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

Folly Beach’s Newspaper

Vol. 1 Issue 10

March 6, 2009 w FREE

Building bridges By Ali Akhyari

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olly Beach may soon be following in the footsteps of Sullivan’s Island, which is in the process of replacing the Ben Sawyer Bridge, as the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SC DOT) prepares to replace the two bridges leading onto the Folly Beach. On February 17, Folly Beach residents and other interested persons had an opportunity to see several options for replacing the SC 171 bridges that span the Folly Creek and Folly River at a meeting hosted by the SC DOT. According to Dan Moses, an SC DOT representative at the meeting, “Both bridges are at the end of their life cycle”. Furthermore, the SC DOT says that the bridges are “functionally obsolete and structurally deficient”. They estimate traffic over the bridges to increase by about 74% by 2026. The good news is that the project is eligible for funding through the Federal Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program. The SC DOT is proposing four different construction alternatives for each bridge. The options are made up by building the new bridges on either side of the existing bridges and by building directly next to the bridge or swinging the bridge out with more of a curve. While each option is considered viable by the SC DOT, they are separated by their impacts on the natural environment, lane closures during construction, acquisition of private property, and cost as well as other factors. Each bridge is estimated to cost between $15 million and $20 million, although the term ‘estimate’ must be stressed this early into the project. see Bridge on page 2

I N S I D E

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he “West End Krew” won first place in the float contest at the City’s first annual Folly Gras celebration with this amazing, mobile and gigantic crawfish. Congratulations! The event was a successful attempt by the City to bolster the local economy by bringing people out to Center Street that would not be there during a normal weekend over the winter. Folly Gras was a much bigger success than even the City anticipated as Mayor Carl Beckmann stated that another person couldn’t have been shoved into any of the local restaurants, even if you used a shoe horn. The business community is planning a similar event in the future for Saint Patricks Day weekend. Keepin’ the good times rollin’!

Editorials on page 4

A green celebration on page 11

The Tides of March on page 12

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March 6, 2009

A jolly good fellow

Garden Club’s Memory Garden is growing Provided by Kathy Nicklaus Folly Beach Home and Garden Club

They admitted that he was young and relatively new in the business community on Folly Beach. However, D.J. Rich has made quite an impact on Folly Beach in his short career. The City Council could not help but recognize D.J. Rich, manager of Planet Follywood, with a “Good Neighbor Award”. He was given a plaque as well as small gift bag for his efforts to promote the business district and unite the residents. Rich was responsible for the ‘Taste of Folly’ event that brought many people onto Center Street during an otherwise lackluster winter. Rich tried to encourage island residents during these hard economic times. “We can all stick together. We’ll pull through this,” he assured. He is currently planning to develop a family friendly miniature golf course at 103 East Erie to give children something to do when visiting Folly Beach. Keep up the good work, D.J.! Joel Vann of Natural Landscapes lays part of the Travertine walkway.

Bridge from page cover A public hearing is scheduled to be held sometime this fall after an alternative is selected. The SC DOT will begin acquiring property for the new road’s right-of-way in the spring of 2010 and construction is expected to being that winter and continue into 2011. The SC DOT will use public input as part of their criteria for selecting which option to use in the bridge replacement project. If you were unable to attend or were unaware of the meeting, it is not too late to educate yourself on the options and submit your opinions. Use the contact information in the box to submit your opinions and concerns.

The SC DOT can provide you with information if you are concerned about the right-of-way and property acquisition. You can also have copies of the bridge alternatives e-mailed to you. For more information or to express your opinion on the various bridge alternatives, contact Jae Mattox at (803) 737-1805 or Mattoxjh@scdot. org. You can also mail your comments with the following information: Jae Mattox Program Manager 955 Park Street - RM 403 Columbia, SC 29201

The Memory Garden now has a beautiful fountain donated by Michael Norton and lovely benches constructed by Garden Club member Gene Fallaw. A walkway of Travertine marble pavers has been installed by Joel Vann of Natural Landscapes. The pavers may be purchased by the public for engraving in memory of a loved one. The pavers are 8”x8” (engraved price: $35.00) and 8”x16” (engraved price: $50.00). Forms for ordering the pavers may be picked up at City Hall. There will also be a sample engraved paver at City Hall for all to see. For further information, call Charlotte Goodwin at 588-9955.

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Pet Helpers Pets of the Week 

Molly Aren’t I crazy adorable?! I’m all dressed up for St. Patrick’s Day and ready to go home to your party. I’m a HUGE bundle of love - weighing in at about 19lbs; but I have gorgeous long hair and am the belle of the ball. If you like a woman with a little meat on her bones, then I’m the one for you!

Scruffy I am an adorable, three year old male, Jack Russellish fellow and GREAT with adults, but I have big issues with any other animals or children being in my personal space. That would include your average cat, your existing dog, rabbits, ferrets or freckled faced adorable children. I want to be your one and only love...but will be yours forever. Come get me!

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

March 6, 2009

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civic

Folly Beach City Council

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he Folly Beach City Council held their regular meeting on February 24. The following is a summary of that meeting. I hear a noise ordinance The City Council unanimously passed the second reading of a new noise ordinance which had previously received the blessing of the business community. However, there were a few amendments. In the original ordinance, a business would receive a ‘warning’ after the first complaint. Council member Charlie McCarty spearheaded an amendment that also includes an order to “cease and desist” the making of noise. The original ordinance included the cease and desist order after the second complaint. Council member Tom Scruggs suggested changing the time when “noise” could be produced in the residential zone from 7am, to 8am or 9am. However, Council member Eddie Ellis pointed out that landscapers like himself liked to get started as early as possible in order to avoid the day’s heat during the summer. He stated that a line had to be drawn somewhere and that residents could knock on their neighbor’s door and ask them to stop. The time remained at 7am. Carta coming to the coast? Isaiah Nelson, a representative of the student government at the College of Charleston, announced that they could be on the verge of getting a CARTA route to come all the way to Folly Beach. Currently, the route only goes as far as Inner G Surf Shop on Folly Road. However, Nelson pointed out that CARTA still has not formally committed to the route and wants to make sure that the current riders would not mind the extension as Route 31 would be affected. Nelson said a bus could be hitting Center Street as early as April if everything goes well. The bus would only run on weekends at 10am, 3pm and 6pm. Folly Beach has had a hard time getting CARTA to extend a route onto the

