To the board at TCAN,

Several years ago, I discovered TCAN when I was picking up art supplies at the neighboring art store. I wandered in and was greeted warmly by a volunteer who also introduced me to Michael Moran. It was a great discovery. The

organization was new and growing and Michael was obviously putting a great deal of time, energy and enthusiasm into it's development. I was impressed that Natick had an art center while my own neighboring town of Wellesley, did not. I was impressed by the level of Michael's commitment and the support of the community as evidenced by the eagerness of the volunteers and the monetary contributions of the towns people. I was impressed by the variety of live performances offered...an unusual occurrence in a town the size of Natick. I was impressed by the visions of future growth and by the spirit of cooperation. Many people were willing to chip in and offer their skills. The place just had a good feel.

Now I hear that Michael has been fired (escorted out by police no less) and his request for mediation was ignored by the board. And my question to the board members is.... What were you thinking? Where is your sense of fair play?

Where is your gratitude for years of effort? Could you not come up with some kind of compromise and why was the request for mediation ignored?

I am saddened that an organization I found so admirable, could jettison its spirit of cooperation and sense of community without an attempt to work things out in a mature manner.

Nan Rumpf