PRESORT STANDARD

US POSTAGE PAID
FOLLY BEACH, SC
PERMIT NO 27
Vol. 2 Issue 8 Folly Beach’s Newspaper February 5, 2010 w FREE

By Jennifer Barbour

T
housands of dead or dying sea stars washed ashore on our local beaches
as winter storms ravaged the coastline recently, bringing below freezing
temperatures and plenty of rain. This phenomenon, known as a “wreck of
starfish”, is not unusual for the Atlantic. Residents have most likely observed an
onslaught of marine life wash ashore once or twice a year, typically during the winter
months. The most commonly given reason for this event is that when winter storms
hit our area, these sub-tidal animals (which normally burrow in the sand) are lifted
up into the frigid water and die of stress and exposure. The higher surf, driven by
freezing northeast winds, wash the animals onto dry land where they are left by the
ebbing tide.
Commonly referred to as ‘starfish’, sea stars are not actually fish, but echinoderms
(“spiny skin”). Sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers all fall under this same
classification, and are often strewn on the beaches along with their starfish cousins.
Gray or Netted Sea Stars (Luidia clathrata) are the most common species in our area.
When viewed with a magnifier, the pattern of the plates on its surface resembles a
field of daisies. The Common Sea Star (Asterias forbesi) is not commonly seen in large
numbers since it does not form colonies like the Gray Sea Star. It has thicker, purple-
orange arms with prominent spines and a small pink or bright orange hard spot on

see Starmageddon on page 4

PHOTOS BY Jane McMackin

I
N
S
I
D
E Folly Gras page 7 Loveley Bones page 13 Dargan's birds page 13
February 5, 2010 11
Do You Know your Charleston?

The life of Kai

By David Farrow

I
went to two celebrations of life Just as quickly, I saw these little
within a week. I’ll be honest with girls as young women, dancing in
you, I can’t abide that term. So the same spot to the same music
often it resonates with open casket with the same hopes and fears as
funerals. In this case, however, what their grandparents.
I went to were, indeed, “celebrations Kai is a handsome, smart child.
of life.” The first was for my friend In my mind’s eye, I saw him sweep
Thomas “Bird” Weatherford. Bird the best looking girl off her feet. In
was roughly 57-59. I had no idea he my mind’s eye, I saw him clothed in
was sick. tails, dancing with the same girl in a
I remember the first time I saw wedding gown.
Thomas Weatherford at the Hobcaw I have been told that I am sneaking
Yacht Club in the bright January past the graveyard, but I don’t think
sunshine. He went to Moultrie so. I really don’t. Alhambra was as
High while I was a boarding packed as I’ve ever seen it. If you are
school brat, but Bird and I had a believer, the prayers alone would
something in common. We were see the day through.
both dipsomaniacs. We rented a lot Unfortunately, the prayers won’t
of Budweiser in our time with a lot pay the bills. I am asking for your
of different people. help. I am asking everyone from
And a lot of them were at the Beachcomber Road to River, from
reception. It was packed with I’on to Station 28 1/2, from East
Kai Dutton at the Isle of Palms playground.
doctors, lawyers and Indian chiefs; Arctic and 10th to go to helpforkai.
the burghers who had caught a in the back room sense of the word, but Many restaurants donated their excellent org.
rockfish or moved bales from shrimp the people who know you; the people who food and services. The band played beach Really look through the site. I believe
boats with Bird 30 years ago. The tone of love you. music. There were scores of small children my goal of dancing at Kai Dutton’s
the place was set by a picture of Bird and That’s why the second “celebration of wisely sent out to play in the mild January wedding can be achieved, but not without
a friend, passed out with unspilled beers life” I went to a few days later meant so evening. Probably the best picture of the your help.
still in their hands where pictures of the much to me. Those of who read my blog night would have been (had I brought my Everyone at Hobcaw was middle-aged.
grandkids would normally be. It’s exactly know that my best friend’s six year old son camera) a number of five year old girls Most of us were surprised that we were
as it should have been. has stage-4 cancer. (maybe 15?) who were dancing like snake still alive. All of us have had tremendous
I know many who would disapprove, Has. Not had. handlers to shag music. successes and ghastly failures. Life had
but I would argue simply that the people I flashed back to the scads of events beaten the crap out of some and left no
I have written about young Kai
in that room - the scads of people in that I had attended – the debutante balls, visible scars on others.
Dutton’s remarkable resilience. You can
room - are a testimony that it truly isn’t wedding receptions, political fund raisers
read all about it at www.helpforkai.org. Please help ensure that Kai gets to be
what you have, but who you know. Not and the like. In my mind’s eye, I saw the
I went to a benefit at Alhambra Hall. cool. I had danced at many weddings of
same girls I saw at Bird’s affair 30 years the people I saw at Hobcaw at Alhambra,
ago, whooping it up in that same spot, lo those many years ago.
Sudoku -solution dancing to the same music. Please help us dance at his.