staff report island. Beck said, “Without [College of Charleston’s] your involvement, it probably never would have gotten this far”. Nelson stated that the student government would make an effort to make sure students and downtown residents would be fully aware of the route if it comes to fruition. The Folly links Folly Beach could see some golf of the miniature variety on the island before too long. DJ Rich requested a variance at 103 East Erie for the purpose of building a “family friendly” miniature golf course. Rich’s vision is to turn the “vacant lot that is an eyesore in summertime into an attraction”. Mayor Carl Beckmann was very supportive of the idea and stated that Folly Beach needed something that would be entertaining for children. Rich stated the venture would be alcohol free. Council member Laura Beck recused herself from voting on the variance since she would be Rich’s landlord if the project went forward. The remaining Council members voted unanimously to give Rich his request and sent him away with their best wishes. Clearing the creek Mayor Beckmann warned boat owners and residents that the derelict and abandoned boat clean up would begin shortly. If a boat appears abandoned, it may not be there on April 2, and floating boats are not exempt. Beckmann stated that once a boat is removed, it will be taken to the Navy yard to be destroyed, “never to be seen again”. Thanks to a very good bid on the project, the City will be able to remove more boats than they had originally thought possible. Beckmann added that the City will attempt to preserve a specific sunken boat that has become a popular fishing spot in the waterway. Folly Gras Mayor Beckmann pointed out that Folly Gras was a huge success and that many more people participated than the City

had expected. Local restaurants couldn’t have put another person inside with a shoehorn, he stated. However, he admitted there was a bit of miscommunication that resulted in what has been described as a “hardcore” ending. Police were very strict about forcing people off the streets and the sidewalks were filled to capacity. Beckmann stated that a Special Events Committee has been formed to make sure all aspects of an event will be anticipated and handled. Beckmann assured residents that the City would be better prepared in the future.

Letter from the Mayor’s desk I want to take this opportunity to reiterate several things. The abandoned and derelict boats will be removed beginning the first week in April of 2009. Please, do me a favor and if you know someone who may have a boat in Folly River or Folly Creek, please tell them to contact me so I know who has what boat. There are several abandoned boats that will be disposed of the first week of April. Some of these boats are floating, so boat owners beware! The second item I want to speak about is the Red Bay Laurel wilt disease. The City will begin within the next two weeks with the dead trees on the public rights of way. Letters will be going out to the property owners also within the next two weeks. This action must take place while it’s still cold or at least somewhat cold. Lastly, Folly Gras was a bigger success than we anticipated. We did encounter some problems at the end due to miscommunication. We have addressed those concerns by forming a Special Events Committee made up of City Staff to address all events in the future. My sincere apologies to everyone. Our next event to aid the business community in the winter months will be the St. Paddy’s Day event on March 14. Stay tuned for more details!

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] Interns Jennifer Millar Bridget Hinkebein Bri Horahan Ashley Anderson • Contributors Vince Perna David Farrow Megan Carroll Kathy Nicklaus Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS Future deadlines: March 11 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

www.follycurrent.sc

Publishers of The Folly Current, The Island Eye News and the Island Connection.

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March 6, 2009

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Your voice

Island Editorials

bout a year ago, some wag in a letter to the editor in another publication claimed that Charleston had become a commodity, not a community. While that might be true on the peninsula, different communities are striving to retain and, in many cases, redefine their neighborhoods. The aim of these pages is to help you, the residents, voice your opinions on where you feel your community needs to go. We recognize that these are scary times, but these times are no more terrifying than any other. The toothpaste is out of the tube, but now we know where it is. We just need to agree on how to clean it up. That’s where these pages come in. The folks at Lucky Dog are curious to see what your solutions to the problems might be. More importantly, what do you think the problems are? We suspect that as time goes on, the concerns of Sullivan’s Island will be those of Seabrook Island, and they will only grow greater over time. What you will find is fact clothed as opinion – not the other way around. We hold true to the proposition that those who are willing to give up liberty for security will achieve neither. Your liberty is the ability to speak out about your concerns without fear of being censored. The fact that this paper reaches many of the areas not especially covered by other, larger concerns is an opportunity to let voices reign, where elsewhere they are just chatter. Things are going to happen in the world, the state and the county that will affect

the lives of everyone reading these words. Will you agree with everything you read? Lord, we hope not. The only way to examine issues is to hear all sides, then make your decision. What we need is your input, your opinion – your voice. Many of you are not native to these shores, many of you are. The influx of population in the last ten years has altered the Sea Islands and surrounding areas in ways unimagined before Hurricane Hugo. The 21st Century crept up on the Lowcountry as the 20th snuck by. There is a sense of separation from one community to the other as various new alliances rise and fall. The conventional wisdom is that we are knocking on the door of 1929 and the Great Depression: we could be. On the other hand, we could be facing events more daunting than those of Charleston harbor in April of 1861. A community is not the culture, not society. It is your neighbors. It is people willing to help clean up after a storm or disaster. It is a special relationship that conveys from the bad times to the good. It is not something that could be sold for all the tea in China. It is not, nor has it ever been, a commodity. Let us hear from you. To quote Abraham Lincoln, “The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew.”

