PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID FOLLY BEACH, SC PERMIT NO 27
Folly Beach’s Newspaper
Vol. 1 Issue 3
November 28, 2008 w FREE
Making waves with donations
A
staff report
bout 200 people packed the Daily Dose on James Island on November 14 to help raise money for the Charleston Chapter of Surfrider. The event was a huge success. Various local artists donated works of art and displayed others masterpieces for sale. There were also several great prizes raffeled off and donated by local businesses like Ocean Surf Shop, McKevlin’s and Quicksilver. Attendees were able to enjoy the mesmerizing vocals of Olivia Connor, who was supported on guitar by her father, Billy. Connor is relatively new to the Charleston music scene, but if you see her name anywhere, be sure to check her out. You won’t be disappointed. Connor opened up for Rawberry Jam, a duo who rocked the house in their neo-raggae style. They had everybody dancing to a medley based on O.A.R.’s Revolution. According to event coordinator Nancy Hussey, approximately $1000 was raised through art sales and an additional $300 was raised through the Costa Rica vacation raffle. A beautiful Lost surfboard was given away as well as a boogie board in addition to several other items. The Daily Dose provided food at a discounted cost. For more information or to see what is coming up for the Charleston Chapter of Surfrider, visit www.charlestonsurfrider. com or look for them on Facebook.
staff photos
Top: Chris Rickett art known as Stitchy Cats. Bottom left: A wonderful example of art by the talented Osee Koger. Bottom right: Half of Rawberry Jam putting down their funky style.
I N S I D E
Center reopens on page 2
Hair page 5
Highrollers on page 12
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CIVIC
November 28, 2008
Renovation Celebration
“W
hat we did is good for our community and we wanted to honor the organizations that have been using it for a long time,” City Council member Tom Scruggs stated during the Grand Reopening ceremony of the Folly Beach Community Center on November 11. Among the organizations that were honored were the Senior Citizens Club,
By Ali Akhyari Fine Arts & Crafts Guild, Garden Club, The Sandspur, Alcoholics Anonymous, Islanders Shag Club and the Civic Club. Representatives and members from the various organizations were on hand to celebrate the reopening and to talk a little bit about their relationship and history with the building. Scruggs also took a moment to recognize the companies and contractors involved that made the improvements possible, at the lowest possible cost. According to Scruggs, the building was originally closed because it failed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as a public building. The City originally planned on building a new Community Center in a joint venture with Charleston County, whose public library shares the space. However, the County later backed out, doubling the cost for the City, and residents voted in a referendum not to spend money on a new Center. As the $1.5 million sat in the bank, it accrued about $200,000 in interest which the State gave to the City allowing for improvements to be made at virtually no cost to taxpayers. Now, the Community Center has a new coat of paint, windows, furniture and fishing pole ceiling fans that give
it more of a “beach” feel. Asbestos was discovered and removed during the renovation and the ceiling was raised 3.5 feet, giving it a more open appearance, while the lighting makes the building feel more inviting. The bathrooms are now more "discreet" and a canopy built outside will provide relief from the summer sun. Furthermore, a Charleston County Public Library representative noted that they are going to try and elongate their hours. In addition to all the improvements, the public building now satisfies the US Justice Department’s staff photo ADA requirements. Council members Dave Stormer, Tim Goodwin, and Tom Perhaps, more important Scruggs socialize with others while enjoying free food than all the aesthetics, is and drinks provided by several local groups that use the the reopening of a building recently reopened Community Center. that is more than just a people to truly be a community and share building. Originally donated by the Coca- with each other. Take an opportunity to Cola Company, the Community Center discover it for yourselves. has become a place for residents to come “It’s not just a library,” Scruggs says. together and get to know each other. By its “It’s a part of our lives.” very name, it provides an opportunity for
www.follycurrent.sc
November 28, 2008
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civic
Folly Beach City Council Staff Report The Folly Beach City Council held both a workshop and a regular meeting on November 11 at City Hall. The following is a report of those meetings: What’s big and red … The City Council unanimously voted to purchase two fire trucks for approximately $832,000. The City had planned on buying a new truck this year for $800,000 and had set aside $250,000 for that purpose. However, Public Safety Director Terry Boatwright stumbled onto a deal that they could just not pass up. The trucks were demonstration vehicles from First Class Fire Company and both trucks could be purchased for slightly more than the price of one. It was noted that the City will save approximately $680,000 with this purchase. Administrator Toni Connor-Rooks stated that any money received from the sale of the old trucks will be placed in the City’s general fund. The City was pressed to purchase the vehicles now because new equipment requirements that go into effect in January would increase the cost significantly in order to outfit the new trucks. Boatwright stated that the new vehicle requirements would not directly increase the ability to fight a fire or save lives. One of the new requirements is a recorder similar to an airplane’s black box. Furthermore, because the City’s existing equipment will be installed on a demonstration vehicle, the $85,926 cost to do so will not be taxed. The City’s current vehicles are approaching 20-years-old and the maintenance is beginning to “nickel
