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Attendees hold electric candles as they listen to remarks during a community vigil for remembrance at Rothko Chapel in Houston on Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Rothko co-hosted the event with The Institute of Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center.<\/p>\n
Elizabeth Conley\/Houston Chronicle<\/p>\n
Spiritual sanctuary\u00a0<\/p>\n
Regarding \u201cThe story behind Loro Piana’s ‘A Day in Houston’ ad campaign shot at the Menil and Rothko Chapel<\/a>,\u201d (July 8): I am shocked, saddened and disturbed by the commercialization of the Rothko Chapel by the current board and director.<\/p>\n This astonishing building and its purpose as a place of prayer, reflection and spiritual sanctuary have been completely prostituted by its handover to ordinary and cheap advertising. The Chapel is a place of solitude or religious ceremony, not as a background for the latest and passing fashion sales of clothing.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Many others and I, who knew Dominique de Menil as she envisioned bringing this special sanctuary into existence, are both grieving and outraged by this development.<\/p>\n Garland Debner Pohl, Houston<\/p>\n Summer fun<\/p>\n Regarding \u201cIndoor things to do with kids in Houston this summer<\/a>,\u201d (July 11): This article was great, but you left out one other awesome place to beat the heat: the Harris County Public Library. Their summer reading program, “Unearth a Story,<\/a>” is filled with activities for children to participate in and they are free! It’s great for the whole family. Check it out.\u00a0<\/p>\n Susan Greer, Harris County Friends of the Library\u00a0<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Bill Archer\u2019s legacy<\/p>\n Regarding \u201cFormer U.S. Rep. Bill Archer of Texas died on Saturday at 98<\/a>,\u201d (July 5): On July 8, while reading the Houston Chronicle, I was engulfed by a wave of nostalgia when I read of the death of Bill Archer, who was my Congressman for three decades. I deeply admired him for his commitment to serving our country.<\/p>\n During those years, I could always count on him to represent the opinions of his constituents and not just the position of his party. He believed in fiscal responsibility and held high ethical standards. He knew that in order for Congress to be effective, there must be bipartisan cooperation.\u00a0<\/p>\n I also admired him for his communication skills. The letters I received from him in reply to my concerns were personally specific and signed by him in ink that still smears. They are special treasures. Now, when I write a letter to my congressman and senators, I rarely get a reply at all. Phone calls frequently end up in a voicemail box that is full.<\/p>\n Finally, I greatly admired the Archer Fellowship Program. In it, one junior from each of the public and private high schools in his congressional district was chosen to receive a totally paid week in Washington. My daughter, Elizabeth, was selected by her high school in March 1993, and that year, there were 24 other students. They were instilled with deep appreciation for the possibilities and promises of our beautiful nation, and I imagine they are all still productive citizens.<\/p>\n Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n Archer may have been one of a kind, but I hope not. I know I was truly blessed to have him represent me for three decades.<\/p>\n Susan Collins<\/p>\n