The 5th Annual Charleston International Film Festival (CIFF) presented by Charliewood Pictures, will kick off Opening Night on April 11 at the Sottile Theatre. A reception with Mayor Riley will begin the evening from 5-7 p.m., with Sundance Award winning film ‘Robot and Frank’ immediately following.

Films of all lengths and genres will be showcased from the Lowcountry and across the globe at Sottile Theatre and Cinebarre, including an outdoor screening under the stars. There is also a screenplay competition, nightly after-parties, and an awards gala.

This year, CIFF is working in cooperation with Mark Bryan and Carolina Studios to announce a “Stuff the Music Bus” art supply drive in support of Yo Art! Carolina Studios provides at-risk students with a creative outlet outside of the public school system by giving them the opportunity to write and record their own original compositions in their Charleston-based studio on wheels, allowing for a natural organic cooperation between the groups. Yo Art provides children living in public housing and attending Title One schools the opportunity to explore their aptitude in the arts by ensuring that they have access to the proper art supplies, and education to do so. The group is working in eight public schools that are predominately in low income districts and they are filling the gap where funding has diminished for art related education.

“Our programs expand on the arts by relating to global and local issues such as recycling, good nutritional habits and community service,” says Gene Furchgott, founder of Yo Art.

Local artist Douglas Panzone will also be on site painting a street mural live during the festival. In addition, the SC Film Commission presents the Young Filmmakers Project on Saturday April 14, at 11 a.m. at the Sottile Theatre. The Young Filmmakers Project gets kids out into state parks across S.C., learning creatively through media arts.

“The union between Yo Art, Carolina Studios, SC Film Commission and the Charleston International Film Festival is the perfect collaboration to expose at risk kids and teens to traditional art, music, and film and we are proud to be a part of it.” says Ron Krauskopf, Marketing Director for CIFF..

The Carolina Studios Bus will be parked outside of the theater each day during the festival, April 11-15, and will be available for people to tour and admire. It will be parked outside the theaters at these specific times: Sottile Theater: Wednesday & Friday 5-7PM, Saturday 11AM-7PM. Cinebarre: Thursday 5-7PM, and Sunday 11AM-5PM.

Get a glimpse of the bus at CarolinaStudios.net. Anyone leaving art supplies behind during their bus tour will receive a coupon for $5 admission to any CIFF film block throughout the festival. Please provide only newly-purchased art supplies.

Tickets for CIFF are available online at CharlestonIFF.com or by contacting the CIFF office at (843) 817- 1617. Price per screening block is $10.00, but special promotions and giveaways will be done through CIFF’s Facebook & Twitter pages. Festival passes are available good for access to all screenings, panels and parties (excluding the awards dinner) for $99.

For more information on Yo Art go to YoArtInc.org. For more information on Carolina Studios go to CarolinaStudios.net. For more information on the Young Filmmakers Project and SC Film Commission go to FilmSC.com. 

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The good-ole-boy government system continues to have a decent foot hold on Folly Beach. No one is more aware of this than former mayor Bob Linville.

For years now, Mr. Linville has enjoyed disregarding the public right-of-way midblock easement at his 510 East Ashley Ave. property. This is a strip of land in the public trust, allowing for pedestrian access through the middle of a city block. In our case it is so that beach-goers can park on back streets and walk, without obstructing the road to the beach.

At mid 5^th block East there is a very nice dune walkover that directs you from the beach to the midblock right-of-way between East Arctic and East Ashley. However, at this point a pedestrian is stranded along the busy traffic of East Ashley due to a fence built across the right-of-way at 510 East Ashley.

The Planning Commission recently recommended to City Council that this and other right-of-ways be cleared for access. This Resolution 16-12 died on the council chamber floor because neither council member nor mayor would second the motion. The comments by Mr. Linville from the gallery reeked of self-interest: “Why are you picking on these easements?”

Well, Mr. Linville, in your case it’s because you continue to break the law. Your stance clearly reveals your attitude that the rules don’t apply to you and apparently Mayor Goodwin feels the same way since no code enforcement has been issued for this case.

