PRESORT STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID FOLLY BEACH, SC PERMIT NO 27
Folly Beach’s Newspaper
Vol. 1 Issue 1
October 31, 2008 w FREE
Folly boat painted by Janie Atkinson
Folly Beach now has its own newspaper from lynn pierotti, publisher
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he Folly Current is a brand new publication from Lucky Dog Publishing, the Lowcountry’s island community newspaper company. Our focus will be entirely on the issues and concerns that are most relevant to the residents of Folly Beach. We will work hard to be a non-partisan forum for open discussion and will feature comprehensive coverage of Folly news and events, from politics to island life as well as a civic calendar, a general happenings calendar, surf and tide reports, a concert calendar and more.
I N S I D E
The Folly Beach community is proud of its commitment to local concerns and The Folly Current will strive to promote this idea in all of its content. Please feel free to send us your photos and story ideas. This is your paper, coverage will be reflective of the support you give it. Let us know what you think! Send your letters, pictures, stories, calendar events and ideas to
[email protected]. If you would like to be a regular contributor, send your column idea to the email address above or call 886-NEWS (6397).
Clean Street on page 2
Art in the Park on page 5
The Folly Current is mailed every two weeks to every active mailbox on Folly Island. The Folly Current is completely FREE OF CHARGE and relies entirely on the generous support of our local advertisers to fund its production. Please make sure and thank our advertisers with your patronage. We are excited to provide the residents of Folly Beach with a news outlet that focuses entirely on their community. We look forward to becoming a trusted source of information for Folly Beach.
Kayaks on page 11
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CIVIC
October 31, 2008
The business of beach
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By Ali Akhyari
ike most young couples, my fiance’ and I were trying to figure out how we could make significantly more money last summer and we figured that by selling hot dogs and drinks on the beach, we could make our pipe dreams come true. Unfortunately, I’m easily distracted and I must have seen something shiny and forgotten about that idea. In addition, I wasn’t sure if it would even be allowed by the City. I figured there was a reason why no one else was doing it. However, had we followed through with our dream of hot dog vending, we would have found out that Folly Beach currently has no regulations prohibiting the sale of anything on the beach, meaning I could have been living a hot dog financed life of luxury. Odds are I won’t get another chance as the City Council is working to pass an ordinance that will regulate business operations on the beach. The City Council discussed the Franchise Ordinance during a work session on October 7 which could give the City the power to say what sort of business can and can not occur on the beach, where it can occur, and who can conduct business. According to Council member Laura Beck and Mayor Carl Beckman, the ordinance is an attempt to corral an unregulated area of beach while collecting more revenue from daytrippers. “This way we can limit [business activity] and make some money off it,” Beckman says. He summarized by breaking its purpose into three parts. First, the City gets to pick who vends on the beach. Second, they say where vending occurs. Third, fees and bids would make money for the City. While the ordinance is still in its preparatory stages, there was some description of how the ordinance could potentially work. As it was described in
Support your community, support your local paper. Tell them you saw it in The Folly Current!
its premature stage, the ordinance would limit business activity on the beach to those that conduct rentals only. The sale of anything on the beach would be prohibited while the Council decides what rental businesses will be allowed. For example, jet ski rentals could be allowed while paddle boat rentals are not, it is their discretion. Businesses would have to obtain a business license from the City and pay any additional fees. The beach could be segmented into grids and businesses would have to bid on a specific area of the grid in which to conduct their business with minimum bids being decided by the City Council. Furthermore, the City will define specific areas of the beach where business can occur. Beck stated that the current ordinance, as written, would limit the business activity from about Second or Third Block East to about Third Block West in the pier area, as well as the Washout. However, Dave Stormer questioned the City’s ability to handle the proposition in the Washout area. With specific areas of the beach being designated for things like jet ski or umbrella rentals, more visitors will be drawn to those areas. While the pier has restrooms, showers and a parking
lot, Stormer says the Washout does not have a support system to handle more visitors. “We’re building a mousetrap we’re going to get stuck in,” Stormer warned. He says the Washout would need more things like parking, restrooms and showers to support the increased traffic that a vending area would bring. He added that OCRM setback lines could interfere with the City’s authority at the Washout. “There are things we can do, but we’ve chosen not to make it a priority,” he argued.
No bumps in the road
While it created some traffic headaches, the repaving of Center Street is finally complete and residents and visitors alike now have a new, smooth road welcoming them to Folly Beach. The project was completely funded by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. “The street badly needed some work,” said Toni ConnorRooks, Folly Beach City Administrator.
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Council member Eddie Ellis noted that there were other ways to do what the City Council wanted without this particular ordinance. However, Mayor Beckman reemphasized the importance of filling in holes in the City’s codes that would allow anybody to sell just about anything on the beach and said the ordinance would not take effect until January if passed. He, along with Beck, stressed the need for the City to have this control for protection and to dictate what happens on the beach. Beck noted that so many of the pictures of Folly Beach display the pier area and the nice blue umbrellas that give Folly Beach a “resort look” which are provided by a rental company. “That’s how we sell ourselves,” she said. The ordinance allows the City to dictate what businesses can operate, which results in what sort of look and character these commercial areas of the beach will have. As 8:00pm rolled around, Mayor Beckman closed the meeting and told the City Council to consider what the minimum bid should be for the grid aspect of the ordinance. The Council was expected to discuss the ordinance further during their regular meeting on October 28. However, details were not available by our publication deadline but will be included in our next issue.
