PRESORT STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID
FOLLY BEACH, SC
PERMIT NO 27
Vol. 1 Issue 21 Folly Beach’s Newspaper August 7, 2009 w FREE

Traffic cones
Staff Report

B
efore there was trash, there was traffic.
Although, to make that statement true,
one has to consider what constitutes trash,
and of course there is the concept of traffic as well.
Does a group of Neanderthals tromping through a
prehistoric, Canadian rainforest constitute traffic? I
guess that depends on whether they were following
ice age interstates, or, at least, if they walked in single
file.
In either case, in early 2009, Folly Beach was talking
about traffic problems before they were talking about
trash. The City hired Wilbur Smith & Associates to

Traffic relief on the horizon...

consult on the matter and they provided long-term
solutions at a public meeting, while simultaneously
taking suggestions. However, they also promised
short-term solutions that could provide immediate
relief. The traffic issue may have been put on the back
burner of the public’s consciousness between July 4
and Labor Day, as the trash issue cast a shadow on
every other issue of concern for Folly. However, Labor
Day will roll around and both residents and the City
Council will be reminded that Folly Beach needs to
do something about traffic.
Some may wonder what happened to the short-term
solutions. For those who attended the consultant’s
public hearing, most came away with a sense that
the City would receive some strategies that could be
implemented immediately and would provide some
relief. The City received those strategies, but residents
may not see any relief during this year’s tourist
season.
Mayor Carl Beckmann stated that he expected
the Council to discuss the short-term solutions at the
August work session, which is scheduled for August
11. It is unsure whether or not the City plans to
implement any of the suggested short-term solutions
before Labor Day, which falls on September 7.
The Folly Beach Traffic Study Committee met on
July 23 to discuss the “draft” options presented by
Wilbur Smith & Associates. The Committee evaluated
the options and should be presenting their conclusion
to the Council in the near future as another Traffic
Study meeting has not yet been scheduled.
photo by Allisyn Miller:

I
N
S
I
D
E Economy series part II on page 3 No more sandbags on page 7 Can you hear the music on page 10
2 August 7, 2009
No dogs allowed
Melissa Bimbi of the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service appeared before the City
Council and conducted a presentation
that explained how keeping dogs from
Lighthouse Inlet beach in the area of the
old Coast Guard Base would protect some
shorebird populations that need our help.
In particular, she discussed the American
Oystercatcher, Willet, and Wilson’s
Plover.
“Keep in mind that we share the
beach with these birds,” she said. As their
habitats continue to decrease because of
human influence on the shoreline, the
areas of Folly Beach that are used become
increasingly important.
According to Bimbi, many shorebirds
use Folly Beach as a resting and/or nesting
spot. Some travel upwards of 20,000 miles
during their migration which makes those
moments of rest especially important.
These birds do not generally consider
human beings a threat and can relatively
co-exist. However, they are threatened
by dogs regardless of whether they are
on a leash or not. They will take flight in
order to avoid being in the same area as
a dog. Birds that have to constantly fly
Folly Beach City Council
Staff Report
away from dogs can have a very difficult
time gathering enough energy for their
migration. Furthermore, some of these
birds nest in the sand of the dune areas.
The eggs and chicks are both susceptible
to curious or aggressive dogs putting
future populations at risk.
As a result, Mayor Carl Beckmann
announced that dogs would no longer be
allowed in the old Coast Guard Base area
in order to protect the birds.
“Folly Beach is a bird sanctuary. We
have to do our part,” he said.
Board and Committee appointments
Members of City Council voted on the
various candidates that had applied for the
seats that had come up for appointment.
While some had just enough candidates
for the vacancies, others had plenty to
choose from. For example, there were
only two vacancies on the Planning
Commission but six candidates. The
Parks and Recreation Board had one
vacancy and only one candidate. However,
Council members Eddie Ellis and Laura
Beck acknowledged that there were a
couple of residents of whom they were
aware that wanted to serve but did not
www.follycurrent.com
know the application process. As a result,
the City Council agreed to postpone the
vote for the Board of Zoning Appeals as it
was the only one that did not have specific
membership requirements and could use
more candidates. The remaining Boards
and Commissions were appointed as
follows:
 Accommodations Tax Advisory
Board: Paul Chrysostum, D.J. Rich, Cliff
Harvey, John Davis.
 Parks and Recreation Board: Mary
Ohl.
 Design Review Board: Gary Brown,
David Bishop.
 Tourism and Visitors Promotion
Board: Adam Killerman, Ron Hill,
Danielle Hartley.
 Board of Zoning Appeals:
Postponed.
 Planning Commission: LaJuan
Kennedy, Millard Smith. Karen
McNamara as Mayor’s appointee.
The City’s Boards and Committees
address relative issues and make decisions
in those fields. They may also make
suggestions to Council on other actions.
Falling on deaf boots
Recently, Folly Beach has taken on
what some could describe as an over-
zealous tow/boot company. As a result,
the City has crafted a couple of ordinances
to protect people in the public domain as
well as provide guidelines for the tow/
boot companies. Towing and booting
became an issue when a private company
was given permission to use some public
property for parking during business
hours. The company contracted a towing
service to patrol the lot. However, the
towing service began booting vehicles
after business hours.
Richard of R&B Towing was reluctantly
allowed to speak to Council and attempted
to explain that by booting and towing
vehicles, he is actually protecting residents
by educating lawbreakers through negative
reinforcement. “Tourists”, he said, need to
be directed on appropriate parking habits.
Booting apparently teaches people when
they do something wrong.
Mayor Beckmann was obviously
uninterested in his discussion and
quickly waved him off without much
consideration. The City unanimously
passed reading of a couple of ordinances
which outline proper booting and towing
practices. The tow ordinance prevents the
towing of any vehicle on public property
without permission from the Public Safety
department. It also requires all tow truck
operators to have a permit in order to
conduct any business in Folly Beach.
Keep it coming CARTA
The College of Charleston student
government was able to get CARTA to
run a bus (Route 31) to Folly Beach during
the spring on a temporary basis. They felt
the test was successful and would like
CARTA to consider a permanent Folly
Beach route that would run five times a
day on the weekends from March-May
and August-October. The Council passed a
resolution supporting the permanent Folly
Beach route. The student government was
expected to present the resolution during a
meeting with CARTA on July 29.
Who’s transient
The City Council unanimously passed
a reading of Ordinance 11-09 which is
intended to “limit commercialism” on
Folly Beach. The ordinance is designed to
restrict transient vendors without catching
the “brick and mortar” businesses in the
net. The transient vendors are those that
operate with temporary or mobile bases
such as the Italian Ice carts and the new
Tokyo Crepe business on East Ashley.
They also tend to operate during tourist
months only. “Brick and mortar” refers
to businesses that tend to operate for the
majority of the year, if not year round,
and are stationed in actual buildings with
a foundation.
August 7, 2009
FOLLY ECONOMY SERIES: The rental industry
In a land far, far away
I
n most fairytales, the beautiful
princess and the handsome prince ride
off into the sunset, destined to travel
to faraway lands. In our fairytale, Folly
has become that dream destination, but
an evil shadow has been cast over the royal
couple’s sunset dream. The economy has
been cast as the villain, but is it a powerful
enough foe to threaten and destroy the
magical Folly Beach?
Our ne’er-do-well is desperately
working to limit a favorite American
pastime: summer vacations. Outsmarting
the evil forces, however, people have
discovered that Folly Beach is a great place
to seek a summer sunshine getaway. Folly
has not seen the dramatic decline that
similar local areas have witnessed in terms
of summer rentals. This could be due to
the fact that people accustomed to visiting
Kiawah and Isle of Palms are finding a
refreshing retreat in Folly Beach as you
not only have a place to relax, but a way
to do it at a more affordable price. Dawn
Goldman, Manager of the Water’s Edge
Inn, noted that they have experienced a
positive increase in business this year.
While occupancy seems to be
maintaining a steady pace, the Realty
companies (Avocet, Fred Holland, and
Dunes Properties) have noticed changes
in demand patterns. For instance, renters
are now looking at vacation homes two or
three streets back from the once highly
sought after ocean front to cut back on
expenditures. People are finding smarter
ways to travel and are making efforts to
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the Week
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By Lindsey Conklin
decrease expenses by restraining their
luxury purchases instead of eliminating
them.
Another trend, according to local
realtors and hotel proprietors, is last minute
shopping. Instead of making reservations
six months in advance, travelers are waiting
to book their trips to ensure that the
vacation can fit in their budget, and with
the hopes of snagging a last minute deal.
Matt Barba of Avocet noted that, rather
than booking in January or February,
“People are waiting until March or April,
or even May” to inquire about a summer
holiday escape.
Online travel sites, TV talk shows,
news networks and magazine tips all play
a role in the way people are travelling
today, transforming vacationers into
quintessential bargain hunters.
Headlines on internet websites and
newspaper columns which read “Ten
Ways to Recession Proof your Vacation”
and “Recession Friendly Vacation Rentals”
tempt us to indulge in a much needed
vacation at a better price, with tips on how
best to accomplish it. Obviously, these
tips have had an influence on vacationers.