What was that comment Mayor Goodwin made about everyone playing by the same rules? It’s time for our mayor to use the words of Ronald Reagan and say ”Mr. Linville, tear that wall down!”

Sincerely,

Jim Crow

520 East Huron Ave.

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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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Former Folly Beach Mayor Carl Beckmann continues to maintain a public profile, one year after handing over the Mayor’s office to Tim Goodwin.

In the May issue of the City’s official newsletter (published by the Civic Club), The Sandspur, Beckmann criticized the Civic Club’s current leadership, claiming the Club had not met in over three years.

“The leadership must be individuals who will take on the various tasks to accomplish those goals and objectives,” wrote Beckmann. “Evidently, the current leadership does not have those qualities!”

Mayor Goodwin responded, citing the Club’s accomplishments since 2008, including maintenance of the Community Center, hosting ‘Meet the Candidate’ election events, and holding holiday gatherings.

Beckmann’s letter regarding the Civic Club follows a letter by his wife, Elizabeth, published in the Post and Courier on Tuesday, April 12, regarding the Folly Road repaving that began unbeknownst to Mayor Goodwin and City staff. “Is it crazy or just being lazy?” asked Elizabeth. “If Mayor Tim Goodwin had been doing his job by attending the monthly COG (Council of Government) and CHATS (Charleston Area Transportation Study) meetings, then he would not have been caught off guard.”

Goodwin claims that he regularly attends both COG and CHATS meetings, unless other City business requires his presence on Folly Beach, but explains that specific details and dates for road projects are rarely given at the general meetings. The City was not notified by the Department of Transportation that Folly Road improvements were to begin in late March.

The tension between former mayor and successor began immediately after the election last April. Goodwin won handily, claiming 56 percent of the vote, while incumbent Beckmann received only 16 percent (current Councilman Eddie Ellis took 27 percent). The day after the election, Goodwin commented to the newspaper that he didn’t want to ‘aggravate’ Beckmann, opting to ‘stay out of his way.’

At the time of the election, Beckmann claims Goodwin said he wanted Folly to be just like Mayberry, referencing the idyllic town from the Andy Griffith Show. Goodwin says he doesn’t recall that conversation, but concedes that he does want a town where the police are a part of the community, putting an emphasis on friendly face-to-face contact between law enforcement and citizens.

“The point is to get the policemen in the community to communicate,” says Goodwin. “If I’m doing something wrong, give me a ticket; do what you need to do to get me to follow the rules, but do it courteously.”

Beckmann questions whether Goodwin properly handled policing issues, and wonders if the mayor’s influence led to former Chief Terry Boatwright’s unexpected retirement announcement in December. In particular, he cites the case of an underage Folly resident arrested for drinking last summer. The arresting officer was questioned about overstepping his authority, and an investigation followed. The aftermath, Beckmann worries, has led to a decline in tickets written and a feeling that, “if you live on Folly you can do anything you want and get away with it.”

Although the investigation was handled by both SLED and then the City, under the leadership of Administrator Toni Connor-Rooks, Beckmann argues that Goodwin should have played a more direct role.

“If the mayor would have had a set of cojones, he would have done the investigation himself,” says Beckman.

The policing and road repaving issues are hardly the first time tensions have flared. Elizabeth Beckmann spoke at the December 14 City Council meeting, upset over Goodwin’s decision to hang Christmas lights without her help, a task she had spearheaded in previous years through the Christmas Decoration Committee she founded. She denied a rumor that she wanted to charge for the services.

“It’s apparent the Mayor operates on rumors,” said Elizabeth. “The Mayor’s actions and behavior have caused great anxiety in my family, my business, and me personally.”

With the personal conflict spilling over into Council meetings and official City newsletters, citizens are beginning to question the source of the lingering anger. Former City Council candidate Susan Breslin responded to the Sandspur with a letter of her own, submitted to the forthcoming June newsletter.

“What’s with the Beckmanns?” she asks. “It’s embarrassing to see our former mayor and his wife act out their sore loser feelings.”

In his defense, Beckmann explains that he’s acting as a watchdog for the city.