October 31, 2008
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CIVIC
Stormwater utility bills to be mailed November 7 Provided by Charleston County
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he 2008 Stormwater Utility bills will be mailed on Friday, November 7, to residents who live in unincorporated areas of Charleston County and to residents of five other communities that have agreements with the County to administer their stormwater management programs. The following five municipalities have passed ordinances that authorize Charleston County’s Public Works Stormwater Division to administer their stormwater management programs: City of Isle of Palms City of Folly Beach Town of Sullivan’s Island Town of Lincolnville Town of James Island The 2008 residential bills for the unincorporated areas and the five municipalities listed above will be $36 per household. For all non-residential properties, fees are calculated using the commonly accepted rate for stormwater fees known as the Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU). Residents who do not live in the unincorporated areas of the County (or within the five municipalities that have agreements for Charleston County to administer their stormwater management programs) should check with the municipality or public service district in which they live regarding any stormwater fees. Why is there a need for stormwater management? “Due to construction and growth in the County, stormwater that used to be absorbed into the ground is now funneled away by roofs, driveways, parking lots and roads,” said Chuck Jarman, Manager of the Charleston County Stormwater Management Program. The stormwater system, which consists of gutters, catch basins, storm sewers, retention basins, drainage ditches and stream channels, carries stormwater away from development and into area
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IVA is Folly Islands Voters Association. They meet the fourth Thursday of every month in City Council Chambers at 7:30pm and their purpose is to inform the citizens about what is happening in the City government and to keep communication open. FIVA also advises citizens about events and issues on Folly Beach and the surrounding areas. In addition, FIVA solicits opinions about issues and informs the City government on members’ opinions through straw polls (e.g. FIVA recently solicited opinions on smoking and drinking bans on the beach).
water supplies to prevent flooding and environmental damage. “We have seen dramatic growth along coastal areas, and stormwater management can no longer be addressed solely by building larger pipes and drains,” Jarman said. Harmful entities in runoff include, but are not limited to, construction site erosion, pollution from dumping in creeks and rivers, oil leaks from cars and trucks onto parking lots and streets, and pet waste. “The stormwater runoff system must be looked at from a regional perspective,” Jarman said. “All properties, regardless of their location in a watershed, have an impact on water resources. The stormwater system is intended to prevent flooding and environmental degradation, thereby improving the water quality in Charleston County.” For questions or to appeal the bill amount, contact Charleston County’s
Stormwater Management Program: • By phone at (843) 202-7639 • By e-mail at:
[email protected] • By mail at: Charleston County Public Works Department Attn: Stormwater Management 4045 Bridge View Drive North Charleston, SC 29405-7464 Appeal online through a stormwater fee appeal form (direct link: http:// w w w.cha rlestonCount y.org/index 2. a sp?p =/dep a r t ment s / P ubl icWork s / StormwaterFee.htm). To view the Charleston County Stormwater Utility Fee Ordinance, go to www.charlestonCounty.org and see “Ordinances” on the right-hand side menu within the County Council section (direct link: http://www.charlestonCounty. org/Ordinances/150 0 -1599/1518%20 Stormwater%20Management.pdf).
In 2007, the Charleston County Stormwater Division resented regulation information to engineers and developers (a technical manual is available online for engineers, builders and developers). Permitting Standards and Procedures Manual published by Charleston County released in November 2007 and made available on line at www.charlestonCounty.org/departments/PublicWorks/StormwaterFee.htm Ashley Cooper Stormwater Educational Consortium – Elected and some appointed officials from three counties and eight municipalities in the surrounding Charleston area came together in signing a joint resolution on July 29 of this year adopting a regional Stormwater education strategy. A consortium was formed over to organize the group in partnership together in developing an educational strategy for area. Background: The program is a result of federal regulations that require unincorporated County areas and municipalities to provide stormwater management to regulate runoff from all properties and activities that have the potential to pollute local water systems. The fees collected fund the Charleston County Stormwater Management Program, which was created in 2006 as a division within the Charleston County Public Works Department.
Join FIVA
Membership is just $10 per person and $20 per family. Come and join us! Communications are sent via e-mail so please join by sending your e-mail address to
[email protected]. FIVA The Folly Islands Voters Association PO Box 1206 Folly Beach, S.C. 29439 Serving all parts of Folly Beach Join FIVA … Stay informed.
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Lynn Pierotti Publisher
[email protected] Kristin Hackler Editor
[email protected] Ali Akhyari Assistant Editor
[email protected] Brittany Urbach Reporter
[email protected] Swan Richards Graphic Designer
[email protected] Jane McMackin Marketing Director Richard Brendel Advertising
[email protected] Chelsea Langan Advertising
[email protected] • Contributors Mike Arthur Chris Brooks Jan Genosi Richard Hricik Linda Sivert Nick Strehle Brittany Urbach Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS Future deadlines: November 5 for submissions. The Folly Current, a wholly owned subsidiary of Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina LLC, is a free, independent newspaper published every two weeks and is for and about Folly Beach. Copies are mailed free of charge to every active mailbox in our coverage area and are also available at area businesses and by subscription to non-islanders. Subscriptions are $30 per year for non-residents and are available by sending a check to Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC, P.O. Box 837, Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482. Contributions of information, pictures and articles are welcomed and are used according to space limitations and news value and cannot be returned except by special request. Our editorial content is primarily dedicated to the area of distribution; ad space is open to all businesses who want to reach the Folly Beach market. Complete ad creation is $50, however, changes of up to 30% of the original ad are included at no extra cost. All advertising rates are listed at www.islandeyenews.com under “advertising”.
