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September 2025 CB ConnectorWelcome to our digital monthly magazine! The Colonial Beach Connector is the Town’s official newsletter. Click on links to get more information. |
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| Have a News Tip?
Do you have an idea for a community story or information about an event that you want to share? Send text and high-resolution photographs (jpg & png) to communications@colonialbeachva.gov. All submitted material is subject to editorial review and revision and will be used as space and timing allow.
IN THIS ISSUE Local Feature Story Town Manager’s Office Parks, Recreation, & Events Department Police Department Finance & Customer Service Department Department of Public Works Community Development & Zoning Department Human Resources Department Economic Development Department Town Clerk’s Office Town Website Link to Town Meeting Calendar
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| Debbie Stachkunas Builds Community Through Inclusion
When Debbie Stachkunas first arrived in Colonial Beach, she was searching for more than a house—she was looking for a place where her family could truly belong. A longtime Special Needs teacher and the mother of three adult children, two of whom use wheelchairs, Debbie hoped to find a community that embraced diversity and acceptance. She found exactly that in Colonial Beach: a small town with a big heart.
Grateful for the welcome she received, Debbie quickly looked for ways to give back. She launched a Facebook group that blossomed into Colonial Beach Explorers, a space where neighbors share experiences and ideas about accessibility. “This is meant to be a positive and informative group,” she explains. “We talk about different venues and whether they can be accessed by people with a variety of disabilities, and sometimes even propose solutions.”
Her advocacy doesn’t stop online. Through Parks & Recreation, Debbie has helped create popular events like World Photography Day, Fancy Coffee Walks on Second Fridays, and the whimsical Hunt for a Golden Shell. Each gathering is built around connection and inclusion. She often notes that community is strongest when everyone feels welcome.
Debbie’s daughter, Sara, often joins in to lend a hand, and shares her mom’s love of photography. Together, they capture Colonial Beach images that reflect not only the charm of the town but also the joy of belonging.
For Debbie, accessibility is only part of the story. At its core, her work is about connection, bringing people together, celebrating differences, and strengthening the fabric of community. Thanks to her efforts, Colonial Beach continues to grow as a place where everyone, regardless of ability, can feel at home. |
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| From the Town Manager’s Desk:
Dear Neighbors,
Fall in Colonial Beach is something special. With the Potomac River as our backdrop and the gentle change of seasons, we are truly fortunate to live in such a beautiful place. As the leaves turn and the pace of summer quiets, we move into what the tourism industry calls our “shoulder season”.
For us, this means enjoying the best of both worlds; our town is still full of energy and activity, yet a little more relaxed, giving residents and visitors alike time to savor the simple joys of life at The Beach.
I encourage you to take in the crisp mornings, the gorgeous sunsets, and the community spirit that make Colonial Beach such a wonderful place to call home.
Warmly,
Natasha Tucker, MBA/JD Town Manager Town of Colonial Beach |
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| From the Assistant Town Manager:
Patriot Day – September 11
As we enter September, we look ahead to Patriot Day, a solemn day of remembrance and reflection. On September 11, 2001, our nation was forever changed as nearly 3,000 lives were lost, families were deeply impacted, and first responders and citizens demonstrated remarkable courage in the face of tragedy.
This day serves as a reminder of our nation’s resilience and the strength that comes when we stand united. It is also a time to reaffirm our shared commitment to the values of service, compassion, and community.
In Colonial Beach, we join communities across the country in observing this day of remembrance and honoring the enduring spirit of unity that defines us.
Kyler Brower, MPA
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Colonial Beach |
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| Saturday & Sunday, September 13 & 14
7th Annual Northern Neck Beach Music Festival A Two-Day Event!
September 13th and 14th, 2025 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM
The Colonial Beach Community Foundation and the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce partner for the 7th Annual Northern Neck Beach Music Festival. This annual fundraising event is a fun-filled weekend of beach music, dancing, food, drinks and raffles to support community funding efforts and programs through the Foundation.
For sponsorship or tent information, contact info@cbcommunityfoundation.org. For tickets to the 7th Annual Northern Neck Beach Music Festival, visit https://cbcommunityfoundation.org/beach-music-festival |
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| Saturday, September 27 Town Wide Fall Yard & Garage Sales
8AM-4PM Yard & Garage Sales are back for the fall! To include your sale on the Yard Sale Treasure Map app, send an email with your sale’s address to: sadams@colonialbeachva.gov. |
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| Friday, September 12
Coffee Walk 8:00 AM at Colonial Buzz at 215 Washington Ave. Join friends for a stroll on the Boardwalk. ~ Sip N’ Stroll 6:00-9:00 PM Downtown CB (bound by Washington and Colonial Avenues, the Beach, and Boundary Street) and the Colonial Beach Artists’ Guild’s 2nd Friday ArtWalk is where you can meet friends for fun! You can also support the Colonial Beach Youth Athletics Assoc. (CBYAA). They’ll be collecting for fall youth sports! |
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| Schedule Change Announcement: Sunday, October 5
The Alexander Graham Bell Croquet Tournament has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025 on the beach side of Town Hill. All proceeds benefit the Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad. For more info, visit their Facebook Page. |
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| Electric Bike (Ebike) Safety
Under the law, most electric bicycles are treated the same as traditional bicycles and, like most vehicles, there are rules for the road.
