Name: Charlie DuVal Waddell
Town, neighborhood, how long there: Herndon, Dumbarton Square, 11 years.
Born: Aug. 14, 1953, in Richmond.
Occupation/position: I am a Senior Systems Engineer with Systems Engineering Services Corporation in Reston. I've been with my company since 1991.
Schooling: I graduated from Randolph-Macon College with a bachelor of science degree in 1976. I have also received an associate in applied science degree, cum laude, from J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College in 1983. I have done course work in the Certificate in Information Systems program at Virginia Commonwealth University. I have also done graduate studies in Information Systems at George Mason University and Strayer University.
Achievements: Currently, I am president of my homeowners association, an elected office that I have held for the past nine years. I have also been chairman of the Herndon Community Association Coalition for the past eight years. This community involvement has afforded me many opportunities to improve my neighborhood and to meet many really great people in Herndon. I've learned much from these friends.
I also serve as chairman of the Greater Herndon Community Association Coalition, a coalition of about half of the neighborhood homeowner associations in the Town of Herndon. I am also a member of the Herndon Crime Prevention Council, where I served as president for two years.
I have been a SCUBA diver for 10 years; two years ago, I attained Master Scuba diver Certification with PADI.
My one "claim to fame" is that I am one of the soldiers appearing in the movie, "Gods and Generals." I appear as both a Confederate and a Union soldier during the Chancelorsville battle scenes. This experience was both interesting and rewarding in that I got to see and be a part of a major motion picture being filmed.
My most recent accomplishment is the successful completion of the Virginia Certified Planning Commissioners Program this summer. This is an in-depth, 10-week course on planning and land use taught by the Citizens Planning Education Association of Virginia.
Family: I'm divorced. I have two children; a 19-year-old daughter, Amy Waddell, who lives in Sterling and a son, Nathan Waddell who is 25 years old and lives in Reston.
Likes: On the cerebral side, I read ... voraciously. I am usually reading several books at once. To quote Jimmy Buffett, "I've read many books, about heroes and crooks and have learned much from both of their styles." My current reading assignment is "Re-electing Lincoln, the Election of 1864." This work is an in-depth study of both the man and the political climate of the nation in the grip of civil war. In addition to reading, I collect books and first editions; signed first editions. My latest purchases were signed by President Carter and another by Newt Gingrich [yes, diametrically opposed politically; but it does demonstrate that I might be "well rounded"] I have a small collection of Civil War books and a number of those are first editions. I also enjoy watching "West Wing" and "Law and Order" — this is my brand of "reality" TV.
Dislikes: Not having enough time to accomplish all of the items on my "to-do" list. People using cell phones in public places — use the "vibrate" function, please. Oh, and please use your "indoor voice" when on the cell phone. Idiot drivers. Idiot drivers who talk on cell phones. Idiot drivers who use their horn when picking up a car pool passenger. Living in downtown Herndon and being able to hear the jet departures at Dulles Airport on most evenings.
Favorite (local) Restaurant/place: The Tortilla Factory, Mediterranean Breeze, Jimmy's Old Town Tavern. These "hot spots" epitomize Herndon's fun, friendly small-town atmosphere.
Sports interests/activities: I work hard, but I frequently find the need to adjust my priorities and to renew my perspectives. To that end, I have taken up pastimes such as scuba diving and Civil War reenacting. I also enjoy visiting museums which have an historical theme. One of my major passions is my Mustang collection. I currently own the following: a red 1966 Mustang coupe, a 1968 coupe, and one of my favorites, a 1969 Mach 1 with air conditioning and automatic transmission and the rare 428 Cobra Jet engine. The other favorite in my stable is my 1970 Mach 1 with a 351-Cleveland engine, shaker hood, sport slats and rear spoiler. I also collect vintage key wound pocket watches. My collection includes several from the mid 19th-century and an early low serial numbered Patek pocket watch.
Community Ties: Herndon Neighborhood College Alumni Association, Herndon Community Association Coalition — current Chairman, Herndon Crime Prevention Council, Dumbarton Square Homeowners Association — current President. From my community involvement, I have seen that giving back to others yields rewards that transcend one's personal sacrifice.
Community Ideas: I'd like to see less intense development of the parcels in town that are slated for redevelopment. I'd like to see active steps be taken to determine the feasibility of annexing additional land west of the town limits. I'd encourage homeowners to work more closely with their HOA's and the town on such issues as excess occupancy in residential neighborhoods. We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems. I'd like to encourage citizens to be as involved as they can afford to be in town issues.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." — Margaret Mead
Personal Goals: I am looking forward to attaining my PADI Wreck Diver Certification. I want to be afforded a more responsible role in town issues. I expect to take an active part in the rewrite of Herndon's Comprehensive Plan when that occurs in 2006. I expect to take as active a role as practicable in Herndon's Zoning Ordinance Rewrite project.
Random Thoughts and Spontaneous Advice: Always have a "plan B" and don't get too uptight when "plan A" falls through. I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents were strict with me. I have learned that it is not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts. I have learned that it is not what happens to people that is important, it is what they do about it. I have learned that credentials do not make you a decent person. I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life. I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences. I've learned that no matter the consequences, those who are honest with themselves get farther in life. I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there. I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, unless we are celebrities. I've learned how to have fun. But, most importantly, I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.