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC Publishers of The Folly Current, The Island Eye News and The Island Connection.
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October 31, 2008
A true tale from Mullet Hall
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Sidi Limehouse, Rosebank Farms
he year was 1948 and I was ten years old. I called him Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown called me Mr. Sidi. Mr. Brown, somewhere in his 90s, was an old black man and I was a young white boy. We were friends. He was educated: Johns Island educated. Mr. Brown told me one day, “If you know, you know and if you don’t know, well, you just don’t know.” Mr. Brown felt it was his duty to teach me everything I should know and Mr. Brown said I should know about Brutus Garrett. It seems that Brutus, 100 years earlier, had panicked in a hurricane and that Brutus was now a haint. Brutus come bak each year in October when de full moon be high and you can see the marsh shines all de way to Kiwah. In them day, Mr. Legare had some kind o’ chine what him could look on and dis ting tell de pression. Was October de last. Mr. Legare ping de bell and say fo tell eby body must come to de big house. Him say de pression is low and we must take care of eby ting. Was maybe it was a gale comin. Eby animal, all de people must leave de creekside an go to Big Field (Big Field is where Mullet Hall Equestrian Center is now located). Big Field had a barn big enuf to hol eby body. People say Brutus musta been liquored up. Brutus laugh and Mr. Legare say de chine don know what him talkin bout. He take Gal; Gal been e mule an him ride Gal out to Jemmy Ilant (Jemmy Island is out in the marsh opposite Rhett’s Bluff). Say him fa pic last little bit o cotton. When Mr. Legare hear what Brutus done, he jump on he horse and take Laboard wit him to fetch Brutus. When dem get to de creek de tide been comin fas and de wind blow and dem turn back. When de people see em comin and ain’t got much as Gal wit dem, dey cuss Brutus a while but den pray fo em. He get real dark and de wind blow. De win blow so hard he ring de bell. Preacher Bishop say Brutus ring de bell. De people start fo wailin and nashin dey teet. Mr. Legare say fo eby body get in de loff of de barn and huddle up. Was a terruble night. In de mawnin was real quiet. Mr. Legare say fo feed de critter and take em back home. He send Laboard, the preacher and Boobie to look for Brutus. Dey ain’t find hide nor hair. I knows you gwynn ax bout Gal. Well a mule be smart, smartest animal dey is. Mr. Bryan say when de storm obor, Gal been stannin in he yard. De buzzart find Brutus. Laboard take a bateau and look on him and say he was too bad to bring to the hill so him bury him in de marsh. Mr. Legare say it wasn’t right to leave Brutus in the marsh but eby body he ax to fetch em come back say dey couldn’t fin him. He bin way in de middle of de marsh and dey loose de place where he been. Brutus he ain’t loose em. He know ain’t posed to be buried in de marsh. Every year on the full moon you can hear em. He call out to eby body, “Take me, O Jesus, to solid ground.” Moses last year he don’t believe bout Brutus be no haint. Well him coon dog tree a coon on Jemmy Islant. He ride him mule an Buster been wid him fo walk. It kinda been de first col and was de day ob the storm of 1848 by 100 years. Now a haint trap in de marsh for 100 years, he restless. Moses dem had to walk cross de big marsh for to get to Jemmy Islant and fetch de coon for Sunday dinner. Moses is a sensible man and he don’t believe in no haint. Well, he do now and Moses ain’t gyain back in dat marsh for efen 100 coon been tree on Jemmy Islant. Moses say de dog was to de tree and barkun eby breth. All of a sudden de mule put he head up high and strain he ears. Den de mule balk. Stop in he tracks. Den Moses see what de mule see. Dey was a little place in de marsh ups a little taller than all around. Den he hear say, “Here I is. Please for move me to de hill.” And dere was a man pointing to the ground and wailin “move me to de hill.” Moses den say to heself, “mule, move me to de hill.” Musta been a sight: de dog, de mule wit Moses, all been behind Buster. So Mr. Sidi, I knows you like de marsh for crab, hunt fish, and eby ting but please don’t go in the big marsh when the moon full in Oct. The haint what is Brutus, he still axin somebody for please take he body to the hill.
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Jammin for Jesus
n Saturday, November 15, the Folly River Park will be the site of some divine intervention. “Jammin’ 4 Jesus” is an outdoor concert event that will benefit the less fortunate of the Lowcountry. Admission is just a can or box of food and the fun goes from 11:00am until 5:00pm. Attendees will be blessed with the music of Unmasked, Station 15, Exposed as well as several other bands. In addition to the music, various artists and craftsmen will be presenting their wares. Raffles will give you the opportunity to walk away with gift certificates for local activities, restaurants, as well as merchandise. All food collected will go to the James Island Outreach and all money raised will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston. Don’t miss this opportunity for a fun, outdoor event while doing something good for the community. What a great way to spend a Saturday!
