Cooperative Living February 2016 - 3

InsideStory
Virginia is a state of
many wonders. The
Omni Homestead
Resort, in historic and
beautiful Bath County,
is one of them.
This year marks the
resort's 250th
anniversary. Think of
that ―250 years, a quarter of a
millennium. That's a span of time that
reaches back to before the founding of
the country itself.
The Homestead is a wonderful resort
featuring a broad, all-weather spectrum
of activities ranging from golf to skiing,
but The Homestead is also very much a
place worth visiting for its historic
significance. Walking the same grounds
that presidents and celebrities of an
earlier age walked is a heady experience,
indeed.
And the sulfur springs that made it a
resort in the first place still run warm.
Steam rising from the area's mineral
springs in the dead of winter transports
you back in time. On a quiet, cold winter
morning, it's very near to magic.
There's a special connection between
today's Homestead resort and Virginia's
electric-cooperative family. One of
Virginia's 13 consumer-owned electric
cooperatives, BARC Electric
Cooperative, serves The Omni
Homestead Resort. BARC, in fact, serves
all of Bath County, a place, like The
Homestead, that's well worth visiting.
Be sure and read all about the resort's
history in this issue's Cover Story, which
begins on page 14. There aren't many
places around today that were here 250
years ago.
* * * * *
The last couple of issues we've had
lots of Mailbag letters, and this issue
continues the trend. Readers far and
wide weigh in to opine on topics of
interest to electric-cooperative members,
from climate change to yellow jackets.
As it turned out this issue, we had an
additional page available, so the usual
Mailbag section is extended from the
front of the magazine to page 36.
Enjoy your read, and have a
wonderful February! 
- Bill Sherrod, Editor
www.co-opliving.com
DEPARTMENTS
2
Viewpoint
4 Mailbag
4 Whatzit?
5
7
8
10 Currents
Visit us online at: www.co-opliving.com
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History Mystery
Say Cheese
Happenings
12 Energy ROI
18 Your Co-op News
30 Crossroads
34 Commonwealth Kitchen
38 Classified Ads
40 Rural Living
FEBRUARY 2016
OUR MISSION
CONTENTS
14 Cover Story
Blending history and an extensive palette of
recreational activities, The Omni Homestead Resort in
Bath County celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2016.
Cover photo courtesy of The Omni Homestead Resort.
26 Energy Sense
Here are some thoughts to help you keep Fido and
Mittens warm and comfortable this winter without
cranking up the thermostat and taking a bite out of
your energy-bill budget.
28 Dining With Dan
Whatever the season, there's nothing like a bountiful
table of aromatic home-style food to warm the soul
and rekindle fond family memories.
Reader Photo: Martin Thorn
To inform you about your cooperative and its efforts to serve your energy needs; how to
use electricity safely and efficiently; and the people who define and enhance the quality
of life in communities served by electric co-ops.
February 2016 | Cooperative Living | 1
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Cooperative Living February 2016

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