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Celebrating Betsy's birthday dinner at the Clark, Summer 2014

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Watching Eliza's concert in Northampton, October 2018

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Dear Betsy,

Sorry I missed your birthday celebration. It looked like a blast.

I have so many great memories with you as my neighbor and second mom and friend- I remember you waiting for us kids to catch the bus to school at the top of the driveway with a big mug of coffee and smile. I remember having many compound dinners in your kitchen or at our house or Molly and Mark's and your delicious desserts and loud laughs. I remember hanging out talking about life and politics on your porch or walking Jack or Lou in the cemetery or neighborhood. I remember running to catch movies at Images with my mom and Eliza and sneaking in chocolate. I remember when I graduated Bard you gave me my favorite cookbook by Mark Bittman and you wrote "It's a good thing...learning how to cook! After all...you will be eating for a long time." I remember you inviting me and Peter Carlile to celebrate your birthday at the Clark Art even when I was home for the summer and even though my mom wasn't there. I felt like we were breaking in after dark and it was fun. You had two baby cakes. I remember when I returned from the Peace Corps you and Bill took me out to lunch at Wild Oats and you asked me so many questions about my experience and I felt like you were really interested and really listened. I remember after my dad passed away you and Bill came to see Eliza play a show in Northampton when I was at UMass and we had dinner and you shared some words about when your parents had passed and I felt less alone.

Thank you for always being there for me over the years through all the phases and stages and the good and bad like a bad mullet haircut haha.

Sending you lots of love and BIG hug, I hope to see you again sooner than later!

Rosie

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Dear Betsy,

I have so many fond memories of living within a stone's skip of your family on West Main Street. Most of those cherished thoughts center around enjoying warm summer nights chatting on your front porch -- shooting the breeze about local politics, driveway politics, and possibly our favorite subject -- scheming to antagonize the landlord. Perhaps the most stand-out evening was when we padlocked his utility trailer to the lamp post to suggest he refrain from parking in the middle of your yard.😎

I also recall many nights that you wandered over to my raucous house parties, dancing it up with my rowdy (and our many mutual) friends. We were always so thrilled when you took up the invitation (or maybe the music got too loud and you figured if you can't beat em, join em --?!) for the party.

At our age, it often seems as though we’ve lived a number of lifetimes, but periods of our lives of course stand out. I will always hold dear the fond memories made in my early days in Williamstown, lucky to be your neighbor.

Happy Birthday!

XO

Bruce

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From baby doctors to boarding school and beyond!

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From baby doctors to boarding school and beyond!

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Happy 70th Betsy! It's quite remarkable that our "bond" started with our Moms having the same baby doctor. And then to grow through our teen years together at Emma Willard and meet our life loves the same year in Springfield! Who could imagine that? We had such fun at Emma as well as the reunions. But nothing could match our time in Springfield with love blossoming all around, including you two and Barb and Bob. And I do recall at least one "sizzling" evening at the house Bob and Bill shared on Concordia! Happy birthday, Betsy! Glad to celebrate the day with you. Love, Lindsay

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Dear, Betsy, I was fresh out of college when you and Bill took me on at The Advocate, after I turned in a trial story about a Sherlock Holmes fan who built an elaborate miniature of 221B Baker Street. I had no idea lucky I was to get that job! (Though if Bill had any idea how long I worked on that story, he might have had second thoughts!)

The atmosphere you all created was one I've never encountered since -- drinks at the pub, lunches at Papa Charlies, gatherings at your lovely home. And remember the Advocate Art show on Spring Street? I even think that camaraderie extended to Tuesday nights when us slowpokes in editorial (sorry!) kept production folks up way too late. What an unusual, wonderful crew you assembled! I am so glad to have been a part of it. I've enjoyed my many jobs since then, but I do wish my twenty-year old self had realized just how rare it is to find yourself working for such goodhearted people who challenge, support, and bring out your best. And Betsy, you, in particular, brought such warmth to that office. Happy, Happy (XXX fill in one more adjective XXXX here) Birthday!

Love,

Eileen Gloster

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Betsy and Janis in 1978, after Rosy Finch Pass

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Hi Bets!

