I was born (regardless of what some may think, I was born and not raised by squirrels out in the wilderness, although I am fond of nuts and I do store food in my jaws). Seriously, though, I was born Betty Nora Colosimo, at home, on Park Avenue in Frostburg Maryland. My grandmother, Rose, helped the doctor deliver me. I am told I was born at lunch time. I guess that explains the fact that I am very fond of food. My parents were Joseph and Naomi (Davis) Colosimo. My grandparents were Philip and Rose (Vincent) Colosimo and George and Maryann (Jones) Davis. I was an only child, but I can understand that because you can’t improve upon perfection, can you?

I attended Beall Elementary and Beall High School in Frostburg. I also took several courses at Allegany College on different subjects for my own edification. I worked at Footers Cleaners in LaVale for 7 years and was Manager at Sheetz Convenience Store in Frostburg for 5 years. Soon after graduation, I was married to James Victor Walker and we had one son, James Martin (Marty) Walker. I now have 2 grandsons, Chris and David, and 2 great-grandsons, Dakota and Addison. My second husband was Lewis Markwood Twigg. He passed away in 1994. I have been involved in many activities such as serving as vice-president of The Notables Organ Club. I am secretary and do the publicity for The Ladybirds Barbershop Chorus. I also do publicity for my church, Trinity Lutheran Church, in Cumberland, Maryland, as well as put together a small monthly newsletter for them. I bowl on a team at The Bowler in LaVale.

All my life, I’ve been very interested in singing. I’ve been encouraged by my “fans,” and various people invite me to sing at their parties, functions and celebrations. For example, Nancy Lepley, who owns the Dance Studio in Cumberland, has asked me to sing whenever her Never Too Late Girls perform. They have several vocalists who fill in during costume changes between dancing numbers. I particularly like to sing country songs like those by Patsy Cline — Crazy, I Fall To Pieces, etc. I have also sung serveral times at “Friday After Five” on the downtown mall in Cumberland, Maryland where they have entertainment every weekend. Even more important to me is singing at my church. I have done many, many solos there, and I sing in the choir as well.

I’m very active in The Notables Organ Club, and I enjoy that activity and the people in the club. I also enjoy the residents at all the nursing homes we visit and perform for; frequently, I take the microphone around and encourage individuals to sing and be a star for a few minutes. I like to joke with these people and they seem to like all the attention they get.

Another of the organizations that I enjoy is the Ladybirds, of course. I sing lead in the chorus and have surprised myself by memorizing the lyrics and notes to so many songs. I’ve been in the group for only a couple of years, and it brings me great pleasure to see how much the people we entertain appreciate our music.

As I write this, the group is very involved in preparing for a barbershop show in September 2006. Barbershop music is not really easy for me because I’m used to singing solos rather than choral music, but I love the harmony, and I love the other ladies in the group. I’m looking forward to our show A Night at the Music Box! I am never happier than when I am singing.

This is a very abbreviated history about Betty Nora Colosimo Walker Twigg.