PRESORT STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID
FOLLY BEACH, SC
PERMIT NO 27

Vol. 1 Issue 1 Folly Beach’s Newspaper October 31, 2008 w FREE

Folly boat painted by Janie Atkinson

Folly Beach now has its own newspaper

from lynn pierotti, publisher

T
he Folly Current is a brand new publication from
Lucky Dog Publishing, the Lowcountry’s island
community newspaper company. Our focus will
be entirely on the issues and concerns that are most
relevant to the residents of Folly Beach. We will work
hard to be a non-partisan forum for open discussion
and will feature comprehensive coverage of Folly news
and events, from politics to island life as well as a civic
calendar, a general happenings calendar, surf and tide
reports, a concert calendar and more.
The Folly Beach community is proud of its
commitment to local concerns and The Folly Current
will strive to promote this idea in all of its content.
Please feel free to send us your photos and story ideas.
This is your paper, coverage will be reflective of the
support you give it. Let us know what you think! Send
your letters, pictures, stories, calendar events and ideas
to info@luckydognews.com. If you would like to be a
regular contributor, send your column idea to the email
address above or call 886-NEWS (6397).
The Folly Current is mailed every two weeks to every
active mailbox on Folly Island. The Folly Current is
completely FREE OF CHARGE and relies entirely on
the generous support of our local advertisers to fund its
production. Please make sure and thank our advertisers
with your patronage.
We are excited to provide the residents of Folly Beach
with a news outlet that focuses entirely on their
community. We look forward to becoming a trusted
source of information for Folly Beach.

I
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I
D
E Clean Street on page 2 Art in the Park on page 5 Kayaks on page 11
2 October 31, 2008
CIVIC
The business of beach
By Ali Akhyari

L
ike most young couples, my fiance’
and I were trying to figure out how
we could make significantly more
money last summer and we figured that by
selling hot dogs and drinks on the beach,
we could make our pipe dreams come
true. Unfortunately, I’m easily distracted
and I must have seen something shiny and
forgotten about that idea. In addition, I
wasn’t sure if it would even be allowed by
the City. I figured there was a reason why
no one else was doing it. However, had we
followed through with our dream of hot
dog vending, we would have found out that
Folly Beach currently has no regulations
prohibiting the sale of anything on the
beach, meaning I could have been living
a hot dog financed life of luxury. Odds
are I won’t get another chance as the City
Council is working to pass an ordinance
that will regulate business operations on
the beach.
The City Council discussed the
Franchise Ordinance during a work
session on October 7 which could give the
City the power to say what sort of business
can and can not occur on the beach,
where it can occur, and who can conduct
business. According to Council member
Laura Beck and Mayor Carl Beckman,
the ordinance is an attempt to corral an
unregulated area of beach while collecting
more revenue from daytrippers.
“This way we can limit [business
activity] and make some money off
it,” Beckman says. He summarized by
its premature stage, the ordinance would
limit business activity on the beach to
those that conduct rentals only. The
sale of anything on the beach would be
prohibited while the Council decides
what rental businesses will be allowed. For
example, jet ski rentals could be allowed
while paddle boat rentals are not, it is
their discretion. Businesses would have to
obtain a business license from the City and
pay any additional fees. The beach could
be segmented into grids and businesses
would have to bid on a specific area of the
grid in which to conduct their business
with minimum bids being decided by the
City Council.
lot, Stormer says the Washout does not
have a support system to handle more
visitors.
“We’re building a mousetrap we’re
going to get stuck in,” Stormer warned.
He says the Washout would need more
things like parking, restrooms and showers
to support the increased traffic that a
vending area would bring. He added that
OCRM setback lines could interfere with
the City’s authority at the Washout.
“There are things we can do, but we’ve
chosen not to make it a priority,” he
argued.
Council member Eddie Ellis noted that
there were other ways to do what the City
Council wanted without this particular
ordinance.
However, Mayor Beckman
reemphasized the importance of filling in
holes in the City’s codes that would allow
anybody to sell just about anything on the
beach and said the ordinance would not
take effect until January if passed. He,
along with Beck, stressed the need for the
City to have this control for protection
and to dictate what happens on the beach.
Beck noted that so many of the pictures of
Folly Beach display the pier area and the
nice blue umbrellas that give Folly Beach
a “resort look” which are provided by a
rental company.
“That’s how we sell ourselves,” she said.
The ordinance allows the City to dictate
what businesses can operate, which results
in what sort of look and character these
commercial areas of the beach will have.
As 8:00pm rolled around, Mayor
Beckman closed the meeting and told
the City Council to consider what the
minimum bid should be for the grid
aspect of the ordinance. The Council was
expected to discuss the ordinance further
during their regular meeting on October
28. However, details were not available
by our publication deadline but will be
included in our next issue.

No bumps in the road

breaking its purpose into three parts.
First, the City gets to pick who vends on
the beach. Second, they say where vending
occurs. Third, fees and bids would make
money for the City.
While the ordinance is still in its
preparatory stages, there was some
description of how the ordinance could
potentially work. As it was described in
Support your community,
support your local paper.
Tell them you saw it in
The Folly Current!
Furthermore, the City will define
specific areas of the beach where business
can occur. Beck stated that the current
ordinance, as written, would limit the
business activity from about Second or
Third Block East to about Third Block
West in the pier area, as well as the
Washout.
However, Dave Stormer questioned the
City’s ability to handle the proposition in
the Washout area. With specific areas of
the beach being designated for things like
jet ski or umbrella rentals, more visitors
will be drawn to those areas. While the
pier has restrooms, showers and a parking

While it created some

traffic headaches, the repaving
of Center Street is finally
complete and residents and
visitors alike now have a new,
smooth road welcoming them
to Folly Beach. The project
was completely funded by the
South Carolina Department of
Transportation.
“The street badly needed
some work,” said Toni Connor-
Rooks, Folly Beach City
Administrator.