and dime” the Department, Boatwright argued. He is convinced that the new vehicles will last for years. Postponing expansion The first of two unexpected surprises for Mayor Carl Beckman during the meeting came when the Council voted to postpone expansion of the Public Safety facilities. “I thought we were all on the same page until today,” Beckman said. Council member Dave Stormer proved that wasn’t the case when he explained a need to investigate other alternatives before the City proceeded to “build more real estate”. Council member Tim Goodwin and Tom Scruggs agreed that alternatives should be looked at before moving forward with the plans to expand. The Council approved a motion to postpone the resolution until the January 13 work session. Council member Ellis and Mayor Beckman voted against the postponement. Defending the Franchise Mayor Beckman received his second surprise when the Council voted 4-3 against Ordinance 34-08, better known as the “Franchise Beach Ordinance”. The ordinance would have dictated where business could occur on the beach and what kind of businesses would be allowed there. Furthermore, it would have created an extra revenue stream for the City and restricted rentals to particular types of rentals. “I fear what this beach will look like next summer,” Council member
Laura Beck said. Beck, who crafted the ordinance, spurred some debate with a business relationship that some believed created the “perception” of conflict. Beck pointing out that she is a business partner with Sunshine Rentals, an umbrella company which is one of seven products/services allowed to conduct business on the beach, according to the ordinance. However, Beck noted that the City Administrator, the City Attorney and the South Carolina Ethics Commission all stated there was no conflict of interest. At a previous meeting she stated that the blue umbrellas that Sunshine Rentals provides at the pier gives Folly Beach the resort look they are going for and that the ordinance is a “service to our visitors” that will prevent a “carnival atmosphere”. Stormer led the charge against the ordinance by arguing that, while Beck may not have a legal conflict of interest, there is a perception of conflict that Beck should have revealed from the beginning. Mayor Beckman stated that Stormer’s arguments did not have a valid point. Council member Ellis also argued against the ordinance, saying that there are better ways to get to the same end. “This is commercializing Folly Beach to the point that I can not follow all this,” he stated. “This is Myrtle Beach stuff.” The ordinance failed by a 4-3 vote with Council members Ellis, Goodwin, Scruggs and Stormer voting against it. Mayor Beckman warned that it would be open see Council on page 4
Put a little “south” in your mouth
F
irefly Vodka made its way up the East Coast recently this fall and I was there to witness this magnificent undertaking myself this past weekend in my hometown of Richmond, Virginia. Our local favorite, Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, made on Wadmalaw Island, arrived in Charleston bars and liquor stores this past spring. Initially it was a hit exclusively here in Charleston, but as evidenced by my vacation to Nashville in August and to Richmond this past weekend, Firefly is becoming a hit around the country. Since I’m a huge fan of Firefly and felt the need to share the love with my friends and family, I brought two bottles with me to my hometown of Richmond, Virginia this weekend and to a Hampden-Sydney College tailgate for homecoming. My college-aged friends and adult friends over the age of 40 equally enjoyed the sweet goodness Firefly has to offer, and kept asking me “Where do I get this?” My mother swears it is better then a Gin and Tonic any day, and has requested that I bring home 10 bottles for Christmas, half
By: Sarah Ailsworth
Drunken Arnold Palmer ½ Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka ½ Fresh squeezed lemonade Shaken with ice and poured over ice cubes. Garnish with a lemon slice. Southern Sweet Tea 1 sprig mint, muddled 1/3 water
Ali Akhyari Editor
[email protected] Kristin Hackler Managing Editor
[email protected] Swan Richards Graphic Designer
[email protected] Brittany Urbach Reporter
[email protected] Jane McMackin Marketing Director Richard Brendel Advertising
[email protected] Chelsea Langan Advertising
[email protected] • Contributors Tina Christophilis Estee Paquin Ashley Crowe Sarah Ailsworth Caryn and Maria Wynn Vince Perna Michelle Mazyck Hangerhead Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS Future deadlines: December 3 for submissions.
of which we can give out for Christmas gifts. My friend Susan told me that it “Tastes just like tea, it is my new favorite drink and that is saying a lot!” The greatest part about Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka is that it is from right in our back yard. Not many people can say that about their favorite vodka. If you have not tried Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka, I highly recommend you do so and greet your mouth with a genuine taste from the South! Popular mixes with Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka:
Lynn Pierotti Publisher
[email protected]
2/3 Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka Muddle mint in shaker, add water and Firefly, shake with ice and pour over ice cubes. Garnish with a mint sprig. Peachy Tea 1/3 Peach Schnapps 2/3 Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka Shaken with ice and poured over ice cubes and/or frozen peach wedges. A less potent version of this would be to use Bellini mix in the place of Peach Schnapps.
www.follycurrent.sc
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.
