Friends of the Occoquan offers free rain barrel workshops to groups, organizations and schools. Workshops include instructions on how to turn a food grade barrel into a rain barrel, setting up the rain barrel, environmental benefits of harvesting rain water and helpful tips and reminders. Contact FOTO to see if your group, school or organization qualifies for a free barrel.
Neabsco Elementary School-Pink Space Theory
On Earth Day, April 22, 2024, Neabsco Elementary School buzzed with eco-friendly excitement as Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) joined the Pink Space Theory Great Math Minds group to celebrate water conservation. Hosted by Pink Space Theory, a mobile STEAM-based makerspace in the Washington, D.C., area, this educational event was a delightful blend of learning and hands-on activities.
Monica Nichols, the President of Pink Space Theory, kicked off the event by introducing FOTO’s Project Manager Sonia Monson, and volunteer Diane Meetre to the eager group of upper elementary girls. Before diving into the interactive sessions, participants engaged in discussions about Earth Day's significance and this year's mission to combat plastic waste. Topics ranged from the power of water to understanding erosion, setting the stage for the main activities.
Sonia Monson sparked curiosity by presenting a jar of pickles, prompting the girls to ponder the connection between it and the looming black (pickle) barrel nearby. This led to an exploration of rain barrels, demonstrated in detail by FOTO. From crafting rain barrels to repurposing plastic bottles into watering tools for indoor plants, every activity echoed this year's Earth Day theme: Planet vs Plastics. All the while, relishing the taste of dill and sweet pickles.
Beyond the enriching sessions, attendees were treated to thoughtful tokens of appreciation, including floral light-up headbands, sunflower seeds for planting, refreshing drinks, snacks, and boxed pens and mini notebooks—a fitting conclusion to a day filled with learning and fun. Neabsco Elementary 5th graders will use the rain barrel in their school garden.
Special thanks go to Monica Nichols, photographer Krystal who works for KM Studios, 5th grade teacher Ms. Souder and FOTO volunteer Diane Meetre for their invaluable support throughout the activities. And of course, a heartfelt gratitude to all the young girls whose openness to learning and enthusiasm made this event truly memorable. A big thank you to our event sponsors!
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Belmont Elementary School Rain Barrel Workshop- Round #2
On Tuesday, April 16th, 2024, FOTO Project Manager Sonia Monson presented a rain barrel workshop to a few of the members of the Belmont Elementary School Green Club. This was the second workshop where children gathered and made rain barrels for the Belmont school garden located in the school’s courtyard. This time around FOTO donated three rain barrels to complete the four corners of the garden area. Within the next few weeks FOTO will be making two garden boxes for the courtyard area and supplying soil, compost and some fresh herb plants and seeds to go into the boxes. Special thanks go to their dedicated teacher, Kathy Lamont, Gifted Education Resource Teacher for K-5, and Brenda Paniagua, the Parent Liaison, for making this impactful workshop possible.
Thanks to our sponsors American Water and Dominion Power.
Rain Barrel Workshop at Belmont Elementary School PWC
December 12, 2023
Today, Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) had the opportunity to enhance the Belmont Elementary School garden's green initiatives by leading a workshop for their enthusiastic green team. Comprising of 3rd-5th graders, this dedicated group meets every second Tuesday of the month, actively working to transform their school into a more environmentally friendly space.
During the workshop, the students not only learned about the importance of rain barrels, but also actively participated in the hands-on experience of converting a pickling barrel into a rain harvester. This engaging session not only deepened their understanding of sustainable practices but also empowered them to contribute to making their school a "greener" place.
In a show of support, FOTO provided the students with essential tools for their environmental journey, including a notebook for notetaking, a pen, and a sticker (thanks to Clean Virginia Waterways). Special thanks go to their dedicated teacher, Kathy Lamont, Gifted Education Resource Teacher for K-5, and Brenda Paniagua, the Parent Liaison, for making this impactful workshop possible. Together, we are fostering a culture of environmental awareness and school spirit at Belmont Elementary School.
Thank you sponsor American Water for making this workshop possible.
