It's WINDSday | November 6, 2024

Celebrating the Power of Wind, Clean Energy and a Green Environment

Replacing his vital 2009-built Deere 9870 STS Combine, which Chesapeake grower Scott Weatherly depends upon to harvest most of his soybeans, corn, wheat, and cotton, would cost $1.3 million.

That would be just one of the many soaring expenses associated with agriculture in America today. "Round-Up went from $11 a gallon to $54 over the past 4 years," says Scott, who, along with his brother Chris, a senior pipefitter at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, owns 122 acres off Long Ridge Road (and leases hundreds more in Virginia and North Carolina).

"Fertilizer was $150 a ton, now it's $600." Diesel fuel and chemicals are all up too, but what Scott earns from his crops is down. "I got $5.75 for a bushel of corn last year; maybe I'd collect $4.50 today."

So when Florida-based ESA Solar Energy came calling, offering to lease 41acres for hundreds of panels, enough to generate less expensive electricity for a thousand homes through the Virginia Shared Energy Solar program, Scott listened.

"You just can't get ahead today." However, the deal he negotiated with ESA was "good," so the Weatherlys went forward. “We needed a conditional use permit from the city,” says Scott. “The Planning Commission approved it unanimously, and the Council did too by a 7-2 vote.”

Without the new income, Weatherly Farms, established in 1964, might not be long for its industry, says Scott. “I’m 59, but I still want to keep farming for a while," possibly turning it over to his nephews, who drive the combines, among other critical chores.

"And my wife, who does procurement for two local prisons, wants to retire soon. We need some more revenue."

He’s not the only one. The Long Ridge Solar Farm will reportedly be the tenth approved just in Chesapeake (2,020 acres total) since 2019, and more are coming across Virginia, which faces a doubling of electricity demand requiring more generation from gas, sun, offshore wind, and even nuclear. Dominion’s recent Integrated Resource Plan calls for 12,000 megawatts of solar over the next fifteen years, a more than 150% increase over the 4,750 MW now in operation or under development.

Fortunately, Scott Weatherly says he won't lose all 41 acres to solar panels. "We will be able to put some sheep out there to eat the grass and more beehives to produce honey."

He has over 300 on the property now, which he believes adds more yield to his fields. "I'm told I'm getting 5-10 more bushels per acre thanks to the bees pollinating."

One neighbor complained to Scott that solar panels can cause cancer, a concern disputed by the industry. “Solar energy does NOT produce harmful emissions and has several health benefits when compared to fossil fuels,” claims the Clean Grid Alliance.

There was also some angst among opponents on council that southern Chesapeake is starting to look more industrial than agricultural, but given the soaring cost of farming and the need for more electricity, it may be the highest and best use of available land, especially in sunny, wide-open rural communities.   

While visiting one of the soybean fields Scott Weatherly farms in Chesapeake, we came upon the Cuffeytown Historic Cemetery, the largest one, we would learn, dedicated to black Civil War soldiers in Virginia.  

200,000 served in the federal Army and Navy during the War Between the States, and 13 of them, five named Cuffey, are buried here.

According to Visit Chesapeake, some fought at The Crater outside Petersburg and at New Market Heights near Richmond.

The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club of Hampton Roads dedicated a flagpole here in 2007, and they stage a wreath-laying ceremony every Veterans Day.

Located at 2216 Long Ridge Road, the graveyard is on the state’s official Civil War Trail (google it), and there is nearby parking. 

Following at least his third highly successful career (teacher/football coach, Cox Cable regional manager, founder of Legal Resources, a locally based legal insurance vendor), Jimmy Garofalo, staring at his eighth decade on earth, might have considered retirement. Not on your life.

"What would I do?" exclaims the Albany, NY native. "Watch Wheel of Fortune?" Well, there is a new host (Ryan Seacrest), but the gregarious extrovert had something more exciting and, yes, risky in mind.

"Talking with a friend over at Bonefish Grill, we decided Little Neck, where we have lived for over 30 years, needed an upscale restaurant offering only prime beef, fine wine, and a very friendly atmosphere," recalls Jimmy.

And Jimmy's buddy knew a veteran Outback proprietor from Maryland, William Mandis, who he thought would be ideal to manage this new establishment and share in the ownership. “We had the team.” And a name, Jimmy G’s.

Soon, they found an available location, just down the Princess Anne Plaza sidewalk from Bonefish.

"We first fixed up the front section and opened a bar and bistro in April of 2023," says Will. "It's what's in the back that took us eight more months to complete." 

And oh, what a beautiful space. "We bought the best chairs, hung a massive image of Manhattan bridges on the wall, added a second bar, a piano, roomy tables and booths, and VIP parking behind the restaurant," says Jimmy. "We call this our chop house."

The menu features (for starters) well-seasoned lump crab cakes, jumbo coconut shrimp, lollipop New Zealand lamb chops, and a French Onion soup served in a fresh onion bowl.

The entrees include steaks (ribeyes, skirt, tenderloin), veal (chop and ossobuco), and chicken and seafood specialties. 

Between Will and chef Antonio Uzzle, Jimmy knows the kitchen and front end are well covered, although he sets the tone in the dining rooms. "I am here every night, talking to guests, hearing their stories, and telling mine."

Little Neck is ground zero for Jimmy G's, but the rest of the region is finding it, too. Even in a strip shopping center on suburban Virginia Beach Boulevard, you can now get a "prime" New York Strip. 

The term "supply chain" drives our world in Hampton Roads because we import, export, manufacture, and distribute goods and build, repair, and service the ships, trains, and roads that transport them.  

Supply Chain was one of the topics the Norfolk and Newport News Propeller Clubs featured during an interactive career festival on October 19 at The Mariners' Museum and Park.

Welding simulators, hydraulic tools, diving equipment, and truck cranes were among the exhibits that drew some 200 adults, teens, and children to the event.

"We were so pleased with the turnout, and we look forward to bringing this to the community again next year," says Camille Crofton Cherry, President of the Norfolk Club that promotes awareness of the maritime industry and education.

To learn more about both adult and student Propeller Clubs, visit The Propeller Club of Norfolk or Newport News Propeller Club.

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