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November 28, 2008
Hanging At the Bridge
Procrastination: Get into the spirit!
By Tina Christophilis
By HangerHead
On November 15, the Bridge Gallery and Frame Shop, located at 83 Center Street, showcased David Resnin, author of All for a Few Perfect Waves: The audacious life and legend of rebel surfer Miki Dora and work by surf legend/ artist, Glen Martin of Hawaii/ California. Resnin’s book has been described as Endless Summer meets Catch Me if You Can. After traveling for five years in Dora’s surf-bound footsteps to countries such as France, Australia and Hawaii and interviewing over 300 people, Resnin began to write. Miki Dora was a well-known notorious and outspoken surfer who lived for personal freedom. As the king of the Malibu surfers in the 50s and 60s, Dora led the battle against the commercialization of surfing. “He was a contradiction,” says Resnin, “taking money when he could, all while breaking the rules.” He had no job, no wife and no children, but due to his charming personality and good looks, Dora was never short on girlfriends. He left California and travelled the world, went to jail, forwent credit cards and had a real “don’t talk about me” attitude. Resnin says that ultimately, the book poses the question, “what do I want to do with my life?” Along with featured artist Glen Martin, whose stunning paintings showed a sharp realism and a clear sense of surfing the California waves, several local artists’ works were also on display. Art by budding Council from page 3 season without the ordinance starting on January 1 and that the dissenters should come up with something before then. “If there’s another way to do it, I don’t know what it is,” Beckman said. Working overtime The Council voted unanimously to pass resolution 42-08, which adds a new section to the City’s Personnel Handbook to regulate City owned vehicles. However, a section that would have given the City Administrator the power to manage employee hours was postponed by a 4-3 vote with Council members Scruggs, Stormer, Goodwin and McCarty voting in favor. The debated section read that “The work schedule of administrative employees shall be determined by the City Administrator with the approval of the Mayor based upon the individual’s work load and the needs of the public.” It also deletes a line that that says that “Employees may not use break times and meal periods to report late or to leave early, nor may break periods be combined with a meal period.” Scruggs argued that he simply wanted more time to research the necessity of the edits. It was argued that the edits would allow the Administrator to deal with employee issues more quickly and efficiently. Beck also stated that not giving the Administrator this responsibility is a form of micro-managing that the City
local artist Osee Koger displayed blue waves, soft church silhouettes and tender drawings, all executed with a delicate vision. Also featured in the gallery are the sophisticated paper cuts by Sherry Browne. Clarity and precision resonates throughout Browne’s work, showing the hand of a well-honed professional and dedicated craftsman. Alongside Brown’s work is the evocative poetry in clay by Melissa Nelson. Nelson’s pottery is sensual with the depth of a poet and the creativity of a true artist. At the Bridge features a variety of products, from affordable jewelry to fine art. Here, there is something available for the collector in us all. Sherry Browne offers very reasonably priced custom framing alongside the eclectic array of art objects. Glen Martin’s paintings will be on display at At the Bridge throughout the month of November. Tina Christophillis is a recent graduate of the College of Charleston, where she earned degrees in Studio Art and Arts Management. She is currently working to found a new artist collective on James Island and is curating their inaugural activity, Delete Apathy: Promoting Environmental Action and Preservation, scheduled to open February 14 in their renovated warehouse space at 719 Folly Rd. The collaborative exhibition will act as a membership drive for the SC Coastal Conservation League. should avoid. Making noise The City Council unanimously passed the first reading of Ordinance 36-08, which prohibits “unreasonable noise” on Folly Beach. Noise, according to the ordinance, is defined as “Any sound which annoys or disturbs humans or causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect on humans.” The Department of Public Safety would determine on an individual basis if sound constitutes noise. A noise complaint will be validated by a Public Safety Officer and a warning ticket issued if the complaint is indeed valid. After a second validated complaint within 12 hours, the Officer could shut down the source of the noise and issue a ticket. In the commercial district, it would be “unlawful” for sound producing devices, sound amplifying devices, music of any kind and people’s voices to be heard from a distant of more than 100 feet or for said noises to interfere with conversations taking place 50 feet away. In the residential zone, loud or annoying noise disturbances of any kind would be unlawful including, but not limited too, noise from a television, radio or phonograph. “Loud hollering” and other orally created noise will be prohibited between 11pm and 7am, as well as operating lawn equipment and loading/unloading, packing/unpacking or opening boxes/containers on any vehicle within 500 ft of the residential district.
