PRESORT STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID
FOLLY BEACH, SC
PERMIT NO 27
Vol. 2 Issue 1 Folly Beach’s Newspaper October 30, 2009 w FREE

I
f you’ll take a moment to look at the
upper left hand side of the cover page,
you’ll see a small notation that reads
“Volume 2, Issue 1”. While this is often
overlooked by the reader, this particular
notation means that we can officially
celebrate our first Folly Current birthday.
We are one year old, which is 17 in
newspaper years.
The very first issue of The Folly Current
hit the streets on October 31, 2008.
It’s been a great year with successes,
lessons, memories, disappointments and
challenges. The newspaper industry is a
tough one to begin with and starting a
new one is especially difficult. We felt that
Folly Beach has a very unique character
and deserved its own newspaper focusing
on local issues.
Part of our mantra is to provide news
and entertainment specific to Folly Beach.
We’ve also strived to encourage residents
and local organizations to utilize The Folly
Current as their way of reaching out to the
community. The Folly Beach Exchange
Club has been using The Folly Current
see Birthday on page 12

I
N
S
I
D
E Folly’s forgotten soldiers on page 3 Follypalooza pics on page 6 The thrill of Elise on page 14
2 October 30, 2009

Hard times
by Smoky Weiner
Medspa
Uh oh. It’s that time of year. Not much work for musicians. The clubs all say
it’s because of football but really there’s not much football Friday and Sunday nights.
And on Saturdays, it’s usually just some thriller such as Rice vs. Texas Christian or
Oregon vs. Washington State. Clubs should keep on booking music because it works
as advertising besides being entertainment. Word of mouth advertising is the best
kind and if the people had an extra special good time because of some fun loving,
rollicking musician then they’ll remember that. Clubs, call me at once and book
my band or duo. If you don’t, then please call another musician with whom I am
friends so I can borrow money from them. Most musicians survive by hanging on
until Thanksgiving and freezing mountains of turkey which takes them through
the Christmas party gig season and into one well paid New Year’s Eve gig, which
unfortunately has to last till March.
Halloween is on Saturday this year and so there should be a few good parties
around. Let’s see, there’s my old friend Jay Miley playing at Blu on Friday, October
30. Henry Gates will be there in the afternoon on Saturday, followed by DJ Josh
that night. Every Thursday at the Chill and Grill/Snapper Jack’s compound, Jesse
Prichard heads up The Hawkes, named for the dear departed member of Dunzip
and Big Stoner Creek, Hawke Morfii. May his name always be remembered. Me and
Hawke used to stand next to each other and play a lot in Dunzip and before that at
the old blues jams in the old Cumberland’s. I guess everything is old for me these
days. Hawke played the violin as well as the tres, a type of Cuban guitar. He also
was a helluva Cuban cook; something I always appreciate in a person. When I met
ol’ Hawke we were both waiters. It was about twenty years ago. Hawke was killed by
a hit and run drunk driver while riding his bicycle home from work. The guy was
caught and sentenced to eight years. Please drive sober or not at all this Halloween
and during all the upcoming holidays. ‘Nuff said.
I guess we’ll get to shoot the old 410 into the paper targets again this year and win
many luscious Piggly Wiggly turkeys, but I haven’t seen the signs as of this writing. I
hope, though, that they pass an ordinance regarding giving my ex-wife a gun. Then
I will feel a little better about participating.

see Hard Times on page 5

www.follycurrent.com
October 30, 2009 3

Folly’s forgotten sons of the Union

By Robert Bohrn

I
Lynn Pierotti
love Folly Beach. Being born and raised on James Island, Folly Beach is Publisher
a part of my soul that I have always cherished and loved. As an infant lynn@luckydognews.com
in the 1950s, I cut my teeth on the surf and sands of her beach. As a
child I learned to swim, body surf, and collect shells on her shoreline. And Ali Akhyari
as a teenager I began to walk in the footsteps of Union Army soldiers whose Editor
ali@luckydognews.com
footprints were washed away by time and tide.
During my Fort Johnson High School years (1972-76), I began to relic Kristin Hackler
hunt Folly Beach with a passion. Research and legwork led me to find many Managing Editor
artifacts left by the Union Armies’ occupation during the Civil War. kristin@luckydognews.com
Folly Beach became the staging area for the Union Army in 1863. Its
Swan Richards
proximity to Morris Island made it a perfect location for the placement of Graphic Designer
troops, as well as all of the equipment necessary for the capture of Charleston.  swan@luckydognews.com
It was at this point that Folly Island became a sea island city. With bakeries,
lumberyards, newly made roads and large camps of Union soldiers, the Lori Dixson
island’s population swelled to well over 10,000 inhabitants. Each camp was Account Executive
the pride of their respective regiment. Soldiers from states such as New York, lori@luckydognews.com
Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut,
Richard Brendel
New Hampshire, Indiana, and Illinois were present. Each of these soldiers, Advertising
experiencing the southern climate for the first time, learned of its difficult and 843-478-0896
deadly nature. Many soldiers succumbed to diseases that occurred because of richard@luckydognews.com
poor food quality, unsanitary conditions, and the island’s bad water supply.
Interns
Then, in July and August of 1863, the 54th and 55th Massachusetts,
Dylan Sharek
the first African-American soldiers in the United States Army, arrived on •
Folly Island. Little did the soldiers know that their presence would change Contributors
history. Robert Bohrn
The 54th Massachusetts was the first to arrive on Folly Beach. This Megan Carroll
regiment changed the way America would think about African-Americans Vince Perna
David Farrow
as soldiers. These soldiers’ sacrifices during the Battle of Battery Wagner on
Robert Lucas
Morris Island were a true test of their bravery and skills. Leading the charge Captain Geoff Bennett
towards Battery Wagner, they earned their place in the annals of American John Nelson
history. photos provided by Robert Bohrn Alex Johnson
The 55th Massachusetts was the sister regiment of the 54th. When the call Top: Sgt. Andrew Jackson Smith of the 55th Smoky Weiner
went out in Massachusetts that an African-American Regiment was being Massachusetts. He won the medal of Honor for
Published by
raised, the response was so overwhelming that it became possible to raise bravery at the Battle of Honey Hill, SC on 11-30-
Lucky Dog Publishing
two regiments. The 55th arrived on Folly in August of 1863. The troops’ first 1864. He was stationed on Folly Beach during of South Carolina, LLC
their stay on Folly Island. Above: Excavation of
order of duty was to prepare a campsite on the island. Tents were raised, the gravesites after Robert Bohrn discovered human P.O. Box 837
jungle was cleared, and roads were made. The camp was to be one of the best bones while relic hunting on Folly Beach in 1987. Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
on the island, complete with a hospital, a sutlers and an ordnance store. Wells 843-886-NEWS
and latrines were dug and stables for the
horses were built. From this camp, soldiers Future deadlines:

 PetsPetofHelpers
November 4 for submissions.
would leave daily to perform arduous
fatigue labor on Folly and Morris Islands.