Hard to believe it...70 years. It’s been quite a ride we’ve had, and I’m just one year behind you.  We started together as freshmen (more appropriately fresh people..in more ways than one) at Colorado College in 1973.  For some reason the friendship just clicked with you and me, and I’m not really sure why.  After all, I was a geeky biology nerd who didn’t know my way around people at all.  You were this firestorm of crazy energy who was so good with social relationships, making friends, and living life fully as it came to you...fresh off the plate.  You must have seen my shortcomings yet you took me on as a friend in spite of them, for which I will always be grateful.  In my defense, I did have a very cool dog, and I think that may have helped.

I recall your advice to me during those early years:  “Flow with the flow...Bohanon, you have to flow with the flow!”

Wow.  How could you have known that those words would stick with me for more than 50 years?  How could you have known that it was the advice that I needed more than anything else you could have said?  Laser focus and habitually excessive planning can have their places in helping us through the world...I should know.  But flowing with the flow, that’s what gets us through it all, the good times and the bad. Honestly, I thought it was BS for many years, but with age comes perhaps a bit of wisdom about what’s important in our lives, and your advice is at the heart of that.  Friends. Family. Spontaneity. Love. Fun.  And gardens also.  Don’t forget the flowers.  And dogs, of course.

5 years after you and I met and one year after graduation from CC, we spent 2 weeks hiking into (and out of, importantly) a very remote part  of  the Wind River Range in Wyoming.  For me it was easy enough...we had a good plan, and I was focused on getting it done, one step at a time. I now realize that the trip was WAY outside your comfort zone as it was for Bill, your new boyfriend, who (I have to admit) I was pretty skeptical about at first.  But you did it, and you did it with grace and laughter and full engagement of every moment we were out there.  You followed your own advice....you flowed with the flow, and that wave carried you through it all, the blisters, the sore back and shoulders, the mosquitoes, the worries about food, our remote location, the uncertain route in front of us, and whether or not you had enough gas in you to get through each day, not to mention the days ahead.

I think the crux of that trip came at Rosy Finch Pass, which loomed in front of us for several days of the hike before we actually struggled to its base.  The pass was uncharted territory for all of us, way off of any trail, way above timberline, very steep, loose, and a little bit scary.  The outcome was uncertain right up to the end.  You and I were the last ones up, and we were struggling.  I recall thinking: “What if she can’t do it?”  I tried to think of ways to motivate you, but with my poor people skills all I could come up with was: “Keep moving, Johnson!”

Pretty lame advice, huh?

But you did keep moving, one faltering step at a time, and guess what?  You made it! WE MADE IT! To the top! We were only half-way through the trip, but something changed at the top of Rosy Finch Pass, and I knew that we’d finish, and that you and your new man would be just fine, and that this trip was going to be something we’d all remember with great fondness for the rest of our lives.  I am so grateful for those memories.

Now, all these years later, you have another Rosy Finch Pass ahead of you.  The outcome is uncertain, the path ahead is vague or non-existent,  and it is so very hard.  My limitations with profound thoughts or good advice continue to plague me today, but maybe there’s a lesson from the past here for both of us.

Keep moving, Johnson, but never forget to flow with the flow. You will get there in the end, and in great style.

I know you will do this, and I just hope I can follow your good example.

We all love you so much, Betsy!

Bo

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Every time we seem to bump into each other it is on the street, one of us moving from A to B and the other moving from B to A. And yet, you always stop to say hello, to ask me about my life, and give an update on your two wonderfully raised children. What I value is that, without fail, every time, always, you greet me (and I assume, others too) with a huge warm smile. -- And I love that you have gardener's hands. It's honest and speaks of nurture and hard work; perhaps those two things are always together. People who dig in the dirt have a wisdom that those who don't should listen to. Happy happy 70th!

-peace and compassion

-Peter Niemeyer

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We met more than 50 years ago as classmates at an all girls boarding school. The town was run down, it was the early 70’s and we lived and studied in large gothic stone buildings that echoed our apathy and adolescent angst. On a sub-zero dark winter afternoon I was feeling forlorn as I left the main classroom building and started walking across campus to my dorm. I heard a shout behind me and turned to see you coming. You bounced on the balls of your feet as you walked quickly, your eyes were sparkling and you grinned widely. You linked your elbow to mine and chatted as you steered me into the dining hall. It was a normal Betsy encounter but it’s stayed with me all these years. Infectious joy.