“All I’m trying to do is keep everybody on a straight and narrow,” says Beckmann. “Unless you prod him (Goodwin) in some way, nothing’s going to happen.”

Beckmann says his comments and letters are not a feud.

“I want him to do what a mayor is supposed to do, and every time he doesn’t, I’m going to ding him for that,” he explains. “I’m not against (Goodwin’s) administration. I want (him) to do the right thing. Tim did nothing for eight years while he was on council … If he’s going to be the mayor, then damn it, be the mayor, and do what you’re supposed to do.”

For Goodwin’s part, he shrugs off the criticism and says he understands his duties as the mayor.

“My job is to oversee the departments. I don’t need the ex-mayor coming in to oversee the department for me. I think I can handle that job. That’s what the citizens of Folly Beach elected me to do, and that’s what I’m doing,” says Goodwin.

The Mayor cites a comment by Elizabeth Beckmann to Council in December, when she said, “Yes, you won the election. Now get over it.”

“I’m over it,” says Goodwin. “I wish they would get over it.”

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On or about March 1, the Folly Beach dispatchers joined other dispatchers in Charleston County to form the 911 Consolidated Dispatch Center. Most of you are aware dispatchers are to be transferred; however, some of you were not aware it would be as early as March 1. Director of Public Safety Boatwright has sent a letter addressing the 911 system: what it will do, when to use it, and other information which will be valuable to keep for future reference.

The purpose of this letter is to assure everyone that the most important aspect of all of this is you and your safety and well being, as well as the well-being of your animals. I am committed to making this transition as easy for you as possible while giving you this reassurance: Your needs, whether it concerns public works, public safety or anything else have always been and will continue to be my first priority.

I know one of the major concerns is our Folly Beach animals and what will happen if help is needed after 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on the weekends. I have met with Chief Boatwright to ensure animal related services after hours have been addressed in a way which will be satisfactory to our residents. All animal-related service calls and non-emergency matters will continue to be taken and dispatched on a 24/7 basis. Citizens only have to call the number they are accustomed to calling for service, which is 588-2433. After-hours animal related service calls will be assigned to a Folly Beach shift supervisor to ensure the appropriate animal services response is taken. Animal Services Officer Ralph Bryan, working in partnership with Carol Linville of Pet Helpers, will continue to build a cadre of animal services volunteers so that “on-call” assignments can be shared.

Knowing you have other concerns about this transition which you would like to discuss, I am available to meet with you during the week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For your convenience, however, I am extending my weekday hours to be available from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and also on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. The only dates and times I will be out of the office are Saturday, March 13, 2010, and March 15 – 18, 2010. When we meet, I will do my best to address your concerns and answer questions regarding the transition of the on-site dispatchers to the Consolidated Dispatch Center and any other concerns you may have.

When Council and I first addressed the 911 Consolidated Dispatch in 2008, there were several reasons we made the decision to join other communities in Charleston County and transition to a Consolidated Dispatch Center: 1) the dispatchers in the Center will be well-trained; capable of relaying information over the phone that could save lives; 2) Folly Beach had a significant number of turnovers in the Dispatch Department, as many as nine in one year; 3) the calls on non-emergency incidents will still be handled ultimately by the Folly Beach Public Safety; and 4) after a period of three years, Charleston County will be paying the entire cost of the dispatchers; Folly Beach will pay nothing. This is a significant savings for the City of Folly Beach and during these times of economic hardship, it is important that the city make every effort to keep cost at a minimum without sacrificing or compromising the safety and well being of our residents.

I look forward to hearing from you and am hopeful this addresses some of the concerns you may have.

Carl B. Beckmann, Jr.
Mayor of Folly Beach

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Good morning or good afternoon.

September has been a quiet month, so far. We are still seeing some tourists which are good for business. Unfortunately the tourist trade is almost a necessity. Our local businesses collect Hospitality and Accommodations taxes, which in turn, adds revenues to the city and is used as an offset for property taxes. We receive most of the funds back from the State but not all. We as locals should support all of the businesses on Folly. They are part of our City too.