www.follycurrent.sc
October 31, 2008
Stormwater utility bills to be mailed
November 7
Provided by Charleston County
T
he 2008 Stormwater Utility
bills will be mailed on Friday,
November 7, to residents who live
in unincorporated areas of Charleston
County and to residents of five other
communities that have agreements with
the County to administer their stormwater
management programs.
The following five municipalities
have passed ordinances that authorize
Charleston County’s Public Works
Stormwater Division to administer their
stormwater management programs:
City of Isle of Palms
City of Folly Beach
Town of Sullivan’s Island
Town of Lincolnville
Town of James Island
The 2008 residential bills for the
unincorporated areas and the five
municipalities listed above will be $36
per household. For all non-residential
properties, fees are calculated using the
commonly accepted rate for stormwater
fees known as the Equivalent Residential
Unit (ERU).
Residents who do not live in the
unincorporated areas of the County (or
within the five municipalities that have
agreements for Charleston County to
administer their stormwater management
programs) should check with the
municipality or public service district in
which they live regarding any stormwater
fees.
Why is there a need for stormwater
management?
“Due to construction and growth in
the County, stormwater that used to be
absorbed into the ground is now funneled
away by roofs, driveways, parking lots
and roads,” said Chuck Jarman, Manager
of the Charleston County Stormwater
Management Program.
The stormwater system, which consists
of gutters, catch basins, storm sewers,
retention basins, drainage ditches and
stream channels, carries stormwater
away from development and into area
F
IVA is Folly Islands Voters Association.
They meet the fourth Thursday
of every month in City Council
Chambers at 7:30pm and their purpose
is to inform the citizens about what is
happening in the City government and
to keep communication open. FIVA also
advises citizens about events and issues on
Folly Beach and the surrounding areas.
In addition, FIVA solicits opinions about
issues and informs the City government
on members’ opinions through straw
polls (e.g. FIVA recently solicited
opinions on smoking and drinking bans
on the beach).
3
CIVIC
Lynn Pierotti
Publisher
lynn@luckydognews.com
water supplies to prevent flooding and Stormwater Management Program:
environmental damage. • By phone at (843) 202-7639 Kristin Hackler
“We have seen dramatic growth along • By e-mail at: Editor
coastal areas, and stormwater management kristin@luckydognews.com
stormwater@charlestonCounty.org
can no longer be addressed solely by
• By mail at: Ali Akhyari
building larger pipes and drains,” Jarman
Charleston County Public Works Assistant Editor
said. ali@luckydognews.com
Department
Harmful entities in runoff include,
Attn: Stormwater Management
but are not limited to, construction site Brittany Urbach
erosion, pollution from dumping in creeks 4045 Bridge View Drive Reporter
North Charleston, SC 29405-7464 brittany@luckydognews.com
and rivers, oil leaks from cars and trucks
onto parking lots and streets, and pet Appeal online through a stormwater Swan Richards
waste. fee appeal form (direct link: http:// Graphic Designer
“The stormwater runoff system must w w w.cha rlestonCount y.org/index 2. swan@luckydognews.com
be looked at from a regional perspective,” a sp?p =/dep a r t ment s / P ubl icWork s /
Jarman said. “All properties, regardless StormwaterFee.htm). Jane McMackin
Marketing Director
of their location in a watershed, have an To view the Charleston County
impact on water resources. The stormwater Stormwater Utility Fee Ordinance, go Richard Brendel
system is intended to prevent flooding to www.charlestonCounty.org and see Advertising
and environmental degradation, thereby “Ordinances” on the right-hand side richard@luckydognews.com
improving the water quality in Charleston menu within the County Council section
County.” (direct link: http://www.charlestonCounty.
Chelsea Langan
Advertising
For questions or to appeal the bill org/Ordinances/150 0 -1599/1518%20 chelsea@luckydognews.com
amount, contact Charleston County’s Stormwater%20Management.pdf). •
Contributors
Mike Arthur
Chris Brooks
In 2007, the Charleston County Stormwater Division resented regulation Jan Genosi
information to engineers and developers (a technical manual is available online Richard Hricik
for engineers, builders and developers). Permitting Standards and Procedures Linda Sivert
Manual published by Charleston County released in November 2007 and made Nick Strehle
Brittany Urbach
available on line at
www.charlestonCounty.org/departments/PublicWorks/StormwaterFee.htm Published by
Ashley Cooper Stormwater Educational Consortium – Elected and Lucky Dog Publishing
some appointed officials from three counties and eight municipalities in the of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
surrounding Charleston area came together in signing a joint resolution on July Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
29 of this year adopting a regional Stormwater education strategy. A consortium 843-886-NEWS
was formed over to organize the group in partnership together in developing an
educational strategy for area. Future deadlines:
November 5 for submissions.
Background: The Folly Current, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Lucky Dog Publishing of South Carolina LLC, is a
The program is a result of federal regulations that require unincorporated free, independent newspaper published every two
County areas and municipalities to provide stormwater management to regulate weeks and is for and about Folly Beach. Copies
runoff from all properties and activities that have the potential to pollute local are mailed free of charge to every active mailbox
in our coverage area and are also available at area
water systems. businesses and by subscription to non-islanders.
The fees collected fund the Charleston County Stormwater Management Subscriptions are $30 per year for non-residents
and are available by sending a check to Lucky Dog
Program, which was created in 2006 as a division within the Charleston County
Publishing, LLC, P.O. Box 837, Sullivan’s Island,
Public Works Department. SC 29482. Contributions of information, pictures
and articles are welcomed and are used according
to space limitations and news value and cannot be
returned except by special request. Our editorial
Join FIVA
content is primarily dedicated to the area of distribu-
tion; 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
Membership is just $10 per person ad are included at no extra cost. All advertising
and $20 per family. Come and join us! rates are listed at www.islandeyenews.com under
Communications are sent via e-mail so “advertising”.
please join by sending your e-mail address
to Follyisresassoc@aol.com.
FIVA
The Folly Islands Voters Association
PO Box 1206
Folly Beach, S.C. 29439
Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC
Serving all parts of Folly Beach
Join FIVA … Stay informed.
Publishers of The Folly Current,
The Island Eye News and
The Island Connection.
www.follycurrent.sc
4 October 31, 2008

