Getting to Know Walking Joel
The recent tragic events in Charleston, and the beautiful way our community responded, lends one to pondering how to create a world where differences among people are not only tolerated, but celebrated, all the while respecting the similarity that deep down we are all one.
Perhaps I’ve been spending a little too much time in this heat, but this is what I think about when people talk about “Keeping Folly Folly.” It’s not just the funky vibe that permeates this little island, it’s the level of acceptance and celebration of individuality that makes this place so special. Ignore the Follitics website, take a stroll around and actually talk to people, and you’ll immediately feel that “I’m ok, you’re ok, come as you are” energy.
I can’t think of any resident who exemplifies this energy better than Joel Longenecker, affectionately known as “Walking Joel” because he logs more Folly miles on foot in one day than most of us probably do in a month. (He credits shoes from Half-Moon Outfitters for keeping him moving.) You will see him daily, stopping into Bert’s for coffee, popping his head in all the local establishments to offer a short and quirky “Joelism” to make you laugh or inspire you.
After months of trying, I finally got him to sit still long enough to let me ask him a few questions.
Miranda Jordan: How did you find your way to Folly, and what do you love about it?
Walking Joel: I moved here about 15 years ago with my parents, and we live on the West Side. I’m originally from Pennsylvania, and we moved here because the area is beautiful. Especially compared to Myrtle Beach. My favorite thing about Folly is all the nice people. Everyone is mostly nice if you are nice to them. I like to walk around, work side jobs, and get to know the public. Things are good around here right now. It’s safe, but you can still have fun. Life on Folly is like sugar and tea.
MJ: If you were mayor of Folly Beach, what would you do?
WJ: Allow drinking on the beach again, that is necessary. Give the tourists what they want. I would also make our laws similar to those in California, if you know what I mean.
MJ: What’s your favorite Folly Beach event?
WJ: On Halloween, I get to be “Joeltar” at Woody’s and give people their fortunes, and I got mad tips. My Dad is a salesman, so he kind of taught be how to BS enough to give people their fortunes.
MJ: You mean those fortunes weren’t legit?
WJ: I guess I can stop waiting to be adopted by a family of dolphins. Oh well.
MJ: What is something your neighbors would be surprised to know about you?
WJ: I love video games, that’s what I do at night. I play South Park on the Xbox. It’s the best game in the world. Also, I have a daughter named Avery Victoria. And I once saved one of our old mayors by pushing him out of the way of a car. I think that about covers it.
MJ: You are known for your favorite quotes, what is yours?
WJ: “Do unto others as you would have them do back at you.”
Miranda Jordan is a local guidance counselor, musician, and freelance writer. To reach her, you can email her at mirandaalicejordan@gmail.com.
