Folly Current - June 26, 2009

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

Folly Beach’s Newspaper

Vol. 1 Issue 18

June 26, 2009 w FREE

McCravy race raises $17,000 for Hurricane Season 2009 Pet Helpers Provided by Pet Helpers

O

n Saturday, June 6, more than 300 people came out to show their support for Pet Helpers by either running or walking in the Pet Helpers’ Inaugural 5K Run/Walk. The race raised more than $17,000. The start/finish line for this Folly Beach race was at the Edwin S.Talyor Fishing Pier. The male overall winner, with the time of 16:33, was ABC News 4’s own Weekend Meteorologist Neville Miller, who also emceed the event with fellow Channel 4 Meteorologist, Dave Williams. Sopagna Eap of Johns Island won the women’s overall with a time of 17:38. “This was our first 5K fundraiser, so we were not sure what to expect,” stated Suzanne Carr, Executive Director of Pet Helpers. “I could not be more thrilled by the turnout and how the community banned together to show support for Pet Helpers; and to honor the life of Leslie McCravy, [an avid Pet Helpers supporter] as well.” Pet Helpers would like to thank all their sponsors, donors, volunteers and staff who were all able to help make this year’s event so successful. They also plan on making this an annual event, so keep your calendars open for next year’s race. “The weather couldn’t have been more perfect for a run at Folly Beach,” stated Emily Laurie, Pet Helpers Public Relations and Events Coordinator. “We were overwhelmed by the support of the Lowcountry. We are so honored that the McCravy family allowed Pet Helpers to throw an event in memory of Leslie.” Pet Helpers is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit adoption center and spay/neuter clinic that serves communities across the Lowcountry. They currently have approximately 180 cats/kittens and 25 dogs/puppies all in need of a loving home. Their mission is to end the euthanasia of all adoptable cats and dogs. They are open Monday – Saturday. For more information call: 795-1110 or visit: www.pethelpers.org.

I N S I D E

Turtles released on page 2

Know your plants on page 5

Lighthouse: Part two on page 12

2

June 26, 2009

Exchange Club Fish Fry

Turtles released on Folly

eased and urrell and members, Pritchard Gobien (an

photos by Barbara Bergwerf

Jacqueline (left) and Barb Gobien help Little Pritchard toward the water at the Folly Beach County Park. Staff Photo

Members of the Folly Beach Exchange Club take a moment to pose during a fund raising fish fry at the Folly River Park on a very warm day in May. It should have been a successful event, as the smell of fried fish wafting in the breeze was nearly impossible to resist. Cheers to the chef!

Folly music scene Chill and Grill Thursdays - The Hawkes 6/27 Haskers Kash 6/28 - Graham Whorley and Kris Woodrum Planet Follywood Fridays and Saturdays - Dan Clamp Folly Beach Crab Shack Mondays - Live Local Music Tuesdays - Trivia Wednesdays - Dave Grunstra Thursdays - Island Duo Friday - Folly Dogs Saturdays - Sara Smile

Surf Bar Sundays - Dangermuffin Center Street Kitchen Thursdays - Folly Beach Bluegrass Society BLU 6/26 - Larry David Project (9-12pm) 6/27 - Two Three Ways duo (2-5pm) Tropicools (9-12pm) 6/28 - Graham Whorley and Kris Woodrum (2-5pm) The Island Duo (8-11pm) Vince Perna is a Folly Beach real estate expert who also loves music. If you want to know if you can live on Folly, you can find him at 31 Center Street or by calling 843-588-3800.

On June 9, two loggerhead sea turtles, Little Pritchard and Murrell, were released back into the wild at the Folly Beach County Park after successful rehabilitations at the South Carolina Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital amidst a throng of excited onlookers. “Each turtle has a different story,” says Kelly Thorvalson, Senior Biologist for the Sea Turtle Hospital. “They all come in incredibly ill, but are suffering from different illnesses and injuries and have distinct personalities. Releasing them back into the ocean is an incredible experience and truly what we are working for.” Murrell was admitted to the hospital on October 13, 2008, after being found at Murrell’s Inlet with a couple of boat propeller strikes in its carapace. Fortunately, the wounds were relatively fresh, increasing Murrell’s chances for responding positively to treatment. Little Pritchard was a sub-adult who came into the hospital on June 24, 2008. Pritchard stranded just outside of Prithcards Island with a stingray barb wound in its front flipper and elbow joint. The turtle was anemic from bleeding. The June 9 release was the third of the season for the Sea Turtle Hospital. While the successful releases are reason for celebration, they are also a cause for some anxiety for Thorvalson. Knowing the pressures these wonderful creatures face as they tread back into the Atlantic Ocean weighs on her mind. Most of these pressures, she says, are man-made. However, there is also a reason for hope in the many people who stand and cheer as the sea turtles make their way to the water. “We love to see the crowds gather at these events because sea turtles have the ability to touch people very deeply and many spectators get emotional when the turtles swim away,” Thorvalson says. “My hope is that people are touched enough to begin making small changes in their lives in order to have a positive impact on sea turtles and other ocean dwelling creatures.” Thorvalson points out that the turtle releases are not the only time people can see rehabilitated sea turtles. Interested peresons can also visit the Sea Turtle Hospital for an up-close look at turtles that are still undergoing treatment. Hospital tours are held every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 1pm. More information can be found at scaquarium.org.

