Cooperative Living October 2017 - 3

InsideStory
October is the
quintessential
autumn month,
combining exquisite
color, atmosphere
and activity to set the
stage for year-exiting
grandeur.
October is also
the month when we
celebrate the cooperative business model,
based on seven solid service principles,
as Executive Editor Richard Johnstone
underscores in this issue's Viewpoint
column on page 2.
And, October is the final month
before the November elections. This
year we'll choose a number of statelevel
representatives, including a new
governor. The two major-party candidates
for governor offer their insights in essays
prepared especially for you - electric
cooperative members - on pages 12
and 13 of this issue. Please read the
candidates' words, and please, please
exercise your right to vote on Nov. 7.
It's a very busy time, and when we
get busy it's sometimes wise to remind
ourselves to slow down and, as the old
saying goes, smell the roses (or coffee,
if you prefer!).
Our cover story this issue describes
the painted-rock movement, a good way
to throttle back, reconnect with nature,
and do something kind just for the sake
of doing something kind.
Rocks are elemental, basic, of the
earth; metaphors for things solid and
foundational. Taking a rock and adding a
touch of flair by painting it and inscribing
it with a personal message is the simple
essence of this movement. The effect of
this simple act can be profound.
In researching and writing the story,
Field Editor Laura Emery uncovered
examples of how something as simple
as finding a painted rock might change
a person's life. Good intent - doing
something kind for the sake of doing
something kind - randomly released
on the cosmos really can create
positive karma.
Enjoy the season, and we hope
you enjoy this issue of your electriccooperative
publication. And in
the words of one of the youngsters
Laura interviewed for the cover story,
" rock on! " 
- Bill Sherrod, Editor
www.co-opliving.com
October 2017 | Cooperative Living | 1
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.
CONTENTS
14 Cover Story
Kindness rocks in a new activity that involves painting, hiding,
seeking and finding stones. Cover image: Savannah Castro,
JaKayla James and Caden Gibson hold rocks painted by
Wendi Overton. Cover photo by Laura Emery.
30 Crossroads
What do sewing machines, crop-harvesting equipment,
and high-speed fiber-delivered rural internet service have
in common? They all have origins in the tiny crossroads
community of Raphine, Virginia.
34 Kids' Korner
Autumn is the time for apples, that most American of fruits ...
which, oddly, is not native to America. But thanks to Johnny
Appleseed and others, this tasty fruit is today, indeed, as
American as apple pie.
DEPARTMENTS
2 Viewpoint
4 Mailbag
4 WhatzIt
5 History Mystery
8 Say Cheese
10 Happenings
12 Virginia Election
Visit us online at:
www.co-opliving.com
18 Your Co-op News
26 Energy Sense
28 Garden Muse
36 Commonwealth Kitchen
38 Classified Ads
40 Rural Living
Find us on:
Please recycle this magazine.
AAM audited
Owen Castro with a rock
by Wendi Overton.
OCTOBER 2017
Reader Photo: Tracy L. Miller
Check out the
spooktacular
photos on
page 8.
http://www.co-opliving.com http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living October 2017

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living October 2017
