BRIDGEWATER, VA (Rocktown Now) — As part of its annual Charter Day Celebration, the Town of Bridgewater presented the 2026 ABLE Award to longtime community servant Donna Barber and posthumously to her late husband, Larry Barber, recognizing their decades of dedication to improving life in the town.

The ABLE Award, short for A Better Life Exemplar, is Bridgewater’s highest honor. Now in its third year, the award is presented annually to individuals whose sustained service and commitment have made a lasting, positive impact on the community.

“The ABLE Award is our way of saying ‘thank you,’” Mayor Flory said. “It conveys the gratitude of a community that knows it has been made better by the faithful work of its citizens. Each year, we try to recognize people whose service reflects the values we hold true as a Town, and this year’s recipients exemplify that spirit in every way.”

Donna and Larry Barber moved to the Shenandoah Valley from Bluefield, West Virginia, in the early 1970s and quickly made Bridgewater their home. They raised two children in the town and became deeply involved in community life through education, volunteerism, and service.

Donna Barber spent nearly 20 years teaching second grade at John Wayland Elementary School, where she was known for her dedication to students and families. Beyond the classroom, she attended students’ sporting events and performances and built lasting relationships with families throughout the community.

After retiring in 2011, Donna continued her commitment to education through volunteer service at the North River Library. There, she helped develop hands-on STEM and nature-based programming for children, including the creation of a pollinator area designed to encourage curiosity and learning. On many weekends, she led engineering projects and nature activities to ensure children of all backgrounds had access to engaging educational experiences.

Larry Barber was a constant and enthusiastic partner in this work, often helping behind the scenes with setup and errands. He was also known for bringing children’s programs to life—at times even dressing as a butterfly.

“Donna and Larry helped turn the North River Library into a place where learning feels alive,” Town Manager Jay Litten said. “Donna’s programs invite kids to get their hands dirty, ask questions, and explore the world around them. And for me, this is personal—Larry was the librarian at TA when I was there in the ’70s. He was one of those steady, encouraging adults who made school a better place, and it’s been a joy to see that same spirit carried forward at the library.”

Beyond Bridgewater, the Barbers also served the broader Shenandoah Valley. They supported individuals experiencing homelessness through the Open Doors Foundation and served on church and community boards. In more recent years, Donna has worked closely with Church World Service to support immigrant families by preparing welcome baskets, tutoring children in English, and opening her home to international students, whom she treats as members of her own family.

Through decades of service, Donna and Larry Barber built a reputation as tireless volunteers whose lives reflect the very best of Bridgewater’s civic spirit. The Town of Bridgewater is honoring them for the lasting and meaningful impact they have made on the community.