www.follycurrent.com

June 26, 2009

3

My summers on Folly By Lindsey Conklin

M

y life is not normal. Growing up, I remember using an elephant as my “taxi” in Sri Lanka, I remember learning to drink before learning to drive, I remember bargaining like a pro in Mandarin at Chinese markets, and I remember spending long weekends in places like Japan, Paris and Sydney. Growing up, my father often described me as “an expatriate”. However, I think ‘nomad’ and ‘gypsy’ better define my inconsistent, always-an-adventure abnormal lifestyle. In terms of my summer days, however, “beach bum” better describes my life at Folly Beach. It has always been my haven, my escape, my single constant in life. Before I was old enough to walk, I left every summer at Folly with more footprints on its sand. Folly has generously reciprocated by leaving more memories on my heart. The beach has allowed me to dream: the sand my stage, the ocean my audience. I have found inspiration in the charming town, in the breeze so full of salt and spirit, and in the lifestyle itself. Whether it be the abandoned boat that has found its home on the side of the road and which is painted daily, sometimes hourly, with beautiful words of love and hope; whether it be the delicious, free coffee from Bert’s Market, or the pancakes at the Lost Dog which have always made people smile: it’s Folly that makes me believe in the beauty of life, in love, and in my dreams. No stress, no anxiety, I can relax “because it’s Folly”. It’s filled with memories, with secrets, with motivation. The roaring ocean waves mimic my childhood summer

laughter; the blowing wind sprays my face with salt, flooding my taste buds with remembrance of my youth; the sweet combination of ice cream and lemonade teasing me with scents of familiarity. The sun burns my face, leaving freckles: a scrapbook of memories forever etched on my cheeks by the glowing Folly sun. Now, my footprints are bigger; as is my love for Folly. I will always remember my summer days and will always return when the ocean insists on my encore performance and the sand requests the soft feel of my toes running and dancing on its stage floor. Lindsey Conklin will be providing Folly Beach residents with her unique voice in various articles that will appear in the Folly Current throughout the summer. Be sure to look for her writing in future editions. Welcome to the Current!

The second Noel Bill Noel, author of the mystery novels Folly and The Pier, will be holding his second series of book signings for his latest novel in the Folly Beach Mystery series, Washout, at three locations on Folly Beach the week of July 26. This will be Noel’s first appearance on Folly Beach since Washout was released in March. Folly Beach is unique, the novels are quirky, and the locations of the book signings are unique in the world of literary endeavors! Mr. Noel will be signing and discussing the three books at:

I’m a 3 year old, short-haired domestic cat.  I am super sweet and I love, love, love attention. I was turned in by my owner because he got a dog and the dog did not like me.  I just want a forever home.  Come check me out.

South Carolina’s Folly Beach is prominently featured in all three mystery novels.

 Holiday Inn, 1 Center Street, Sunday, July 26, 2 – 5pm  Lost Dog Café, 106 W. Huron,

 PetsPetofHelpers the Week Amanda

Tuesday, July 28, 7:30am – 1pm  Bert’s Market, 205 E, Ashley, Tuesday July 28, 3 – 7pm



Dart

I’m a precious hound dog who is just a really sweet, southern guy! I’ve probably spent a lot of time outdoors and was found wandering Johns Island looking for your front door. I have a great disposition and quite honestly one of the funniest hound-howls you’ve probably ever heard! I get along great with other dogs, and I probably would be fine with a kitty or two if you have them.

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. Call Pet Helpers at 795-1110. Adoption fees: $125 cats & dogs (6 mo. or younger), $100 for 6 mo. or older. $55 for rabbits. Includes spaying/neutering, shots, heartworm check, leukemia check, deworming, microchip, collar and tag. Visit www.pethelpers.org.

www.follycurrent.com

Lynn Pierotti Publisher [email protected] Ali Akhyari Editor [email protected] Kristin Hackler Managing Editor [email protected] Swan Richards Graphic Designer [email protected] Brittany Urbach Reporter [email protected] Richard Brendel Advertising 843-478-0896 [email protected] Interns Jennifer Millar Bridget Hinkebein Bri Horahan Ashley Anderson • Contributors Megan Carroll Lindsey Conklin Vince Perna Captain Robert Olsen Hangerhead Richard Brendel Pet Helpers Sarah Harper Nancy Olson John Nelson Published by Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina, LLC P.O. Box 837 Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482 843-886-NEWS Future deadlines: July 1 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.

