Classically trained, and having toured all over the country, Eric Penrod has successfully built up a steady following here on Folly Beach. He heads the Eric Penrod Trio, a funk/jazz fusion band which includes Jake Holwegner on bass and alternates between Quentin Ravenel and Stratton Moore on drums.

Penrod writes all the music and lyrics for the band, although live shows include large amounts of improvisation.

“I draw much of my writing from everyday life, starting with an event or occurrence, and allowing that to manifest itself into song,” he explains.

Growing the trio is his current goal, and on the side he is collaborating with Ross Bon, a vocalist new to town that may soon be a household name. He also plays with the 17 South Party Band. “I never thought I would enjoy it, but we have a lot of fun,” he laughs about that gig.

Penrod grew up in Ohio, and remembers his parents always being supportive of his musical ambitions. He started playing guitar at age 10, after listening to Eddie Van Halen’s shredding guitar solos. He took music lessons growing up, and eventually studied at the University of New Orleans under Ellis Marsalis, where he mastered the classical and jazz styles. Since then, his homes have included New York and Chicago. He’s a founding member of the band Skinny, which toured all over the country.

“We were touring over 250 days a year,” Penrod recalls. When the band split up, the guitarist remembered how cool Charleston was when he played here, so he made the move, two years ago. “It reminded me of New Orleans,” he says.

Soon after, Penrod discovered Folly Beach and knew it was right for him.

“I love the vibe on Folly Beach,” he says. “There are also so many killer musicians out here that could survive in any big city. It’s interesting that so many great musicians are in such a small area.”

Penrod’s influences are jazz and bossa nova and old blues, including Muddy Waters. He also loves Stevie Ray Vaughn, Pat Metheny, and The Black Keys. His favorite local artists are Lee Barbour, “incredible guitarist” and Elise Testone, “awesome voice.” He recently shot a video for “Be Alright”, which is a great song and features beautiful Folly Beach scenery. You can view it at www.ericpenrodmusic.com.

You can catch Eric at the Folly Beach Brew Pub on October 21, and Blu on October 23, and see the Eric Penrod Trio October 28 at Loggerheads.

Share on Facebook

In the seventeen years I’ve lived on Folly I’ve never found a dead body on the beach. Even though I write the White House Gardener murder mystery series, I hope to never stumble across one. I’m not bloodthirsty. Truth be told, I’m a bit of a coward.

Folly Beach suits me. The easy-going pace of life here on the island allows me to putter in my vegetable garden, picking off hornworms and keeping an eye out for aphids while I plot new and inventive ways to kill off unsuspecting characters in my books. Or when the temperatures turn hot enough to make a beetle sweat, I can be found clinging to a boogie board, bobbing on the waves. Characters whisper to me in the voice of the breeze. Wave by wave, word by word, my books get written.

When my husband and I first moved to Folly Beach, we were told the island resided in the middle of a mystical, creative vortex. I don’t know if that’s true. Perhaps it must be. I used to work as an environmental urban planner. Every year though, the tug to express myself — to find my voice — grew stronger, until one day I walked away from a fulfilling career and steady paycheck so I could wrestle with characters who often do and say unexpected things and battle plots that never end up where I plan they should go. It’s a lifestyle that requires me to let go and simply trust in myself and, well, the universe. It’s a lifestyle that’s uniquely Folly.

My husband and I have tried to move away. When the storms get too rough or too frequent or when we’ve cast a longing eye on larger homes, we think about leaving our cozy beach shack. But where would we go? So far we haven’t been able to find anywhere that gives us both the freedom to be ourselves and the convenience of the beach and the downtown.

I think I’ve always loved Folly. Having spent my childhood in Summerville, my parents would pack up the wood-sided station wagon and take daytrips out to Folly Beach. Back then, Folly felt like a world away from my suburban neighborhood. I fondly remember, after a day in the surf, how the up and down motion of the waves would linger the entire car ride home. I’d rest my head against the window in the back seat and close my eyes, savoring the sensation.