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Rain Barrel Workshop Dale City Elementary School
April 24, 2023, Dale City, VA---Upon the invitation of Dale City Elementary School’s innovative Science Teacher, Keaton Beaumont, FOTO donated four rain barrels for their expansive garden. Sonia Monson and Renate Vanegas conducted a rain barrel workshop during the school’s SOL Spirit Week. It's inspiring to see schools and teachers promoting environmental awareness and sustainability education among their students. Rain barrels are an effective way to conserve water and reduce runoff, which is essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Educator Beaumont and Jeanne Jabara, PWC Public Schools Energy & Sustainability Coordinator, watched 35 enthusiastic students participate by adding the necessary fixtures to make the rain harvesters functional. The science class has received several accolades for its outstanding environmental and sustainability education. Kudos to them and their devoted science teacher for their dedication to this important cause. Dale City Elementary School
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Rain Barrel Workshop at Fred M. Lynn Middle
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Upon an invitation by Kimberly Davis and Life Science teacher Andrew Grupp, including several educators, Friends of the Occoquan were delighted to conduct a rain harvesting system workshop at Fred M. Lynn Middle School. Under the guidance of FOTO project member Sonia Monson, the devoted gardening students eagerly assembled the five barrels for their future vegetable garden. The five barrels will used to create a drip irrigation system for the water to run freely when needed without human assistance. These amazing young students started their plants in a greenhouse and will plant them in the raised garden beds outdoors.
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Pink Space Theory and Rain Barrels
On April 28th, 2021 FOTO had the opportunity to work with a group of young ladies that are part of the Pink Space Theory whose mission is to expose, engage, and empower underserved and underrepresented youth with STEAM learning experiences to prepare them for their future career paths and passions. Thank you to Tony Rigolizzo for the American Water goodies for the young ladies.
Activities included talking about the impacts of erosion on our soil, making a rain barrel and planting seeds. They even got a sneak peak of the baby birds in our greenhouse! Thank you to Dominion Energy, American Water and the staff of the Pink Space Theory!
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Rain Barrel Workshop Freedom High School
March 2020
FOTO members Sonia Monson and Renate Vanegas conducted a hands-on rain barrel workshop at Dr. Jessica Doiron's Pre AP/Biology class at Freedom High school's Center for Environmental/Natural Studies. About 20 enthusiastic students assembled four 50 gallon pickling barrels into rain harvesters to be used for water conservation and runoff.
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Panther Fresh Garden- Using Their Power for Good
On, Wednesday, June 5, 2019 FOTO had an opportunity to spend some time at the Panther Fresh Garden located at Lindenwood Elementary School in Norfolk, VA. In early May 2019 FOTO was able to supply the school’s green club with garden gloves, seed packets, organic soil mix, garden plants, cedar fencing, a rain barrel and paint primer. With the help of enthusiastic green club students and adult garden leaders Sharon Barnes and Steven Dolly, FOTO member Sonia Monson conducted a rain barrel workshop and together they assembled a functional 55 gallon rain barrel for the school garden. After the barrel was completed the students gave FOTO a garden tour and then worked hard mulching the area. Lindenwood’s Green Club takes great pride in the Panther Fresh Garden which is not just a garden, but an outdoor laboratory for learning about plants, decomposition (composting), recycling/reusing and community involvement. One of the great rewards of gardening is harvesting and blueberry sampling was part of the event as well- yummy!
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Rain Barrel Workshop at Lakeridge Middle School
October 4, 2018
Water conservation/rain barrel workshop at Lake Ridge Middle School.
With the help of enthusiastic science students from Elizabeth Good and Matthew Bandi's science class at Lake Ridge Middle School in Woodbridge, VA, FOTO members Sonia Monson and Renate Vanegas conducted a rain barrel workshop and assembled a functional 55 gallon rain barrel for their school garden.
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Seniors in Action at Westminster Lake Ridge Retirement Community
8/6/2018
Upon an invitation by Dr. Larry Heath, landscaping committee chair of the Westminster Lake Ridge Retirement Community, the Friends of the Occoquan gifted them with two rain barrels to complete their planned Rain and Pollinator garden project. FOTO members conducted a workshop which was well received by all who were present at their fantastic community workshop, where the barrels will be assembled and painted/decorated by residence artists.
October 2, 2018
Creativity at work at the Westminster Lake Ridge Retirement Community. FOTO donated two black rain barrels to their on-site wood shop and resident artists turned them into colorful, yet functional pieces of art.
All Things Water
March 2018
“All Things Water,” was the theme at Penn Elementary School’s Family STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) night, in Woodbridge, VA. Science teacher Loriann Pawlick and Principal Elliott Bolles, together with 250 excited students and their parents lined up to take part in activities related to water conservation, public water supply, keeping watersheds clean and other progressive systems. American Water Company, Friends of the Occoquan, Merrimac Farm Master Naturalists of Virginia, Service Authority of Prince William County and Public School’s Aquatics Center displayed and demonstrated their work related to water, from rain harvesters to how water is treated, the importance of recycling and other water conservation techniques.