4

June 26, 2009

Bubble hypnosis syndrome

I

By Hangerhead

the human race. The result is a point-of-view that is almost completely narrowed to include those inside the social bubble while excluding the rest of humanity. In fact, the world outside of the bubble may cease to truly exist in the psyche of one who is suffering. This year, we seem to be dealing with a mutated BH strain. In past years, local complaints of traffic and trash have been the main symptoms. However, in a recent letter that appeared in the June 12 issue of The Folly Current, one resident actually suggested that non-residents pay a toll to get onto Folly Beach. Talk about wanting to have your gated community and eat it, too. In very rare cases, the ones making these suggestions might be life-long Folly residents. However, very few of us can claim that moniker. More often, these are people that have been living here five, 10, or even 15 years. All of these people are old enough to vote, meaning the island was welcoming to them at one point. Now that they have accrued the title of “local” Note: Be sure to sign your letters. Anonymous letters will and are no longer one of those visiting Folly, some would be happy to close the island to not be printed. everyone else. Reasons, explanations, and incentives for To the Editor: charging people to access the beach vary. They argue that the money will help to reinforce As the owner of a beach chair/umbrella rental the infrastructure, encourage people to shop company on Folly, I spend a lot of time working on if vouchers are provided, and will provide the beach. I see firsthand the diligence and integrity more funding for the City. Here’s something of each member of the Charleston County Lifeguards we might have forgotten: the visitors already that stand watch, protecting our citizens and visitors provide most of this. By that logic, we might everyday. My daily interactions and observations of as well tax people who use a beach chair. What this group has taught me that this is an extremely hard about a comfort tax for anyone who cools off in working and supremely well trained crew of men and the ocean? Why not charge double for alcoholic women. This training was on display during a tense and beverages for anyone without a Folly Beach stressful time on Saturday, June 13. license when they’re carded? I’m not the only The possibility that two swimmers may have been in one who finds it more difficult to get a beer distress and thought to have gone under led to a swift when tourists are packing the bars, am I? and immediate response from the guards to paddle Accompanying these cries is a sense of and swim to the area and conduct a search. Almost ownership that does not exist in reality. instantly, Public Safety Officers rushed to the site and However, this illusion, a manifestation of BH launched a jet ski to aid in the search. A quick call Syndrome, is the driving force for a toll. Let’s to Andy Pracht from Sun and Ski and he was able to entertain the notion, though. Those who would launch two of his rental skis in minutes to help cover like to charge people to drive onto Folly Beach a larger area. Meanwhile, more Lifeguards swam out should be in favor of the converse. They should and formed a line and began to dive in an incredibly be willing to pay to get on the James Island organized and methodical manner. This group seemed Connector when they travel downtown, or the to be swimming and diving for nearly two hours. Ravenel Bridge upon entering Mount Pleasant. It was uplifting and awe inspiring to see the fantastic After all, they are contributing to the congestion group effort from the Lifeguards, Public Safety Officers, local business owners and citizens to work together on what could have been a tragic day. It turned out to be a false alarm, thankfully, but the response was appropriate and impressive. We are fortunate to have all of these people to watch over us.

Island Editorials

t is tourist season in the Lowcountry. There’s no doubt about that as traffic has been backing up to the Piggly Wiggly for weeks now. But accompanying the annual migrations of visitors are symptoms among residents that suggest the existence of a relatively unrecognized disease known as Bubble Hypnosis Syndrome, or BH Syndrome. While the name of this illness is only a creation of my hilarious imagination, the disease is not necessarily imaginary. BH Syndrome, to me, is the effect of living in a social bubble which prevents one from existing in the larger social group that is

Letters to the Editor

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

Mike Ezelle Sunshine Rentals

www.follycurrent.com

that exists wherever they travel in those areas. They take up parking spaces that could be used by locals there. If the reason for charging people to use public roads to access a public beach is because they create a burden (traffic, financial, or any other), then that same logic should be applied universally. Better yet, why not sell your home, buy a hammock island and abandon all those modern conveniences like roads, electricity and beach renourishment that come with being a part of a larger society? The concept of land ownership is monumental. I would like to defer to Black Sparrow Hawk, or Ma-ka-tai-me-she-kia-kiak as he was known to his people, on this issue. He was a Native American; a warrior/leader of the Sauk Nation. When describing how the American government tricked his tribe into giving away their land in The Life of Black Hawk, he explained that the earth belongs to no one and can not be sold. Mother Earth is a provider for all of humanity, she existed before us and therefore can not be owned by man. Obviously, this has not been the opinion of everyone and certainly is not the law we follow today. However, we can not continue to increasingly hoard the beauty of this earth from other people. Public land should remain public where it benefits the majority to do so: furthermore, Folly Beach is a City that benefits from roads, re-nourishment funds, and hospitality and accommodations taxes that are mostly paid for by visitors to the island. see Bubbles on page 11

5

June 26, 2009 Mystery Plant

A walk through the garden

W

Black and White Warbler By Sarah Harper

By John Nelson

alking in the morning garden; it’s a good thing to do while it’s quiet and still, and the air is cool. These last several days have brought strong afternoon and evening thunderstorms with pouring rains, and in the morning, the last of the storm seems to remain in the heavy, fog-laden air. There’s a hedge of privet in our neighbors’ yard which is in bloom, and that blends with our gardenia and sweet-bay tree’s blossoms to form a peppery sweet aroma in the morning. Drowsy thrashers will start to roust about in the morning and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Mockingbird both get up early to find breakfast for their little ones - their second brood for us this summer! - hidden away in a protective yaupon holly. Some of the garden flowers, too, seem to be waking up. Although most garden flowers remain Photo By: Gerald Brazell open 24 hours a day, some will quietly close Can you identify this mystery plant? as it gets dark, ready to open when the sun comes up. (Of course, there are some garden plants whose flowers have a kind of night shift, opening in the darkness, and closing in the morning). Our Mystery Plant is a beautiful thing on a sunny morning. Its flamboyant flowers last only one day, so you can see the new ones for the day, lending a sort of tropical flavor to your backyard. It’s a plant with a dozen or so close relatives from Central America, where they like damp forests and considerable shade. All of the species have a tuft of bright green and sword-like leaves, much like an iris. The species featured here will show off a number of slender leaf-like stalks, and this is where the flowers come from. At the tip of one of these leaf-like branches, a cluster of flowers will be produced. The individual flowers each last but a day and their combined weight will cause their supportive stems to arch and lean down to the ground. Where the stem contacts the soil, roots will ultimately form, eventually giving rise to a new plant. This is particularly useful for gardeners who are fond of propagating things: it’s easy to divide up one of these plants in this way, and thus sharing “starts” with friends. As you might expect, this plant’s architecture and tendency to sprawl makes it perfect for a hanging basket which can hang outside all summer long. Each of the flowers of this plant sports three big floppy sepals, each one bright white, sometimes with a patch of purple or red down at the bottom. The petals are showy, too: bright blue or purple, and striped with red on their central portions. There will be three whitish styles right in the middle, and underneath each one of them will be a single stamen. This plant is fairly common in much of the Deep South, but we at the Herbarium still get plenty of requests each summer as to its identity.

