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Letter to the editor: ‘Everyone thinks COVID is over. It’s not’
Here’s a letter to the editor written by Sylvia Robine of Mt. Gilead. I know, everyone thinks COVID is over. It’s not. What’s ended is the government’s support of mitigation (or attempting to control, rather than eliminate, the disease). Tracking cases so we can be...
Field Notes: It’s a long way to go
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. It's a long way to Tipperary. You've probably heard that phrase; maybe you're even singing the tune in your head right this minute. But what does it mean, and...
What is a “Master Gardener”?
I am an Extension Master Gardener Volunteer, but what does that mean? It’s not just a title I made up, though that would make a good story. A “Master Gardener,” (or EMGV for short) at its core, is a volunteer trained and certified by university horticulture experts...
Smart ways to invest in bonds
Most investors are aware of the different types of stocks: big-company, small-company, technology, international and so on. And it may be a good idea to own a mix of these stocks as part of your overall investment portfolio. But the importance of diversification...
Field Notes: Where were you when the lights went out?
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. Twenty years ago this week, a historic event unfolded across the eastern United States, leaving millions of people in darkness and revealing the vulnerabilities of an...
Roses Love Company
Roses are beautiful on their own, but imagine them being surrounded by a community of vibrant, supportive plants. That's the magic of companion planting. When roses are paired with their ideal plant partners, the garden becomes a symphony of colors, and there's an...
Help get your teen started with a Roth IRA
To be successful in most endeavors, it’s important to develop good habits — and that’s certainly the case for investors. And the earlier one develops these habits, the better. So, if you have teenagers who may be starting to work at part-time jobs, now may be a great...
Field Notes: Derelicts and relics
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. It is one of the more common tropes of science fiction; intrepid explorers come across the remains of a derelict spaceship drifting in the void. Once bustling with activity,...
Water Wise Gardening
I don’t know if y’all noticed, but it was a very hot summer! Being resourceful and environmentally conscious in our gardens is more vital than ever. One of the most effective methods to conserve water and maintain moisture in the soil is through mulching. Mulch acts...
Retired? Consider benefits of part-time work
After spending decades in the workforce, you might look forward to the day you retire. But if you decide, for one reason or another, that you’d like to redefine “retirement” to include part-time work or consulting, you could enjoy exercising your skills and meeting...
Field Notes: The politics of the stone
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. In an era where digital screens and virtual connections often dominate our lives, it's heartening to witness parents creating "analog" experiences for their children and the...
Savor the Seasons: Fall Vegetables
Autumn in Zone 8 offers gardeners a respite from the summer heat, but it doesn’t mean putting the trowel and gloves away. As leaves turn and days shorten, a new gardening chapter begins. As summer bids adieu, it's time to harvest the bounties of the warm season. Fresh...