To the editor:

Earlier this week Editor & Publisher magazine named the Journal-World one of 10 newspapers in America that “do it right.” As members of the 2004 Kansas Chautauqua troupe, we want to second that endorsement. In its generous coverage of Kansas Chautauqua, presented by the Kansas Humanities Council, the Journal-World has helped to show the many ways in which a Chautauqua program can be used to strengthen a sense of community and history.

In our opinion, the people of Lawrence have set the model for community involvement. They have set a record for attendance at Kansas Chautauqua programs. When we arrived last week we found a large number of Chautauqua-related events and tours for adults and children already in place. Every day there have been marvelously memorable events taking place. And each time the Journal-World has been there to record them.

Please convey to the people of Lawrence our profound gratitude for their interest and encouragement of Chautauqua. Our tour now ends, and it ends on the highest note possible. We raise a glass in a toast to the wonderful people of Lawrence.

Dick Johnson,

Pomona, Calif., for

The “Bleeding Kansas” 2004

Chautauqua Troupe