Johnny 5
I am quite the conversation piece with
my groovy ears...and you’ll be the talk of
the town at the dog park when you and I
go for a stroll in the sunshine. Sometimes
my ears choose to pop up - and then the
next thing you know they are down and
floppin’. I am a Terrier and less than a
year old, so I’m yours for the training.
Come take me home and let’s get the
www.follycurrent.com
3
Lynn Pierotti
Publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
According to LaJuan Kennedy of Fred
Holland Realty, “People are looking for Ali Akhyari
more discounts and deals” in their rentals. Editor
Incidentally, prices have dropped a little ali@luckydognews.com
this summer as rental prices are being
negotiated, but not by much. On the other Kristin Hackler
Managing Editor
hand, some hotels on the island have not
kristin@luckydognews.com
noticed a difference at all in their average
daily rate. Swan Richards
Folly Beach’s Holiday Inn is Graphic Designer
experiencing consistent business while swan@luckydognews.com
rates have remained steady when compared
Brittany Urbach
to previous years. However, there have Reporter
been more last minute bookings and brittany@luckydognews.com
walk-in traffic. Sarah Irving, Director of
Guest Services, has noticed the fairytale Richard Brendel
anomaly working in the hotel. Advertising
843-478-0896
“The industry itself is down, but we’re
richard@luckydognews.com
doing better and we’re staying on par,” she
says. Interns
Ken Merkel, General Manager, adds, “I Chris Marchewka
think Folly Beach, based on location and Dylan Sharek
Micah Brown
the connotation of it being lower priced,
Ellien Smith
has benefited. A lot of resorts are down •
40-50 percent. We are a predominately Contributors
social and transient hotel and have been Megan Carroll
able to experience a growth partially due Lindsey Conklin
to the renovation, the ‘stay-cation’ theory, Joel Flores
and also the added four to five restaurants Vince Perna
Smoky Weiner
on Folly to keep it interesting.” Lara Wittstadt
So is this economic villain truly a
foe revealing our best kept secret: the Published by
fabulous Folly Beach? Obviously, Folly Lucky Dog Publishing
is not completely recession proof as rental of South Carolina, LLC
rates have dropped in some instances. P.O. Box 837
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
However, occupancy is strong. This
843-886-NEWS
recession has produced an abundance of
summer travelers searching to get the best Future deadlines:
bargain for their buck and Folly Beach has August 12 for submissions.
been a financial beneficiary. While much
The Folly Current, a wholly owned subsidiary
of the country seems to be suffering, Folly
of Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina
Beach, which is financially dependent on LLC, is a free, independent newspaper pub-
tourism dollars, is that fantasy land which lished every two weeks and is for and about
seems to remain just out of the reach of Folly Beach. Copies are mailed free of charge
our economic antagonist. Perhaps our to every active mailbox in our coverage area
villain is actually a hero in disguise, saving and are also available at area businesses and
by subscription to non-islanders. Subscrip-
a small town from the dangers of a bad tions are $30 per year for non-residents and
economy and making our story a classic are available by sending a check to Lucky
Folly-tale. Dog Publishing, LLC, P.O. Box 837, Sullivan’s
Island, SC 29482. Contributions of informa-
tion, 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 August 7, 2009
Into the great unopened
T
here’s an area of Folly that only I and a few
select others know. I don’t mean to sound
like a know-it-all or anything, but it’s true!
The size of this area is probably about twenty five
percent of the entire Folly Beach area and yet not
one of us has ever seen all of it. It is an amazing
Island Editorials
wonderland of wildlife and nature, and yet also one
of human technology, engineering and creativity;
sometimes quite a bit of creativity. Yes, I’m talking
about the deep unseen catacombs of Folly, where the
air is cool and dank, even in the heat of a summer’s
day. “Caves?” you say, “But there are no caves on
Folly!”. Yes, there are. Listen carefully on the right
day, usually in the late afternoon, and you can hear
a tapping sound followed by a soft whirring, and
every once in a while a little “barking” sound, like
steam escaping with a sudden halt on the final “sst”.
Yes, it’s me or one of my brothers. We are under
your house.
I mention this large and largely undiscovered
area because of our pressing demographic problems.
Letters to the Editor
Send your letters to the
editor to:
info@luckydognews.com
Note: Be sure to sign your letters. Anonymous letters
will not be printed.
Dear Folly Beach,
I am writing this letter on behalf of a self-
appointed committee determined to RESOLVE the
garbage/litter issue and underage drinking problems
on the beach, as well as the island in general. We
want the world to know that we will no longer put
up with people’s trash and illegal behavior on Folly
Beach. We believe that any workable solution will
require both the will and ability of our City and
its citizens to enforce the laws and abide by them.
Additionally, in order to be permanently workable,
it must be cost effective.
We believe the following should be implemented
ASAP:
1. The city should immediately adopt the State
litter law. This law not only charges a fine of $1000
for littering, but also mandates MANDATORY
community service, cleaning up litter (We do not
need to adopt it in order to enforce it as it stands).
2. The judges
on Folly Beach
work for and are
answerable to the
City. The practice
of dropping all or
most fines to the
smallest level must
stop immediately.
If the judges can
not see their way
to enforcing the
fines that are meant
to dissuade poor
behavior, then
they need to be
replaced.
3. The Folly
Dolly program:
Simply stated, it is
By Smoky Weiner
More and more people are coming to the island and
trying to stay. We are running out of room. Where
can we put them? What can we do as a society or at
least as a municipality? The answer: R-2 ½ , or two
point five zoning. Call it what you like. As I lay
deep under a house one day, I thought about how
the place above me used to be a one story house,
which eventually had a second floor added and was
later knocked down and replaced with the present
day thirty nine foot, eleven inch tall building with
thirty five percent lot coverage. “What are they
going to do next?” I thought. I was sprawled out
on my work blanket, which was on top of a plastic
vapor barrier laid on the ground. I had my radio
nearby playing the news on NPR. I had a diet coke
and plenty of lights and it was the only cool place
to be on this really hot day. Where else can you
get that outside of being in the water? Some folks
are afraid of the creatures that might be under a
house, but will just jump right into water teeming
with sharks and Portuguese Man of War. I don’t
generally easier to convince or coax good behavior
by asking nicely than threatening. We propose to
hire a couple of young girls to travel the beach on
a golf cart on weekends in the season. We want
them to stop by each and every person they see and
offer garbage bags for their trash. They would also
inform people of the cup laws and implore people
to not only pick up their trash, but to pick up a
little extra. They should warn of the crack down on
underage drinking, as well as call the police when
appropriate. These people are there to be friendly
ambassadors for our City and our cause.
4. Two or three UNDERCOVER officers
should be dispatched on and around the beach.
These officers are there to enforce the law, write
tickets, and provide a heads up to other officers of
problems in the making.
5. The Mayor should go to all media outlets and
make it known that the Folly Beach that didn’t
enforce much is now the Folly Beach that is planning
to derive as much of our public safety revenue as
possible from the fines and enforcement assessed to
the “day trippers”. In addition, the Mayor should
