RiverFest & Craft Show 2023 in the Town of Occoquan
June 4th and 5th 2023
Perfect weather and talented artisans brought out a huge crowd to this past weekend’s Occoquan RiverFest & Craft Show 2023 in the scenic Town of Occoquan. The event featured two full days of activities for all ages, including live entertainment, great food, arts & crafts, a beer garden, Conservation Alley, and river activities.
Friends of the Occoquan participated in Conservation Alley, a section dedicated to sustainability, and the environment. This section also allowed children to earn a Jr. Passport by visiting various Conservation Alley stations and earning points to get a prize. FOTO presented Planting Mammoth Sunflowers an activity that included planting a seed in soil and taking it home. Each child received a Sunflower Kit, which included 4 seeds, a plant marker, a follow-up sheet on how to take care of their sunflower, and a book marker.
Kudos to Julie Little and the staff for putting together this well-organized and successful event.
Image:
Rockledge Elementary School Summer Prep Event
May 25, 2023
On Thursday, May 25, 2023 FOTO participated in Rockledge Elementary School’s Summer Prep Event. The organizers of this fun and educational event were Parent Liaison Evelyn Ayala, Principal Nikki Steptoe-Coleman, and the teachers. The various organization's games, refreshments, sports activities, and children learning about their community projects were displayed. The school planted a beautiful pollinator garden.
Image:
Partnership Breakfast Town of Occoquan
March 2023
At today's partnership breakfast in the Town Hall of Occoquan, we represented the Friends of the Occoquan, and met with several business owners learning about various upcoming events and activities the Town offers. We'll have our River/Town cleanup event on April 15th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It's not to late to register.
Rockledge Elementary School Stem Night
March 27, 2023
What a wonderful idea to expand children's knowledge!
Under the guidance of educator Carla Waller, yesterday's Stem night at Rockledge Elementary School encouraged students/families to visit the six educational exhibits. German & Renate Vanegas and Sonia Monson from Friends of the Occoquan talked about their programs, while Manassas Councilwoman Theresa Coates Ellis and George Ellis from PWRBA spoke about bees, and the PWC Service Authority showed the children all about water. The photos attached show a few of the other exhibitors.
Image:
FOTO Donates Honey, Vegetables, and Crocheted Hats to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Food and Clothing Drive 10/21/2022
Image:
5th Annual Prince William County Native Plant Symposium
FOTO team members Sonia Monson and Renate Vanegas attended on Sat., Feb. 11, 2023, the all-day event of the 5th Annual Prince William County Native Plant Symposium at the Manassas GM campus. The Verizon auditorium was filled to the last seat. Knowledgeable educators, authors, scientists, and master gardeners resented topics such as, "Meadows, native plants, native edibles, invasive plants, native VA bees, backyard gardeners and climate chaos, soil health, information on how to build and maintain your own gardens, herbaceous perennials, and landscape design, and much more.
Image:
American Water Safety Fair
October 27, 2022
FOTO exhibited at a Safety Fair for American Water VA/MD, which has an excellent rating when it comes to safety. The event revolved around taking safety precautions to prevent injury to both AM Water employees and civilians. In attendance were many American Water employees from all over VA/MD, such as Barry Suits, President; Casey Allen, Vice President; Shelby Wease, Field Operations; Lynda DiMenna, Chief Environmental /Safety Officer; and Christian Volk, Water Quality Manager in the Richmond, VA region.
Their charity represented the Wounded Warrior Project, represented by Mary Tallouzi, whose son sustained a traumatic head injury in Iraq. Aside from FOTO, various contractors were in attendance.
Local politicians who spoke were PWC’s Neabsco District Supervisor Victor S. Angry and Ann B. Wheeler, PWC Chair at Large Board of Supervisors. It was an educational and informative event, especially since American Water has such an excellent safety rating.
Image:
October 19, 2021
FOTO Members Alex Vanegas and Sonia Monson had the opportunity to have a Zoom meeting with the Science National Honor Society students at Forest Park High School lead by Environmental Science teacher Tabatha Zarkauskas. The six students asked FOTO members questions pertaining to Friends of the Occoquan’s programs, how its members got involved with environmental work, and other water and land conservation questions. Discussions included small acts that students can take to preserve and improve local water quality, decrease soil erosion, build healthy soil, and ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Recommended activities included planting pollinator gardens using native plants, planting trees, building soil through composting and using rain barrels.