Folly Beac h Tide Char t

Date High Tide Low Tide
Feb 5 12:53am/ 1:00pm 6:44am/6:53pm
Feb 6 1:53am/1:57pm 7:45am/7:52pm
Feb 7 2:54am/2:57pm 8:47am/8:53pm
Feb 8 3:55am/3:57pm 9:47am/9:53pm
Feb 9 4:52am/4:54pm 10:42am/10:48pm
Feb 10 5:43am/5:45pm 11:31am/11:37pm
Feb 11 7:10am/7:14pm 12:15pm
Feb 12 6:42am/7:06pm 12:22am/12:55pm
Feb 13 7:49am/7:54pm 1:03am/1:32pm
Feb 14 8:24am/8:30pm 1:41am/2:07pm
Feb 15 8:58am/9:04pm 2:17am/2:39pm
Feb 16 9:29am/9:36pm 2:53am/3:11pm
Feb 17 9:59am/10:08pm 3:28am/3:44pm
Feb 18 10:29am/10:44pm 4:06am/4:19pm

www.follycurrent.com
12 February 5, 2010

Surfing the Runway Fashion Show

C
harleston Fashion Week veterans Emily Bargeron and Megan Waldrep will
debut their spring 2010 collections at Folly Beach’s newest hot spot, BLU, on
Sunday, March 14, 2010. Surfing the Run­way will feature two eco-friendly
fashion shows, a silent auction, signature cocktails, gift bags, and giveaways. The
proceeds from the event will benefit Surfers Healing.
Surfers Healing, a foundation that helps autistic children, brings professional surfers
to Charleston to teach autistic children surfing skills as a form of therapy. The Surfers
Healing Charleston Chapter has hosted this event for the past two years and hopes to
raise enough money to continue the program into 2010. “The surfers have worked with
a lot of kids with autism and know what to do,” said Lorri Unumb, who works with
the research and advocacy group, Autism Speaks. Unumb’s eight year old autistic son,
Ryan, helped to author South Caro­lina’s “Ryan’s Law,” which requires state-regulated
insurance companies to cover autism treatment.
If you are interested in learning more about Surfers Healing, please visit www.
surfershealing.com or email surfingtherunway@gmail.com. Visit www.face­book.com/
surfingtherunway for weekly updates on community donations, special appearances,
giveaways, and more.
Surfing the Runway is the largest fundraising event for the 2010 Surfers Healing camp.
The designers hope to raise enough money to keep the Folly Beach camp coming back year
after year.