follow up weekly with gleeful reports on how many
dollars in fines were written that previous week.
6. We are actively looking into putting together
a volunteer group to help facilitate these ideas, as
well as fill in where public safety can not, including
possibly managing the beach sweeps manned by
our newly found community service volunteers.
(See #1)
www.follycurrent.com
mind the sub-domicilian creatures. They are not
harmful, but are rather hiding from those who
would do them harm. I feel exactly the same way
about the underneath of a house. When I’m under
there, I feel safe. Capital One may call, but they are
damn sure not coming down there. Even big bad
burly cops with divorce papers won’t come after you
down there. In this world of nagging wives, fighting
kids, unpleasant bosses, deceitful co-workers and
unrelenting telemarketers and collection agencies, it
is actually pure bliss under a house and the nastier
it looks to the untrained eye, the safer I feel. The
spiders will not bother you, they enjoy the occasional
lighting. I hardly ever see live animals down there,
either. I guess when they see me, they figure I’m
there to eat them so they leave.
Some day, the real estate people will discover this
new area and convert it into naturally cool, energy
efficient living areas (and then it will be taxed). Just
remember where you heard it first.
Respectfully submitted by Paul Hume on behalf of
SMACC +P (SamMikeAnnaCarolChris+Paul)
Dear Editor,
There is an answer to the trash problem on
our beaches and it is not limiting alcohol. When
I was a kid, we use to go out to the construction
sites at the end of the day and collect all the coke
bottles and take them to a local store, turning them
in for two cents a piece. This old policy could be
brought back, only with five cents on all canned
drinks in SC, and allow aluminum cans only on
the beach. Why add cups to the formula, when
everyone has to pour their drinks from a can or
bottle into a cup, increasing the amount of trash? If
the purchaser didn’t return his 18 pack back in for
the 90 cents, some energetic kid looking for money
in his pocket would. Any money left over from the
additional five cents per can could be used to fund
beach cleanup. This is not a new idea. I think this
is still done by some states in the Northeast. This
would also set up a good way to recycle most of our
aluminum cans in SC at a time when our landfills
are overfilled with recyclables. It might also help
kids understand that by collecting cans for money,
they are doing something good for the planet and
their future.
Neal McCann
Folly Beach
August 7, 2009
OP-ED
The anti-youth movement
By Joel Flores
I
f you are a member of the 18-25 age
group, your days of “getting folly” on
Folly are numbered.
Let’s face it. There’s more white hair
on the combined heads of the Folly Beach
City Council than there are on a herd
of aging polar bears. So it came as no
surprise when an exchange was overheard
between three of the Council members at
their recent July 15 meeting, suggesting
police officers walk the beach checking
for various sorts of violations with a focus
on the 18-25 crowd, seeing as how they
were responsible for most of the problems
on the beach. “10th block is one beer
away from Girls Gone Wild,” one of the
Council members reiterated. Apparently
this Council member has never witnessed
one of the countless bachelorette parties
that frequent our Town.
Another recommendation that got some
attention from the Council members was
the possible creation of a Citizens Patrol.
Rumor has it that the Mayor and his band
of kill-joy Council-folk were turning to
areas like Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island
and Utah for inspiration and examples on
how to resolve some of the issues involving
our beach, but now it seems we are such
a crime ridden community that we are
tearing a page from the City of DelRay,
Florida’s crime prevention manual.
DelRay, a town with a population of over
60,000 (compared to our 2,200 or so),
appears to have a good thing going with
their Citizens on Patrol (COP) program.
Good for them, I say. But is it something
a Town of approximately 2,200 really
needs? And of the 2,200 here on Folly,
who’s actually going to do the patrolling?
I know who’s not going to do it; people in
the age group of 18-25. Why? Because they
are going to be doing what anybody in that
age group would be doing when on the
beach; enjoying it! While it was refreshing
to hear that our City’s representatives
would like to encourage more community
involvement in curbing the rabble-rousers
that do have a tendency to spoil it for the
rest of us, couldn’t we just use our City
resources of communication to encourage
our citizens to utilize their cell phones to
report suspicious happenings, as opposed
to making our City by the sea look like
it’s on the verge of a decaying 1920s
Chicago?
A few observations developed as the
meeting ended. First, our City Council
seems to strongly represent the agenda
and holds an exclusive ear for those who
share demographic similarities with most
of those sitting on the Council; The 50
and over, white haired, male, “if-it’s-too-
loud-I’m-too-old” genre. Perhaps that is
www.follycurrent.com
not necessarily the opinion of the Folly Current
a reflection of the poor 49 year old and
younger voter turnout when elections
were held. Still, it’s their job to represent
the entire City, regardless of voter turnout.
Surfers, barflies, all age groups and yes,
even members of political parties other
than their own should all receive equal
billing from our elected representatives.
Our Council seems to fall short in meeting
that particular requisite.
The second observation was that it
took a moderator to conduct the meeting.
Really? Are our elected officials so
incapable of holding a forum or meeting,
regardless of the weight of the issue,
with so little confidence of agreeing that
a referee had to be brought in to assure
effective communication? The moderator,
by the way, successfully guided the Mayor
and Council members to some excellent
possible solutions concerning the issue
of littering on and off the beach. Still,
watching her work her magic, you had
to wonder, “Where did the funds for this
moderator come from exactly?”
Another observation is how this
Council seems to be under the impression
that a great majority of this City’s litter
problems and inappropriate behavior issues
seem to stem from the conduct of anyone
younger than the age of 30. It’s almost as
if everything from the lack of parking to
beach erosion to the ATM in City Hall
running out of money is clearly the fault
of anyone too young not to appreciate the
comfort and fashion sense of plaid golf
5
pants. Here’s an idea for the Council: try
hanging around the Front Beach Inn on
Arctic sometime. I can almost guarantee
a plethora of misconduct and drunken
behavior by so many of those over the
age of 30 that it’s bound to convince even
the most narrow- minded of the Council
members that perhaps the young adults
who frequent our beach aren’t solely
responsible for the majority of our beaches
problems.
Finally, it seems like the nightmare
of a Folly Beach transformation from
an original, hip, peaceful surfing village
into a McMansion riddled, cookie-cutter,
Bishop Gadsden retirement community is
not too far from evolving into reality. With
the present City Council paving the way,
coming soon will be weekends filled with
out of control Grandparents Gone Wild.
Skateboards will no longer have a place
on our island. However, mobile scooters
presently used by lazy, heavyweight
shoppers and the elderly will frequent our
sidewalks. Live music and Thursday night
trivia will be replaced with the return of
shag music and silent bingo. Instead of a
pizza at Woody’s with friends, a 3pm blue
plate special will be the preferred meal on
the island and everyone will be comfy in
their beds as the City Council will enforce
their latest City wide ordinance; a-lights-
out-by- 8:30pm policy.
And then of course, there’s still the
whole “banning alcohol on the beach”
issue that’s yet to come up. Oy vey.
6 August 7, 2009

