already had to go to court on at least one occasion because a resident built an extension on their home which extended into the right-of-way. The problem is mainly in the areas of Arctic and Ashley, the roads closest to the beach, where visitors like to park in order to have the shortest distance to walk. However, some residents have erected all sorts of barricades to prevent parking in what they have construed as their yards. This action is actually illegal and an encroachment onto public property. Mayor Carl Beckmann pointed out that the State of South Carolina, not the residents, own the property bordering the roadways. The illegal encroachment could affect the City’s compliance with the State’s Beach Management Plan as well as future funding for beach restoration. The public right-of-way on Folly Beach extends 10 feet from the center line of any public street on the island. This provides a buffer on the sides of the road that can be utilized for parking, sidewalks and other uses that the municipality deems

appropriate. But the City and/or State is partially responsible for the rampant abuse of public property. “It’s been let go, and let go, and let go,” Council member Dave Stormer said. The belief that a resident owns the property all the way to the street has become habitual as a result of non-action from the government. According to City Administrator Toni Connor-Rooks, she has seen Council discuss the matter as early as 1980, when she was hired. Despite three decades to deal with it, no action has been taken to correct the matter and little enforcement of law has been seen. As a result, it has become commonplace for a resident to illegally prohibit the general public from utilizing the right-of-way. “This is something that the Council on Folly has never wanted to tackle,” Mayor Beckmann said. The City is contemplating how to be the first Council to correct the situation. While most of the encroachment has occurred on the blocks around Arctic and Ashley in response to busy summer traffic, most members of the Council seem to agree that any decision they make will have to apply island wide. “It better be an all-or-nothing policy

or you’re going to have a rough road to travel,” Council member Tim Goodwin warned. “We have to treat everyone the same.” Council member Tom Scruggs, though, warned that an island wide policy would invite a lot of confrontation with residents. Technically, as Council member Laura Beck pointed out, the road and the right-of-way are the State’s responsibility. However, Mayor Beckmann pointed out that giving the State the reigns on clearing the right-of-way could result in a simple grading of the entire area with little to no regard for sand dunes, protected trees, or other characteristics of which the City would be mindful. It was noted that their attempt to begin dealing with it should satisfy the State, which pointed out that Folly Beach did not seem to have a strategy for dealing with the encroachment issue; something that could impact future funding for beach re-nourishment. Mayor Beckmann says the issue will not be resolved in the next few months, but they will continue to discuss ways to handle it as they move forward.

Campsen teaching hard lesson

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hat started out as an endearing, environmental plea from students at Alice Drive Elementary in Sumter, SC, may be turning into a confusing and disappointing lesson in politics. The students, after learning about the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, appealed to their State representatives to recognize the animal as the State’s official marine mammal. The estimated 350 remaining whales known to exist currently use our waters as one of their

By Ali Akhyari few calving grounds. The animal was originally named “Right Whale” because it was the “right” whale to kill, with its stores of rich blubber and tendency to swim close to the ocean’s surface. On January 14, Senator Phil Leventis responded to the school and introduced legislation known as S.272, which would name the Right Whale as the State’s marine mammal. According to the bill, “Scientists have recently spotted as many as twenty of these endangered animals off the coast of South Carolina,

including both newborns and expectant females, making the protection of these majestic marine mammals an issue of considerable concern and interest to South Carolinians.” On January 23, the bill was sent to a Senate sub-committee, which Charleston/Berkeley County representative Chip Campsen heads. From that point on, it took only five days for the Alice Drive Elementary School students to see politics in action. Senator Campsen says that his personal see Whale on page 12

Lynn Pierotti Publisher [email protected] Ali Akhyari Editor [email protected] Kristin Hackler Managing Editor [email protected] Swan Richards Graphic Designer [email protected] Brittany Urbach Reporter [email protected] Richard Brendel Advertising [email protected] Becca Finley Copy Editor/Reporter [email protected] Interns Jennifer Millar Bridget Hinkebein Bri Horahan Ashley Anderson • Contributors Folly Beach Red Dot Mia Burmeister-Laws Cortney Ness David Farrow Megan Carroll Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS Future deadlines: February 25 for submissions. The Folly Current, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina LLC, is a free, independent newspaper published every two weeks and is for and about Folly Beach. Copies are mailed free of charge to every active mailbox in our coverage area and are also available at area businesses and by subscription to non-islanders. Subscriptions are $30 per year for non-residents and are available by sending a check to Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC, P.O. Box 837, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482. Contributions of information, pictures and articles are welcomed and are used according to space limitations and news value and cannot be returned except by special request. Our editorial content is primarily dedicated to the area of distribution; ad space is open to all businesses who want to reach the Folly Beach market. Complete ad creation is $50, however, changes of up to 30% of the original ad are included at no extra cost. All advertising rates are listed at www. islandeyenews.com under “advertising”.

Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC Publishers of The Folly Current, The Island Eye News and the Island Connection.

www.follycurrent.sc

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February 20, 2009

Honoring island history

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By Mia Burmeister-Laws, Realtor

istoric districts can be structured differently. It is up to the residents of each city and town to be involved with its protection and maintenance. After all, it is the unique quality of the place that needs to be preserved and remembered. Not all historic districts are created equal. A good district is mindful to leave room for the district to grow while simultaneously respecting and maintaining the details of its past. When this is handled correctly, the town’s innate structural elements flourish. An example would be Sullivan’s Island. I spoke with both Mayor Carl Smith of Sullivan’s Island and Mayor Pro-Tem Patrick O’Neil, PhD, about the recent

implementation of the Sullivan’s Island Historic District. Mayor Pro-Tem O’Neil stated that, “Around 2003, the Sullivan’s Island Town Council became aware of the escalating threats to the Island’s historical and cultural fabric posed by the loss of a number of our historic structures and the demolition risk to others fueled by the escalating real estate market. Many of the structures that defined Sullivan’s Island were being lost to the bulldozer and replaced by far larger, generic buildings. The feel of the Island was at risk. Council first responded by enacting a stopgap measure to prevent the demolition or change of structures that had been identified as historically significant in