A true tale from Mullet Hall Chairs for change

S
Sidi Limehouse, Rosebank Farms t. Stephen’s Thurman. These
Episcopal chairs could

T
he year was 1948 and I was ten years old. I called him Mr. Brown. Mr. Brown Church is become the latest
called me Mr. Sidi. Mr. Brown, somewhere in his 90s, was an old black man sponsoring an addition to any art
and I was a young white boy. We were friends. He was educated: Johns Island
Auction, House lover’s collection.
educated. Mr. Brown told me one day, “If you know, you know and if you don’t know,
well, you just don’t know.” Mr. Brown felt it was his duty to teach me everything Tour and Garden The silent
I should know and Mr. Brown said I should know about Brutus Garrett. It seems Party on Sunday, auction this year
that Brutus, 100 years earlier, had panicked in a hurricane and that Brutus was now a November 2, will be held in
haint. from 2:30 until the Garden of St.
Brutus come bak each year in October when de full moon be high and you can see the 6:30 pm in Stephen’s. Auction
marsh shines all de way to Kiwah. In them day, Mr. Legare had some kind o’ chine what historic downtown items include: an
him could look on and dis ting tell de pression. Was October de last. Mr. Legare ping de Charleston. All oyster roast for
bell and say fo tell eby body must come to de big house. Him say de pression is low and we proceeds benefit twenty people
must take care of eby ting. Was maybe it was a gale comin. Eby animal, all de people must the St. Stephen’s
leave de creekside an go to Big Field (Big Field is where Mullet Hall Equestrian Center is on Edisto Island
Outreach Partners: hosted by the Lee
now located). Big Field had a barn big enuf to hol eby body.
Charleston Area Brothers (Matt
People say Brutus musta been liquored up. Brutus laugh and Mr. Legare say de chine
don know what him talkin bout. He take Gal; Gal been e mule an him ride Gal out to Senior Citizen and Ted); getaways
Jemmy Ilant (Jemmy Island is out in the marsh opposite Rhett’s Bluff). Say him fa pic last Center, Florence to Washington,
little bit o cotton. When Mr. Legare hear what Brutus done, he jump on he horse and take Crittenton Program Key West and
Laboard wit him to fetch Brutus. When dem get to de creek de tide been comin fas and de of South Carolina, New York City.
wind blow and dem turn back. When de people see em comin and ain’t got much as Gal Lowcountry Food A black pearl and
wit dem, dey cuss Brutus a while but den pray fo em. He get real dark and de wind blow. Bank (“Backpack diamond necklace;
De win blow so hard he ring de bell. Preacher Bishop say Brutus ring de bell. De people Buddies” Program), a gold vermeil
start fo wailin and nashin dey teet. Mr. Legare say fo eby body get in de loff of de barn and Magdalene
huddle up. Was a terruble night.
chain by designer
House of South This is the “Princess Chair” by Madeleine Alexis Bittar; an
In de mawnin was real quiet. Mr. Legare say fo feed de critter and take em back home. Carolina and Star Dukes, complete with tiara and jewels,
He send Laboard, the preacher and Boobie to look for Brutus. Dey ain’t find hide nor antique walnut
hair.
Gospel Mission of with a pink and white checked seat. washstand and a
Charleston. c1850 brass and crystal inkwell.
I knows you gwynn ax bout Gal. Well a mule be smart, smartest animal dey is. Mr.
Bryan say when de storm obor, Gal been stannin in he yard. Experienced docents offer insights To see all the chairs in the live
De buzzart find Brutus. Laboard take a bateau and look on him and say he was too bad into several beautifully renovated 19th auction and many of the items
to bring to the hill so him bury him in de marsh. Mr. Legare say it wasn’t right to leave century homes while the Charleston in the silent auction, go to www.
Brutus in the marsh but eby body he ax to fetch em come back say dey couldn’t fin him. Horticultural Society members ststephenscharleston.org/Events.htm
He bin way in de middle of de marsh and dey loose de place where he been. Brutus he ain’t share their knowledge of the lovely and follow the path to the list of items.
loose em. He know ain’t posed to be buried in de marsh. Every year on the full moon you gardens, all within an easy walk of While at the auction, all are invited to
can hear em. He call out to eby body, “Take me, O Jesus, to solid ground.” Moses last year the live and silent auction events at St. enjoy refreshments provided by Hamby
he don’t believe bout Brutus be no haint. Well him coon dog tree a coon on Jemmy Islant. Stephen’s. All houses and gardens on
He ride him mule an Buster been wid him fo walk. Catering, supplemented by savory
the tour are located in the vicinity of and “artistic” edibles by some of St.
It kinda been de first col and was de day ob the storm of 1848 by 100 years. Now a haint
St. Stephen’s, which is located in the Stephen’s best cooks. Please join us for
trap in de marsh for 100 years, he restless. Moses dem had to walk cross de big marsh for
to get to Jemmy Islant and fetch de coon for Sunday dinner. Moses is a sensible man and historic Ansonborough neighborhood of this festive fundraising occasion on the
he don’t believe in no haint. Well, he do now and Moses ain’t gyain back in dat marsh for Charleston. lovely grounds of St. Stephen’s Episcopal
efen 100 coon been tree on Jemmy Islant. The main focus this year is “Art Church.
Moses say de dog was to de tree and barkun eby breth. All of a sudden de mule put he Chairs for Change” which provides the
Tickets are $30 in advance or $35
head up high and strain he ears. Den de mule balk. Stop in he tracks. Den Moses see what theme for the live auction.
de mule see. Dey was a little place in de marsh ups a little taller than all around. Den he
at the gate. For information or tickets:
These chairs have been carefully and www.ststephenscharleston.org/Events.
hear say, “Here I is. Please for move me to de hill.” And dere was a man pointing to the lovingly hand-restored and painted
ground and wailin “move me to de hill.” Moses den say to heself, “mule, move me to de htm, (843)723-8818 ext 17, or St.
hill.” Musta been a sight: de dog, de mule wit Moses, all been behind Buster.
by local artists, celebrities and other Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 67 Anson St.,
members of the community, including Charleston, SC 29401.
So Mr. Sidi, I knows you like de marsh for crab, hunt fish, and eby ting but please don’t
go in the big marsh when the moon full in Oct. The haint what is Brutus, he still axin well-known Charleston artist Rhett
somebody for please take he body to the hill.