If I’m not writing, my evenings are for reading. I recently finished Mrs. Whaley and Her Charleston Garden by Emily Whaley and William Baldwin. Charleston has a long history of producing and attracting passionate gardeners like Emily Whaley. Her memoir tells of a delightfully feisty lady I wish I had met. It reminded me that while I didn’t have a mentor to teach me about gardening, I had the good luck to grow up in a region rich in horticultural history and overflowing with a sincere love of its gardens.

I hope my passion for all things green shine through in my books. If you get a chance, be sure to pick up Flowerbed of State from your local bookseller this summer.

Dorothy St. James (wildlife biologist and paper pusher) is the author of the White House Gardener Mysteries with Berkley Prime Crime. The first book in the series, FLOWERBED OF STATE, has been called “spunky” (Library Journal), “fast-paced” (Publishers Weekly), and “it quite simply blew me away” (Criminal Element). She can be found on the Internet at http://www.dorothystjames.com.

Share on Facebook

Rowdy visitors and trash on the beach are a pain, but it’s how to clean up after them that’s ruffling feathers in the off-season.

Council gathered to work out a system for beach management amidst three coexisting programs. Resident Jim Setford began by volunteering himself and Karl Haley to adopt and clean the 13th block East area of the beach, acting as a “poster child type of thing” for future volunteers. Mayor Tim Goodwin thanked them, but explained that the Army Corps of Engineers had recommended against placing sand fencing on the beach.

Councilmember DJ Rich asked if putting fencing between dune rows would help, and Mayor Goodwin said he’d ask. Setford then answered his cell phone while still addressing council. His heat was out during a very cold week, he explained, and it was the repairman calling.

Nancy Smith of 1207 Tabby Drive spoke to support sand fencing, and expressed dismay that the Civilian Beach Patrol had been suspended in September. “The beach is not a business that only needs attention when the customers come,” said Smith. “It’s the reason for our existence.”

Currently, three beach patrol programs exist: the paid Civilian Beach Patrol, the Volunteer Program, and the Public Safety Patrol. Council discussed hiring a new person or contractor to oversee all three, but support was weak and money not readily available.

Council asked outgoing Police Chief Terry Boatwright if he could coordinate a system of management under Public Safety by March 1. Boatwright said some work could be done, but an entirely new system could not be in place by then.

“Which bite of this elephant is most beneficial to take by February?” asked Mayor Goodwin.

Councilman Eddie Ellis then spoke up about the tangible results and successful summer of litter control by the Civilian Beach Patrol. Surfrider Foundation has offered $4,000 to continue the program, and DJ Rich said the restaurant association would match that, if the city would contribute an equal portion.

At a previous meeting, the estimated cost of maintaining CBP was $14,000, a sum Ellis voted against after offering support for the program. Goodwin pointed this out and Ellis commented that he felt “beat up on.” The pair squabbled for a moment, prompting Councilmember Charlie McCarty to call the bickering an “old marriage trick.” Ellis said he just wanted to hear some good ideas they could knock around.

“I’m in it for the community,” he said. “I don’t care about my public image. Look at how I’m dressed.”

Goodwin estimated $28,000 for beach patrol in general, and it was pointed out that that money could be used to hire a volunteer supervisor. Ellis suggested that McCarty spearhead the Volunteer Program, but suggested the Civilian Beach Patrol continue on the ground beginning February 1. McCarty said he’d lead the program, but pointed out he was 76 years old. “If I carry the flag forward, if I should fall, I need to know somebody will stand,” said the elder councilman.

Council then went into executive session to gather legal advice about paying for the management patrols. They also voted to waive the open container clause for the Christmas Parade, and granted Saturday work permits for City Hall renovations in January.

Share on Facebook

If you want to help your community, the easiest way is in the dollars you spend. We open our wallets every day, but the holidays are a windfall for retailers, of which Folly Beach has many.

A ten percent shift in money away from corporate chain stores to local businesses can significantly boost community economies, generating jobs and wages. Before you go shopping online or on Rivers Avenue, think about gifting your loved ones with genuine Folly presents.