W
ell, by now you’ve put down more than your share of gravy, potatoes, stuffing and pie and you’re realizing that Christmas is right around the corner. Perhaps you are one of those who got up at five in the morning in order to get those crazy holiday deals. It’s a nice feeling to get all that holiday shopping done early so you can kick back and enjoy the days just before Christmas with family. I wouldn’t know anything about that. See, I’m one of those guys who will be at the mall on Christmas Eve. It’s not like I forgot about some distant cousin who’s showing up this year. I’ll be shopping for my mom or my brother: someone close. I’ve tried to fight. I’ve told myself, “this year is going to be different. I’m going to get on top of things and put on a pair of comfortable pj’s and sit back with some egg nog on those precious Christmas days with the family.” It never happens. So I got to wondering; what’s so bad about procrastinating? Why the negative connotation? It’s better
to give than to receive, right? So why do so many people shop with this disdain of getting it out of the way like it’s an obstacle? If giving is so good, you should want to do it, even up until Christmas Eve. In fact, I would argue that I’m so full of holiday cheer that by not gift giving throughout the ENTIRE holiday season, I am showing amazing exercise in self control. It’s efficient, too. Right after Thanksgiving, stores try to cram all sorts of new gadgets, toys, ads, colors, lights and noise into your cerebellum. You’re confused. You’re overwhelmed. You’re a piece of meat they’re all feeding on. But not me, I won’t be a victim. On the days just before Christmas, the shelves are a little see Procrastinate on page 12
Civic Calendar Monday December 1
Monday, December 9
Planning Commission Call ahead for confirmation/time
City Council 7pm
Furthermore, no more than 25 people can gather together without a permit in the residential or recreational zones. In the recreational zone, which includes the beach, Community Center, Folly River Park and Pirate’s Cove Playground, sound can not be heard from a distance of over 100 ft and noise disturbance at any distance is prohibited between 11pm and 7am.
However, special permits can be obtained that would allow a person or group to make noise that would otherwise be considered unlawful. City Council is scheduled to meet again on December 9 at 7pm. Be sure to call City Hall (588-7000) to confirm this time and date as it may change.
PetsPetofHelpers the Week Scooby: I'm 3 years old and I'm looking for home where people will give me love. I would prefer a mature owner. I am quiet and independent, but I'm also sweet. Please come visit me! Neutered, vax, chip, Fee.
Holly: My name is Holly. I’m a Hou nd /Bea g le mix. I was brought in along with my litter of 9 puppies. I’m sweet, love to play and I LOVE it when people pet me! I am heartworm positive though. It’s definitely curable but I just need to be in a nice, calm environment. I’m looking for a foster home (in hopes they will adopt me). Come check me out! 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
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November 28, 2008
There are wind options Cow spit cures baldness? By Caryn and Maria Wynn With all the articles flying around about wind insurance, you can’t help but be confused and aggravated. The truth of the matter is that you have options, but you have to do research and educate yourself. There is a possibility the policy you currently have was the only coverage available at the time you took it out. That doesn’t mean that is the only company willing to write insurance in the wind pool territory, it just means that was all that was available to you at that time with your current agent. Insurance agencies only have the ability to write with companies with whom they have a contract. Most independent agents have access to more companies offering an all inclusive policy that includes wind. There are standard markets who will write insurance with wind included in the wind pool territory, but there are many factors that come into play to qualify, such as age of the house, proximity to the ocean, flood zone and value of the house. The South Carolina Wind & Hail Association was created to be the place of last resort to write wind insurance if a standard company could not write the wind coverage. The points you need to know about the exclusions on an S C Wind & Hail policy are: • There is no extended replacement cost on the house. • There is no replacement cost on contents. • There is no wind driven rain coverage. • There is a waiting period before loss of use starts paying.. • If the home is built before 1950
By Michelle Mazyck
OR is a secondary/rental property, there is no replacement cost on the house itself. In order for a claim to pay replacement cost on the house (if qualifies) you must carry flood insurance even if you are not in a special flood hazard area. If you do not qualify for a standard market, there are many non-standard companies who can write insurance with wind included. Many of them have a “named storm” wind deductible instead of a “wind and hail” deductible and can offer excellent coverage. The point is, if you are unsure as to whether you are getting the best premium and the best coverage, simply make several phone calls to different companies and ask for a quote. Ask questions! Don’t assume that you are told what is included and excluded on your policy. Don’t wait until you have a claim to find out if you have coverage or not. It is important that everyone understands their insurance. If you would like a quote, we are available to come to you or you can visit us at our Mount Pleasant office. We are also opening another agency on Seabrook Island so we can visit people on Seabrook, Kiawah and Johns Island to help them with their insurance needs as well.