A taste of the Pacific

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provided by the Red Dot

he wine experts at Southern Wine & Spirits have graciously agreed to present a series of wine tastings and seminars for Red Dot members. The first event will feature wines from the Pacific Coast and will be held on Sunday, February 22 from 4-6pm at the new Bed & Breakfast, located at 107 East Erie. You will love what Michael and Christy have done with the B&B! Get your reservations in as soon as possible as the guest list needs to be limited. All wines sampled at the tasting will be available to members at a 10% discount through the end of February. Remember that we are happy to special order both wines and liquors for Red Dot members. You can make your request by signing our “Wish List” at the store or by e-mailing me at [email protected]. Our goal is to serve the tastes of the Folly Beach Community, which we love so much. We offer a large selection at a reasonable price, and we will put your champagnes and white wines in the chiller if you call in advance. To become a member of the Red Dot, one must be a “local” and come by the store to sign up for their mailing list. Members will then be notified of weekly manager’s specials as well as special discounts and events (such as the wine tasting). If you wish to attend the wine tasting, be sure to become a member and RSVP. For more information, stop by the Red Dot, located behind Bert’s Market on 2nd Street East between Ashley and Cooper Ave.

Rabies vaccination clinic

an earlier survey done by preservation expert David Schneider. In 2004, we passed ordinances that created a more specifically defined Historic Overlay District which included the previously designated structures, stipulating the ways in which these structures were to be protected. We also created the Design Review Board as the body to which owners could appeal the historic designation of their property By recognizing and protecting old cottages like this one and which reviewed with historic districts, you can put your own twist onto plans for changes and an old design while honoring our barrier islands’ unique additions to historic characteristics. You could even get special tax credits! structures. When we of vigorous debates characteristic of the completely revamped our zoning ordinance later, we added Island. But while the resulting ordinance some ways in which historic properties and its implementation aren’t perfect and were granted some ‘bonuses’ with regard have been a work in progress, I think to some of the restrictions in the overall that these efforts saved Sullivan’s Island’s identity from being destroyed.” zoning ordinance.” Cottages and other historic buildings “In 2007, we were successful in getting will be the ghosts of our architectural four separate historic districts (which landscape if not for proper identification don’t completely overlap the Historic District created in the ordinance) placed and preservation practices. An historic on the National Register of Historic district could be the key to this protection. Places. Inclusion in the National Just think of a beach, countryside or Register does not in itself add any more mountain retreat landscape without the restrictions to the property. In fact, the quaint shape of the cottage. As more properties recognized as contributing to individuals make the conscious effort to these districts are eligible in some cases ask before destroying, we may actually for state and/or federal tax credits. The find more and more enjoyment in what the process wasn’t easy, and we had the kinds see Historic Homes on page 10

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Protect your pets by participating in the City of Folly Beach’s rabies vaccination clinic on April 4. The clinic will run from 9am-12pm at the Folly Beach Fire Station. The vaccination fee is only $3 per animal. All dogs must be leashed and cats are to be confined. There were two diagnosed cases of rabies in raccoons on Folly Beach in 2008. Please take advantage of this opportunity to keep your pets safe. In addition, you may also purchase your 2009 Pet License for $3 per animal at the clinic. The license is free for anyone over 55 years of age.

Pet Helpers Pets of the Week 

Little Brown Girl Howdy! I’m 8 1/2 months old and was found in the woods behind Pet Helpers! I was brought in after I learned to trust the girls feeding me-so I’m still a little shy. But I’m also very sweet once I get to know you, and I’m very chatty! So come on in and talk to me! Spayed, vax, chip, fee.

Helga Hey there! I’m a 1 1/2 year old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier (Staffie for short) I find it impolite to drool and will challenge you to thumb wrestling with my beautiful muscles! I am very sweet and tender. I’m just looking for a soft place to land. Spayed, vax, chip, fee.

Pet Helpers is located at 1447 Folly Road, James Island. Hours: Mon – Fri from 11am – 6pm and Sat from 11am - 5pm. Closed: Sundays and Holidays. For more information, please call 843-795-1110.

www.follycurrent.sc

February 20, 2009

Put your best food forward

Locklear’s: well worth your sand dollar By Ashley Anderson

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f you’re ever visiting the Folly fishing pier and pangs of hunger strike unexpectedly, you won’t need to walk more than twenty feet. Amidst the sea of wooden planks and wide ocean lies a gem of a restaurant, tucked away at the pier entrance. Locklear’s Beach City Grill epitomizes Lowcountry dining with a Folly Beach twist. Customers can enjoy brunch, lunch and dinner above the Folly shoreline. Locklear’s opened in 2006 with the goal of serving the freshest ingredients at reasonable prices. “The aim was a casual restaurant on the beach where people can be comfortable in bathing suits and flip flops,” said owner Kris Kincaid. Painted in pale yellow and sky blue, the restaurant’s atmosphere oozes simple serenity with a gentle sense of humor. Sailboats, starfish and herons decorate the walls and giant, decorative copper martini glasses hang beside the bar. Two dark wooden single-blade fans circulate above by a simple pulley system. With windows for walls, customers have a beachfront view at any angle. Outdoor seating is like the ultimate deck where you can walk right out onto the pier. Birds hover outside, wishing they could be in on the Lowcountry feast. “Welcome to Locklear’s,” the menu reads. “Kick back and enjoy the view. Please don’t feed the birds; they will not help pay the bill. Remember, unattended children will be used as crab bait.” There’s something euphoric about sitting within feet of your meals point of origin. If the tide were high enough, your seafood could almost hop directly on your plate. While Locklear’s catches their own seafood when they can, they also help to support the local shrimping and fishing industry by purchase from local fishermen. Locklear’s menu is extensive. They have everything from fried green tomatoes, hushpuppies, pasta, gumbo and benedicts, to fried seafood of all

