On a perfect St. Patrick’s Day Saturday on Folly Beach, Charleston SUP Safaris and Flipper Finders hosted the First Annual Shamrock SUP Race, raising $600 for Pet Helpers and the Emerson Rose Heart Foundation. Congratulations to division winners Caroline Rossi, Bubba Catoe, Sammi Arnold, and Tyler Cross.

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Boating is a popular pastime for many Lowcountry residents.

Imagine yourself relaxing on a boat in harbor, being lulled into serenity by the motion of the waves. You are taking in all the sights and sounds that our glorious oceans provide. That dream can become a reality.

Since we are fortunate to live near the water, it is easy to make boating an important part of your life. Once you’re out enjoying the water and fresh air, you’ll wonder what took you so long. Whether you like to water ski, fish, sail, or simply sit back and enjoy the ride, saltwater boating is a great way to connect with friends and family. You can spend the entire day on your boat just talking, laughing, and enjoying the beauty of nature.

Other activities that are becoming popular with saltwater boaters include snorkeling and scuba diving. If you are an experienced diver, there simply is no better way to wash away the stress of life than by going into the water and seeing all the nature has in store under the sea.

Saltwater fishing is also an activity for novice and experienced fishing fans alike. The various types of fish that are available in our oceans, the different rods, reels and bait, and the different venues all make this activity available to anyone.

Just in case you have no idea how to navigate a boat, you will find that there are many boats for rent, and many that come complete with a captain, throughout the Lowcountry. From deck boats perfect for entertaining to fishing and skiing boats, you can find boat rentals that will cater to all your boating needs.

Even if you have never been on a boat, you will likely enjoy saltwater boating. Whether you want to fish, swim, and dive, just simply lie on the deck and soak up the sunshine, or rent a charter boat with some of your closest friends to explore the Charleston waters, being out on the clear blue sea has a calming effect that helps to relax you, improve your mood, and even help you to feel healthier.

The next time that you feel life getting you down, just go boating. There are millions of people throughout the world who feel that the only real way to relax is to head to the beach and sail away. I am one of them and hope you sail away on your own adventure very soon.

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A sand sculpting competition is part of the fun at the Folly Beach Sea & Sand Festival.

The 2012 Folly Beach Sea & Sand Festival will take place the weekend of Saturday, March 24 and Sunday, March 25. Center Street will be shut down at 8 a.m. March 24 and the arts, crafts and food vendors and non-profits will open their booths at 10 a.m.

At 11:30 a.m., the street party and live music will get kicked off on the Follywood Stage by Reid Stone and Jeff Davis of Guilt Ridden Troubadour, followed by the Folly Beach Bluegrass Society from 12:50-1:50 p.m., and the Shakin’ Martinis from 2:10-3:10 p.m. Concrete Jumpsuit will close the festival down on that stage from 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Meanwhile on the Chill & Grill Stage (the main stage), Champagne & Friends will get things rolling at noon and play until 12:50 p.m., followed by Weigh Station from 1:10-2:10 p.m., Jupiter’s Garden featuring James Justin Burke from 2:30-3:30 p.m., and Stereo Reform will bring it home from 3:50-5:00 p.m.

The Folly Art Guild will also be holding its Tides of March Festival in the Folly River Park on Saturday.

Sunday the festival will continue with the Folly Wahine Surfing Competition and the Folly Beach Now Sand Sculpting Competition. The day will culminate with the East Coast Party Band concert at the Tides Resort.

This festival is free and open to the public, and there will be nearly 100 street vendors offering arts, crafts, clothing, concessions, children’s games, silent auctions plus much more.

The Folly Beach Sea & Sand Festival is presented by the Folly Association of Business, Follywood Productions and Blue Planet Green Events. More information can be found online at www.follybeachseaandsand.com.

Coordinators for the event are now accepting sponsorship and vendor applications, volunteer sign-up forms, silent auction items, etc.. To donate a gift for the silent auction, sign up as a sponsor or vendor, contact Toni Reale at toni.reale@gmail.com. For more information about the music lineup for this year, contact Ben Bounds at follywoodrocks@gmail.com. To join the Folly Art Guild, contact Andie Weathers at andiew@earthlinnk.net or Kerry Hupp at kerryhupp@bellsouth.net. To sign up for the Wahine Surfing Competition, contact Nancy Hussey at nancy@follywahine.com. To pre-register for the Sand Sculpting Competition, contact Vince Perna at vperna@dunesproperties.com.

