The symphony prefers that all drinks alcoholic or nonalcoholic be consumed in the lobby area out of respect for both the musicians and ticket holders.
The Maryland Theatre building is simply the venue which every event pays rent to. Given this, the management of each event sets the guidelines as to alcohol being offered and as to where it must be consumed. The symphony chooses to restrict all drinking to the lobby area.
Those who choose to expend so much effort judging morality in this world have a much larger task than they imagine and would have no time left for cultural events or life, for that matter.
Randy A. Breeden
Williamsport
Renovated jail is a real treasure
To the editor:
The renovated 1918 jailhouse building in Charles Town, W.Va., is beautiful. It is a credit to the citizens and the few officials who had the foresight and common sense to save it and to architect Matt Grove.
He maintained the historic flavor and respected the impressive Mullett architecture and lighting, despite the demands of security and offices.
Those of us who toured this National Register building with singer Kathy Mattea recently enjoyed informative commentary by Grove and Doug Estepp, an expert on the 1922 coal miner's treason trials in Charles Town. At the rededication of the building, Sept. 20, the public will be invited to tour.
By then, I hope knowledgeable professionals have some historical interpretation in place.
The fireplace rooms, once the parlor area for jailers and their families, are magnificent and should be visible to the public, not government offices behind a closed door.
At least one of these breathtaking spaces should be a reception area because we're on the map now with a preservation prototype that others might emulate.
They certainly will visit. One can also envision dignitaries hosted here and small government meetings conducted.
Finally, while the need for security in a judicial center is clear, it can be efficient without hogging center stage. The U.S. Capitol manages this with thousands of visitors daily.
I hope everyone working in the building treats citizens not as potential threats or annoying, but welcomes them politely and appreciates that if it weren't for local citizens, these offices wouldn't exist for them.
Fran Huesman
Charles Town, W.Va.
Tell Bartlett to help aged
To the editor:
I would like to thank all those in U.S. Congress and Senate who voted for the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act H.R. 6331. Only one Maryland Congressman voted against the bill. It was Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, R-6th.
He only looks out for the big out-of-state insurance companies and HMOs and not the seniors in his district.
The president said he would veto the bill. What is new about that?
Call the U.S. Capitol, toll free, at 877-331-1223 and ask for Rep. Bartlett of Maryland or fax him at 202-225-2193 and ask him to vote to override the veto.
Tell him to give seniors a chance for once. It is high time for a change.
William Stevens
Vice president AFSCME
Retiree Chapter 1
Westminster, Md.
