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October 2025 CB ConnectorWelcome to our digital monthly magazine! The Colonial Beach Connector is the Town’s official newsletter. Click on the links to get more information. |
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| REMINDERTown Offices are closed Monday, October 13 in observance of Indigenous People’s Day and Columbus Day. |
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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 sadams@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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| Pat FitzGerald - 49 Years on Call
Local legend, Pat FitzGerald, graduated from Madison College (now James Madison University) before moving to Colonial Beach in June, 1971 to be the girl's health and PE teacher. She would pick up the younger kids at the building now known as Town Hall. Pat remembers spending teaching time in the Drifter Dome, the nickname given to the shared gymnasium. She also taught Drivers’ Ed and coached softball. Three years ago the High School Softball Field was named in her honor. “Miss Pat” or “Fitz”, as former students call her, still plays in the annual alumni softball game on FitzGerald Field.
Pat admits, “I'd never known about small town life.” further explaining, “My dad was in the army.” Pat was born in Toledo, Ohio. The family was transferred to a base in Germany. After a few years her family moved to Northern Virginia where her dad was stationed at Ft. Belvoir. Once she graduated college, Pat applied for teaching positions. At her interview with Principal Burchell in Colonial Beach she learned that each fall the women ran Colonial Beach High School for a few days. “Come the first part of October we men have to go hunting,” he told her. Pat’s response? “I just said, ‘Oh, okay.’”
In 1976, two longtime Volunteer Rescue Squad members, Carlton and Annie Laura Hudson, asked Pat to join the Volunteer Rescue Squad. According to Pat, “Carlton built the original building out of cinder blocks.” She has fond memories of the Hudsons. “They were my mentors; almost like adoptive parents.”
Pat has spent the last 49 years with the Rescue Squad driving the ambulance, administering CPR, and handling a variety of emergencies including labor and delivery. Pat drove former CBVRS Chief Holden Oliff’s mom to the hospital while she was pregnant with Holden. “Carlton would tell me, “You’re running too many calls.” I just said, “I enjoy doing it and I’m volunteering last I checked.”
Pat has spent her career saving people and animals. Every pet she’s ever had was and is a rescue. She started the CB Humane Society 30 years ago to compassionately control the feral cat population through Trap-Neuter-Return. “I started it with Larry Roberson and Judy Wasing,” because, she notes, “the county doesn't deal with cats.”
Just three years ago Pat started volunteering with Valor Ranch where veterans, first responders, and their families can enjoy nature. Pat loves being around the animals at Valor Ranch. In fact, Pat is never without an animal nearby. Her many dogs have included Shadow who regularly rode in police cars, Friendly who had her own member number at the gym, and now Jackie who makes friends everywhere she goes.
Pat still has family she visits, but Colonial Beach is her home. “It’s just me and my dogs.” After making tens of thousands of squad calls in her 49-year career, what does Pat FitzGerald look forward to? “I'm looking forward to 50!” I ask, “Will you retire after that?” She thinks for a second, and then firmly states, “Nah”. |
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| From the Town Manager’s Desk:
Dear Neighbors,
As October settles in, I’m reminded how fortunate we are to live in such a vibrant community. This month brings cooler days, fall colors, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Colonial Beach together. Council and staff are continuing to work hard on several key projects, from park improvements to infrastructure planning, and I look forward to sharing updates as they move forward.
October is also a time for community spirit; seasonal events, local business activities, and neighbors gathering all remind us of what makes our town special. I encourage everyone to participate, support our local businesses, and take advantage of the fall events that bring us together.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and engagement,
Natasha Tucker, MBA/JD Town Manager Town of Colonial Beach |
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| From the Assistant Town Manager:
As September comes to a close, the Town of Colonial Beach would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all participants in this year’s Seasonal Vendor Program. We hope that residents and visitors alike enjoyed the goods and services our vendors brought to the community throughout the season.