Letters to the Editor

Dear Folly residents, I want to thank everyone who came out for the 1st Annual “Folly Gras”. We had no idea what to expect for the first year, but as usual, our Folly Beach family came out in full force including costumes, decorated golf carts and floats, for our parade. It was our Mayor’s idea and intention to help our Folly businesses and to create a fun Mardi Gras experience for our citizens and tourists. I was very excited to coordinate this special event. I would, however, like to apologize for the lack of communication with the opening of Center Street after the Parade. Center Street was to be closed between Ashley Avenue and Huron so that everyone could enjoy the live music and festivities until 4pm on this beautiful day. Be assured that

Folly Beach

Much ado

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he Folly Beach City Council recently passed second reading of a noise ordinance for the City. It will replace an old ordinance that wasn’t working. The problem is that noise ordinances rarely work. That’s because the very concept of noise is relative to the person hearing it. It’s impossible to legislate relativity on any consistent basis. The idea is well meaning, but it’s an issue that should be resolved with neighborly inquisition and common sense. Ironically, Council member Eddie Ellis unknowingly pointed this out himself while trying to support it. According to the ordinance, loud lawn equipment is not allowed to run between 11pm and 7am in the interest of peace and quiet. When it was suggested

that the time should be moved back to 8am or 9am, Ellis pointed out that a line had to be drawn somewhere. He said a person who was upset with noise at 7am could resolve the issue themselves with their neighbor. Legislation has to be focused. When you start considering specific groups, legislation will never be fair because it will always be exclusive. This is supposed to be about “preserving the public health, peace, welfare and good order” of our environment. What force of nature prevents us from using common sense before 7am? Let’s take Ellis’ own advice, give ourselves some credit, and take care of things ourselves.

Kiawah/Seabrook

Oh, the roads

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t’s like the fourth stroke of the wheels on a locomotive: Fix our roads first, fix our road first. You hear it so often that it has become a part of the natural background of life on the islands: a bothersome part, but there nonetheless. But it’s true. The roads do need to be fixed, and with the country’s current financial situation, it seems to be the only way to immediately help Johns Island’s slowly deteriorating infrastructure. Dr. Paul Roberts of Kiawah Island has pointed out several relatively small, inexpensive projects around the islands that, with a little TLC, could provide smoother traffic flow and increased safety across the board. As the wars between Cross Island Parkway supporters and new road

naysayers continue, everyone more or less agrees that we need to fix the roads in existence. Why not get behind these smaller initiatives first and tackle the bigger projects as we go? Given time, even the most outrageous ideas are shaped by those it would affect. The Cross Island Parkway has evolved significantly since it was first proposed in 1988. Originally almost a superhighway in concept, the Cross Island has morphed through time and influence into a two-lane, limited access, ground level throughway with discussions underway to place it within a conservation zone, so that it would always run through conserved, protected land. But first things first: let’s see what we can do about these unsafe roads.

Send your letters to the editor to: [email protected]

next year we will have these issues resolved and hope to have even a bigger and better “Folly Gras”! Sincerely, Mary Cunningham Municipal Clerk, City of Folly Beach

Dear Editor:   As a long time Folly Beach resident and President/Founder of Pet Helpers Rescue and Adoption Center on James Island for over 30 years, I would like to congratulate you on The Folly Current newspaper! It is a refreshing, well- written newspaper that keeps us current on “what’s happening” in our community and also does a

www.follycurrent.sc

great job of promoting pets for adoption at Pet Helpers Adoption Center on Folly Road,  through the Pets of the Week column.  This is such an important support column in helping save lives of pets in need which come to us. As a non profit, 501(c3) animal rescue organization, where all pets are kept until adopted and receive full medical care and nurturing, your support truly makes a difference and saves lives!  (Visit our website at www.pethelpers.org and see how you can help or adopt!)   I really look forward to receiving The Folly Current and thank all the advertising sponsors for helping support this really great local newspaper!   Carol Linville 1230 Tabby Drive Folly Beach, SC

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March 6, 2009

Do you know your Charleston?

Lady Charleston

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By David Farrow

ack when I gave tours in 1979 and in the ensuing years, there was a bumper sticker that read, “We Don’t Give A (#%&*) (sic) Darn How You Do It In New Jersey.” To tell you the truth, we still don’t. Actually, many didn’t seem to be enamored enough with their birthplaces to stick around. I understand that. When I was growing up here, I thought Charleston was a stifling place – a place with no opportunity, a place where your business was everybody else’s. I went off more than once to find something I thought missing, only to find that it was missing in me. The thing is, I grew up in Charleston, a small city surrounded by farmland. Everybody knew everybody; not by choice, but by birth. The core of the people living Below Broad was related. My family is descended from Rene Ravenel, the leader of the Huguenot Expedition. He got here in 1686, so I couldn’t swing a flounder without hitting a cousin. To be honest, there are a few cousins I wouldn’t mind trouncing with a flounder. Still, I have always come home. Before I left the last time, I was managing editor of The Charleston Mercury and wrote a weekly column for The Post and Courier. This was during the end of the transformation from Charleston, an old city rooted in customs and mores that have become caricatures for commodities - to Atlanta East, an urban area the size of Charlotte trying to contrive a common purpose and be hip with the same attractive mien of a sixty-year old man amid a Girls Gone Wild party at Lauderdale. A lot of natives such as myself are saddened by the change: some are distraught. What I think is interesting is the refrain of weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth in the back bars of old clubs about how it’s all changed, how much the area has grown. My thought has always been, “You sold it. What on earth did you expect?” A lot of people were caught in the middle. In the rush to create communities, the landmarks were eradicated. In the rush to turn the Lowcountry into a Bizzaro theme park, the natives in between became confused. As long as real estate was moving, many were