www.follycurrent.com
February 5, 2010
By Megan Carroll
The
Lovely
Bones
Remember your grandmother’s or
mother’s patchwork quilt? All those
random pieces would come together to
create a beautiful visual pattern. Peter
Jackson’s The Lovely Bones looks like one
of those quilts, but feels more like an
awkward patchwork.
Based on the beloved novel by Alice
Sebold, we take a journey through the eyes
of Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan), a 14-year
old girl who was raped and murdered by
a serial killer. Susie spends most of the
film in the “in-between,” which is an
ever-changing psychedelic landscape of
nature. Mix this with the over-the-top 70s
fashions that dominate the eye and you
are transported into a film experience that
feels dreamlike and disconnected. You
The great backyard bird count
Provided by the Dept. of Natural Resources
What mid-winter activity is fun,
easy, free, and helps children connect to
a whole new world of natural wonders?
The 13th annual Great Backyard Bird
Count, sponsored by the Cornell Lab
of Ornithology and National Audubon
Society, is just that; giving kids, couples
and families alike the chance to discover
the many varieties of birds in their own
backyard.
This President’s Day weekend, February
12-15, all South Carolinians are invited to
join in this national event. Participants
can take part at home, in schoolyards, at
local parks or wildlife refuges. Observers
simply count the highest number of each
bird species they see during an
outing and enter their tally on
the Great Backyard
Bird Count Web site
at www.birdsource.org/
gbbc. Visitors can also
compare their sightings with
results from other participants.
Together, these counts offer a real-time
snapshot of the numbers and kinds of
birds that people are finding across the
United States and Canada.     
feel lost at times and I wonder if this was
what Jackson and director of photography
Andrew Lesnie intended.
Unfortunately, the story was lost in all
of the overpowering images and Jackson
asks something of his audience that is
way too farfetched: A 14 year old girl was
raped and murdered. This is something
pretty horrific, but the audience doesn’t
seem to have the opportunity to connect
emotionally. Susie’s mother (Rachel Weisz)
and father (Mark Wahlberg) should be in
a state of utter loss, but both seem void
of any real emotion as Susie stumbles
through the lonely in-between. It seems
that Mark Wahlberg’s character was lost
in the in-between with Susie; moving in a
sleepy and tired manner which reinforces
the lack of emotion within the film.
Jackson then wants us to believe that
the perverted serial killer (Stanley Tucci),
who wheels around homemade dollhouses,
is never seen as a suspect. Really? A single,
middle-aged man who makes dollhouses
for little girls is interviewed by the police
Last year, participants turned in more
than 93,600 checklists online, creating the
continent’s largest instantaneous snapshot
of bird populations ever recorded.
Participants can explore real-time
maps and charts online, as well as learn
tips on how to identify birds. There are
even special materials for educators.
Participants may also enter the GBBC
photo contest by uploading images taken
during the count.
South Carolina’s natural resources are
essential for economic development and
contribute nearly $30 billion and 230,000
jobs to the state’s economy overall. Find out
why “Life’s Better Outdoors” at: www.dnr.
sc.gov/green/index.html.
www.follycurrent.com
13
and forgotten. It makes no sense.
Another aspect of the film which
requires too much from the audience
is a strange teen romance between
Susie and an older student. There
is no background to make this
believable for the audience. They
have a few interactions and we are
expected to believe that there is such
a strong bond between the two that
he actually “sees” her as she projects
herself from the in-between to receive
her first kiss.
Mixed-up in with all of these other
speculative and emotionless stories
is Jackson’s idea of comic relief: a
cheeky grandmother played by Susan
Sarandon. It is misguided and, like
the rest of the film, a dusting of
what the film might have been if it
had the requisite depth required for
believability.
The film Lovely Bones is empty and
shallow. Just a shadow of the wonderful
book from which it sprang.
What “coos” in Peru?
By Sarah Dargan Harper
I
recently returned from a two-month adventure in Peru where I spent the bulk
of my time at the Tericaya Rescue Center, a facility located in the middle of the
jungle and two hours by boat from the nearest town, Puerto Maldonado. Tericaya
is a rehabilitation center for orphaned and injured wild animals, including tapirs, five
species of monkeys, a jaguar, macaws, toucans, a margay, jaguarondis, and a giant otter.
The center functions through the help of volunteers. I came to Tericaya to participate
in the first International Course for Bird Banding in Peru. I had banded birds while
wading through the island salt marshes with my friend, Will Post, but I wasn’t prepared
to carry heavy bamboo poles, nets, and a portable banding station through muddy,
mosquito-infested jungle trails. My 98% Deet bug spray may have warded off the
mosquitos, but the biting flies and ants seemed to find the smell alluring.
Despite the drawbacks, my experience was quite rewarding. We captured over 300
birds including hummingbirds, flycatchers, hawks, antbirds, and many more passerines
than I can mention, or remember. The bird pictured on the cover, a male Band-tailed
Manakin, was our most frequently captured species. Male Manakins congregate in
groups, called leks, where they claim very small territories and display for passing
females, who are very choosy about their selection of a mate.
For more information about Tericaya Rescue Center and other volunteer projects abroad,
you can visit www.projectsabroad.com.uk
14
Mystery Plant: pining away
With sudden roar the aged pine-tree falls- one crash, the death-hymn of the perfect tree, declares the close of its
green century. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Woodnotes”
W
hen falling, a very large pine tree has a
kind of terrible grandeur; crashing and
snapping its way to the ground. Being
near a large tree as it is falling can be a thrilling,
frightening experience-a smoky-green, snapping
explosion of chlorophyll, cellulose, needles, cones and
bark. Regular visitors to old-growth forests generally
become wary during times of high wind, and with
good reason.
This is the cone of a potentially very tall pine
species, one of the tallest tree species in the forests
of eastern North America. Mature individuals may
be well over 140 feet tall with trunk diameters
reaching 14 feet. It occurs from eastern Canada to
Manitoba, through the upper Midwest, and down
the Appalachian chain into northern Georgia. It does
well in a variety of soil types and moisture gradients.
It will occasionally form nearly pure stands or it may
grow with an assortment of yellow-poplars, hemlocks
and oaks. In the northern portion of its range, it can
be found at low elevations (even sea level), whereas
it prefers higher elevations in the south. (Toward the
southern end of its range, natural populations are
rarely discovered far from the mountains. One recent
discovery in South Carolina shows such a population
30 miles east of Columbia in Sumter County, within
Poinsett State Park.) The trees are long-lived with
large, mature individuals sometimes living 400 years
or more.
Cabinets & countertops for
new construction and renovations
843-388-9633
630-B Johnnie Dodds Blvd  Mount Pleasant
www.meverskitchens.com
February 5, 2010
By Dr. John Nelson
It’s a distinctive pine, and it’s the only one in
the east whose needles are held in bundles of five.
The needles, which grow up to five inches long, are
commonly bluish green and pliable. The bark is
smooth on young trees and on the tops of old ones,
while older bark is rough and blocky. The attractive
seed cones are unusual for eastern pines as they are
around six inches long and relatively thin. Immature
cones are tightly closed and green, while the open
ones are deep brown and commonly a bit curved. The
scales are smooth, prickle-free and are often whitened
at their tips, giving them a sort of frosted look.
This species quickly became prized as a timber
source after the colonization of New England. Its wood
is strong and durable, very light in color, and contains
less resin that is found in most other pines. Plenty
of buildings in the 18th century were constructed of
lumber from it, but due to a voracious appetite for its
wood and indiscriminate logging, large, timber-sized
trees are rarely found today in extensive populations.
It does well as a planted tree, growing quickly. On the
down side, it is subject to attack from a number of
insect species as well as fungal rust. Nevertheless, it is
a grand and beautiful part of our natural heritage…
perhaps Emerson’s “perfect tree”. PHOTO BY: Linda Lee
John Nelson is the curator of the Herbarium at the
University of South Carolina. As a public service, USC
offers free plant identifications. For more info, visit Answer: “White pine,” “Eastern white pine,” Pinus strobus
www.herbarium.org or call 803-777-8196.
Certified Member
www.follycurrent.com
February 5, 2010 3

Letter from the M ayor Letter to the editor...

