Communication Lines during a disaster must remain open

When disaster strikes disseminating information takes on a greater priority. All of the normal lines of communication may become gridlocked and getting information out to the residents of Colonial Beach becomes a greater challenge.

In an effort to meet this challenge, in the event of an emergency, the Town of Colonial Beach will use the following methods of getting information out to the residents.

Due to overwhelming citizen response and confusion about the issue of whether a separate permit is needed for use of town electricity, this reporter sat down with Town Manager Val Foulds Monday, Aug. 23.  Foulds reported that she has received many e-mails and phone calls from groups and individuals who have been issued permits or plan to apply for permits for special events at the beach, all concerned with the availability of electricity.  
According to a memo issued by Foulds on Aug. 3, 2009, to “All Patrons of Town of Colonial Beach Public Sites and Facilities” several new policies regarding the use of public sites and facilities were instituted as of that date.  In particular, the memo notes that “Only a master electrician approved by the Town or a qualified Town employee

As a new school year approaches, even school Superintendent Donna Power, gets to go school shopping. The shiny new school bus sitting outside Town Hall before the August School Board meeting was there for School Board members and the public to inspect.  It is a full-size bus equipped with a wheelchair lift and room for two wheelchairs.  The bus is ready to pick up students and was purchased with Title I funds.
The new acquisition seemed to set a positive tone for the meeting, as Dr. Peter Fahrney, on behalf of the Colonial Beach Foundation proposed an opportunity for 11th grade students to participate in a contest to promote community interaction and philanthropy.  The foundation is offering a grant to the high school that would provide the winning student with $100 for

Colonial Beach resident and frequent critic Walter Kerns spoke out at last Thursday’s Town Council meeting saying: “It is not good when the mayor and Chamber of Commerce is bickering in relation to events last Saturday.” Kerns further noted that “I gave a lot of thought to this last remark, but if this fighting continues between council, the mayor and the chamber — Mr. Mayor, you need to step aside.”
Kerns’ comments were made during Citizen Input time and were directed at an incident that took place on the boardwalk on Saturday, Aug. 8 between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. before the start of the APBA jet ski races event.
According to several citizens who witnessed the event Mayor Fred Rummage and Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce President Carey Geddes, were arguing when Rummage pushed Geddes in the chest several times.

It’s always a good day at the beach when you get to spend time with Father Ron Okrasinski, Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.  Father Ron, as he is known throughout town, is passionate about his congregation and his ministry, even after 42 years in service.  His office is full of newspaper clippings, books, photos and artwork, all memories he has gathered and kept safe.
This past Sunday, August 1, Father Ron and his congregation celebrated his 30th year as rector with a special service, a luncheon and presentation of a special lead crystal plaque etched with the words “Presented to Father Ron in appreciation for 30 years of loving service.”  
Father Ron is a familiar face

Have a need for speed?
Friday night, August 6, the Colonial Beach Chamber of Commerce will host a kick-off party on town hill welcoming the National Tour Jet Ski Races to town.  The kickoff party will begin at 5 p.m. and is open to all contestants, their crews, and the public.  According to Patrick Mell, the coordinator for the races, “We are very much looking forward to being in Colonial Beach. The Chamber has been fantastic to work with and our crews are excited about the races.”  There is also a racers’ party scheduled at High Tides Saturday night beginning at 7 p.m.

Four students, all from the Colonial Beach school district, participated in the 4-H Water Wizards Program July 7-9, 2010. The Water Wizards Program was started 5 years ago by Wendy Herdman, Extension Agent for Westmoreland and Richmond Counties.  The purpose of the program is to introduce the concept of water quality in the unique Northern Neck environment and the effect that human activity can have on water quality.  Attendance by students is free – they just have to fill out an application form and submit it to the Extension Office.  The boys — Christian Tinsley, Logan Sandy, R.J. Brann and J.W. Musselman — were treated to three action-packed days filled with information about the ecology of our local land and waterways.  There was a lot of learning taking place, but all in a fun, informal atmosphere.

On Wednesday, June 14, Colonial Beach Town Clerk Barbara Goff notified the Journal that the FOIA documents requested on June 25 were ready.  Goff further informed The Journal that the cost for administrative time spent in filling the FOIA request would be waived as it had reached approximately $200.  The decision to waive the administrative fees came about, according to Goff, from a “commitment by the town staff to serve our citizens.”   
A review of the 45 pages, which included a 10-page employment agreement and a 4-page job description for the Chief of Police position, provided no evidence as to the breakdown of contract negotiations that occurred between former police chief Christopher Hawkins and the town during the timeframe of June 10 through June 24.