Former state Senator Bernie Fowler, Sr. has stepped forward to serve as honorary chair for the Calvert Memorial Hospital Foundation Ball that will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. One of Calvert’s most highly anticipated evenings, the 2013 CMH ball will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro.
A picture of vitality at 89, the lifelong public servant knows the value of good health. At six-feet he weighs in at a trim 155. Every morning (except Sunday) he does 200 push-ups along with knee exercises, some stretching and a 15-minute jog on the treadmill.
“Good health is everything,” said Sen. Fowler, “and when you support the hospital you’re supporting an organization that fosters the good habits that are the key to improving your quality of life.”
Proceeds from this year’s ball will go toward the purchase of an interactive patient education system at the hospital. “We’re excited about the new technology,” said CMH President and CEO Jim Xinis, “because it will help us better prepare our patients for going home.”
Xinis explained that the bedside system provides the personalized teaching tools and videos “they need to better understand their specific condition and – even more importantly – to take an active role in staying well once they get home.”
“I couldn’t be more pleased to serve as honorary chair for this year’s Harvest Ball,” said Sen. Fowler. Calvert was the second poorest county in the state when he served as assistant administrator from 1956 to 1967. Back then, the hospital was housed in a single-story brick building with five doctors on staff. “Every time I drive by the new campus,” he said, “it warms my heart to know that when you go there you’re in good hands.”
Sen. Fowler credits the hospital’s board made up of volunteers from the community with having the dedication and vision to transform Calvert Memorial from its humble beginnings into Southern Maryland’s premier healthcare provider.
“Community support has always been vitally important to the future of the hospital and that has never been more true than now,” said Cindy Parlett of Wilson & Parlett, who is co-chairing this year’s ball with Karen O’Brien of Curtis Homes. Both women are members of the Harvest Ball committee and serve on the foundation’s board of trustees. Parlett encourages anyone who is interested in becoming a sponsor or donating an item to the silent auction to call the foundation office at 410-535-8178.
O’Brien
