Suffolk Living

suffolklivingmag.com

Festival Apples, a test center and Frederick Douglass

november/december 2017 • vol. 8, no. 6

2 suffolk living

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FEATURE

26

A small crew at Volvo Penta’s test center in Eclipse does some amazing work. But a day on the water for them is no easy thing.

contents nov - dec | 2017 19

WHERE AM I? | Think you know Suffolk well? Then see if you can identify this photo.

Advertising rates and information available upon request.

Subscriptions are $20 annually in-state; $25 annually out-of-state; $30 for international subscriptions.

Please make checks payable to Suffolk Publications, LLC P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439

12 Apple Fest

Fuji, Golden Delicious, Winesap and more.

These folks move more apples in a day than Johnny Appleseed did in a lifetime.

On the cover suffolklivingmag.com

Becoming Douglass

20 He’s a poet, a spoken word artist and a marketing representative. But these days Nathan Richardson IS Frederick Douglass.

Festival APPLES, A TEST CENTER AND FREDERICK DOUGLASS

november/december 2017 • vol. 8, no. 6

by R.E. Spears III

editor's note nov - dec

2017

EDITORIAL R.E. Spears III Editor Tracy Agnew News Editor Alex Perry Photography Jen Jaqua Photography news@suffolklivingmag.com

ADVERTISING

Earl Jones Marketing Consultant Nathan Richardson Marketing Consultant Dana Snow Marketing Consultant Kandyce Kirkland Marketing Consultant sales@suffolklivingmag.com

PRODUCTION Troy Cooper Designer

ADMINISTRATION John Carr Publisher

Cathy Daughtrey Business Manager Hope Rose Production

Thank you and God bless Normally, I use this space to give readers a little more detail or insight into some of the features they will find in the current edition of Suffolk Living magazine. It’s also the space where I get to gloat a little about the cool things this job has allowed me to do — everything from flying a fighter trainer in a dogfight to starting the day on Lake Meade to watching a man and his trusty steed clear cut trees.

This time is different, though. This is my last edition as editor of Suffolk Living magazine. I leave in December for a short season of ministry in Haiti and to pursue a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership through Dallas Theological Seminary. I could not leave, however, without thanking some of the many people who have helped me — and this magazine — become what we have become.

First of all, my staff: Chief among them has been Tracy Agnew, who will take over as editor of this magazine, Western Branch Magazine and the Suffolk News-Herald. Tracy has been the one who really carried the load when we were running up against our deadlines, and she will do a fine job as editor. Troy Cooper gets ALL the credit for the beautiful design that so many of you have complimented through the years. Jen Jaqua continues to provide great photos, and I imagine that her role in this publication will expand in the coming months. And to the many writers and photographers who have contributed throughout the dozens of editions, we could not have done it without you.

Next, my bosses: I was not keen for us to take on the additional work that publishing a magazine requires when the idea was first presented to me. However, my publishers and group managers persevered — and who was I to say no to them? I appreciate that they made me do hard things. I leave this place a better person for the challenge they gave me.

Our feature subjects: They flew with me. They taught me skills to which I never would have been otherwise exposed. They expanded my mind and my horizons. I have done things I still look back on with amazement. I have met incredibly interesting people, confirming for me that Suffolk is a place blessed with a rich human resource.

Our readers: You guys have made this such a personally fulfilling nine years. You cannot imagine how you have lifted my spirits with your calls, visits, emails and letters telling me how much you have enjoyed Suffolk Living. And you would be surprised what a lift it gives my day when you stop by the office on publication day to pick up the newest edition.

My family: They have sacrificed time and connection with me in order for me to do this work. They have encouraged me when I was overwhelmed. And they have loved me through it all.

And finally, God: He is my strength and my redeemer, a very present help in times of trouble. It has been an honor to serve Him here.

God bless.