Good morning or good evening,
Dear Editor:
Being a New Year, January has begun with a bang. It would seem Lynn Pierotti
Publisher
that January would be a slow month in City Hall, but to the contrary City government can be much more effective for lynn@luckydognews.com
there is much going on. Residents considering running for Public the citizens of a community when those citizens
Office began picking up their packets on January 19, 2010. That play an active role in the decision making process Kristin Hackler
being said, April elections will be interesting. We have had several of that government. We are supposed to be a Managing Editor
water main breaks. Fortunately, the water was not off for too long in community governed by the people, for the people. kristin@luckydognews.com
the affected areas. Council approved the Public Safety Expansion and For quite some time, Folly Beach City Council has been
Lauren Dean
we are moving forward with that project as quickly as possible before struggling with the decision concerning the expansion
Editor
construction material costs rise. of City Hall. Recently, a public hearing was held for the lauren@luckydognews.com
Events for February include the 2nd Annual Folly Gras on February citizens to air their comments and concerns related to this
13, 2010. Watch for details or call Mary Cunningham at City Hall. matter. The announcement of this public hearing was Swan Richards
On February 6, Folly Beach will host the Save the Light 5K and half posted all around the City with adequate time and was in Graphic Designer
marathon run to raise money for the Morris Island Lighthouse. See many media outlets. if one didn’t know about this hearing, swan@luckydognews.com
the Folly Beach web site for more information on the run. they had to be in another world. This is a mammoth
Ellie Smith
I want to talk a little about a new program we are trying to initiate project by Folly Beach standards with potentially great
Graphic Designer
to better control our litter and trash concerns. For now, we are calling ramifications.
it the Volunteer Civilian Police Patrol. Councilman McCarty and At the hearing, only approximately 20 - 25 residents Lori Dalton
Chief Boatwright are working the details so we can get the remainder showed up; less than 1% of the population. Of those Account Executive
of this program started this spring. We already have the Volunteer present, only seven made any public comments. This lori@luckydognews.com
Beach Management Patrol in place and hope to build the Volunteer is not a government by the people, for the people,
Richard Brendel
Force with various sections such as an Administrative Branch, Beach but a mandated government by just a select few. Advertising
and Parking, and Roving Patrol just to name a few. If you believe In a few months - April 6 - we’ll be electing City 843-478-0896
you might be interested, please contact Councilman McCarty at City officials for a new term of office. if you’re not registered richard@luckydognews.com
Hall. to vote, please register. Then cast your vote as you see
Please stay tuned to City Hall and our website for updates on fit without destructively criticizing any council member •
the Construction of Folly Creek and Folly River Bridges, drainage for the decisions they made, either up or down. After
that, make an honest effort to get actively involved with Contributors
projects, and the Transportation Study. If you would like to read the Jennifer Barbour
report from Wilbur Smith and Associates, please call me and I will what’s happening in City Hall. Let’s move toward being a Richards Beck
make my copy available to you. community that is governed by the people, for the people. Captain Geoff Bennett
Megan Carroll
Carl B. Beckmann Jr. Pennell Clamp Dept of Natural Resources
Mayor Dr. John Nelson
Folly Beach resident

Published by
Lucky Dog Publishing
of South Carolina, LLC
P.O. Box 837
Sullivan’s Island, SC 29482
843-886-NEWS

Future deadlines:
February 10 for submissions.

The Folly Current, a wholly owned

subsidiary of Lucky Dog Publish-
ing of South Carolina LLC, is a free,
independent newspaper published
every two weeks and is for and about
Folly Beach. Copies are mailed free of
charge to every active mailbox in our
coverage area and are also available
at area businesses and by subscrip-
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are $30 per year for non-residents
Febru and are available by sending a check
a
A ll a r y 13 to Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC, P.O.
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adop at Contributions of information, pictures
tions and articles are welcomed and are
1/2 o used according to space limitations
ff and news value and cannot be re-
turned except by special request. Our
JoJo editorial content is primarily dedicated
to the area of distribution; ad space
JuJu: Hey there....JuJu is my name and positive energy is my
game!! I'm a very sweet and shy 6 month to year old female Zack is open to all businesses who want
to reach the Folly Beach market.
- think Shar Pei and Carolina Dog mixed together in one ZACK: Hey there! I'm 10 months old and looking for an Complete ad creation is $50, however,
precious bundle. I'm reserved and careful about who I will owner who likes to play and have fun! I'm frisky and playful changes of up to 30% of the original
love on, but I'm easily trained and quick to wag my tail! I do and ready to get into a home! I'm very sweet and I would love ad are included at no extra cost. All
very well with other dogs, and I tolerate the office cat here - advertising rates are listed at www.is-
to come to your house to play! Come check me out! landeyenews.com under “advertising”.
so my guess is I will get along fine with your current pet! I
ride just fine in the car, and I'm great on a leash. Please come
meet me and let's fall in love!!! xoxox
Pet Helpers is located at 1447 Folly Road, James Island.
Hours: Mon – Fri from 11am – 6pm and Sat from 11am - 5pm.
Closed: Sundays and Holidays.
Call Pet Helpers at 795-1110. Adoption fees: $125 cats & dogs (6 mo. or younger), $100 for 6 mo. or older. $55 for rabbits. Lucky Dog Publishing, LLC
Includes spaying/neutering, shots, heartworm check, leukemia check, deworming, microchip, collar and tag. Publishers of The Folly Current, The Island
Visit www.pethelpers.org. Eye News and the Island Connection.
www.follycurrent.com
4 February 5, 2010