Michelle Mazyck of Michelle’s Salon and Spa on East Cooper Avenue gets questions all the time about personal hair care and grooming. Here she shares some of her most common questions and fun facts about the human history of grooming: Q. Does hair grow faster in the winter? A. Hair is the fastest growing tissue of the human body and grows fastest between the ages of 15 to 30. Hair grows faster in the spring and summer than in fall and winter since there is more sweating, which activates and stimulates hair growth. Q. Who has the most hair and whose hair grows the fastest? A. The average human has up to 150,000 hairs on their head. Blondes typically have more hair than someone with red or dark hair. On the average, redheads have 90,000 hairs and people with black hair have about 111,000 hairs. Asian hair grows the fastest and has the greatest elasticity. Q. What are cowlicks? A. The growth of hair is in a spiral pattern, which causes the hair to either stand
Caryn and Maria Wynn of Wynn & Associates Insurance are available for consultation. Their offices are located at 1054 Johnnie Dodds Blvd. Ste A in Mt Pleasant, phone number 843-884-7000, or at 1001 Landfall Way Ste D on Johns Island, just outside the Seabrook main gate, phone number 843-793-3306.
www.follycurrent.sc
straight up or go to an angle. And as you probably guessed, the term “cowlick” got its name from what hair looks like after a cow licks it. And since we’re on the subject of cows, in the Renaissance era, cow saliva was reputed to cure male baldness. Q. Why does hair turn gray? A. As we get older, the pigment cells at the see Hair on page 9
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November 28, 2008
November 28, 2008
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Police Reports The following is a synopsis of the activities of the Folly Beach Public Safety Department between November 6 - 17. Their office is located on the first floor of City Hall located at 21 Center Street and they can be reached at 588-2433. 11/6/08: A construction manager reported that a three ton Seer Frigidaire Heat Pump was stolen from a construction site. He stated he left the work site at 4pm the day before and returned in the morning to find it missing. The wire connection from the outside had been cut in order to remove the pump. 11/6/08: An officer clocked a vehicle traveling 42 miles per hour on E. Ashley and conducted a traffic stop. When asked for his driver’s license, the driver stated that he did not have it on his person. Further investigation revealed that the driver’s license had been suspended. The driver was arrested and transported to Charleston County Detention Center. 11/7/08: At approximately 1:05am, an officer responded to a call of an unwanted person on private property. A male subject was getting into his vehicle at the turnaround at the end of E. Arctic. The subject was questioned and it became clear he was under the influence of alcohol. The complainant stated that the subject had been asked to leave several times and during his refusal had broken out a house window. The subject cursed at the complainant and used obscene names. It was determined the subject was too intoxicated to exercise due care for himself or others, was arrested and taken to Charleston County Detention Center. During the ride the subject admitted to drinking and driving, breaking the window and causing a disturbance. 11/8/08: At approximately 9am, an officer responded to a trespassing complaint. The property was a rental home owned by the victim who stated the previous tenants had moved out two weeks prior. He had arrived in order to prepare the home for new tenants and upon arrival, found a tin bucket with a large candle still burning inside. In the driveway was a green BMW with SC plates that did not belong to anyone who was staying at the house and was unknown by the victim. The plates came back to a nearby resident. No Hair from page 5 root of the hair stop producing melanin, which give the hair color. Women generally start to gray around 35 years of age. Q. What results can be determined by testing strands of hair? A. Your hair knows more about you than your mother. A single strand of hair can determine if you smoke, drink
additional information was available as of November 12. 11/9/08: At approximately 5:13pm, officers responded to a call from Subject 1 who stated that two other subjects were trying to fight him. Upon arrival, an altercation had already taken place. The officer determined that Subject 2 had thrown down a plastic cup and proceeded to urinate in public. Subject 1 asked him to stop and to pick up the cup. Subject 2 complied. Subject 3 began to curse at Subject 1. According to Subject 1, Subject 2 then pushed the plastic cup into his chest. Feeling threatened, Subject 1 took down Subject 2 before punching Subject 3 in the mouth. All three expressed no desire to press charges. Subject 2 changed his mind, stated his knee was injured and wanted to enter into a civil suit against Subject 1. Subject 2 requested an ambulance and was taken to MUSC. No arrests were made. 11/10/08: At approximately 8:36pm, an officer pulled over a vehicle traveling southbound for having a headlight out. The driver stated he was on his way to retrieve his driver’s license from Planet Follywood. Using the subject’s name and date of birth, it was discovered that the subject’s drivers license was suspended with three NRVCs against it. The subject was arrested and given a citation for driving with a suspended license, three citations for the three NRVC’s, and a fifth citation for defective equipment. The vehicle was towed.