www.follycurrent.com
August 7, 2009 7

Houses built on sand

By Ali Akhyari

L
ately, rescue personnel have related
the stories associated with many
victims who found themselves at
the mercy of the sea while swimming out
to exposed sandbars on Sullivan’s Island.
Whatever their reasons for attempting
such hazardous swims, those who know
better can only shake their heads. But,
to look at it from another perspective,
what are our tiny barrier islands if not
glorified sandbars? For that matter, are
property owners any less foolhardy if they
purchase island property, especially on the
beach front, without being aware of the
associated risks?
Erosion is a common occurrence on
barrier islands. After all, it is the ebb and
flow of nature that amassed the sand and
shaped it in the first place. It is only in
recent history that nature’s course has been
viewed as problematic on our Lowcountry
beaches as the American right to property
is argued in Neptune’s court. But nature
does not care for our logic. In order to
preserve their right, property owners have
taken to using erosion control measures
such as sandbags in order to fight nature’s
will and preserve their ocean front views.
However, the State is making it more
difficult for property owners to put up
that fight.
Here, sandbags are being used to protect homes on the Isle of Palms from erosion.
However, property owners in South Carolina may no longer be able to use this option
to protect themselves.
Sullivan’s Island Mayor Carl Smith
along with Council member Mike Perkis
recently criticized the State’s Ocean and
Coastal Resource Management (OCRM)
department after attending a related
workshop where OCRM Project Manager
Bill Eiser announced that sandbags would
no longer be permitted for chronic erosion
problems. Mayor Smith suggested that
the State was taking a hardened stance
on their “retreat policy”, which suggests
people move farther away from the actual
tide lines instead of trying to fight a
force as persuasive as the Atlantic Ocean.
Furthermore, he questioned a policy that
Photo by Barbara Bergwerf
doesn’t allow residents to protect their
property, but simultaneously allows the
State to protect their roads. He wondered
how the Town could possibly explain this
to an effected property owner.
Bill Eiser says that the OCRM’s stance
is not a new regulation, but a more literal
interpretation of the term “emergency”.
Sandbags will only be used to protect
property in the event of an emergency
as defined and interpreted by the State.
According to State law:
“Emergency” means any unusual
incident resulting from natural or
unnatural causes which endanger the
health, safety or resources of the residents
of the State, including damages or erosion
to any beach or shore resulting from a
hurricane, storm or other such violent
disturbance.
“We do not consider a chronic erosion
problem that has persisted for years, or
decades, to be an emergency,” he says. Eiser
also points out that not all State property
is exempt from the hardened erosion
policy; just State roads. The logic behind
the exemption is that these threatened
roads may provide access to properties
that are not being subjected to erosion.
The loss of such a road would create an
erosion-induced hardship for property
owners that would not otherwise have
been effected by the erosion. Furthermore,
Eiser says that any highway owned by the
State, County or even a local government
can be protected in the same way for the
same reason.
Property owners and local governments
have been quick to ask for sandbag
protection to provide fast, temporary
relief from erosion in the past. Although
OCRM has permitted the sandbags, they
have sometimes been reluctant, often
attaching a metaphorical wag-of-the-finger
in the form of warnings, strict guidelines,
see Sandbags on page 15