Happy birthday from a fellow gargoyle, xo

Hester

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A gardening friend writes:

In the early 1990s, Betsy and I used to drive over to Gansevoort (sp?)  New York, to Sally Millman’s daylily farm. Sally’s was chaotic with  mislabelled varieties, questionable cultivars, and the rapidly-increasing presence of Quack Grass. We loved it! Sally was always generous with freebies, and we always headed home with a full load. Those daylilies are still flourishing in my garden and in Betsy's. Like the two of us, they have been dug up,  divided, relocated, and have been damaged by various predators. But there they still are: sturdy, colorful, reliable, generous, and welcoming. Much like Betsy herself. They are a testament to the enduring strength of friendship and affection. So Happy Birthday Bets. I’ll see you when the first buds are appearing in June. . Much love, Frances

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Dear Betsy,

Oh those wonderful Advocate Days we shared on Spring Street. I'll always remember the incredible rhythm of the week. The craziest day of the week was always Friday. We would rush around finishing our run sheets and counting our inches. Your incredible spirit & energy during those days was infectious. I learned so much from you and am forever grateful. Those years The Advocate was the voice of our town and you and Bill provided the platform for our community members to be heard.

Happy Birthday Betsy-you have touched so many,

Bonnie Clark

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Betsy, I won't be able to come to your celebration, but wish you a happiest birthday and new year, with many happy years to come.

Karen Kane

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We were both new to our mates back in Springfield in the late 70s. They worked together at the Associated Press and decided to rent the former college President's home near the Capitol on CONCORDIA.

“We,” the B’s, came onto the scene at about the same time, madly in love or just fascinated with the freedom of this Humongus one level house and our amazingly smart boyfriends!

Who knew a home could come with a complete dishwasher used just for “party crystal” - it was an adventure! Then there was the heated, carpeted floor in the great room the size of a tennis court. Perfect for our blooming giggly lives and loves. You and I’d compare plans for late nights! For you and Bill that meant a lot of chirping and you… the joyous laughs when he tickled you or? ? Ok. I’ll let our friends’ imagination wander. Great times. Lots of leftover soup and beers. And always…friendship that’s lasted through each of our weddings, to adore our baby kids, moves of our careers innumerable times and yet, managed to touch base over the years and still…take time to reminisce. I turn 73 two days before you, you spring chicken! Enjoy the joy. Barb Hipsman Springer in Kent, Ohio

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Betsy,

The clearest early memory I have of you (and Bill) was when you were pregnant with Christopher. Tom and I had a rare date night away from our three daughters at the movies. As we sat in the dimly lit Images, Bill came hustling down the aisle with a folding step stool . You followed shortly, very pregnant and glowing with happiness with your hands on your belly. As you eased yourself into a chair, Bill lovingly made sure the stool was positioned so that you could elevate your swollen feet and enjoy the movie.

A few years later I would see you very regularly and very briefly as you dropped your children to kindergarten in the morning. I still remember how you would come to school with them singing, smiling, and giving them all the love needed for a successful day at school.

With love and admiration,

Fern Murtagh

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Sending love, and wishing you friends and laughter - and laughter with friends -on your

birthday. I often think of you coming to visit in Chicago and telling us to take down that damn messy maple tree in the back yard! How right you were. Best wishes on your birthday, Bets. Lots of love, Connie Wastcoat

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Betsy,

I will never forget our amazing times together at Emma Willard. We laughed so much, shared so many stories about childhood and challenges we faced growing into women at a girls' boarding school. You were such a stabilizing force and good fun. We also got to meet up in Salt Lake City, Williamstown, and again at Emma Willard for the 40th reunion. Happy 70th Birthday!

Sarah McCarthey

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For many years you helped me in my garden,

contributing to it in countless ways, among them weeding, planting, pruning, and further beautifying it. Working with you was always a great pleasure. Love you.

