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The Water is Fine: Aquaponics & Hydroponics
In our quest for sustainable food sources, homesteading without much acreage, and urban/suburban agriculture, aquaponics and hydroponics are leading the charge. Both are innovative farming techniques that defy traditional methods, emphasizing growth without soil....
Should you invest … or speculate?
You’ll find some big differences between traditional and speculative investments — and knowing these differences can matter a great deal when you’re trying to reach your financial goals. To begin with, let’s look at the basic types of traditional and speculative...
Field Notes: Mountain legs and autumn light
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. A famous poem by Emily Dickinson notes, "There's a certain slant of light, Winter Afternoons." The same might be said of autumn evenings....
Increase Biodiversity and Reduce Pests
Is there a secret to fending off those nasty ticks and other pests that plague us? Biodiversity might be one of the keys. While all life is precious, some creatures great or small can cause real health issues for humans, like the ticks that carry disease and the...
Should you downsize when you retire?
When you retire, you’ll experience many changes — should one of them involve your living arrangements? The issue of downsizing is one that many retirees will consider. If you have children, and they’ve grown and left the home, you might find yourself with more space...
Field Notes: Sink the Boeckling
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. I was reading a book on the front porch of my parents' house late in the summer of 1985 when my mother poked her head out the door and...
Mental Health Benefits of Digging in the Dirt
Gardening is often thought of as a tranquil hobby, a way to cultivate beautiful flowers and tasty vegetables. Yet, beneath the petals and produce lies a powerful form of therapy that can have profound effects on mental well-being. The simple act of digging in the...
529 plans offer benefits in all markets
A new school year has begun. And if you have young children, that means it’s one year closer to the day when they head off to college or some other post-secondary education or training. You might be preparing for that day with a 529 education savings plan — but should...
Statement read by Town Manager Dylan Haman to the Town Board on Sept. 5, 2023:
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Field Notes: Gardening after Labor Day
John B. Marek is a writer, farmer, outdoorsman and recovering economic developer. You can find his books at johnbmarek.com. By Labor Day, many gardens (and gardeners) have lost steam. The optimism of Memorial Day and the bounty of the Fourth of July have been replaced...
Planting for the Future: Trees
"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now." This age-old Chinese proverb resonates deeply, especially when considering the lush, biodiverse landscapes of the North Carolina Piedmont. Whether you're a novice gardener or a seasoned...
How will you exit your business?
If you own a business, you’ve always got a lot on your mind. But no matter how busy you are today, you need to think about tomorrow. Specifically, you’ll want to create an exit strategy for the day you want to move on from your business to a new phase in your...