Res Spears, Editor

Suffolk Living is published six times per year by Suffolk Publications, LLC. P.O. Box 1220, Suffolk, VA 23439 www.suffolklivingmag.com • (757) 539-3437

suffolk living 7

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what to do Send us your news To submit your calendar or news item, simply email it to: news@suffolklivingmag.com

Photos with Santa Sunday December 10

Santa will be on hand to meet children and pose for photos from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Suffolk Visitor Center, 524 N. Main St. He will return from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 16, and he will be available those same hours Dec. 17 for pet photos with friendly, leashed animals in an event to which visitors are encouraged to bring donations for the Suffolk Humane Society. For more information, visit www.visitsuffolkva.com.

suffolk living 9

what to do Continuing

The Suffolk Art League’s annual Juried Exhibition will continue at the Suffolk Art Gallery, 118 Bosley Ave., through Dec. 8.

The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts is hosting an exhibition by artists from the Artisan Center of Virginia, featuring works in a variety of media, including many that are available for purchase. The exhibition, which is free, will be on display through Dec. 22 at the SCCA, which is located at 110 W. Finney Ave. and is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday.

Friday November 17

The city of Suffolk will hold its official kickoff for the holiday season from 6 to 8 p.m. at Market Park, located by the Seaboard Station Railroad Museum. The Grand Illumination Ceremony includes the lighting of the 32-foot Christmas tree at 6:15 and the arrival of Santa at about 6:30 p.m. There will be seasonal music, tasty treats, holiday crafts for kids and horse-and-carriage rides available for purchase.

Saturday November 18

Kick off the holiday season with handmade and homegrown seasonal gifts from a traditional outdoor holiday market, to be held in conjunction with the Suffolk Farmers' Market on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Suffolk Visitor Center Pavilion. There will be live music, a petting zoo, face painting, a bounce house, kids' crafts, seasonal produce, artisan gifts, baked goods, meat and poultry, and refreshments.

House Museum, Constant’s Wharf, College Court and Suffolk’s Historic Lakeside neighborhood. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for seniors, military and children 9 to 12 years of age. Other tour dates include Nov. 27 and Dec. 2, 7, 11, 21 and 27. For more information, visit www.visitsuffolkva.com.

Saturday November 25

Join merchants and food vendors offering artisan-quality crafts, jewelry, soaps and fine art and more during {Re}Stored, an event that encourages residents and visitors to support owner-operated businesses and the continued effort to revitalize Downtown Suffolk. There will be free coffee and refreshments, live entertainment, visits from Santa and more in various downtown locations. For more information, find LoveLocalBuySuffolk on Facebook.

Driver village will hold a Christmas in Driver celebration from 5 to 8 p.m., with Santa arriving on a fire truck at 6 p.m. There will be free chili from the Driver Volunteer Fire Department and crafts for the kids. For more information, visit www.driverevents.com.

Friday December 1

The Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts will host an appearance by The Embers Featuring Craig Woolard at 7 p.m. The Embers are widely considered a musical marvel and laid the groundwork for what has become known as “Beach Music” in the Carolinas, Virginia, the Gulf Coast region of North America and every beach in between.

Tickets are $25 to $30 for reserved seating and are available at www.suffolkcenter.org.

Saturday December 2

The Riddick’s Folly House Museum, located at 510 N. Main St., will host an American Girl program, “Gabriela McBride, the Girl of the Year for 2017!” There will be three sittings for this free program. Space is limited, and reservations are required. Ages 5 and up are welcome. Call for reservations at 934-0822 or email riddicksfolly@verizon.net for more information.

Northern Shores Recreation Center, 6701 Respass Beach Road, will host lunch with Santa from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Children 12 and under are invited to participate for a donation of one new, unwrapped toy per child. Adults can join them for lunch for $5 each. There will be games, prizes and free professional photos with Santa. For more information, visit www.suffolkva.us/parks.

Suffolk’s heritage dates back to the early 17th century, when Capt. John Smith first encountered the Nansemond Indians on the Nansemond River. A Historic Suffolk Narrated Bus Tour, which departs from the Suffolk Visitor Center at 2 p.m. will include a look at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Riddick’s Folly

Friday December 8

Active adults and seniors 55 and over are invited to join a Holiday Gala from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the East Suffolk Recreation Center, presented by the Suffolk Parks & Recreation Department. There will be music, dancing, gifts and lunch. Pre-registration is required

for this event, and tickets are $10 each. For more information, contact the East Suffolk Recreation Center at 514-4500 or email parksemail@suffolkva.us.

