Hooray for the new VERVE.

That’s what many of you have told us recently—in emails, on Facebook and at our party to launch the new re-designed July issue. “Love the big format,” says Asheville PR veteran Kathi Petersen. “I’m happy not to have to wait oh-so-long for the next edition to come out.” Asheville’s GEM Fund president Pat Argue says, “I love your new look and the fact that you’re now a monthly.” Please keep your comments coming. Let us know what you like and don’t, and what we can do differently in the future.

And please keep sending story ideas our way. This month, we’re writing about women in so many far-flung areas—from doughnuts to summer fashion to medical marijuana activism. Many of those came together because our readers recognized good story ideas and sent them in. One of the most remarkable pieces in this issue, Joanne O’Sullivan’s profile of Paula Isenberg (see page 42) came to us from Amy Fowler of CarePartners, a rehab and hospice organization in Asheville. Isenberg is 98, served as a court reporter in the U.S. Army during World War II, and Fowler and the CarePartners nursing staff knew she had a riveting tale to tell when they heard it. When you come across fascinating, sassy women, we hope you will continue to tell us about them.

Best,

Jess McCuan
jess@vervemag.com