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Introduction: The Club provides a forum for the candidates to present their positions to voters and respond to brief written questions. The location is the Community Center and commences at 7 P.M. Tuesday, February 21^st. The Club invites as many of the voters/residents to attend as can fit safely in the room.

Process

The Vice President will give a brief welcome.

The moderator will read the biography and the candidate has no more than 4 minutes to speak. There will be a time keeper

After the speeches there will be a refreshment interval. Snacks and soft drinks will be provided.

On reconvening the moderator will read out a question for the candidate. The candidates have one timed minute to reply.

This process will be repeated until either it is time for the meeting to end or the questions become exhausted.

Rules for Questions:

THERE ARE FIVE (5) CANDIDATES SO TIME WILL BE SHORT. QUESTIONS MUST BE SHORT AND CAPABLE OF SHORT ANSWERS.

• must be LEGIBLE and Signed;
• must be a question not a statement;
• must not be defamatory;
• to be used, the author of a question must be present;

Production of Questions

Email questions received before the meeting and questions deposited in a question box at the library ( 12^th March onwards) or handed in at the door will be reviewed for use. Note cards and pencils will be provided. The question cards will be collected and sorted by Club Volunteers. The same Three (?) questions considered of prime importance to the community, created by the Civic Club, will be asked in random order of each candidate. This will allow voters to compare candidates’ answers to the same question.

THERE WILL BE MORE QUESTIONS SUBMITTED THAN THERE WILL BE TIME TO ANSWER SO PLEASE REALIZE YOUR QUESTION MAY NOT GET ASKED.

Library requirements

The room has to be returned for library use so the audience will be asked to allow the club members to restack the chairs and set out the tables for the next day by 10 P.M

DJ Rich

DJ Rich

Dear Friends and Neighbors-

It has been an honor to serve you on Folly Beach City Council, and I look forward to our bright future together. As your representative, I am constantly working with not only other members of our Council, but elected officials statewide, to ensure Folly Beach has the best present and future possible, while learning lessons from our past. You can’t know where you are going without knowing where you have been, and keeping our rich history and heritage should be a top priority.

We have met many of our goals, and our island is in a great place right now. We are very healthy financially, have a thriving business district, new-look police department, more green space and parks. We updated building codes to lower flood insurance, strengthened our Beach Management Patrol, and brought police dispatch back to Folly Beach. Overall, our City has improved significantly over the past 2 years (please visit VOTETEAMDJ.com for more info), and I look forward to new challenges in the future.

As we work towards these goals, we need input from you. This is your island and your future as well, and we need to hear from you on making our island a better place to live. Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions or concerns (djforfolly@yahoo.com). Your vote for me on April 3^rd will ensure that we keep a cohesive Council, working together without mediation, while keeping Folly’s history alive. Thank you for your time and support. 

Sandy Hickman

Sandy Hickman

I am Sandy Hickman, and I am asking you for your support on April 3rd in my bid for city council. I was born and raised on East Erie, where I currently reside with my husband, Ken. Both my parents, Marcia and Angus Smith, were involved in the Folly community. My father was a Volunteer Fireman and Civic Club member. My mother is known by many as the “Bread Lady” for the Sandbar Restaurant. My daughter, Veronica Bolus, was also born and raised here on Folly and is active in the surfing community. I am a Board Member of the Folly Exchange Club where my, brother, Angus, is also currently the President. I am in the process of retiring so I can devote more time to Folly.

I have seen many changes take place here on Folly Beach. The present Council and Mayor are taking Folly in the right direction. Folly Beach has always been a laid back town and I believe it should remain that way for years to come. In order for this to occur, we all must be respectful and considerate of each other in our community as well as visitors. The stress of the day melts away as I approach Folly. “There’s no place like HOME”! I am available to speak to any and all of my fellow Folly Beachers. I can be reached at 437-0340 or sandi4council@yahoo.com.

Tom Scruggs

Tom Scruggs

My links to Folly Beach are broad and deep. I operated the “Twister” at the old amusement park, and helped run Folly Bingo (later the Islanders Shag Club and now Taco Boy). When I wasn’t working, I was either surfing or listening to awesome bands on the old pier. After graduating from James Island High School, I earned a business degree from the University of South Carolina and served in the U.S. Air Force.