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FOTO Donates Rain Barrels to the Benedictine Sisters in Bristow, VA.
On Saturday, September 23, 2017 FOTO visited the St. Benedict Monastery, located in Bristow, Virginia. Two rain barrels and other supplies were donated to their gardens.
The property is a haven of gardens with winding pathways to meditative silos, a grotto, and a labyrinth. It offers a respite from the busy pace of everyday life. Visitors and staff are welcome to take self-guided walking tours of the grounds, with maps and brochures available at the Portress’ desk.
The Place of Peace Columbarium, on the grounds of Saint Benedict Monastery, provides an environment of natural beauty and spiritual living.
Renate Vanegas, Sister Pat, German Vanegas
Rain Barrel Workshop at Granby Elementary in Norfolk, Virginia
Saturday, April 29, 2017
While northern FOTO friends were cleaning up the Occoquan River, rain barrels were being built down south. Ashley Barnett with the Norfolk School Garden Collective organized a garden building day at Granby Elementary and FOTO member Sonia Monson was there to show youngsters how to turn two pickling barrels into rain harvesters. The Norfolk School Garden Collective is an organization that connects schools to local communities around the city to build gardens and outdoor classrooms for pre k-12. These little ones were eager builders, and by the time we got to the second barrel they already knew what to do before being told. Great Job Granby Elementary!
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FOTO Rain Barrel Workshops Head to Norfolk
On Monday, June 27th 2016 FOTO presented a rain barrel workshop in Norfolk, VA. The gracious host, Kelly Kreig, gathered friends and homeschoolers to her beautiful garden so everyone could learn about the benefits of harvesting rain and turning a food grade barrel into a rain barrel. Under the guidance of FOTO team members Sonia and Donnie Monson, the young folks constructed the rain barrel that will be used to support this beautiful garden. Job Well Done! Photo Credits- Kelly Owen Krieg
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Rain Barrel Workshop Woodbridge Senior High
Thursday, April 21, 2016
Sonia Monson from the FOTO team, instructed students from the Ecological Science Club at Woodbridge Senior High School under the guidance of their student leader Audrey Scott and APES teachers Amy Cook and Margaret Evans on the importance of water conservation and how to assemble/use a rain barrel for their newly established school garden. FOTO donated herbs and flowers to help get their garden going. Congratulations go out to both the students and their teachers for their efforts.
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Wonders of Water and Rain Barrels
May 16,2016
Enthusiastic Girl Scout Brownie Troop 295 of Lake Ridge with their leaders Nicole McGee and Elizabeth Salice did a great job assembling a rain barrel under the guidance of FOTO team leaders Sonia Monson and Helga Perrin. The barrel will be donated to Springwood Elementary School's future community garden. The young girl scouts theme "Wonders of Water," went along well with FOTO's Water Conservation program.
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Boy Scout Troop 180 Constructs Rain Barrels for Community Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia
On Thursday, November 12, 2015 FOTO volunteers Donald Monson and Boy Scout Adrian Monson conducted a Rain Barrel Workshop at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Norfolk, VA. During the workshop, Troop 180 joined by Scout Master John Matroni assembled two 55 gallon pickling barrels into rain harvesters. Donald Monson lead the discussion with open ended questioning regarding the benefits of rain barrels, the hardware that accompanies the barrels, and the assembly. By using these critical thinking skills, the troop guided by Adrian Monson, assembled the two barrels into functioning rain harvesters. The two rain barrels will be donated to two community gardens in the city of Norfolk.
Drops of Peace Rain Barrel Finds a Home with Little Friends for Peace
August 13, 2015
FOTO joined the Little Friends for Peace summer campers in Mt. Rainier, MD to donate the Drops of Peace rain barrel painted at the World Children's Festival in Washington DC for their community garden project. The children enthusiastically helped FOTO team members Linda Murray and Helga Perrin assemble the barrel under the watchful eyes of MJ Park, the Director and Sarah Magno, Camp Coordinator.
Little Friends For Peace is an international organization that empowers children & adults to solve their problems nonviolently. It's a noble cause dedicated to our future generation. www.lffp.org.