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Chairs for change
t. Stephen’s Thurman. These Episcopal chairs could Church is become the latest sponsoring an addition to any art Auction, House lover’s collection. Tour and Garden The silent Party on Sunday, auction this year November 2, will be held in from 2:30 until the Garden of St. 6:30 pm in Stephen’s. Auction historic downtown items include: an Charleston. All oyster roast for proceeds benefit twenty people the St. Stephen’s on Edisto Island Outreach Partners: hosted by the Lee Charleston Area Brothers (Matt Senior Citizen and Ted); getaways Center, Florence to Washington, Crittenton Program Key West and of South Carolina, New York City. Lowcountry Food A black pearl and Bank (“Backpack diamond necklace; Buddies” Program), a gold vermeil Magdalene chain by designer House of South This is the “Princess Chair” by Madeleine Alexis Bittar; an Carolina and Star Dukes, complete with tiara and jewels, antique walnut Gospel Mission of with a pink and white checked seat. washstand and a Charleston. c1850 brass and crystal inkwell. Experienced docents offer insights To see all the chairs in the live into several beautifully renovated 19th auction and many of the items century homes while the Charleston in the silent auction, go to www. Horticultural Society members ststephenscharleston.org/Events.htm share their knowledge of the lovely and follow the path to the list of items. gardens, all within an easy walk of While at the auction, all are invited to the live and silent auction events at St. enjoy refreshments provided by Hamby Stephen’s. All houses and gardens on Catering, supplemented by savory the tour are located in the vicinity of and “artistic” edibles by some of St. St. Stephen’s, which is located in the Stephen’s best cooks. Please join us for historic Ansonborough neighborhood of this festive fundraising occasion on the Charleston. lovely grounds of St. Stephen’s Episcopal The main focus this year is “Art Church. Chairs for Change” which provides the Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 theme for the live auction. at the gate. For information or tickets: These chairs have been carefully and www.ststephenscharleston.org/Events. lovingly hand-restored and painted htm, (843)723-8818 ext 17, or St. by local artists, celebrities and other Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 67 Anson St., members of the community, including Charleston, SC 29401. well-known Charleston artist Rhett
Pet Helpers Pets of the Week RALPHIE: Hello! My name is Ralphie. I’m a 5 month old Lab/Hound mix. I was found as a stray along with my three other siblings. They have all been adopted and I’m the last one left. I’m sweet and I get along with other dogs. Please come visit me! Neutered, vax, chip, fee.
SWAN: I’m 10 months old and will eat food for affection! Hee hee! I am sweet and playful, but I need my space too! I would prefer a home without children and that also has good food! I love to stretch my legs out behind me when you call my name! Come visit me. Neutered, vax, chip, fee.
Pet Helpers is located at 1447 Folly Road, James Island. Hours are Monday – Friday from 11:00am – 6:00pm and Saturday from 11:00am - 5:00pm. We are closed on Sundays and Holidays. For more information, please call 843-795-1110.
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October 31, 2008
Art in the Park
After torrential downpours that left much of the Lowcountry underwater just two days before, “Art in the Park” was welcomed with beautiful skies and temperatures in the mid-70s on Sunday, October 26. Held at the Folly River Park, visitors were able to look at the work of local artists and had the opportunity to speak with the artists themselves.
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High on crime
n October 21, Christopher Fallert, 29, was arrested in his home on Sandbar Lane after a police officer saw a marijuana plant through the suspect’s window while on foot patrol. After obtaining a search warrant, Folly Beach Police returned and found Fallert at home and a four foot tall marijuana plant in a pot in the living room. Further investigation turned up “one blue glass bong, one brown glass pipe, two blue one-hitters, roaches, seeds and two buds”. The marijuana plant was about four feet tall and budding. Fallert was detained during the search and taken to jail. He is being charged with manufacturing marijuana.
James Island artist Pat Hiott-Mason speaks with one of many visitors at the “Art in the Park” event which was held at the Folly Island Park on October 26.
In addition to this four-foot pot plant, police also confiscated several smoking utensils, “two buds” and “several roaches”. I thought they were called Palmetto bugs in Charleston...
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October 31, 2008
Where’s ego? Find yourself
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October 31, 2008
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business
How will the elections affect your investments? Provided by Dimi Matoucher
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ow that both political parties have held their respective conventions, the campaign season shifts into high gear. As a citizen, you’ll want to hear how the candidates plan to address issues of importance to you. But as an investor, you might be particularly interested in how the election results can affect your investments. Based on what happens on November 4, should you make any changes to your portfolio? To answer that question, you may find it useful to review the history of the financial markets under different political scenarios, according to Ned Davis Research. Since 1901, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has shown an average annualized return of about 12 percent under Democratic presidents, compared to about 8 percent under Republicans. When Democrats have controlled Congress, the Dow’s average annualized return has been about 11 percent, compared to about 8
percent when the Republicans were in control. Since 1925, long-term government bonds have returned more than 7 percent under Republican presidents, compared to about 3.4 percent under Democrats. When Republicans have controlled Congress, the bond market also fared better than when Democrats were in charge, though the difference isn’t as pronounced as in the comparison between presidents of different parties. But while it’s interesting to study the past, it’s not necessarily instructive about the future. It’s true that by changing our tax laws, government spending and industry regulations, any given president and Congress can have an impact on economic growth, jobs, inerest rates and inflation and all these factors, in turn, can affect the financial markets. Still, it’s impossible to predict just how these forces will influence the investment
world. Political candidates often make promises that never turn into reality, and even if they do, they can have unintended consequences. Even more importantly, however, is the fact that the free-market forces of our capitalistic system are likely more powerful than political forces in determining the ultimate performance of investments. As a country, we have experienced many political changes and upheavals, but, over time, our economy has always proven resilient enough to provide opportunities for those people with the faith to invest for the future. Here’s the bottom line: No matter who wins the presidency in November, and no matter which party controls Congress, you don’t need to change your investment style or revamp your portfolio. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should be oblivious to new policies and their potential impact on your investments. In fact, it’s a good
idea to review your portfolio at least once a year with your financial advisor, who can recommend any changes that might be beneficial. So, when it’s time to cast your ballot, support the candidate who best advocates your concerns on a range of issues. But when it comes to your portfolio, make sure to “vote” for investment strategies, such as buying quality stocks and bonds, holding them for the long term and building an investment mix based on your goals and risk tolerance. . This article was written by Edward Jones, located at 1505 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, SC 29451. For more information, please call the Edward Jones offices at (843) 886-9229 or visit their website at www.edwardjones. com.