The Folly Current, a wholly owned subsidiary

the Week
Building fortifications on Morris Island, of Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina
these soldiers were under constant artillery LLC, is a free, independent newspaper pub-
fire from the Confederates.  They sustained lished every two weeks and is for and about
many casualties during their fatigue duty, Folly Beach. Copies are mailed free of charge
but they would have to fight an even more to every active mailbox in our coverage area
deadly foe: disease. and are also available at area businesses and
In 1972, when I first began to search for by subscription to non-islanders. Subscrip-
relics on Folly, I was lucky to be granted tions are $30 per year for non-residents and
permission to metal detect around some are available by sending a check to Lucky
good spots on the island. I found bullets and Dog Publishing, LLC, P.O. Box 837, Sullivan’s
buttons lost by the soldiers, and for years Island, SC 29482. Contributions of informa-
I would search this sea island for artifacts. Louise Cecilia tion, pictures and articles are welcomed and
are used according to space limitations and
On the beach, in the jungles, and in home Hey there! I am extremely sweet and Hello, I am a 3 ½ year old calico female.
news value and cannot be returned except
owners’ yards, my search for the Union was most likely dropped off by a hunter I am a very precocious girl who loves to
by special request. Our editorial content is
Armies’ leftovers would continue. when I chose not to hunt. I am good get my way. I love attention… when I
primarily dedicated to the area of distribution;
Then in 1987 my life would change with other dogs and love to run and want it. I love to play with you…when ad space is open to all businesses who want
forever. A new housing development was play...you’ll just have to understand that I want to (you get the idea). If you are to reach the Folly Beach market. Complete
being built where I knew I had found Union a soft hand and gentle voice are needed looking for a girl with personality and ad creation is $50, however, changes of up to
relics before. As they began to clear a road until I have learned to trust. I’ve given energy I have plenty to go round. Come 30% of the original ad are included at no extra
through the palms, I was right there behind up hunting and now just want to focus in and see if you have what it takes to cost. All advertising rates are listed at www.
the bulldozers. Relics were to be found just on the lovin’!! Come see me soon! meet the needs of a special girl like me. islandeyenews.com under “advertising”.
about everywhere. Uniform buttons, bullets
and other artifacts were being brought to
light because of the bulldozing and land Pet Helpers is located at 1447 Folly Road, James Island.
Hours: Mon – Fri from 11am – 6pm and Sat from 11am - 5pm.
clearing. Closed: Sundays and Holidays.
Then, they started to bulldoze a small 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. Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC
see Memorial on page 13 Visit www.pethelpers.org. Publishers of The Folly Current, The Island
Eye News and the Island Connection.
www.follycurrent.com
 4 October 30, 2009
The ghost of John Domingo
Part Two
M
arian Glessing was having a terrible
evening. Walking out into a crowded
North Market Street, the waitress
Island Editorials
avoided a gaggle of drunks and cursed as she
thought about the lack of revenue she had garnered.
That’s what happened when your customers were
pond scum from Europe. Suddenly, the sound of
high pitched laughter pierced the night and turned
her bowels to jelly.
A block away she saw her pal, Megan, and
something was terribly wrong.
Behind her she heard a commotion and saw two
homeless men - one white, one black - running
through the second market building. Hot on
their trails were various men and women led by a
middle-aged mother of three from Akron, Ohio,
screaming, “Stop! My purse!”
She turned to see Megan enter the first building
towards the two thieves, although Megan didn’t
seem to be Megan. Her friend’s long flaxen hair
seemed to be receding in front of her and her lush
figure was distorted. The tour guide’s shoulders
began to spread and her wasp-waist began to
contort in unnatural ways. Her once-perfectly
proportioned face began to elongate. Marian was
not the only person to find this disconcerting.
Video cameras whirred and cell phones flipped.
A fetid aura rose from the market, and as the
amalgamation of what-was-Megan shifted, so did
its surroundings. What was eleven at night was
suddenly dawn. Another, somehow older, market
building sat next to the US Customs House. Feral
cats and mangy dogs began to follow market
vendors that emerged from the shadows, laden
with chickens and sides of beef.
The homeless thieves, previously preoccupied
with the howling crowds gaining ground behind
them, suddenly turned their attention to the
chimera that stood before them. Time, space, and
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.
Exchange dogs for soccer
Dear Editor,
I have just learned that dogs are now banned on the
north end of the island.  This is not good news for
all the people that used to go to the park.  I know
that this park was a favorite for many locals, most
of which walked dogs.  Now that the park will
not be used for traditional park things anymore,
I am pleased to announce to all you soccer fans
that we will be using the land for beach soccer.  our park will be taken forever.
All the participants that used to meet on fourth
block, I request that you meet me and Rick at the
parking area on the north end of the island.  We
will set up the fields at the inlet at the end of the
paved path beside the light house.  It should be
the thieves stopped dead in their tracks.
The crowd following them froze as well, halted
at the border of chaos demarcated by State Street.
In that stationary space of time, Pedi-cabs
morphed into horses that began bucking at the
low-rumbling laughter, the atmosphere fecund
with horse effluvium. Pigeons began to grow like
balloons being filled, changing into grotesque
turkey buzzards that lined the tiled roofs, their
beaks dripping with rotten flesh.
Those logging on to the various sites streaming
from the crowd’s iphones and cameras thought they
were watching a produced program. The laughter,
the sense of sebaceous despair, all came barreling
across the electronic spectrum, disrupting the wave/
particle duality. The consciousness of a schoolgirl
from Leningrad, a professor from Wichita, a steel
worker in Beijing and scores of others suddenly
found themselves amid the crowd bustling through
the 1902 tableaux.
The homeless men dressed in period rags watched
in horror as the-thing-that-was Megan grew into
a hulking black man, his muscles ripping though
the fabric of his host’s clothing. His reptilian eyes
alive with malevolence as he headed for the two
theives.
It had all happened in less than a second, and
the two men were still barreling along their escape
route when they ran straight into the arms of
the dark giant who grabbed them by the scruffs
of the necks and raised them above his head. His
voice rattled through the market, tinged with
the tripping cadence of East Africa. “I am John
Domingo. Behold, I am the ultimate sovereign of
the root. I control all within my purview. I have
come back from the dead and I am devouring your
soul!”
Holding the thieves still higher, his sonorous
reverberations rang ever louder, “I am more
powerful than Christ himself! Behold, I hold a
thief on either side of me. “
John Domingo’s eyes began to glow. A viscous
much nicer than the old spot, without so many
people walking around.
Maybe we can get in some bird watching,  as
well. I have always noticed how much the birds
love  sitting around, feeding, and nesting on
soccer fields.
Alex Handley
Folly Beach
Dogs punished for enforcement flaws
Dear Editor,
It has come to my attention that Folly Beach
City Council has decided it would be a good idea
to ban dogs from the park; the park being the
old coast guard station on the north end of the
island.  This park has been used by locals and
visitors alike for many years and is certainly one
of our island’s treasures.  This tiny strip of land
is home to some birds, which is great, and these
birds should certainly be protected, which they
are. These protections include the dangers being
posed by dogs. I assure you  that dogs are the
least of these birds’ problems and there is a leash
law and you have to clean up after them. These
www.follycurrent.com
Halloween Edition
green light began to fill the market like water in an
aquarium, blanketing all in the 1902 scenario.
Then, just as quickly, the radiance disappeared.
The stalls laden with meat and produce were bathed
in a syphilitic sunlight. With the speed of meted
justice, something yanked all three men to a level
right below the rafters. Men and women, white and
black, past and present watched slack-jawed as the
septic face of the ancient root doctor contorted in
agony, a white caul shrouding his jet black features.
Massive finger marks made deep indentations as
the sound of strangled gasps echoed through the
City past and present.
Domingo’s massive hands unclenched the
thieves, who sprinted off in all directions. Whatever
held John Domingo suddenly wrenched him as a
dog shakes a rabbit. Monstrous retching punctuated
the dense quiet. To the world, something ponderous
occurred, although if pressed, no one could explain
it.
The massive black man fell to the ground and
began to shape shift back into Megan, her body
now broken and misshapen. Her head lolled back,