the phone from her hand, leaving a small cut when she refused. She advised that the suspect took her phone and car keys and ran out of the house after she threatened to call the police. The boyfriend returned home later and the police were called again and arrived while the suspect was still there. The victim stated she feared for her life because the suspect previously stated he would kill her if she called the police. The suspect was arrested and charged with his second CDV. 11/16/08: Victim reported that her vehicle had been scratched while parked next to 31 Center Street. She parked it at 3pm and when she returned, she found a long scratch running down the driver’s side of her vehicle. 11/16/08: Officers pulled over a vehicle on East Arctic after it crossed two lanes of traffic to turn left onto 10th Street. The passenger was observed pouring beer out of the passenger side window. A full cup of vodka and cranberry juice was discovered in the vehicle and the driver admitted to the contents. The driver was arrested and he refused a FST and BAC. He was issued a notice of suspension. The passenger was booked on open container. Both were taken to the Charleston County Detention Center.
11/12/08: An officer initiated a traffic stop and called for back-up after witnessing a vehicle travel over the double yellow line several times at it traveled northbound on Folly Road. The driver was asked to exit the vehicle and if he would take a field sobriety test. He responded that he was sick and had defecated in his pants. Officers asked if EMS was needed, but he did not reply. A friend was called to take him home and he was issued a ticket for reckless driving. 11/14/08: Officers responded to a residential disturbance at 12:53am. Upon arrival, the victim stated that a live-in boyfriend had been drinking all night and wanted to use her phone. She stated that he threw her against the wall and wrenched or take drugs. It can also tell your ethnic origin. And although hair can’t be used to identify gender, it is true that intelligent people have more zinc and copper in their hair. Now, does anyone know where I could buy a test kit before my next date? Michelle’s Salon and Spa is located at 103 East Cooper Avenue on Folly Beach. Have a personal grooming question? Email
[email protected].
www.follycurrent.sc
11/17/08: The victim reported that a suspect stole his Ford Explorer while it was parked with the keys in the ignition at the victim’s residence. A witness stated that while driving out on Folly Road, they saw the vehicle swerve across the road and back to the other side of the street where it ran into a ditch and became disabled. The suspect then tried to get into the witness’ vehicle but fled on foot as they called the police. Police were unable to locate the suspect. However, the suspect has been identified. The stolen vehicle was originally valued at $5000 but then valued at $1000 after recovery. 11/17/08: An officer pulled over a vehicle after witnessing the car swerving across the center lane and shoulder as it travelled northbound on Folly Road. The driver admitted to drinking and having a mental condition which he was trying to get help for. When asked to get out of the vehicle, the driver stumbled and leaned against the car for support. He admitted to drinking four beers. The subject was arrested and taken to Charleston County Detention Center and his vehicle was towed. He registered a .19% blood/alcohol level.
