Hi Listers: In response to a flurry of requests immediately before and after our February 29 deadline, the committee chairs talked yesterday. All are in agreement the committee should accept additional articles for the Jefferson County Heritage Book for a very short additional time period. Apparently some people are only now learning of the project and/or, because of unforeseen circumstances, have not been able to get their material in the mail. As you all know by now, we would love to accommodate everyone who wishes to submit their family and topical histories/stories for inclusion. However, the publisher has notified us that we have to keep as close as possible to the set scheduling in order to mesh with the printers' schedule. What we have arrived at should cause very little delay in the overall book printing process. We have arranged to continue accepting new submissions while we work on the final processing of received articles and the internal organization of the book. There are so many unknowns in this process that it is impossible for us to say exactly how long this period will be. We feel fairly confident that this will give everyone at least until the middle of this month -- to about March 15. If it looks like it will extend beyond that date, I will certainly let you know. However, we urge you not to count on any time beyond that -- for all the above reasons. So, if you are one of those who want to have your family included, and/or your special topical articles, PLEASE write and send them immediately. As we requested before, if you can offer an assist to other family members, or perhaps an older person, this will benefit all of us. Each history is an important part of our shared heritage. While on that subject, several have asked about our Topical section. This is the part of the book containing personal memories, stories, and histories of our communities, churches, cemeteries, schools, clubs, businesses, landmarks -- all the components of life in Jefferson County that are not directly family oriented genealogy-type histories. Please do consider contributing to this section also. We are getting a nice variety of subject matter but, surprisingly, do not have as many schools represented as we would hope to include. Since they have touched so many of our lives, we would especially appreciate brief histories/memories of any of the elementary and high schools (past and present) -- along with photos of these school(s). A reminder, please, that articles must be typed double spaced. Also, while I am very happy to send, via email, details as to guidelines/procedures, and to answer any questions that I can, we are NOT set up to receive articles and/or photos via e-mail or attachments. ALL must be sent snail mail. Please make sure any photos are on true photographic paper. If you want these returned, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. Because of the obvious time crunch, we will not be able to contact individuals to clarify or request additional information, better quality photos, etc. Please help us by following the procedural guidelines as closely as possible. Also, please understand that with the influx of so many articles, it is nearly impossible to check for an individual to see if/when they sent in an article. If you had intentions to send in an article several months back, but are not sure if you did, just resend it with a note to that effect and we can double-check when we fix the order of the articles. The special prepublication sale price of $50 per book will also be honored until the book contents are sent to the publisher. Once again, there is no charge to send in your articles, within the guidelines, and no obligation to purchase a book. However, for those of you desiring books for yourself and/or gifts, just include a check or money order for $59 ($50 for the book, $4 for tax, $5 for shipping and handling) for each book. It may be mailed in the same envelope with your article(s). Mail to: Jefferson County Heritage Book Committee P. O. Box 190034 Birmingham, AL 35219 Thanks once again to all of you for your support and participation in this project. We hope you will be as proud of the book as we are. Our Jefferson County book is going to be EXCELLENT! Sincerely, Patricia Crim Dietlein, Family Coordinator Jefferson County Heritage Book Committee