Pet Helpers
 Pets of the Week 
Jammin for Jesus
O
n Saturday, November 15, the Folly River Park will be the site of some divine
intervention. “Jammin’ 4 Jesus” is an outdoor concert event that will benefit RALPHIE: Hello! My name is SWAN: I’m 10 months old and will
the less fortunate of the Lowcountry. Admission is just a can or box of food
Ralphie. I’m a 5 month old Lab/Hound eat food for affection! Hee hee! I am
and the fun goes from 11:00am until 5:00pm. Attendees will be blessed with the
music of Unmasked, Station 15, Exposed as well as several other bands. In addition to mix. I was found as a stray along with sweet and playful, but I need my space
the music, various artists and craftsmen will be presenting their wares. Raffles will give my three other siblings. They have all too! I would prefer a home without
you the opportunity to walk away with gift certificates for local activities, restaurants, been adopted and I’m the last one left. children and that also has good food!
as well as merchandise. All food collected will go to the James Island Outreach and I’m sweet and I get along with other I love to stretch my legs out behind me
all money raised will benefit the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston. Don’t dogs. Please come visit me! Neutered, when you call my name! Come visit me.
miss this opportunity for a fun, outdoor event while doing something good for the vax, chip, fee. Neutered, vax, chip, fee.
community. What a great way to spend a Saturday!

Pet Helpers is located at 1447 Folly Road, James Island. Hours are Monday –
Friday from 11:00am – 6:00pm and Saturday from 11:00am - 5:00pm. We are closed
on Sundays and Holidays. For more information, please call 843-795-1110.

www.follycurrent.sc
October 31, 2008
Art in the Park
After torrential downpours that left much of the Lowcountry underwater just two
days before, “Art in the Park” was welcomed with beautiful skies and temperatures
in the mid-70s on Sunday, October 26. Held at the Folly River Park, visitors were
able to look at the work of local artists and had the opportunity to speak with the
artists themselves.
James Island artist Pat Hiott-Mason speaks with one of many visitors at the “Art in the
Park” event which was held at the Folly Island Park on October 26.
www.follycurrent.sc
5
High on crime
O
n October 21, Christopher Fallert, 29, was arrested in his home on Sandbar
Lane after a police officer saw a marijuana plant through the suspect’s window
while on foot patrol.
After obtaining a search warrant, Folly Beach Police returned and found Fallert
at home and a four foot tall marijuana plant in a pot in the living room. Further
investigation turned up “one blue glass bong, one brown glass pipe, two blue one-hitters,
roaches, seeds and two buds”.
The marijuana plant was about four feet tall and budding. Fallert was detained during
the search and taken to jail. He is being charged with manufacturing marijuana.
In addition to this four-foot pot plant, police also confiscated several smoking
utensils, “two buds” and “several roaches”. I thought they were called Palmetto bugs
in Charleston...
8 October 31, 2008

Where’s ego?
Find yourself

www.follycurrent.sc
October 31, 2008 9
business
How will the elections affect your investments?
Provided by Dimi Matoucher

N
ow that both political parties have
held their respective conventions,
the campaign season shifts into
high gear. As a citizen, you’ll want to hear
how the candidates plan to address issues
of importance to you. But as an investor,
you might be particularly interested in
how the election results can affect your
investments. Based on what happens
on November 4, should you make any
changes to your portfolio?
To answer that question, you may find it
useful to review the history of the financial
markets under different political scenarios,
according to Ned Davis Research.
Since 1901, the Dow Jones Industrial
Average has shown an average annualized
return of about 12 percent under
Democratic presidents, compared to
about 8 percent under Republicans. When
Democrats have controlled Congress, the
Dow’s average annualized return has been
about 11 percent, compared to about 8
percent when the Republicans were in
control.
Since 1925, long-term government
bonds have returned more than 7 percent
under Republican presidents, compared to
about 3.4 percent under Democrats. When
Republicans have controlled Congress,
the bond market also fared better than
when Democrats were in charge, though
the difference isn’t as pronounced as in
the comparison between presidents of
different parties.
But while it’s interesting to study the
past, it’s not necessarily instructive about
the future. It’s true that by changing
our tax laws, government spending and
industry regulations, any given president
and Congress can have an impact on
economic growth, jobs, inerest rates and
inflation and all these factors, in turn,
can affect the financial markets. Still,
it’s impossible to predict just how these
forces will influence the investment
world. Political candidates often make
promises that never turn into reality, and
even if they do, they can have unintended
consequences.
Even more importantly, however, is
the fact that the free-market forces of our
capitalistic system are likely more powerful
than political forces in determining the
ultimate performance of investments.
As a country, we have experienced many
political changes and upheavals, but, over
time, our economy has always proven
resilient enough to provide opportunities
for those people with the faith to invest
for the future.
Here’s the bottom line: No matter who
wins the presidency in November, and no
matter which party controls Congress,
you don’t need to change your investment
style or revamp your portfolio. Of course,
that doesn’t mean you should be oblivious
to new policies and their potential impact
on your investments. In fact, it’s a good
idea to review your portfolio at least once
a year with your financial advisor, who
can recommend any changes that might
be beneficial.
So, when it’s time to cast your ballot,
support the candidate who best advocates
your concerns on a range of issues. But
when it comes to your portfolio, make sure
to “vote” for investment strategies, such as
buying quality stocks and bonds, holding
them for the long term and building an
investment mix based on your goals and
risk tolerance. .
This article was written by Edward Jones,
located at 1505 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms,
SC 29451. For more information, please call
the Edward Jones offices at (843) 886-9229
or visit their website at www.edwardjones.
com.