distorted features masked by a cascade of flaxen
hair. A disembodied voice from the ether croaked,
“This place is mine.”
At once, traffic on both sides became as it should.
Marian Glessing awoke with the sense that dusk
was drawing nigh, even though it had only been
an hour since Megan first encountered the ruffled
man. Marian ran over to her friend. What she saw
would scar her for the rest of her short life.
The videos of the curious case of John Domingo
first appeared on October 31, at 10:57pm. By
midnight it was breaking news. Millions all over
the world stared into the eyes of unadulterated
wickedness. By 2 am EST on All Saints Day, the
evil stared back.
Mila Binhamton, a 16-year old cheerleader from
Roslyn, Virginia, was transfixed by those orbs of
iniquity. She felt a sensual tingling as her body
see Domingo on page 7
laws are perfectly acceptable and totally effective
in that they protect birds from dogs.  However,
our Mayor and City Council have decided it is
time to add a new law banning dogs altogether
from the park.  This, of course, will be another
great example of piling unenforced laws one
on the other with no result, except of course
making some trust fund dog-hating lady happy.
You know who you are. A new dog ban will do
nothing to protect birds and should not be put
into place. Most people using the park are there to
walk dogs. On any given day the vast percentage
of park goers are there with dogs. Their dogs are
leashed and civil.  If a dog ever gets into any nest
it is because the owner is breaking the law, a law
already  “on the books”.  What I am asking and
hopefully will gain support for is to enforce the
laws already in place and use them to protect birds,
not make more limits and rules that restrict usage
of our wonderful island now and for generations
to come. Please let City Council know how you
feel as soon as possible or it will be too late and
Harry Walles 
Folly Beach
October 30, 2009
City develops action plan for litter
T
he Folly Beach City Council held
their regular workshop on October
13 and had only one thing on
their mind: litter. Council member Tom
Scruggs was chosen to emcee the meeting,
as the complex discussions have derailed
progressive conversation on at least one
occasion. A moderator was called in for
the initial meeting after the July 4 fiasco
to help keep the group focused. On this
occasion, Scruggs presented the rest of
Council and Mayor Carl Beckmann with
a five step agenda to guide them to a plan
of action before the meeting ended.
It took more than two hours, but the
Council was able to develop solid ideas
on how they wanted to move forward to
address trash not only on the beach, but
throughout the island and the Charleston
community. Each member of Council was
given a different aspect of the problem
to research and present to the group,
including: Rules/ordinances, trash removal
from streets, trash removal from beach,
community involvement, education/
public awareness, and enforcement,
among others. After the presentations and
discussions, Council members picked out
ideas they liked that could be implemented
in order to create a desired “action plan”.
Residents may have started seeing action
as early as October 27, which was when the
Council hoped to vote on a discussed trash
ordinance. The City currently does not
have formal legislation directed at litter.
However, Council members were unsure
whether an ordinance could be crafted
that quickly. Further information was not
available by our publication deadline.
One of the biggest concepts discussed
was changing peoples’ attitudes. The
problem is not litter, Beckmann says, but
people.
“It’s not a trash problem. We have
to change people’s behavior,” he said.
However, it was carefully noted by Council
member Dave Stormer that behavior and
attitude are two significantly different
concepts. The former can be legislated.
Passing an ordinance that specifically
addresses trash will allow the City to try
and control some behaviors that contribute
Hard Times from page 2
The condos are being built near
Bowens Island on Folly Road and there
will be docks built across from Crosby’s
Seafood. First they have to demolish
the clam farm docks as they did the
clam farm itself. The name of the new
venture? The Preserve. I love it.
Bowens Island restaurant is closed
for a few weeks because there’s a movie
being shot there! It’s starring Josh Brolin
who starred in the Oliver Stone movie
“W ” a year or so ago. It has something to
do with Rock N’ Roll and the nightclub
business and the Sand Dollar will be in
it. Big Richard probably won’t be in it
though, unless they have a cage-match
scene! There are a lot of movie people
5
S taff R e port
to litter. Changing attitudes, however, is a
bit more complicated.
Scruggs had already begun to engage
local educational institutions and has
received support from the College of
Charleston and the Citadel to begin a
program that lets students know that
Folly Beach is not a place to party and
leave all your trash, but a place to be
appreciated and enjoyed. However, he
argues that the education can start much
earlier and suggested the City begin a
campaign of speaking to local elementary,
middle, and high schools to explain why
our environment needs to be protected.
Hopefully, by influencing the younger
generation, they will also be able to educate
their parents and attitudes will begin to
change as environmental awareness grows, staff photo
Scruggs explained. Council member Laura Beck explains how the City can impact the amount of trash left
on the beach. Beck explained that this particular meeting should not end without a plan
In addition to developing an education/
of action. Mayor Carl Beckmann says the City will have its plan in place by January 1,
public awareness plan and a litter ordinance, 2010 which would give residents “time to react” before next summer.
the City Council has several other items in
their action plan. They want the City’s staff
to evaluate the City’s capability to carry
out a variety of tasks such as overseeing
criminals assigned to community service Folly Beach Exchange Club
and patrolling the beach to catch more
By Robert Lucas
litterers. In addition, while the Council
has discussed the possibility of adopting Exchange Club Haunted House Firefighter of the Year at the October
the State’s litter law, they are now looking October 30 will be the final night Exchange Club meeting. Exchange
to formulate a litter law specific to Folly of the Exchange Club Haunted House. President Brett Barker presented the
Beach. They are looking to create a citizen The Haunted House caters to children officers certificates and Chief Boatwright
volunteer program which could mean a under 12 and will be from 6 to 8pm at expounded on the dedication and high
way for residents to do beach sweeps, but the Exchange Club Hut (206 W. Indian). level of service both men provide to the
could also mean something as involved Tickets are $5 per family and can be community.
as trained residential patrols designed to purchased at the door. Concessions will
supplement the City’s strained police force. be sold on site. Upcoming meetings
They also want to look into increasing The next meeting of the Exchange
their recycling capabilities which are One Nation under God breakfast Club will be the annual Golden Age
largely limited by the County. The Exchange Club will be hosting Dinner on November 19 at the Hut. The
Mayor Beckmann expects to have all its One Nation Under God Breakfast Exchange Club holds this annual holiday
aspects of the plan defined and “ready to on November 7. The event will begin dinner for the widows and widowers of
go” in December, with everything in place at 9:30am and is being held at the Folly Folly Beach.
to corral the litter problem by January 1. Beach Crab Shack. This year’s speaker is
“That gives the residents time to react,” he John Caylor, a former chaplain and retired Miscellaneous news
says. minister. The cost is $10 per person and The City of Folly Beach is the latest
The City Council is scheduled to can be paid at the door. Please RSVP to contributor to the Exchange Club Flag
hold its next meeting, a workshop, on Robert Lucas at 843-991-4441. Drive. The new fundraising total stands
November 10 at 6pm in City Hall. at $1300.
Officers of the Year
Congratulations to the Folly Beach Be sure to stop at Exchange Club’s
Officers of the Year. Pedro McTeer was booth at the Folly Carnival where we
named Public Safety Officer of the Year will be distributing children’s flags, child
living around here. I know our own John and Thomas Glick was recognized as abuse literature and free popcorn!
Reynolds was a double for Nick Nolte and
has done stunt work or something like
that and we have Clarence Felder and his
folks, plus Tim Saye the Bushwhacker Notice
who is a union set carpenter, and Folly’s
own Alfred Teidemann drives equipment
to name the Community Center
around for the studios and so on. Several
local musicians appear occasionally in
Memory Garden in memory of David C. Isreal
The City of Folly Beach has received a request to name the Memory Garden
television and the movies. I myself was
located at the Community Center, as follows:
the fat Jewish deputy sheriff in Queen.
How could you not remember? I am so David C. Israel Memory Garden
depressed. I received an Oscar (Mayer)
for my performance. If citizens of Folly Beach would like to protest the naming of the Community
Center Memory Garden as stated above, please send all comments to: Toni W.
Connor-Rooks, City Administrator, P. O. Box 48, Folly Beach, SC 29439. Comments
must be received on or before November 16, 2009.
FC03
www.follycurrent.com
6 October 30, 2009

