Norfolk oyster roast aims to build new reefs

NORFOLK

An oyster roast scheduled Sunday at the Hermitage Museum and Gardens has an environmental twist to it.

All shucked shells will be kept, cleaned and donated to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. The recycled shells will be used to help build new oyster reefs planned in the Lafayette River, on which the Hermitage sits.

The foundation last year set concrete "reef balls" near the Hermitage's shoreline in order to spur oyster growth in the Lafayette.

The event, which also will feature Virginia-brewed beers, will help the Hermitage pay for a new heating and air conditioning system. The old system broke in late May, closing the museum for two weeks until a temporary unit could be installed.

The event is from 3 to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Tickets are $40 for museum members, $50 for the public. To purchase them, visit www.thfm.org or call (757) 423-2052, ext. 205.