Oh, baby! That’s all I could say after the photo shoot in our studio with the Rodgers family of Shenango Township, which includes quadruplet one-year old girls and big sister Baylee. What a lovely and active family! I think Baylee’s expression on our May cover expresses that same sentiment quite well.

Sentimental expressions are part of our Mom Makeover 2007 contest as well. Enjoy reading about winning moms Debra Kennell, Valerie Ambrizana, Patty Gelesky and Anabel Szanny and the salons that pampered them. We also included excerpts from some of the letters of other nominees to show our readers just how hard it was for us to decide on a winner.

Take a trip to ecological activist Rachel Carson’s homestead with our Westminster College intern Leanna Stitt; sip some tea at My Grandmother’s Teapot in Adamsville; try the recipes of Dee Coulter from Common Ground Restaurant in Wolf Creek Township and meet a few 90-year-old ladies who rock the vote.

We’ve also included two new features: A teen page entitled Attitude, and Candles in the Wind, featuring women who have gone through personal adversity, but still find ways to shine their light. You’ll get a chance to visit with breast cancer survivors Sherry Sniezek and JoAnn Esposito, both of New Castle, who have channeled their health struggle into a way to help others facing the same battle.

We also visit with farming women in Mercer County and Tilinda Rosales, who took her passion for raising her children well into the community she lives. Elder Sonia D. Newby, Farrell, and professional move manager Jeanne Hink, Hermitage, also share their wisdom with us. I am completely impressed and awed by the amazing moms in our community. I think you will be as well. Of course we dedicate this issue to them.

And to all of our mothers — much appreciation and Happy Mother’s Day.

The May issue of V&V will be included in Wednesday’s Herald.