Some people have a natural way about them, a charisma, which makes you want to get to know them, even before you’re introduced.

Betsey Baio is one of those people.

If you’ve ever been to New York Pizzeria, you probably know Betsey as she and her husband Frank own the New Berlin eatery. But until fairly recently I had never had the privilege of dining there. (I do, after all, live on the other end of the county.) So the first time I met Betsey was not at their well known establishment, but rather at a Commerce Chenango event held at the Canasawacta Country Club.

If memory serves, the occasion was the chamber’s 50th Anniversary Gala, which means I’d been on the job here at The Evening Sun for six months or so.

I’d already found myself a seat and was getting myself (and my camera and notepad) situated, when I saw a stylish woman wending her way through the tables. Her progress was halting, since she took the time to greet almost every gala-goer she encountered in her path. Which gave me plenty of time to admire her fashionable dress, and her oh-so- incredible shoes.

I was too busy coveting her wardrobe to realize that she had paused once more in her circuit of the room, this time at my very elbow. Looking up, I met eyes that gleamed with humor and a smile nothing short of radiant.

And then, as if being in her very presence wasn’t enough, this exuberant angel paid me the utmost compliment: she told me how much she loved reading my columns and blog.

There I was basking in the praise of this glorious creature, almost too flummoxed to thank her for her sentiment. (Yes, I’m that shallow. The way to my heart is through copious amounts of praise.)

It was at that point which I began to worship the ground she walks on. Because even in that brief exchange (I was able to stammer out a ‘thank you’ once I regained my composure), I could recognize that there was something special about Betsey. And not just her great taste in reading material, which was plain obvious. No, it was her spirit that struck me. The kindness she exudes, the style with which she comports herself and how very generous she is with her time, her attention and her heart.

I have gotten to know Betsey much better since that first meeting, and in that time my admiration for her has only grown. After spending the last eight months together as part of the Leadership Chenango Class of 2010, we’ve moved past the point of being mere acquaintances. And I feel privileged to call her friend.

Our class time together, and our conversations, have reinforced all of my initial observations about her. It has also opened my eyes to the depth of her dedication to her community, her family and her faith. Her appreciation of life, and the joy she finds in helping others, is infectious. Her charm, humor, easy wit and outgoing personality draw people to her like bees to honey.