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Rain Barrels for Peace at the World Children's Festival in Washington DC 7/1/2015
Children from around the globe had fun creating their own designs on rain barrels donated by the Friend's of the Occoquan at the World Children's Art Festival at the Ellipse in Washington, DC. They came to display and partake in art work, dance, music and drumming.
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Rain Barrel Workshop Boys and Girls Club of Manassas
May 19, 2015
Lisa Starr, the Education director of the Manassas Boys and Girls Club was happy to see the FOTO team donate the much needed rain barrel to make it easier to water their three already lush raised vegetable/herb garden beds.
Several students and a few garden club members learned how to assemble the rain barrel to make it functional under the guidance of FOTO instructors and master gardeners Sonia Monson, Linda Murray and Helga Perrin.
Now the students are going to use their creative talent and paint designs on their barrel.
Rain Barrel Workshops at Boys and Girls Clubs
Rain Barrel Workshop at the General Heiser Boys and Girls Club of Dumfries
May 13, 2015
The General Heiser Boys and Girls Club of Dumfries together with their activity director Loni Payton and branch director Judy Moore, learned how to assemble a rain barrel to use in their future vegetable garden.
FOTO's team members, Sonia Monson and Helga Perrin spearheaded the activity which began with a discussion on the benefits of using a rain barrel, water conservation and how to actually assemble the barrel.
Enthusiastic students drilled the holes for the faucet and overflow and then completed the installation of their donated barrel.
Rain Barrel Workshop at Coles Elementary
May 11, 2015
FOTO team members Sonia Monson and Linda Murray conducted a Rain Barrel Workshop at Coles Elementary School in Manassas. During the hands-on demonstration, a few students from the environmental club had lots of fun assembling a 55 gallon rain barrel to use in their Diversity Garden. Principal Kathryn Forgas and Kindergarten teacher Ramona Richardson spearheaded the environmental program with a beautifully laid out vegetable, fruit and butterfly garden. After the young gardeners use their artistic skills and paint the barrel, it will be put to use in their garden.
Rain Barrel Workshop at Brentsville District High
April 20, 2015
Enthusiastic students from Horticultural Technician Margaret Smith's class at Brentsville District High School in Nokesville, VA, learned how to assemble and install rain barrels. This is the only agricultural program for the Prince William County Schools.
The workshop was conducted by Friends of the Occoquan (FOTO) who donated two rain barrels as part of their water conservation program. FOTO's Renate Vanegas introduced team instructors Helga Perrin and Sonia Monson who gave a hands-on demonstration engaging all 22 students.
The class will need the rain barrels to maintain their raised bed gardens and their enormous greenhouse filled with a variety of homegrown flowers, vegetables and herbs.
The students will have a plant sale in May to raise funds for their projects. Details for the sale coming soon.
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Rain Barrel Workshop at Independent Hill School in Manassas
October 24, 2014
FOTO held a rain barrel hands-on workshop at Independent Hill School in Manassas. This environmentally progressive school has a very impressive recycling program and an on-site commercial greenhouse.
Sonia Monson talked about the 9,000-mile trip that the barrels traveled from India to North Carolina, where they were used by the Mount Olive Pickling Company. These same food-grade barrels are safe to use in collecting rainwater.
Afterwards, enthusiastic students under the guidance of FOTO’s instructors Helga Perrin and Sonia Monson assembled the faucet and overflow, crawling into the barrels to fasten the plumbing.
Several educators, including Coordinator Lorri Jones, Principal Jodi Pankowski, and Vocational teacher Eastern Gault were present during the demonstration.
The event was video-taped by Prince William County Public Schools.
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FOTO's Rain Barrel Workshop
July 12, 2014 at Lake Jackson Volunteer Fire Department Station, Manassas, VA
FOTO's Rain Barrel Workshop was an educational and hands-on event. German Vanegas introduced FOTO's team consisting of Linda Murray, Helga Perrin, Sonia Monson and Renate Vanegas. Linda began the workshop by giving attendees background information on the benefits of rain barrels and shared her first hand experience what works and doesn't work. She also explained how to install one at home. Then, Ms. Perrin, assisted by Sonia Monson demonstrated on her own hand painted barrel how to install the faucet and overflow.
FOTO looks forward to the next workshop at a local Elementary School, where two rain barrels will be donated. Date and details to be announced in the near future.
Thanks to Clean Virginia Waterways and American Water Company, for their support.
Helga Perrin and Linda Murray
Attendees
Helga Perrin demonstrates how to install the downspout.
