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December 2025 CB ConnectorWelcome to our monthly magazine! The Colonial Beach Connector is the Town’s official digital newsletter. |
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| REMINDER
Town Offices will be closed from Wednesday, December 24 through Friday, December 26 for the Christmas Holiday. Offices will also be closed on Thursday, January 1 in observance of New Year’s Day. |
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| From the Town Manager:
Happy December Colonial Beach, we’ve made it to the final chapter of 2025! The month when we all collectively agree that cookies are a breakfast food, Amazon boxes become part of our home décor, and we pretend the glitter from holiday crafts isn’t going to be with us until June.
It’s been a busy, productive year for Colonial Beach. We’ve tackled infrastructure projects, launched new initiatives, and kept things moving even when Mother Nature tried her best to send us sideways. Through it all, our incredible Town staff has worked hard to keep services running smoothly. I promise, we only bribed them with minimal amounts of holiday treats.
December is one of my favorite months here in Colonial Beach. The lights go up, the river sparkles, and the whole town feels just a little more magical. Whether you’re enjoying a local event, supporting our local businesses, or simply trying to untangle last year’s string of lights, I hope you find plenty of reasons to smile.
Thank you to our residents, businesses, volunteers, and partners for another year of support and engagement. You are the reason this town works, grows, and occasionally laughs its way through the unexpected.
As we head into 2026, I’m excited to keep the momentum going with new projects and continued collaboration. Until then, I hope your holiday season is filled with joy, good food, and just the right amount of family chaos.
Wishing you a bright, cheerful, and delightfully chaotic holiday season!
— Natasha Tucker, MBA/JD Town Manager |
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| From the Assistant Town Manager:
As we enter the month of December, we take a moment to remember the anniversary of Pearl Harbor and honor the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience shown on that day in 1941. It is a reminder of the profound cost of our freedoms and the generations of Americans who stepped forward in service to protect them. We are grateful for their courage and for the men and women who continue to serve our nation today.
December also brings the Christmas season, an opportunity to slow down, enjoy time with family and friends, and reflect on the blessings in our lives. No matter how busy the year has felt, this is a chance to reconnect with the people and traditions that mean the most.
As we look ahead to 2026, I am excited for the work we will accomplish together. Thank you for your continued support of our community and for all you do to make Colonial Beach a special place to call home.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy holiday season,
Kyler Brower, MPA
Assistant Town Manager |
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| | Showing Up for Kids
 Here in Colonial Beach John and Eileen Heath have become part of the community through the simple act of showing up. After moving from Richmond several years ago, they found a place that felt like home and a purpose they could share.
In 2017 with friends Jenny Sullivan and Michele Mehrling, they helped create BAMM: Beach Arts Music & Mentoring. BAMM is a volunteer-led nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing opportunities to kids in Colonial Beach. John refers to this as “filling the gaps”.
John and Eileen are equal partners in every sense. They each bring their own strengths, energy, and passion to the work. Although much of their work is done through the local schools, BAMM serves home-schooled kids, local kids in other school districts, and young adults in trade schools and college.
John, the BAMM board president, approaches organizational tasks with steady guidance and a sense of humor. He believes in practical pathways for students to develop self-confidence and assuring students their community cares for them. Eileen brings warmth, creativity, and encourages volunteerism. When asking for help Eileen says, “Mostly people say yes.” She emphasizes, “I want to know what you see that could turn into a mentoring program that could change a child’s life.” When Eileen talks about BAMM she says, “Beach, Arts, Music, and the most important word is ‘Mentoring’.”
Both John and Eileen are a constant presence at school events and activities. They and other volunteers ensure young people feel welcomed, supported, and inspired. Through BAMM, John and Eileen have helped strengthen the heart of Colonial Beach, one caring connection at a time. |
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| Hunt for a Golden Oyster Shell December 1-10 Outside Areas in Downtown Colonial Beach Find a golden shell in the outside areas in Downtown Colonial Beach to trade for an artisan shell at: Cooper Library, Beach Paws Boutique, or Magnolia Hall. One trade per day.