Stop Mowing and Start Growing!
February 8, 2020
Stop Mowing, Start Growing was the theme for the symposium on Native Plants, sponsored by various agencies of Prince William County, VA Cooperative Extension, Plant NOVA Natives Plant, and many others. 🌲, Native 🌱 for 🐝 , 🦅 and butterflies 🦋! Keep our 💦 clean👍 @ Northern Community College Woodbridge Campus.
Image:
INSIDENOVA Article on FOTO's Spring 2018 Cleanup click here
Boy Scout Occoquan District Event
May 2018
Upon invitation, the Friends of the Occoquan introduced their multiple programs to help clean up local waterways and encourage community gardens at the Boy Scouts of America Occoquan District Program launch that was well attended.
Occoquan Recreated: A Grand Reopening!
June 23, 2018
FOTO had an opportunity to be part of Occoquan Recreated, a festival commemorating the reopening of the Occoquan Regional Park which has been home to major changes and improvements. New features include: • The River View at the Jean R. Packard Center - A premier event space for up to 300 seated guests, featuring the 1608 room, and interpretive foyer depicting John Smith's voyage on the Chesapeake Bay. • Brickmakers Cafe - A casual riverfront cafe with outdoor seating. • Riverfront Improvements - Improved waterfront plaza and boardwalk. • Large Group Pavilion - Located in the back of the park, the new pavilion will accomodate large groups and special events. • 5k Loop Trail - A perfect trail for the casual walker or for organized events.
FOTO worked alongside American Water presenting water conservation activities for festival attendees.
"Ending Plastic Pollution: Opportunities for the Public/Private Sectors"
April 23, 2018
FOTO members Sonia Monson and Renate Vanegas attended an interesting event at the Finland Embassy in Washington, DC. "Ending Plastic Pollution: Opportunities for the Public/Private Sectors. Plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to our environment. In the US alone, 100 Billion plastic shopping bags are used and discarded annually and only 5% are recycled, and it takes 1,000 years to degrade them. The European Union with Finland as one of the leaders, adopted a strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy which will transform the way plastic products are designed, used, produced and recycled.
Image:
Luncheon with Dominion Energy Representatives and Grant Presentation
June 2017
FOTO gave a luncheon at the McCoart Building for Dominion Energy representatives Deborah Johnson and Haley Snowdon and FOTO helpers to discuss details of expanding community gardens in Springfield, Norfolk and Herndon as well as in Prince William County, and supporting Eagle Scout projects related to gardening and water conservation.
John D. and Maxine Ringle Day in Fairfax County
July the 26th is officially called the John D. and Maxine Ringle Day in Fairfax County. The Ringles received this proclaimation for their visionary and environmentally sound approach to development of the Occoquan Watershed. John Ringle’s company constructed 11 communities adjacent to the Occoquan Reservoir keeping low density a priority. Maxine Ringle passed away on July 10, 2016 and designated the Friends of the Occoquan to receive donations in her name. In her memory FOTO will continue the conservation of the Occoquan Watershed.
Occoquan Spring Arts and Crafts Festival June 2016
The Town of Occoquan bustled with activity during the 2-day Arts & Crafts Show. Artists from all over the country displayed their crafts and the Friends of the Occoquan raffled off a handpainted rain barrel and homegrown plants including several red maple seedlings at their tent. The lucky raffle winner was Vanessa Diaz. Children enjoyed drawing their creations on a poster and had fun at the display of two giant ducks where Optimist Club members sold tickets for the 10th Annual Duck Splash on June 18, 2016 at noon.
Image:
Go Gaga for Green 2016
April 30, 2016
FOTO was one of Arlington Green Patriot Awards nominees at George Mason University’s “Go Gaga for Green,” a community Earth Day celebration, where we enjoyed live entertainment, great food and wonderful door prizes and a spectacular display of painted rain barrels by junior artists of various schools within Arlington. Master of Ceremony, Meteorologist Brian Van de Graaff did a fine job keeping the program on schedule. Click Here to learn more about Operation Rain Barrel and the wonderful artwork.