Suzanne Graver

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Bob Scheier was best man at Betsy and Bill's June 13, 1981 wedding. He can't attend on Jan. 6 but sent this note: "Speaking of ripples outward: IF YOU FEEL IT IS APPROPRIATE for the social activism portion of the evening here is a short offering about my work in Pennsylvania. Again, I do not want to hijack the evening but if you feel this would be meaningful to Betsy it’s an opportunity to engage folks in our extended community:"

“There’s no shortage of heart rending, seemingly unbelievable bad news to watch, hear and read. Action is the antidote to fear. If you wan to support Betsy’s commitment to social justice when she cannot, I encourage you to offer your time, energy, ideas and passion to winning a swing state for President Biden in 2024. For four years Bob Scheier (Bill and Betsy’s best man) has co-lead a group called MAFlipPA, which organizes Massachusetts activisits to elect Democrats and Progressives up and down the ballot in our nearest big swing state. This grassroots work, starting long before the election, is how we won important victories from Georgia to Wisconsin and beyond. If you want to learn more about helping in Pennsylvania, or other critical swing states, email Bob at bob.scheier@gmail.com. Thanks to Bill and Betsy for letting me share this, and for finding ways to drive positive change from grindingly difficult circumstances!”

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---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Rebecca Moore
Date: Sun, Dec 17, 2023 at 9:31 AM
Subject: Betsy birthday

Although Charlie and I won’t be able to attend the celebration (we’ll be in California), could you please send this message along:

“Happy birthday Betsy!  When we met, many years ago, you were working for Gary at the Booksmith, on Haight St in San Francisco.  I recall squeezing tons of orange juice together at our apartment on Waller St!

Love, Charlie and Becky Moore”

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2012, 57 yrs. old at Jane's house on Maple St.

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Our friendship goes back many years to the "compound" we formed on West Main St. with families and neighbors, having good times, sharing experiences and growing up together. That morphed into a birthday group to celebrate each year, our new age, creating more memories and having lots of fun. How we've laughed and enjoyed each others company. I'll post a few pictures. This year, however, I won't be there to share in the celebration and just ask you to make a special wish as you blow out the candles.There will be lots of them! And I will see you later in 2024. Much love, Jane

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You brought so much energy, local expertise, journalistic know-how, and most of all FUN to our team at Streetmail back in the day! Hoping you feel the positivity and love you shared with all of us. Xo Merritt

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I have many great memories about fun times I have spent with you, Betsy. Once you talked me into meeting up with you at 1 am at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield to get on a bus that took us and many other lefties all the way to Washington, DC for a huge peace demonstration.

With the help of half a sleeping pill I managed to nod off on the bus, and woke up many hours later with my head resting firmly on your shoulder, and possibly a little drool on your shirt, which you took in stride.

It was fun making our way through an empty DC to find breakfast and the demonstration. As the day wore on and we marched with throngs of people you easily engaged everyone around us in conversation.

This is a strong quality of yours: engaging with people around you. I'm not sure if you just really enjoy contact with people, or if you are chatting with them to make them feel at ease and have a good time. Maybe both.

As the day wore on I was getting really tired and just wanted to sink into my seat in the bus that would take us home, but you seemed to have endless energy to talk to yet another stranger.

Thank you for talking me into coming to DC with you, and for the years at Berkshire Botanical Garden.

Dorthe Hviid

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Dear Betsy,

David and I remember with fondness our times with you at the Advocate, all those years ago. We all worked together as a creative team, learning as we went along. You and Bill were new to the business, but found your way to build a wonderful, community newspaper that ultimately flourished. It was a great time in our lives, and a few things really stand out over the years - your very expressive and raucous laughter; and you and Bill calling me "ho" for my initials, which you, and others, do to this day. No offense by me has ever been taken! Also, we got married while we worked with you, and received so much good will and love from you and the rest of the staff.

May you have a wonderful birthday surrounded by love and both David and I are sorry we can't be there with you.

Now on to 71!

Much love,

Helen (and David)

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Betsy's cheesecake, Compound dinner, 2013

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Betsy! Springfield memories,

Good times! And Mike McGann. You were one of his favorite friends. He so much enjoyed your company and your sense of humor. If he had not gone and died on us--the scoundrel!--I know he would be sending you his own (eccentric, silly, and possibly bawdy) birthday greeting. Best Wishes Betsy! Fondly, Margaret Peisert

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Mom -- I am the luckiest kid alive to have you as my mom. You're a shining star and I love you forever. <3 Eliza