Fowler to host annual Patuxent wade-in Sunday

EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK

Friday, June 12, 2009

For two decades now, Fowler has led Maryland governors, state and federal level politicians and members of the community into the water, dressed in his trademark overalls and white shoes to unscientifically test the health of the Patuxent River. Fowler leads attendees out hand-in-hand and walks until he cannot see his white shoes on the bottom of the riverbed. Last year, his shoes were visible 26 inches under the surface of the water, five more inches than the previous year. Fowler hosts this event every year to remind everyone about the importance of the Chesapeake Bay's health, which recently got the attention of President Barack Obama.

Fowler said Thursday morning that he is feeling optimistic about the future of the environment now that Obama has issued an executive order to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.

"We need some good news," Fowler said. Maryland Republicans have also created a commission to examine environmental issues, and while Fowler is a Democrat, he said he's happy for the help. "When anybody gets involved, it's good news and it's going to send a good message."

Staff writer Carrie Lovejoy contributed to this report.

Townsend to talk faith at library

In the next Authors by the Bay presentation of the Calvert Library Foundation, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend will discuss her new book, "Failing America's Faithful." The event will begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 14, at the Calvert Library Prince Frederick.

Calling for an open discussion on the role of churches, faith and political activism, Townsend writes about her own faith and background and how the country has been shaped by progressive religious traditions as a voice for the common good.

"At their best, these traditions have made America a more just, inclusive and fair nation," she writes, but then asks, "are today's churches mixing God with politics and losing their way?"

She will encourage a question-and-answer session on these issues, according to a press release.

Townsend, who served as Maryland's first woman lieutenant governor, has written a number of articles connecting faith to the fight for a fairer society.

The eldest daughter of the late Robert and Ethel Kennedy, she ran unsuccessfully for governor of Maryland in 2002.

She is chairman of the Institute for Human Virology at the University of Maryland, adjunct professor at Georgetown's Public Policy Institute, a Senior Nitze Fellow at St. Mary's College and serves on a number of nonprofit boards. Married to David Townsend, she is the mother of four daughters.

Tickets for the June 14 event are available at all Calvert Library locations for $20 for adults, $10 for students with ID.

The Authors by the Bay events are an ongoing series by the Calvert Library Foundation to raise funds to support the Calvert Library where tax dollars can not reach. Information regarding the book is available at www.kathleenkennedytownsend.com.