“It’s not just any one industry; we’re trying to promote all of the businesses,” says Ron Hill, president of the Folly Beach Business Owners Association. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a restaurant or a retailer or a handyman.”

The Folly Current has partnered with the Business Association to do our best to compile a list of suggestions and gifts you can surprise your family with under the tree this year. Apologies to anyone we’ve missed! Merry shopping.

Beachside Bed and Breakfast
107 East Erie Ave, 633-0184
Winter escape! Give your family or friends the gift of a night away for fun and relaxation. Value $129-$209. Local deals at $99. Use before March 15, 2011.

Blu
Inside Tides Hotel, 588-6658
The talented pastry chefs at BLU have prepared a wonderful array of cakes and pies for the holiday season. Call to reserve yours

Construction Consultants
110 E. Cooper Ave, 720-9669
Give her the kitchen she’s always wanted. Free estimates from small repairs to full renovations.

Folly Beach Family Dentistry
110 E. Cooper Ave, 588-0044
Give the gift of a bright smile. New or existing patient comprehensive exam, with four bitewing x-rays and cleaning. Value $179, holiday locals deal only $99. Use anytime in 2011.

Folly Beach Red Dot
2nd Street East behind Bert’s
A good selection of wine and liquor, with Christmas gift sets 10% off. Gift certificates available and free gift wrapping.

Follywood Outfitters
myspace.com/firstteamproductions
T-shirts, hats, coozies, and stickers for sale in beach wear and gifts.

Islands Art Gallery
Beside the Piggly Wiggly, 729-9196
$10 off any purchase of $100 or more

McKevlin’s Surf Shop
East Ashley and Center St
Free ‘The Band’ with watch purchase, free t-shirt or towel with wetsuit purchase, free Croakies or Chums with sunglasses purchase, free wallet or belt with jeans purchase, half price ladies suit or board shorts with purchase of either, free traction pad or half price surf bag with a new board. Plus, every $25 spent gets a raffle ticket for a $150, $75, or $50 gift certificate drawn on Christmas Eve.

Michelle’s Salon and Spa
East Cooper and Center St
Manicure special $25, guaranteed two weeks; 25% off new hair color clients; $10 off any massage; buy four services get one free; 30-50% off Christmas gifts. Enjoy hot cider while you shop!

Pack and Mail Etc
915 Folly Road (owned by Folly residents), 762-0123
Webkinz Blow Out Sale! Plush, clothing, stickers, toiletries, etc. 50% off!
$2 off UPS or FedEx shipping of five pounds or more.

Pet Helpers
1447 Folly Road
Pet Helpers works with the City of Folly, taking in all abandoned animals to insure that they are not euthanized. Neat pet items for sale/donation and, of course, loving pets in need of a home at Christmas.

Planet Follywood
East Erie and Center St
Free $5 gift certificate with every $20 gift certificate purchased.

Shaka Surf School
607-9911
Gift certificates available for the upcoming surf season. Give the gift of surf!

Sushi by Lisa
At the Drop In Deli on Center Street
All of December, buy one roll and get the 2nd half off between 6 and 7 p.m.! Dine in only.

Tideline Tours
www.tidelinetours.com , 813-2497
Half price for any salt marsh or custom adventure purchased before January 1. Gift certificates available. Fishing and/or crabbing, up to 12 passengers. Call Captain Anton.

Water’s Edge Inn
79 W 2nd St
15% off any night until February 27, excluding holidays. 10% off gift certificates.

Share on Facebook

Folly resident Victor Prockow might best be known for his significant role in opening the first sleep disorder center in the state at the Medical University of South Carolina after he moved to Charleston from Montreal, Canada, in his early 20s, but today he is more well-known for his role in a much different field: the world of art.

After turning down jobs in states ranging from California to New York, Victor settled on Charleston because, according to him, it is such a beautiful – and affordable – city. After experiencing much success in his medical career, Victor met and began dating a local art teacher. One afternoon, she asked Victor if he would help her man her booth at the Ladson Flea Market, and it didn’t take long for Victor to notice that the flea market was not exactly the best place to sell original art. He graciously used his networking connections to get her a table at the Market downtown so that she would be closer to her target audience.

