It is with a sad heart that I heard about the passing of Betty Ann Bruno last Sunday. It was only a few weeks ago that she was hugging me in that wonderfully warm and affectionate way of hers. She wanted me to know how grateful she was to the Chittenango Community for the warm treatment she received during this year's Oz-Stravaganza. 

It is us who should be grateful. 

Last year, with the concerns of the COVID pandemic still lingering, Betty Ann hopped on a plane and flew to Central New York because Oz-Stravaganza was restarting. She was our bright shining star and the crowds along the parade went wild. 

She returned again this year to more adoring fans, danced the hulu and reminded us of the whimsical world that one of our favorite sons, L. Frank Baum, created. She made us feel like a kid again. 

Thank you Betty Ann for bringing us your joy of life. Your visits will be fondly remembered alongside those other special Munchkins who visited us on our Yellow Brick Road and who have also departed from this world.