Recent Newsletters
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...
Retirees: Talk finances with your grown children
When you’re retired, you’ll likely have some financial concerns — just like all retirees. However, if you’ve invested regularly and followed a long-term financial strategy, you should be able to address most issues that come your way. But there’s one important action...
Field Notes: Where is everybody?
The author, John Marek, is a writer and CEO of the Anson Economic Development Partnership. At some point during my junior high years, I checked a book on UFOs out of the school library. I don't remember the exact title, but it was along the lines of "UFOs: Fact or...
Bug Bites Aren’t So Bad
You read that right, bug damage from perceived pests might not be as bad as we think. Texas A&M AgriLife Research science folks have figured out that when bugs munch on the leaves of fruit and vegetable plants, it's not all bad news. Turns out, this leaf-wounding...
Inflation can be ‘shocking’ in retirement
When you retire, you hope that you’ll be able to anticipate the events that could cause you financial challenges down the road. For one thing, most retirees are probably aware that, even if they remain healthy, their health care costs may rise, even if they’re covered...