Betsy Boone, My "Cover Girl"

  

Photo by Fran Collin

Graphic Design by Gina Federico

I am saddened to hear of the recent passing of Libia Rosa and Betsy Boone, two of my favorite people in
POUND RIDGE PAST: Remembrances of Our Townsfolk. I was truly honored and humbled to have had the opportunity to interview both of them ... such gracious ladies of Pound Ridge. (Coincidentally, both of their interviews are back-to-back in my book: "Betsy Boone: A Honey Hollow Perspective" is on page 118. "Libia Rose: The Strength of 'The Miracle Tree'" is on page 124.)

A few weeks after my initial interview with Betsy, I returned to her house to ask permission to use the magnificent portrait taken by Fran Collin (photographer extraordinaire) for the cover of the book (designed by the ever-amazing Gina Federico). For some reason, I was a bit nervous and waited for the exact right moment. As I sipped a glass of sherry, I finally asked the "big question." Betsy immediately responded that she was delighted to be "The Cover Girl" (her words). Her beauty surely graces my book.

I will always remember Libia for the delicious brownies she served the afternoon we met. She was a woman of strength and fine character.

Betsy, too, had grace and snap. I will always remember her wonderful yellow sneakers that matched her yellow car that matched her yellow house. 

I am forever grateful to Libia for her time and thoughtfulness ... and to Betsy Boone, too, for saying "yes" to be "The Cover Girl" of Pound Ridge Past.