Santa's Wonderland & Winter Festival Parade Hosted by the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce December 6 - 11:00 AM-4:00 PM Town Hill Corner of Washington and Colonial Avenues Come for bike raffles, cookie decorating, and a big parade at noon! Sign up for the parade with the Chamber of Commerce: info@colonialbeach.org.
Stick Around for: 3:00 Community Caroling Party on the Washington Ave. sidewalk next to Town Hill 4:00 PM Tree-Lighting Ceremony on Town Hill 6:00 Lighted Jeep Parade around “the Point” starts at Dockside Restaurant (1787 Castlewood Dr.).
Due to the severe drop in temperature expected Friday, December 5 and continuing through the weekend, Public Works will winterize all public bathrooms except for the ones at Wilder. The family bathrooms at Wilder will remain open; however, the trailer bathroom on Town Hill will be winterized and will not be available during Winter Fest on December 6 and throughout the winter months. Portable toilets will continue to be available throughout winter.
A Whitestone Christmas December 13 and 14 CB Museum 128 Hawthorne St The Colonial Beach Historical Society and Museum hosts their Annual Holiday Home Tours. Find more information at: A Whitestone Christmas.
1st Night of Hanukkah December 14 at Sundown
Town Hill Corner of Washington and Colonial Avenues Commemorate the first Night of Hanukkah with a Menorah Lighting. All are welcome to attend this sunset ceremony. |
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| Friday, December 12
 Coffee Walk
8:00 AM Colonial Buzz 215 Washington Ave. We get together for casual walking with coffee & friends.
 2nd Friday ArtWalk
& Sip N’ Stroll 6:00-9:00 PM in Downtown Colonial Beach. To see a Sip N’ Stroll map, focus your smartphone camera on the black & white square QR code on the yellow image. Follow the link. |
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| CBPD Achieves State Accreditation
 The Colonial Beach Police Department has earned Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) accreditation—a mark of excellence recognizing its commitment to professionalism, integrity, and accountability. This rigorous, multi-year process reviews everything from leadership and training to community engagement and operations. The achievement reflects the department’s dedication to continuous improvement and its mission to serve Colonial Beach with distinction.
Click here to read more! |
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| Neighborhood Watch There will be no Neighborhood Watch in December due to the Christmas holiday.
Neighborhood Watch meetings are generally held on the 4th Thursday of each month in the Police Department conference room inside the Truist Bank building at 416 Colonial Avenue in Colonial Beach. |
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| PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT DELINQUENT PERSONAL PROPERTY TAX COLLECTIONS
The Town of Colonial Beach has partnered with Taxing Authority Consulting Services, P.C. (TACS) to assist in the collection of delinquent Personal Property taxes.
Pursuant to §58.1-3958 of the Code of Virginia, localities may impose fees to cover administrative costs and reasonable attorney’s or collection agency fees. These fees may not exceed 20% of the taxes due and are in addition to all penalties and interest.
Beginning January 1, 2026, all delinquent Personal Property tax accounts will be referred to TACS for collection. Once an account is transferred, a 20% collection fee will be added to the total amount due, as authorized by state law.
To avoid additional fees or collection actions, taxpayers are encouraged to pay any delinquent balances with the Finance Department before accounts are transferred to TACS.
For questions or to make payment arrangements, please contact: Town of Colonial Beach Finance Department 315 Douglas Avenue Colonial Beach, VA 22443 📞 (804) 224-7181
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| From the Finance
and Customer Service
Department
💧 Payment Options for Your Utility Bill: 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.
Real Estate & Personal Property Taxes are due on or before December 5. Please note that penalty and interest will begin December 6, 2025 for late payments.
If you have questions or need help with payment options, we are 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.
Make your payments in person or by mail 315 Douglas Ave., Colonial Beach, VA 22443
When paying your bills online, use the following text entry boxes: 3rd Box: Personal Property Taxes 4th Box: Real Estate Taxes 5th Box: Utility Payments
For assistance call 804-224-7183.
