Once every few years something in my life occurs that is so exciting and so uplifting that I want to shout from the rooftops so everyone can share my joy.

Five years ago, this occurred when the book Medal of Honor, by Peter Collier, was published. The book highlights the life stories of our living Medal of Honor recipients. I had the great honor of assisting with the editing of this book and writing the chapter on the history of the Medal of Honor.

THANKS TO THE generosity of a number of Americans across the country, this wonderful book is now in the middle schools and high schools of every state in the nation. With more than 250,000 copies in print, its success has vastly exceeded the expectations of the publisher. The stories of these heroic and selfless men have inspired millions of patriotic Americans.

Recently, another "rooftop shouting" event took place. The River Rooms near the corner of Sixth and Reynolds streets were finally completed and made available to the public. The facility was designed by the architectural firm of Cheatham, Fletcher and Scott, and the construction was done by J.C. Stockton and Son. All who have toured the facility have praised the work of these two fine firms.

Whenever a first-class new facility opens in downtown Augusta, it should be a moment of celebration for everyone in the CSRA. As Mayor Deke Copenhaver and the director of Augusta's Downtown Development Authority, Margaret Woodard, have pointed out on many occasions that if Augusta is to thrive in the years ahead, there must be a robust rebirth of the downtown area.

Recently Georgia Bank and Trust played host to a wealth management seminar in the River Room and the adjoining Berlin Room. Originally, 100 guests were expected; however, 200 showed up. Dan Blanton and Robert Osborne took quite a risk in scheduling an event so soon after the expected construction completion date, but all went well. The seminar was held in the River Room; cocktails and food were served in the Berlin Room and the caterer was pleased with the large, modern kitchen. The reaction of the attendees to the entire facility -- including the grand staircase -- was universally positive.

THE LARGE RIVER Room fronts directly onto Riverwalk Augusta. It can easily handle a seated dinner for 250 or a reception for 400. The Berlin Room is named after Jack Berlin, who fought with the OSS behind enemy lines in Europe and China, and later served as a priest at Saint Paul's Church. This room can handle 150 for a reception or 80 for a dinner. Free parking with handicapped access is available on both sides of the church.

The primary purpose of these rooms is to serve the 900 parishioners of historic Saint Paul's Church. However, this facility is available to outside groups who wish to play host to conferences, workshops, wedding receptions, fund-raising functions, award banquets, corporate appreciation lunches and dinners, Masters Week events and other activities. The rapidly growing Kiwanis Club of Augusta will have its luncheon meeting in the River Room each Monday. Historic Augusta will play host to its annual wine and antique auction there Sept. 11. Expected attendance is 400. Reservations can be made by calling (706) 724-0436.

The regional Boy Scouts will host its gala Fleur De Lis Dinner on Nov. 14. The real Forrest Gump (Medal of Honor recipient Sammy Davis) will be the honored guest at that dinner. Already, 20 tables have been purchased. An article on Sammy Davis and this event will appear in The Augusta Chronicle soon. Reservations can be made by calling the Boy Scouts at (706) 733-5277. I suggest you make haste -- tables should sell out soon.

What has been especially impressive is how quickly people decide to reserve the facility after they have taken a short tour. For instance, in the months of May and June 2009, wedding receptions are already booked each weekend except one.

THERE ARE OPENINGS, however, this fall and winter. For instance, these rooms are ideal for holiday parties. Anyone desiring a tour or looking for a venue should contact Leon White at (706) 724-2485 or by e-mail at white@saintpauls.org.

The hopes and dreams of so many have been fulfilled with the unveiling of this grand new facility. I invite everyone to share our joy by visiting these elegant rooms---Saint Paul's gift to Augusta.