types. Their take on surf and turf comes between two buns, and the Folly Crab Burger incorporates fresh-picked blue crab mixed with mushrooms and onions; served grilled. Their Beaufort Shrimp Burger has chopped shrimp mixed with green onions and bell peppers, and their award winning she-crab soup literally has half a crab leg in every bite. The drinks list is almost as extensive as the menu. When beachgoers wander in, parched for a drink, Locklear’s offers 18 different beers, as well as wines from California, Italy, Spain and France, and they never want customers to hesitate about ordering a drink before high noon. The brunch menu section entitled “Vivations” includes Bloody Marys, Mimosas, Peachy Bellinis, Bailey’s & coffee, and Dirty Harrys (Zing Zang, olive juice and vodka). Locklear’s has two other locations: One on James Island, which has been open for six years, and one in Mount Pleasant, which has been open for over 20 years. The menu is not shy to endorse its other locations, “Check out our sister restaurant, she is older but still hot.” If you’re ever seeking shelter from the sweltering heat, but still want to enjoy the perks of lounging by the beach, Locklear’s is the place to go. Located at 101 E Arctic Street, they’re open seven days a week for lunch and dinner as well as Sunday brunch.

Do you know your Charleston?

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by David Farrow

s I began this column, the cable went out. Suddenly the din of politicians screaming at me was silenced. Abruptly, I was forced to think for myself without the caterwauling and shrillness. I got to pondering about what a large role television plays in so many American lives. It has become an anesthetic, a way for us to ignore life around us. I got to thinking to my early childhood and the two television stations that baby sat my generation with Happy Raine and Suzie-Q the elephant. This was before there were such things as media markets, before working at a local station was just

playing in the minors waiting to be called up to AA; before you became part of the “Channel Seven Broadcast Family.” Have you ever noticed that the more different reporters and reporterettes appear on the stations, the more the corporate suits emphasize the familial aspect of the station – the more unfamiliar the faces, the louder the calls of unity? I had occasion to go to Maine over the recent holidays and I noticed that they have the same phenomenon. Just as someone climbing the corporate ladder will bounce from the Charleston market to Charlotte to the Atlanta market, people in Bangor are shooting for Portland, then Boston. As we grow older, I’ve noticed that local news now comes in a corporate package that shows see Soup on page 11

www.follycurrent.sc

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February 20, 2009

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February 20, 2009

Folly Current Calendar February 20 - February Friday, February 20 Folly Exchange Club membership drive For a limited time the Folly Beach Exchange Club is reducing the fee to join. New members may join for $30 for the first quarter dues. You do not have to be a Folly Beach resident to join. This offer ends March 1, 2009. For more info call 588-9238 or 588-2254. Folly Beach Drinking Liberally An informal, inclusive progressive social group. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Every Friday of each month, 5:30pm at Buffalo South, 1409 Folly Rd (On Folly Rd just past Fort Johnson Rd.).

Saturday, February 21 Folly Gras The City of Folly Beach will host Folly Beach’s version of Mardi Gras! Come out and enjoy the festivities in a way that only Folly can. The parade will begin at 2pm and Center Street will be closed from the bridge to the traffic light from then until all participants get down the street. If you want to participate contact City Hall for more information at 588-7000 ext. 4. Mardi Gras B.A.S.H. 7 pm at Nativity School, off Folly Road on James Island. The school’s annual fundraiser features a live and silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Tickets are $25. They can be purchased from the main office at the school or by calling 843-795-3975. Wind and Hail Insurance (WHIG) meeting and discussion The Seabrook Island Wind and Hail Group (WHIG) invites all who are interested to a discussion of wind and hail (hurricane) insurance issues. Dropped policies? Rising costs? Confusing language? 3:30 - 4:30pm at Seabrook Island Town Hall, 2001 Seabrook Island Road.

www.follycurrent.sc

Geocaching: Passport to Geocaching After a brief tutorial, teams will test their knowledge on a Geocaching Scavenger Hunt throughout James Island County Park!  Team registration is strongly encouraged.  Maximum per group is 8 participants.  One member of the group must be the main contact and at least 18 years of age.  A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 17 and under.  Pre-registration required.  Call Park and Program Services at (843) 795-4386 to register your group. Ages 8 and up. Fee: $6/$5 CCR Discount. 8am to 1pm. Climbing clinics: rescue for climbers 201 Take your rescue techniques to a new level. We will briefly review basic rescue techniques and then go into more advanced scenarios.  Pre-registration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. Fee: $72/$60 CCR Discount. 9am to 5pm. Civil War Encampment  Saturday, February 21,  and Sunday, February 22, visitors may enjoy numerous educational programs and activities centered on a Civil War Encampment set up in the Middleton Place Stableyards.  See cooking and camp life demonstrations, military tactical demonstrations and more.  Regular Garden admission, adults $25, children (7-15) $5, 6 and under are free. For additional information, call Middleton Place at (843) 556-6020. CSO presents McCradys Pops: Neuvo Tango with Pablo Ziegler When it comes to tango, Pablo Ziegler is the authority.  Don’t miss Ziegler with his guitar and bandoneon players.  Playful, sensual and romantic – grab your sweetheart for the perfect date! Show starts at 8pm at the Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Downtown. Tickets are $20 - $45; $5 student tickets (with ID) and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 554-6060, at all Ticketmaster Outlets and at

www.charlestonsymphony.com.

