Greetings, Prince William: Mark Your Calendars for Volunteer Prince William’s Fall Reverse Raffle & Dinner in support of Untrim-A-Tree, October 19, 6:30pm at Prince William County Fairgrounds 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112. Doors open at 6pm, the raffle begins at 7pm. Your $100 donation includes dinner for 2, two drink tickets per ticket and the opportunity to win prizes leading up to the Grand Prize of $10,000! It should be a fun evening of good food, networking, and a chance to win the Grand Prize, all to support a cause which will guarantee vulnerable children in our community will have a Merry Christmas on December 25! Please email [email protected] for more information.
- Support our veterans by giving the gift of a lift! Our VETS program has an ongoing need for volunteers age 21+ to provide transportation to local veterans and their spouse on weekdays to medical appointments, shopping, etc. If you’re a veteran looking to connect with fellow vets or looking to fill up your day, this is a meaningful experience. Schedules are flexible, and you’ll feel great as you provide a ride, a friendly face and help this population meet their needs! Please visit https://bit.ly/4eWwrdB for details, email [email protected] for more information. This opportunity is made possible by a grant from Potomac Health Foundation.
- You can help senior citizens facing food insecurity! ACTS needs dedicated volunteers to deliver boxes of food to homebound seniors and people with disabilities in eastern Prince William County Monday-Thursday, 11am-1pm. Volunteers need a valid driver’s license and can use any size vehicle, though a van may be provided if necessary. Boxes can weigh up to 40 pounds. Volunteers typically call or text recipients to notify them that their delivery is on the way. You’ll feel great as you ensure that those who are unable to leave their homes receive the food they need! Note: Client Intake Volunteers are also needed! Duties include assisting clients with booking appointments, registering new clients, and ensuring every client receives the support they need. Familiarity with client intake software and fluency in Spanish helpful, but not necessary! For more information, please email [email protected].
- Catholic Charities in Manassas is looking for Fall Semester Interns to support their Migration and Refugee Services which helps newly arrived families find community and support to thrive in the US. Numerous projects need intern support such as outreach, client assistance, database work, newsletter and much more! You’ll have a busy and rewarding semester as you help immigrants successfully navigate the various systems to get settled in the US! Please email [email protected] for more information.
- Do you enjoy supporting live concerts? Clearbrook Center of the Arts located in Lake Ridge needs volunteer Event Stagehands age 18+ to contribute to the smooth running of their events. Jobs include guiding show bands to their designated staging areas, assisting bands with load-in/breakdown and helping with stage setup/breakdown. You get to enjoy some great live music and get Free admission to a future Clearbrook concert of your choice! To view the concert schedule, please visit
www.clearbrookcenterofthearts.org, visit their SignUp Genius page at
https://signup.com/go/gjAhPZb to volunteer. Please email [email protected] for more information. - Lace up your running shoes - Girls on The Run Northern Virginia is preparing for their Fall season September 23-November 24, and they need Volunteer Coaches age 16+ to coach teams in the greater Prince William community! No experience needed; just a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Must commit to 2-3 hours a week for the season with a few additional hours required for Coach Training and the GOTR NOVA season-ending 5K celebration. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give. You’ll feel awesome as you help young girls gain confidence in themselves and their abilities! Please visit www.gotrnova.org/coach to learn more, email [email protected] for more information.
- It’s that time again – Historic Manassas, Inc. needs volunteers to support the upcoming Fall Jubilee October 5, 6am-6pm in Old Town Manassas! Volunteers of any age are welcome, volunteers under age 16 must volunteer with an adult over 18. Duties include setup, keeping trash picked up, helping to monitor Kids Areas and the Stage Area. You’ll have a fun time enjoying all the sights, food, and music of this event while you help to promote the advantages of visiting Old Town! Please visit https://bit.ly/3Sp91TJ to sign up, email [email protected] to learn more.