www.follycurrent.com
8 August 7, 2009
Folly Curren
Friday, August 7
Folly Farmers Market
At the Folly River Park every Thursday –
Sunday from 10 am until … Only South
Carolina produce will be sold at the market. For
more info, call Christine Wilkerson at jcbdw@
bellsouth.net.
Rural Mission Sea Island Celebration and
Blues
From 6 to 9pm at the Freshfields Village Green
with blues by Shrimp City Slim. Come and
support the outreach ministry and volunteers of
the Rural Mission.  Enjoy wonderful Sea Island
cuisine, drink, an enjoyable evening out on the
common with soulful blues by local favorite
Shrimp City Slim and exciting auction and raffle
items. Tickets: $25 adults - $5 under 12 ! For
tickets, visit www.ruralmission.org, go to Etix.
com, drop by Freshfields Guest Services or call
768-1720.
Saturday, August 8
Folly Farmers Market
At the Folly River Park every Thursday –
Sunday from 10 am until … Only South
Carolina produce will be sold at the market. For
more info, call Christine Wilkerson at jcbdw@
bellsouth.net.
Sunday, August 9
Folly Farmers Market
At the Folly River Park every Thursday –
Sunday from 10 am until… Only South
Carolina produce will be sold at the market. For
more info, call Christine Wilkerson at jcbdw@
bellsouth.net.
Surfrider beach sweep
Meet at the Folly Pier. Leader- Mike Arendt
(surfbiol@yahoo.com)
Meet at the Washout. Leader- Carrie Manson
(carrie.manson@kica.us
www.follycurrent.com
August 7 -
Tuesday, August 11
Surfer’s Healing
At the Folly Beach Pier. Surfer’s Healing seeks
to enrich the lives of children with autism and
the lives of the families by exposing them to the
unique experience of surfing. The Folly Beach
ESA will be volunteering at this event. For
more information, please call Nancy Hussey at
843-343-4047 or email ssc@surfesa.org.
Folly Beach City Council
The Folly Beach City Council meets the second
and fourth Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm.
www.cityoffollybeach.com. Folly Beach City
Hall, 21 Center St., (Folly Beach), (843)
588-2447.
Wednesday, August 12
Pour House Crafters Market
Selling original handmade artwork by local
starving artists with live music on the deck.
Every Wednesday from 4 – 8pm at The Pour
House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. 571-4343, www.
charlestonpourhouse.com.
Thursday, August 13
Folly Farmers Market
At the Folly River Park every Thursday –
Sunday from 10 am until … Only South
Carolina produce will be sold at the market. For
more info, call Christine Wilkerson at jcbdw@
bellsouth.net.
Friday, August 14
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 or visit www.ccprc.com.
 August 7, 2009
nt Calendar
August 21
Folly Farmers Market
At the Folly River Park every Thursday –
Sunday from 10 am until … Only South
Carolina produce will be sold at the market. For
more info, call Christine Wilkerson at jcbdw@
bellsouth.net.
Folly Beach County Park Bird Walk
Birding experts from CCPRC and the South
Carolina Audubon Society explore Folly Beach
in this partnership program.  This walk focuses
on the southern shoreline of Folly Beach.  We
hope to see early migrants returning from
northern breeding grounds and large flocks of
terns and skimmers preparing to migrate south
for winter! Pre-registration required. Ages 12
& up. Fee: pre-registration is required. 7:30am-
9:30am. For more info, call 795-4386.
Saturday, August 15
Folly Farmers Market
At the Folly River Park every Thursday –
Sunday from 10 am until … Only South
Carolina produce will be sold at the market. For
more info, call Christine Wilkerson at jcbdw@
bellsouth.net.
Sunday, August 16
Folly Farmers Market
At the Folly River Park every Thursday –
Sunday from 10 am until … Only South
Carolina produce will be sold at the market. For
more info, call Christine Wilkerson at jcbdw@
bellsouth.net.
7th Annual First Day Festival
At Liberty Square in front of the SC Aquarium
and Maritime Center. Celebrate the upcoming
first day of school with kid’s games, boat rides,
exhibitors, food court and more! Lowcountry
Food Bank will also be accepting non-perishable
food items during the festival. For more info,
call 965-4190 or visit www.charlestoncity.info/
mocyf.
9
Monday, August 17
Folly Beach Design Review Board
The Folly Beach Design Review meets the third
Monday of the month if there is an applicant.
Please call ahead to confirm whether or not
a meeting will be held for the month and at
what time. The Folly Beach Design Review
Board meets at the Folly Beach City Hall. For
more info, call DRB Chair Peter Fennelly at
425-0186.
Tuesday, August 18
Folly Beach Community Promotions
Committee
The community promotions committee meets
the third Tuesday of the month if there is an
applicant.  Applicants turn in their application
to the municipal clerk by the Thursday before
the meeting. Please call to verify meeting
time before attending: Mary Cunningham at
588-7000 ext. 4.
Wednesday, August 19
National Aviation Day
Pour House Crafters Market
Selling original handmade artwork by local
starving artists with live music on the deck.
Every Wednesday from 4 – 8pm at The Pour
House, 1977 Maybank Hwy. 571-4343, www.
charlestonpourhouse.com.
Thursday, August 20
Folly Farmers Market
At the Folly River Park every Thursday –
Sunday from 10 am until … Only South
Carolina produce will be sold at the market. For
more info, call Christine Wilkerson at jcbdw@
bellsouth.net.
Friday, August 21
Folly Farmers Market
www.follycurrent.com
10
Jupiter’s Garden at the Once you pop
A
fter attaining a loyal fan
Pourhouse base and performing with
renowned artists such
By Vince Perna as G. Love, Brett Dennen, and
Matt Nathanson, John Pringle
is releasing his much anticipated
first full length alum, Midnight
Mass on the Williamsburg Bridge.
He has dubbed the album “as
honest as it gets” and it plays like
an emotional opus with candid
I
am amazed by every Jupiter’s Garden show I see, but the one on this past June lyrics which seem lifted from his
30 at the Pourhouse took the title of “Best I have ever seen”. If you have not diary. With raw vocals and simple
seen the band, do yourself a favor and check out one of their shows; you will chord progressions, Pringle’s multi-layered
not regret it. The sound is incredible, with broad strokes of jam after enjoyable lyrics express despair without depression
melodies and tunes that make you dance. You can’t help but move out to the dance and it is this sincerity which has gained him
floor and shake your stuff while the band blows your mind with their incredible such a solid following.
rhythms. Pringle’s musical journey has not been
The night started well enough with the band playing a healthy dose of originals an easy or typical one. Pringle, a South
with a few covers mixed in. After a monumental jam, which usually signals the end Carolina native, spent most of his youth
of the first set, lead vocalist Justin Burke told everyone that they weren’t finished growing up in Georgia as the youngest in
yet, and busted out a version of Michael Jackson’s “Don’t stop ‘til you get enough”. a loving family with four older sisters. Even
Nice vocals, Justin. The whole dance floor was packed in a well deserved homage at a young age, Pringle had an undeniable
to the King of Pop. passion for music. His life long admiration
for songwriters Eddie Vedder and Bob Dylan
The second set was even better with the jams flowing like wine. A few guests
is evident in his music today, in which traces
helped charge up the sounds. Jesse Prichard contributed a few blistering guitar
of Vedder’s deep voice and Dylan’s defeatist
solos, and Rusty Cole from Sol Driven Train came out from behind the bar to lend
lyrics echo throughout his every song. His
some soulful bass to the sound. Rusty was having so much fun that bassist Andy
fans have been quoted saying, “He’s the
Lassiter had to wrestle the bass out of his hands to continue the set. You could
next American David Gray, someone you
tell everyone was have a great time and the sounds proved it. “We have so much
can listen to and smile while enjoying the
more to play,” Burke had to tell Cole. Thank god they did! I can’t wait until next
beauty in each of the songs”.
time.
Even while working on Wall Street as
a commodities broker, Pringle continued
Folly music
scene
Woody’s
Mondays – Jerry Cooper
Wednesdays – Malin Wagnon
Drop-in Deli
8/7 - Jessie Prichard
8/8 - John Pringle
8/11 - Open Mic
8/13 - Stratton Lawrence
8/14 - Campbell Brown (of Gaslight
Street)
8/15 - John Pringle
8/17 - Mac Leaphart
8/18 - Open Mic
8/20 - Kevin Church
Chill and Grill
Thursdays - The Hawkes
8/7 - Sho Enuff
8/8 - Mark Dye Trio
8/14 - Remote
8/15 - Reid Stone and Friends
8/21 - Elise & the Freeloaders
8/22 - Graham Whorley
Planet Follywood
Fridays and Saturdays - Dan Clamp
8/15 - Shakin Martinis
www.follycurrent.com
August 7, 2009
to feed his musical
soul, performing
at open mic nights
throughout New York
City. Pringle developed
an international
following when his
brokerage career took
him across the pond to
Europe. While there
he overcame his fear
John Pringle of stage fright playing
at local pubs and won
the hearts of some of the world’s harshest
critics; the London working class.
Pringle’s ability to honestly convey his
thoughts, emotions and experiences enables
him to connect in a way few artists can. The
honesty in his music is a reflection of this
sincere young man who “tells it like it is”,
and in the greatest display of self candor,
walked away from a successful business
career to pursue his dream.
Whether performing in front of large or
intimate crowds, Pringle invites you into his
life and emotions. The simplistic sincerity of
his music and lyrics causes others to reflect
on their own lives and to teach us to learn
from all challenges.
John will be playing the next three Saturday
nights (August 8, 15, and 22) at the Drop In
Deli on Center St. Show’s will be 8:30pm till
11:30pm.
myspace.com/johnpringle
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
The Roadhouse
Thursdays - Folly Beach Bluegrass
Society
BLU
8/7 - Emekris Trio (9pm-12am)
8/8 - Larry George (2-5pm)
Triple Lindy Trio (9pm-12am)
8/9 - Graham and Kris (2-5pm)
Jay Miley (8-11pm)
8/14 - Island Duo (9pm-12am)
8/15 - Soulfish Duo (2-5pm)
Tropicools (9pm-12am)
8/16 - Larry George (2-5pm)
Hugh Price (8-11pm)
8/21 - Larry David Project (9pm-12am)
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
588-3800.
August 7, 2009 11