Folly Beach City Council – January 26, 2010

By Lauren Dean
There are plenty of issues at Folly Beach, the pedestrian-friendly downtown area proposed traffic circles and having only more than one bin on Folly so they could
to be sure, and pet projects every now and which Stormer envisions, encouraging “one lane on and one lane off” on Center come out with an empty truck and fill it
then, and even a good, salacious scandal people to walk Center Street and visit Street. up. Councilwoman Laura Beck doubted
from time to time. It’s why we call it the local business establishments. But that was true, citing that it had been
“Follitics,” but every resident worth his salt major changes to Center Street are what Talking Trash difficult for the Mayor to get the County
knows the two enduring and seemingly Stormer calls “concrete and mortar” The Council then held a prolonged to agree to even one bin, and thought
unsolvable problems at Folly are traffic and issues: things like widening sidewalks discussion about a proposed recycling Charleston County should decide which
trash, and City Council took a stab at both and creating a median along Center bin centered on whether to choose the of the available locations was best for
when they met on January 26. Street are expensive and take time. “If it’s location chosen by Councilman Ellis or them. Councilman Charlie McCarty
costly and permanent, we need to make the one selected by Councilman Tim thought the decision should be deferred
Is the traffic moving yet? sure it’s what we want before we do it,” Goodwin. Ellis recommended placing to Folly’s Public Works Department.
With only Councilman Ellis dissenting, said Stormer. the bin at Bert’s. He said he had a letter “Wherever it goes, I suggest we put
the Transportation Study conducted by from the owners of Bert’s and the owner a memorial marker on it,” McCarty
Wilbur Smith & Associates was accepted Councilman Tom Scruggs was opposed of the adjacent property supporting quipped.
and sent to the Planning Commission for to accepting the proposal in its entirety. the location, and a petition with 60
further refinement. “There’s a lot of good information here signatures supporting recycling at Bert’s. Eventually, Goodwin withdrew his
and some interim things we can tackle Goodwin’s choice was next to the water proposed site in order to “get out of this
The Planning Commission will hold right away,” Scruggs said. “But there are tower because it was City property that quagmire” and made a motion that a
meetings and public hearings to seek also some much bigger projects that are would fall under the watchful eye of recycling bin be placed at Bert’s. The
citizen input and meet in joint sessions going to be expensive, and we don’t know City employees, who would also help to resolution passed unanimously.
with Council before implementing any of where we’re going to get the money. Let’s keep it clean, and it was across the street
the projects, and some recommendations be smart about looking at them.” Scruggs from an empty lot and didn’t require any “Washington has health care reform and
may be dropped entirely, according to said the important thing for residents to letters. Folly Beach has recycling bins,” joked
Councilman Dave Stormer. Stormer know is that Council’s acceptance of the Ellis. Ellis also volunteered to pursue
classifies the projects as mostly either plan is not the same thing as endorsing The problem was that the resolution getting an additional recycling bin on
high-impact/low-cost or high-impact/ all the recommendations. “The important had been written in such a way that it Folly and to try to get Charleston County
high-cost (presumably the low-impact/ thing is to move carefully and cautiously required Council members to choose to pick up recyclables once a week during
high-cost recommendations won’t make to ensure the steps they’re recommending between the two locations. That was the summer months.
the cut), and believes that some of the is what’s right for Folly Beach,” said when the talk got trashy. Goodwin made
high-impact/low-cost measures could be Scruggs. a motion that a vote on the ordinance be The next Folly Beach Council meeting will
put in place before the vacation season postponed until Council could choose be held at 7pm on February 23, 2010, at
begins. Stormer emphasized that Council was one or the other locations because “the City Hall, located at 21 Center Street. For
approving a “plan” of what the City County is not going to want us to put more info, call City Hall at 588-2447.
“Relocating signs and getting residents hoped to accomplish over the next ten two bins out here.” Au contraire, insisted
acclimated to the changes can be easily years, not a “construction schedule,” and Ellis. The County would rather have
and quickly implemented,” said Stormer, that the City should proceed cautiously
referring to the stop signs on East 2nd and determine where they would find the Starmageddon from the cover
Street which, instead of stopping traffic necessary funding. “A plan is like a map,” the surface of the body called the madreporite. Before water enters the sea star’s water
on 2nd Street, would stop traffic on he said, “if you don’t know where you’re vascular system it is filtered through pores located in this small spot.
Cooper, Erie, Hudson, Huron and Indian going, you don’t need it.”
The arms of sea stars regularly break off, but they soon display a new ‘bud’ of an
Avenues; in effect making 2nd Street
arm. This regeneration of an exposed end begins by sealing the area immediately