“When people buy art, it is often impulsive, spontaneous,” said Victor, and after noting her success, he concluded that being able to see a piece of art while on a stroll provided for a much more lucrative business.

While he is not an artist himself, Victor discovered he loved being behind the scenes – “the man with the ideas”, so to speak – so he opened a gallery in 1991 in one of the best locations in Charleston: North Market Street. But working 20 hours a day for nearly five years just wasn’t cutting it; Victor had to choose his career path.

“When you establish a business and it’s going well and you drop it, you may never get it back,” he pointed out, and eventually decided to continue pursuing his art business since he could always return to medicine.

What a great decision he made, too. 86 Market Arts gallery has flourished, prompting Victor to open a second gallery, Artsy’s Gallery, in Savannah on East River Street. Each gallery offers the “lowest prices in town for custom framing and fashionable art.” By selling prints, Victor proves spectacular art does not have to be in the form of an extremely expensive original.

Local artists are featured and preferred in his shops, but the selection is wide and endless at Victor’s galleries; there is always something new available at 86 Market Arts and never a lack for Charleston scenes. The prints are available with custom framing and matting, as well as glass alternatives, all of which help to make the inexpensive prints look like much more expensive originals. These include the Z-gel, crackle finish, linen laminate, canvas laminate and satin laminate which all resist dust, wrinkles, and UV rays, and clean like glass. With the south’s humid climate, these are excellent choices for pieces hanging on the walls of beach houses or bathrooms.

While his career has always allowed him to spend the majority of his time downtown, Victor finally chose Folly Beach as his permanent home. He bought a lot in the mid-80s on which he later built his present home because he has always loved the beach, particularly Folly Beach.

Victor laughed, “Of course, once you move to the beach, why would you ever leave?” The current location suits him perfectly as he is close to front beach and Center Street, but is still able to live in one of the only subdivisions on Folly. The friendly community and relaxing atmosphere doesn’t hurt, either. With technology, Victor pointed out, he is able to have the best of both worlds, doing much of his work virtually from his home office and the rest of the time enjoying his days on Folly.

For more information, visit 86 Market Arts gallery at 86 North Market Street and www.86marketarts.com or call 853-3333.

Share on Facebook

“It ain’t over till it’s over” according to legendary New York Yankee catcher Yogi Berra, so maybe we’ve not seen the last of the 2010 tourist season swarms at Folly Beach just yet, but we’ve managed to survive the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day in better shape than usual.

“We’ve had an amazing summer,” said Chief Terry Boatwright. “Our public awareness program was a huge success. We started off the summer with a heavy, but not a heavy handed approach, and I think that had a tremendous effect on behavior modification.”

The Memorial Day weekend was a record ticket-writing event with plenty of news coverage to make sure potential misbehavers got the message, but far fewer tickets were issued as the summer wore on. “If I don’t write a ticket, it doesn’t mean we’ve failed,” Boatwright said. “It means we’ve succeeded.”

Another great product from Cincopa Send Files. Also read about Cincopa best wordpress plugins for your website.

Mayor Tim Goodwin agreed. “We really came together as a community this summer to protect our beach. It started with the media blitz in May, but we have all worked hard to get the story out that we welcome good visitors and will help bad visitors understand that Folly is not a place to get drunk and trash our beach.”

Goodwin applauded the many residents he said have participated in daily and weekly beach sweeps and worked hard to keep the streets clean. “It is this community action and involvement, more than anything else, that has distinguished this season from other recent years,” he said.

It was a busy summer. More people visited Folly this year than ever before. That’s good news because visitors spend money and that’s what fuels the Folly Beach economy. “Our accommodations taxes and hospitality taxes were up significantly this year, which means more people were staying in our hotels and rentals and people were spending more money in our restaurants and other businesses,” Goodwin said.