Follypalooza!

Follypalooza 2009 was a huge success, according to coordinator DJ Rich.

“We had more families than ever before,” he says. “We would like to thank
all of our musicians, volunteers, and sponsors, especially Stratton Lawrence
and the City of Folly Beach. Without sponsors like these, events like this
would be impossible.”
The weather more than held out, despite predictions for rain. It was simply
perfect. There was fun, food and games for all ages. Council member Eddie
Ellis sacrificed himself as the target in the dunking booth!
Coming this Movember
The month of November is becoming known as “Movember” thanks to a growing
Rich adds that if you enjoyed Follypalooza, let the City know as there is number of people who are working to raise awareness about prostate cancer. In order
a movement to limit the number of festivals that can be held every year. to do so, participants grow a mustache. The Folly
Otherwise, Follypalooza could become a thing of the past. All proceeds from Current and the Drop-In Deli
this event went to benefit cancer victims on Folly Beach, as well as a local are bringing Movember to Folly
cancer center. Beach with our own team, the Folly
Beach Moustache Society. Ladies, you
too can participate. To find out more, visit
www.movember.com. To join our movement

S u dok u
visit www.movember.com/register/10111.

Folly Beach Crab Shack

Folly music Mondays - Hank Marley open mic

scene Tuesdays - Trivia

Wednesdays - Dave Grunstra
Thursdays - Folly Beach Bluegrass
Woody’s
Society
Mondays – Jerry Cooper
Fridays - Folly Dogs
Saturdays - Sara Smile
Drop-in
Tuesdays – Open Mic night
Surf Bar
10/31 - Halloween Party
Sundays - Dangermuffin
11/13 - Owen Beverly
Mondays - Lonesome Squirrel and the
Nuts Acoustic Jam
Chill and Grill
Thursdays - The Hawkes BLU
10/30 - Suspicious Package 10/30 - Jay Miley Duo (9pm-12am)
10/31 - Sho Enuff
10/31 - Henri Gates (2-5pm)
11/6 - Po Ridge
Halloween Bash with DJ (8pm-12am)
11/7 - Soul Captive
11/13 - Jupiter’s Garden
Sand Dollar Social Club
11/14 - Guilt Ridden Troubadour
10/30 & 31 – Hed Shop Boys
Planet Follywood
Fridays and Saturdays - Dan Clamp Vince Perna is a Folly Beach real estate
10/31 - Shakin Martinis 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
Solution on page 11 588-3800.
Level: HARD

www.follycurrent.com
October 30, 2009 7

9th Annual Gardens for Gardeners

On a recent Sunday blessed with beautiful weather, I adventured into some of
the private gardens that cover the Folly Beach area and what an opportunity it was.
Beginning my quest at the gardens of Scott and Jordana Snider, whose quiet oasis covers
over four acres off of East Indian. With the purposeful intention of using their yard
to showcase native plant species, the Sniders have resisted the tempation of snagging
alien plants that can be invasive or gaudy, bringing a proud and environmentally aware
atmosphere and beauty to Folly Beach.
Susan Epstein, Tours Manager for the Charleston Horticultural society, says, “This
year’s event exceeded our expectations. The enthusiasm for the tour radiated throughout
the day and the weather was just perfect.”
With 250 tickets sold and all of the proceeds going to the Charleston Horticultural
Society, future events like a presentation by guest speaker Dan Hinkley, is only the tip
of the ice berg for the list of celebrity horticulturalists who will be visiting and speaking
in the Charleston Area. Of course, there is a lot to be said for horticulture among Folly
Beach residents, as well.
For details about membership and upcoming happenings in the Charleston Horticultural
Society, please visit our web site at www.charlestonhorticulturalsociety.org, or by calling
843.579.9922 or stop by the office as 46 Windermere Boulevard.
Dan Hinkley will be be speaking at the Charleston Garden Club, Monday January 11th
2009.

