Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta: “Understanding that in a community like Occoquan we are all neighbors, many of you have inquired about how you might support those impacted by the fire [that displaced eight people] at 116 Washington Street in Occoquan. After considering the best means of offering support and consultation with some of those affected, Occoquan Town Council Member Eliot Perkins has taken the lead in establishing a GoFundMe page to raise money for those affected. All proceeds will be distributed evenly among the 6 housing units impacted by the fire.”

“If you would like to contribute please go to gofund.me/c4cc641a. Thank you in advance for your consideration and generosity.”

The Prince William County Fire Department responded to two separate incidents involving fires in different buildings today.

At 6:19 a.m., fire crews were called to the Chick-fil-A in the 9900 block of Sowder Village Square near Manassas. Units swiftly responded to reports of the building on fire, discovering flames emanating from the rear of the structure upon arrival. The fire caused moderate damage to the establishment, said Prince William County Assistant Fire Chief Matt Smolsky.

Investigations by the Fire Marshal’s Office revealed that the fire was triggered when staff members activated a heater in the trash room, unaware of combustible materials nearby. Currently, the operational status of the restaurant remains unknown, said Smolksy.

At 12:26 a.m., county fire crews rushed to the 100 block of Washington Street in Occoquan following reports of an apartment building engulfed in flames. Arriving at the scene, crews encountered smoke and fire in a six-unit apartment building.

Quick-thinking neighbors played a crucial role in ensuring the safety of all occupants, alerting them to evacuate the building promptly. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. However, the fire caused extensive damage, rendering the structure unsafe for occupancy, as determined by the Building Official.

Eight adults from the six affected units are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. The Fire Marshal’s Office continues its investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

Occoquan artist Vicky Somma has created many works of art throughout the years, but when she made Occoquan’s Mamie Davis Park into a Christmas ornament, she reached Hallmark Christmas Movie fame.

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The Occoquan Town Seal is getting a makeover.

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Prince William County Government: “Prince William County leaders, staff and members of the Lake Ridge community came together to celebrate the officially opening of the Occoquan Greenway Hedges Run Segment 3 Bridge that was installed earlier this summer.”

“The new bridge, for both pedestrians and bicyclists, is an upgrade to an existing trail, leased for public access from Lake Ridge Parks and Recreation Association, in the Lake Ridge community near the Occoquan Reservoir. The bridge and associated trail reroute replaces three splash-through creek crossings with a single elevated pedestrian/bicycle route.”

The ribbon cutting took place on December 7, 2023.

Occoquan Mayor Earine Porta: “Visit River Mill Park in the town of Occoquan on Thursday, December 7, at 5:30 p.m., as our friends from Chabad Lubavitch of Greater Gainesville & Manassas celebrate the first night of Hanukkah by lighting the menorah they generously donated to the town last year. This event is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.”

Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta: “Come down to Occoquan this Saturday, December 1, and greet Santa as he arrives by boat at the town dock behind Madigan’s Waterfront Restaurant at 10:45 a.m. After disembarking Santa will walk down Mill Street to River Mill Park where he will meet with children of all ages starting at 11:00 a.m.”

Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta: “Saturday, November 18, the town will host two dedications. First, at 3:00 p.m., town officials will cut the ribbon for the new welcome mural at the Route 123 entrance to town. This work, by artist Alethea Marie Robinson and commissioned by the Town Council, was selected from a number of wonderful submissions.”

“Then, at 3:30 p.m., town officials will cut the ribbon for the official naming of the island under the Route 123 bridge. For a period of approximately one year the island will be known and signed as ‘Heron’s Haven’, the name submitted by Tom and Mary Craig during the town’s island naming contest held last June during Riverfest. Please feel free to stop by both dedications this Saturday.”

“And don’t forget that there is no need to worry about finding parking in town for all of Saturday’s activities. The town will be running the FREE Occoquan Express shuttle service from noon until 8:00 p.m. from the VDOT commuter lot at the corner of Route 123 and Old Bridge Road. Shuttle service will run approximately every 20 minutes, depending on traffic.”

Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta: “This Saturday, November 18, is the kickoff for the town of Occoquan’s annual HolidayFest. From 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, one block of Mill Street will be turned into a pop up market with almost 30 vendors, while many town businesses will be open until 8:00 p.m. as well. From 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.”

“Sip & Stroll rules will be effect enabling visitors to walk and shop in the historic district while enjoying adult beverages from participating restaurants. Then, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. there will again be fire pits with free marshmallows to roast, as well as cocoa, cider, and s’mores kits available for purchase adjacent to River Mill Park. And, of course, the centerpiece of the event will be the annual town tree lighting in front of the Occoquan Town Hall (314 Mill Street) at 6:00 p.m.”

“We hope you will consider joining us for this annual town tradition. For more information go to https://www.visitoccoquanva.com/holiday.”