He attributes the increase in tourism to an economic down-turn that caused people to stay closer to home and to visitors who might normally have gone to the Gulf coast having come here instead. That’s the type of visitor Goodwin wants to concentrate on – what he calls “stay-cationers” – folks who will sleep on the island and eat on the island and spread a little cash around to other Folly businesses.

Folly Beach has had a fairly aggressive marketing plan for the past five years and Goodwin would like to continue to target what the marketing industry refers to as “beds and heads.” He said the key to attracting this kind of visitor is for rental agencies and residents to work together to project a quality of life that will appeal to “stay-cationers” who will decide to make Folly Beach their regular vacation destination.

The key to a memorable vacation at Folly is the beach experience and managing the people and the stuff they bring with them (and sometimes leave behind) can be a real challenge. “The beachfront is where the activity is in the summer, so that’s where we focus our energy and resources,” Chief Boatwright said, “but we are severely hampered in our ability to cover the beach because of a lack of all-terrain vehicles.” The city purchased an ATV last summer, but Boatwright said he could do a better job if he had two or three more beach vehicles at his disposal.

Councilman Paul Hume, in a letter to the Current earlier this summer, referred to Folly Beach as “the little island that can.” It turned out we are “the little island that did.” To quote the bard of baseball again, let’s hope summer season 2011 is “déjà vu all over again.”

Share on Facebook

Mayor Tim Goodwin had intended to place the first “Outbound 911” call to residents of Folly Beach last week, but Fire Chief Brad Wade beat him to the punch. If you have a land line and live on Folly Beach, you got a call from Wade when Hurricane Earl started kicking up the surf and he called to advise residents about dangerous rip currents the passing storm would cause.

The community alert system was set up to inform residents of situations and threats and to disseminate information, according to City Administrator Toni Connor-Rooks, who has been trying for several years to find a system that would meet the needs of Folly Beach.

“I am so excited about this system,” she said. “Not only will we have a way to get the word out to residents, but they will be able to respond to the calls if they have questions or need assistance.”

The rip current message was the first island-wide alert issued from City Hall, but it was the third time the new reverse 911 service has been activated to reach Folly Beach residents. In late August, Chief Boatwright sent a pre-recorded message to all Folly businesses to report an armed robbery that had taken place at the Pan Garden Chinese restaurant in the Piggly Wiggly shopping plaza on Folly Road. Prior to that, Steve Robinson, Director of Public Works, had alerted West Hudson residents to a power outage.

“Now people don’t have to wonder if it’s just their electricity that’s out or if a car has hit a power pole on the causeway. We can call tell them what caused the problem and when to expect service to resume,” said Connor-Rooks.

In the message from Chief Boatwright, business owners were informed of the robbery, but they were also advised to be diligent in safe opening, closing and cash handling procedures and given a telephone number to call if they would like an officer to review safety measures with their employees.

The new computerized system allows designated City Hall employees – the Mayor, Chiefs of Police and Fire, and the Director of Public Works – to send a computerized warning or alert to all residents of Folly Beach or just to those people affected by a particular problem.

The city bought an AT&T-generated list that includes all land lines on Folly Beach. The computer program purchased by the city sorts telephone numbers into categories – such as business or residential – and links them to specific addresses. A map of Folly Beach can be pulled up on the computer screen and any area can be selected to receive an alert. It’s as easy as moving the cursor across the map and hitting “enter.”

The program is designed to ensure that residents actually hear the messages. During a notification period, the first Outbound 911 call placed to a residence will not be picked up by an answering machine. If the answering machine picks up the second call, a message will be left. If someone picks up the phone, the message is played twice to be sure the entire message has been heard.

Connor-Rooks said the computer can place 200 calls per minute and offers options such as “if you need assistance, press #5.” She said the system will be invaluable if a hurricane or other major disaster should occur. “If you need us to come get you, we’ll come get you,” she said. “We will also be able to let you know such things as when it’s safe to come back to the island, where FEMA forms can be picked up and where water, food, and ice are being distributed.”