Keep Prince William County Beautiful Festival
On Saturday, April 23, 2016 FOTO participated in a new community event- The Keep Prince William Beautiful Festival. The event is designed to showcase businesses, nonprofits, food vendors, and other organizations that advance KPWB mission and community life in the county. What started out as a rainy windy day blossomed into a sunny one with many activities for all ages. At the FOTO tent many children stopped by to paint river rocks and learn about rain barrels. A big thank you to Keep Prince William Beautiful for allowing us to be part of this event.
Image:
FOTO Rolls Out the Holiday Barrel for the Santa Parade
On Saturday, December 12, 2015 FOTO participated in a lively Santa Parade in Lake Ridge, VA. Gorgeous weather helped for a great turnout and lots of fun. A holiday rain barrel was designed and a river mural created by local children was put on display.
December 11, 2015
Another haul of accumulated trash collected by Sonia Monson since FOTO's last cleanup on October 17th. Trash consisted of about 75% plastic bottles, 25% different types of balls and the rest random items.
FOTO Launches Community/Home Garden Project
On August 25, 2015, FOTO team members launched their Community Garden project. German Vanegas, Renate Vanegas, Sonia Monson, Linda Murray and Helga Perrin gave presentations. Deborah Johnson and Chuck Penn from Dominion Power, one of our sponsors, presented a grant check. The Community Garden Project will coincide with FOTO's already established Rain Barrel Project.
In attendance at todays presentation were Mike May, Occoquan Supervisor; Earnie Porta, former mayor of the Town Occoquan; and Bobby Klancher representing Chairman Corey Stewart. Joining us also were Thomas Benjamin, Treasurer of NOVA Veterans Association, Bill Olson and Kristy Smedely of Grace Community Garden, Doug O'Brien with Tom Burrell representing LOCCA and Lake RIdge HOA, Nancy Berlin of VA COOP Ext. and Master Gardener Coordinator, Coles Elementary School Teacher Ramona Richardson and William Moss of PRS and Kimm Barry, IT Specialist.
Visit Potomac Local to see news coverage of the event.
Image:
Congratulations to Kristen Mark - FOTO'S Fall Gardening Kit Winner!
FOTO Brings the Art of Fall Gardening to the
Occoquan Arts and Craft Festival
The predicted rainy weather did not interfere with this year's Arts and Crafts Festival in the Town of Occoquan. As part of FOTO's Community Garden Project, a ceder barrel planter filled with fall vegetables,a few decorative plants, soil and gloves was raffled off. Having this raffle gave FOTO an opportunity to talk with festival goers about planting fall gardens. Children visited our tent and were able to express themselves creatively by adding their drawings to a river mural. Many river supporters stopped by to express their thanks to FOTO and to find out how they can help with the upcoming clean up on Saturday, October 17th.
Sonia Monson, Patti Rothrock and Cathy Tarr
Water Mural
Children stop by to draw on the river mural.
Vendor from Tribal Stylez draws the raffle winner.
Congratulations to our Rain Barrel Raffle Winner Lauren Peters
Rain Barrels for Peace at the World Children's Festival in Washington DC
The picturesque town of Occoquan was buzzing with activities over the past weekend. Contemporary artisans & country crafters from all over the United States displayed their work at the semi-annual Arts & Craft Show. At the FOTO booth, local artist John Rothrock displayed his ceramic ware. FOTO's rain barrel raffle was a success with Lauren Peters from Woodbridge winning the hand painted barrel. Duck Splash tickets were also sold for the upcoming event on June 20th.
Image:
River Fest 2015
A beautiful day brought out many families with their children to the yearly Occoquan Regional Park River Fest. FOTO worked with young artists creating fish and turtles out of recycled materials such as old CD's and paper.
Image:
Virginia has a new park!
Several environmental groups, Native Americans and state functionaries attended the transfer deed of the Natural Bridge from Angelo Puglisi to a Conservation Group who will convey the rights to the Commonwealth of Virginia to become a new state park. Governor Terry McAuliffe and Alex Vanegas, member of the Virginia Conservation and Recreation Board, attended this ceremony.
Image:
With coordination of National Park Service and the District of Columbia FOTO installed bilingual signs at tne Chain Bridge over the Potomac River.