Saturday December 9

The Suffolk Holiday Parade, a grand tradition in the city, begins at 7 p.m. Find the best spot to watch the floats, equestrian units, marching bands and festive vehicles stroll down West Washington Street and take a turn up North Main Street, with the parade route ending on Finney Avenue.

Tuesday December 12

If you are looking for a fun, free family holiday night out, Whaleyville Community Center's "Holiday Jingle Mingle" is the event for you. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., there will be crafts, bounce houses, food, face painting and more, including the opportunity to take a free photo with Santa. The facility is located at 132 Robertson St. For more information, visit www.suffolkva.us/parks.

Saturday December 16

Have a special silhouette done of your child, grandchild or special someone for Christmas by Edward L. King, director and curator of the Riddick’s Folly House Museum, located at the corner of Constance and Main. Each framed silhouette costs $10.

Call for reservations at 934-0822 or email riddicksfolly@verizon.net.

Sunday December 31

The Nansemond River Pilot Club will hold its second annual New Year’s Eve Bash at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront. Tickets are $50 per person and include a full buffet dinner, dancing to a live D.J., cash bar and a midnight champagne toast. Tickets are available at Suffolk Insurance (202 Market St. or 3575 Bridge Road) and the Suffolk Visitor Center (524 N. Main St.). The Hilton has also set aside a discounted block of rooms for this event. For more information, call 925-1300.

Do you have an event you'd like to share?

Contact Suffolk Living at news@suffolkliving.com

10 suffolk living

in the news

Suffolk Lidl opens doors S

Story and photos by Alex Perry

City Council members and Lidl employees cut the ribbon at its grand opening on Sept. 28.

uffolk welcomed its first Lidl grocery store with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 28, after which the grocer greeted its first 100 customers early in the morning.

Customers enjoyed live music and fanfare as they waited for the doors to open with the sunrise at the new Harbour View Boulevard location. Each customer received a wooden coin for a chance to win up to $100 in Lidl gift cards while taking advantage of the special grand-opening sales that lasted into the weekend.

Windsor resident Deborah Jones was awarded as the store’s first customer in line.

“Their prices are low,” she said. “I’ll go to Lidl once, maybe twice a week.”

One of the largest grocery chains in Europe, Lidl established its U.S. headquarters in Arlington County in 2015 before expand-

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suffolk living 11 ing outward. The new Suffolk store marks the sixth location to open in Hampton Roads.

“We are proud to be part of this vibrant city,” said Ashley Peace, Lidl U.S. director of real estate.

The store’s retail space — 20,000 square feet — is designed for maximum efficiency, Peace said. Shoppers navigate just six aisles of open space illuminated with the help of natural lighting from expansive windows.

Public relations specialist Jessica Haggard explained how staff count the number of steps needed to restock items. Produce is organized in the boxes it arrived in to help staff ensure freshness for customers.

“They’re not going to take home a bruised apple or a piece of stale bread,” Haggard said.

About 90 percent of Lidl products are store brands, while others are provided by community business partners. A rotating selection of non-food items will offer shoppers everything from clothes to kitchen appliances.

Haggard described how their low prices will have a ripple effect for surrounding businesses.

“You’ll see that the prices around here will drop significantly,” she said. “Even if you don’t shop at Lidl, we’re bringing down prices in the

Windsor resident Deborah Jones was the first customer to walk into the Lidl grocery store during its grand opening of the Harbour View location. community.”

Customers wasted no time enjoying free food samples and filling their shopping carts Thursday morning.

“They’ve got a variety of things in here,” said Chesapeake resident Tina Almond.

The growing Harbour View population is expected to support further retail growth. Mayor Linda Johnson, who cut the ribbon alongside other city and company officials, praised the

store as another alternative for North Suffolk shoppers.