Act now to avoid surprises at retirement By Bobby Cummings, CFP, CFBS, CLTC
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ith the future always clouded by uncertainty, planning for retirement is difficult. By understanding and preparing to deal with uncertainty, however, we can still look forward to a future where anything is possible. For example, we have to make certain assumptions when planning for retirement. What will be our living expenses? How much income will we have? What numbers should we use for inflation and investment return? After all that, some things can, and will, change the most well thought out plan. A new study, “The Future Shock of Retirement” (03/08) by Jonathan Cohen, Matthew H. Scanlon, and Matthew O’Hara of Barclay Global Investors, explores “future shocks” to the American Retirement System and what they mean to the post-retirement living standards of Americans on the doorstep of retirement. Social Security and Medicare (2007): As the generation of baby boomers enters retirement – those born between 1946 and 1964 – the ratio of workers to retirees will decrease markedly. The U.S. Congressional Research Service expects that during the 75-year period ending in 2025, the percentage of retirement age individuals will more than double from 8.1% to 18.2%. This change will reduce the ratio of potential workers to retirees by more than 50%, from 7:1 to 3:1. Further, by 2010, longevity will have increased by almost 15 years since 1940. Life expectancy is projected to grow by one year each decade through 2050. This will adversely impact the stability of Social Security and Medicare. At current rates, assuming no changes to current benefits and given expected
demographics, the present value of our fiscal imbalance is estimated at $68.5 trillion. That number will continue to rise in the years ahead. U.S. fiscal policy has yet to respond to these demographic changes, placing Social Security and Medicare in jeopardy. Currently, 6.9% of federal income taxes go toward these two programs. By 2020, as much as 26.6% of all federal income taxes will be required to sustain current Social Security and Medicare benefits for the greatly expanded retirement population. “The simplest thing that has to happen next year is to raise taxes,” says Cohen. “While this will increase assets, you also have to reduce liabilities. The only way to reduce liabilities is to reduce benefits… there is no other way to do it,” he adds. The authors believe that many people will have to purchase comprehensive health insurance in the future. Home Equity: We have seen during the last year how the appreciation in our homes can vanish. The study indicates that most mechanisms for capitalizing on part of one’s housing equity, such as reverse mortgages, are fraught with waste due to structural inefficiencies. The authors conclude that only 40-50% of our home equity will be available for supporting non-housing retirement expenses. So, what should you be doing now to prepare for such changes? Scanlon offers practical advice. “First, if you have revolving debt, get rid of it as soon as possible. Second, if you are not saving fully in a 401(k) retirement plan, do so immediately. It is never too late to start saving. Make sure that you are not in riskadverse types of investments. Third, it is almost certain that capital gains rates will not be lower in the future and probably will be higher. Whatever investment you’re in, make sure it is tax efficient,” he adds.
The facts are clear: This country has Opinions expressed are subject to change a huge and growing deficit, and the without notice and are not intended as new president will have to make some investment advice or to predict future unpopular, but necessary, decisions. performance. Consult your financial Some of the assumptions you made when professional before making any investment planning your retirement are likely to decision. Past performance does not guarantee future results. change. Now is the time to take more control of your future. Bobby Cummings is the owner of Lighthouse Financial of Charleston. He is a Certified Financial PlannerTM and Certified Family Business Specialist and has been in business since 1990. Bobby’s focus is providing comprehensive financial planning and investment advice to business owners, professionals, retirees, and people planning for retirement. He lives on Sullivan’s Island with his wife Kristin, son Tanner (5), and daughter Keenan (3). There are expecting their 3rd child in January 2009. All in! If you wish to learn more about the ideas and strategies Name: Pasta Batman in this article, or if you have Breed: Australian Blue any questions about your Heeler financial or estate plan, you Likes: Tennis balls, road trips and The Ole Miss are invited to reach Bobby via Rebel defense. email at rcummings@finsvcs. Dislikes: Economic downturn, rainy days, Colin com or by contacting his office Farrell. at (843)884-9898. Bobby Cummings is a Why am I a lucky dog? Beside's the fact that I registered representative of and am holding a Royal Flush, I was rescued from the Mississippi Gulf Coast after hurricane Katrina. I offers securities, investment have recently moved back to Folly Beach with my advisory, and financial best friend Lewis. I am Catahoula and Australian planning services through Blue Heeler mix and looking to breed. MML Investors Services, Inc. member SPIC (741 Johnnie (Send your lucky dog pics and stories to info@ Dodds Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC luckydognews.com). 29464)
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October 31, 2008
Music
Balancing the universe By Richard Brendel