But, many people no longer have land lines and even those who do cannot always be reached on that line – especially in a disaster. For that reason, everyone who has a cell phone or email address is strongly encouraged to register it on the Outbound 911 system.

The information will not be used by anyone except the City, according to Connor-Rooks and residents can enter the information themselves on the City website, call City Hall or drop by and pick up a form. The computer system provided by Global Connect will automatically update the database every time new information is added.

Connor-Rooks envisions using the service to survey residents’ opinions on issues facing Folly Beach. “The City will then have the opportunity to really know what people think,” she said. “If you want to be transparent and keep people informed, this is the way to do it. The more we use the system, the more ways we think of to use it effectively to help our residents.”

The price tag for the Outbound 911 has been approximately $4,000. AT&T charged the City $2,000 for a complete list of all land lines and associated physical address, which Connor-Rooks said was a one-time expense. The City paid about $2,000 to purchase and set up the computer system and train the people who will use it.

“When you look at a cost-benefit ratio, I can’t think of anything else that offers our residents so much for so little money,” Connor-Rooks said. “This city cares about you. This system is here for you. I hope people will go to the website and enter their information now and not wait until they need the service in the event of an emergency.”

The City website is cityoffollybeach.com. If you do not have a computer, you can call Mary at 513-1836 or Robin at 513-1837 or come by City Hall and pick up a form.

Share on Facebook

The Current ran a piece on the Charleston Bocce League’s first annual tournament in the September 3 issue. However, due to a weather delay, a champion wasn’t named before that edition went to print.

The final matches took place August 31 on the beachfront near the fifth block of West Ashley. The championship went to Folly residents Rob Diprima and Brian Hawkins from “Balls on the Edge.” Second place was secured by Anthony Smith and Ed Lighthart’s team “107mm Sag.” “The Beach Bums” (Matthew Parks and Suzanne Parks) beat out “I Thought I Signed Up For Kickball” (Whitney Grove and Kristin Baker) for 3rd place.

Prize breakdown:

• First place- trophy and $200.

• Second place – trophy and $125

• Third place – trophy and $75

• Honorable mention and a trophy went to “I Thought I Signed Up For Kickball” for best team name.

• Honorable mention and a trophy went to “If You Want My Bocce” (Janye Hines and Andrew Wilkins) for perfect attendance, having made it to every single league game this season.

A championship celebration hosted by league sponsor The Drop-In Deli provided a band, beverages, and a full bar of appetizers and sandwiches for all participants and their friends.

At this point, the League is not sure who, if anyone, will represent them in Las Vegas at the National Tournament. For more information, visit http://bocceleague.com/Charleston.html

Share on Facebook

Author H. A. Olsen stands next to the front cover images of his two novels.

By Meredith Powell

Known by the pen name H.A. Olsen in the writing world and as Andy to his family and friends, the Columbia, SC, resident has recently released his second Folly-based book entitled Saving Sara. While this is the long-anticipated sequel to his widely popular novel A Lone Palm Stands, readers will remain on the edge of their seats waiting for the last of the trilogy, tentatively named Savannah Grace.

Each story in the trilogy involves the same main character, singer-songwriter Angela Jenkins (better known as A.J.), who cronicles her personal growth and the relationships she has with those around her. Charlestonians are sure to appreciate Andy’s decision to set his novels on our beloved Folly Beach, a place which will always have a special spot in his heart.

Just like A.J., Andy weathered Charleston’s Hurricane Hugo back in 1989 with his young family and was left with unsettled feelings about the aftermath of the disaster. Ridden with guilt for years about his decision to stay during the storm and potentially endangering those he loved, Andy finally decided to write about it. “Over a course of about two years, the story [A Lone Palm Stands] just came to me,” he recalled.

