If you are like me, you want to get the most out of what you have and find a good deal. The excitement of finding that little treasure or seeing the potential in an item is extremely satisfying. It is equally exciting to take something that others deem unusable and turn it into something that brings value. As the old saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder — but if it saves me money and meets a need for me or someone else, then I consider that beautiful.
This issue of Cooperative Living has a theme of repurposing and the cover story is about a Northern Neck man who had a vision of turning old boats into pirate ships. He turned repurposing into a passion that has carried over into other areas of his life and has had an incredible impact throughout his community.
Other interesting articles throughout the magazine recognize National Gardening Month, Safe Digging Month and Lineworker Appreciation Day, all celebrated in April. Our lineworkers are the front line of electric cooperatives that ensure the lights come on when you flip the switch. They do whatever it takes to restore power and are at their best when the weather is at its worst, so let’s take the time to appreciate them, not just this month, but always.
With all of us battling rising costs in all parts of our lives, we often must look at ways we can make the most out of what we already have or find something that others have cast away and repurpose it. Bringing value to our family and others is truly a beautiful thing.
Brian S. Mosier, President & CEO
Virginia, Maryland & Delaware Association of Electric Cooperatives