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.
Rescue Chief Sandra Williams, who also serves as a school teacher, envisioned the Little Free Library as a way to promote literacy and knowledge-sharing within the community. “Many children lack regular access to books outside of school, making initiatives like our Little Free Library crucial,” said Williams. “The library not only connects us to the community but also empowers young minds with the joy of reading, encouraging imagination, creativity, and critical thinking.”
The Little Free Library is a simple yet powerful concept—a “take a book, share a book” exchange where community members can leave or borrow books at no cost. The library at OWL VFD will offer books for all ages, making it a welcoming space for families, individuals, and firefighters to enjoy. This initiative fosters a love for reading while promoting community engagement and connection.
Chief Michael Clark, a life member of OWL VFD and the library’s namesake, has been an inspiration to the department and community throughout his decades of service. Despite facing ALS, Clark continues to share his knowledge and passion for fire service through his role on the Board of Directors and by leading the department’s history group. His efforts have preserved the legacy of OWL VFD, providing valuable lessons and inspiration to its members.
Reflecting on his career, Clark said, “Back when I started in 1976, it was about giving back to my community. As time went on, OWL gave me the training and knowledge to support my advancement through the ranks of the department. Over the last 40+ years, I’ve seen the challenges of the department to keep providing services to the community. Unfortunately, due to my illness, I wasn’t able to continue my goals for my position and the department. I had a great career in the fire service, but I wish that I could do more.”
The Little Free Library at Station 14 is more than just a collection of books—it represents OWL VFD’s ongoing commitment to education, community service, and honoring the contributions of its members. The department invites the public to visit, borrow a book, and join in celebrating Chief Clark’s lasting legacy.
For more information on OWL VFD and its community outreach programs, visit www.owlvfd.org
About OWL VFD:
The Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department (OWL VFD) has been serving the local community since 1938, providing fire and emergency services to protect lives, property, and the environment. OWL VFD is one of the largest and busiest volunteer fire departments in Virginia, responding to more than 20,000 calls annually.
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.
Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center, expressed concern over the growth of sanctuary policies. “It is alarming to see the continued proliferation of sanctuary policies, especially in places like Virginia, where ICE has had to use its scarce resources to re-arrest violent gang members and rapists in our communities who were set free by local jails, when they should have been transferred directly to ICE custody for a plane ride home,” Vaughan stated.
The proliferation of sanctuary policies raises concerns, particularly due to the necessity for ICE to reallocate resources to apprehend dangerous criminals who are released by local authorities rather than being transferred to ICE. Vaughan emphasizes the need for legislative action to foster cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE, and to address non-compliance.
The newly updated map introduces 170 new sanctuary regions across the U.S., including counties and cities. Some of these jurisdictions are in states with laws against sanctuary policies. The report highlights significant increases in sanctuary designations in states like Virginia, North Dakota, Nebraska, New York, and Minnesota.
This update, derived from ICE’s internal tracking and a Freedom of Information Act request, points to over 10,000 deportable aliens being released back into communities over the years due to sanctuary policies, with many reoffending.
The news comes as Virginia State Senator Tara Durant (R) revealed reports of two additional intrusions at Quantico Marine Corps Base following the arrests of two men from Jordan who were in the U.S. illegally. Potomac Local News broke the story and told you the men were arrested after allegedly posing as Amazon delivery drivers and ramming the front gate of the military installation on May 3, 2023.
Durant said the additional incursions occurred on May 3, the same day two Jordanian nationals in the U.S. illegally posed as Amazon delivery men.
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.
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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.
(Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta) There is still time to register for Occoquan’s 2nd Annual “Whatever Floats Your Boat Parade,” which will take place this Saturday, June 1, as part of the RiverFest and Craft Show.