Photo by Sarah Harper

The Black and White Warbler builds its nest on the ground and can currently be spotted in our area.

T

he Black and White Warbler can be spotted in the Lowcountry from early spring into late summer. It winters in the south from Florida to Peru. It is about 4.5 inches long and weighs around 10g. This species is distinctive among warblers in its foraging behavior: it hops along tree trunks, sometimes clinging upside down, in search of insects and spiders. Nuthatches and creepers exhibit similar foraging behavior, although they are not warblers. The Black and White Warbler builds a nest on the ground, unlike most other passerines, and lays four to six eggs. The young are born altricial (helpless, featherless, and less-developed) but are ready to fledge in as little as eight to 12 days! This species of warbler is one of the easiest to identify due to its bold, contrasting black and white “stripes”. The bird in my photograph, which I took on Sullivan’s Island, is a male. Females have a white throat and have tints of pale beige on their bellies and faces.

John Nelson is the curator of the Herbarium in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of South Carolina. As a public service, the Herbarium offers free plant identifications. For more information, visit www.herbarium.org or call 803-777-8196. “Walking iris,” “Apostle plant,” Neomarica gracilis]

A nswer:

www.follycurrent.com

June 26, 2009

6

Folly Curren

June 26 Friday, June 26 Tomato Open Golf Tournament Have fun and save land at the Plantation Course at Edisto. Proceeds benefit Edisto Island Open Land Trust. An exciting tourney for golfers of all abilities. $25,000 hole-in-one prize! Putting contest, Mulligans, raffle, many other contests and prizes. Includes breakfast, refreshments, barbecue lunch. The Plantation Course: 869-1111. For more info, call 869-9004. 12th Annual SCRPA Lifeguard Competition SC lifeguards come together to compete in a challenge to showcase, test and honor lifesaving skills. The competition begins at 8:30am in Mount Pleasant and will continue in the afternoon on Folly Beach. All participants must be certified through an accredited agency. Entry fees are $50 per team. Interested teams may register or request more information from MPRD Aquatics Coordinator Jeff Garrard at 884-2528. Music on the Green From 6 – 9pm at the Freshfields Village Green, come listen to the David Archer Trio. Sponsored by the Town of Kiawah Island. For more info, contact Guest Services at 768-6491.

oil paintings, mosaics, hand-turned wooden bowls, pottery, and jewelry. The event is free and open to the public. Wine and appetizers will be served. The Farm is located at 4455 Betsy Kerrison Parkway, ½ mile on the left before the Kiawah-Seabrook traffic circle. For further information, call 768-0508.

Folly Beach Pier Fishing Tournaments Registration for all tournaments begins at 6am and takes place on-site only.  Tournaments end at 4pm and prizes are awarded at 4:15pm.  For additional information, call the Folly Beach Fishing Pier at 588-FISH (3474).  Prizes are awarded for the largest catch in the King Mackerel category and the three largest catches in the Big Fish category. Ages 3 & up. Fee: $12/$9 CCR Discount/$7 ages 3-12 CCR & NCR. $14/$12 CCR Discount (King Mackerel).

Sunday, June 28 Celebrate Carolina Day at Fort Moultrie all day; commemorating America’s first military victory on June 28, 1776.

Pig-N-Pluck fundraiser 3-8pm at Bowen’s Island. This annual event benefiting Habitat for Humanity features barbecue, bluegrass and beer. Tickets: $25, $12 for ages 13-20, and no charge Moonlight Mixer Dance the night away under the stars at the for  children  younger than 12. Ticket includes Folly Beach Fishing Pier with the return of the barbecue and three drink tickets. For tickets, popular Moonlight Mixers. From 7pm – 11pm, call 722-7145.   local DJ Rob Duren will spin the hottest oldies . and beach music around.  Advance tickets are Surfrider beach sweep $10 and $8 for Charleston County residents.  Meet at the Folly Pier. Leader- Haley Merrill If available, tickets purchased on-site are $10.  ([email protected]) Call 795-4FUN or visit www.ccprc.com. Meet at the Washout. Leader - Gabby Kauffmann ([email protected])

Saturday, June 27

ArtFest at Rosebank Farms From 5 – 7pm, peruse the works of local artists, including sweetgrass baskets, original

www.follycurrent.com

Wednesday, July 1 Canada Day

7

June 26, 2009

nt Calendar

- July 14 Thursday, July 2

Thursday, July 9

Folly Beach Utility Advisory Board meeting The Utility Advisory Board (UAB) meets the first Thursday of the month at 5pm. Please call before attending to verify that the UAB will be meeting this month. For more info, call Belle Condon, Deputy Director of Utilities, at 588-2447 ext 1833 or email Bcondon@ cityoffollybeach.com.

