BRIDGEWATER, VA (Rocktown Now) – The Town of Bridgewater honored local couple Paige and Ann Will with its second ABLE Award during its Charter Day celebration at Sipe Center on Friday, February 7. Charter Day is Bridgewater’s annual celebration of the anniversary of the General Assembly’s granting of its initial charter in 1835.

The Town created The ABLE Award in 2024 to be presented annually to someone who has served as “A Better Life Exemplar,” and has devoted much of their lifetime to making Bridgewater a better place to live. According to a press release, the recipients are those who have continued the work of Bridgewater’s early settlers who banded together in the belief that, if they acted with a common purpose, they could create a better life for all.

The Wills have worked to improve life for Bridgewater’s residents in a variety of ways. They were instrumental in the development of the Town’s indoor tennis center, contributing towards its construction costs and securing the donation of the necessary equipment to outfit the space. The Wills were also major players in the creation of the Crist Farm Walking Trails at the Bridgewater Retirement Community (BRC) in 2023. The accessible paths are greatly enjoyed by residents of both BRC and the Town as a whole. The couple continues their service to the community by managing the Barn, a thrift shop at BRC.

Nelson Paige Will was born in Berryville, the middle of five children. He graduated from Bridgewater College, where he was later inducted as a member of the Sports Hall of Fame for Track. After obtaining a forestry degree from Duke University, he served in the Coast Guard in California. Returning to the Valley, he engaged in a variety of business ventures, starting Dayton Interiors with Bill Florence, working as a real estate agent and independent contractor, and founding the Dayton Farmer’s Market alongside his wife and two other couples. Paige remains active and enjoys his latest hobby, playing pool.

Ann Crist Will was born and raised in Bridgewater. She graduated from the College of William and Mary. Returning home, she taught biology at Turner Ashby High School before becoming a stay-at-home mother. She later worked at Town and Country Furniture. Ann is known as a fantastic cook as well as an expert seamstress and enjoys playing bridge.

The Wills raised two children. Their son Doug was killed in a motor vehicle accident in 1994. Bridgewater’s tennis center is named in his memory. Their daughter Mary Helen is an oncologist at Sentara RMH.

“Paige and Ann Will have had a tremendous impact on our community,” said Mayor Ted Flory. “They played a major role in bringing the tennis center to Bridgewater, which was named in honor of their late son, Doug. I have known Paige and Ann for many years, and their service to their fellow townspeople has helped create a better life in Bridgewater. The Wills embody the spirit of the ABLE Award, and I’m thrilled to see them honored on Charter Day.”