“It’s a very exciting time, and it’s a wonderful addition to our city,” Johnson said.

Councilman Lue Ward was excited about how the store fits into the retail growth on Harbour View Boulevard. He said residents will not have to go far to shop.

“We want it right here for you in the palm of your hand,” he said. ←

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A little tart, a little sweet Apples are the perfect fall treat Story and photos by Tracy Agnew

W

hether they’re red, green, pink or gold, it doesn’t get any better for most Virginians than a fresh, crisp apple from a Virginia orchard. Unless, of course, you pair it with a bowl of warm Brunswick stew.

But short of driving a few hours to an apple orchard, fresh apples are out of reach for most folks in the Hampton Roads area. That’s where the Magnolia United Methodist Church’s AppleFest comes in.

“This is the busiest time of the day,” Connie Schubert says as she hustles around the church parking lot about 1:30 p.m. on AppleFest day.

A couple dozen volunteers from the church wear red shirts featuring a prayer from the biblical psalmist, David: “Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 17:8). They’re arranging bushels, See APPLEs page 13

suffolk living 13 Apples continued from page 12

Siblings Tatiana Neild and Brandon Neild show off some of the fresh, shiny apples straight from a Virginia orchard during the Magnolia United Methodist Church AppleFest.

half-bushels and pecks of apples and carrying them to the waiting vehicles of the last customers of the day. Between 500 and 800 people have already picked up their apples at the Wilroy Road church.

“It is truly organized chaos,” Schubert said.

AppleFest supports church missions both nearby and overseas. But for many of the event’s regular customers, the chance to get apples cheaper and fresher than at the grocery store is the primary draw.

Fuji apples are by far the most popular.

This year, they accounted for more than half of the total ordered of all seven varieties available. Granny Smith apples are next, followed by Winesap and Golden Delicious. The iconic Red Delicious is actually the least popular (sorry, teachers!).

It all added up this year to a whopping 563 bushels of apples. Customers also ordered 230 gallons of apple cider and 20 cases of apple butter, along with 230 quarts of Brunswick stew made by the See APPLES page 14

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14 suffolk living Apples continued from page 13

Apples practically advertise themselves at the Magnolia United Methodist Church AppleFest. Fuji apples are the most popular, while Red Delicious are least popular among the seven varieties.

men of the church.

The truck arrives the day before AppleFest, with some apples on board having been picked fresh that morning. The big day starts at 4:30 a.m. for some volunteers, who break down the bushels of apples into the sizes ordered and arrange them to be easily found when fulfilling orders.

“It takes a while to break the apples down, because we want to be very gentle with them,” Schubert said. “Then it’s full steam ahead.”

It takes a lot of volunteers to unload that many apples. Every church member helps with AppleFest in some capacity, and Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack 73 also help.

“AppleFest is successful because of the members of the church,” Schubert said.

You have them to thank when you savor a tart mid-afternoon snack or get rave reviews on your homemade apple pie at Thanksgiving. And if you missed out this year, check out the church’s website next September for an order form. ←

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suffolk living 15

through the lens: R.E. Spears III

T

hrough the years that we have published Suffolk Living magazine, one of my favorite things has been the opportunity to improve my photography, to explore new techniques and to learn new skills. Our readers have been patient with that process, and my subjects have been even more so. Some of the best photos I have taken have appeared in this publication, and a few of them adorn the walls of my office. I’ve shot portraits and sports photos, daytime and nighttime pictures, food features and product features.

Each photo shoot has taught me a little more about this craft than I knew before. What you see here are just a few of my favorites. This isn’t usually a first-person feature, but it’s one that we like to open to the community. If you’ve got some great shots from Suffolk, share them with us at news@suffolklivingmag.com and you could be our next Through the Lens photographer.