a major artery and easing congestion Reasons cited by Ellis for voting against
after damage occurs. In approximately one week, a new tip will appear and then grow
on Center Street. This would facilitate accepting the Traffic Study were the
about 3.7 mm per month. The most common cause of losing an arm is predation
from various species of fish and crustaceans. Complete regeneration is possible as
long as one fifth of the central disk and one arm remain.
Folly Beach Exchange Club The next time you come across a sea star on the beach, pick it up and examine the
underside. Along each arm, thousands of tube feet line either side of a deep groove in
By Robert Lucas the center. Their water vascular system enables the sea star’s movement by changing
the water pressure in their tube feet. The groove running along the center of each of
the five arms is kept free of sand with a constant flow of salt water.
Upcoming events
Sea stars are carnivorous and like to eat marine worms, crustaceans, gastropods,
February will be a big month for the Exchange Club. The Annual Exchange
sea urchins, and bivalves like mussels, clams, and oysters. They’ll pull the shells of
Club Oyster Roast will be held February 28 on Bowens Island from 1-4pm, with
entertainment provided by the Shakin' Martinis. Tickets are $20 and can be mollusks apart just enough to fit their inverted stomach inside, usually digesting the
purchased from a member or at the event. BYOB and coolers allowed. animal in its own shell. The ability to insert its stomach through thin openings, as
well as their incredible muscular endurance, allows the sea star to win nearly every
The Exchange Club will also be selling hot dogs and hamburgers during the Folly battle against a bivalve. Naturalists in the field have reportedly seen the center of a
Gras celebration on February 13. Be sure to stop by the tent at the corner of West sea star noticeably bulging, and sometimes even rupturing, attesting to their rather
Huron and Center Streets. gluttonous appetite.
Here at the Kiawah Island Nature
L ast meeting’s highlights Center, we enjoy the enthusiasm and
We learned about ongoing community programs at the Folly Beach United curiosity expressed by guests and residents
Methodist Church during our January meeting. Bob Deal explained how the when an incredible phenomenon like
food bank was administered and foods distributed. Michelle Mazyck spoke about this occurs. Continue to send us any
the HALO program, which helps supplement the care of foster children. questions or unique observations you have
by calling us at 768-6001 or emailing us at
The Annual Sanitation Workers Luncheon was January 21. Fifteen workers, 12 NatureProgram@kiawahresort.com.
Exchange Club members and one guest were in attendance. Retta Laurey and
Debbie Bucher coordinated the event. About the Author: Jennifer is a Naturalist
with the Kiawah Island Nature Program.
Thanks to everyone who volunteered at the Spaghetti Supper and bought tickets. To contact her with comments or personal
Over $350 was raised. stories, email her at Jennifer_Barbour@
kiawahresort.com.
www.follycurrent.com
February 5, 2010
Run for the light
K
ick off your Super Bowl weekend
with a running start, with a heart-
healthy run through Folly to benefit
Save the Light, a non-profit organization
created to protect and restore the Morris
Island Lighthouse.
The 8th annual Save the Light run
consists to two routes: the 5K (3.1 miles)
and the Half-Marathon (13.1 miles). The
5K is essentially the first loop of the Half-
Marathon. When runners get to Arctic
from 3rd street, the 5Kers turn right to the
finish line and the Halfers turn left to go
on to the rest of the course.  near the pier or Holiday Inn area and leave
Participants can register online at
www.actioncarolina.com, or from
Save the Light Gala
Provided by Richard Beck, Save the Light
T
he 11th annual Save the Light
Gala is coming up on Thursday,
April 29, at the Holiday Inn and if
you’ve ever been, you know that this event
is an excellent opportunity to find some
great bargains at the silent auction, as well
as meet some really fine people and help
the effort to save our beloved lighthouse.
Last year was the first time that the
new Holiday Inn hosted the Gala and
it was a smashing success. The food, the
service and the facility were just right.
And thanks in large part to the generosity
5
7–8am on the morning of the event
at the start/finish line near the Folly
Beach Pier. Both races begin at 8:30am.
“We may have a record turnout this year,”
says Michael Derosiers of ActionCarolina.
com. “We’re already approaching 500
runners for both events. This is the 8th
time we have done this event and I think
in that period we have donated well over
$20,000 to Save the Light, Inc.”
Due to the high expected turnout,
runners and walkers who are familiar
with Folly Beach are asked not to park
the closer spots for people traveling from
out-of-town. 
of Jon and Lisa Weitz, we netted some
$ 25,000 for Save the Light. All of these
funds went directly into the Preservation
Fund, awaiting the start of Phase II of the
lighthouse’s restoration.
Over the next couple of months, please
consider donating a special item to the
silent auction. It is not too early to commit
to a donation. Please call Pat or Brooke at
the STL office at 633-0099 so that we can
begin putting the program together. It’s
our one big fundraiser of the year. Please
help us make it the best ever.
Save the
Light
race
map
www.follycurrent.com
6 February 5, 2010