Looking ahead to 2026, the Town will be reviewing the Seasonal Vendor Program to identify opportunities for improvement. We plan to host meetings with vendors to hear about their experiences, including what worked well, any challenges they faced, and ideas for making the program even better for both vendors and customers. As a reminder, vendors can still purchase off-season permits for specific days or weekends if they wish to continue selling outside the regular program.
Thank you again to all our vendors and to everyone who supported them this season.
Kyler Brower, MPA
Assistant Town Manager
Town of Colonial Beach |
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| October Events
Fredericksburg Fallen Heroes
Annual BBQ Cook-Off Saturday, October 4th, 2025 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (winners announced at 3:30) Town Hill on the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues
Fredericksburg Fallen Heroes brings back the search for the best BBQ! Entry for the public is free. All you need to do is eat BBQ and sides and vote for your favorites! This annual fundraising event supports the work of the Fredericksburg Fallen Heroes organization.
For more information, visit: https://fredfallenheroes.com/6thannualbbq/
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Alexander Graham Bell
Croquet Tournament Sunday, October 5th, 2025 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Town Hill on the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues
The 11th Annual Alexander Graham Bell Croquet Tournament returns to Town Hill in Colonial Beach on Sunday, October 5, 2025, with play running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Preliminary matches can be viewed at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00 AM. The championship showdown happens at 1:00 PM. The tournament raises vital support for the Colonial Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad, so every swing of the mallet helps our community.
For more information, visit: AGBCroquetTourney
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Colonial Beach Bike Fest
Annual 4-Day Event Thursday through Sunday October 9th-12th, 2025 Free to Attend / Free Parking / Free Concerts For more information, visit: colonialbeachbikefest.com
Thursday, October 9th 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Town Hill on the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues and the Town Boardwalk 12:00 PM: Official start of Bike Fest
Food & Merchandise Vendors
Beer/Wine Stand Open
1:00 PM-5:00 PM: Concerts on Main Stage
DJ Grim spinning tunes on Town Hill Stage
Friday, October 10th 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (winners announced at 3:30) Town Hill on the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues and the Town Boardwalk 8:30 PM–10:30 AM: Defender of Freedom Ride
11:00 AM: Merchandise and Food vendors
12:00 PM: Beer/Wine Stand open
1:00 PM-5:00 PM: DJ Grim spinning tunes on Town Hill Stage
1:00 PM-9 PM: Concerts on Main Stage 2:00 PM: Opening Ceremony
Saturday, October 11th 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (winners announced at 3:30) Town Hill on the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues and the Town Boardwalk 10:00 AM: Bike Show Registration 11:00 AM: Merchandise and Food vendors open 12:00 PM: Beer/Wine stand opens 1:00 PM: Bike Show Judging 1:30 PM: Bike Show Awards 1:00 PM-9 PM: Concerts Main Stage
Sunday, October 12th 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (winners announced at 3:30) Town Hill on the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues and the Town Boardwalk 11:00 AM: Merchandise and Food vendors open 12:00 PM: Beer/Wine stand open 1:00 PM-5 PM: Concerts Main Stage
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National Night Out Police & First Responders Event Tuesday, October 14th, 2025 - 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Town Hill on the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues (See Police Department section below for more information)
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Beach to Beer
5K & 10K Run and Fun Walk/Run Saturday, October 18th, 2025 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM Town Hill on the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues
Good Day for a Run Returns to Colonial Beach, VA for their 8th Annual COLONIAL BEACH TO BEER 10K/5K Races and 1 Mile Walk. This Race Proudly Supports Beach Arts Music & Mentoring.
To race/cheer the runners/walkers, visit: Beach to Beer 5k-10k for more information and race maps.
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Annual Fall Festival And Halloween Golf Cart Parade
October 25th, 2025 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM Town Hill on the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues
Join the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce on Town Hill for Colonial Beach’s Annual Fall Festival and Halloween Golf Cart Parade! Enjoy food, crafts, games, music, costume contests, and a family-friendly parade of creatively decorated golf carts cruising “the Point” starting at 4:00 PM the Saturday before Halloween!