In 2000 my wife Sandy and I became permanent residents of Folly Beach. I retired last March from my career as a human resources and risk management specialist (managing compensation, benefits and training programs, workers compensation and safety, and finding personnel for key positions all over the country). I’ve been working part-time on our Beach Management Patrol, helping to keep our beach and streets litter-free and serving as an “ambassador” for our city.

Our son Matt and his wife live on James Island and our daughter Carla lives in North Carolina with her husband and child. My sister Sandra Boyd lives on Folly Beach and my twin brother Tim lives in Hanahan.

I’m a member of the Folly Beach Civic Club, member/past president of the Islanders Shag Club, an Elder for James Island Presbyterian Church. Sandy and I continue to help with the FB Halloween Carnival and “Save the Light” (Morris Island Lighthouse Preservation).

If you elect me, I’ll put my personnel, finance, and planning experience to good use for Folly Beach.

Sincerely, Tom Scruggs

Eddie Ellis

Eddie Ellis

Hi! I’m Eddie Ellis. Thank-you for electing me two terms. In 2004, I promised to vote no to a property tax increase, and an increase in zoning density. In 2008, again I pledged those promises, and “to work to keep Folly a laid back residential community”. I kept my promises! If re-elected, I promise the same. Therefore, I’m asking for your vote on April 3. Please vote for me!

Serving entails more than simply voting no. I have provided fiscal responsibility and looked out for the taxpayer. In 2007, I reduced the property tax increase by $114,000. I improved the sewer finances by eliminating the $60,000 yearly PILOT, which was draining our sewer reserves. Moving forward, I want to work to establish a utilities capital improvement plan, and an infrastructure reserve. I know the city finances, and I’m confident I can serve to provide fiscal integrity, and work against property tax increases.

Legislation I introduced and passed PROHIBITS any further CONDO DEVELOPMENT, and reduces development density. Other legislation prohibits any further increase in beachfront commercialism, and limits transient vendors in our business district. I REFUSE to let Folly be a CASH COW!

Effectiveness takes working with others. I opposed County Consolidated Dispatch, and worked to overturn it. It took perseverance and cooperation from others to return our dispatchers. I’m experienced, effective, and as a graduate of MASC Elected Official’s Institute, I’m educated. Most important, I can work with mayor, council, and staff. That’s what it takes – and your vote – so please do! Contact : 588-9595 or eddie.ellis@comcast.net.


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Redfish and trout have been active during the past winter.

What a winter! Or rather, what winter? Day after day of unseasonably warm weather has been an angler’s dream. Our fishery has remained active throughout the last few months and is building towards what should be an awesome spring.

Redfish remain in massive schools numbering in the hundreds as they try to avoid dolphins and stay warm. You’ll find these schools on mud flats as well as shallow banks that provide cover. On sunny days, redfish are especially drawn to the flats as the mud retains an extra few degrees of warmth. You’ll find the best fishing tends to be around low tide when these reds are balled up tight together.

Artificial jerk shad lures are a very popular option when casting to these schools. Bigger 4”-5” lures in darker tones that imitate the natural bait in the water have been quite effective. We’ve been particularly lucky with grey lures that have some sparkle or pearl white. I always pair these lures with a flutter hook, usually size 3/0. The flutter hook when combined with a loop knot provides great action and really entices those redfish.

For trout aficionados, this winter has been a welcome change to the past two winters that had very cold temperatures that pushed the trout bite back weeks if not months. We’ve been catching trout in modest numbers and often while targeting reds. It really feels like trout will be flourishing in March as opposed to May this year.

As trout become more active, popping corks cast along grass banks and over oyster beds will be a good bet paired with mud minnows. I usually use a 18”-24” leader and a size 1 circle hook. When working the popping cork, always try to keep slack out of your line and when that cork drops just reel tight to set the hook. You’ll find that the circle hook will do most of the work for you.

This a great time of year for fly fishing. Sight fishing abounds and stalking a school of a hundred plus fish is so exciting you almost fall off the bow with anticipation. Smaller flies in darker colors are working best and a black clouser minnow is a fine example. Remember when the fish hits, resist the temptation to lift your rod tip and strip strike instead.

See you on the water!

Capt. Geoff Bennett operates Charleston Charter Fishing providing fly fishing and light tackle charters. Clients choose from a full menu of fly rods, artificial and live bait fishing options with charters tailored to their desires. USCG licensed and insured, Capt. Bennett is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable charter to anglers of all skill levels and ages. For more information, call Capt. Bennett at 843-324-3332, visit his website at www.charlestoncharterfishing.com  or email him at captain@charlestoncharterfishing.com.