Follywood success February fishing report

By Captain Geoff Bennett
What a difference a few weeks make. not hook themselves (or the guide!) on
The beginning of January was marked their back cast. It takes time to learn the
with exceptionally cold weather and dynamics of the cast, but you’ll find that
temperatures that often dipped below the effort hones your focus. You’ll spend
freezing. Concerns about the health of more time reading the water and learning
our fish stocks grew with each passing day. to see fish, and your effort will be well
However, by the middle of the month, worth it; especially when you are hauling
temperatures consistently reached the 60s in fish on days when other tactics just
with many brilliant, sunny days. The fish won’t work.
really responded well to the improved Despite the season, you’ll be surprised
conditions and fishing has been excellent. how good the fishing can be this time of
Anglers continue to pursue the large year. Most people have put up their gear
schools of redfish that have huddled until spring, which means you have the
together for the winter. Sunny days create water to yourself and there is little fishing
great sight fishing opportunities, as the pressure from others. Toss in the chance to
schools often number in the hundreds. cast into giant schools of redfish and you
Stealth is very important when trying to have a recipe for a great day of fishing.
catch these fish that are already wary of See you on the water!
dolphins. When fishing with artificial Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston
plastic lures, we’ve been favoring lighter Charter Fishing providing fly fishing and
colors that are easily visible in the clear light tackle charters. Clients choose from a
winter waters. Try casting to the edges of full menu of fly rods, artificial and live bait
the schools first to avoid spooking them. fishing options with charters tailored to their
Watching the mass of fish explode when desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt.
(l to r) Doug Beard, Angela Odom,
Charlie Dettbarn and Ben Bounds. you hook one is an amazing experience. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and
If you have ever considered learning to enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels

T
he Follywood Productions Launch Party on Sunday, January 24, at the Pour fly fish, now is the time. Fly fishing allows and ages. For more info, call Capt. Bennett
House was a big hit, drawing more than 200 people. Event organizers were anglers to make a delicate presentation, at 324-3332, visit his website at www.
pleased with the turnout, support and enthusiasm by all of those who attended which is very important this time of year. charlestoncharterfishing.com or email him
on a rainy day when there were NFL Conference Championship Games and Haiti Flies can be tied with both natural and at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.
Earthquake fundraisers going on around town. artificial materials, mimicking baitfish
in a way that plastic lures simply can’t
“Everything went off without a hitch. We had a great crowd, some great food, and
match. As with the plastic lures, we are
great local music from Po’ Ridge, The Hawkes, Guilt Ridden Troubadour and Lindsay
throwing flies that have lighter colors.
Holler’s Western Polaroids,” said Ben Bounds of Follywood Productions. “It was the kind
You should also try flies with tones of
of community response we were hoping for, and I hope it gives us the momentum we
bright gold and copper. If fish continue
need to take this thing and run with it.”
to refuse your fly, keep changing it until
you find something that works.
You’ll see a lot of people throwing

Sudoku a fly rod out on the water this time

of year, though fly fishing does have
its challenges relative to rods with
conventional spinning reels. Wind
becomes much more of a consideration
and anglers must be in a position to A recent charter shows off his catch: a delicous
spotted bass.

Folly music
scene
Chill & Grill Folly Beach Crab Shack
2/5 – Sho Enuff Sundays – Live Local Music
2/6 – Stereo Reform Mondays –Open Mic Night
2/7 – Super Bowl Party Tuesdays - Trivia
2/11 – The Hawkes Wednesdays – Dave Grunstra
2/12 – Masker Band Thursdays – Folly Beach Bluegrass
2/13 – Po Ridge & Friends Society
2/18 – The Hawkes Fridays – Folly Dogs
2/19 – Suspicious Package Saturdays – Sarah Smile
2/20 – Elise and the Freeloaders
Drop In Deli
Planet Follywood Tuesdays – John Lee
Fridays and Saturdays – Dan
Clamp Vince Perna is a Folly Beach real
estate expert who also loves music. If
Surf Bar
Sundays – Dangermuffin you want to know if you can live on
Folly, you can find him at 31 Center
Sand Dollar Street or by calling 588-3800.
2/5 & 6 – Hed Shop Boys
2/12 & 13 – Johnny Mac and the
Booty Ranch
Solution on page 11 Level: Easy
www.follycurrent.com
February 5, 2010 7

Folly Gras 2010

Folly Beach will hold its Annual Folly Gras on Saturday, February 13, 2010,
with a 2pm parade of Folly locals down Center Street and special New Orleans food
fare and Mardi Gras drinks at local restaurants beginning at 1pm. Live music will
be featured all along Center Street during the festival, and an Arts & Crafts Show
will be held by the Folly Beach Artists Guild at the Folly River Park from 11am to
4pm. Folly Gras will take place between 1pm and 5pm, with Indian, Huron and
Hudson streets reopening immediately after the parade. The parade will begin at the
public boat landing and end at the Holiday Inn and Folly residents are welcome to
participate! Awards will be given for “Best Overall”, “Best Float”, “Best Golf Cart”
and “Best Costume”. For more info, visit www.cityoffollybeach.com or call Mary
Cunningham at City Hall: 513-1836 or 708-1113.

Parade rules
• Decorated floats, golf carts, marching and alternative transportation only. NO
CARS OR TRUCKS UNLESS THEY ARE PULLING A FLOAT. You must
be in Mardi Gras costume to participate. We welcome decorated pets!
• Must be at the Folly Beach Public Boat Landing by 1:30pm for lineup.
• Trophies will be given for: “Best Over All” “Best Float”, “Best Golf Cart” and
“Best Costume”.
• There will also be a trophy presented to the restaurant with the “Best Food
Fare”.
• Masks will be sold at City Hall, 2nd Floor, at cost, for all who are interested.
Masks are $2 and are first come, first serve. Free beads given with each mask.
• The Art Guild will also be in the Park with their crafts and vendors.