- Are you a fan of gardening? Prince William Conservation Alliance is looking for volunteers to help prepare the wildlife garden at Merrimac Farm, 15014 Deepwood Lane, Nokesville for the winter season on September 21, 9am-12pm. Jobs include pulling trees, removing plants, clearing paths, hanging deer deterrents, taking inventory, and cleaning the very small pond. Please feel free to bring your own tools, especially to cut and remove small trees; tools and gloves will be available for use. This family-friendly event is a wonderful opportunity to support native wildlife, get outside, and welcome the changing of the seasons! Please visit https://bit.ly/3XmbWyJ for more information, email [email protected] to learn more.
- “Farm livin’ is the life for me…” Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting Farm Field Days October 9 and 10, 8am-1pm at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, 10624 Dumfries Road, Manassas 20112. Volunteers are needed to support this event which educates 4th graders about agriculture and farm life. Duties include helping set up, check in volunteers, monitor various agricultural stations, set up/monitor the concession stand and guide student groups from one station to the next. No farm experience is needed! Lunch will be provided to volunteers once the event ends. This should be lots of fun as you help educate students about farm living! Please visit https://bit.ly/3smBobx to register. Questions? Please email [email protected] or call 571.379.7514 to learn more.
- You can help clean up the Occoquan River! On September 21, 9am-2pm Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition (PWTSC) is conducting its 15th Annual Clean-Up of the Upper Occoquan River from nine different sites along 25+ miles of the Occoquan River. Experienced kayakers, canoeists, Jon boaters, and pontoon boaters are also requested for the on-the-water portion of this conservation effort. Homeowners’ associations, civic associations, and businesses are encouraged to join in this effort. T-shirts and refreshments provided, you’ll feel great knowing you’re helping to beautify an area which provides water for most of eastern Prince William and Fairfax counties! Please visit https://bit.ly/3MfMRjR to sign up, email [email protected] to learn more. Rain Date September 28.
- Jazz Lovers! Please join the Virginia Women and Family Support Center for an enchanting evening under the stars at Jazz on the Lawn September 21, 4pm-9pm at 14019A Glenkirk Road in Gainesville! Immerse yourself in the soothing melodies of live jazz presented by The Continental Jazz Congress. Relax and unwind as you sip on unlimited wines and indulge in a delicious dinner provided by BJ's Brewhouse and complemented with a dessert bar. Whether you're a lover of jazz, looking for a date night or want to unwind in the company of friends and neighbors, this event promises to be a delightful fusion of music, community, and culinary delights! You’ll feel great as you treat yourself to an unforgettable night out and know that 100% of proceeds will go towards housing women and families in need. Please visit www.vawfsc.org/jazzonthelawn for more information and ticket purchase, email [email protected] to learn more.
If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Press Release:
This week, the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department (OWL VFD) proudly unveils its newest community initiative: a Little Free Library dedicated to Assistant Chief Michael Clark. Located in front of Station 14, the library is a tribute to Chief Clark's 35 years of service, commitment to education, and lifelong dedication to the OWL VFD.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Sanctuary jurisdictions typically have regulations that limit cooperation with ICE, impacting the enforcement of immigration laws. These measures may include refusing ICE detainers, restricting agency interactions with ICE, or hindering the sharing of information about incarcerated aliens.
ICE uses detainers as a key mechanism to detain aliens involved in criminal activities, ensuring their custody transfer for deportation. These detainers provide details about the individual’s criminal and immigration history, highlighting their public safety or security risk.
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
Tropical Storm Debby is expected to bring two to three inches of rain, possible tornadoes, and wind gusts of 40-50 mph to our area. Significant inland flooding from the Occoquan River and local creeks such as Ballywhack Creek is likely. Occoquan Town staff prepare for the storm by stocking emergency materials and cleaning drainage grates. At the same time, residents are advised to exercise caution, report power outages, and stay alert for potential flash flooding and downed power lines.
From Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta:
As many of you are probably aware, Tropical Storm Debby is expected to impact our area most heavily this evening through Friday. Projected impacts include 2-3 inches of rain, possible tornados, and wind gusts of 40-50 mph. Those of you who have lived in Occoquan for 10-15 years likely recall it is often less the winds that impact the town, but inland flooding from the prodigious amounts of rain that such storms may bring.
Of course, one source of such flooding is the Occoquan River itself. Yet thanks to the capabilities of Fairfax Water and others, the amount of potential flooding from both water coming over the dam (which does not and has never had any flood control gates) and water coming upriver from a tidal bore is fairly predictable, and riverfront property owners are generally well prepared, knowing that the occasional downside of a beautiful waterfront location is that the river will sometimes overflow its banks.
Much less predictable and a more consistent source of damage in town is flash flooding from the creeks that enter town, particularly Ballywhack Creek at Tanyard Hill Road. This is an inevitable feature of living in a riverfront valley, but over the last ten years a great deal of progress has been made in addressing flooding associated with the creek. Prince William County has retrofitted the storm water retention pond on LRPRA property to slow the water that flows into the creek from outside of town.
Typically, Prince William County also checks the catcher devices upstream from town before a storm to ensure they are clear of debris and ready to stop new debris that might flow downstream and block the culvert under Tanyard Hill Road. VDOT has also installed and deepened drainage trenches along the roadway to catch and redirect more water.
Video: Occoquan floods during Tropical Storm Alex in 2011
Heavy rainfall across portions of the Carolinas is expected to persist through today along with areas of considerable flooding. Heavy rainfall will also result in considerable to locally catastrophic flooding impacts across portions of the Mid-Atlantic States and Northeast… pic.twitter.com/tmQqE6qVMH
— National Weather Service (@NWS) August 8, 2024
For the past week, crews have been working to replace underground water pipes in Occoquan.
If you’re a business owner, resident, or frequent town visitor, please let us know how this work has affected you in the comments.
Mayor Earnie Porta issued this statement over the weekend to describe the ongoing work.
I have received a number of inquiries regarding the construction on Union and Commerce Streets from individuals who may not have signed up for AlertOccoquan or viewed updates on the town web site. The construction is to replace degraded storm water pipes. Funding for this particular project was secured by Virginia Delegate Luke Torian and is a precursor to a more comprehensive storm water system upgrade that will be funded by the federal government through the efforts of Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger. This particular construction is expected to be completed next week, weather permitting, and will continue to be accompanied by temporary parking restrictions and road closures. Town Manager, Adam Linn, has indicated that Deputy Town Manager Matt Whitmoyer and Deputy Chief Jason Forman were instrumental in negotiating the use of state funding for this project. For regular updates, please subscribe to the town’s official public notification system, AlertOccoquan, by going to the following link: occoquanva.gov/government/public-safety/alertoccoquan/. Photos below are courtesy of Councilmember Cindy Fithian.
Occoquan sits on the banks of the river of the same name, just off I-95 near Woodbridge.
The Occoquan River Boat Show will occur at Occoquan Harbour Marina, 13180 Marina Way in Woodbridge, from July 12 to July 14. This event will feature boats from seven manufacturers, allowing visitors to compare different models and find the right boat for their needs.
Event hours:
– Friday, July 12: Noon – 6 p.m.
– Saturday, July 13: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
– Sunday, July 14: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
According to Capt. George Phillips of the Pirates Guide to Boating, a boater resource for the Potomac River, the idea for the Occoquan River Boat Show began when a group of local dealers and marinas recognized the potential for a dedicated event to showcase the area’s boating opportunities. With the Occoquan River’s picturesque setting and the abundance of marinas and boat dealers in Prince William County, it was clear that a boat show would be an excellent way to promote boating and connect enthusiasts with the latest models and technologies.
Seven boat manufacturers will be represented, offering the latest models equipped with state-of-the-art design and equipment. Boats will be displayed both on the lot and in the water.