By Megan Carroll

and the Deathly Hallows. I hope better things are in store
for us for the epic end.
Sadly, other than setting the scene for the next film,
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was a look at the
sexual awakening of Harry and his friends. I don’t know
if it was all the press or the knowledge we have about
the characters personal lives, but this film seemed to be
filled to the brim with sexual innuendoes which made
Spoiler alert: If you haven’t read the books, this is the
book where a major character says goodbye near the end
of the film, but Yates treats it as if this character meant
nothing to the films’ legacy. The scene in which we say
goodbye seemed to be rushed and hollow.
Another aspect overlooked in this film is the dynamic
presence of the enemies of Harry and Hogwarts. We
never see Voldemort, but we do see who he has sent to

I
’ve never been a worshiper at the J.K. Rowling alter. it almost laughable at times. A sub-plot involving Ron do his dirty work. Helena Bonham Carter plays one such
That type of fantasy never captured my interest. But I Weasley (Rupert Grint) and his emerging sex appeal enemy, and with such an amazing character to develop
had the opportunity to see the most recent Harry Potter was upsetting to me because it takes the strong female and such a remarkable talent as Carter’s, you would think
movie with some “Potterhead” friends who persuaded me character, Hermione Grainger (Emma Watson), and Yates would capitalize on this, but he does not. Carter
to come along. So there I was, a non-believer amongst turns her into a whimpering afterthought. captivates us and surpasses every actor around her with
the throngs of fans swept up in the first week’s release, her amazing talent.
and I actually found more to like than dislike about the Since I have not read the books, I decided
experience. to check and see what the “Potterheads” were
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince begins with saying and heard much of what I saw echoed by
Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) closing in on the them. Part one of the Hallows is set to come out
Muggle and wizarding worlds, and even Hogwarts isn’t next year. Let’s hope that this film was a small
as safe as we thought. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) is the only misstep for Yates and that he will finish this epic
one who suspects that dangers may even lie within the tale on a strong note, which would make any
castle. Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) confuses Harry true “Potterhead” happy and leave the rest of us
by being more intent on readying Harry for an unseen feeling completely entertained.
future battle than protecting himself from the present
demons. Together they work to find the key to unlock
Voldemort’s defenses. Through hiring his old friend and
colleague Professor Horace Slughorn (Jim Broadbent),
Dumbledore believes he has crucial information and
insights into the dark Lord’s childhood. Along with
fighting dark forces, the students at Hogwarts also seem
to be haunted by another dark and confusing force; raging
teenage hormones.
So goes the Potter saga. This installment in the Harry
Potter series was considerably darker and less exciting
than the others. There have already been five films based
on Rowling’s books: Sorcerer’s Stone, Chambers of Secrets,
Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire and finally, Order of
the Phoenix. With five films, it was bound to happen
that one of them would stumble. This film was rather
dull, and I had a difficult time sitting still. Even though I
squirmed in my seat, I could see what this film was doing
-- it was preparing us, just like Dumbledore is preparing
Harry for the final battle. The disconcerting part of this Harry Potter and the Full-blooded Prince of raging teenage hormones.
understanding, for me, is that David Yates, the same man The newest Potter release is little more than a bridge to the next film.
behind the camera for Phoenix and this film, is set to be
in charge of the upcoming two-part finale, Harry Potter

www.follycurrent.com
12 August 7, 2009

Gromfest ‘09

The Southern South Carolina division of the Eastern Surfing

Association (SSC-ESA) held its fourth contest, the DJ McKevlin
Gromfest, on July 18 and 19 at the Washout. There was a small
wave in the water along with plenty of sunshine for competitors
and beachgoers alike. Below is a list of the winners in each of the
25 categories. For the complete list, visit www.follycurrent.com:

1A Menehune: Gunner Perry Ladies Shortboard: Liz Chirles

3A Menehune: Seth Pulsifer
1A Boys: Zach Fryer
3A Boys: Evan Tanner
Junior Men: Bryant Thomas
Mens Shortboard: Ted Melchers
Masters Shortboard: Shaun Ducker
Sr. Mens Shortboard: Todd Youngblood
Grandmasters Shortboard: Todd Brazell
Legends Shortboard: Rick Lawson
Girls Shortboard: Grace Muckenfuss
Jr. Womens Shortboard: MT Bourque
Womens Shortboard: Kristin Tanner
Open Shortboard: Anthony Osment
Menehune Longboard: Dyer Askins
Jr. Men Longboard: Dylan Morone
Mens Longboard: Alfred Noe
Masters Longboard: Kai Dilling
Legends Longboard: Rick Anson
Womens Longboard: Kristin Tanner
Ladies Longboard: Jewel Napier
Menehune Bodyboard: Max Cook
Open Bodyboard: Walt Watson
Grom Open: Bryant Thomas
Photos by Lindsey Conklin

www.follycurrent.com
August 7, 2009 13

Lara’s Top Ten
As the weather begins to cool off and
Charleston eases into fall, there’s no better
time to lace up the sneakers and head
outside for a workout. Leave the office for
some fresh air, grab the running stroller,
bring along the dog and choose from any
of these locations for a refreshing and
beneficial workout. Charleston is home to
numerous parks which are excellent venues
to get in a variety of workouts throughout
the week.
 White Point Gardens at the Battery:
With the cool breeze off the river and
ample plush grass, there are many
possibilities for exercise.
 James Island County Park: This park
has it all: running trails, enormous grass
fields, playgrounds, a dog park and
plenty of water activities.
 Hampton Park: There is a series of
workout stations around the lake at
B e st plac e s to s w e at i n C h a r l e sto n
Hampton Park. Each
station has instructions
and is guaranteed to
give you a great strength
training workout.
 Folly Beach: Leave the
sneakers at home and
hit the sand for a great
workout that tests your
balance. Venture ankle
deep into the ocean and
do movements against
the water for an excellent resistance
workout.
 Colonial Lake: Complete with
benches and curbs, a jog around the
lake in combination with exercises
on the benches will leave your heart
pounding.
 Cooper River Park: Check out the
brand new park under the Cooper
Bridge. Complete with a breezy pier,
By Lara Wittstadt
plush grass, benches,  The Cooper River Bridge: The
and ample parking, I Charleston running hotspot. Conquer
definitely recommend a the bridge one section at a time. Make
visit. a goal to run/walk halfway and soon
 West Ashley Greenway: enough you will be able to do the entire
Whether you desire to run.
run long distance or
go on a brisk walk, this Take advantage of the beautiful parks
trail, which starts at the and weather that Charleston has to offer.
Ashley River but is most If you have questions about locations or
easily accessible from the need ideas on exercises, please feel free to
Earth Fare parking lot, contact me. Happy exercising!
goes on for miles and is always shaded.
 Brittlebank Park: Enjoy the gorgeous
Charleston sunset on the river while Lara Wittstadt has been a personal trainer
working up a sweat in the field or on the in the Charleston area for over two years.
playground with your kids. She is the owner of Beach Bella Fitness,
which offers in-home and outdoor personal
 Waterfront Park (Pineapple Fountain
training, boot camps, and beach circuit
Park): This touristy downtown park not
classes. Join Lara for a free class! Go to
only has spectacular views, it also has
www.beachbellafitness.com or e-mail lara@
plenty of grass and benches for finding a
beachbellafitness.com for more information.
spot to sneak in a few exercises.