Image:
Members of Chesapeake Bay Program Office visit FOTO
On September 15, 2006 three members of the Chesapeake Bay Program Office visited FOTO. We reviewed some of our ongoing programs and showed them the Town of Occoquan, Lake Ridge Marina, Bull Run and Fountainhead. Alicia in charge of the newsletter, wrote an article about FOTO in the Chesapeake Bay newsletter: "In tiny Occoquan, VA........." To read this article click here.
Below are some pictures of this visit.
One of the bilingual signs
Hanna Bracken, Brent McCloskey and Alicia Pimental
Wetland Model Presentation
On Saturday, November 4, 2006, FOTO met Cub Scouts #1344, at the Occoquan Regional Park. Renate G. Vanegas discussed the importance of wetlands and demonstrated the wetland model. This model is the one that FOTO is promoting and soonwill be given to teachers and other watershed organizations. Afterwards cub scouts and their parents cleaned up the river around Shelter 4.
Following are some pictures of this event.
Presentation by Renate Vanegas
Presentation by Renate Vanegas
Presentation by Renate Vanegas
Cub Scouts in action
Cub Scouts in action
Results after hard work
Robert Flowe, Cub Scout leader
Cub Scouts in action
Reviewing cleanup efforts
Reviewing cleanup efforts
Robert Flowe, Cub Scout leader; John Gavin
Town of Occoquan
Town of Occoquan
Town of Occoquan
Town of Occoquan
International Signs Installed
On July 16, 2007 we completed the installation of seven signs: 2 at Bull Run Marina, 2 at Fountainhead Marina and 3 at Sandy Run Marina. On December 27, 2006, in coordination with Brian Hennesy, Park Manager, we installed six bilingual signs at the Occoquan Regional Park.Following are some pictures of these signs.
Foto gives 30 Wetland Models to PWSWCD
On March 29, 2007 FOTO (Holly Wootten and German Vanegas) met with staff members of the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District (Kate Norris, District Manager and Beata Coss, Conservation Specialist) and delivered 30 Wetland Models. PWSWCD works with Prince William Schools and assist them with conservation resources. These models will be a good tool for teachers to introduce wetlands and their important function as a line of defense against pollution of our rivers. You can reach Kate and Beata at www.pwswcd.org
German Vanegas presenting Models to Kate Norris
Holly Describing Wetland Model
Wetland Model
Johns Hopkins University Latest Alumni & Friends news
August 2009 Issue
What’s Hot A monthly selection from Web sites and online resources around Johns Hopkins that you might find interesting or useful:
AS PART OF OUR PROGRAM OF ENGAGING THE SPANISH SPEAKING COMMUNITY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA, FOTO SPONSORED TWO EVENTS, ONE IN THE FALL’04 AND ANOTHER IN THE SPRING’05.
EVENT AT JENNIE DEAN PARK, FOUR MILE RUN, ARLINGTON.
The first event took place on Saturday, November 13, 2004, 12 noon to 2 pm, when we joined forces with Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment to organize a cleanup of the Four Mile Run. FOTO provided snacks and refreshments. Volunteers received a certificate of appreciation from Governor Warner of Virginia.
Thirty seven volunteers met at the park along the Jennie Dean Park and collected several trash bags, mattresses and other heavy objects. The following volunteers participated:
David Aburto Garcia
Ricardo Alvarado Lopez
Hugo Ardon Morales
James Bosso
Juan Martinez
Richard Stern
Melissa Avenius
Doug Grepier
Andres Tobar
Carlos Corea
Cristobal Montoya
FedericoNy
Ali Legnos
Hien Vuong
Andrew Yao
Jiali Bai
Emily Barnes
Jonathan Hakakian
Norvin Stevens
Kurt Stevens
Matthew Wilson
M. Nesh
Jose Eleazar Ventura
Carlos Geovanny Montes
Audrey Ford
Katie Schuette
Julie Ann Miranda-Brobeck
Patrick Heydori
Joshua Lee
Cervando Uria
Juan Torres
Juan Ramon
Jaime Omar
Juan Ramon Funez
Juan Ventura
Elenor Hodges
German A. Vanegas
The Jennie Dean Park is located in Shirlington, next to the Four Mile Run, 3630 27th Street, Arlington, VA, where several bilingual signs have been posted.