www.follycurrent.com
 Folly Current Calendar
Friday, February 5
Sea and Save at the South Carolina
Aquarium
During the entire month of February, South
Carolina residents can enjoy all the fun and
excitement of the Aquarium at the child
admission rate - that’s a savings of $7 off adult
admission! Offer is only available to South
Carolina residents with valid proof of residency
and may not be combined with any other offer.
For more info, call (843) 577-FISH (3474) or
visit scaquarium.org.
Lowcountry Blues Bash
From Feburary 5 – 16, 2010, catch blues events
in venues across the greater Charleston area.
Tonight, Freddie Vanderford and Brandon
Turner will be performing at the Edward Dare
Gallery from 6 – 8pm. For more info, visit
www.bluesbash.com.
Saturday, February 6
Save the Light 5K and Half Marathon
Join in a 5K and half marathon to support
the preservation of the Morris Island
February 5 - February 18
Lighthouse by Save the Light.org. The race
starts at 8:30am and finishes near the Pier on
Folly Beach. Reg./Packet Pick-Up: 7 am -8am
at the starting line, or register online at www.
actioncarolina.com/stl.html. Half-Marathon:
$40, 5K: $25.
Folly River Kayak Trip
With the Charleston Sea Kayaking Meetup
Group.  Meet at noon for an afternoon trip on
the Folly River.  Free to paddle with this fun
group if you have your own kayak, or rental fee
for kayak and gear $30.  SeaKayakCarolina.
com for more details, or call to reserve a rental
kayak at 225-7969.
Birding Trips: Savannah National Wildlife
Refuge
The marshes, forests, and impoundments
of the Savannah National Wildlife Refuge
provide incredible wildlife viewing. 
Perry Nugent will lead this quest to find
Canvasbacks, Redheads, Ring-necked Ducks,
and more. Pre-registration required. 7am –
4pm. Group meets at Caw Caw Interpretive
Center. Course # 21615. Fee: $21/$17 CCR
Discount. 795-4386 / www.ccprc.com.
Sunday, February 7
Super Bowl Sunday
Monday, February 8
Boy Scout Day
Celebrating 100 years of scouting!
Wednesday, February 10
Chinese New Year
Carroll Rivers art exhibit opening reception
From 5 - 6:30pm at Bishop Gadsden’s Miller
Art Loft & Gallery, 1 Bishop Gadsden
Way, James Island. Carroll Rivers, founding
member of the Waterfront Gallery, will open
an exhibition of her works. The public is 5pm, with local restaurants serving special
invited to enjoy a reception while viewing her New Orleans food and Mardi Gras drinks
works. Ms. Rivers is the second artist of the beginning at 1 pm. The parade will begin at
year to be featured in the Miller Art Loft & 2pm and will start at the public boat landing.
Gallery. For more info, call 406-6647. Roads will reopen following the parade. For
more info, visit www.cityoffollybeach.com or
Friday, February 12 call City Hall at 513-1836 or 708-1113.
Folly Beach County Park Bird Walk
Explore Prospect Hill
Birding experts from CCPRC and the South
Explore an Edisto Island former sea island
Carolina Audubon Society explore Folly Beach
cotton plantation that is now a 476 acre site
in this partnership program. The program
forested by hardwoods.  Pre-registration
is free, however pre-registration is required.
required. 9 – 1pm. Meet at off-site location.
8:30am-10:30am. Course # 21618. Meet at
Course # 21636. Fee: $12/$15 CCR Discount.
Folly Beach County Park. 795-4386 / www.
795-4386 / www.ccprc.com.
ccprc.com.
Sunday, February 14
Southeastern Wildlife Exposition
February 12-14, 2010. The Southeastern Valentine’s Day
Wildlife Exposition (SEWE) is the largest
wildlife art and nature event in the nation. Monday, February 15
Taking place the weekend before President’s
President’s Day
Day, SEWE will offer original art by 120
artists; educational live animal shows; outdoor
Ladies Night at the Climbing Wall
outfitters; sporting arms; antique decoys;
Come meet other local women climbers in
and children’s activities. In 2010, SEWE will
these fun activities and maybe even meet a
welcome special guest Jack Hanna. Tickets
new belay partner!  Pre-registration is not
start at $10 per person and VIP packages are
required. 6 – 9pm. Course # 21664. James
available. For more information, please call
Island County Park. Fee: $12/$10 CCR
723-1748 or visit www.sewe.com.
Discount. 795-4386 / www.ccprc.com.
Saturday, February 13
Tuesday, February 16
Four legs of fuzzy love for half price
Mardi Gras begins
Show your love for Valentine’s Day by
adopting a cat! Cats over three years old
are half-off the adoption fee ($50), which
Thursday, February 18
includes the cost of your new cat's spay or Habitat Young Professionals Oyster Roast
neuter surgery, microchip, vaccines, and tests.  Starting at 7pm at the Surf Bar on Folly
Receive a free cat first aid kid with adoption. Beach, enjoy music from The Renovators as
For more info, call 795-1110. Pet Helpers well as oysters, chili, and “bucket of beer”
Adoption Center, 1447 Folly Road, James specials starting at $11. Tickets are $12 in
Island. advance/$15 at the door. For more info or to
  purchase tickets, call 768-0998 or visit www.
Folly Gras 2010 seaislandhabitat.org.
Center Street will be closed from 12 pm to