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eager to increase their market share. The dulcet tones of “jobs, jobs, jobs” became a siren call for the reasonable. No mention of for whom -- be they construction workers from Charlotte or illegal aliens that mow the lawns for the condo regimes. The economy hummed right along … until it didn’t. What most of the people who live here now don’t remember is that the natives remember a life before money, a time when Charleston was an old lady with threadbare clothes and a razor sharp wit, a time when one could walk down the street, see a friend on the porch and by the end of the night have all your friends from childhood laughing and talking into the night. That Charleston is gone, due to the vagaries of age as much as anything else. What it has been replaced with is an artifice that increased taxes to the point that the natives could no longer hold onto the ancestral homes. Truth became spin. What I find interesting in this shifting paradigm is that the state has become more intrusive as prosperity wanes into a memory. We natives were already punch-drunk from being told that “We are changing things because it’s good for the City.” Not the people, mind you, -- the City. I write a blog, and I got a lot of local feedback that I wasn’t sure I could use. I post this column on that blog, and last time was overwhelmed by native reaction. A friend named Ed wrote, “I can always count on you for your take of things. Although we have separate but equal political views, I find with you, you never want to come to a battle of wit unarmed. I am not an original Charleston native. As you know, I was sent here by the Navy because this was the only town I had never been thrown out of. Now it is 24 years later and I still haven’t been thrown out. Of course His Highness, the mayor, still has time. Keep up the good work.” A man named Don penned, “True journalism versus opinion - reading that masquerades for news these days is what you offer. Keep it up; it is preferable to the clank of sycophantic spurs in the public square.” A lady whom I shall refer as “GiGi” wrote, see Lady on page 9

Hits for HALOS

its for HALOS” Pro/Am Tennis Tournament will be held March 28-29 at The I’On Club, 252 Ponsbury Road in Mount Pleasant. Spectators are welcome to join in all the festivities with free admission. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the HALOS Summer Camp Program for abused and neglected children in Charleston County. The tournament pairs 28 amateurs with a rotation of 14 pros from around the Southeast for ten round-robin sets, followed by a playoff. Play starts Saturday, March 28 at 9am, with a Pro Tennis Exhibition and Party at 5pm. Saturday will also feature a Silent Auction. Sunday, March 29, play starts at 9am, and then at 2pm the top eight amateurs and top eight pros will pair into fixed teams for a single-elimination playoff, while other players and spectators enjoy the playoff and Championship Party.

Corporate Sponsorships are available, Silent Auction item donations are requested, and financial contributions are welcome. Current Gold and Platinum Sponsors include Assurant Health, Bodacious Bagels, Jacob’s Kitchen/The Inn at I’On, and Merrill Lynch (Costa Chakeris and James Hennessy). The HALOS Summer Camp Program provides financial assistance in sending abused and neglected children to summer camp in the Charleston area - typically a public recreation, sports, music, or arts day camp. Some children have chosen a Youth Summer Leadership Program. These opportunities would not be available without the financial support from HALOS, and they can have a life-long positive effect in the child. For additional information, sponsorship opportunities, silent auction item donations, or to make a contribution, contact Mike Morris at 843-860-0984 or [email protected].

www.follycurrent.sc

March 6, 2009

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Folly Curren March 7 Saturday, March 7 Link: An Evening with Painter/Sculptor Alex Cox Music with Lindsey Holler and Josh West (after party at the Tin Roof with Stephanie’s Id) 6pm - 11pm at Muddy Waters Coffee Bar, 1331 Ashley River Rd.

and foliage for the shady garden Free to Charleston Horticultural Society members and $15 for non members. 6:30pm at the Charleston Museum, 360 Meeting Street. Call (843)579-9922 or visit our website at www. charlestonhorticulturalsociety.org.

Tuesday, March 10

James Island Baseball Clinic James Island Charter High School Coach Tom Hatley will conduct this clinic on techniques of baseball. From 9am-12pm. Ages: 4-13 Cost:$10.00 registration fee per player. Location: James Is. Rec Complex. Call 795-5678 for more information.

Folly Beach City Council The Folly Beach City Council meets second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm. www. cityoffollybeach.com. Folly Beach City Hall, 21 Center St., (Folly Beach), (843) 588-2447.

Sunday, March 8

PURE Theatre’s production of Hogs by Rodney Lee Rogers March 13 through April 4, at the Circular Congregational Church 150 Meeting Street, Downtown Charleston. Tickets are $30 and available at www.puretheatre.org or by phone at 843.723.4444 or 800.838.3006. Based on Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy Of The People, Rodney Lee Rogers’ adaptation updates the action to a small, coastal, southern town, in this world premiere production of Hogs, produced by PURE Theatre.

Daylight savings begins. “Spring” those clocks forward one hour. Johns Island Presbyterian presents “A German Spring” Starting at 3pm, Ralph and Erika Blanco play piano and violin, in concert. The program will include timeless masterpieces by Beethoven and Brahms. A nursery will be provided for the concert free of charge for families who need childcare. Please go online at www.jipc.org or call 559-9380 to reserve your FREE tickets. Donations accepted at the door. CSO presents: A musical response to the Schoen Collection This recital will include a selection of American composers. 2:30pm at the Gibbes Museum of Art. Tickets are $7 for museum members, $15 for non-members. This price includes performance and museum admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Gibbes Museum of Art Store or online at www.gibbesmuseum.org/ events.

Monday, March 9 Judy Glattstein, Into the Woods: Flowers

www.follycurrent.sc

Friday, March 13

Saturday, March 14 Folly Beach St. Patrick’s Day festival The business community is bringing another fun filled day to Center Street. Participate in the pub crawl, complete with green beer, or just come out to enjoy some Irish food and live music at your favorite Folly establishments. Open containers will be allowed outside of the bars from Noon until 6pm so come out and to Folly Beach and celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, Folly style. ESA Surf contest Contest #1: March 14-15 – High tide 10:51 am. For more info, call Nancy Hussey 843-3434047 or email [email protected].

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March 6, 2009

nt Calendar

Crab Shack Wednesdays - Dave Grunstra Thursdays - Folly Beach Bluegrass Society Saturdays - Live Local Music 3/6 - Folly Dogs 3/13 - Keith Bruce

March 22 CSO presents Merrill Lynch Masterworks: Karen Gomyo  Sharing the stage for Dvorak’s Violin Concerto is famed Canadian violinist, Karen Gomyo. Show starts at 8pm at the Gaillard Auditorium, 77 Calhoun St, Downtown. Tickets can be purchased through Ticketmaster at 554-6060, at all Ticketmaster Outlets and at www. charlestonsymphony.com.