Sunday, February 22 James Island Farmers and Crafters Market Selling local produce, bakery items, jams, jellies, ciders, boiled peanuts, fresh herbs, jewelry, photography, pottery, and clothing with live music on the deck. First and Third Sunday of every month, 11am to 3pm at The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. 571-4343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com.

Tuesday, February 24 Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday

Wednesday, February 25 Ash Wednesday Folly Garden Club The Folly Garden Club meets at 1pm at the Folly Beach Community Center.

Friday, February 27 Folly Beach Drinking Liberally An informal, inclusive progressive social group. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Every Friday of each month, 5:30pm at Buffalo South, 1409 Folly Rd (On Folly Rd just past Fort Johnson Rd.).

Saturday, February 28 Worthy Creatures basset hound meet & greet From 1pm to 4pm, waddle on over to meet the wonderful adoptable dogs from Carolina Basset Hound Rescue and hear about their adoption, fostering and volunteer opportunities. Join us from 2 to 3pm for some cool and crazy canine contests. Animals and their properly restrained people always welcome! Worthy Creatures

is located in the Shoppes at Seaside Farms, 1960 Riviera Drive, Suite E, Mount Pleasant. 388-2515 or visit www.worthycreatures.com.

Gullah Heritage presents: Anne Caldwell and sweetgrass baskets Celebrate Gullah Heritage at Charles Pinckney National Historic site every Saturday at 2pm during February and March, 2009. Today, listen to Ann Caldwell & the Magnolia Singers sing spirituals and watch Jeannette Lee give a sweetgrass basket demonstration. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site:1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. Call 843-8815516 or visit www.nps.gov/chpi.

Sunday, March 1 James Island Farmers and Crafters Market Selling local produce, bakery items, jams, jellies, ciders, boiled peanuts, fresh herbs, jewelry, photography, pottery, and clothing with live music on the deck. First and Third Sunday of every month, 11am to 3pm at The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. 571-4343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com.

Thursday, March 5 Charleston Food and Wine Festival kicks off From March 5 – 8, guests have the opportunity to indulge in the unique flavors of the Lowcountry while tasting the epicurean delights of the country’s best chefs, authors and wine professionals. Learn about and get a taste of Southern cuisine and the Lowcountry’s unique food styles, heritage and recipes at various events and venues throughout the weekend. Funds raised will go to MUSC children’s hospital and other charities. Tickets go fast - so get them while they’re hot! For more information, visit www.charlestonfoodandwine.com or call 727-9998.

www.follycurrent.sc

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February 20, 2009

February 20, 2009

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ave you ever driven by the scene of a traffic accident, the scattered, twisted metal and glass illuminated by the lights of emergency vehicles, and you tell yourself that you really shouldn’t look but you can’t help it? Welcome to Danny Aronofsky’s The Wrestler, the wreck of a movie from which you just can’t turn your eyes. The movie is a character study of Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke), a washed-up wrestler, who is struggling to find life after the lights have gone out. His inability to move on from his wrestling career is heartwrenching to watch. The gritty, hand-held camera shots give this movie a documentary feel and complete the sensation of a life left cold and empty. We follow Randy’s emotionally draining journey to stay fixed in his past glory while ignoring his present ailing body. Sitting in the basement of a church, preparing to sign autographs for an undersized and lack luster crowd, Randy scans the room and sees, through his fallen comrades, his reality: canes, urine bags and wheel chairs. This is life after professional wrestling. He is no

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different; he is no better and never was. They were all great stars once and now, like him, they are empty men holding onto memories of greatness. The film is full of action scenes showing the wrestlers in their environment. These are painful to watch. With bone crushing blows, plate glass windows to the body and staple guns to the forehead, the film is in your face with the blood and pure violence that goes on in the ring. It puts into context the wrestling we see on television: the hype, the absurdity, the staging and the violence. Forced into retirement after a heart attack, Randy tries to reconnect with a daughter (Evan Rachel Wood) he lost years ago and tries to spark a new relationship with a stripper/mom (Marisa Tomei). The relationship with his daughter is just another part of the real life in which Randy fails. What is disconcerting is that this one good piece of storyline falls flat. The film seems to skim right over it as if it where inconsequential and for me, this was a major flaw in Aronfsky’s film. I wanted a deeper meaning here, but it just didn’t happen. Cassidy (Marisa Tomei) and Randy find themselves lost in jobs that are best kept by the young. Again, another relationship the filmmaker leaves unfulfilled. Marisa Tomei’s portrayal of an aging-stripper was good, but the character development was just not there: not enough “meat on those bones”, so to speak.

www.follycurrent.sc

Like too many of us in today’s society, Randy’s whole life was his career and once that slips away, he was left with nothing. The constant realization of his vacant existence is a reality which I found unsettling. The depth of Rourke’s acting, much of which he draws from his own tortured personal life, just seems bottomless. He brings this sad character to life so well: maybe too well. At times you feel choked by his utter desperation, his loneliness and his uninhabited life outside of his career. Rourke makes you feel every ounce of Randy’s anguish and his pain, even though at times you can barely stand more. Maybe the reality of this film, like the car accident, is just too hard to watch; yet can not ignore it. The Wrestler is currently showing at the Terrace Theater. Show times are Friday to Sunday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:30, 9:40 and Monday to Thursday: 2:40, 5:10, 7:30. The Terrace Theater is located at 1956D Maybank Highway, James Island. (843) 762-4247.

