The following are excerpts from some of the letters & emails that have been received at the office of Ann Hauprich Communications in response to BALLSTON SPA: THE WAY WE WERE, THE WAY WE ARE.

“The book is so wonderful it defies description. I've been sharing it with friends and neighbors here in Virginia and the response is overwhelming with applause and wonder at the enormity of such an undertaking. You have also provided a way for me to share all kinds of stories with my children that might otherwise have been forever lost . . . you might just be the catalyst that gets others interested in telling the tales of yesteryear in an easy reading and personal way. You have truly given Ballston Spa a work of art to be proud of. I am pleased to have been included in your outstanding work.”

-- Maggie Zepko Peterson, Fredericksburg, VA
who reigned as the Village of Ballston Spa's
Sesquicentennial & Bicentennial Queen
 

“We have finally completed every page in the book. Thought you did an excellent job with the formatting and consistency . . . would suggest you get started NOW on the village's 250th celebration. Knowing how much was involved in this one, I'm sure you'll agree it's not too soon. Congratulations on all the work and effort that went into this. We know it has been a long and arduous journey, but both Kate and I feel you can be very proud of what you have accomplished.”

-- C.H. Grose, former publisher of The Ballston Journal
 

“I've heard comments literally all over town about the splendid book. It looks wonderful! Congratulations!”

-- Cari Scribner, Journalist, Malta, NY
 

"Thanks for bringing Ballston Spa to those of us who don't have the current good fortune of residency there via a book that is simply fabulous.”

-- Dave Nickle, Syracuse, NY
 

“What a keepsake! We are enjoying your book immensely . . . my children were all home over the holidays and we had a lot of fun looking through it and remembering many of the places mentioned.”

-- Dianne Tarity, Cornell Cooperative Extension
 

“I could hardly put the book down after it arrived in the mail. The pictures of The King House and of my Grandfather Joseph and Great Grandfather Lacy were wonderful. Thanks so much for including my family in your absolutely wonderful and comprehensive study of my hometown.”

-- Cathy King Eddy , Connecticut
 

“The book is gorgeous . . . Carol joins me in sending congratulations on accomplishing a labor of love so well.”

-- Joseph Bruchac III, Greenfield Review
 

“Ballston Spa: The Way We Were, The Way We Are became very popular at our holiday get-togethers. Mary and I have found homes for two copies more if you can deliver them.”

-- Don Crawford, Ballston Spa, NY
 

“We mailed a copy of the book to our daughter in Pennsylvania and she called right away to say she is just elated!”

-- Phyllis & Paul Ebert, Ballston Spa, NY
 

“The highlight of the book is a chapter called Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives which includes a series of recollections by local townsfolk, many of whose stories would have been lost if not recorded here. In this sense, the book adds to the sum of the world's knowledge rather than simply commenting on existing primary sources . . . the Ballston Spa citizenry need not wait another 50 years for another time capsule to be dug up. This book is a time capsule in itself.”

-- Neil Kirby, Journalist, Ballston Spa, NY
 

“I so enjoyed every page. You made the book so personal and enjoyable (that) one can feel the love and effort that went into it.”

-- Carole Broderick, Albany, NY
 

“Fantastic! You and Michael L. Noonan have provided a chronicle which will be a treasure for the ages.”

-- -- D. Keith Sherwood, Ballston Spa, NY
 

“As a "child" of Ballston Spa, I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed your book. The relentless hours that you have spent working on this book will give current and past native Ballstonians something to always remember. My parents (Don and Mary Crawford) are beaming with pride at being involved and included in your book. You have made more than one friend in your search, and I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the friendship you have extended to my folks. They are so excited about being involved in such a wonderful piece of art work.

Don't stop, you have a wonderful knack of making the past part of the present, we all need to be reminded of our up bringing and the past history that we tend to only mention once in awhile. This will refresh the past whenever we open the cover. Thank you so much for everything you have done for your readers. It is a pleasure to read your work.”

-- -- Sharon Bassetts
 

“Ballston Spa: The Way We Were, The Way We Are was everything I expected and more. What a welcome book in every home not only in Ballston Spa but afar . . . It's a wonderful piece of work you can be very proud of. The article on our family business (Pompa Bros., Inc.) was wonderful. The Pompa brothers were just ordinary men who had a vision and followed it. Thank you for expressing through words and pictures what an extraordinary man my farm-boy Nelson turned out to be. We're so proud to have a signed limited edition of this book in our home.”

-- Agnes Pompa, Saratoga Springs, NY
 

“Just a note of my gratitude and appreciation for the lovely bicentennial book that shows Ballston Spa's heritage is rich in history. You did a fantastic job in creating it. It sure brought back many memories of my childhood days in a bygone era (and) is a keepsake for the youth of today and coming generations.”

--  Alice Lattimore, Ballston Spa, NY
 

“The Rotary Club of Ballston Spa wishes to thank Ann Hauprich for the recent "Gift of Literacy" donations that have, in turn, enabled our organization to contribute an extra $1,000 to worthy community causes including BACC's playground project. We would also like to express our appreciation for the chapters Ann devoted to raising awareness of our club's long history of putting "Service Above Self" at home and abroad.”

--  Patricia Rutland, Secretary, Rotary Club of Ballston Spa