Sunday, March 15 Ides of March

landscape while protecting the environment and potentially saving on your water bill? From 6pm to 8pm at DNR Fort Johnson Marine Center, James Island. For more info call 953-9354 or e-mail [email protected].

Friday, March 20

Chill & Grill Wednesdays - The Hawkes 3/6 - Graham Whorley 3/7 - Charlie McCallister & The Dicks 3/13 - Stratton Lawrence & Unsexy Beaster 3/14 - Kevin West

First day of Spring! Our Lady of Good Council Yard Sale The Our Lady of Good Council Women’s Guild will be holding a Yard Sale on March 20 & 21 from 8am to 5pm each day in Fr. Kelly Hall, 105 West Hudson Avenue in Folly Beach. The proceeds will support the Women’s Guild’s program for the needy in the Charleston area.   Donations are still being accepted. For information please call Pat Poole at 588-2812.

Barcino Baroque  3pm at the Episcopal Church of Our Saviour. Featuring local artists Ricard Bordas, counter tenor, and Margaret Kelly Cook, soprano, performing their program of enduring songs of the Baroque Period, accompanied by Baroque instrumentalists playing harpsichord, violins and viola da gamba. This event is free and open Saturday March 21 to the public. Tickets are available starting March 2 at Kiawah Town Hall, 843-768-9166.  Tides of March Art show Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22, from James Island Farmers and Crafters 10-5pm at the Folly River Park. Market Selling local produce, bakery items, jams, jellies, ciders, boiled peanuts, fresh herbs, Sunday, March 22 jewelry, photography, pottery, and clothing with live music on the deck. First and Third Pet Helpers 8th annual Oyster Roast & Sunday of every month, 11am to 3pm at The Silent Auction Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. 571-4343, Join us for a day of fun at the Eight Annual www.charlestonpourhouse.com. All-You-Can-Eat Oyster Roast and Silent Auction hosted by Rosebank Farms Café and Bowens Island.  There will be a silent auction Tuesday, March 17 for everyone’s wallet and live music from “The Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Shakin’ Martinis” for shagging.  Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 day of. Kids age 6 – 12 are $10 and kids under 6 get in free. Tickets Wednesday, March 18 are available at the shelter (1447 Folly Road) or by calling 795-1110. Visitwww.pethelpers.org Native Gardening and rainbarrel for more info. Noon to 5pm. Bowens Island demonstration Are you interested in tips that can help you Restaurant is located at 1870 Bowens Island create and maintain an attractive garden and RD, Folly Beach.

www.follycurrent.sc

3/20 - Reid Stone & John Hager 3/21 - Acoustic Revolution Planet Follywood Dan Clamp - Fridays and Saturdays Sand Dollar 3/6 & 7 - The Cool Surf Bar Sundays Dangermuffin

Folly music scene

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March 6, 2009

March 6, 2009

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scape. Who doesn’t like to escape from the everyday realities of work, figuring out what to cook for dinner or trying to fix a tired relationship that you just don’t know how to end? Well, you could eat, but that’s not good either. Movies are a wonderful way to escape from our everyday reality and one of the best film categories with which to do so is the romantic comedy. If done well, the romantic comedy can make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, allow you to fall more deeply in love with your partner and just brighten your day. Simple plot lines whisk you away to a magical land where no matter what goes wrong, all is easily fixed with a musical montage. Unfortunately, after watching the romantic comedy Confessions of A Shopaholic, I wanted to

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be whisked right back into my reality where women are strong, self reliant and independent: at least that’s what my mom taught me! The film centers on shopping addict and aspiring fashion journalist Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher). Rebecca works at a soon-to-be out of business gardening magazine, and is so addicted to the stores that she finds herself discussing her next needless purchase with nearly anyone, even the store mannequin. Up to her Chanel sunglasses in debt, she finds herself caught up in an impractical twist of events which lands her a job writing for a financial magazine. To stay true to the mindless cliché’s of all chick flicks, her boss a.k.a. love interest, is the young, handsome entrepreneur Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy), that has shunned his family’s money and wants to make his mark on his own. To cover up her increasing shopaholic debt, Rebecca weaves a tangled web of lies servicing everyone from her frugal parents to her saint of a best friend. The whole scenario unravels all so quickly, it’s a

surprise her well-coiffed hair doesn’t get mussed. Rebecca is symptomatic of many young, and not so young, members in our society who are slavishly defined by Gucci labels and Louis Vuitton bags. As a person who would rather put a cigarette out in her right eye then go shopping, I found myself agreeing with Rebecca that yes, she did need that 100th pair of Jimmy Choos. Not to worry, she soon sees the error of her ways and discovers that you don’t define yourself by material things; you define yourself through the love of a wealthy, handsome man. It seems that every negative stereotype about women and how they interact with their wardrobe and their men plays out on Lady from page 5 “The Praying Mantis is in amber. Only you can take the DNA out and document the last two decades of Charleston’s history ( 1950’s & 60’s) before someone let the secret out and sold our neighborhood and displaced our families.” Another belle named Pat implored, “Do please keep informing newcomers about how unique Charleston was before the great Ohio migration, since it is barely distinguishable from any other Starbucks/Pottery Barn/GAP encrusted barnacle of a town. My grandparents would keel over in shock if they weren’t already dead. Long live Gullah!” Our landmarks, our touchstones to the familiar, have been replaced by a contrived culture that translates into a shopping outlet on the beach. The new Myrtle Beach has achieved an identity as “Biker Branson By the Sea”. New Charleston is bereft of any real identity. The pineapple and fountain at Waterfront Park and the new Cooper River Bridge are landmarks corporate media use to foster a false sense of community. To us, the shrimp man and the flower ladies were Charleston. Twenty years ago, you would walk down Legare Street and say hello to everyone you saw, because you were so taught. In return, whether you knew them or not, the powerful and the meek would smile and return your greeting warmly. Today, one