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Folly Beach police reports January 31- Officers responded to a string of vacation home burglaries. In this case, thieves had gained entry by breaking a bedroom window and stolen over $7000 worth of merchandise, including a 61” plasma television. Police believe there to be more than one thief. Officers referred to the thieves’ work as sloppy and “not on the same sheet of music”. Suspects were still unknown at the time of this report. January 31- Two homes on the 1300 block of East Ashley were discovered to have been broken into and vandalized. In addition, it was discovered that another home on the block had also been broken into and a $750 flat screen television was stolen. The crimes are believed to have been committed sometime between January 20 and the 31. No suspects at the time of this report. January 31- Officers responded when it was discovered that a vacant vacation rental had been broken into sometime that month. A rear window had been broken and the suspect(s) appeared to have left through the back door. The alarm was not activated. Drawers and doors had been opened. A $4000 television was known to have been stolen. It was noted that these criminals also appeared to not be on the “same sheet of music”. No suspects at time of report. January 31- The front door of a home on West Ashley Avenue had been vandalized Historic Homes from page 5 past has already provided. It could even become a passion. This seems to have been the case for Michael Riffert and Dr. Christy Richardson on Folly Beach. After purchasing several cottages built in 1930, they remodeled them. One became Christy’s dentist office with the great big word SMILE, in true Folly fashion, over the entrance. The other cottages became the charming, bright yellow Beachside Bed and Breakfast, complete with dangling mirrored mobiles and fanciful ornaments. True Folly.

February 20, 2009

Police Reports

and the home broken into. It seemed that the culprits actually spent some time inside the home, smoking cigarettes and drinking beer as evidenced by the leftover cans and butts. Nothing appeared missing; however, approximately $400 worth of damage had been done to the residence. No suspects at time of report. February 1- A resident was surprised to find a 64 year-old stranger in the shower after returning home from the store. The suspect did not come to the bathroom door for a long time after the owner knocked on it. After answering the door, the suspect simply walked back into the bathroom and continued showering. Police were called and they arrested the subject, who was able to speak clearly and answer questions, and charged him with trespassing.

February 3- Police were able to serve a Berkeley County warrant on a female after she was discovered having ‘relations’ with a male beneath a blanket on the side of the road by the washout. The car had been illegally parked, which drew the officer’s attention. There was an open container of beer in the vehicle and both were charged for that offense. The female was given over to the Berkeley County Sheriffs Department while the male was forced to call a ride as he was too intoxicated to drive. February 6- A truck was pulled over for passing a police officer with its high beams on. It was discovered that the driver was suspended from driving in South Carolina When forming an Historic District, its important not to “throw the baby out with the bath water” by trading old for new. By growing without losing the district’s character and maintaining what made the town or city special in the first place, you preserve the “essence” of the place you live. To contact Mia, email Mia@ RealEstateMIA.com or call 843-8101000. View my websites at www. HistoricAndIslandHomes.com or www. RealEstateMIA.com

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and was consequently arrested. February 7- In the early morning hours, a police officer observed a motorcyclist riding so close to another vehicle that he did not see the motorcycle until he had passed it in the opposite direction. The motorcyclist accelerated and tried to escape when he saw the officer turn around and drove as fast as 90 miles per hour before the chase ended when the subject finally pulled over on Battery Island Drive. He was arrested for the offenses. February 7- At around 2:30am, a vehicle switched lanes on Center Street without signaling and cut off a police officer in the process. The vehicle was pulled over and the three subjects, who were under the age of 21, admitted to drinking and all of them handed over their fake IDs. The driver admitted to having illegal narcotics and took responsibility. The three subjects were cited and handed over to a family member. February 7- A very intoxicated man had entered the Kangaroo store, flipped over several displays and made a general mess before walking out with some nachos and five bags of M&M’s without paying. An officer arrived as the subject was leaving. He was arrested for shoplifting and disorderly conduct. February 8- An officer pulled a vehicle over for having a broken taillight at 1:59am. Upon approaching the car, the officer immediately noticed the smell of alcohol Lighthouse from page 2 let her stand”. But, in a strange turn of events, the Coast Guard announced months later that the lighthouse would be demolished as it was in danger of collapse. Just in time, the Preservation Society of Charleston stepped forward with a proposal to purchase the property and the Coast Guard took no further action. However, the Preservation Society was unable to come up with the funding to purchase the lighthouse and it passed to Paul Gunter, a Columbia businessman. Save the Light, Inc. purchased the lighthouse in 1999 for $75,000 from Gunter. Save the Light’s ultimate goal is to turn the lighthouse over to the State of South Carolina through the Heritage Trust, which will ensure its protection and continued preservation. Chairman Al Hitchcock said that, “[Our] Mission to save the Morris Island Lighthouse is moving along nicely since we have completed phase I, the cofferdam ring around the foundation, including large stone around the outside, and are getting ready to move into phase II. This will strengthen the foundation by jet grouting underneath and on top of the wooden piles, and tie the old concrete pile cap back to the worm-damaged piles under it. Once we accomplish this, we will then fill the cofferdam with sand, pump all the