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November 28, 2008
Music
Heating up the cold nights By Vince Perna
R
ev. Johnny Mac and the Booty Ranch brought their powerful funk and blues-based rock to the Sand Dollar on November 14 and 15, rocking the crowd all night long. I had the opportunity to sit down and talk to Johnny. The only thing more impressive than his amazing guitar solos was the vast amount of knowledge he possessed about the history of Charleston rock and roll and as a result, his shows are a tribute to the genre. First: the music. The rhythm section, made up of Chris Watts on bass and Stevie Kent on drums, lay down a funky beat that allows Mac to masterfully craft his guitar work into a blistering range of solos that leaves the crowd in awe. The man really, really can play guitar. He is among the most talented guitarists in Charleston. If you closed your eyes, you’d feel like you were at the rock and roll hall of fame. He has been doing this a while, playing twenty years on Folly Beach. “Longer than anybody alive,” he tells me. The music is a compilation of all of his influences, ranging from Deep Purple to Prince, but he cites Jeff Beck as his all time guitar hero. Mac draws a huge crowd every time he plays because his listeners have developed an expectation for an awesome show mixed with rock favorites and deep cuts. There are two things
hard to find at a Booty Ranch show: anyone leaving unhappy and room on the dance floor. Rev. Mac describes his music as sounding like hot, grinding sex with a backbeat. “We play wicky wack b*@# s#*@.., and have fun doing it.” Mac and the band hold full time jobs and play gigs for enjoyment. He does it all to make the girls dance. He feels deeply religious about his music, explaining that the energy developed with the crowd is as close to church as there is: a passion which also won him the title of Reverend. He enjoys the energy the crowd gives him and sends it back their way, creating
a circular loop of celebration. Just as enjoyable as the show was sitting back and listening to Mac teach me a lesson in Charleston rock and roll. He moved here in 1972 and remembers the Folly Pavilion, the Dancing Bear, and the Charleston Underground among others. Although he gives a nod to a few friends that may know more than him, he is the most musically knowledgeable Charlestonian that I have ever met. He learned to play guitar himself and sang in church growing up. His parents were musical influenced and encouraged his musical inclinations. At the time, he was looking forward to Thanksgiving with them as he does every year. He has built numerous Stratocaster guitars from various parts, crafting each one to his specifications. It was a pleasure to listen to his reminisces and I hope anyone reading this has the chance to take his class someday. You can catch him the next time he comes to the Sand Dollar or look for him elsewhere in Charleston. You can also check them out at www. myspace.com/thebootyranch. Finally, remember that at the Booty Ranch, nothing tastes like chicken, but it’s all worth licking.
Shooting the Bull By Ashley Crowe
O
wen Beverly, also known as Owen Evans in everyday life, is a newcomer to Folly Beach with a sound all his own. I first saw Owen at Surf Bar on November 18, which was his debut on Folly Beach. A Jackson, Mississippi, native with a background in classical music and blues, Owen is sure to make waves on Folly. Owen’s lyrics, which can be described as anything but “pretty”, are a sharp contrast to the beautiful melodies on songs such as “Dixie” and “Come Rain”. I met with Owen at the Daily Dose on Folly Road to delve a little deeper… A: “Describe yourself as a musician.” O: “Schizophrenic.” A: “Explain.” O: “My first record, The Drunk Lover EP (2003), was progressive, dark. After that I took a break from the music
Folly music scene Folly Beach Crab Shack 588-3080 24 Center Street Trivia Nite every Tues Planet Follywood 588-7380 32-A Center Street 11/28 Dan Clamp 11/29 Eric Gonzalez 12/4 & 5 Dan Clamp
business. Actually, I was painting houses in Mississippi. I eventually came back into music with more of a folk sound (Shooting the Bull 2007). I was caught between two foundations and that led me to move in a new direction. I’m constantly changing my genre emphasis. I don’t really care about selling a million records; I just do what I want.” A: “Would you say that you are more into lyrics or music?” O: “Lyrics.” A: “Throw me some lyrics…” O: “Like a feather in a windstorm, I need someone to hold me… I wish I were a Foghorn, I’d get someone to blow me.” (From Lake of Fire) A: “Favorite lyricist right now?” O: “[Kurt] Cobain (as a lyricist). I think one of the biggest mistakes you can make
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is writing about things you like, things that are comfortable. You should make yourself cringe.” A: “What’s in your CD player right now?” O: “Midlake The Trials of Van Occupanther; Neil Young Harvest; The Working Title Bone Island (Unreleased). A: “Favorite roadtrip?” O: “Hwy 78 from Aiken to Ridgeville and all the small towns between.” A: “Do you have a current Theme Song?” O: “Umm…probably the 1812 Overture. It gets me pretty pumped up.” A: “Ambition other than music?” O: “Improve my golf game.” A: “Describe your sound in two words.” O: “Figuratively. Literally.”
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Photo by Keith Bradshaw
A: “So what do you think of playing Folly Beach so far?” O: “Folly is the best beach town in the Charleston area.” A: “I agree completely. Could you elaborate?” O: “It’s the people. Definitely the people.” see Evans on page 11
November 28, 2008
A
Surf
Watch ‘em rip
re you ready for Folly Beach’s biggest weekend of team surfing competiton? The Southern South Carolina District of the Eastern Surfing Association (SSC/ESA) will hold the 2008 Liquid Shredder Team Challenge at The Washout on Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30. Liquid Shredder is sponsoring the event with long sleeve t-shirts, food, and awards. While it is now too late to register, it’s not too late to check out the action. Last year, the team from Parrot Surf Shop in Mount Pleasant was the shortboard champions and took home the trophy which gave them bragging rights for all last year. But now it’s back up for grabs. Come out and see if Folly Beach can claim the honors that, let’s face it, belong on this side of the bridge.