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screen. Where is Betty Friedan when you need her? One thing you’ll find is that this is no Legally Blonde. Films in this same genre end with the main character a better, wiser, and more well rounded individual, like Anne Hathaway’s character in The Devil Wears Prada. Unfortunately, Rebecca of Confessions of a Shopaholic bounces from one mindless stereotype to the next. Don’t get me wrong, escape is wonderful and movies are a great path out of the reality of our day-to-day existence, but do we have to remain in the world of sugar plum fairies and bubble gum dreams? What’s the socially redeeming value in that?

finds aloofness - a sense of entitlement that only new wealth engenders. We old timers understood wealth. We understood that graciousness could not be bought. During our childhood, Charleston was still stripped of wealth by the occupation of a foreign power -- the ruins of an ill-advised war and 130 years of economic depression and grinding poverty were evident. I like the “come-yas” as much as the “been-yas”. People all over the world have been lured by opportunity and climate. There’s a lot of valuable talent. What I worry about is that new people have no sense of history – neither ours nor theirs, for that matter. The majority don’t know that Charleston sits on a violent earthquake fault. The lessons of Hugo were posted on the bulletin board, then the sand dunes were bulldozed to erect high-rise condos and somehow this was thought to be a good idea. What concerns me is that the people who moved recently will find that we are not Charlotte-by-the-Sea. We are Charleston. We are a people who endured a lot of history together. We encourage you to join us, but we really don’t give a rat’s behind how you did it in Muncie. To read more from David Farrow, visit his blog at davidfarrow.wordpress.com

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Folly Beach Police Reports February 9- A woman reported that she had been physically abused the night before by the man she had been living with. She stated he hit her all over her body, threw urine on her, and strangled her. She also stated that he pushed her onto a bed whenever she tried to leave, but was finally able to get out around 8am that morning. Photos were taken of bruises and scratch marks that were visible all over her body. Police were attempting to secure a warrant for the subject at the time of the report. February 10- Two white males in their mid 20’s purchased over $200 in groceries at Bert’s market with a stolen credit card. The owner of the card had the charges adjusted by their bank. The subjects were recorded by a surveillance camera but no arrests were made at the time of the report. February 11- After backing into a telephone pole at the Crab Shack, a concerned citizen reported that an extremely drunken man had just driven away. An officer quickly located the vehicle turning onto Center Street and leaving the island. The officer observed the vehicle drifting into the wrong lane and jerking back into his own lane. The car was pulled over and the officer found the epitome of an intoxicated man. His eyes were bloodshot, he was hiccuping, slurring his speech and swaying from side to side. He informed the officer that he did not have a license and should be arrested. The officer decided he was too intoxicated to safely perform a field sobriety test by the road and was arrested. He refused to take a breathalyzer and was issued a notice of suspension and charged with his second career DUI, an open container violation, and driving with a suspended license. February 11- A home owner reported that another individual had been harassing him on his cell phone and vandalizing his yard. The harassment had occurred in the City of Charleston; however, he wanted the man put on trespass notice for his Folly Beach residence as well. February 12- A driver was pulled over after swerving over the center line several times while leaving Folly Beach. The driver was obviously intoxicated and handed the officer a business card while stating it was

March 6, 2009

Police Reports

his registration. He stated he lived right around the corner and attempted to put the car in gear, which resulted in a taser being drawn on him. He exited the vehicle and could not stand on his own power. He was restrained and put into the police car and the vehicle was towed. He spit in the police car and continued to act unruly at the jail. He refused a breathalyzer and his license was suspended as a result.

February 13- A resident informed police that she suspected someone of preparing to break into her home. She had been out of town for a few days and her son had discovered their dog missing and the gate opened. The dog was found. However, the owner was concerned that the dog was let out on purpose in order to break-in later. February 13- A vehicle was pulled over for traveling 51mph in a 35mph zone when leaving Folly Beach around 1:39am. The car’s tag was out of date and the driver admitted to having a couple of drinks earlier. He had trouble with the field sobriety test. He was arrested and his vehicle towed. He blew a .18% blood alcohol level at the jail. February 14- Police removed a man from a local bar who refused to leave. He was also issued a trespass notice. February 14- While visiting a friend on Folly Beach, the friend called the woman’s father a vulgar name. The friend decided she wanted to leave and set off her car alarm in the process. Police responded and found the friend sitting in the front yard and the woman lying in the back seat of her car. She stated she only wanted her shoe so she could leave. Police allowed her to retrieve her shoe and her overnight bag and she left. February 16- It was discovered that some damage had been done over the weekend at a construction site on East Arctic. A couple of shoe prints were noticed on a door and damage had been done to the door frame. The complainant estimated the damage to cost about $300 to fix. There are no suspects at this time. February 16- An officer conducted a traffic stop after he clocked a black pick-up truck with Maryland plates traveling 50mph in a 30mph zone. The driver did not have his

license on him and it was discovered that it had been suspended in Maryland as well as South Carolina for an unpaid ticket. He was arrested and the truck was given over to the passenger, who happened to be the driver’s cousin, at the driver’s request after a search was conducted. February 17- While on patrol, an officer observed a vehicle to be illegally parked at a beach access with a male driver and female passenger. There were two empty ‘Sparks’ malt liquor cans on the rear floorboard. An open can was found between the driver’s seat and center console when the driver was asked to get out of the car. Although the driver did not appear intoxicated, it was discovered that his license was suspended for unpaid tickets and no insurance. The passenger only had a learner’s permit, which did not matter as an empty wine glass and some spilled liquor were discovered in her vicinity and she was slurring her speech. The subject was released with a citation and his vehicle was towed. February 17- A homeowner reported that several fishing rods/equipment had been stolen from his property sometime after 9:30pm the previous night. He estimated the property to be worth $300. There are no suspects at this time. February 17- After buying several cases of beer at a local grocery store in the early afternoon, a “gentleman” re-entered the store and stole an unknown number of t-shirts valued at $14.99 each. The entire incident was caught on tape and it was known that the man got into a green SUV with Mississippi plates afterward and headed toward Folly Beach. Local police were unable to locate the vehicle. February 18- Officers were called to assist a woman trying to leave her boyfriend’s home. Upon arrival, old bruises were visible on her face that she would not talk about. She stated that she wanted to leave and asked the boyfriend to leave for an hour while she gathered her things. He complied but returned a few minutes later, broke the door upon entering and crushed her medicine on the floor. The boyfriend was gone when police arrived but had been watching the scene from the Surf Bar across the street. Police located the subject and it was discovered he had warrants for failure to appear in court. He was arrested for the failure to appear and the incident that night. February 20- An officer was dispatched to the area behind McKevlin’s Surf Shop in reference to an extremely intoxicated man who was lying on the ground. The man stated that he had arrived on Folly Beach on a bus and had no way of leaving. He was unable to stand on his own and had slurred speech. He also stated that he wished to go to ‘detox’. He was arrested for disorderly conduct. February 21- A man and woman drew attention to themselves when the man threw a bottle of wine onto some rocks,