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Narrowing down the entries to the top three was a tough job for our three judges, but they did their best. We wish we could publish them all.

If you sent the Folly Current physical copies of your photos, they’ll be available to pick up from Marlene Estridge at City Hall on March 19. The winners will be contacted with their prizes — gift certificates to the Brick House Kitchen and to Cinebarre.

Thanks again to everyone who entered, and look out for the 2013 contest coming next December.

ABOUT THE JUDGES

Hunter McRae is a professional photographer based in Charleston, specializing in  weddings. She worked for seven years as a photojournalist in Boulder, Colorado Springs, and the Savannah Morning News before moving home to Charleston. Her work can be seen at www.huntermcrae.com

Justin Morris photographs to explore his creative side. “Photography is a never ending road and there is always something new to learn or shoot, which I really love,” he says. His work can be seen at www.follyhood.blogspot.com

Lindsey Graham works as a wildlife photographer specializing in birds. “I am always striving to capture subjects in motion,” she says. “Those split seconds highlight fascinating detail and movement you wouldn’t normally be able to see with the naked eye.” Her work can be seen at www.facebook.com/FlyWayPhotos

BEST SHOT BY A FOLLY BEACH RESIDENT

FIRST PLACE

St. Hilda’s Abbey, Whitby, England

John Appleby

The judges felt that overall, this photograph told a story, between the sky, the castle, and the pond. “You can see the wind. There’s a lot of depth,” says Lindsey. “There’s color popping off of everything,” says Justin. Hunter appreciated how the viewer’s eyes are led in a flow around the photograph.

SECOND PLACE

Dog and Kayaks

Jim Crow

“This gave me an emotion. It’s a simple, nice idea,” says Hunter. Justin liked the simplicity of the two kayaks, and liked that the boats were solid colors without writing — “that would have taken away from the composition.” It made Lindsey yearn for summertime.

THIRD PLACE

Sailor’s Delight

Diana Joan Vincent

“This is a tough picture to get,” says Lindsey. “The boat is exposed nicely and the background isn’t blown out.”

HONORABLE MENTION

Prayers in the Wind, Japan

Diana Joan Vincent

The judges found this photo striking and intriguing, partially due to the mystery of what they were seeing.

BEST PICTURE TAKEN AT FOLLY BEACH

FIRST PLACE

Beach Crossover

Raphael Koenig

The dramatic color of this picture led the judges to believe it was an HDR photograph. Justin admired the vivid, sea-warped lines in the wood. “Your lines lead you to the guy at the end,” says Hunter. “Your eyes know right where to go.”

SECOND PLACE

Sunrise on the Pier

Bill Noel

“Simultaneously dramatic and peaceful and a beautiful image all around of Folly Beach,” says Hunter, pointing out that the photographer took a cliché image and creatively gave it life.” Justin was impressed with the timing capturing the angle of the sun, and the ability to capture the right exposure.

THIRD PLACE

Magical Kayaking

Jan Buffington

The judges were immediately moved by the proximity of the photographer to the dolphin, giving them a feeling that they were in the water with the animal. “It’s hard to capture that split second when they emerge, and to get it while the sun is setting is impressive,” says Lindsey.

HONORABLE MENTION

Tide Pool

Raphael Koenig

“You can tell the photographer was trying to be creative with viewpoints, layering the image,” says Hunter. Koenig, a German exchange student who vacationed on Folly Beach with his host family, took the image before sunset on the beach.

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Based out of Greenville, SC, The Bad Popes are a five-piece ensemble consisting of Jef Chandler (guitar, vocals), Charles Hedgepath (guitar, vocals), Chris Garrett (bass), Mike Bagwell (pedal steel), and Joe Cash (drums). All veterans of the South Carolina music scene, The Bad Popes have been playing as a unit since 2002, with Joe Cash coming on board in 2010. Adept in many different styles of music that fall under the umbrella term Americana, the band plays everything from Western Swing in the manner of Bob Wills to rock in the spirit of the Allman Brothers to straight up country material like Hank Williams, Sr. Featuring original material as well as select covers, The Bad Popes showcase the dueling leads of Mike Bagwell and Charles Hedgepath, and the rhythm section of Chandler, Garrett, and Cash. Having released their eponymous debut CD in 2009, the Bad Popes are currently touring to support their latest release Town and Country, which was released in 2012.