Though the books are originally written for adults, young adults have become fond of them, as well. Aside from the location and time not much else is autobiographical, but there is enough humor and mystery to keep the pages turning. A Lone Palm Stands includes all of the heartbreak A.J. experiences during the disaster which kills her family, and her triumphs as the pieces of her life slowly start coming back together after the hurricane and she lands a record deal. Saving Sara will not disappoint as it follows the now famous A.J. on her mission to find her teenage daughter who goes missing during their mother-daughter bonding vacation on Folly Beach.

Andy’s charismatic personality certainly reflects in A.J.’s passion and personality, and one of his favorite aspects of writing these novels is the chance to communicate with his readers at book signings and hearing their own experiences during Hurricane Hugo. He pointed out, “Anyone who has been through a natural disaster knows that it will change your life forever,” and that reciprocated ability to relate, share and discuss allows for a deeper connection than what is found just between the pages of the books.

Andy’s philosophy: “Reading a book should be like watching a movie and that’s how I wrote mine.” Maybe one day he will reach an even broader audience on the big screen!

Meet H.A. Olsen on September 18 at Walden Books in downtown Charelston. His books are also available at The Ravenous Reader, Treasure Island Gifts, Piggly Wiggly, Sugar Shack at the Holiday Inn, on Amazon and on his website, www.haolsen.com. For more information, contact him at lonepalm2@yahoo.com, (803)730-6057 or follow him on Facebook.

Share on Facebook

Gene Mathes

By Lauren Dean

*Editor’s Note: We are sad to report that, after this article went to print in the Folly Current, Gene Mathes passed away on Tuesday, August 31. He will be greatly missed.

Folly Beach takes care of its own. That’s what makes Folly Folly. It’s not the beach or the laid-back bar and restaurant scene. It’s not surfboards and skateboards. It’s the people who live here and how they come together to help one another in times of need.

Gene Mathes needs us now, and Folly has come through for him. Gene was walking home from Center Street late at night on August 7 when he was struck from behind by a hit and run driver. He never saw what hit him and if he did, it’s not likely he’ll remember it. Our minds won’t less us remember stuff like that.

Another great product from Cincopa Send Files. Also read about Cincopa best wordpress plugins for your website.

He was just around the corner from home, somewhere between Huron and Indian on West Second Street. Since that night he has lain in a bed in the ICU at MUSC, where he has undergone exploratory surgery and dozens of tests and procedures.

“We are taking it day by day, hour by hour,” said Gene’s sister Michelle Mazyck, who didn’t leave his bedside for the first few days in ICU. “It was touch and go at that point,” she said. Doctors think Gene will spend two more weeks in the ICU and six-months in the hospital after that. Gene is a veteran so the VA will pick up most of his medical expenses, but not all of them.

Folly has rallied for Gene. Lance Howard, owner and chef of the Sunset Cay Yacht Club, held a benefit for Gene on August 28 that raised approximately $2,500. For a $20 donation, folks got all the Frogmore stew they could eat plus free wine and beer with all proceeds going to Gene.

Local musician Dan Clamp put together a group of musicians who donated not just their time, but also the proceeds from their tip jar. “Dan’s an awesome guy,” said Lance. “He stepped right up and organized the music.”

Folly residents opened their wallets for Gene, spending approximately $1,500 on items donated from residents and local businesses. “This is an unbelievable turnout,” said Jim Mazyck, Gene’s brother-in-law. “Michelle cried when we drove up and she saw so many people here. This was a great thing for Lance to do.”

“Our community is so small, but it is so generous,” Michelle said. “We are thankful for the love and caring everyone has shown us. I had no idea so many people knew Gene.”

Gene Mathes turned 60 on August 30. Well wishers signed a huge card at the benefit. Gene is still in a coma, so he couldn’t read the sentiments expressed there, but Michelle hopes that one day soon he will know how many people have cared so deeply for him.

A $1,000 reward has been offered for information to help find the person responsible for the accident. Maybe someone will have a guilty conscience and come forward and say “I did it.” It’s not too late to do the right thing.

Anyone wishing to make a donation can come by Michelle’s Salon & Spa at 103 East Cooper or drop a donation in one of the jars at local businesses. Checks should be made payable to Eugene Mathes.

Share on Facebook