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he universe has corrected itself and the music gods are pleased. You probably haven’t noticed due to all the recent ordinance changes but somewhere, somehow, something positive has occurred in the Folly music scene. To explain, let’s backtrack to August 2004. It was a rough month. Bush and Kerry were neck and neck in a heated presidential race, the residents of Folly were still adjusting to the new 2:00am bar closing, the beloved watering hole Chill & Grill was transitioning into Snapper Jack’s and the community as a whole was mourning the loss of Folly’s most influential resident musician, Robert “Hawke” Morphi. Now, four years later, we Follynites find ourselves fully conditioned, as you do when major lifestyle changes are forced upon you. Yet we still yearn for the nights when you could go to the bar at 3:00am and there would be 50 or more people enjoying themselves at the few local hangouts. We would sit back with Sheri, Helen and Trish (our local bar goddesses) while they twisted, mini-bottle caps laughing - all the while suppressing a barrage of constant marriage proposals. Wednesday nights with Dunzip was a local Who’s Who. Folly was just being Folly and we were suspended in unregulated bliss. Now back to the present. As I mentioned earlier, the universe has corrected itself and the music gods are pleased. Anyone familiar with the Conch – 11 Center St. 633-0100 Nov 2 – Jeff Houts Nov 4 – Nathan Calhoun Nov 5 – Jonathan Woodard Nov 6 – Folly Beach Bluegrass Society Nov 7 – Jimmy’s Brother Nov 9 – Tim Hodson Nov 11 – Nathan Calhoun Nov 12 – Jonathan Woodard Nov 13 – Folly Beach Bluegrass Society Nov 14 – Stephen Jenkins Duo Sand Dollar – 7 Center St. 588-9498 Nov 1 – Hed Shop Boys Nov 7 & 8 – Jeannie Wiggins
work of the music gods knows that they will not stand for an unbalanced musical energy to exist for a long period of time. While they may unfairly pluck our musicians from us, they will never let them truly die. The spirit, which we all new as “Hawke,” transcended into his former band mates. Jessie, Jim, Jake and Kris all ventured out toward new endeavors. On any given night in Charleston you could find one or more of these fine musicians playing in one of many local hotspots. Everything was put into motion this August when long time resident, husband of Helen and owner of Snapper Jack’s, Mike Karauges
Nov 14 & 15 – Johnny Mac & the Booty Ranch Planet Follywood–32 Center St. 588-7380 Nov 1 - The Bloody Brits Nov 7 & 14 – Dan Clamp
Folly music scene
Crab Shack – 26 Center St. 588-3080 Oct 31 - Howard Dlugasch (new Folly artist) Nov 1 - Jessie Prichard Nov 3 - Doug Waters Nov 4 - Trivia Nov 5 - Jeff Houts Nov 6 - Live Island Music
decided it was time to bring back the Chill & Grill. The day after Labor Day, the guys at Snapper’s began a major overhaul with the goal of opening by the inaugural Follypalooza on September 20. The bar was installed and a wall was built. They hired some of the former staff (not Helen or Shari) and began booking music. Follypalooza happened and the soft grand opening of the Chill & Grill was a huge success, supported by the sounds of band Jupiter’s Garden. The music gods were impressed, but they still were not pleased. On the eve of Setpember 24, the official grand opening, the music gods made their boldest gesture. They created a rift between Jim, (Dunzip’s former drummer) and his band, local favorite Dangermuffin. Apparently, creating rifts between band mates is something that the music gods do on all too many occasions. Dangermuffin, who was slated to play the grand opening, had to cancel the gig due to the lack of a drummer. The next bold move made by the music gods happened when Jessie, former Dunzip front man, was fired from his regular Wednesday night gig downtown at Tommy Condon’s. The result, is that, this November, the boys are coming home. Wedneday nights at the Chill & Grill will once again belong to Jessie, Jim, Kris and Jake, except they will not be playing as Dunzip, because according to Jessie, “without Hawke, there is no Dunzip”. Now the music gods are pleased and everything is right with the universe. Come out this November on Wednesday night to enjoy the rocking, soulful sounds of The Hawkes.
Nov 7 - Howard Dlugasch Nov 8 - Hank Marly Nov 10 - Jeff
Caldwell Nov 11 - Trivia Nov 12 - Dave Nov 13 - Live Island Music Nov 14 - Howard Dlugasch Nov 15 - Hank Marley
Nov 6 - Stratton Lawrence Nov 7- Live Music Nov 8 - Curtousy Flush (w/ Rusty Cole) Nov 12 - The Hawkes Nov 13 - Stratton Lawrence Nov 14 - Live Music Nov 15 - Live Music Woody’s – 39 Center St. 588-0088 Nov 6 - Matt Loda Trivia Nov 13 - Matt Loda Trivia
Chill & Grill – 14 Center St. 588-2060 Oct 31 - Green Levels Nov 5 - The Hawkes
Surf Bar – 103 Cooper St. 588-2009 Nov 2 - Dangermuffin Nov 9 - Dangermuffin
Ready, set, get sophisticated
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o what’s your taste when it comes to music? Are you into the classics? Are you into the groovy tunes of R&B? Would you consider yourself a fan of classic material? If your answer is yes, check out The Urban Sophisticates and their newest album, Classic Material. It is nothing but urban material that, despite all odds, retains class and sophistication. Consisting of seven members, the group came together in 2002 and is based out of Greensboro, North Carolina. But wait, don’t let their origin stop you just because it’s not a “popular hot spot”. After listening to their hip-hop swinging rhythms you will automatically become addicted. The group consists of two brothers, MC Benton James and his brother, vocalist Aaron James, as well as Jeremy Denman on the trumpet, Sal Mascali on the trombone, Ben Perkins on the guitar, Ricky Nxumalo on the bass, and Romando Jessup on the drums. They are considered to be ground-breaking in their collaborations as they stretch across a wide range of genres including funk, jazz, R&B,
By Courtney Ness hip-hop, rock and blues. This is audible from the bouncy beats of their song Ready, Set, Go to the lingering lyrics of Cowards Anthem to the sultry sounds of Dance With Me. Whether you favor the urban beats of hip-hop and R&B or the classy rhythms of jazz and blues, this is sure to be one of your “Top 25 Most Played” on your iTunes. It is a great median for those who favor a particular genre over another. The lyrics are clever and clean, the brass instruments add punctuation and soul, and the rhythm remains collected and composed, all while the group keeps their tunes down to earth. It is no wonder they are called The Urban Sophisticates. They perform throughout the southeastern region from as far north as Maryland, all the way down the east coast and as far west as Louisiana. One of their touring cities happens to be Charleston, as they recently performed at our own local Music Farm downtown earlier this month. But if you unfortunately missed the show like a handful of us did, don’t fret! Go to their MySpace page at www.