Act now to avoid surprises at retirement

By Bobby Cummings, CFP, CFBS, CLTC

W
ith the future always clouded
by uncertainty, planning for
retirement is difficult. By
understanding and preparing to deal with
uncertainty, however, we can still look
forward to a future where anything is
possible.
For example, we have to make certain
assumptions when planning for retirement.
What will be our living expenses? How
much income will we have? What numbers
should we use for inflation and investment
return?
After all that, some things can, and
will, change the most well thought out
plan.
A new study, “The Future Shock of
Retirement” (03/08) by Jonathan Cohen,
Matthew H. Scanlon, and Matthew
O’Hara of Barclay Global Investors,
explores “future shocks” to the American
Retirement System and what they mean
to the post-retirement living standards of
Americans on the doorstep of retirement.
Social Security and Medicare (2007):
As the generation of baby boomers
enters retirement – those born between
1946 and 1964 – the ratio of workers to
retirees will decrease markedly. The U.S.
Congressional Research Service expects
that during the 75-year period ending in
2025, the percentage of retirement age
individuals will more than double from
8.1% to 18.2%.
This change will reduce the ratio of
potential workers to retirees by more than
50%, from 7:1 to 3:1.
Further, by 2010, longevity will have
increased by almost 15 years since 1940.
Life expectancy is projected to grow by
one year each decade through 2050. This
will adversely impact the stability of Social
Security and Medicare.
At current rates, assuming no changes
to current benefits and given expected
demographics, the present value of our
fiscal imbalance is estimated at $68.5
trillion. That number will continue to
rise in the years ahead. U.S. fiscal policy
has yet to respond to these demographic
changes, placing Social Security and
Medicare in jeopardy.
Currently, 6.9% of federal income taxes
go toward these two programs. By 2020, as
much as 26.6% of all federal income taxes
will be required to sustain current Social
Security and Medicare benefits for the
greatly expanded retirement population.
“The simplest thing that has to happen
next year is to raise taxes,” says Cohen.
“While this will increase assets, you also
have to reduce liabilities. The only way to
reduce liabilities is to reduce benefits…
there is no other way to do it,” he adds.
The authors believe that many people
will have to purchase comprehensive
health insurance in the future.
Home Equity: We have seen during
the last year how the appreciation in our
homes can vanish. The study indicates that
most mechanisms for capitalizing on part
of one’s housing equity, such as reverse
mortgages, are fraught with waste due
to structural inefficiencies. The authors
conclude that only 40-50% of our home
equity will be available for supporting
non-housing retirement expenses.
So, what should you be doing now to
prepare for such changes?
Scanlon offers practical advice. “First,
if you have revolving debt, get rid of it as
soon as possible. Second, if you are not
saving fully in a 401(k) retirement plan, do
so immediately. It is never too late to start
saving. Make sure that you are not in risk-
adverse types of investments. Third, it is
almost certain that capital gains rates will
not be lower in the future and probably
will be higher. Whatever investment you’re
in, make sure it is tax efficient,” he adds.
The facts are clear: This country has Opinions expressed are subject to change
a huge and growing deficit, and the without notice and are not intended as
new president will have to make some investment advice or to predict future
unpopular, but necessary, decisions. performance. Consult your financial
Some of the assumptions you made when professional before making any investment
planning your retirement are likely to decision. Past performance does not
change. guarantee future results.
Now is the time to take more control of
your future.
Bobby Cummings is the
owner of Lighthouse Financial
of Charleston. He is a Certified
Financial PlannerTM and
Certified Family Business
Specialist and has been in
business since 1990. Bobby’s
focus is providing comprehensive
financial planning and
investment advice to business
owners, professionals,
retirees, and  people planning
for  retirement. He lives on
Sullivan’s Island with his wife
Kristin, son Tanner (5), and
daughter Keenan (3). There
are expecting their 3rd child in
January 2009. All in!
If you wish to learn more
about the ideas and strategies Name: Pasta Batman
in this article, or if you have Breed: Australian Blue
any questions about your Heeler
financial or estate plan, you Likes: Tennis balls, road trips and The Ole Miss
are invited to reach Bobby via Rebel defense.
email at rcummings@finsvcs. Dislikes: Economic downturn, rainy days, Colin
com or by contacting his office Farrell.
at (843)884-9898.
Bobby Cummings is a Why am I a lucky dog? Beside's the fact that I
registered representative of and am holding a Royal Flush, I was rescued from the
offers securities, investment Mississippi Gulf Coast after hurricane Katrina. I
advisory, and financial have recently moved back to Folly Beach with my
planning services through best friend Lewis. I am Catahoula and Australian
Blue Heeler mix and looking to breed.
MML Investors Services, Inc.
member SPIC (741 Johnnie
Dodds Blvd. Mt. Pleasant, SC (Send your lucky dog pics and stories to info@
29464) luckydognews.com).

