Applause for Eden Valley Enterprises

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!"

We thank Dr. Kaylor and the Conference staff, presenters and participants for making this unique situation such a success.

FROM OHIO TO BROADWAY
Kerri Broome, Executive Director of the Lorain County Historical Society, e-mailed after the presentation on March 5, 2026, "We greatly appreciated this program. It was both entertaining and well-researched, connecting Ohio history to music and theater in a way that engaged our audience. We look forward to future collaborations."

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."

Patricia Malloy (Linwood Park Cottage Association) wrote that this "... was an educational look at lighthouse keepers from decades ago. It was appropriate for all ages. Informative and lighthearted."

Susan Cherry (St. Peter's UCC Circle 6, Amherst, Ohio) wrote, "Our goal is to inform our Group of the unique heroes and exceptional people that one does not know about or study in history. Your program did a good job of meeting these goals. All of the women discussed were not prominent names in history but were tough, courageous women who answered the call of courage when confronted with circumstances that required action."

GRANDMA GATEWOOD: OHIO'S LEGENDARY HIKER & TRAIL MAGIC: THE GRANDMA GATEWOOD STORY

Read Westlake Community Services Center's Program Planner Jennifer Yoo's follow-up letter about the premier presentation of this storytelling program program. (Audience comments).

Allison DeVito of the Westerville Library said, "This program was very well done and thoroughly researched. I enjoyed the focus on women and women's accomplishments.

"Trail Magic" is a one-act play about Grandma Gatewood written by Kelly Boyer Sagert. It premiered on August 24, 2013 at the Trail Magic Festival at TrueNorth Cultural Arts in Sheffield Village.

Kimberly Bridges from the Henrico Public Library in Virginia wrote, "We had 19 in attendance for our afternoon film screening on Thursday, March 21, 2024. We discussed the film afterwards and the audience couldn't believe that Emma Gatewood had through hiked without all the gear we see today! She was an inspiration to many of our program attendees who enjoy hiking or walking and had not considered attempting anything approaching the distance she accomplished. Because a large section of the Appalachian Trail is in the state of Virginia many had some experience with sections located here."

For more comments about TRAIL MAGIC: THE GRANDMA GATEWOOD STORY, visit our TRAIL MAGIC comments section.

I HEAR AMERICA SINGING!
Breda Spellacy (Adult Reference Libarian; Wickliffe Libary), "Our library patrons loved your program..."

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."

NATURE TALES
Patti Thomin (Program Chair, Mayflower Guild, First Congregational UCC, Elyria, Ohio) "Thank you so much for a very interesting and informative program. I never fail to learn little known but very enlightening facts and be happily entertained when I listen to your presentations. And yesterday’s 'Nature’s Tales' was perfect for the month of May."

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!!"

Joe Conrad (audience member, Buckeye Library program, June 21, 2018) "Great program. Kids loved it. Even the oldest Alejandro whom I thought was bored and not paying attention talked about what it would have been like to live back then. What it would have been like to trust people you don't know and how much responsibility to know that someone's life depends on you. Good discussion all the way home."

Peggie Brown (audience member, Buckeye Library program, June 21, 2018) "Loved the 'kids version' of Next Stop, Freedom presented at the Buckeye Library on 6/21. I am sure the speaker is a good 'speaker'; however, this version was very animated. To my way of thinking, this made the presentation unique. I look forward to more of your programs; as well as purchasing more of your publications. Thank you for an enjoyable interesting evening."

OHIO GHOST STORIES
Robbie Brown (Nathan Perry Chapter of the DAR), "Not only entertainment but met our goal of historical importance. Conversation continued after program; presenter provided additional information. Bette Lou did this program at short notice, Nathan Perry was not disappointed and was extremely appreciative."

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!”

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

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."

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

WHAT'S HER STORY?
Mary Ann Little (Council of Women's Organizations; Erie, PA), "It was a wonderful presentation! ... we truly enjoyed the stories Betty Lou (sic) presented! ... We liked her big book! ... it was wonderful. The audience was very engaged!

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!"

YOU CAN'T PLAY BALL IN A SKIRT!
Sherry Maier (Adult Programmer, MLJ-Hardin Library, Kenton, Ohio), "It was perfect. Just what I was hoping for. Very entertaining & informative!... Loved it!"

Kerri Broom (Director, Lorain County Historical Society), "Bette Lou's storytelling delivery is engaging! It's interesting to feel like you are part of the story rather than just an observer."

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."

Fourth Grader Reactions from Underground Railroad Workshop at Mccormick Middle School in Wellington, Ohio with RISE AT SUNRISE, REST BY MIDNIGHT with author Shelley Pearsall

Question: Is it easier to learn with a play or a book?
*"Yes, I think it is better to do a play because I think when you have fun you learn more. And trust me{,} it was so much fun!"
*"... completely, totally, yes! Reading about the underground railroad gives you knolegde (sic) of it. But to understand it and truly realize what it's about. Plus who likes books anyway. (sic)"
*"It is easier to learn by play because you are putting yourself in their place and doing what they did."

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

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