The exhibitors include Prince William Marina, Holly Acres, Hoffmaster’s Marina, and Harbour Yacht Sales. The Pirate’s Guide to Boating will also be present and distribute free items.
While no seminars are planned for this year, numerous experts will be available to answer questions. Visitors are encouraged to attend in the mornings to avoid the heat. Parking should be ample, but families are advised to consolidate into one vehicle.
This year’s event sponsors include Holly Acres, Prince William Marina, Hoffmaster’s Marina, and The Pirate’s Guide to Boating. Each sponsor will conduct their own promotions, with The Pirate’s Guide doing joint event promotion.
Additional attractions will focus on boats and dealers this year, with plans for more attractions next year. Exhibitors will likely offer free show gear, and The Harbour Grille, a river-front restaurant at the exact location, plans to provide special drinks for the event.
On Saturday, June 29, 2024, the Town of Occoquan assigned the honorary designation of “Ogle Harris Way” to the 100 block of Poplar Alley in Occoquan. The Town expressed its appreciation for the contributions to the Occoquan community of Ogle Harris, his family, and his descendants through a dedication program and ceremony, attended by dozens of community members, plus local and state representatives.
Led by Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta, the ceremony included remarks by Representative Abigail Spanberger, read by a staff member, in addition to a tribute by Tamika Joy Harris-Russell, a descendant of Ogle Harris. Members of the Harris family were also invited to share stories and memories.
“Ogle Harris and his extended family were a cornerstone of Occoquan’s commercial and social community, and at the heart of the town’s African-American community, for the first 75 years or more of the 20th century,” said Mayor Porta. “It was an honor and pleasure to be able to recognize them for their contributions to our history,” he continued.
In the early years of the 20th century, Harris began a business out of his home at 204 Washington Street, which by the end of the century’s second decade had become one of Occoquan’s main grocery stores, selling meat, fresh produce, fishing tackle, sodas, candy, and sundry other goods. His store became an Occoquan institution and a cornerstone of the town’s commercial and African-American communities. It remained so after his passing in 1949 under the auspices of his son Arthur and his daughter-in-law Doris, until it formally closed in 1974.
“Mr. Harris was known throughout the community for his honesty, generosity, and his upstanding character,” wrote Representative Abigail Spanberger (D), in her Congressional remarks read at the event. “The store served as a center for Occoquan’s commercial and African American communities.”
5:30 p.m. –Â The park has reopened. The latest from Mayor Earnie Porta:
River Mill Park has re-opened after a temporary closure that began after 8:00 p.m. last evening due to a water main break underneath the Fairfax Water access road to the dam. The main break caused water to pour from underneath the pavement down the slopes behind and adjacent to the LOVE sign and through the park. Fairfax Water personnel were able to turn off the water not long after 9:00 p.m. last evening, and today worked to clear the resulting sediment and gravel from the park’s foot path. It will be next week before all the sediment and gravel can be cleared from some of the grassy areas in the park, but the park is now re-opened for public use and no long term damage is anticipated.
11:30 a.m. –Â A water main break closed River Mill Park in Occoquan.
This video on Thursday, June 27, 2024, shows water spilling over the retaining wall into the Occoquan River. “
“The break occurred on Fairfax Water’s side of the system and did not require action from Service Authority staff. It did not impact our infrastructure or water service,” states a Prince William Water (formerly Service Authority) spokeswoman.
Subscribe to our news email for updates on this and other breaking stories.
The park sits at the end of Mill Street, the town’s main drag, and is a popular gathering spot for summer concerts and events.
Water spilled over the retaining wall at @VisitOccoquan‘s River Mill Park. We’re working to find out what happened. So far, @pwwaterofficial has not provided an update. Hat tip to the reader who sent us this video! pic.twitter.com/qg4jTp827F
— Potomac Local News (@PotomacLocal) June 28, 2024
Hat tip to the reader who sent us this video!
Thank you to everyone who participated in and helped out at the 16th annual Occoquan Duck Splash.