www.follycurrent.sc
10 October 31, 2008
Music
Balancing the universe
By Richard Brendel

T
he universe has corrected itself decided it was time to bring back the Chill
and the music gods are pleased. & Grill. The day after Labor Day, the guys
You probably haven’t noticed due at Snapper’s began a major overhaul with the
to all the recent ordinance changes but goal of opening by the inaugural Follypalooza
somewhere, somehow, something positive on September 20. The bar was installed and
has occurred in the Folly music scene. To a wall was built. They hired some of the
explain, let’s backtrack to August 2004. It former staff (not Helen or Shari) and began
was a rough month. Bush and Kerry were booking music. Follypalooza happened
neck and neck in a heated presidential and the soft grand opening of the Chill &
race, the residents of Folly were still Grill was a huge success, supported by the
adjusting to the new 2:00am bar closing, sounds of band Jupiter’s Garden. The music
the beloved watering hole Chill & Grill gods were impressed, but they still were not
was transitioning into Snapper Jack’s and pleased. On the eve of Setpember 24, the
the community as a whole was mourning official grand opening, the music gods made
the loss of Folly’s most influential resident their boldest gesture. They created a rift
musician, Robert “Hawke” Morphi. between Jim, (Dunzip’s former drummer)
Now, four years later, we Follynites and his band, local favorite Dangermuffin.
find ourselves fully conditioned, as you Apparently, creating rifts between band
do when major lifestyle changes are mates is something that the music gods do on
forced upon you. Yet we still yearn for all too many occasions. Dangermuffin, who
the nights when you could go to the bar was slated to play the grand opening, had to
at 3:00am and there would be 50 or more work of the music gods knows that they will not stand for cancel the gig due to the lack of a drummer.
people enjoying themselves at the few local hangouts. an unbalanced musical energy to exist for a long period of The next bold move made by the music gods happened
We would sit back with Sheri, Helen and Trish (our time. While they may unfairly pluck our musicians from when Jessie, former Dunzip front man, was fired from
local bar goddesses) while they twisted, mini-bottle caps us, they will never let them truly die. The spirit, which his regular Wednesday night gig downtown at Tommy
laughing - all the while suppressing a barrage of constant we all new as “Hawke,” transcended into his former band Condon’s. The result, is that, this November, the boys are
marriage proposals. Wednesday nights with Dunzip was mates. Jessie, Jim, Jake and Kris all ventured out toward coming home. Wedneday nights at the Chill & Grill will
a local Who’s Who. Folly was just being Folly and we new endeavors. On any given night in Charleston you once again belong to Jessie, Jim, Kris and Jake, except
were suspended in unregulated bliss. Now back to the could find one or more of these fine musicians playing they will not be playing as Dunzip, because according
present. in one of many local hotspots. Everything was put into to Jessie, “without Hawke, there is no Dunzip”. Now the
As I mentioned earlier, the universe has corrected itself motion this August when long time resident, husband music gods are pleased and everything is right with the
and the music gods are pleased. Anyone familiar with the of Helen and owner of Snapper Jack’s, Mike Karauges universe. Come out this November on Wednesday night
to enjoy the rocking, soulful sounds of The Hawkes.
Conch – 11 Center St. 633-0100 Nov 14 & 15 – Nov 7 - Howard Nov 6 - Stratton Lawrence
Nov 2 – Jeff Houts
Nov 4 – Nathan Calhoun
Johnny Mac & the
Booty Ranch
Folly music Dlugasch
Nov 8 - Hank
Nov 7- Live Music
Nov 8 - Curtousy Flush (w/ Rusty Cole)
Nov 5 – Jonathan Woodard scene Marly Nov 12 - The Hawkes
Nov 6 – Folly Beach Bluegrass Society Planet Follywood–32 Nov 10 - Jeff Nov 13 - Stratton Lawrence
Center St. 588-7380 Caldwell
Nov 7 – Jimmy’s Brother Nov 14 - Live Music
Nov 1 - The Bloody Brits Nov 11 - Trivia
Nov 9 – Tim Hodson Nov 15 - Live Music
Nov 7 & 14 – Dan Clamp Nov 12 - Dave
Nov 11 – Nathan Calhoun
Nov 12 – Jonathan Woodard Nov 13 - Live Island Music Woody’s – 39 Center St. 588-0088
Crab Shack – 26 Center St. 588-3080 Nov 14 - Howard Dlugasch
Nov 13 – Folly Beach Bluegrass Society Nov 6 - Matt Loda Trivia
Oct 31 - Howard Dlugasch (new Folly artist) Nov 15 - Hank Marley
Nov 14 – Stephen Jenkins Duo Nov 13 - Matt Loda Trivia
Nov 1 - Jessie Prichard
Nov 3 - Doug Waters Chill & Grill – 14 Center St. 588-2060
Sand Dollar – 7 Center St. 588-9498 Surf Bar – 103 Cooper St. 588-2009
Nov 4 - Trivia Oct 31 - Green Levels
Nov 1 – Hed Shop Boys Nov 2 - Dangermuffin
Nov 5 - Jeff Houts Nov 5 - The Hawkes
Nov 7 & 8 – Jeannie Wiggins Nov 9 - Dangermuffin
Nov 6 - Live Island Music