Does anyone remember the “Faith Chapel”  most recently located at 406 East Arctic? Those young enough to remember will have to think long and hard about this one. According to an article I received from Ms. Mabel B. Pace, the Faith Chapel was the first Church of any type to locate on Folly Island. Two books written about Folly have incorrect information regarding other churches being the first on the Island.

Speaking of history, I am always looking for old photos and news articles about Folly. I would like to “build”  a pictorial history along with the news articles and place them in our library at City Hall. Bet you didn’t know we had a City Hall Library?

October, to me, is the one of best months on the beach. No people, no dogs, no trash, just you, the birds, the surf and your thoughts.

We are progressing nicely through Council discussion with the Re-write. Please join us some morning. Right now we are meeting on Wednesday mornings at 0900 in Council Chambers.

Have a great Folly Day!

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I hope everyone survived the 4^th of July Holiday. I must say in all my years I have never witnessed so many people on the beach. People we can’t do much about except to possibly control their behavior. The Council is working some issues and recommendations. The Council invites all residents to a Town Hall Meeting on 4 August beginning at 7:00 PM at the Holiday Inn. We want to hear from you because these issues may seem simple BUT they are very complex when dealing with all pieces and parts.

I attended a meeting with the DOT and architects concerning the Folly Creek and Folly River bridges. We walked the projects and looked at various elements. The DOT will schedule another public hearing in October for everyone to review the almost final design. The personnel I spoke to today say the start date is late 2010. We did talk about getting all utilities out of the way before construction. We don’t want to be like the Ellis Creek project!

My thanks to all the Volunteer groups and especially Folly Residents who come out and pick up trash and continually do so.

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The City needs your help once again. We have several Boards and Commissions where seats are vacant and really need to be filled. This is an excellent opportunity for you to assist the City in moving forward. Please send your résumé/CV and your letter of interest to our Municipal Clerk, Mary Cunningham. Mary will have a list of the seats available during the first weeks of July.
It appears, from what I’m told, that the Citizens of Folly Beach feel they are exempt from all laws we have in place. In particular is the leash law and dogs on the beach! I will tell you, you are not exempt from prosecution. You above all should be setting the example for our visitors and guests. Please do not become a casualty.
There is not much we can do about the heavy traffic on the weekends, so I’m asking each of you to be patient and understanding. If you must leave the Beach on the weekend, time your travel so that you can return in the mid to late afternoon. We are a public beach and unfortunately we have to endure the hordes that invade each weekend. I met with the mayors from the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island recently and we are not alone. They have the exact same traffic problems. We discussed this subject at some length but did not come up with any untried solutions. We plan to meet on an on-going basis and will try to come up with ideas to resolve some of our mutual problems; like traffic.
Its turtle season, so please remember to turn off your outside lights after dusk. If you see any houses on the front beach that have their outside lights on, please ask them to turn them off.

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Folly Beach, SC

The City needs your help once again. We have several Boards and Commissions where seats are vacant and really need to be filled. This is an excellent opportunity for you to assist the City in moving forward. Please send your resume’/CV and your interest to our Municipal Clerk, Mary Cunningham. Mary will have a list of the seats available during the first weeks of July.
It appears, from what I’m told, that the Citizens of Folly Beach feel they are exempt from all laws we have in place. In particular is the leash law and dogs on the beach! I will tell you, you are not exempt from prosecution. You above all should be setting the example for our visitors and guests. Please do not become a casualty.
There is not much we can do about the heavy traffic on the weekends so I’m asking each of you to be patient and understanding. If you must leave the Beach on the weekend, time your travel so you can return in the mid to late afternoon. We are a public beach and unfortunately we have to endure the hordes that invade each weekend.  I met with the mayors from IOP and Sullivan’s Island recently and we are not alone. They have the exact same traffic problems. We discussed this subject at some length but did not come up with any untried solutions.  We plan to meet on an on-going basis and try to come up with ideas to resolve some of our mutual problems like traffic.
Its turtle season so please remember to turn off your outside lights after dusk. If you see any houses on the front beach that have their outside lights on please ask them to turn them off.

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