www.follycurrent.sc
myspace.com/theurbansophisticates and vote to bring them back to Charleston. While you are there, check out their upcoming shows as well as singles off their new album. And if you just can’t stop there, then check out their website at www.theurbansophisticates.com where you can purchase Classic Material. You can also find the group and purchase their music on iTunes, which includes hits from their previous albums as well. I mean it, you will be hooked! Now ready, set and go already!
October 31, 2008
11
surf
We are Surfrider
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Provided by the Surfrider Foundation, Charleston Chapter
urfider started in 1984 in Malibu, California and now has over 50,000 members and 80 Chapters worldwide. They are dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of our oceans, conservation, activism, research and education. The Charleston chapter started in 2000. Most of their interest and activities are in the Folly Beach area and they work closely with the Folly Beach City Council as a result. Programs include Mutt Mitts for collecting dog crap, cigarette butt cannons located at the walkovers, personal ashtrays, beach sweeps and opposing irresponsible development.
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The 2008 Charleston Chapter officers are Keith Merrill (Chairperson), Nancy Hussey (Vice-Chair), Haley Merrill (Secretary), Angela Sawadske (Treasurer) and Marty Morganello (Web Design). Amy Black and Sallie Miller are the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island co-chairs. The Charleston Chapter of Surfrider recently joined the Facebook craze in order to simplify networking and organization. The Yahoo! Groups e-mail service will be abandoned in favor of Facebook by the end of October. If you are already a member of Facebook, you can simply search “Surfrider Foundation, Charleston,
SC” and join the group. Otherwise, you will need to go to facebook.com, become a member, and then join the group. Surfrider welcomes anyone who would like to become involved. Meetings are held on a monthly basis and are alternated between the Daily Dose on James Island and Red’s on Shem Creek. The next meeting will be at Red’s on November 4 at 6:30pm. The Daily
Dose will host the meeting on Wednesday, December 3. Surfrider will have an Art auction at the Daily Dose on Friday November 14 between 6:00 and 9:00pm. The organization’s website can be viewed at www.charlestonsurfrider.com
Kayaks catch sets on Folly
n October 18, anyone hanging around the Folly pier got a chance to see a completely different kind of surfing. The Charleston County Parks and Recreation Commission (CCPRC) hosted the first annual Folly Beach Surf Kayak Competition. Kayakers shredded waves in men’s, women’s, novice and junior divisions. Competitors had a chance to win several prizes including paddle jackets, PFD’s and a Mega surf kayak. Overcast and drizzly conditions kept turnout low, but it didn’t keep competitors out of the water while onlookers from the pier got a stadium view of the action. “Charleston County Parks continues the tradition of offering a fun event for beginners and more elite paddlers in the Charleston area,” says Josh Hall, Program Manager of the CCPRC Outdoor Department. “We look forward to more opportunities in the future with this event and others.”
Results (first to last place from left to right) of the inaugural Folly Beach Surf Kayak Compeition HP Expert Men - N. Law, C. Acuff, B Fields HP Expert Women/Jr - C. Ey, W Rudisill, D. Mitchum HP Masters Coed - N.Law, B.Fields, C Ey, K Hughes Open Coed - N Scoville, C Acuff, B Stone, W Rudisill
K-1 Int/Beg Men - Z Hughes, K Hughes, N Law, C ACuff International Masters Coed - B Fields, D Mitchum HP = High Performance K1 = any standard plastic whitewater boat
Don’t discount donations
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or the entire month of November, Locklear’s will be collecting canned and boxed food items at its restaurant. Locklear’s is located at 101 E Arctic Ave at the fishing pier and any customer bringing in a food item will receive 10% off of their bill. All of the goods will be given to the Our Lady of Good Counsel Woman’s Guild to be distributed to local food banks. Locklear’s will also have a toy and clothing drive from December 1 - December 22 and anyone bringing in an unwrapped toy or new article of clothing will receive 15% off of their bill. The restaurant has not decided who will receive the toys and clothing yet, but they hope to get enough to donate to several organizations. For several years now, Locklear’s has adopted families from the DSS Angel Tree and the staff at the restaurant has given the majority of the donations. “This year I would like to expand this program and get the local community involved,” Kris Kincaid, part-owner of Locklear’s, says. “It is important now more than ever to remember that there are families in our area who are going through hard times and that you have a responsibility to help them if you are able.”