Ready, set, get sophisticated

By Courtney Ness

S
o what’s your taste when it comes to music? Are you
into the classics? Are you into the groovy tunes of
R&B? Would you consider yourself a fan of classic
material? If your answer is yes, check out The Urban
Sophisticates and their newest album, Classic Material.
It is nothing but urban material that, despite all odds,
retains class and sophistication. Consisting of seven
members, the group came together in 2002 and is based
out of Greensboro, North Carolina. But wait, don’t let
their origin stop you just because it’s not a “popular hot
spot”. After listening to their hip-hop swinging rhythms
you will automatically become addicted.
The group consists of two brothers, MC Benton James
and his brother, vocalist Aaron James, as well as Jeremy
Denman on the trumpet, Sal Mascali on the trombone,
Ben Perkins on the guitar, Ricky Nxumalo on the bass,
and Romando Jessup on the drums. They are considered to
be ground-breaking in their collaborations as they stretch
across a wide range of genres including funk, jazz, R&B,
hip-hop, rock and blues. This is audible from the bouncy myspace.com/theurbansophisticates and vote to bring
beats of their song Ready, Set, Go to the lingering lyrics them back to Charleston. While you are there, check
of Cowards Anthem to the sultry sounds of Dance With out their upcoming shows as well as singles off their new
Me. Whether you favor the urban beats of hip-hop and album. And if you just can’t stop there, then check out
R&B or the classy rhythms of jazz and blues, this is sure their website at www.theurbansophisticates.com where
to be one of your “Top 25 Most Played” on your iTunes. you can purchase Classic Material. You can also find
It is a great median for those who favor a particular genre the group and purchase their music on iTunes, which
over another. The lyrics are clever and clean, the brass includes hits from their previous albums as well. I mean
instruments add punctuation and soul, and the rhythm it, you will be hooked! Now ready, set and go already!
remains collected and composed, all while the group
keeps their tunes down to earth. It is no wonder they are
called The Urban Sophisticates.
They perform throughout the southeastern region from
as far north as Maryland, all the way down the east coast
and as far west as Louisiana. One of their touring cities
happens to be Charleston, as they recently performed at
our own local Music Farm downtown earlier this month.
But if you unfortunately missed the show like a handful
of us did, don’t fret! Go to their MySpace page at www.

www.follycurrent.sc
October 31, 2008 11
surf
We are Surfrider
Provided by the Surfrider Foundation, Charleston Chapter

S
urfider started in 1984 in Malibu,
California and now has over 50,000
members and 80 Chapters worldwide.
They are dedicated to the preservation and
enjoyment of our oceans, conservation,
activism, research and education. The
Charleston chapter started in 2000. Most
of their interest and activities are in the
Folly Beach area and they work closely
with the Folly Beach City Council as a
result. Programs include Mutt Mitts for
collecting dog crap, cigarette butt cannons
located at the walkovers, personal ashtrays,
beach sweeps and opposing irresponsible
development.
The 2008 Charleston Chapter officers
are Keith Merrill (Chairperson), Nancy
Hussey (Vice-Chair), Haley Merrill
(Secretary), Angela Sawadske (Treasurer)
and Marty Morganello (Web Design).
Amy Black and Sallie Miller are the Isle of
Palms and Sullivan’s Island co-chairs.
The Charleston Chapter of Surfrider
recently joined the Facebook craze in order
to simplify networking and organization.
The Yahoo! Groups e-mail service will
be abandoned in favor of Facebook by
the end of October. If you are already a
member of Facebook, you can simply
search “Surfrider Foundation, Charleston,
SC” and join the group. Otherwise, you Dose will host the meeting on Wednesday,
will need to go to facebook.com, become December 3. Surfrider will have an Art
a member, and then join the group. auction at the Daily Dose on Friday
Surfrider welcomes anyone who would November 14 between 6:00 and 9:00pm.
like to become involved. Meetings are The organization’s website can be viewed
held on a monthly basis and are alternated at www.charlestonsurfrider.com
between the Daily Dose on James Island
and Red’s on
Shem Creek.
The next
meeting will
be at Red’s
on November
4 at 6:30pm.
The Daily

Kayaks catch sets on Folly

O
n October 18, anyone hanging around the Folly pier got a chance to see a
completely different kind of surfing. The Charleston County Parks and Results (first to last place from left to right) of the inaugural Folly
Recreation Commission (CCPRC) hosted the first annual Folly Beach Surf Beach Surf Kayak Compeition
Kayak Competition. Kayakers shredded waves in men’s, women’s, novice and junior
divisions. Competitors had a chance to win several prizes including paddle jackets, HP Expert Men - N. Law, C. Acuff, B K-1 Int/Beg Men - Z Hughes, K
PFD’s and a Mega surf kayak. Fields Hughes, N Law, C ACuff
Overcast and drizzly conditions kept turnout low, but it didn’t keep competitors out HP Expert Women/Jr - C. Ey, W International Masters Coed - B Fields,
of the water while onlookers from the pier got a stadium view of the action. Rudisill, D. Mitchum D Mitchum
“Charleston County Parks continues the tradition of offering a fun event for beginners HP Masters Coed - N.Law, B.Fields, C HP = High Performance
and more elite paddlers in the Charleston area,” says Josh Hall, Program Manager of the Ey, K Hughes K1 = any standard plastic whitewater
CCPRC Outdoor Department. “We look forward to more opportunities in the future Open Coed - N Scoville, C Acuff, B boat
with this event and others.” Stone, W Rudisill

Don’t discount donations

F
or the entire month of November, Locklear’s will be collecting canned and
boxed food items at its restaurant. Locklear’s is located at 101 E Arctic Ave
at the fishing pier and any customer bringing in a food item will receive 10%
off of their bill. All of the goods will be given to the Our Lady of Good Counsel
Woman’s Guild to be distributed to local food banks. Locklear’s will also have a
toy and clothing drive from December 1 - December 22 and anyone bringing in
an unwrapped toy or new article of clothing will receive 15% off of their bill. The
restaurant has not decided who will receive the toys and clothing yet, but they hope
to get enough to donate to several organizations. For several years now, Locklear’s has
adopted families from the DSS Angel Tree and the staff at the restaurant has given
the majority of the donations.
“This year I would like to expand this program and get the local community
involved,” Kris Kincaid, part-owner of Locklear’s, says. “It is important now more
than ever to remember that there are families in our area who are going through hard
times and that you have a responsibility to help them if you are able.”