Sign 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 at least one billing cycle for processing. If you sign up for E-BILL, no paper bill will be mailed!If you have questions or need assistance CALL: 804-224-7183 |
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| Holiday Trash Schedule
December 24, 2025 through January 2, 2026: Monday and Tuesday route, December 22 and 23, trash will be picked up on Monday, December 22. Wednesday and Thursday route, December 24 and 25, trash will be picked up on Tuesday, December 23. Friday route, December 26, trash will be picked up on Monday, December 29. Thursday route, January 1, trash will be picked up on Friday, January 2.
Yard Debris Pick-up Schedule
 The next yard debris
pick-up week is Monday, December 8 through Friday, December 12 on your regular trash pick-up day.
Yard debris pick-up begins again in March, 2026 on YOUR trash day! Only bagged or bundled yard debris will be picked up. · Separate yard debris from normal trash · Large paper bags are preferred over plastic · Max: 4 feet long and under 40 lbs.
Click Here for holiday trash pick up schedule. |
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| The Colonial Beach Department of Planning & Community Development has the responsibility of guiding and facilitating the Town’s long and short-term development. This includes working with all stakeholders to develop the long-term comprehensive plan by making recommendations to efficiently and effectively guide future development for the benefit of present and future residents of the Town.
If you have questions regarding zoning rules and regulations, contact the Department of Planning & Community Development for more information or review the town’s zoning ordinances HERE. |
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| Planning Commission News Welcome, Farewell, and Training The Colonial Beach Planning Commission has three new planning commissioners. Lauren Adams and AnneMarie Bairstow began their terms in November and Bill Malone’s term will begin December 1. Commissioners are appointed by Town Council.
Ms. Adams and Ms. Bairstow are filling the unexpired seats vacated by Pat Kurhtz and Bailey Thompson at the end of August. Bill Malone replaces Bob Christiansen who has completed (2) four-year terms.
At its October meeting, the Commission recognized and showed appreciation to Mr. Chistiansen for his dedicated service as a member of the Town of Colonial Beach Planning Commission from November 2017 to November 2025. His contributions to the Planning Commission and planning and zoning efforts in the town have made Colonial Beach a better place for all citizens today and in the future.
Commissioner Nigel Long recently completed the Certified Planning Commissioner Program through VCUs Land Use Education Program. The role of the Planning Commission is important to the Town and commissioners’ dedication to serving the town is greatly appreciated. 
 Bob Christiansen retires from the Planning Commission after 8 years of service.
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| Beginning Monday, December 1, 2025, the Planning and Community Development office will be open to the public:
Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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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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| Keep your Holiday Stress at Bay 
The holidays can be a joyous, happy time, but that doesn’t mean they’re stress free. Between the many demands and hustle and bustle, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some helpful tips that you can follow: • Balance work and family commitments. • Address the root causes of stress and anxiety. • Stay healthy during the holidays.
From our home to yours, wishing you and your family, a healthy, stress-free and well-balanced Holiday! |
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Town Tourism
The Town’s Economic Development Department has created a Tourism Committee to help cultivate tourism and hospitality as an economic driver for Colonial Beach. The committee had its kick-off meeting on November 4 and discussed a number of objectives, including activities to support the upcoming VA250 celebration. They also will work with Downtown Colonial Beach on upcoming holiday initiatives such as “Light Up the Night” and Small Shopping Saturday to encourage out-of-market visitation to the Town during the holiday and shoulder seasons. |
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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
Will NOT be held Wednesday, December 3, 2025
Town Council Regular Meeting will be Wednesday, December 17, 2025, 6:00 PM
Meetings are held at the Town Center 22 Washington Avenue, Colonial Beach, VA 22443 |
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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 helped 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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| Uses: The CodeRED® system will be used to send urgent communications from the Town of Colonial Beach.
When you see the following displayed on your Caller ID, 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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