Augusta CWRT

By Matthew Borowick · Originally published November 2017 · p. 2

“I’ve seen small round tables. I’ve seen large round tables. But I’ve never seen a Gwen Fulcher Young round table.” And so began my presentation to the Augusta Civil War Round Table. Augusta was part of a two round table trip through the South (Charlotte was the other) and, oh, was it a memorable visit! I had been invited to speak about Second Manassas and the Fitz John Porter court martial. As with most of my round table visits, I learned more from my hosts than they learned from me. The Augusta CWRT meets the third Monday of each month at Goodwill’s Snelling Center. The name of the host building had me intrigued, as did the food service that followed. I later discovered that the site is part of Goodwill Industries, which was founded in 1902 in Boston by Methodist minister Edgar J. Helms. According to the Goodwill web site, Dr. Helms collected used household goods and clothing in wealthier areas of the city, then trained and hired unemployed people to mend and repair the used goods. The goods were then resold, and proceeds paid the workers’ wages and were invested in the development of job training programs. The round table charges $15 to attend each meeting. But it comes with dinner provided by Edgar’s Grille. Now I know where that name comes from! Food preparation and service is part of the Goodwill experience. Fees collected by Edgar’s go toward education programs; Helms’ College culinary students receive experiential learning opportunities through service at Edgar’s.

“We like holding our meetings at Goodwill,” says round table president Gwen Fulcher Young. “The facilities are exceptional, the food is very good and we are able to support a very worthy organization that is making a difference in the community we call home.” Gwen knows her community. A long time Augusta resident, Gwen is a real estate expert with a background in television media. Plus, her husband Bob is a former mayor of Augusta. The round table charges annual dues of $25 for individuals. Couples are $40. Meeting fees are in addition to the dues. The round table has grown over the years and currently has over 300 members. Gwen reports they average about 175 at each meeting. That’s impressive enough, but the round table was down to only 8 (yes, 8) members four years ago when Gwen became president. “Our size and revenues enable us to attract a wide variety of speakers,” notes Gwen. “We have had many well-known speakers, in addition to many less-wellknown presenters. All have truly enlightened our members and guests.” The meeting I attended was jam packed. There was the Pledge of Allegiance, a prayer and then opening remarks from Gwen. But these weren’t your run-of-the-mill standard business comments. Gwen’s effervescent personality shined right through. She covered round table business, happenings in the Civil War community, goings on in Augusta, a few musings on national and world events and an update on

Gwen and Bob’s latest news. It was a unique way to start the meeting. But I’ll tell you one thing: the audience loved it. She had them laughing, crying, clapping, and smiling. It was clear to me this was usual and the members expect and enjoy it. I believe it helped promote a wonderful sense of camaraderie and community among the members. During that time, my wife, daughter, and I were treated to exceptional hospitality through the Edgar’s buffet and some warm table companions—assigned specifically by Gwen to host us. Then, my turn came to present. Gwen had me ready: “40 minutes. That’s what the speaker gets,” she instructed. “The members expect to get out at 8 p.m. and we hold our speakers to that.” I came in at 38 minutes and 35 seconds. The members left, promptly, at 8 p.m. Gwen Fulcher Young runs a tight meeting. The doors and cash bar open at 5 p.m. Dinner is at 6. Gwen presents about 6:40. That leaves enough time for the speaker, some Q&A and an on-time exit for the guests. It was clear to me that the members appreciate having a structured and entertaining meeting, knowing when they will start and end the meeting. Gwen is rightfully proud of the good work being done by the Augusta CWRT. “We have come a long way in the past few years,” she notes. “Our membership has grown. We bring in interesting speakers from throughout the nation. Our members enjoy the socialization at dinner, knowing the funds we spend also go toward a very good cause.” The Augusta CWRT is a very well-run organization that promotes the study and understanding of the American Civil War. It’s also a model community leader, giving a chance to those who otherwise might not have one. For more information about the Augusta CWRT, contact Gwen Fulcher Young at gfy@ gwenfulcheryoung.com