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shattering it, as a police officer drove by. The female stood by her vehicle with the door open while the man broke the bottle. The officer stopped and noticed the man was obviously drunk and unable to “exercise due care for himself” and was issued a citation and arrested. The woman was also issued a citation. February 21- A vehicle was pulled over for traveling 69mph in a 45mph zone around Crosby’s Seafood just after midnight. A strong odor of alcohol was observed and the driver’s hand/eye coordination was so poor that he was unable to get the paperwork the officer asked for. He was asked to perform a field sobriety test and had trouble standing while instructions were given. He promptly failed the actual tests when given and was arrested for speeding and DUI. February 21- At about 2:17am, a vehicle was pulled over for not having its nighttime headlights on. A strong odor of alcohol flowed from the vehicle. Additionally, the vehicle’s tags had expired in July of 2008. The driver mumbled about paying taxes when handing the officer his paper work. He was asked to conduct a field sobriety test, which suggested the driver was drunk. A small amount of marijuana was also discovered in the vehicle. He was arrested and her stated that he wanted his lawyer before taking any test, but would not formally refuse to take the test. It was concluded that he refused to take a breathalyzer through inaction. He wanted to take the test again, but the officer refused and he requested an independent test from a hospital. He was taken to a hospital which refused to give him a test at which point he stated he was depressed and suicidal. His license was suspended and he was placed under suicide watch in jail. February 22- A vehicle was pulled over around 2am for turning without using a turn signal. The officer observed some ice, a cup, and spilled liquid on the back floorboard as he approached, and smelled alcohol. The driver failed a field sobriety test, which was stopped for the subject’s own safety. The subject hinted at buying an illegal substance and an amount of cocaine was discovered in the vehicle. It was also discovered that the subject had a previous DUI conviction. The subject refused a breathalyzer after the arrest and their license was suspended. February 22- A vehicle was pulled over for traveling 64mph in a 35mph zone on Folly Road leaving the island. The driver lit a cigarette, which the officer took as an attempt to cover the smell of alcohol. The officer asked her to extinguish the cigarette and exit the vehicle. He observed the smell of alcohol and the driver slurred her speech. While failing a field sobriety test, the driver cursed about a recent divorce. She was arrested for speeding and DUI, and her vehicle was towed. The passenger, who was visiting the driver and was much more intoxicated, was taken to the round Holiday Inn and left to secure a room.

March 6, 2009

11

Interview with McGwire the Green T all tal e s f r o m t h e F o l l y C u r r e n t

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ecently, I was contacted via an anonymous e-mail from someone who had “something of interest” for me. He would only identify himself as ‘McGwire’. After a series of exchanges and partially out of boredom, I decided that these anonymous claims had merit and that we should meet face to face. Following his directions, I was taken to an undisclosed location somewhere between Charleston, South Carolina, and Japan. I was dropped off on the side of the road, seemingly in the middle of nowhere, and directed onto a small trail through the woods that opened up to a beautiful pond. That’s where I met McGwire for the first and last time. I looked around for any sign of life and found none. Then the water began to glow. Suddenly, golden coins began to surface from beneath the water until there was only a thin layer of water visible in the depressions of the coins. In the middle, a small figure was relaxed, lying on his side with the typical green hat, shorts, and boots. However, in place of the green coat and button up shirt was a ‘Tribe Called Quest’ t-shirt and a conceited grin. He was an American leprechaun. I stress the American part because when I politely pointed out my surprise that he didn’t have the expected accent or wardrobe, he went on a 10 minute verbal rampage about stereotypes, hurling insults and broken twigs at me in between his rants. I’ll spare you my humiliation. The following is a transcript of our conversation. So you’re a leprechaun, huh? What tipped you off? Was it the funny green hat or this lake of gold I was swimming in? Alright. That was a stupid question, I know. But I can’t take anything for granted in this business. Surely a rich, mythical being like yourself who’s always trying to avoid capture can appreciate that. Sure, I guess. I suppose my screwing up, which would result in the loss of millions

By Ali Akhyari of dollars worth of gold, is comparable to you misspelling a name and getting an angry e-mail. Sure, we’re on the same page. Oh, and stop calling me “Shirley”. The name’s McGwire. You seem pretty angry. What’s your deal? Look. I’m sorry. I suppose I’m not used to human interaction. I’m chased and hunted like an animal by you psychos, you know. You ever tried running in boots? They’re great for dancing jigs around a pint of ale, but crap when some fella’s got dollar signs in his eyes and you’re jumping tree roots and rocks. In fact, I sprained my ankle two weeks ago. Still swollen. But it’s a union thing. What are you gonna do? That’s a tough gig. I suppose you don’t have much to look forward to, huh? Yeah. Everybody wants money. But there’s a shift on the horizon. There’s a trend to protect the environment that’s finally catching on. People are starting to see the disconnect between money and happiness. There’s no ‘end of a rainbow’ to chase when the air is filled with smog. It’s a weird relationship, especially watching from the sidelines. I haven’t personally made an appearance in the Los Angeles area in decades. What relationship are you talking about? The relationship between a healthy environment, money, and happiness. It’s funny. I watch people chase money their entire lives, living in crowded cities and fueling lots of systems that degrade the environment. Then, if they ever get enough, they move to a place where they can see their impact the least. I find it strange that a person will get as far away from the world they created using the vehicle that created it to do so. As an ageless leprechaun, what’s your thought on being green? No pun intended. Right, I’ll bet you’ve been wanting to say that all day. I think it’s fantastic. Forget about the fact that it lifts this pot-o-gold

