A Bright Beginning
The magazine’s first decade (1946-1956) unfolded during the years just after World War II, a time when rural electrification was transforming life across Virginia.
The Winter Wren: a Little Bird with a Big Voice
January-February 2026 by Alonso Abugattas In our neck of the woods this time of year, there are only two species of wren you might see in your backyard or on your walk...
Jan./Feb. 2025 Edition
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Neighborhood
A Dockside Delight
Bridgewater Bar & Grill in Clarksville, Va., is a casual, family-owned eatery along Buggs Island Lake.
Rural Winter Fun
If there’s one thing to be said about winter, it’s this: It can be fun.
Stir It Up!
Check out these cozy and warm recipes to keep the cold at bay this winter.
Agricultural Architecture
From chic commercial spaces to outdoor gazebos, ambitious designers and innovative farmers are breathing new life into old grain bins.
More new features:
Looking Back and to the Future
Cooperative Living in 2026 will remain a reliable, entertaining and trustworthy source for information about our rural communities and members.
Celebrate Black History Month
Let’s take a look at African American inventors whose contributions helped revolutionize the way we use electricity.
Smart Moves for a Smarter Home
Smart devices use digital technology and Wi-Fi to take your home to a new level of convenience and comfort.
Before Hot Water Turns Cold
Signs that it’s time to repair, or replace, your water heater January-February 2026 by Miranda Boutelle, Contributing Columnist Q: How can I tell if my water heater needs repair or replacement? A: We tend to live in the “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” school of...
Smart Moves for a Smarter Home
Smart devices use digital technology and Wi-Fi to take your home to a new level of convenience and comfort.
Battery Breakdown: Do’s and Don’ts of Disposal
Protect your home and the environment with a few simple steps January-February 2026 by Steph Joven, Contributing Writer Batteries are part of everyday life — from the ones in our television remotes and flashlights to the big ones that power electric vehicles and even...
Click, Buy, Deliver
o ensure a smooth shopping experience, consider these tips for buying major home appliances online.
Preparing for the Future of Work
Survey reveals teens’ career concerns and evolving views on education January-February 2026 story courtesy of Family Features American teens are preparing for a workforce shaped by AI, new approaches to education, and economic uncertainty. While these challenges are...
Keeping the Lights On
With Distribution Automation tools, electric cooperatives can detect an outage and isolate it in real-time from their control rooms before sending out field crews to repair damaged power lines.
From Plant to Plug: Understanding the Electric Grid
Your home receives power from your local electric cooperative, which delivers electricity to your neighbors and surrounding counties.