www.follycurrent.sc
12 October 31, 2008
Nature
Pumpkins: life after Halloween
By Mary Gatch

I
love seeing all of the pumpkins during
the fall. With modern growing and
commerce practices, many food
items are seen throughout the year, but
pumpkins have kept their seasonality and
most are grown close to home. Pumpkins
help keep us connected to the best of all of
our fall memories.
But pumpkins have become a bit
underutilized. They are often bought
solely for decoration and carving, but
pumpkins have much more to give.
If you have any un-carved pumpkins,
you may be able to roast the pumpkin
seeds or discover all of the flavorful dishes
you can make with pumpkins. If you
go to www.allrecipes.com and search
on pumpkin, you’ll find more than 650
recipes made with pumpkin – everything
from pumpkin burgers to pie.
And, if you’ve carved a jack-o-lantern,
cool days will allow you to enjoy your art
a while longer. But most of you may have
noticed that it doesn’t take long for Mother
Nature to start reclaiming her work.
If you throw the pumpkin in your
garbage can, it will likely make its way
to the incinerator to be burned with the
rest of the trash. This year, you can have
a little more fun and nourish your soil by
composting your pumpkin. If you already
have a composting bin or area, you can
add your pumpkin as you would other
vegetable scraps.
But, if you’ve never composted before,
a pumpkin is a simple way to start.
w For un-carved pumpkins, remove
the insides for cooking (you can also
compost the insides; composting the seeds
may result in pumpkin plants next year).
w Remove any candles or wax.
w Find a spot in your yard for your
pumpkin’s final resting spot. This should
be out of the way of daily activity. A sunny
spot will speed the composting process.
w Place your carved pumpkin in the
spot and smash it a bit or allow kids to
have fun smashing it a lot.
w Cover it with a layer of leaves.
w And, let nature do its work. Worms
will turn your pumpkin into nourishing
compost.
This is the easiest way to compost
and surprisingly painless. You may not
enjoy the smell of a pumpkin rotting
in your garbage can, but there’s no bad
smell as vegetables naturally degrade in
an environment with fresh air and some
sunshine. can contact her by e-mail at marygatch@
Mary Gatch is an owner of DwellSmart, dwellsmart.com or by visiting the store at
a one-stop shop for healthy and 615 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Mount Pleasant
environmentally-friendly products. Mary (between Eco Fitness and Twin Rivers
lives on Sullivan’s Island with her husband Bowling).
James, daughter Julian, and son Adam. You
Topping your roasted pumpkin seeds:
Everyone knows the old salt and olive oil recipe, but what other options are there
for shaking up your seeds? If you’re feeling adventurous this season, check out some
of the following combinations. Be sure to use olive oil in all cases so the seeds roast
and the seasonings stick. Assume about 4 cups of seeds to a pumpkin:
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon & 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup Old Bay
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼
cup white sugar. Combine first three ingredients and sprinkle with white sugar
every 15 minutes while roasting until done.
• 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt, 4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce. Use
about 3 tablespoons of butter instead of olive oil for this one.
• Roast pumpkin seeds dry. In a large bowl, stir together 2 tablespoons of white
sugar, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice. Set aside. Heat 1
tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the pumpkin seeds
and sprinkle 4 tablespoons of sugar over them. Stir with a wooden spoon until
the sugar melts, about 45 seconds. Pour seeds into the bowl with the spiced sugar
and stir until coated. Cool and eat.
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning mix, ¼ teaspoon garlic salt.

The Pirate’s opinion…

By Estee Paquin

L
ocal musician Hank Marley once
lived his life in the fast lane. From
late night gigs to early mornings at
work, alcohol and energy drinks fueled his
flame to burn the candle at both ends. No
doubt a self-destructive routine can play a
role in the production of disease. When
doctors told Hank his pancreas was fried,
he knew he had to slow it down:
Problem: Sky high glucose (sugar) levels in
his bloodstream
Diagnosis: Type I diabetes
RX: Self administered insulin shots (to
take the place of insulin a healthy pancreas
would produce)
Run-down and stressed out, Hank the
Pirate didn’t follow the doctors orders for
long. After a month of educating himself
not only about his condition, but also about
holistic methods for treatment, he decided
to change his lifestyle and stop taking
insulin. With his effort and dedication he
has been able to kick the insulin habit that
most people in his condition are sentenced
to for life.
Type I diabetics can experience a roller
coaster rise and fall in blood sugar levels.
Hank religiously monitors himself to
prevent the development of other chronic
medical problems. Positive thinking,
proper nutrition and regular exercise
are the key ingredients for this pirate to
maintain balance in life. Here’s Hank’s
personal treatment:
Choice positive thoughts:
Be happy, Have fun, Be grateful, Have
faith, Forgive, Surrender, Listen to my
body.
Favorite choice nutrition:
Beans and Greens, Garlic, Shots of apple
cider vinegar, Peanut butter and banana
sandwiches, Blue corn chips, and much,
much more that is all organic goodness.
Activities include:
Yoga
Surfing
Swimming
Running (for exercise and competition-
placing 3rd in his age group at the Folly
Waves and Wishes 5k)
**Remember, this is a personal testimony.
Every person’s body is unique and different.
Be sure to get professional advice prior to
making any changes to your medication,
exercise and/or nutrition plan.**
This column is an opportunity for the
locals of Folly Beach to share their health
and fitness testimonies with the community.
Stories are written with the intention to
help motivate and enable the people of
our community to better their lives. If you
would like to share your story, please send
your submission to info@luckydognews.com
or submit it through the submissions link on
www.follycurrent.sc.

www.follycurrent.sc