curse we leprechauns have placed on ourselves. There’s a great big world out there. It was beautiful before the huge cities were built. There’s nothing wrong with society, but there’s a lot more world than that of concrete and glass. Just thinking about the environment reminds people about the world outside. The fact that more and more people are actually getting out and trying to preserve it? It’s like they’re finally getting it. What are we finally getting? Are you dense or what? Oh right, you can’t take anything for granted in your business. You’re “getting” that there is only one planet and that each of you has a huge impact on the entire world. The creek in your back yard can have little fish swimming in it. It can sparkle and be a place of tranquility; a true reward for nothing more than living life. Or it can be a trash can and a punishment for existence. It’s all in your hands. I think people are finally realizing that they can have an impact on an individual basis,

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too. You know? You mean like recycling or taking re-usable bags to the grocery store? Yeah. It’s all that stuff. People started sounding the alarms so much over the past couple of decades that the problem seemed too big to handle. I think you humans have gotten a grip on the idea that there are several layers to the problem and they have to be addressed at your various levels of existence. You know, with the governments you have in place, organizations, and on an individual level as well. You all have your roles. All the cylinders are starting to click. But you’ve still got a long way to go before you stop going after me lucky charms. You’ve been waiting to get that one out, too, haven’t you. What can I say? I really don’t speak to humans that often. I have to seize the opportunity when it presents itself. You’ve got an audience with the barrier island community of Charleston, South see McGwire on page 12

12

Art & Music

Jupiter’s Garden

The Tides of March

By Vince Perna

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upiter’s Garden is a hot new band rocking the beach with creative, original songs that peak your interest every time and leave you coming back for more. At least, that’s the intention of Justin Burke, lead guitarist and vocals for the band. Justin encourages the band’s adventurous spirit and its talent for pushing new limits. They strive to create a different aspect to the show each time, creating something that catches your attention that night; one particular moment that you take home with you. It may be Justin reaching for the floor to create some effect with his pedals, or an incredible groove that the rhythm section laid down, or that horn solo that got you out of your seat. They are always changing and never want to be specified. The band is made up of best friends who were spread out around the southeast region and are now all converging on Folly Beach, together again to make music. Zach Hood plays guitar as well as trumpet, Rob Pittman is on drums, and Andy Lassiter jams the bass. The band really seems to feed off of each other, and each has the ability to know where the other is going, building and supporting each other’s sound. Justin feels that when they are all together and playing 100%, it feels like 400%. Justin writes the majority of the songs and lyrics and took a moment to explain his influences and background. Justin grew up as a classically trained first chair trumpet throughout high school and college and remembers how excited he was the first time he was in front of an audience, and how right it felt to be up on stage. He credits his talent to his mom, who was a singer in the church choir, and

March 6, 2009

his musical taste from his dad. The music his dad listened to was creative 70’s rock that had no rules, a theory that Burke clings to today. It allows him to be creative and “get a little weird here and there to mix it up and keep it interesting”. His influences range from Wynton Marsalis to Neil Young and Steely Dan, and he had a Phish album in his CD player while we talked. After graduating college he made a beeline for Folly Beach, drawn like a magnet to the feel of the island. He credits the fantastic music scene on Folly to the incredible energy from the people. Because of the great fans, great music and great bands are formed. That’s right. He is talking about you, and he feels blessed to be able to provide the soundtrack. We both agreed that Folly Beach has the best music scene in Charleston. Pittman and Lassiter work well together with tight drums and a thumping bass line. Hood’s trumpet is a treat. He knows exactly when to jump in and is the perfect ingredient in many of the songs. His guitar playing also fills out the canvas when the jams are flowing. Justin says the band is always in synch with what’s going on around them, knows what the others will play next, and will be right there to drive it home. Juipiter’s Garden’s goal is to have an “amazing, electric show and have fun doing it”. You will experience both the next time you see them. Vince Perna is a Folly Beach real estate expert who also loves music. If you want to know if you can live on Folly, you can find him at 31 Center Street or by calling 843-588-3800.

The Folly Beach Arts & Crafts Guild invites you to celebrate the coming of spring at its annual “Tides of March”, a Folly Festival of the Arts. Join us for two fun-filled days of arts and entertainment at the Folly River Park on Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22. The festivities will include an arts and crafts show and sale as well as performances and musical entertainment provided by the Actors’ Theatre of South Carolina. This event is guaranteed fun for the whole family and admission is free. Show hours are 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 1pm to 5pm on Sunday.

For more information, call 345-8739 or email [email protected]. McGwire from page 11 Carolina. What do you want to say to them regarding this “green” trend. Don’t screw it up. The environment is something nobody owns but everybody has an impact on. That’s a misconception you humans have developed for some reason. You can’t keep letting it go. There’s a point of no return. The plastic bags that are being used, the smoke that’s pumped into the air, the trees that are cut down end up effecting everyone on a global scale. There’s got to be more responsibility, a point of view that goes beyond this pot-o-gold here. You’ve got one life and one earth. What’s really valuable? That’s the question. You know, if we really kick this green thing into gear you’re going to start seeing a cleaner planet, cleaner air, and more rainbows. You might have to go back to the West Coast for work. Yeah, but people have to change their way of thinking for that to happen, man. Greed has to take a back seat to care about the environment. It’s win/win brother. I’d have to agree with you. Listen, I really appreciate you taking the time

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to bring me...wherever I am; and speaking to me. No problem. Do you have any connections in the music business? I’ve been working on some rhymes that will just level you. I’ve got millennia under my belt, ya dig?