Domingo from page 4

began to contort thriugh her as she sat
in her bedroom. She walked down the
hall to the kitchen. Her parents heard
a sebaceous low laughter before being
ripped to shreds with a meat cleaver.
All over America, this familial scene
of bliss was repeated. As the sun rose on
Washington, a homeless man sitting on
the Ellipse stared at the White House
and mumbled.
Inside the Oval Office, the order was
given to launch every nuclear weapon
in the arsenal.
Amid the rockets’ red glare, John
Domingo just laughed and laughed.

www.follycurrent.com
8 October 30, 2009
Folly Curren
Friday, October 30
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 Exchange Club Haunted House
Drop by for the final night of the Exchange
Club Haunted House.  The Haunted House
caters to children under 12 and will be from
6 to 8pm at the Exchange Club Hut (206 W.
Indian.)  Tickets are $5 per family and can be
purchased at the door.  Concessions will be sold
on site.  at 225-7969 to register, SeaKayakCarolina.com
Saturday, October 31
Happy Halloween!
Halloween at the John’s Island library!
Join us for a spooky family story time at 11am.
Wear costumes, eat candy, read scary books
and make a Halloween craft! All ages welcome.
John’s Island Regional Library, 3531 Maybank
Highway. For more info, call 559-1945.
Folly Farmers Market
See Octobeer 30
Charleston Pony Club’s Annual
Gymkhana
9am-3pm, the Charleston Pony Club is hosting
their Annual Gymkhana at the John’s Island
farm of Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding
(CATR). A giant tack sale will benefit the
CATR Scholarship Fund. For more info, call
559-6040. 2669 Hamilton Road, John’s Island,
SC 29455.
Moonlight Wall Climb: Halloween
Moonlight Climb
From 6pm-10pm. Plus - Prizes for the best
costume will be awarded and light refreshments
will be served! Participants MUST have previous
climbing/belaying experience. Please arrive
before 5pm and pay at The Climbing Wall. Fee
www.follycurrent.com
October 30 - N
is $10 Charleston county residents and $12 for
non-residents.
Sunday, November 1
All Saints Day
Daylight Savings ends (“Fall” back one
hour)
Folly Farmers Market
See Octobeer 30
Open Water Sea Kayaking
9am. Full day of training for the price of a
half-day class - only $80. Call Sea Kayak Carolina
for more info. 1731 Signal Point Rd, James
Island.
Monday, November 2
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.
Tuesday, November 3
Folly Bridge replacement meeting
A public meeting will be held to allow residents
to express their opinions and concerns regarding
the replacement of the two bridges approaching
Folly Beach. Consultants will be on hand with
displays to explain the process and possibilities.
The meeting will take place at the Our Lady of
Good Counsel, Father Kelly Hall located at 105
West Hudson Avenue from 4:30-6:30pm.
Thursday, November 5
Folly Farmers Market
See Octobeer 30
Friday, November 6
Folly Farmers Market
See Octobeer 30
 October 30, 2009
nt Calendar
November 12
5th Annual Pet Helpers Black Tie Fur
Ball Gala
This year our theme is Fur Bollywood!  Guests
are encouraged to wear Bollywood attire and
Saris...Bindis will abound! From 6:30pm –11pm,
at Memminger Auditorium, 56 Beaufain Street
in downtown Charleston. Tickets: $150 each
and can be purchased at the shelter, by calling
795-1110, or online at www.pethelpers.org.   
Saturday, November 7
Folly Farmers Market
See Octobeer 30
One Nation Under God Exchange Club
breakfast
The event will begin at 9:30am and is being
held at the Folly Beach Crab Shack.  This year’s
speaker is John Caylor, a former chaplain and
retired minister.  The cost is $10 per person and
can be paid at the door.  Please RSVP to Robert
Lucas at 991-4441.   fourth Tuesday of the month at 7pm. www.
Harvest Festival
Come out to Mullet Hall Plantation from 11am-
5pm for Harvest Fest 2009! Admission is $5/
free for children 12 and under as well as Gold
Pass holders. For more info, call 795-4386 or
visit our website at www.ccprc.com.
ESA Surf Competition
Contest #6 (or make-up date if needed): Nov
7-8 – high tide 10:53am. For more info, call
Nancy Hussey at 843-343-4047 or email ssc@
surfesa.org.
Sunday, November 8
Folly Farmers Market
See October 30.
Art on the Beach and Chefs in the Kitchen
From 1 – 5pm, tour historic homes, artists’
studios and the Sullivan’s Island lighthouse,
as well as delicious foods from several local
9
restaurants. Tickets can be purchased to include
the entire tour and reception for $35 and
Patron tickets are $150. They may be purchased
at Creative  Spark 881-3780 and Sandpiper
Gallery.
Fall Harvest Dinner at Legare Farms
All of the food will be Legare Farms’ own and
will be prepared by ten of Charleston’s finest
chefs. Beer from Coast Brewery and Palmetto
Brewery, and wine from Irvin House Vineyards.
Tickets are $50 each. 843-559-0788 or e-mail
legarefarms@bellsouth.net
Tuesday, November 10
Folly Beach City Council Litter workshop
6pm in City Hall
Folly Beach City Council
The Folly Beach City Council meets on the
second Tuesday of the month at 6pm, and the
cityoffollybeach.com. Folly Beach City Hall, 21
Center St., (Folly Beach), (843) 588-2447.
Wednesday, November 11
Veteran’s Day
Thursday, November 12
Folly Farmers Market
See October 30
Holiday Festival of Lights Fun Run/Walk
This 2-mile noncompetitive run/walk will take
place from 6:30pm to 8:30 pm. Registration
is $9 and $15 after November 6, and free for
ages 2 and under. To register or for more
information, call (843) 795-4386 or visit our
website at www.ccprc.com.
www.follycurrent.com
10
The mystery of the
H
ere’s a spooky little plant just in time for
Halloween.
This is actually one of the most common
wildflowers in eastern North America. It grows all
the way out to the west coast, mostly skipping the
southwestern states. (You could also find it in parts of
South America and Asia.) It is fond of very shady forests.
In South Carolina, it occurs commonly in every county,
blooming in humus-rich soil or in sandy places in the
early autumn. It is a member of a very specialized family,
but has been traditionally considered as a relative of the
rhododendrons and blueberries, making it a member of
the family Ericaceae.
This is a plant that might look more like a fungus
than a flowering herb. In fact, hikers sometimes think
that they’ve discovered an unusual mushroom when they
stumble upon this little wildflower. Its stems are pale, waxy
and usually white, but sometimes pink or even bluish,
and the plants themselves feel a bit cool and clammy.
If you pick one of these ghostly plants in the forest, it
will soon turn black. (Of course, picking wildflowers is
never a good idea due to diminution of population size
and habitat loss. Rather than picking them, consider
photography as a good way of taking them home with
you.) There are only non-functional, scale-like leaves up
and down the stem, which may be up to 10” or so tall.
At the top of each stem is a single flower, and despite
the weird nature of this species, its flowers are rather
October 30, 2009
By Dr. John Nelson
process it erects itself until it is sticking straight up. (The
species name, which means “once-turning”, alludes to
this peculiar movement.) As the winter comes on and the
tops of the plants dry out, they turn black and remain
that way until falling apart. As you might expect, this
bizarre little thing has enjoyed a reputation as a medicinal
plant, even featuring some magic qualities: especially on
a moonlit night with a hoot-owl nearby.
Our amazing little friend contains no chlorophyll, so
it cannot produce its own food. Well, that is certainly
odd for most plants, but in this very specialized case, it
is par for the course: this species is probably parasitic on
the roots of nearby trees for its nourishment. Its roots
are also closely associated with various fungi which, in
a complicated manner, probably make food absorption
easier.
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.
Photo by Linda Lee
straightforward, bearing stamens and a pistil within. The
Answer:
flower itself droops when young, and so the entire plant “Indian pipes,” “Corpse plant,” Monotropa uniflora
looks a bit like a dropped pipe, standing on end. Following
pollination the flower develops a capsule, and during this
www.follycurrent.com
October 30, 2009 11

