THE BEST SONGS I NEVER SANG
During the February 1, 2009 performance at the North Ridgeville Library, one audience member reported that he "... must have crushed my wife's hand at least five times ... " as he got wrapped up in the emotions of the lyrics.

BATTLE SCARS: STORIES OF THE CIVIL WAR
Karen Sigsworth (North Ridgeville Library, North Ridgeville, Ohio), "Very well done. Kept audience attention. Good for youth and adults."

CLEVELAND FACES AND PLACES
Frances Zingales (Teacher, Holy Cross School, Euclid, Ohio), "Very professional, enthusiastic and entertaining! While all enjoyed [the] program and were inspired by it, teachers enjoyed it most!"

THE DONAHEYS:POLITICIANS AND ARTISTS
Fred Miller (Tuscarawas Historical Society, New Philadelphia, Ohio), The program "...fulfilled our requirements to the 'T' " and the audience "... enjoyed the transitions from the eras -- well done."

FAVORITE GREAT LAKES STORIES
"I didn't even have a chance to yawn during your presentation!" -- audience member at the Lorain County Historical Society presentation on May 19, 2004.

Janelle Reardon,(Information Specialist, Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland, Ohio), "Your Great Lakes stories were well-varied and appropriate for this mixed-age audience. The four children in the audience obviously enjoyed it as much as did the adults. Ending with Erie Mary was spot-on!"

GREAT LAKES LADIES
Anita Bertin deGreen (Holy Spirit Guild, Avon Lake, Ohio), wrote, "What a thoroughly entertaining evening! We learned - while we laughed - about the "great" Great Lakes Ladies (and now I know why you're in such demand around town ... ) Thanks so much for "reading" to our Guild ladies."

EMMA GATEWOOD: OHIO'S LEGENDARY HIKER
Read Westlake Community Services Center's Program Planner Jennifer Yoo's follow-up letter about the program. (Audience comments)

MEET THE PEOPLE: CLARISSA MARKS
Angie McKitrick (Fourth grade teacher; Prospect School, Elyria, Ohio), "Superb! The kids enjoyed it and [the performance] allowed them to see in what ways they could present information on their women [that] they will be researching. ...[The program] provided historic info that was fitting with curriculum and gave students a model for oral presentations."

MEET THE PEOPLE: THE OHIO PIONEERS
Third Grade Teachers (Taft Elementary School, Lakewood, Ohio), "Just by reading the children's faces during the program and seeing their enthusiasm told me they enjoyed it thoroughly." "I found this to be a very high-caliber production that was keyed at just the right pitch for our children."

NEXT STOP, FREEDOM
Karen S. Talbot (Adult Reference Librarian, Maple Hts. Library, Maple Hts., Ohio), "Ms. Higgins was animated and engrossing in her storytelling. The audience seemed to appreciate learning new stories about little known historical figures. The participants were very positive in their comments about Ms. Higgins."

George Rolliston (President, Western Reserve Civil War Roundtable), "Bette Lou knows her subject well and was able to claim people's interest through her delightful story telling of historical events. This could of been dry and too factual, but our speaker was able to capture the audience's attention. Well done!!"

OHIO GHOST STORIES
Nan Livergood (Program Chair, Fourthurs Club, Elyria, Ohio), "We enjoyed the dramatics... We enjoyed her (Bette Lou) as much as the program she presented."

Jan Orseno (Program Chair, St. Peter's United Church Of Christ, Amherst, Ohio), "Everyone thoroughly enjoyed your presentation! You are animated an enthusiastic and those qualities transfer to your audience!"

Laurie Kortowich (Lifestyle Director; Pioneer Ridge By Del Webb), “I have hired Bette Lou to perform her Ohio Haunted Stories at Pioneer Ridge by Del Webb, an active adult community. Her performance was extremely well-received and highly entertaining. I enjoy working with Bette Lou and know it will always be a class act!”

STORIES OF GHOSTS AND MONSTERS (based on AMERICAN SPIRITS AND MY FAVORITE MONSTERS)
Shirley Mann, Huron Library Head of Adult Services, "The program was exactly what I wanted."

ORDINARY PEOPLE IN EXTRAORDINARY TIMES: STORIES FROM W.W.II
Amy Trotter (Program Director, Ritter Library, Vermilion, Ohio), "It was perfect!"

SALUTE TO SWING
Paula Reed (Director of Education, Western Reserve Historical Society), One of the "most beloved programs" produced at the Historical Society.

YO, HO, HO AND A BOTTLE OF RUM
Jane Barthels of the American Association of University Women when asked what part of the program would she like to change, responded: "Don't tamper with it!"

Docent Workshops
Jan Vetrhus (Bicentennial Committee, Madison, Indiana), "Any community is lucky to have you working with them!"

Cuyahoga Community College Encore Classes:
Ohio's Own History
Student evaluation: "It was as if I went to 'Story time' for seniors, she (Bette Lou) is a "one woman show" an worth the price of admission."
Great Lakes Stories
Student evaluation: The classes "... are spellbinding!"
From Sea To Shining Sea (American History)
Teddi Gideon (student) evaluation: "I always hated history and never did well. I am now taking my second history class by choice & thoroughly enjoying it. Bette Lou Higgins makes history come alive!"
Student Evaluations:
* "An interesting and fun class, as usual."
* "She's outstanding! Excellent topics, research, presentation -- would sign up for her classes in a heart-beat."
* The classes "... were interesting, reminiscent, some great trivia. But it was the teacher who made the class. She was dynamic, energetic, spunky, extremely knowledgeable."
* "The teacher was so enthusiastic & animated -- this was a wonderful experience."

Read a student's reaction to a school performance of MEET THE PEOPLE: THE OHIO PIONEERS.

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