Surf Seining Gain a new perspective on creatures of the surf zone.  Anchovy, pompano, kingfish, stingray, crabs, and even a squid have shown up in our net.  Come out to Folly Beach County Park and meet some of your wave-bound neighbors. Pre-registration required. Ages 6 & up. Fee: $9. Course # 20584. To sign up, call 795-4FUN (4386).

Saturday, July 4

Friday, July 10

Happy Fourth of July!

Folly Beach Moonlight Mixer Dance the night away under the stars at the Folly Beach Fishing Pier with the return of the popular Moonlight Mixers. From 7pm – 11pm, local DJ Rob Duren will spin the hottest oldies and beach music around.  Advance tickets are $10 and $8 for Charleston County residents.  If available, tickets purchased on-site are $10.  Only 600 tickets will be sold for this event.  Call 795-4FUN (4386) or visit www.ccprc.com.

Folly Beach fireworks Fireworks display at Folly Beach from the Ocean at dark. Enjoy playing on the beach before the fireworks, or fish off the Edwin S. Taylor Fishing Pier at Folly Beach. Restaurants, Restrooms available.

Sunday, July 5 James Island Farmers and Crafters Market Selling local produce, bakery items, jams, jellies, ciders, boiled peanuts, fresh herbs, jewelry, photography, pottery, and clothing with live music on the deck. First and Third Sunday of every month, 11am to 3pm at The Pour House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. 571-4343, www.charlestonpourhouse.com.

Monday, July 6 Folly Beach Planning Commission Meets the first Monday of every month at Folly Beach City Hall. Please call Aaron Pope at Folly Beach City Hall to confirm date and time of meetings at 588-2447 ext 1839.

Folly Coast Guard Station Bird Walk Birding experts from Charleston County Parks and the South Carolina Audubon Society explore Folly Beach in this partnership program.  This walk focuses on the northern shoreline and maritime forest of Folly Beach.  Pre-registration required. Ages: 12 & up. Course #20572. 7:30am – 9:30am. For more info, call 795-4FUN (4386).  Surfrider beach sweep Meet at the Folly Pier. Leader- Mike Arendt ([email protected]) Meet at the Washout. Leader- Carrie Manson ([email protected])

Tuesday, July 14 Bastille Day

www.follycurrent.com

8

June 26, 2009

Surfing for The Folly Current, Nicole Seyle takes a moment to pose after a heat during the 2009 Wahine Classic. We hope you’re having fun in Costa Rica

SSC-ESA contest results

The Southern South Carolina division of the Eastern Surfing Association (SSC-ESA) held their second contest of the year at the Washout on May 16-17. While Folly Beach saw nearly two weeks of swell in May, the contest did not receive the brunt of that blessing. However, there was some waisthigh surf in the water and those who caught the incoming tide got the best of it. The weather was cooperative and sunscreen was definitely needed. Congratulations to everyone who either participated or was involved in the contest. The SSC-ESA was scheduled to hold Contest number three, “Summer of Surf”, on June 20-21. However, the results of that contest were not available by our publication deadline. Visit www.follycurrent.com to see results. Below are the winners of the Contest #2: 1A Menehune Hartley DePass

Senior Men Shortboard

3A Menehune Hartley Depass

Grandmasters Shortboard Glenn Tanner

1A Boys Nick Nybo 3A Boys Evan Tanner Junior Men Bryant Thomas Mens Shortboard Erik Kirby Masters Shortboard Shaun Ducker

Todd Youngblood

Legends Shortboard Rick Lawson Girls Shotboard Grace Muckenfuss

Junior Womens Shortboard MT Bourque Womens Shortboard Kate Dittloff

Ladies Shortboard Liz Chirles

Womens Longboard MT Borque

Open Shortboard Bryant Thomas

Ladies Longboard Jewel Napier

Menehune Longboard

Menehune Bodyboard

Evan Tanner

Luke Pruner

Junior Longboard Chaz Schuck

Open Bodyboard Carlisle Carter

Mens Longboard Rutledge Godley Masters Longboard Kai Dilling Legends Longboard Glenn Tanner

www.follycurrent.com

2009 Wahine Classic winners Surfrider’s 2009 Wahine Classic was blessed with plenty of surfers, good weather, and comfortable water. Unfortunately, the most important ingredient, waves, were minimal at best. However, contestants made the most of the conditions, taking advantage of the calm water in order to do headstands and other moves that would be nearly impossible in better conditions, for style points. Take note of MT Bourque who appears among the winners in both lists three times and finished second in the girls longboard in the Wahine as well. You’ll be seeing more of her.

Menehune shortboard Emory McClary

Women longboard Kristin Tanner

Girls shortboard MT Bourque

Ladies longboard Marty Mentzer

Women shortboard Veronica Bolus

Menehune novice Alyssa Madden

Ladies shortboard Terri Tanner

Women novice Jackie Doran

Menehune longboard Marguerite McClary

Open bodyboard Hale Horstman

Girls longboard Leldon McClary

Open Fun One Terri Tanner

June 26, 2009

9

By Megan Carroll

Y

ou know that old adage, “try, try again”? Well, Todd Phillips must have been listening when he heard it. Phillips has produced some rather forgettable films, starting in 2000 with Road Trip. Then he got started in 2003 when he directed Old School, a film that was met with some critical success. Now we have The Hangover, a film that he absolutely got right. The Hangover is a laugh out loud film that just doesn’t stop. I can not remember the last time I actually laughed in a theater as much as I did watching this film. It was getting a lot of word-of-mouth hype from friends and family but I was a little nervous when I thought of the Las-Vegasbachelor-party-gone-bad premise, and was worried that it would be 96 minutes of boob shots, low lifes, prostitutes, gambling and tawdry affairs. my apprehensions proved to be unfounded as the film bordered on comic brilliance. The film begins with the morning after, a quick prologue to introduce you to the major characters and the storyline. To recap: Two days before his wedding, Doug (Justin Bartha) heads to Vegas with his two best friends, a contemptuous school teacher named Phil (Bradley Cooper) and an emasculated dentist named Stu (Ed Helms) for one final binge. Along for the party is Alan