and believed the subject to be in an altered mental state. The subject had trouble following simple directions and agreed to a field sobriety test, which he failed. He was arrested and his license suspended after refusing to take a breathalyzer. February 9- An officer observed a vehicle stopped in the middle of Center Street with no lights on at about 1:50am. The officer got behind the vehicle, which still failed to turn its lights on as it pulled off. A traffic stop was initiated and the vehicle stopped on the Folly River Bridge after running into the curb. The officer used his PA system to direct the driver to drive beyond the bridge before pulling over and the driver complied. The officer had no trouble realizing the woman was severely intoxicated. In addition to the heavy small of alcohol, the 12 open containers in the vehicle and the flask of vodka, the driver had the windshield wipers on despite the complete lack of rain and clear sky. She could not follow instructions nor operate the controls of her own car. She was unable to unlock her own door when asked to do so, nor could she produce the proper paperwork. She failed the field sobriety test and wasn’t allowed to try again for her own safety. She was arrested and later found to have a .19% blood alcohol level (nearly 2.5 times the legal limit). February 9- A man was found sleeping in his vehicle on East Ashley at 5:16am for the second time in three days. Having been warned the first time that camping on Folly Beach is illegal and let go, he was arrested for the offense. water out and pour a concrete cap on top of the cofferdam ring, which we feel will then solidly reinforce the foundation to withstand any storms that can come our way. We will then begin the long process of restoring the tower itself so that it will be a monument to those who come after us to remind them of our Maritime heritage and what this lighthouse has meant to Charleston and the world.” Recently, the portion of Morris Island nearest to Sullivan’s Island was annexed into the City of Charleston. Chairman Hitchcock said that, “We, Save the Light, Inc., are glad to see the effort by the City of Charleston in acquiring the land and support the overall effort to have the whole Island not developed”. The Lighthouse was not a part of this annexation and is still in the protective hands of Save the Light, Inc. Pat Stormer of Save the Light said that “[We] are working very hard to raise the needed funds to complete the stabilization of the lighthouse”. Please visit www.savethelight.org and help to the save the Morris Island Lighthouse by becoming a member, donating and supporting their events. There will be a Silent Auction and Gala at the Folly Beach Holiday Inn on Thursday, April 30, 2009. Tickets are $50.

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February 20, 2009 Whale from page 3 beliefs on what a state marine mammal should be, motivated him to stand up against the elementary school’s bid. Campsen said that, “[State fauna] should be native, characteristic and prevalent. In my opinion, the only marine mammal that meets these criteria is the bottlenose dolphin.” As a result, he introduced a counter-bill that will go up against the school’s bill, naming the dolphin as the official marine mammal of the great State of South Carolina. Campsen says his resolve to fight the whale bill is based on his lifetime of experience in the Lowcountry and what he believes to be right. He argued that it would be irresponsible on his part not to act simply because a group of well intentioned children had a different opinion. Debbie Thomas, Principal of Alice Drive Elementary, says the entire school was blindsided by Campsen’s counter bill. “I was a bit surprised at the response of Senator Campsen,” Thomas said. “This was a school wide project. There were no political ambitions at all with our students.” Basically, it’s an argument of what a State symbol should be. However, some believe there is more to the equation. While Campsen contends that his actions are self motivated, the Post and Courier suggested that the South Carolina State Ports Authority (SPA) is behind the bill. According to a Post and Courier article by Bo Petersen, “the State Ports Authority has stepped in to stop it [the whale bill]. The SPA asked Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms, to introduce a counter-bill naming the bottlenose dolphin the state’s sea mammal.” However, Campsen made it clear that the SPA did not ask him to introduce the bill and pointed out that Petersen’s own article states they never even spoke to him. Although he did admit that the SPA expressed their “displeasure” with the idea that the right whale might become the State’s official marine mammal. Byron Miller, Public Relations spokesperson for the SPA, failed to return our phone call by our publication deadline to comment. However, other publications have been more fortuitous. The Item, an on-line publication, says Miller danced

around questions about the SPA’s motivation and instead directed them to the SPA website, which shows ways in which they are helping to preserve right whales. The SPA has been under fire recently as it continues to lose prominence in the industry and struggles to restructure itself. Recently, the organization was criticized for handing out executive bonuses during our country’s terrible economic downturn. Their lack of regulations has been blamed for Charleston’s poor air quality and for interrupting marine life cycles, including that of the Right Whale which is a slow swimmer and slow to reproduce. As a self described outdoorsman, Campsen suggests that his only crime might be caring too much about the Lowcountry environment, which he has spent his life exploring. As a native son of South Carolina, he says only one pod of Right Whales have crossed his path in his entire life. Bottlenose Dolphins, on the other hand, can be seen year round by even the most casual observer, he contends. A manatee would be a better choice than a Right Whale based on his criteria, he says. But part of the whale’s rarity is due to their extreme endangerment, which is a result of over-hunting from which they have never recovered. Thomas says the children’s motivation was to do their part to protect these whales, many of which are born off the South Carolina coast. Making the Right Whale the official State marine mammal would help raise awareness of their plight and recognize South Carolina’s role in their survival. “It’s great to see their enthusiasm and their drive to see this happen,” Thomas says. But when asked if the students are getting an unintended lesson in how politics works, Thomas replied, “Absolutely. We never dreamed there would be this kind of reaction.” According to a statehousereport. com poll, nearly 95% of the 1524 poll responders are in favor of making the Right Whale the state’s official marine mammal. “I’d appreciate your support for our school project,” Thomas says of fellow residents. “It is an endangered species.”

Soup from page 5 scenes of lobster or shrimp boats and sweet grass or maple syrup in an attempt to prove themselves real. It seems to me, though, that as more and more people from “away” control what we see on television, the more vivid the images become of the “tourist version” of Charleston. The whole thing is akin to the phenomenon of 13-bean soup. When I started giving tours some 30 years ago, the City Market was in full swing selling everything from fresh seafood and produce to lovely trinkets from Japan (today, those authentic doo-dads hail from China). Among the hottest selling items was 13-bean soup. The natives of Charleston were all somewhat befuddled because it was put forth as something all Charlestonians had eaten since Stede Bonet was hung on the Battery. To be frank, none of us had ever heard of it. I, myself, didn’t try it until the mid-90’s and found that it should not be eaten before giving a tour. Still, it was hailed