16 suffolk living

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on vacation

We love it when you guys take us along on your vacations! Clockwise from below: Kim Parr and husband, Charles, sent us a bunch of photos from their recent trip to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Bar Harbor, Maine, New York and Brunswick, Canada; the Parrs sent only one photo with both of them in it, this one taken in Maine; from left, Mardane McLemore, Linda Drummond, Billy Drummond, Tim Johnson, Helen Johnson, Mills Staylor and Gin Staylor have been taking trips together for 20 years, and this shot from Iceland’s Glacier Lake Inn has convinced us to keep that place on our bucket list; Kay and Mike Gambardella, Vickie Williams and Cindy Winslow took several copies of the Suffolk Living magazine with them to Ireland, where after all of their sightseeing and shopping, they had their picture taken in front of The Custom House building along the River Liffey in Dublin; and Ray and Debbie Hill explored Alaska for their 30th anniversary, enjoying the scenery from Anchorage to Sitka. Next time you’re traveling, take along a copy of Suffolk Living, have someone snap a photo and send it to us at news@suffolklivingmag.com. Happy trails!

18 suffolk living

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suffolk living 19

where am I?

I

n each edition the Suffolk Living staff provides a challenge of sorts, testing how much of Suffolk you really know.

We photograph some location in Suffolk that is readily accessible and open to the public, and see if you can tell us where it is.

If you know where this photo was taken, submit your answer, along with your name and contact information to news@suffolklivingmag.com. If you’re right, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to any one of our partner advertisers.

So, if you know where this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

Go out and enjoy Suffolk!

20 suffolk living

Bringing

Douglass

to life

Story by Tracy Agnew Photos by R.E. Spears III

W

ith a frizzy, salt-and-pepper wig and a slightly lower octave, 21stcentury poet Nathan Richardson seems to transition effortlessly into 19th-century orator Frederick Douglass.

Suddenly, Richardson is gone and Douglass, who died in 1895, stands before the crowd. He shares about his early life, having been born on a plantation in Maryland and taken from his mother so she could continue to work in the fields.

“I never saw my mother in the light of day,” Douglass says, explaining to a group of youngsters that he grew up on a different plantation, and his mother would sometimes walk 12 miles at night to rock him to sleep and then walk 12 miles back home. She died when he was 6 years old, Douglass says.

In a sonorous, historical, authoritative voice, Douglass explains the rations slaves were given in food — eight pounds of pork or fish — and clothing, which for children consisted of two shirts per year. Douglass relays his excitement at getting his first pair of pants at age 12.

See Douglass page 22

suffolk living 21

22 suffolk living

Suffolk’s Nathan Richardson wears a lot of hats — he’s a poet, he’s a mentor to young people who are pursuing dreams of the spoken-word arts, he’s a marketing representative for the Suffolk News-Herald and Suffolk Living magazine — but during the past couple of years he has spent an increasing amount of time wearing a wig and period clothing during his portrayals of Frederick Douglass. The role has sent him far and wide, but he still finds time to give occasional presentations right here at home. (Photos courtesy of Nathan Richardson)

Douglass continued from page 20

Douglass doesn’t shy away from sharing the brutal parts of slave life, even with children. One of his earliest memories, he shares, is hiding in a cupboard as his master whipped his aunt for visiting a young man on a nearby plantation.

Later, Douglass shares how he learned to read and write and then yearned for freedom.

“Once your mind is free, your body has to follow,” he says. “You cannot enslave a free mind.”

Wielding a book in one hand and a cane in the other, he tells of his escape to New York and how fellow abolitionists bought his freedom for $733.13. He tells of marriages, five children, running the abolitionist North Star newspaper and working with suffragists to help women obtain the right to vote.

And after a soaring recitation of a condensed version of Douglass’ speech, “What, to a Slave, is the Fourth of July?” he tells the crowd, “Good night. I am Frederick Douglass.”

Douglass, of course, would be 199 years old if he were alive today. Richardson has helped bring the historical figure back to life through his living history presentations.

Richardson first started portraying Douglass about four years ago. He was a thriving poet and spoken word artist when someone else suggested that he add a historical charSee Douglass page 23

suffolk living 23 Douglass continued from page 22

“It’s teaching [students] about civic responsibility. Your vote does not stop at the ballot box. You have to be engaged.”