(Zach Galifianakis), Doug’s soon to be brother-in-law who is … let’s just say he is special and, in a Jack Black kind of way, absolutely hilarious. The night begins like most bachelor parties with Jäger shots, then quickly cuts to the next morning. The scene begins with Stu waking up with a missing tooth, Phil with a hospital band on his wrist and Alan stumbling upon a tiger in the bathroom. These are all small complications compared to the huge issue that is staring them in the face; they can not remember a thing about last night and even worse, Doug is missing.  With the wedding looming ever closer, the guys try to piece tiny clues together in hopes of making sense out of the previous night. Written by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore, whose past work isn’t even worth mentioning, The Hangover was actually a marvelous achievement. The whole crew did an amazing job with this film, even though they struggled with a non-existent budget and no A-list actors. (If you are familiar with Justin, Bradley or Ed, then please take the comment above with a grain

Fishing report

F

By Captain Robert Olsen

ishing has been just as hot as the weather for the past few weeks. Getting out early in the day seems to be the best bet with the heat and the afternoon thunderstorms that have been passing through just about everyday. I have been taking quite a few families with children out shark fishing. The action has been off the chart with lots of rod bending fun. I even had a unique episode last week: while I was helping a young angler bring a shark to the boat, he got a little excited and actually took a bite of my arm during the battle. It was definitely a first for me to have the angler bite me rather than the fish! The creeks and rivers near the ocean are full of small Sharpnose and Bonnetthead sharks and they are cruising the shallows, looking for the next meal. My bait of choice has been live shrimp and live Menhaden fished on the bottom. Trout fishing has been getting better each week. It won’t be long before you can actually catch them in numbers on the beach. The smaller inlets, which are all accessible by foot, are starting to hold quite a bit of trout. We have a migration of glass minnows heading to the ocean and the trout are following them. Breach, Folly, and Stono Inlets are a few places holding them right now. Live shrimp and mud minnow are my bait of choice. Artificials work too. My best artificial lures for trout are the D.O.A. shrimp. The redfish are holding on or near structures (docks, oyster rakes) and can be caught on live minnow, shrimp and cut mullet. Sheepshead are still biting strong around dock pilings using fiddlers and if you are patient, the flounder are here in good numbers. Use mud minnows on the bottom with a very slow retrieve until you feel a tap on the line. Wait a few seconds after the bite and set the hook. Make sure you bring a landing net for the flounder; they are hard to get out of the water without some help. Hope this helps you out on the water. Any time spent fishing is a good time. Tight lines, Captain Robert Olsen, Knot @ Work Fishing Charters. www.knotatworkfishing. com (843) 442-7724

www.follycurrent.com

of salt). Along with a phenomenal ensemble cast, the film also includes hilarious guest appearances.  Heather Graham plays a sassy stripper and Mike Tyson plays himself. Who knew Mike could do great air-drums to Phil Collins’ “In the Air Tonight”? Rachel Harris, who plays Stu’s overbearing girlfriend, deserves kudos as well. The Hangover is a welcome surprise this summer, a must see!

10

The following reports were taken from the Folly Beach Police Department for the first week of June: June 1- At approximately 9pm an officer finishing up with a traffic stop observed a Ford Mustang spin sideways through the nearby intersection with several males in the vehicle. The driver ignored verbal commands from another officer to stop. Several officers searched for the vehicle and found it abandoned on West Arctic. Two individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions were found and one stated that his brother, the driver, had been involved in a collision and cooperated with police in attempting to get the driver to the scene via cell phone. Another officer found the driver in front of the Sand Dollar and attempted to arrest him. The suspect was uncooperative and took an aggressive stance. The officer subdued the suspect, who attempted to escape and kick the officer, and had to deliver a couple of knee strikes to restrain the subject. He was arrested for reckless driving and resisting arrest. The other passengers were released. June 2- Thanks to “Onstar”, the emergency tracking equipment/service available on some vehicles, a stolen Chevy Silverado from West Virginia was located at the Washout. Police staked out the vehicle and arrested two females associated with the theft and the vehicle was towed. June 2- A young-looking male was pulled over for traveling 45mph in a 30mph zone. The officer smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath and asked his age, to which the driver replied 20. He admitted to having a few empty beer cans in a cooler when asked. The officer counted 34 empty beer cans in the cooler and one full can. The driver’s mother was called and he was released into her custody with a summons to appear in court for speeding and minor in possession of alcohol. June 2- Officers responded to a residence where a husband and wife were arguing with each other in reference to the wife having supposedly slept with the husband’s brother. Both stated that there had been no physical violence, although the husband had an old injury to his mouth and nose which was attributed to a dog bite. June 2- A surfboard was stolen after the owner left the board leaning on a pier piling and walked a couple of blocks away. June 2- A landscaper’s yard blower was stolen from the Folly River Park while he was using other equipment. A witness stated that a man in an older gray Jeep Cherokee stopped and took the blower before driving away. June 2- It was reported that an unknown person had pulled a spotlight and broken the auto-lever of the fountain at the Library garden, flooding the nearby grounds.

