Editor, Times-Union: I am disappointed in Grace College beyond words. Tuesday's edition of the Times-Union told the story about Grace College, in essence, kicking the MasterWorks Festival out of this area. According to the article, Rodeheaver Auditorium will no longer be available for the concerts, nor will the offices used currently by the Masterworks Festival. Instead, Rodeheaver Auditorium will be used for wedding receptions and banquets, and the office space will be used for the college's new "worship arts" program that promises to bring in a whole 5-10 new students! Let's compare that to the 150-plus students and faculty who attend the MasterWorks Festival every summer, coming from not only the entire United States, but also Canada, South America, Europe and Asia. Shame on Grace College for this decision! The MasterWorks Festival is one of the best aspects of our area, the highlight of our summer, and now we are going to lose it. The MasterWorks Festival touches so many people's lives; students, faculty, their families, and those of us in the community who avidly support them. So many businesses also benefit from the MasterWorks Festival; most students' families come to see them perform, so hotels gain many patrons they will now no longer have. Restaurants and shops across the whole area, especially in the Villlage of Winona benefitted from the extra business exceedingly. People who go to a wedding reception aren't likely to go out for ice cream afterwards! I am an avid supporter of the MasterWorks Festival, and I cannot understand how anyone would want this gem to leave our area. There is nothing more refined, cultured and wonderful than classical music. To see the talent of the performers, and the immense beauty of the music is breathtaking. Are we really ready to give this up? Call the office of the president of Grace College at 574-372-5100, ext. 6394, and tell them you do not support their decision! Call the MasterWorks Festival office at 574-267-5973, and tell them you want them to stay in this area if at all possible. We cannot afford to lose this priceless treasure! Esther Wagner Pierceton, via email