Folly B each T i d e Ch a rt
Date High Tide Low Tide
Aug 7 9:17am/9:43pm 3:15am/3:15pm
Aug 8 9:53am/10:15pm 3:49am/3:54pm
Aug 9 10:29am/10:47pm 4:23am/4:34pm
Aug 10 11:06am/11:22pm 4:59am/5:17pm
Aug 11 11:48am 5:37am/6:05pm
Aug 12 12:03am/12:36pm 6:21am/6:59pm
Aug 13 12:52am/1:33pm 7:11am/8:01pm
Aug 14 1:50am/2:37pm 8:09am/9:09pm
Aug 15 2:56am/3:45pm 9:13am/10:17pm
Aug 16 4:06am/4:52pm 10:19am/11:21pm
Aug 17 5:14am/5:56pm 11:24am
Aug 18 6:19am/6:55pm 12:20am/12:25pm
Aug 19 7:19am/7:50pm 1:14am/1:23pm
Aug 20 8:16am/8:41pm 2:06am/2:18pm

www.follycurrent.com
14 August 7, 2009

The following is a summary of police
reports originally provided by the Folly
Beach Public Safety Department. Reports
are from July 13- 26.
July 13- A woman reported that her
husband, from whom she was currently
separated, had stolen her credit card
information and attempted to use it to
make a purchase without permission.
July 13- A resident reported that
approximately $100 worth of quarters
were stolen from his dresser.
July 13- A woman reported that several
items had been stolen from her residence
over the course of a couple of weeks
including a phone, iPod, $100 cash,
jewelry and a flute.
July 13- Two teenagers stole two bicycles
from under a person’s house. They were
chased but got away. The bicycles were
recovered three days later by police. The
suspects are still unknown.
July 14- A man reported that his cell phone
had been stolen from the Roadhouse Cafe.
He checked the phone records and gave
police a number that had been called from
his phone after it was stolen.
July 15- A man reported that an unknown
person stole his identity to obtain a Kohl’s
credit card and used it in January.
July 15- Officers responded to a woman
being passed out at the corner of
East Cooper and Center Street. She
was verbally vulgar and slurring her
speech. She was eventually arrested and
taken to the hospital when she started
hyperventilating. She was issued a citation
for public intoxication at the hospital.
July 16- A man was grossly intoxicated
and making a lot of noise. After being
asked to be quiet by neighbors, he broke
the rear glass door of the complainants
home. He was being held down by three
Police Reports
males when officers arrived and was out of
control; spitting, biting, and cursing even
family members. He had to be restrained
and a mask put over his mouth in order
to be transported to the hospital. He was
cited for disorderly conduct and malicious
injury to property.
July 16- A Coast Guard helicopter
responded to the Morris Island Lighthouse
when a caller reported a dog swimming
toward the lighthouse and was concerned it
might be caught in the tide. Upon arrival,
the dog had made it across. The helicopter
lowered a basket and actually got the dog
inside. It was lowered onto Folly Beach
where a police officer was waiting and the
dog was delivered to its owner.
July 16- A man was attacked by another
male when he was invited back to a girl’s
apartment. The girl’s boyfriend was home
and phycially let the victim know that he
was unwelcome. No charges were pressed
as of the writing of this report.
July 17- Two men got into a fight at a
local Inn. One had already been placed on
trespass notice and the other was placed
on notice after the incident. The former
was given a citation for trespassing.
July 17- A woman on a bicycle was
questioned by police after a witness
reported that he suspected her of breaking
into some cars. She admitted to breaking
into several vehicles only after her cell
phone, which she identified as her phone,
was found in a victim’s vehicle. Police
recovered most of the stolen property from
her home, although several items were
missing. She was arrested for the offense.
July 18- A bicycle rider ran into two people
carrying surfboards at the Washout and
was knocked off his bike by one of the
surfboards. He got angry and instigatied
fights with several nearby people. No
persons involved wanted to press charges.
July 18- A man refused to press charges
after a woman drove away with the man
on the hood of his car, reaching about
40mph before he fell off. She drove back,
threw a shoe at him and punched him
in the head before fleeing the scene. The
victim refused to press charges, however,
and while the responding officer was
giving the victim a ride home, it was
discovered that he was wanted by North
Charleston Police. Instead of going home,
he was delivered into the custody of the
North Charleston Police Department.
July 18- A boy had his fake ID taken at the
Kangaroo convenience store when trying
to buy beer. He was placed on trespass
notice after trying to come back in while
police were still there.
July 19- A woman shoplifted three
bracelets worth a total of $15 from the
pier store. When approached on the
beach by police, she denied being in the
store. However, video surveillance proved
otherwise. She admitted to the theft and
the three bracelets were recovered from a
child that was with her. She was arrested
for the offense.
July 19- An officer pulled over a vehicle for
driving over the “fog” line while leaving
Folly Beach. There was a male driver and
female passenger and the officer believed he
smelled alcohol. After observing “criminal
behavior” from the driver, which included
his lips quivering and hand shaking
“uncontrollably”, the officer conducted
a physical search of the driver and
discovered eye drops, “a possible indicator
of smoking marijuana”. Both driver and
passenger gave permission to search the
vehicle which turned up nothing illegal.
The driver was arrested when he refused
to conduct a field sobriety test. He later
refused to take a breathalyzer and urine
test (officer believed the driver had been
smoking marijuana).
July 19- Officers responded to a fight.
Upon arrival, one man was found in an
apartment, bleeding with two swollen
eyes. He refused medical attention and
would not say who had done the damage,
but claimed he “fell”. He refused to give
any useful information.
July 20- Two men were cited for drinking
beer on the street while leaving a bar.
July 22- An officer observed what
appeared to be underage individuals with
a cooler of alcohol. One took ownership
of the cooler and was cited for underage
possession. Furthermore, a pot pipe and
pill bottle containing marijuana was
seen on the beach blanket in plain view.
Another individual took ownership of
that and was cited. When asked if there
was anything else illegal, three other
individuals admitted to having marijuana
and/or paraphernalia in their vehicles. The
items were seized and all individuals were
cited accordingly.
July 25- Two intoxicated members of the
U.S. Air Force were wrestling naked on
the beach with several other Air Force
friends sitting nearby. One wrestler took
off running when the officer approached,
while the other simply covered his genitals
with sand. His pants were given to him
by a friend and the one who ran off came
back with pants on. A non-intoxicated
friend said he would take them back to
where they were staying and keep them off
the streets. The two wrestlers were cited
for disorderly conduct and released.
July 25- A 20 year-old male was cited for
underage possession of alcohol when an
officer saw him with several cans on the
front beach.
July 25- Two unsecured pieces of luggage
were stolen from the bed of a pickup truck
between 4:50-7:30pm at 1 Center Street.
July 26- Four individuals had a campfire
going at the old Coast Guard Base after
hours. An officer informed them that
they needed to leave and observed a bag
of marijuana being packed up as they
left. When they got back to the vehicle
he asked all of them for identification
and noticed several bulges in one of the
suspect’s pockets. He patted him down
and located a pipe and grinder. The officer
then asked for the bag of marijuana he
originally saw. Another individual gave up
the bag, which weighed 15 grams. Every
individual surrendered paraphernalia and
was charged accordingly, with one being
charged with possession of marijuana.