June 26, 2009

Police Reports

June 2- At approximately 1:49am, officers responded to a fight at the Surf Bar. Witnesses stated that a white male was making racial slurs to another individual and assaulted the man, breaking the man’s necklace. He responded by punching the white male in the face several times. Both were issued citations for assault and a court date. June 6- Around 9pm, officers responded to a residential dispute between a man and woman where a portable radio had been thrown by the man in the heat of an argument. No one was hurt and the woman left to stay with a friend.

June 6- An unknown thief used a removable trailer hitch to break the window of a vehicle and gain access. The suspect stole a cell phone and two credit cards from a purse that was behind the driver’s seat. Police lifted fingerprints from the scene. June 6- Within three hours of parking their vehicle in a garage a couple reported that an unknown person stole their money, travelers checks, both of their passports and a credit card. The total value was estimated at $1585. June 6- While responding to a call, a Fire Department employee had a cell phone and digital camera stolen when the building was left unsecured. The items were left on a table in the bay. June 6- A person reported that $400 in cash was stolen from their duffel bag which had been placed inside a closet at a rented condo. They stated that no one had been in the room other than family members and an investigation turned up nothing. June 6- A white female was found on her husband’s boat at Sunset Cay Marina after driving her car into two parked vehicles in the parking lot and driving 15 feet over the pedestrian crosswalk, destroying the left side railing. The woman was visually intoxicated and almost fell into the water when officers were taking her to the scene of the accident. She refused a field sobriety test and was arrested. After being told the consequence of refusing a breathalyzer, she continued to refuse testing and was informed that her license was now revoked. She was charged with DUI and leaving the scene of an accident.

June 6- Two young males were seen by police carrying a cooler and throwing empty beer cans into a trash receptacle. The officers approached the men and found out they were both under 21 years old. Investigation turned up several unopened beers in the cooler and a pipe. One, a juvenile, was released to his parents. The other, a 17 year old, was taken to Charleston County Detention Center for minor in possession of alcohol. June 6- A white female was pulled over for not using her turn signal. She stated that her license might be suspended and that she didn’t have car insurance. The officer discovered that her license was valid and there were no suspensions on the vehicle. However, she was cited for not having insurance and her vehicle was towed. June 6- A man was pulled over for not using a turn signal. The officer smelled marijuana in the vehicle and observed the driver acting nervously while the officer was preparing a warning ticket. When asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle, the driver surrendered 5 grams of marijuana. The driver was charged and released with his vehicle. June 6- A female reported that a white male attacked her while on his boat. Both parties appeared intoxicated. The male admitted to hitting her in the mouth after she attacked him over a dispute regarding the ownership of a laptop computer. Both had physical evidence of assault. The male was arrested for criminal domestic violence. June 6- A blue Saleen Mustang was stolen sometime in the course of an hour and a half while the owner took a walk on the beach before midnight. The owner stated the vehicle was locked. There was no sign of a break-in and the vehicle was not located when police searched the area. June 6- Police were called to a local restaurant when a male used an invalid credit card and also caused a disturbance. The subject was located at his residence and gave a false name after claiming that he did not have any identification. Police

June 6- Two roommates reported that their home had been broken into and $300 in cash was taken, along with $100 in CDs. They suspected a female who had entered their residence several times without permission over the past month. One of the victims called police when they tried to confront the woman they suspected at her residence and was met by a male subject at the door, who threw a piece of iron at the victim and threatened to shoot him if he didn’t leave. The subject could not be found when police attempted to make contact.

www.follycurrent.com

noticed two credit cards in the room that had another person’s name on them and the subject claimed they belonged to a friend. A female subject entered and told police the subject’s actual name which did not match, at which point the subject gave his actual name. The subject was handcuffed and put in the police car. The female then went outside and began yelling and cussing at the officer. She was also handcuffed after refusing to go inside. Both subjects were given a trespass notice for the restaurant they had been in and officers planned to follow up with the credit cards. June 7- While on the beach, a woman reported that her driver’s license, two credit cards, $330 cash, and bank deposits for her business had been stolen. Furthermore, her cards had been used at one local restaurant for $150 as well as several other locations on Folly Beach. No suspects at the time of the report. June 7- A woman reported that her wallet had been stolen while on the beach in front of the Holiday Inn. It contained her driver’s license and social security card. She was advised to contact credit bureaus for possible identity theft.

