I want to commend you on publishing an interesting newspaper every two weeks. The regular contributors should be complemented for their thoughtful columns.
I have enjoyed reading TR Kerth for several years. His observations are perceptive and entertaining. He always has something interesting to say about everyday life. In the same spirit, I recently started reading “Life in Focus” by Carol Pavlik. Again, her observations on day-to-day life are enlightening. She offers a different view than TR Kerth, but with the same warmth and humanity. Joan Davis always has something interesting to say about healthy living. The Dining Duo, although I may not always agree with their culinary choices, put together a cleverly written column and introduce readers to restaurants that may not be familiar to them.
All in all, you have a talented group of writers who deserve recognition.
Lastly, I commend you on presenting a diversity of opinions in your letters.
Richard J Quigley
Huntley resident
Joan Davis’s article missed why Irish are so healthy. After spending some time in Ireland, we learned that the state implemented a tax on sugary drinks ($.30 per liter) in 2018 that has expanded to candy and baked goods. The reasoning is that obesity was a huge health problem in Ireland, and sugar was correctly blamed for the problem. In order for state sponsored healthcare to continue, the state went after sugar.
An example while we were there: Subway’s sandwiches were re-classified as a cookie because of the high sugar content in the buns. Grocery stores had no candy on the shelves, there are no chocolate shops, etc. There were only diet sodas to be found. Here is an article I found when the laws were first changed: www.irishtimes.com/news/ire land/irish-news/the-sugar-tax-questionsand-answers-1.3479487 Potatoes are in the nightshade family along with tomatoes, eggplant and ground cherries. We could no longer find tomatoes being used in our last trip to Italy, another topic of lengthy discussion certainly.
Rich Scherer
Sun City resident
