Throughout 2007, WALKArlington's PACER e-newsletter spotlighted Arlington walkers. Our first "spotlighted" walker is Chef Charley, who lives in Arlington but works in Silver Spring.
To meet more Arlington walkers, click on the names listed under the "Spotlight on Arlington Walkers" Menu, below left!
Spotlight On: Arlington Walker Chef Charley
Not only is it finally spring, but this year's early start to daylight saving time gave us longer days even before spring had sprung! Flowers are blooming, birds are singing, and Arlingtonians are out walking. This month, WALKArlington shines the spotlight on another committed Arlington walker, who walks year-round in all elements.
Charley Woolverton, a resident of the Washington area for more than 30 years, grew up in New Hampshire and now lives in North Arlington. As a Demonstration Chef with Trader Joe's in Silver Spring, Maryland, he is known to customers as Chef Charley. Chef Charley relies completely on his own legs and public transportation to get around. Because he'd rather walk, he often gets off the bus or train before his destination so he can walk the rest of the way. Chef Charley does not own a car, nor does he want to.
Chef Charley became a walker at an early age when his father took him climbing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. He was five when he climbed his first 4,000-foot mountain and his first paying job had him clearing around 300 miles of trails in the southern part of those mountains.
Chef Charley's Arlington walking routine doesn't take him up any mountains or require him to clear trails, but it is no less invigorating. To get to work in Silver Spring, Chef Charley walks about 1.5 miles from his home to the East Falls Church metro, catches the Orange and Red line trains to Silver Spring, then walks an additional five miles to Trader Joe's. Unfortunately, this stretch is on Colesville Road, which Chef Charley says is a far cry from Arlington's walker-friendly environment. Sidewalks disappear, traffic is fierce, and last winter's wicked ice storms made matters worse, albeit temporarily.
Once at work, Chef Charley estimates that he walks about eight miles each day in the store itself, before heading back home on foot and by Metro. His son gave him a pedometer, which revealed he walks between 61,000 and 82,000 steps a day.
Beyond commuting, Chef Charley walks out of love for walking. He especially loves exploring Arlington during seasonal changes. Some of his favorite places to walk in and around Arlington include Gulf Branch, Dyke Marsh, Huntley Meadows, Roosevelt Island, Great Falls (both sides), and the National Mall.
Out of necessity or love of walking, Chef Charley walks in most types of weather. He believes the most important part of year-round walking is a really good pair of shoes. He recommends Merrells lightweight shoes and Asolo hiking boots. According to Chef Charley, the second most important aspect, especially in cold weather, is to dress in layers – including warm socks, a good hat, and gloves. He frequents EMS in Clarendon and praises Harry, the manager, and his staff for their good advice and knowledge of new technologies. The final most important ingredient is to wear a reflector or something that reflects light when walking in the morning, evening, or after dark.
Chef Charley is committed to walking. In his words, “When I used to drive, I was only concerned with getting from point A to point B. With traffic these days, this approach only produces stress. When I walk, the stress of the day falls away. I get a chance to exist in the present. Point A and B don't matter; my mind is clear and at peace. When I walk, I find I truly appreciate the moment and the beauty that surrounds me.”