11

June 26, 2009

Be Red Cross ready By Nancy Olson The American Red Cross, Carolina Lowcountry Chapter has been preparing for this hurricane season since the close of last season. The Red Cross has been reviewing all shelter agreements, identifying additional vendors, training its community partners, recruiting and training new volunteers and working with area governmental agencies to ensure readiness for the 2009 hurricane season. The Red Cross encourages everyone to do something that will keep their loved ones safer and bring peace of mind. Be Red Cross Ready in 2009 by taking three simple actions to prepare for disaster and other emergencies: 1) Get a kit, 2) Make a plan and 3) Be informed. “Preparing for disasters ahead of time helps people stay safer and empowers them to be better able to respond to disasters and other life-threatening emergencies,” said Louise Welch, Regional Executive Director. “The Red Cross is here to ensure that everyone has access to the Bubbles from page 4 However, the “bubble” prevents a victim of BH Syndrome to see the reality of such notions. The issue here is traffic and congestion. Charging people to enter the beach does not address that issue and is nothing more than a temper tantrum. While we can not skip to Iran and ski their slopes, should we not be able to travel freely within our own borders? In retrospect, we can look back on that dark splotch in American History through which Black Hawk and his people lived and shake our heads at the decimation of the Native American culture. But where was the protest among “educated” and “civilized” settlers? Those inside the bubble went out west and claimed their land, raised their kids, and fought “savages”. How many Folly Beach residents only see the inner reflection of their bubble? More importantly, how many will

information that will assist them in being prepared for a disaster.” For more information on how you, your family and your business can prepare for hurricane season, visit www.lowcountryredcross.org or call (843) 764-2323 x 355. If you would like to become a Disaster Trained Red Cross Volunteer, call (843) 764-2323 x 364 or visit www.lowcountryredcross.org for class information. Classes are offered throughout our seven-county service area: Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester, Colleton, Jasper, Hampton and Beaufort Counties. Whether it’s a heart attack or a hurricane, a plea for blood or a cry for help, the American Red Cross is there 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Help people affected by disasters like the recent wildfires by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.  On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster,

burst it and see the world around them? Hangerhead can be found wandering the beaches of Charleston’s barrier islands,

contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.  Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call (843) 764-2323 x 368 or 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the Carolina Lowcountry Chapter, 8085 Rivers Ave. Suite F, North Charleston, SC, 29406 or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.lowcountryredcross.org or www.redcross. org.

wearing only cloth that he made by hand and holding court with all living creatures: from dolphins to day trippers. He can be reached

by sending a letter to info@luckydognews. com and we’ ll be sure to get it to him the next time he wanders in.

Folly Beach Tide Chart

www.follycurrent.com

Date

High Tide

Low Tide

June 26 June 27 June 28 June 29 June 30 July 1 July 2 July 3 July 4 July 5 July 6 July 7 July 8 July 9

11:44am 12:00am/12:42pm 12:52am/1:40pm 1:45am/2:37pm 2:37am/3:33pm 3:30am/4:27pm 4:23am/5:18pm 5:14am/6:07pm 6:04am/6:54pm 6:52am/7:38pm 7:38am/8:20pm 8:22am/9:00pm 9:04am/9:37pm 9:44am/10:12pm

5:24 am/5:36pm 6:16am/6:34pm 7:07am/7:34pm 7:59am/8:36pm 8:51am/9:36pm 9:43am/10:35pm 10:35am/11:29pm 11:25am 12:20am/12:12pm 1:06am/12:58pm 1:50am/1:40pm 2:32am/2:21pm 3:11am/3:00pm 3:48am/3:38

12

June 26, 2009

To the top: the conclusion

M

by richard Brendel

scariest yet. So far, each segment y curiosity was growing of stairs went halfway around into impatience as I waited from platform to platform, but on the rest of our crew this last part was a full loop to finish the rocky obstacle course from the platform below and approach onto Morris Island and it entered into the room which join us at the base of the Lighthouse. used to house the gears for the Finally, they arrived. The door light. I was about 150 feet up in a was unlocked and we were in and structure that had been built over I did the only logical thing I could 133 years ago and my vertigo think of: I looked up. The staircase was making me aware of every spun clockwise up the interior of inch. I pushed the fears aside the lighthouse in a perfect spiral. I and began the last ascent up the couldn’t wait to start the climb. small staircase and into the fresh The stairs was covered in rust and I open air. I was at the top. forgot to ask if they were the original photo by Amy Polston We enjoyed the fruits of our stairs from 1876 but as we began our labor for a bit before heading accent I noticed that there was a stair This missing step from the rusty staircase on the 150 foot climb brought to mind the consent form that was required back. My thoughts wandered missing on the first flight. That’s for the adventure. as I descended. What kind of when I began to realize there was a lighthouse. I know the guys at the Save engineering had to take place reason I had to sign a consent form The Light Foundation have been working back in the 1800s to construct such an before joining this expedition. We took our time climbing the stairs, to stabilize the lighthouse, but this had amazing piece of history? Did people die mainly for safety reasons but also because not happened yet. They have only finished building her? How many ships once used the inside of the lighthouse is a really cool stage one of their three stage plan and this lighthouse as a beacon of salvation? spot. The light from the windows mixed stage one was to build the coffer dam so These questions filled my head as I found a with the rusty stairs and the faded white they could begin with stage two, which bit of inner peace inside the Morris Island brick in a photographers dream. Amy, my is to stabilize the foundation. I had asked Lighthouse. When we got to the bottom of the photographer friend, was having a blast earlier what was causing the lighthouse to list and was told that below the lighthouse structure, we sealed the door and climbed capturing these historical images. was a timber base from the 1870s and the out of the Coffer Dam, heading back to The higher up we climbed, the more I wood had began to rot. reality. As we were exiting the water with started to worry about the stability of the The second to last set of stairs were the

www.follycurrent.com

our ladders, Al Hitchcock leaned over to me and said, “Now do you understand why we have to save her?” Save The Light is only a few hundred thousand dollars away from reaching their financial goal of $1,750,000 to begin the second stage of restoring the lighthouse. For more information or to find out how you can help, visit: www.savethelight.org