The more our local traditions are defined by corporate media, it seems the less traditional they become. as an old Charleston recipe as ubiquitous as ice cream on a hot day. Everything is contrived now. I was always under the impression that tributes were given to those worthy of note. Somehow, to develop Morris Island doesn’t rise to, say, Colonel Moultrie building a fort on Sullivan’s Island and repulsing a British attack. The more our local traditions are defined by corporate media, it seems the less traditional they become. What say you? Luuucy, I’m home. This column depends upon feedback, and I was delighted to get some on my first attempt. I have always been humbled and gratified by my readership. Jean Townsend of Johns Island was kind enough to pen, “Way to go, David. How refreshing to hear from you in the printed media once again. Thanks to Kristin Hackler and Lucky Dog for bringing you back to us!” John Hope of Wadmalaw Island writes, “Welcome back you ole dawg!! I’m looking forward to stories of yore -- Perhaps told with that twinkle of a twist.” An old influence on me, Mr. A. Harrigan exclaims, “SOLD! If I can’t live in Verner’s Charleston- then I want to hear about your Charleston. Yes, I know Charleston. Glad you’re back home where you belong- doing what you’re meant to do. Now get to it. I thought my family had missed the boat!” Sir! Yes, sir! In response to the first re-appearance of this column, Danny Petterson points out, With all due respect, Dave, that was the Flamingo Drive-In within view of the train station. Remember the North 52 had a rear entrance (foot traffic only) at the overpass on the short-cut from Montague to the “Dual Lane”. I never went to the Port...” As I pointed out, the Port was where the “blue” movies were shown. My response? Sure, Dan. Anything you say. He continues, referring to my quote from Elizabeth Verner Hamilton, “That line, ‘a raft going nowhere…’ is like Hemingway. Her mother, Mrs. Vener, wrote in Prints and Impressions, ‘One of my deepest regrets is that I did not start etching until 1923, for by that time so much which to my generation represented Charleston had disappeared.’ We were born late. Keep up the good work. Resurrecting memories is a noble endeavor.”

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Hard knock lyrics

53rd and Third

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February 20, 2009

Art & Music

By Ali Akhyari

have but one mission: to fill space elegantly,” says R.T. Shepherd. Recently, the painter was present at the At the Bridge art gallery to introduce his eclectic portfolio in a show referred to as the “53rd and Third affair”. Shepherd suggests that modern technology, the photograph in particular, has made realism an exercise in futility. He compares it to a human challenging a machine. Like the stories of John Brown and Paul Bunyan, technology pushes tradesmen into history books. Today, the camera replicates reality in such a way that a painter can not compete. As a result, Shepherd’s art consciously sways from realism in an “inversion of the photographic process”. Instead of racing the machine, he paints what the machine can not photograph. In his biography, Shepherd says that, “While art has never been more abysmal than now, it has never been as glorious”. In a world saturated with art forms, where a well stated argument can make art of just about Staff Photos anything, Shepherd’s work lives in the borderlands where one must look through a Above: An example of one of Shepherd’s paintings on display at the At the Bridge third or fourth eye to see the subject. While art gallery. our modern era might provide few paths less traveled by, Shepherd celebrates the Below: Shepherd (far left) explains his excursion. His great variety of style provides work to visitors of his show. relief and opportunity. His work is true to his mantra. It communicates in a way that the camera simply can not, utilizing media upon media and creating a chaos that can only be deciphered by another human being. The show allows you to meet the artist on a variety of levels in a single visit. It “represents my whimsies, and my more studied experiments as well”, he says. Come out and get a wonderful taste of an artist, style, and the creative process. The exhibit is available for view at the At the Bridge Art Gallery until the end of the month.

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By Cortney Ness

ow, isn’t this nice? The temperature is creeping back up, the warm weather is setting in and it is starting to feel like spring again! This means in due time we will all be walking around in our shorts and flip flops as we head to the beach to catch some rays and waves, followed by those late afternoon cookouts, all of which points to one simple fact: it is time to dust of last year’s tunes for those sunny days. And what kind of playlist would that be without a little reggae? Ever heard of Abdel Wright? Born in 1977 in Trinityville, St. Thomas, Jamaica and based in Kingston, Jamaica, this singer/songwriter has lived quite the fairytale life. Abdel survived a rough childhood and adolescence. He never knew his father and at nine months old, he was taken from his mentallychallenged mother and placed under state custody. From there he bounced around to different orphanages before settling in at the SOS Children’s Village in Montego Bay. Here he met Johnny Cash who lived nearby and partially funded SOS, as well as performed regularly for the children. Here, too, is where Johnny Cash became Abdel’s true inspiration. Abdel taught himself how to play the guitar, flute and piano, as well as the drums and harmonica in his later years. However, after turning eighteen and leaving SOS he turned to crime, particularly theft, for survival and was soon arrested on a gun charge. Sentenced to eight years in prison, he served five and it was during these five years of incarceration that his songwriting developed. After his self reevaluation and his release from prison, Abdel began working the Jamaican club scene and was noticed by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics, who ultimately became Abdel’s executive producer for his debut album. Abdel also caught the attention of Bono, who played Abdel’s album to the head of Interscope Records. Interscope Records immediately signed Abdel and his first (and only) album titled Abdel Wright was released on August 16, 2005. His three most popular songs: ‘Loose We Now’, ‘Quicksand’, and ‘Ruffest Times’ are on the album along with nine others, all of which speak of political and social inequalities. Abdel’s lyrics are strong and forceful. They discuss corruption, taxes, and suffering, yet the underlying reggae guitarpicked rhythms soothe and ground his words, taking the listener back to his roots and culture. Together, his lyrics and his guitar form the perfect poetry to listen to during all of the sunny days we have ahead of us. Bono calls Abdel “the most important Jamaican artist since Bob Marley”. And although he only has one album produced and available, it will make you sway through your days of bliss. You can check out his three top hits on his Myspace page at www.myspace.com/ abdelwright or download his one and only album on iTunes or Amazon.com. Either way, he should definitely be added to your summer beach jams playlist ASAP.

