HONORING RESIDENT MAX HARWELL

BY RESIDENT GIGI HARWELL THIS FEATURE SPONSORED BY THE VIRGINIA INSTITUTE FOR SURGICAL ARTS

Each month, Stroll Willowsford is proud to showcase this meaningful feature that highlights one truly deserving resident with the honor of being our “Resident Non Sibi.” Non sibi is a Latin term meaning “not for oneself,” and it represents the ability to live a life filled with positive energy and concern for others. When Max Harwell was nominated for this month’s non sibi recognition, we asked his wife, Gigi, to tell us more about his efforts.

When Max retired from Raytheon (after 38 years), he and his wife, Gigi, moved to Willowsford from Herndon. He decided he wanted to volunteer in some capacity to support the community. He first volunteered for the Conservancy, where he walked the trails and noted things that needed to be addressed by the Conservancy.

He later signed up to see what the Design Review Committee (DRC) was about and shortly after was selected to be a part of the committee. The HOA had implemented a guideline that the DRC had to have one person on the committee to be the head chairperson. The committee selected Max to be the chairperson because of his knowledge and dedication to the committee. He enjoys working with all the committee members and HOA employees to better the community. They all have a great working relationship and enjoy working together. Max enjoys working with the residents to help them get their projects approved. Since being on the committee, he has reviewed thousands of applications with a high approval rate. He also is a member of the Covenants Committee, which reviews and makes suggestions on resident issues.

When Max and Gigi moved to Willowsford, they joined the Social Club. When the chairperson moved, he suggested that Max take over, so in true Max fashion, he did. He coordinates the social dates with Willowsford, sends out invites to members and finds residents to host each event.

Max has also been a volunteer, along with his wife, at the Extravaganza and Autumn Fest. Twice a month, he volunteers at the Willowsford farm washing eggs. He enjoys meeting the farmers and learning about the farm.

Even though Max no longer lives in Herndon, he still volunteers his time there. When his children were younger, he helped coach their soccer teams. Max has volunteered for the Herndon Woman’s Club, which Gigi is a member of, on numerous occasions. He has also been a volunteer at Herndon’s Friday Night Live Concert series from May through August every Friday. He donates food every other month to the Dulles South Food Pantry through the Simple Gesture program.

Max and Gigi have four children and seven grandchildren, who all live in the area. He is always doing things for his children and grandchildren. He helps his grandchildren with their homework, takes them to their extracurricular activities and babysits for them often. He tries not to miss their school events, dance competitions and baseball games. He has always been very active with his children and grandchildren, in addition to his dedication to the community.

Do you know somebody who consistently puts others before themselves and supports others in need, whether large or small, but often flies under the radar? To nominate a fellow neighbor for this honor, send an email to Billie.Rose@n2co.com.