- Nathan Richardson, poet

It doesn't take Nathan Richardson long to get into character when he’s portraying Frederick Douglass. The beard is his own, and the wig takes just a few moments to get right. He has memorized several of Douglass’ more important speeches, and the transformation is quick and convincing.

acter to his repertoire.

He was intrigued by the suggestion, having long been a fan of Clay Jenkinson’s portrayal of Thomas Jefferson. He began researching some figures but dismissed some, including Booker T. Washington, for various reasons.

When he came upon a photo of Frederick Douglass, he thought he looked the part. But that wasn’t all there was to it.

“When I saw Douglass’ picture, I thought physically I could do it, but could I capture the spirit?” Richardson said.

He pored over Douglass’ autobiographies, speeches and other writings and decided it was a good fit.

“He was very poetic in his writing,” Richardson said. As an advertising representative for the Suffolk News-Herald, Richardson was also intrigued that Douglass was a newspaper man as well.

“There were a lot of things I had been doing all along that set me up for it,” Richardson said. “I didn’t choose Douglass; Douglass chose me.”

Richardson has educated himself on all things Douglass to make sure he knows the man’s intent. He keeps track of lesser-known facts — Douglass was the first black man to be nominated to run for vice president, and his second wife was a white woman, for example — and studies Douglass’ views and their evolution throughout his life.

Richardson loves to explain how Douglass eventually broke with the likes of William Lloyd Garrison, who thought the Constitution was a flawed document and needed to be re-written, and came to believe the Constitution was “a document we should support wholeheartedly.”

“He eventually realized we have the best document in the world and we needed to hold our policies and politicians to those words,” Richardson said.

He has memorized condensed versions of six of Douglass’ speeches and matches them to the theme of the event.

“I take down the fourth wall and accept unscripted questions,” Richardson said.

Richardson said he enjoys his work, especially when he gets to speak to students.

“It’s teaching them about civic responsibility,” he said. “Your vote does not stop at the ballot box. You have to be engaged.” ←

24 suffolk living

Festival night lights Story and photos by R.E. Spears III

P

eanut Fest finally got a break this year. After a couple of years in which rain took the headlines, visitors were able to enjoy three solid days of beautiful weather before Sunday’s storms briefly intervened.

And if you missed Suffolk’s biggest party of the year — well, shame on you!

There’s something special about a fall festival as the sun goes down. The colors of the sunset are a backdrop to the riot of color and sound on the midway, with the screams of teenagers on the rides and the shouts of carnival workers calling visitors to the games — all punctuated by the driving beat of music over the loudspeakers.

The perfect fall weather gave visitors a chance to enjoy it all, and it inspired us to try to capture in images at least a slice of what the whole experience was like.

Enjoy our look at Peanut Fest at night. And don’t miss it next year.

suffolk living 25

26 suffolk living

Testing, testing Volvo Penta makes a splash in Eclipse Story and photos by R.E. Spears III

N

ineteen boat motor changes in two days.

That’s the record for a small team in Eclipse that specializes in being able to make quick work of switching out propulsion, fuel, steering and other systems in a fleet of 30 boats ranging from 18 to 44 feet in length.

Larry Williams, a senior technician for Volvo Penta’s testing facility in Suffolk, well remembers that two-day period.

When it was all over, he recalled recently, “I hurt all over.”

For Bob Crocker, who manages the test center, it isn’t a matter of “time is money” so much as it is that time is man-hours. Lost manhours, he says, can never be regained.

So when the team has a big project to compete, not a moment is wasted.

Crocker’s five-man team — along with a hired crew of boat drivers that varies depending on workload — is in charge of product testing for the Swedish company’s gas engines and for its diesel engines up to six liters, along with the propellers and electronics systems manufactured and marketed by Volvo Penta.

In conjunction with engineers working at the Volvo Penta USA headquarters in Chesapeake, the Suffolk team, working from a gated boatyard and marina on the banks of Chuckatuck Creek, fabricates and tests prototypes for engine parts, state-of-the art propellers, environment-friendly emissions systems and

more.