Late October fishing report

By Captain Geoff Bennett

F
ishing has really improved over the a hatch will
last few weeks. The recent cold snap cause these fish
in mid-October made the water to flee. Trolling
come alive and the celebrated fall trout motors, or even
bite is now in full swing. November might better being
not seem like a prime fishing month, but silently pushed
if you get on the water you will not be along in a boat
disappointed! with a poling
Trout are rarely as receptive as they are platform, will
right now. We’ve been using popping corks really increase
with DOA 3” shrimp in the Glow pattern your chances.
as well as mud minnows. Mud minnows Although the
can be much heartier than live shrimp and seasons are
with all the small bait stealers in the water, changing, I’m
they usually last much longer. You can use finding that the
the popping cork along grass banks, over 5” Gulp jerk
oyster beds and at creek mouths. When shad in white
fishing the popping cork, it is important that worked
to make sure that you reel in any slack line in the spring
on the water if the cork is moving with the and summer is
current. Oftentimes, if there is too much still working
slack in the line and a fish hits, the fish can well this fall. If
get off before the angler reels the line tight your casts are
and sets the hook. Casting plastic grubs spooking fish,
on ¼ oz. jigheads is also very effective this try to go down
time of year. Bass Assassin’s Chicken on a in either the
Chain 4” sea shad is a very popular color. weight or length
Fishing for redfish continues to be great. of your lure. fish in the grass at high tide and corner Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston
The above tactics for trout will work for Not surprisingly, fly fishermen benefit pods of fish around oyster beds on the Charter Fishing providing fly fishing and
redfish, as well. As the weather continues from these schools of redfish, as well. The flats at low tide. In the clearer water, flies light tackle charters. Clients choose from a
to cool, redfish will begin to school up on water is becoming clearer and this, in with slimmer profiles and more modest full menu of fly rods, artificial and live bait
the flats and provide some excellent sight concert with higher concentration, has shades of red and brown are working fishing options with charters tailored to their
fishing opportunities. To approach these produced great conditions. Since my last well. Anglers should also experiment with desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt.
fish, you need to be very stealthy and quiet. report I’ve run several fly fishing charters clouser minnow patterns in white, mixed Bennett is committed to providing a safe and
Engines and loud sounds like a slamming and had a blast. We’ve been able to stalk with other colors like silver or chartreuse. enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels
With the intense trout bite, we will begin and ages. For more information, call Capt.
to target trout, as well. You will likely need Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at

S u dok u -sol u tion a fly with some weight on it to get it down

in front of the trout.
www.charlestoncharterfishing.com or email
him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.
com.

Folly B each T i d e Ch a rt
Date High Tide Low Tide
Oct 30 5:37am/6:04pm 11:50am
Oct 31 6:22am/6:47pm 12:03am/12:38pm
Nov 1 6:05am/6:29pm 12:45am/12:24pm
Nov 2 6:48am/7:11pm 12:27am/1:10pm
Nov 3 7:31am/7:54pm 1:11am/1:55pm
Nov 4 8:16am/8:39pm 1:55am/2:43pm
Nov 5 9:04am/9:28pm 2:42am/3:32pm
Nov 6 9:57am/10:23pm 3:33am/4:24pm
Nov 7 10:54am/11:25pm 4:27am/5:20pm
Nov 8 11:55am 5:27am/6:19pm
Nov 9 12:32am/12:59pm 6:31am/7:20pm
Nov 10 1:40am/2:02pm 7:39am/8:20pm
Nov 11 2:45am/3:02pm 8:46am/9:17pm
Nov 12 3:46am/3:58pm 9:49am/10:10pm

