THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 1, 1995 TAG: 9510310083
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Close-Up
LENGTH: Medium: 80 lines
On any given day, you may find Charlotte Lowe playing the bagpipes or collecting evidence at a crime scene.
Lowe, who has been playing the bagpipes for nearly 10 years, practices in area parks and cemeteries - sometimes out near Nimmo United Methodist Church.
But while she may spend one day in her Scottish gear in concert with 200 other pipers, she may spend the next in her work garb, picking up blood and hair samples and photographing evidence at a homicide scene.
Lowe, supervisor of the Virginia Beach Police Forensic Unit, never knows what she will run into during her day - car theft, child abuse, burglary, murder.
Lowe, who attended Plaza Elementary, Plaza Junior High and Kellam High, says her job is fascinating. ``I love the work. It's so rewarding.''
Full name: Charlotte Jean Lowe.
Hometown: Norfolk.
What brought you to the Beach? Daddy.
Birthdate: June 13, 1956.
Occupation: Forensic Unit supervisor for Virginia Beach Police.
Nickname: My sisters call me Charbs.
Marital status: Married 10 years to Ken.
Children: None.
What is your idea of a perfect day off? Wake before dawn, compete in three solo bagpipe competitions, then compete with The Strath James Pipe Band in the afternoon.
Last smart thing you did: Completed facilitator training.
Last dumb thing you did: In July in 96 degree heat while swathed in wool, played the bagpipes for massed bands in Alexandria with 200 other pipers. I truly suffered for my art.
Favorite meal: Wendy's No. 4 combo, no ketchup, no mayo, or Texas White Lightning Chili.
Favorite movies: ``Chitty-Chitty Bang-Bang,'' ``Pirates of Penzance,'' ``Sophie's Choice'' or any other Kevin Kline movie.
Favorite song: ``Shenandoah,'' ``Begin the Beguine'' and ``Lily Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts.''
Last book read: ``Beach Music'' by Pat Conroy.
Hobbies: Bagpiping, boating/fishing and antique collecting.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would like to be more patient and be a better listener.
If you could change one thing about your spouse, what would it be? I wish he enjoyed yard work. . . . So do the neighbors.
Secret vice: I am totally addicted to books on tape. Panic sets in when I have less than two books (tapes) in the house.
Favorite restaurant: Surfrider (Stan, we miss you. Good luck, Frank and Debbie now that it's called Buoy's), Uncle Al's on Shore Drive, Arty's Deli.
Your favorite night on the town: While listening to Garrison Keillor on public radio, drive with Ken to Suffolk for an auction at the Village Auction Barn. Enjoy Mr. Howell's humor and skill as an auctioneer. Leave with a car full of treasures. Stop for a late dinner at Outback Steak at Kemps River. Go home and admire our loot.
Favorite TV shows: ``Furniture on the Mend,'' ``Mystery,'' ``Sherlock Holmes.''
Favorite sport: Tai chi ch'uan.
Last vacation: Three weeks touring Germany, Austria and Switzerland with the Starling Chamber Orchestra. Two weeks of bagpipe school at the University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, Wash.
Pets: A Manx cat named Moggie - son of Louie and a tabby named Deckster - sire unknown.
Worst job: Baby-sitting. (See children.)
Of what achievements are you most proud? Twenty-one years as a proud member of the Virginia Beach Police Department. I appreciate the opportunity and training given to me, which allowed me to advance from precinct clerk in 1974 to Forensic Unit supervisor in 1995. The day they hired me was the best day of my life and each day thereafter has been a surprise and a challenge.
What would you like as your epitaph? No tombstones for me. I've had my time, space and fun. I prefer to leave the earth uncluttered. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by STEVE EARLEY
by CNB