The facility has boats in the water undergoing various tests seven hours a day, five days a week, Crocker says.

That might sound like a dream job for those who like to spend time on the water, but he’s quick to note the monotonous — and sometimes grueling — conditions his boat drivers sometimes face.

Some tests might require a driver might to keep his boat moving at a certain speed for an entire day’s worth of testing — all while navigating a relatively small area, bounded by the James River ghost fleet and the old King’s Highway Bridge crossing on the Nansemond River. The only things that stop the on-water See VOLVO page 28

suffolk living 27 From left, Bob Crocker, Dan Opipare, Dave Wilson and Larry Williams stand in front of one of the aluminum boats — this one known to folks at Volvo Penta as Bob’s Ark — that the company uses to test engines and other technology at its testing center in Eclipse.

28 suffolk living VOLVO continued from page 26

testing are fog and lightning.

“What we put our boats through, no customer would ever put them through,” Crocker says.

Drivers are given checklists to watch and are rotated from one boat to another on a regular basis so they don’t become too used to the sounds and peculiarities of any particular boat. And even the most-seasoned can be prone to seasickness when it’s time for turn testing, which sends them on an endless slalom course.

“It’s not a great job,” Crocker says of the test drivers. At the very least, it’s not a job for just anyone who thinks he loves spending time on the water.

But the sacrifices those drivers make — along with the ingenuity of the designers, technicians and others at Volvo Penta — have made it possible for those who do love to spend time on the water to do so with fewer worries and headaches, says Crocker, who will celebrate his 29th anniversary with the company in January.

“Innovation is in our DNA,” he says. “We’ve always been out — way out — in

An aerial view taken right after Hurricane Isabel in 2003 shows some of the damage that was done to the boathouse and other facilities at the Volvo Penta testing center in Eclipse.

(Photo courtesy of Volvo Penta)

SUFFOLK CENTER FOR CULTURAL ARTS 110 W. FINNEY AVE. | SUFFOLK, VA 23434 SuffolkCenter.org | 757.923.2900

suffolk living 29 VOLVO continued from page 28

Dave Wilson explains one of the testing procedures that is being prepared for this engine inside the Volvo Penta test facility in Eclipse.

front of everybody else.”

As evidence, Crocker points to the company’s forward-facing drive system that improves safety and performance for wakeboarding, he notes that Volvo Penta was the first company to supercharge a diesel engine and he describes the development of a one-point drain system as a response to the company’s “easy boating initiative.”

All of those innovations are tested on Chuckatuck Creek at some point in their development.

Crocker says it’s the perfect location for an in-water testing facility.

“You couldn’t ask for a better location as far as testing for a marine environment,” he says, noting that weather conditions range from hot to cold and that waters nearby run the gamut from fresh to salt.

“We can test year-round here,” he says.

And he takes pride in the efforts the facility has taken to set environmental standards, even as it burns through a couple of thousand gallons of fuel a month.

The Eclipse facility is a Virginia-certified “clean marina,” he says, noting the contrast to what he was told was a Superfund site when Volvo Penta bought the property in 1994.

Thanks to a couple of recent Eagle Scout projects, there’s now an oyster sanctuary alongside the marina, and a partnership with the Nansemond River Preservation Alliance has resulted in marshland grass being re-established around the facility.

“There has been some type of marina or shipyard here since the 1800s,” Crocker says, and today’s environmental footprint today could well be smaller than ever before in that maritime history.