The Bad Popes will be performing at the Surf Bar on Folly Beach on Saturday, March 24 at 9 p.m. For more information on the show and the band check out http://www.badpopes.com/

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Just when you thought it was safe to venture out on the charming, bohemian, one-of-a-kind Folly Beach, author Bill Noel uncovers another (fictional) mystery to make you think twice about who you can trust!

South Carolina’s Folly Beach is again prominently featured in the new novel GHOSTS, the sixth installment in the Folly Beach Mystery series. Folly, the debut novel in the series, was released in 2007; The Pier published 2008; Washout in 2009; The Edge in 2010, and, The Marsh released last year. Author Bill Noel weaves the charm and character of the small barrier island and nearby Charleston throughout the pages of his new mystery novel. There’s also a side trip or two to the Smoky Mountains and Gatlinburg.

Those of you who have read one or more of the first five books will be familiar with Chris Landrum and his merry band of misfits who stumble, bumble, and somehow manage to catch killers who appear almost as often on Folly Beach as sunburned tourists. Charles, Karen, Dude, Mad Mel, Heather, and William will be returning to help Chris solve the mystery.

“Folly Beach is a magical and mysterious place,” said Noel. “I’ve tried to capture the charm, character, and characters of the island in the Folly Beach Mystery series.”

The Folly Beach Mystery series has been described as the “perfect beach read.” The novels are light, humorous, and feature a group of characters who are nearly as quirky as the setting.

Noel lives in Louisville, Kentucky but feels at home on Folly. “I’m not privileged to live on Folly Beach, but have been positively welcomed by everyone I’ve had contact with there the last six years. Residents have offered me valuable insights, information, and more than a few potential plots. If I bumped off everyone Folly residents have suggested, the population would be drastically reduced!”

The Folly Beach Mystery Series is available in Bert’s Market, Piggly Wiggly, Michelle’s Salon and Spa, Mr. John’s Beach Store, and the Sugar Shack in the Tides Folly Beach. The books are also available for order through your local bookseller or on the Internet at www.billnoel.com, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com.

Noel will be on Folly Beach in March to sign and talk about GHOSTS as well as have copies of the first five books for sale. He will be at the following locations:

RELEASE PARTY Michelle’s Salon and Spa, Saturday, March 17, 3:00-6:00 p.m.

The Lost Dog Café, Tuesday, March 20, 7:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Bert’s Market, Tuesday, March 20, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.

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Coastal Conservation League praises passage of Local Food and Farm Economies Act.

The Coastal Conservation League, a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the natural environment of the South Carolina coastal plain and to enhancing the quality of life in its communities, applauded the South Carolina House of Representatives for passing House Bill 4881, the “Local Food and Farm Economies Act,” with overwhelming support last Thursday. The bill establishes baseline goals intended to create, strengthen and expand local farm and food economies throughout the state. In addition, the legislation sets a goal that aims to have 15 percent of all food products purchased by state and state-owned facilities sourced from local farms by 2015. As part of meeting that goal, H. 4881 also calls for enhanced tracking and recording of local purchases, recognizing the vital role that local foods play in health, food security and rural revitalization.

“Our farmers are the backbone of our state and rural economies; it makes sense that South Carolina institutions should support them in return. Buying local strengthens regional economies, supports family farms, preserves the local landscape and fosters a sense of community,” says Rep. Laurie Funderburk (D- Kershaw), the resolution’s primary sponsor.

The time is ripe to leverage the growing demand and support for local food and farms across our nation by creating policies and goals that continue to move our state closer to South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers’ “50 by 20” strategic plan. Agribusiness is the number one driver in South Carolina’s economy with a $34 billion impact and nearly 200,000 jobs. The 50 by 20 concept increases agribusiness to a $50 billion impact by 2020. Click here to learn more about the Local Food and Farm Economies Act.

“Spending money locally significantly increases the impact of those dollars and we would like to thank Rep. Funderburk, Rep. James Smith and Rep. Mac Toole for understanding that value,” says Coastal Conservation League Sustainable Agriculture Program Director Lisa Turansky. “The expenditures addressed in this legislation are taxpayer dollars already being spent and either we can keep those dollars in our state and leverage them to support our rural farming communities, or we can send those dollars to farmers in other states and lose that money forever.”

For more information about the Coastal Conservation League, visit www.scccl.org.

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