www.follycurrent.sc
12
October 31, 2008
Nature
Pumpkins: life after Halloween
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love seeing all of the pumpkins during the fall. With modern growing and commerce practices, many food items are seen throughout the year, but pumpkins have kept their seasonality and most are grown close to home. Pumpkins help keep us connected to the best of all of our fall memories. But pumpkins have become a bit underutilized. They are often bought solely for decoration and carving, but pumpkins have much more to give. If you have any un-carved pumpkins, you may be able to roast the pumpkin seeds or discover all of the flavorful dishes you can make with pumpkins. If you go to www.allrecipes.com and search on pumpkin, you’ll find more than 650 recipes made with pumpkin – everything from pumpkin burgers to pie. And, if you’ve carved a jack-o-lantern, cool days will allow you to enjoy your art a while longer. But most of you may have noticed that it doesn’t take long for Mother Nature to start reclaiming her work. If you throw the pumpkin in your garbage can, it will likely make its way to the incinerator to be burned with the rest of the trash. This year, you can have a little more fun and nourish your soil by
By Mary Gatch
composting your pumpkin. If you already have a composting bin or area, you can add your pumpkin as you would other vegetable scraps.
But, if you’ve never composted before, a pumpkin is a simple way to start. w For un-carved pumpkins, remove the insides for cooking (you can also compost the insides; composting the seeds may result in pumpkin plants next year). w Remove any candles or wax. w Find a spot in your yard for your pumpkin’s final resting spot. This should be out of the way of daily activity. A sunny spot will speed the composting process. w Place your carved pumpkin in the spot and smash it a bit or allow kids to have fun smashing it a lot. w Cover it with a layer of leaves. w And, let nature do its work. Worms will turn your pumpkin into nourishing compost. This is the easiest way to compost and surprisingly painless. You may not enjoy the smell of a pumpkin rotting in your garbage can, but there’s no bad smell as vegetables naturally degrade in an environment with fresh air and some
sunshine. Mary Gatch is an owner of DwellSmart, a one-stop shop for healthy and environmentally-friendly products. Mary lives on Sullivan’s Island with her husband James, daughter Julian, and son Adam. You
can contact her by e-mail at marygatch@ dwellsmart.com or by visiting the store at 615 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant (between Eco Fitness and Twin Rivers Bowling).
Topping your roasted pumpkin seeds: Everyone knows the old salt and olive oil recipe, but what other options are there for shaking up your seeds? If you’re feeling adventurous this season, check out some of the following combinations. Be sure to use olive oil in all cases so the seeds roast and the seasonings stick. Assume about 4 cups of seeds to a pumpkin: • • • • •
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½ teaspoon ground cinnamon & 1 teaspoon salt ¼ cup Old Bay 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ cup white sugar. Combine first three ingredients and sprinkle with white sugar every 15 minutes while roasting until done. 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. Use about 3 tablespoons of butter instead of olive oil for this one. Roast pumpkin seeds dry. In a large bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of white sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and sprinkle 4 tablespoons of sugar over them. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar melts, about 45 seconds. Pour seeds into the bowl with the spiced sugar and stir until coated. Cool and eat. 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix, ¼ teaspoon garlic salt.
The Pirate’s opinion…
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ocal musician Hank Marley once lived his life in the fast lane. From late night gigs to early mornings at work, alcohol and energy drinks fueled his flame to burn the candle at both ends. No doubt a self-destructive routine can play a role in the production of disease. When doctors told Hank his pancreas was fried, he knew he had to slow it down: Problem: Sky high glucose (sugar) levels in his bloodstream Diagnosis: Type I diabetes RX: Self administered insulin shots (to take the place of insulin a healthy pancreas would produce) Run-down and stressed out, Hank the Pirate didn’t follow the doctors orders for long. After a month of educating himself
By Estee Paquin not only about his condition, but also about holistic methods for treatment, he decided to change his lifestyle and stop taking insulin. With his effort and dedication he has been able to kick the insulin habit that most people in his condition are sentenced to for life. Type I diabetics can experience a roller coaster rise and fall in blood sugar levels. Hank religiously monitors himself to prevent the development of other chronic medical problems. Positive thinking, proper nutrition and regular exercise are the key ingredients for this pirate to maintain balance in life. Here’s Hank’s personal treatment: Choice positive thoughts: Be happy, Have fun, Be grateful, Have
faith, Forgive, Surrender, Listen to my body. Favorite choice nutrition: Beans and Greens, Garlic, Shots of apple cider vinegar, Peanut butter and banana sandwiches, Blue corn chips, and much, much more that is all organic goodness. Activities include: Yoga Surfing Swimming Running (for exercise and competitionplacing 3rd in his age group at the Folly Waves and Wishes 5k)
www.follycurrent.sc
**Remember, this is a personal testimony. Every person’s body is unique and different. Be sure to get professional advice prior to making any changes to your medication, exercise and/or nutrition plan.** This column is an opportunity for the locals of Folly Beach to share their health and fitness testimonies with the community. Stories are written with the intention to help motivate and enable the people of our community to better their lives. If you would like to share your story, please send your submission to
[email protected] or submit it through the submissions link on www.follycurrent.sc.