As he makes the point, a small boat inscribes figure eights in the creek beside the docks. Another engine has been switched onto another boat, and another series of tests has begun. ←

Ralph L. Howell, Jr., DDS | R. Leroy Howell, Sr., DDS C. Danielle Howell, DDS | Marvin G. Sagun, DDS

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suffolk living 31

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32 suffolk living

suffolk scene

Alzheimer's Walk The Alzheimer’s Association’s 2017 Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place at Constant’s Wharf Park on Sept. 16. Hundreds of attendees participated to raise awareness and funds for research. PHOTOS BY Tracy Agnew

Elois Wiggins, Vivian Wiggins, Gladys Wiggins and Jan Gates

Jalynn Landry, Adriane McCoy, Jason Landry, Esherica Williams, Kayelan Williams, Kayde Williams and Zion Williams

Christel Hoy, Joshua Hallman, Laurie Walsh, Sherry San Miguel, Crystal Baerga, J.R. Santo, Jenilee Holgado, Rosie Anna San Miguel and Amelia Vaughn

Carol Roldan, Paul Arber and Gabriel Ambagah

suffolk living 33

Driver Days The annual Driver Days Fall Festival was held in the village of Driver on Oct. 21-22.

Activities included games, vendors, a parade, a car show, a memorial 5K and more.

PHOTOS BY ALEX PERRY

Maddox and Easton Sigmon

Sarah Nagy and Christian Baucom

suffolk scene

Diane and Richard Wash

Kenny Harrup

Cathy Rucker, Sharon Duffee, Madison Pelo and Caitlyn Rucker

34 suffolk living

suffolk scene

First Citizen The Suffolk and North Suffolk Rotary Clubs held their annual First Citizen reception at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts on Sept. 26. John Harrell was honored as the 2017 First Citizen. PHOTOS BY TRACY AGNEW

Brian Bagley, Beth Bagley and Bruce Bowles

John Harrell and Win Winslow

Tom Powell, Sharon Sheppard and Kerry Holmes

Adam Goldblatt and Bill Pollard

J.P. Henry and Justin Gilday

suffolk living 35

Shrimp Feast The Suffolk Ruritan Club held its annual Shrimp Feast on the first day of Peanut Fest, Oct. 5. Hundreds of ticketholders enjoyed all-you-can-eat shrimp, barbecue, fixins and libations. PHOTOS BY TRACY AGNEW

Leigh Anne Canaday, Jason Leonard, Scott Fowler and Cheryl Melton

Amber and Frankie Ring

Serita Johnson, Angela Goodman, Precious Crandall and Christian Vick

suffolk scene

Angel Goodwin and Dawn Odom

Audrey Hedgepeth and Ray Quesenberry

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suffolk living 37

Last edition’s Where Am I? We were amazed at how many people knew that the stained glass window in the September/ October Where Am I challenge is located inside the Obici House. If you haven’t been there, make plans to go; this window is just one of the beautiful things you’ll see in this restored where am I? historic home. Mary I Anne Riddick’s name was randomly chosen from among those who submitted correct answers, and she wins a $25 gift card. For your chance to win, check out this edition’s challenge on Page 19.

18 suffolk living

n each edition the Suffolk Living staff provides a challenge of sorts, testing how much of Suffolk you really know.

We photograph some location in Suffolk that is readily accessible and open to the public, and see if you can tell us where it is.

If you know where this photo was taken, submit your answer, along with your name and contact information to news@suffolklivingmag.com. If you’re right, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate to any one of our partner advertisers.

So, if you know where this is, let us know. If you’re right, you could be a winner.

Go out and enjoy Suffolk!

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38 suffolk living

scrapbook

Tennis Team: The Suffolk High School boys' tennis team in the mid-'70s poses for a team photo.

Pictured from left are Tommy Barrett, Trip Hobbs, Marc Hines, John Leonard Davis, Hank Simpson and Joey Pierce.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUFFOLK-NANSEMOND HISTORICAL SOCIETY

TREASURE IS INSIDE.

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Small town charm. Engaging senior living.

Even when the surface of a thing is truly distinctive, we often need to look inside to find the real pearl (or the really delicious oyster). At The Village at Woods Edge, the beautiful countryside and the modern cottages and apartment homes may first catch your eye, but soon you’ll see there’s even more to this vibrant senior living community. To begin with, it’s a great value, offering unusually spacious residences, high-quality services and amenities, and a variety of classes and events to keep you happy and well. And there are activities, like in-season oyster roasts, that aren’t on the regular schedule but are among residents’ favorites. To arrange a visit and get started on finding your own favorite things here, call 757-745-4935 today.

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