For more information, visit: 2025FallFestival |
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| Friday, October 14
Coffee Walk 8:00 AM at Colonial Buzz at 215 Washington Ave. Join friends for a cup of coffee and a stroll along the Boardwalk. ~ WPD ArtWalk 6:00-9:00 PM CB Creative Arts Center at 114 Washington Avenue hosts the World Photography Day show! You’ll see a variety of photographs from a single day. Coffee table books from past World Photography Day events will be available for purchase. |
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National Night Out
Police & First Responders October 14th, 2025 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Town Hill on the corner of Colonial and Washington Avenues
The Colonial Beach Police Department invites everyone to celebrate with our First Responders at our annual National Night Out Celebration! Join us for food, games, and family fun! Questions? Contact LT. V. Wright #540-834-6345 |
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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.
Utility bills are due October 1 Penalty and interest will apply November 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 804-224-7183.
Make your payments in person or by mail at
315 Douglas Ave., Colonial Beach, VA 22443, OR Pay 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
continue through October 3rd ____________________________ 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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| Welcome to our new Director of Community Planning & Zoning, Angela Lawrence 
Angela Lawrence is an accomplished leader in both public and non-profit sectors, working at local, regional and state levels. Her career has included grants administration, parks and recreation consulting, trails and greenways planning, and nonprofit leadership. She has most recently assisted Botetourt County, Virginia with special Community Development projects. In addition to her administrative roles, Ms. Lawrence has also served on the elected and appointed side of local government, as a planning commissioner, town council member and Mayor for the Town of Ashland. Ms. Lawrence has two adult children and four grandchildren with another due in February. When she is not spending time with her family, she is usually outside hiking, bicycling, kayaking, camping or gardening. She loves participating in local community events and looks forward to meeting people as she walks throughout the Town. |
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| The Community Development & Zoning Office is NOW 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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| Please welcome our two newest
Colonial Beach Police Department officers, Soraya Keyvanfar and Bryan Tinder. |
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| IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
The Town of Colonial Beach and Downtown Colonial Beach (DCB) are partners in an initiative, Downtown Colonial Beach Connectivity Study, through a grant from the Department of Housing and Community Development's Virginia Main Street program. The grant supports work to conduct an existing conditions analysis of the designated downtown district, a market assessment of current and potential commerce within that area, and a commercial development opportunity assessment. The Richmond engineering firm, Timmons Group, was selected to lead the work with subcontractor, 3TP Ventures, a North Carolina consulting firm. The work began in 2024 and will conclude at the end of this year.
As part of their in depth research, Timmons and 3TP reviewed previous studies, including the Business District Revitalization Plan (2013), VCU Market Study (2021), Town of Colonial Beach Comprehensive Plan 2020-2030 (2021), Downtown Parking Report (2022), Parks Master Plan (2023) and the Virginia Tourism Corporation's Tourism Action Plan for the Town of Colonial Beach (2024). More recently, Timmons and 3TP conducted a stakeholder meeting of nearly two dozen individuals representing different demographic segments of the Town. The result of those conversations was added to the earlier research to create a draft Downtown Connectivity Plan.
Now, the Town of Colonial Beach and DCB are inviting all members of the public to review the draft report. You may do so by clicking this link: https://colonialbeachdowntown-timmons-group.hub.arcgis.com/
In addition to viewing the draft report, members of the public are invited to attend the larger, more encompassing stakeholder event to be held on Monday, October 6 at the Colonial Beach Elementary School gym. The time and additional details will be available soon and will be made available to the public.
We eagerly invite your participation in the October 6 stakeholder event. Your input is vitally important to this work.
If you have questions about the draft report or need additional information about the overall connectivity project, please contact Charlotte Cole, Economic Development Director, Town of Colonial Beach and Executive Director, Downtown Colonial Beach, at ccole@colonialbeachva.gov executivedirector@downtowncolonialbeach.org |
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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 Work Session Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 6:00 PM
Town Council Regular Meeting Wednesday, October 15, 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 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
-Tuesday, October 7, 2025, 6:00 PM -Planning Commission
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM --Tuesday, October 21, 2025
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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