Ebikes fall into different classifications depending on whether the motor provides assistance only when pedaling, or if it can propel the bike without pedaling at all. In Virginia, a license is not required to ride an electric bike.
If you are 14 or younger, wear a helmet while operating or riding an Ebike in Virginia, “every person 14 years of age or younger shall wear a protective helmet whenever riding or being carried on a bicycle.” Riders of all ages, when operating a Class 3 Ebike, must also wear helmets. Other recommendations for e-bike riders include wearing bright clothing, eye protection, gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Currently, both riders and e-bike rental businesses must operate within the law for bicycles and Ebikes. For more information about Ebike regulations in Virginia, visit Law.LIS.Virginia.gov. |
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| CB’s Newest Resident On August 12, 2025, at about 1:00 AM, Sgt. Paroskie and Lt. Southard responded to a Colonial Beach residence for a female who was in active labor. While en route the officers were advised that the mother's water had broken. Sgt. Paroskie contacted dispatch to receive medical instructions until medics could arrive on scene. Lt. Southard assisted by keeping a small toddler away from the room while Sgt. Paroskie assisted with the delivery of the baby.
At about 1:11 AM Sgt. Paroskie advised dispatch that the baby's head was visible, but the child’s face was blue. Sgt. Paroskie observed that the umbilical cord was around the baby’s neck. Sgt Paroskie was able to remove the cord from the baby’s neck, and delivery was continued. At about 1:14 AM, the baby was delivered. At first, the baby was not making any sound but soon began crying. At about 1:15 AM medics arrived on scene. The baby and the mother were turned over to rescue squad personnel.
Baby and mom were transported to Mary Washington Hospital. On the afternoon of August 12, 2025, the mother called into dispatch, thanking everyone who assisted her during the delivery. She advised that she had a healthy baby boy, 10 pounds and 21 inches long. Congratulations to mom, dad, and the baby boy. And congratulations to Sgt. Paroskie and Lt. Southard for successfully assisting in bringing the newest Colonial Beach resident into the world. |
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| Neighborhood Watch Neighborhood Watch meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of the month. We hope to see those of you interested in the Neighborhood Watch program on September 25th at 5:30 PM in the Police Department conference room inside the Truist bank building at 416 Colonial Avenue in Colonial Beach. |
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| From the Finance Department:
💧 Payment Options for Your Utility Bill 💳 From the Office of Finance and Customer Service Did you know? You can choose to pay your utility bill monthly or quarterly! - Monthly: Pay $128.62 each month - Quarterly: Pay $385.86 every 3 months 📅 Quarterly bills are due: January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.
If you have questions or need help with payment options, we're here for you! If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the Finance Department to arrange payment options. Make your payments in person or by mail at
315 Douglas Ave., Colonial Beach, VA 22443, or online at our payment portal. Debit and credit card payments have a 2.95% convenience fee.
Special E-BILL MessageSign up for E-BILL by sending your name,
property address and a valid email address to: BILLING@COLONIALBEACHVA.GOV Be sure to include the word, “E-BILL”, in the subject line. Please allow one billing cycle for processing.
If you sign up for E-BILL, no paper bill will be mailed!If you have any questions or need assistance
CALL: 804-224-7183 |
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| 2025 Yard Debris Pick-up
The next yard debris pick up will be September 29 thru October 03 ____________________________ More Information about the Department of Public Works can be found at: https://colonialbeachva.gov/CBpublicworks
A Reminder for our Colonial Beach Residents 
Protect Colonial Beach Help Keep Our Drainage Ditches Clean and Clear!
Yard waste like leaves, twigs, and grass clippings might seem harmless—but when left unmanaged, they can block drainage ditches and contribute to serious water issues in our community.
Drainage ditches are an essential part of our stormwater system. They collect and carry rainwater away from roads, driveways, and yards, helping to prevent floods and water damage. But when these ditches are clogged with debris, water backs up causing localized flooding.
Here’s how you can make a difference: Leave the leaves. Shred fallen leaves using a mulching mower to create natural fertilizer for your lawn. This reduces waste and keeps your soil healthy.
Be smart about bagging. Use paper yard bags for leaves, grass clippings and other yard debris for collection on yard debris pick up days.
Keep ditches obstruction-free. Never blow, rake, or dump leaves into ditches. Burning leaves near these areas is also a fire hazard and should be avoided.
Secure your stuff. Strong winds can carry toys, tools, and containers into drainage channels. Be sure to store outdoor items safely, especially before storms.
Use what the rain gives you. Rain barrels and redirected downspouts help reduce runoff while watering your plants naturally.
Scoop the poop. Pet waste left on the ground can wash into ditches and pollute our waterways with harmful bacteria. Always clean up after your pets.
One Rule to Remember
If it’s not RAIN, it doesn’t belong in the DITCH!
By taking a few small steps, you help ensure that Colonial Beach stays dry, clean, and beautiful. Help keep our drainage system flowing and our environment protected.