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Saladin dressing
Surfing begins at 8am on Saturday. This long-standing SSC Specialty Event has a rich history of the fiercest team competition seen in East Coast surfing. All surf shops, groups of friends, surf clubs and businesses from near and far have been invited. The Team Challenge is dedicated to the memory of John Kalagian, owner of Barrier Islands Surf Shop, who passed away several years ago. This was John’s favorite surfing competition and he always put together winning teams. The Team Challenge is a way of honoring the memory of someone so special within the Folly Beach surfing community and beyond. The Team Challenge schedule will be posted on follycurrent.sc, ssc.surfesa.org and follywaves.com by Friday, November 29.
Photo by Nancy Hussey
What are those things called? You used to have to pull red, plastic monkeys out of them for fun. They're used to describe guys with wide chests. They're also associated with porky legislation. Oh yeah! Barrels! Southern South Carolina Eastern Surfing Association member Francis Saladin gets nasty as he makes his way out of one of those things at the Washout on October 25, thanks to some help from Mother Nature. Keep your wetsuit ready and an eye out for more winter swells. This could be you.
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Photo provided by Nancy Hussey, SSC/ESA
2007 Team Challenge winners from Parrot Surf Shop (L-R) Anthony Osment, J. Bush, Daniel Blackwell (holding big trophy), Peyton Epps, Wade Martin and Kyle Busey.
Evans from page 10 A: “Song to Download?” O: “Benedict Arnold.” www.mypace. com/owenbeverly) A: “Any parting words, thoughts?” O: “I miss the long days.”
If you would like to hear more of Owen, he will be opening for Jay Clifford (of Jump Little Children) at the Music Farm on December 6. Whether or not you make it to the Music Farm, dear readers, rest assured you will be hearing more of Owen Beverly. Be sure to check out his music at www.myspace.com/owenbeverly.
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November 28, 2008
Fitness
The Lowcountry High Rollers By Estee Paquin Folly Beach, it is my pleasure to introduce Red Dred and the ladies of Charleston’s only “All-Female Flat Track Roller Derby Team”. Red, literally one of Folly’s finest, is a member of a rare collection of Goddess warriors that share a passion for sport. “Most of the skaters I’ve met have similar stories,” she says. “They used to skate in some way as a child, and have not skated for 10-15 years. Then they hear that there is an all female roller skating sport where they can get exercise, have an alter ego, perform, and have a great big group of girlfriends who all have that in common.” Now in its 8th year of resurgence, contemporary roller derby is international, predominantly female, typically operates on an amateur circuit, and has a strong Procrastinate from page 4 more lean. This means it’s a lot easier to pick out what you want. We’ve all been to a restaurant with too much stuff on the menu. By the time you choose you can’t even eat because you’ve got an ulcer from all the stress. I’ve never read a story about a Christmas ulcer. (Hey, that gives
do-it-yourself ethic which often features athleticism and a satirical punk, thirdwave feminism aesthetic. Wendy Boswell and Red started putting the team together in late January of 2008. Practice began in late April, followed by scrimmaging (dress rehearsals) with teams in their region. Roller-derby is an American-invented contact sport based on formation roller skating around an oval tract. The game is played with five players from each team beginning each “jam” (two minute segment). There are four blockers from each team together in a pack and there is one jammer from each team that starts 20 feet behind the pack. Adrenalin rushes when the first whistle blows and blockers start skating. me an idea...) I could go on and on here but I can’t just sit here writing all day. I’m an adult. I’ve got to be more responsible. I’ve got more procrastinating to do and I can’t put it off another minute. But if you want to be selfish, go ahead and get it out of the way. I’ll be the one putting some TUMS in your stocking on December 24.
After about three seconds, the jammers start, attempting to out-skate each other by passing the pack as best they can. Blockers try to stop the opposing jammer while simultaneously helping her jammer get through the pack by checking the other blockers or jammer are out of the way. After successfully passing through the pack they lap the pack, skating around until they reach the pack and try to pass again. Each jammer scores 1 point for each opposing blocker she passes. Training with the team enables Red
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Dred to maintain her driving force. Official sponsor Bill Fagan of East ~ West preps the girls with kick boxing and strength conditioning work outs. Keeping fit, Red also meets with the team twice a week at Hot Wheels Skate Center. Currently, the Lowcountry High Roller bouts are scheduled be held at the Gaillard Exhibit hall in downtown Charleston. The girls expect to have 6 home games next year. So, Folly fans, be ready to offer a wave of support for our roller derby Queens.