OUR MISSION 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. VISIT CO-OPLIVING.COM READER PHOTO: RICK SANFORD III, FAUQUIER COUNTY, VA FEATURES LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 8 FOOD FOR THOUGHT A new cooperative in Virginia represents a different experience in buying food. NOT BOARD. Ezra, 4, enjoys his vacation in Topsail, N.C. Photo submitted by Jenna Wilson of Powhatan, Va. FOLLOW US ONINSTAGRAM 9 ANNUAL ART CONTEST Our art contest showcases the work of schoolchildren in Virginia and Maryland. 21 A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE The 2021 Good Samaritan Award winner is passionate about helping people. DOGGIE DIVE. Indy enjoys retrieving balls in the family pool. Photo submitted by Joy Eaton of Franklin, Va. THIS MONTH'S COVER Student-artists from kindergarten through fifth grade entered our annual Youth Art competition. Cover photo: Eight-year-old Vihaan Panjwani ofAshburn,Va., is the winner of this year's Youth Art Contest. co-opliving.com DEPARTMENTS 2 Our Communities 4 Powerful Careers 5 Throwback 6 Say Cheese 7 Happenings 23 Co-op Principles 24 Smart Connect 26 Energy Sense 28 Cooperative Kitchen 29 Garden Muse 30 Classified Ads 32 Rural Living 22 DOGS ON THE WATER Here's what it takes to get your furry friend into stand-up paddleboarding. PHOTO PHOTO BY LAURA EMERY BY LAURA EMER Please recycle. July 2021 | Cooperative Living | 1http://www.CO-OPLIVING.COM http://www.co-opliving.com