Publisher's Notes

by Kate Metts
Publisher

There is high anticipation among many as we prepare for our annual Best of Augusta issue. Who will win Best Martini? Pizza? Best Place To Propose? Break Up?

The annual reader poll is meant to highlight many of the qualities that make our area unique, and to provide an entertaining and informative feature for our readers. Everyone loves Best of Augusta, but each year, without fail, I receive calls asking why we don’t include various categories. Sometimes the suggestion doesn’t have enough competition in the category, (read: the caller would have to be the winner) or the category is too commercially-driven.

One of the broadest categories we have is the Best Thing To Happen to Augusta. My top choice this year would have to be Fort Gordon. This military installation has been helping to fuel our local economy and quality of life for many years. It is now the largest and most technologically advanced communications, electronics and information technology training center in the world. And with the thousands of men and women currently serving in combat on our behalf throughout the world, the gratitude I have is even greater.

We profile Brigadier General Jeff Foley in this issue beginning on page 52. He is an asset to the U.S. Army as well our community, where he says he, and the many people stationed at Fort Gordon, are committed in service to this community as well as their country.

One great way all of us can give back to our military stationed at Fort Gordon is through the Department of Morale, Welfare and Recreation. This department, commonly referred to as MWR, provides support to soldiers and works to raise awareness and promote the facilities and events available to the community at large. Here is a sample of what is open to the public: Gordon Lakes Golf Club, Hilltop Riding Stables, bowling, the Fort Gordon Dinner Theatre and the many events and concerts hosted each year.

Many of us ask, “What can we do? How can I help?” When you use these facilities, those dollars spent go directly back in to improving the lives of soldiers and their families here. If you are worried about the security gates, don’t. It is just a quick safety check and moves very quickly. This may seem like a small way to help, but it makes a big impact. And the facilities are terrific! For a complete schedule and contact numbers, visit www.fortgordon.com.