July 20- A drunk individual asked several

strangers if they wanted to fight and then
pulled out a box cutter and swiped at
them. They got away unharmed and called
police. The man was located and arrested
for disorderly conduct. The victims did
not want to press charges.

July 21- An underage male hit another

male in the Surf Bar. The victim took the
guy to the ground and he was restrained.
The suspect was extremely intoxicated and
had no identification. He was arrested and
charged with disorderly conduct.
www.follycurrent.com
August 7, 2009
Pedal to Properties of Charleston
expands to Folly Beach
A
dam Killermann of Dunes
Properties, has joined the Pedal to
Properties of Charleston team on
Folly Beach, bringing to the island a new
way for home buyers to see properties and
homes from the unique view of a cruiser
bike. Kristin Walker led the charge in
June, introducing the service to Downtown
Charleston when she partnered with the
original Pedal to Properties of Boulder,
CO, which has been featured in Fortune,
The Wall Street Journal and The New York
Times.
Pedal to Properties agents help meet
a growing desire to live a more well-
balanced and active life. In the process
of choosing a home, Pedal to Properties
enables a buyer to get out of a car in order
to see, hear, and get a true sense of homes
and neighborhoods.
“We are excited that Adam is now
a Pedal to Properties
agent,” said Kristin
Walker, leader of the
Charleston Pedal to
Properties team. “His
unparalled knowledge
of Folly Beach, his
experience in real estate
and his enthusiasm for
the biking lifestyle makes him the perfect
match for our team. Many agents want to
speed up the process of buying a home, but
people appreciate a way to slow down the
experience and truly familiarize themselves
with the area they may live in. Adam will
help buyers to get a great feel for the Folly
Beach and the island lifestyle.”
“Folly Beach is the perfect environment
for finding a home by bike. It’s flat, with
beautiful views around every corner, and
what better way to get a sense of our
island’s architecture and unique culture
than from the seat of a bicycle rather than
from within the confines of a car?” said
Killermann.
photo provided by Pedal2Properties
A new way of searching for real estate is
coming to Folly Beach.
Pedal to Properties of Charleston is
building a team of agents to cover the
Charleston Metro Area so that homebuyers
can benefit from having a neighborhood
expert along with them on their search.
The team will maintain a fleet of Electra
Townie bikes that will become distinctive
in the Charleston area and will not only
assist buyers in finding their new home,
they will also help promote a biking
lifestyle.
“There has been a fundamental shift in
the way people think about buying homes.
Real estate agents and industry surveys
indicate that homebuyers are placing
more importance on cutting their gas bills
and commute times, and finding homes
near urban centers that allow for multiple
transportation options like walking or
biking,” said Matt Kolb, President of
Pedal to Properties of Boulder.
www.follycurrent.com
15
Trudy’s turns 70
A
s the longest running dance studio in South Carolina,
Trudy’s School of Dance will be celebrating 70 years at
it’s Folly Road location, with special commemorations
and open enrollment later this year.
Trudy Oltmann established Trudy’s School of Dance in
1939. Both of Trudy’s daughters have been instrumental in
running the studio in more recent years. Linda Oltmann
Walker, along with her sister Judy, co-directed the studio
until Judy retired in 2008. The studio is currently operated Trudy Oltmann
by Linda, along with Trudy’s granddaughter Tiffany Oltmann Gauch. There is no
shortage of dancing talent in the Oltmann family. Linda was recently inducted into
the Shagger’s Hall of Fame. Perhaps that has been the key to success for this long
standing dance studio: tight family ties. Trudy’s has a unique ability to make its
students and their parents feel like a part of the family. Teaching from the heart
and with a love that only comes from deep-seeded roots is the treasure and allure of
dancing at Trudy’s.
Boasting two fully equipped dance studios, Trudy’s offers an array of classes, not
only in dance, but also in yoga, pilates and fitness. Catering to dancers of all levels
and ages above the age of three, classes span from classic tap, jazz and ballet regime
to Hip Hop, Rap Tap, Broadway Jazz, Lyrical, Pointe, Creative Movement and, of
course, Shag.
“We feel that our family has been very blessed over these past 70 years, having
been able to continue this legacy started by Ms. Trudy in 1939. She instilled our
passion for dance in us at early stages in our lives and taught us that sharing that
passion with others is a very rewarding experience,” says Linda Walker.
2009-2010 promises to be an inspiring year at the historically treasured Trudy’s
School of Dance. Classes begin on Monday, August 17, and will culminate with a
70th celebration at its annual year-end recital held at the Gaillard Auditorium in June
of 2010.
Trudy’s is thrilled to open its doors to any aspiring dancers for this special season.
For class schedule and enrollment information, contact the studio at 795-8660, visit
their website at www.trudysdance.com or visit the studio during open enrollment at
830 Folly Road on August 5 and 6, beginning at 5pm.
Sandbags from page 7 high tide is once again cutting into the
dunes at the Washout. Furthermore,
and headache inducing bureaucracy. No
City Administrator Toni Connor-Rooks
more.
says that the City is not permitted to
Folly Beach property owners have conduct another renourishment unless a
reason to worry as they are no stranger particular percentage of the total beach
to the erosion cycle. Recently, 10th Block is eroded.
East, the new popular beach spot, received
Residents of Charleston’s barrier
a fair amount of news coverage when a
islands certainly have much to think
throng of visitors left a copious amount
about. The State’s take on erosion gives
of trash on the beach. Paid parking
many island residents a new reason to
has been blamed for the transition of
feel uneasy about the ocean view that
people moving from the Washout to
had previously provided solace. As one
10th Block. However, a more practical
stands at the shoreline and a receding
reason might be that there is no beach
wave pulls the sand from beneath their
to sit on at high tide. Despite receiving
feet, that potential must remind us that,
a facelift in the form of a renourishment
in the end, nothing is permanent.
band-aid a couple of years ago, the