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February 20, 2009

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February 20, 2009

Folly Current Calendar February 20 - March 5 Friday, February 20 Folly Exchange Club membership drive For a limited time the Folly Beach Exchange Club is reducing the fee to join. New members may join for $30 for the first quarter dues. You do not have to be a Folly Beach resident to join. This offer ends March 1, 2009. For more info call 588-9238 or 588-2254. Folly Beach Drinking Liberally An informal, inclusive progressive social group. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Every Friday of each month, 5:30pm at Buffalo South, 1409 Folly Rd (On Folly Rd just past Fort Johnson Rd.).

Saturday, February 21 Folly Gras The City of Folly Beach will host Folly Beach’s version of Mardi Gras! Come out and enjoy the festivities in a way that only Folly can. The parade will begin at 2pm and Center Street will be closed from the bridge to the traffic light from then until all participants get down the street. If you want to participate contact City Hall for more information at 588-7000 ext. 4. Mardi Gras B.A.S.H. 7 pm at Nativity School, off Folly Road on James Island. The school’s annual fundraiser features a live and silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Tickets are $25. They can be purchased from the main office at the school or by calling 843-795-3975. Wind and Hail Insurance (WHIG) meeting and discussion The Seabrook Island Wind and Hail Group (WHIG) invites all who are interested to a discussion of wind and hail (hurricane) insurance issues. Dropped policies? Rising costs? Confusing language? 3:30 - 4:30pm at Seabrook Island Town Hall, 2001 Seabrook Island Road.

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Geocaching: Passport to Geocaching After a brief tutorial, teams will test their knowledge on a Geocaching Scavenger Hunt throughout James Island County Park!  Team registration is strongly encouraged.  Maximum per group is 8 participants.  One member of the group must be the main contact and at least 18 years of age.  A registered and paid chaperone is required for participants ages 17 and under.  Pre-registration required.  Call Park and Program Services at (843) 795-4386 to register your group. Ages 8 and up. Fee: $6/$5 CCR Discount. 8am to 1pm. Climbing clinics: rescue for climbers 201 Take your rescue techniques to a new level. We will briefly review basic rescue techniques and then go into more advanced scenarios.  Pre-registration required. James Island County Park. Ages 16 and up. Fee: $72/$60 CCR Discount. 9am to 5pm. Civil War Encampment  Saturday, February 21,  and Sunday, February 22, visitors may enjoy numerous educational programs and activities centered on a Civil War Encampment set up in the Middleton Place Stableyards.  See cooking and camp life demonstrations, military tactical demonstrations and more.  Regular Garden admission, adults $25, children (7-15) $5, 6 and under are free. For additional information, call Middleton Place at (843) 556-6020. CSO presents McCradys Pops: Neuvo Tango with Pablo Ziegler When it comes to tango, Pablo Ziegler is the authority.  Don’t miss Ziegler with his guitar and bandoneon players.  Playful, sensual and romantic – grab your sweetheart for the perfect date! Show starts at 8pm at the Charleston Music Hall, 37 John St, Downtown. Tickets are $20 - $45; $5 student tickets (with ID) and can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 554-6060, at all Ticketmaster Outlets and at

www.charlestonsymphony.com.

Sunday, February 22 James Island Farmers and Crafters Market Selling local produce, bakery items, jams, jellies, ciders, boiled peanuts, fresh herbs, jewelry, photography, pottery, and clothing with live music on the deck. First and Third Sunday of every month, 11am to 3pm at The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. 571-4343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com.

Tuesday, February 24 Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday

Wednesday, February 25 Ash Wednesday Folly Garden Club The Folly Garden Club meets at 1pm at the Folly Beach Community Center.

Friday, February 27 Folly Beach Drinking Liberally An informal, inclusive progressive social group. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Every Friday of each month, 5:30pm at Buffalo South, 1409 Folly Rd (On Folly Rd just past Fort Johnson Rd.).

Saturday, February 28 Worthy Creatures basset hound meet & greet From 1pm to 4pm, waddle on over to meet the wonderful adoptable dogs from Carolina Basset Hound Rescue and hear about their adoption, fostering and volunteer opportunities. Join us from 2 to 3pm for some cool and crazy canine contests. Animals and their properly restrained

people always welcome! Worthy Creatures is located in the Shoppes at Seaside Farms, 1960 Riviera Drive, Suite E, Mount Pleasant. 388-2515 or visit www.worthycreatures.com.

Gullah Heritage presents: Anne Caldwell and sweetgrass baskets Celebrate Gullah Heritage at Charles Pinckney National Historic site every Saturday at 2pm during February and March, 2009. Today, listen to Ann Caldwell & the Magnolia Singers sing spirituals and watch Jeannette Lee give a sweetgrass basket demonstration. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site:1254 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant. Call 843-8815516 or visit www.nps.gov/chpi.

Sunday, March 1 James Island Farmers and Crafters Market Selling local produce, bakery items, jams, jellies, ciders, boiled peanuts, fresh herbs, jewelry, photography, pottery, and clothing with live music on the deck. First and Third Sunday of every month, 11am to 3pm at The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. 571-4343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com.

Thursday, March 5 Charleston Food and Wine Festival kicks off From March 5 – 8, guests have the opportunity to indulge in the unique flavors of the Lowcountry while tasting the epicurean delights of the country’s best chefs, authors and wine professionals. Learn about and get a taste of Southern cuisine and the Lowcountry’s unique food styles, heritage and recipes at various events and venues throughout the weekend. Funds raised will go to MUSC children’s hospital and other charities. Tickets go fast - so get them while they’re hot! For more information, visit www.charlestonfoodandwine.com or call 727-9998.

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