www.follycurrent.com
12
The following is a summary of Folly Beach
Police Reports originally provided by the
Folly Beach Public Safety Office for the
dates of October 4 - October 13.
October 4 - Two picnic tables were
stolen from the victim’s yard overnight.
One table was a child’s table. Their
values were reported to be $125 and $75
respectively.
October 6 - A victim reported that
his bicycle was stolen from in front of
Snapper Jack’s. The bicycle was valued
at $300.
October 6 - A property owner reported
that an unknown person had kicked in
the door to his home and damaged the
frame. Nothing was reported missing.
October 6 - When a neighbor
complained to police about a dog that
would not quick barking after 10pm,
officers responded and attempted to
make contact with the dog’s owner by
knocking on the door. When no one
answered, police took the dog to the
City’s kennel. The owner arrived at the
Birthday from Cover
to keep the community abreast of their
group’s happenings. The Arts and Crafts
Guild has recently come on board to
announce a recent festival. On behalf of
the City, Mayor Carl Beckmann usually
sends us his monthly letter so that he
can reach all of the island residents. We
look forward to even more organizations
and residents contributing to the paper’s
Police Reports
police station about 30 minutes later
and was cited for a City code violation
and purchased a $3 dog license.
October 7 - An officer was called
into action before actually arriving to
work. He was advised to look out for
an individual that was wanted by the
Charleston County Sheriff’s Department
while coming to Folly Beach and located
the suspect near the Folly Beach boat
landing. The suspect was identified and
turned over to Sheriff’s deputies.
October 8 - A man’s single motorcycle
trailer was stolen from his yard sometime
during the previous two days. The trailer
was valued at $600.
October 8 - An officer saw a glass pipe
with what appeared to be marijuana
residue in it, in plain view in the front
console of a car while he was attempting
to write a parking ticket for the vehicle
being parked in the road. The vehicle
was parked in front of a residence and
the officer located the owner inside
who turned over the pipe and a bag of
marijuana that contained less than 1/10
of a gram of the plant material. He was
content and making this the terrific
community newspaper it can be. The Folly
Current is your newspaper.
In addition, part of the newspaper’s
responsibility is to keep our government
accountable for its actions. That’s why
you’ll regularly read reports about City
Council meetings, public hearings and
police reports. The more knowledge that
citizens have about their government,
www.follycurrent.com
cited for possession of drug paraphernalia
and released.
October 9 - An apartment resident
reported that a man ordered a porno in
his apartment and then took $126 from
a table and left when the victim walked
in. The victim gave police a first name
and a location where the suspect could
sometimes be found. However, police
were unable to locate the suspect at that
time.
October 10 - While patrolling, an
officer witnessed a vehicle driving on
Hudson that appeared to be speeding.
He followed the vehicle and witnessed
it cross the center line and outside line
of the lane several times as it left Folly
Beach and a traffic stop was initiated.
The driver admitted to having several
drinks at a beach wedding with his wife.
The officer noticed the driver had slurred
speech and bloodshot eyes which rolled
into the back of his head a few times
during the conversation. He agreed to a
field sobriety test and appeared to be a
little unstable. He was arrested for DUI
and the vehicle was towed. He refused to
take a breathalyzer.
the more empowered we can be as a
community. I’d like to personally thank
City Administrator Toni Connor-Rooks
for taking the time to answer all of our
questions and providing our newspaper
with all the information we need in a
timely and professional manner. She, as
well as the rest of the City Hall staff, have
been invaluable in helping us bring as
much information as possible to the Folly
October 30, 2009
October 10 - When pulling into the
driveway of a friend’s vacation home, a
man witnessed a drunk woman on the
porch who left after he confronted her.
She left behind her vehicle and a few
items. A screen was also found to have
been bent from an atempt to pry it open.
Police identified the car’s owner but were
unable to locate her. No charges were
filed.
October 13- A resident reported that a
door to his home had
been forced open by
an unknown person.
No property was
noticed to be missing
and tool marks were
noticed at the dead
bolt area of the
door.
public. We’d also like to thank the City
for using The Folly Current to make its
legal announcements.
There simply is no newspaper without
our readers and advertisers. It truly is a
community effort in this regard and every
business whose ads appear on our pages
is using The Folly Current because they
want to reach the people of Folly Beach.
We’d like to recognize those businesses
who have used The Folly Current during
our freshman year. Please visit and utilize
those businesses who grace the pages of
this newspaper as they are among those
who are actively seeking to be a part of the
Folly Beach community.
I also want to give my profoundest
thanks to all of the contributors who
regularly send us articles. We’d additionally
like to thank those who continue to read
The Folly Current. All the time we spend
writing and printing is with you in mind.
As we move into our second year, we
would like to encourage you to further
utilize the newspaper. Send us more
letters and more articles. Contribute to
the calendar to announce your events. Go
to those events. Visit those businesses you
see in our newspaper. As we consciously
decide to be a part of Folly Beach, we
look forward to growing and bringing the
island closer together. Thank you, Folly
Beach, for guiding us through this first
year. This newspaper is yours. Make it
what you want.
Ali Akhyari, Editor
October 30, 2009 13

By Megan Carroll

was actually trying to tell me as a child. The passage from
First Corinthians never rang more true in my mind as
I watched this film: “When I was a child, I spoke as a
child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But
when I became a man, I put away childish things.” I
found myself constantly fighting my inner child to see
films depth of character and emotion. Visually, the film is
muted, mostly shades of brown and gray, but throughout
the entire film you’re asking, “how did they do that!?”
Jonze’s blend of people in costumes, puppetry and CGI is
genius, totally believable! Not one part of this film feels
like a special effect. This mastery of film creates the whole

C
ontemporary director Spike Jonze collaborates this film through my imagination instead of my logical picture for us; an incredible story in an incredible place.
with renowned author Maurice Sendak to bring adult mind. If you don’t allow your imagination to take Where the Wilds Things Are is an intelligently made,
to life one of the most beloved books of all time over you will be unable to fully enjoy this film and miss creative masterpiece that should be seen and enjoyed by
to the big screen in Where the Wilds Things Are. A classic its breathtaking beauty, groundbreaking filmmaking and all. The film reminds us of childhood; a time of freedom
story about childhood and the places children go to try stunning storytelling. long forgotten, but maybe a time we should visit more
and figure out how the world works. Jonze and Sendak bring to life Max’s story with such often.
The film tells the story of Max, a sensitive and intensity and realism that I found myself inundated at the
boisterous boy who feels left out and misunderstood by
his family. He is highly creative and intelligent, which is
why it is no surprise that Max finds himself on an island
where the “wilds things are”. We are quickly introduced
to the mysterious and strange monsters that inhabit this
island and find that they are not really monsters but more
like you and I - sensitive and boisterous. The monsters are
seeking a leader and Max is frantically seeking a world
that he fits into and understands, so being their King is
a remedy with which both are satisfied. When Max dons
the crown, he promises to create a place where everyone
will be happy, but he soon finds out that promising and
delivering on those promises are two different things.
I felt I should have revisited the book before I went to
see this film because I found myself overwhelmed with
the depth of Max’s sorrow and loneliness. I know that
Jonze took some liberties with the plot with Sendak’s
endorsement, but it is funny how, as children, we see
things as being adventurous, exciting and kind of scary
(which is how I remember the book) versus how we view
things as adults.
The film brought a whole new light to what the book

