Provided by Town of Occoquan
On July 20, 2016, the Town of Occoquan presented long-time resident Barbara “Bobbie” Frank with its Volunteer Award. Ms. Frank was awarded the Walter D. Bailey Volunteer Award and recognized for her many contributions to the community during a volunteer appreciation event at Occoquan’s Bottle Stop on Wednesday evening.
Ms. Frank and her late husband Win Frank moved to Occoquan in the early 1990s and immediately became fixtures in the community, donating their time and talents to the betterment of the Occoquan community. Ms. Frank has volunteered in a variety of capacities including serving for many years on the Town’s Architectural Review Board (ARB), Occoquan Historical Society Board, Occoquan Bicentennial Committee, and the Town’s Beautification Committee. In addition, Ms. Frank was elected and served on the Occoquan Town Council for eleven years from 1994 to 2005, and also served as the Town’s Craft Show Director for more than a decade in the 1990s. Her dedication to the quality of the Craft Show resulted in its recognition as one of the best arts and crafts shows in the nation during her tenure.
In addition to her official roles, throughout the years Ms. Frank and her husband volunteered to support a multitude of town and community events. She was often seen collecting trash and planting flowers throughout town, and assisting with large capital projects including the development of the Town Dock and Riverwalk, the relocation of the Fairfax Water Authority water treatment facility, the construction of the Route 123 bridge, and the Mill Street Enhancement project in the late 1990s. The latter project resulted in revitalization of the historic district including installation of its brick sidewalks and gaslights.
Outside of Occoquan, Ms. Frank has lent her time and talents to other local organizations including the Woodbridge Women’s Club, Triangle Trowel Garden Club, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, among many others. In more recent years, she has become a loved fixture in the historic district as she is often seen walking her dog Julia in the early mornings and greeting those she met along the way with a beaming smile.
Over the last several decades, Ms. Frank has shown a deep commitment to the town through her dedicated service and desire to create a more vibrant and welcoming community. Through her dedication and leadership, she has helped to pave the way for Occoquan’s future.
Occoquan’s volunteer award program was established in 2007 and is named after its first recipient and former long-time resident Walter D. Bailey, who served on the Town’s Architectural Review Board and dedicated much of his time and talent to the betterment of the Occoquan community. Recipients are selected by the Occoquan Town Council and the award is presented to an individual who has provided outstanding volunteer service to the Town of Occoquan and has illustrated a dedication to the betterment of the Occoquan community.
