It's WINDSday | January 31, 2024

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

Dominion Energy (DE) needed two more major federal approvals to begin construction of its 2.6-gigawatt CVOW project. And BOEM, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, has now provided them. Later this year, DE and its contractors will begin installing the first of 176 monopiles into the seabed starting 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. WINDSdays will keep you posted as the largest offshore wind project in the nation evolves at sea…and on land…where the industry is growing day by day.

There are now a pair of 30-foot tall, energy generating, onshore micro wind turbines in Hampton Roads. But even the primary funder, the Dominion Energy Foundation, might admit that without teacher CarolAnn Curran, Ocean View Elementary in Norfolk would not be joining New Horizons Education Center in Newport News as recipients. 

"They really earned it," says Dominion's external affairs manager Troy Lindsey. And by "they" he means the pupils and staff at Ocean View, and particularly Ms. Curran, a long-time environmental educator (including at the Virginia Aquarium) who brought her passion for nature to her “kiddos” in Norfolk in 2017. 

"We save the Bay the OV Way,” she says. “We do aqua culture, plastic recycling, you name it, and now we have a wind turbine with two solar panels and a pair of twelve volt batteries,” she marvels. “Wouldn’t it be great if we could have enough storage someday to power the whole school?” You can dream.

In attendance at the dedication was Mary Spruill of NEED (National Energy Education Development) who told the children that thanks to tools like the wind turbine, they could become the “energy leaders of tomorrow in Norfolk, across Virginia and around the world.”

You go kids. 

Ever shared your home’s energy usage with your 10-year-old?

Well in Virginia Beach this semester, your 5th grader could analyze it for you. “We are tasking these students with studying monthly and yearly data and suggesting ways to cut electricity costs,” says Nancye Flinn, who overseas elementary school science education. “They are becoming aware of energy but also how to analyze charts and graphs.”  

“I love technology and science,” says 11-year-old Fresser Elilo, who like his fellow classmates at Louise Luxford Elementary, a Title One school on Haygood Road, is also consuming information about renewables, like wind and sun, and the value of LED vs other types of lights. “At the end of the track, they will write letters to me recommending ways for us to conserve,” says principal Allison Jordan. “Can you imagine if the kids don’t just tell us how to save power but get involved by turning off lights and the like?” says the principal.

“With 55 elementaries in our city, that could be a lot of savings…and learning.” At school and at home. 

When you go to Lynnhaven Mall, leave time for dinner at Blackeyed Peas, now in its second year of serving sensational southern soul food and fixings outside the AMC Theater.

Florida Panhandle native Cynthia Freeman, the youngest of eight children, is the owner, her brother Carlos a cook, their late mom (“I think we had blackeyed peas and every rice dish imaginable with almost every meal”) the culinary inspiration.

“She would be so proud,” says Cynthia, who ran the deli and bakery at Harris Teeters and commissaries before starting her own place, with most recipes handed down from the family. “People love our carrot souffle, mac and cheese, bread pudding and more.” Says the website (www.blackeyepeasvb.com), “whether you’re in the mood for savory entrees such as turkey wings, meatloaf, ribs, or pork chops, or you’re looking for the perfect sides to complete your meal, we’ve got you covered.” And there are salads and vegan dishes plus an ample bar.

There are kids and catering menus and a WINDSday sticker on the window. What more do you need?

Understanding how to fix motors, wiring, circuits, and controls as well as read schematics and interpret technical manuals can prep you for positions in offshore wind and a host of other fields.

That’s why new WINDSday partner, VB-based ATI (Advanced Technology Institute) teaches truck driving, welding and HVAC and trains automotive and diesel technicians to work on engines,

transmissions and everything else under the hoods of vehicles, some smartly furnished by manufacturers and dealers. 

Now ATI has added seven-month programs in electrical systems and industrial maintenance, including hydraulics, pneumatics, fabrication and advanced energy. “We want our graduates to be jacks of all trades,” says ATI Vice President Andy Gladstein, “getting a solid grounding in electrical and mechanical basics from us and allowing employers to train them on their particular systems and equipment.”

And the lure for students? Job security and satisfaction plus very decent pay. “Each year the demand for skilled technicians increases, along with starting wages,” says Gladstein.



Indeed it’s a seller’s market today for job seekers in the trades, and a growing number of schools, public and private, including ATI (www.auto.edu), are seeking applicants. Pick the one that’s right for you. A satisfying, hands-on career awaits.

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