To the Editor:

I am appalled by last weeks "Burn after Reading" column by Bill Mauldin.

I understand he is entitled to his opinion. However, the portions of his article presented as fact should in fact be factual. There are many people who do not understand his "opinion concept" is based on a misrepresentation of facts.

The Key Ingredients Exhibit was seen in many counties in Georgia. The Georgia Humanities Council deemed the exhibit at Indian Springs the most successful on many levels. One of our advertising pieces, used throughout the state, won an award.

Our county has been saturated with advertisements and promotions for Key Ingredients. The Progress-Argus published at least one or more mentions of some phase of Key Ingredients every week.

Does Mr. Mauldin remember he wind storm that blew away the first "Taste and Flavors of Butts County"? Did he see the articles asking for old family recipes for the "Stirring up the Past" cookbook, which was created to help pay for advertising which we knew would be expensive?

Work began eagerly last year before the end of the school year to get on the school calendar for the fall and have children in certain grades attend the exhibit. It was used as learning tool with "scavenger hunts" to find certain elements in the display. The schools participation, along with many activities under the tent, was intended in part to bring he children back with their parents.

Many more than 2005 persons visited the exhibit, but only those who signed the guest book (which was encouraged) were counted in that number.

Advertisements were placed in the local papers of many surrounding counties and in Macon.

The first Saturday I worked at the exhibit, a large family came in from Columbus who said they had heard about it there.

I know that Sheri Hudson personally traveled to many towns to place advertisements in newspapers, local outlets and to speak at civic organization meetings.

The signage on the lot next to the museum driveway was large and beautiful, with a display of plants and "deer" surrounding it. I cannot imagine why Mr. Mauldin did not see it.

Mr. Mauldin, did you see the McIntosh Bank sign on Third Street? Did you see the large poster in the window of the old "Western Auto" store? Did you attend the exhibit? Did you buy a cookbook? Did you attend the "Taste and Flavors" on the square? Most importantly, did you invite people to the exhibit?

Emma Williams Chapman

Jackson