Memorial from page 3 the sand it struck an object about a foot shovel full of sand from Folly Beach. aluminum to honor those of flesh and
down. On the end of the shovel were three Now, twenty years after their reburial, blood who fought, lived and died here on
sand dune where I had never found
human vertebrae held together by a root. I we are on a mission to recognize these 19 Folly Beach.
artifacts before. But as they cleared the
looked into the hole and saw three Union soldiers who gave the last full measure It is an honor and a privilege to recognize
dune down about four feet, we began to
buttons. Overwhelmed by what was being of a soldier for their country. As a small their sacrifice, and future generations will
find uniform buttons. The buttons were
uncovered around me, I simply sat there in gesture of thanks for their sacrifice, we are benefit from the memory of what they
very corroded, which was unusual because
the sand. Relic hunting, in an instant, had working with the State of South Carolina did during the Civil War here on Folly
normally the buttons were not corroded
become something sacred. I was actually to have a State Historical Marker placed Beach.
at all. As I was digging up one of those
touching a Union soldier from the Civil here on Folly Beach. A piece of cast
buttons, my hunting partner found a
War.
human femur. We immediately stopped
I filled in the hole, placing the bones
digging, left the site and went to my home
carefully back into it. I then contacted
to figure out what we had discovered. Our
the University of South Carolina and told
game plan was to return the next day and
them about what I had discovered. We
walk the site without metal detectors to
met at the site, and showed them where
see if we could see any more bones. If we
the remains were found.
found more, we were going to contact the
University of South Carolina Archeology For two weeks we excavated a total
and Anthropology department. of 19 Union soldiers. Research would
show that the soldiers were from the 55th
The night before our return it rained
Massachusetts. The discovery was the first
all evening. This would uncover any more
of its kind ever made. It was determined
bones that the bulldozer had uncovered.
from military records that these soldiers
As we arrived at the site we began to
died of disease while on Folly Beach. The
find small bones scattered about that
soldiers were reburied on Memorial Day
the rain had exposed. Only small bones
1989, with full military honors in the
were found, so we assumed that just one
Beaufort National Cemetery. Thousands
soldier had been uncovered. I gathered up
attended this event, and relatives of the
the bones in a small towel, walked about
soldiers and the Governor of Massachusetts
ten yards and started to dig a hole to
were in attendance.
place the bones in. As the shovel entered
And all of this happened because of a
www.follycurrent.com
14 October 30, 2009

The thrill of Elise Testone Stepping over the Edge

By Vince Perna E x h ibitio n s b y artists

I
f you are at a music club and a stirringly passionate voice belting out jazz, soul, and rock
strikes your ears, then you have found Elise Testone. I suggest you stay for a while. T y l e r B la n to n a n d R . T . S h e p h e rd
Elise delivers the goods with an amazingly soulful voice that cannot be learned; she was
born with it. This kind of expressive singing is on display anytime she takes the stage with one By Alex Johnson
of her bands, which include her front band Elise and the Freeloaders, a young neo-soul funk act As I walked to the At the
named Slanguage, and in her spare time she plays with Justin Smith and the Folk Hop Band Bridge Art Gallery to view Tyler
in Columbia. Blanton and R.T. Shepherd’s
exhibitions, I must admit my
“Playing in different bands keeps life interesting,” Elise says. “Nothing ever gets stale”.
expectations were high. I had to
Her musical influences include Sam Cooke, Tori Amos, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, Erykah see Blanton’s work previously,
Badu, and Led Zeppelin, all of which come through in her performances. And her popularity and even from the few pieces I
is growing. She is now noticed in clubs and was even recognized trying on clothes in a store had the pleasure to see, she set
fitting room. Her most remarkable recognition came recently when Snoop Dogg called and a standard. Luckily, I was not
asked her to open up four shows for him. How many people can say they toured the southeast disappointed.
and spent time in the Dogg house?
Blanton, a professionally
With a father who repairs and sells jukeboxes, Elise grew up with a music-filled basement trained dancer and an
which led her to her love of old soul and rock tunes. She visited Charleston often from her internationally known painter,
home in New Jersey and finally moved here three years ago. In between, she studied music at lived in Venice for seven years,
Coastal Carolina and was responsible for some of their largest concert crowds with as many as during which time she received
400 people showing up to performances. She loves playing on Folly Beach and describes the numerous awards for visual
scene as laid back and accepting. The people of Folly want to have a good time and be happy arts. Her medium of choice
and that is what she wants everyone to do at her shows. includes a variety of mixed
When she’s not singing, she teaches music classes at Music Unlimited in Mount Pleasant, media collages; pulling objects,
a job which is emotionally fulfilling for her as she hears her students learn and improve. materials and ideas from her Tu Mi’s by Tyler Blanton
Listening to one of her students’ performances is a point of joy for the singer. She acts as a personal journey and exploring
friend to kids who are going through the typical middle school and high school complications them, pulling the pieces together with the use of oil paints. Her works can
and enjoys every minute of teaching. last anywhere from a few hours to decades. Blanton’s pieces are cutting edge,
Elise admits that previous provocative and nothing short of extraordinary.
performances in her younger years One example of her work, D.U.M.B.O., took ten years to complete. A mixed
were reserved, but she now possesses media masterpiece, D.U.M.B.O. is dynamic and colorful. There is an element
the confidence that allows her unique of chaos to many of Blanton’s pieces, yet through color and pattern, the pieces
talent to strike the soul uncompromised. come together with a cohesive idea of peace.
You can catch her November 4 at Blu R.T. Shepherd’s work is vastly different from Blanton’s. His works are more
with Tyler Ross and November 28 at intimate with their smaller sizes. I had to the privilege of hearing Shepherd
the Chill and Grill with Slanguage. explain a series of minor portraits that were on display. He explained that when
If you have never heard Elise Testone he was in California he stumbled upon a “fuzzy channel”, and on that channel
sing, you do not want to miss this a woman’s face was continuously going in and out of focus. He was so drawn
opportunity to catch a such a rare to her face and this idea of shifting perceptions that he decided to do a series of
talent. She belongs in the company of portraits utilizing the same idea. The works are beautiful, and the faces have a
divas and for now, we have poetic longing to them.
the opportunity to catch
I found Shepherd’s sculptures, or rather “ready-mades”, to be most interesting.
her intimate performances
Although there was only a print of it at the show, one piece titled “Torn Gold
on Folly Beach.
Leaf Effaced with Bubble Wrap” was particularly dynamic. I could not help
but think of Marcel Duchamp’s humor and wit when looking at this piece and
many of the other “ready-mades” by Shepherd.  
I believe it was a smart choice to have these artists show together. Where
Blanton’s art is immediately eye catching, Shepherd’s works need time to
marinate in the mind’s eye. 
Blanton’s and Shepherd’s works can be seen at the At the Bridge art gallery,
located at 83 Middle St, Folly Beach, during regular business hours. For more
information, call 588-2007.

www.follycurrent.com
www.follycurrent.com
16 October 30, 2009

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