Fats, Oils, and Grease Keep F.O.G. - Out of the Drain!
Fats, oils, and grease, or F.O.G., can clog our sewer systems if not handled properly. When poured down the drain, these substances harden and build up over time. Fortunately, you can help prevent this with some simple habits: Cut Back When Cooking: Use less oil or grease when preparing meals.
Let It Cool and Store Safely: Once you’re done cooking, allow leftover grease to cool. Pour it into a container like an empty juice carton or soup can. These containers can be tossed when full.
Wipe, Don’t Wash: Use a rubber spatula to scrape out as much cold grease as possible from pans. Wipe the rest out with a paper towel before washing dishes.
Freeze It Until Trash Day: Store your grease-filled container in the freezer. When it’s full and solid, throw the whole thing in the garbage.
Get Creative With Leftovers: Did you know that you can mix solidified fat with birdseed to make suet for birds?
Every small action adds up. By keeping F.O.G. out of our drains, we help protect our infrastructure, save on maintenance, and support the health of our environment! |
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| Community Development & Zoning Office OPEN to the Public Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Starting September 8, the Community Development & Zoning Office will NOW be open four days a week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
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| As part of the Town's efforts towards flood mitigation and resiliency, we'd like to share the link below from the Department of Conservation and Recreation with citizens of the Town. Each person is encouraged to share their flood story to help guide the state's approach to flood mitigation and resilience efforts. Share Your Flood Story |
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| Human Resources Department: Our mission is to foster a work environment defined by fairness, open communication, personal accountability, trust, and mutual respect. We aim to deliver effective human resource management to attract and retain a qualified workforce that meets the needs of Colonial Beach while ensuring a positive experience for all employees.
If you would like to join our team, you can find open positions by clicking this link: Colonial Beach Employment |
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| Congratulations to Kendrick Bowler for your successful start with the Department of Public Works as a part-time Building and Grounds employee!
The Town honors Blake Sparks with the Public Works Water Department for five years of service with the Town of Colonial Beach! |
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| Seasonal Tip This is the time of year when the temperatures start to cool, and the kids are back in school. As routines shift and life picks up pace, don’t forget to take a moment for yourself. Prioritize rest and self-care so burnout doesn't take hold in your world. |
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| ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - SEPTEMBER 2025 Westmoreland County Welcomes
New Economic Development Director
The new Westmoreland County Economic Development Director, Dale Hendon, started in August. Mr. Hendon will lead efforts to attract new businesses, support existing enterprises, and foster economic growth throughout the region.
Westmoreland County Economic Development Director Dale Hendon
For more information, email ccole@colonialbeachva.gov |
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| The Office of the Town Clerk Mission Statement: The Office of the Town Clerk serves the Town Council and the citizens of Colonial Beach by providing quality records control and documentation functions. As the lead communication team member for the Town, providing and disseminating accurate and timely information in a courteous fashion is the number one goal. |
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| Town Council Town Council Combined Meeting
(Work Session & Town Meeting) Wednesday, September 17, 2025, 6:00 PM
Meetings are held at the Town Center 22 Washington Avenue, Colonial Beach, VA 22443 |
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| | | VisitCBVA.com is a website specifically made for local tourism. Whether you are a year around resident or visiting Colonial Beach for the first time, you’ll find fun things to do and interesting places to go in an easy to navigate format. If you have a business with great activities, publicize your event(s) on the VisitCBVA calendar. This is a free service. Please review the requirements before submitting. All events must take place in Colonial Beach.Events must contain the event title, date & time, business name, address, contact number, website (if any), cost (if any), & a brief event synopsis.Do not add repetitive events for longer than 12 months (weekly or monthly).Pictures are optional (400px x 400px) max size.Your listing will automatically be added for review after you click “Submit Event”.All events will go through a review process and VisitCBVA retains the right to decide which events are the right fit for the calendar.
Please allow 2-3 business days for VisitCBVA to review & approve your submission.
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| Link to Calendar of Meetings
All town meetings, unless specified, are held at the Town Center
22 Washington Avenue, Colonial Beach, Virginia 22443
Planning Commission
Thursday, September 11, 2025, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM -Tuesday, September 16, 2025--Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 6:00 PM
Colonial Beach Town Meetings are open to all. Your participation in Town Government is welcome. Town Council meetings can be viewed after the meeting on YouTube or in real time on the Town’s Website: |
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| Click here for past Colonial Beach Connector newsletters. Click here to forward this newsletter to a friend and/or to subscribe. |
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| Colonial Beach in the News! |
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| | Downtown Colonial Beach put our community on the map by helping CB become a Mainstreet Affiliate. Click the yellow link above to read more! |
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| Colonial Beach, Virginia is highlighted in the Virginia Tourism Official 2025 Travel Guide. Click the yellow link above! Click Here to learn how to get a free guide and Virginia map! |
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| Good things are ALWAYS
happening at The Beach! |
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| Uses The CodeRED® system will be used to send urgent communications from the Town of Colonial Beach. Caller ID When you see the following displayed, you will know the call is from us. If you would like to hear the last message delivered to your phone, simply dial the number back. |
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