Even with the federal government encouraging social distancing, neighbors in the small town of Occoquan are still seeing a lot of each other.
In Occoquan, residents do not have their mail delivered. Instead, they go directly to the post office to retrieve it.
It’s an exception to the rule in an area where the majority of mail is delivered by hand to individual mailboxes. However, with the coronavirus outbreak, the post office has taken action to ensure the health of its staff and the public.
“I haven’t seen any problems at the post office. Everybody’s very polite here in town. One person comes in, they go to the desk, and take care of their business. The other person stays back, six feet if not more, and the rest of the people stay outside and wait,” said restaurant owner Kathy Anderson, who operates three businesses in the town — Bar J Chili Parlor, the Grind N Crepe, and The Third Base Pizza & Frozen Custard.
The U.S. Postal Service declined to be interviewed for this story.
Steps that the Occoquan Post Office has taken include monitoring their inner and outer lobbies, only allowing two people in each at a time, and encouraging people to remain six feet apart from each other. They have also distributed gloves, masks, and disinfectants to their employees and have posted instructions for residents to follow CDC guidelines, we’re told.
Meanwhile, the town council is working to continuously provide information to Occoquan residents and following the guidance of Governor Ralph Northam and the CDC.
Mayor Earnie Porta has released multiple newsletters with information regarding social distancing, the mail, businesses, and the 2020 Census. He has encouraged residents to pick up their Census form and fill it out online.
The police department has also been tasked to interact with residents and to answer any questions they have.
“We’re getting information out to folks to consistently be providing information on our websites, to let people know how we’re gonna be supporting them. To get all the key information that people need to know about where they can go to get what kind of information, whether it be Prince William Emergency Management or our department of health for Virginia. I’m trying to get that information to people consistently,” said Occoquan Town Council member and Chairman of the Planning Commission, Eliot Perkins.
More information can be found through Mayor Porta’s newsletters, the Occoquan town website.
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The fishing pier at Leesylvania State Park in Woodbridge has been closed due to significant structural damage caused by ice and extreme winter weather.
Repairs are needed across the entire structure, and park management is working diligently to complete the necessary fixes as quickly as possible.
“Most of the bracing has broken underneath, and the roof portion of the pier also has extensive damage to the pillars holding it up,” said Kenneth Ashdown, Leesylvania State Park Manager. “It is not safe for the pier to be open to the public at this time, and we hope to have this repaired as soon as possible.”
After more than two decades of dedicated service to the community, City Treasurer Brenda Wood has announced her retirement, effective at the end of the year. Wood, the City Treasurer since January 2014, will not seek re-election in November 2025.
Wood’s career with the City spans more than 23 years, with her most notable role being Treasurer. Before stepping into that role, she served as Chief Deputy Treasurer under G.M. Haney. Wood’s leadership helped bring the Treasurer’s office to new heights, including successfully implementing new financial systems and the recent upgrade to the city’s online payment portal. Under her watch, the office achieved accreditation, a mark of excellence in municipal finance.
Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session; to keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes. Virginia shares bills, votes, and schedules online through the Legislative Information System.
Virginia has 100 delegates who serve two-year terms. Between Jan. 8 and Jan. 30, 2,370 bills were introduced by delegates and senators. A total of 287 have failed the House of Delegates so far, and 306 have passed the House, many of which have moved into a committee for further review.
Manassas continues to make strides in its commitment to fostering a business environment, with the Manassas Business Council (NBC) and the Economic Development Authority (EDA) reflecting on the city’s ongoing growth and vision for future projects. Both organizations presented their annual reports during the city council meeting on January 27, 2025, highlighting key initiatives, business growth, and revitalization efforts. The Manassas Business Council’s efforts to connect with local businesses have paid off with a year of meetings, presentations, and discussions. Key highlights from their year include monthly meetings with industry experts, discussions about economic development in the city, and presentations on projects such as the façade and landscape improvement grants. Notably, the city’s economic development initiatives were discussed, including the work to support small businesses and increase community engagement. Council members were also informed about the successes of local restaurants and the efforts to make Historic Downtown Manassas a business district.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
