Eckerd Hall now cramped, not comfortable, after renovation
Published April 4, 2004
As I eagerly anticipated the re-opening of Ruth Eckerd Hall, I wondered how this gem could be improved.
The new lobby - definitely a welcome expansion! However, as my wife and I moved into our seats for the Goldie Hawn appearance (I say "appearance" because it certainly wasn't a "performance"), we began to realize the damage that was done. Obviously, the biggest change to the theater was the cramming in of hundreds of extra seats.
Before this renovation, the seating was comfortable and semi-spacious - appropriate for such a fine venue. Now, the seats are akin to a low-cost commuter airline cabin, with no leg room and a width that can accommodate only the slimmest 50 percent of the audiences.
These new seats make it impossible for anyone to pass without everyone rising to allow room to pass. And forget about being comfortable for a 90-minute show.
This "improvement" is ridiculous. Who on earth made a conscious decision that selling a few more tickets was more important than maintaining the integrity of such a (formerly) great facility? Certainly, this decision was not the will of Ruth Eckerd Hall patrons.
-- Chip Seidel, Clearwater
Newspaper, accuser wrong to take tone of judgment
Re: Pastor conflict riddles Calvary Baptist, story, March 21.
I would like to comment on the rude and distasteful accusations the newspaper and Felix Kaplun, a member of Calvary Baptist Church quoted in the March 21 article, stated about the entire subject of Dr. Ken Alford's previous actions.
First of all, anything that happened to him in his life is between him, his wife and God, not the 5,000 members of the church and argumentative citizens who don't even know all of the facts about the subject but like to push their way into other people's lives. Most people who have even had one conversation with Dr. Alford know that he was truly sorry and has asked for forgiveness. But I guess the newspaper and certain members of the church don't even have the decency to find out the whole truth.
In my book, if God, the ruler of the universe who is more holy than anyone, can forgive Dr. Alford, I think that we have no right to condemn him for his past actions.
-- Elizabeth Ludlam, Palm Harbor
Church a loving family - come see for yourself
Re: Pastor conflict riddles Calvary Baptist, story, March 21.
I write this letter as a loving member of Calvary Baptist Church. Before any of you readers think too harshly of us due to reading the article in the March 21 paper, please come visit us and decide for yourself who we are and what we are all about. You would be so welcome and we would just like the chance to show you how much we love the Lord, how much we love each other, how much we love and support our entire pastoral staff, and then give us a chance to get to know you and love you, too.
We are a family and you will be able to tell the Lord is truly present at Calvary. And if you have any questions about our finances, you can lay them to rest. Our financial records are open to any member. If you are not a member you can contact a member and have them pursue what you need.
We are family and love the Lord. We would welcome you in our "home."
-- Judy Barber, Clearwater
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