Hello Listers: Time is growing short. The Committee for the Jefferson County book met last week and we are winding things down, trying to get all the last minute family AND topical articles submitted so we can turn the book contents over to the publishers. FINAL DEADLINE to submit your family histories and any of those special memories, and/or community, school, club, etc., stories is fast approaching. It is the last day of this month -- February 29. EVEN IF YOU HAVE ALREADY SENT IN YOUR ARTICLES, WE NEED YOUR HELP. In a conversation with the publisher's office I asked about feedback and comments on the books already in print. It seems almost everyone has been very happy with both quality and content of the books. But there was one big complaint heard over and over. After the books are out and the "public at large" gets a chance to see them, many people are complaining that "We didn't know about it." OR "No one told us they would be this nice -- I would have made sure our family was in it." And, all too often, there are a number of people who sent in their stories after the book was sent to the printers -- they had procrastinated too long or didn't know of the deadline. At that point, there is simply nothing any of us can do about it. In that connection, we are told it is highly unlikely another project of this scope will be undertaken for at least 20 years (another generation) -- if ever. So, it is literally "now or never" for many of us. As most of the people on the lists know, the book committees are made up of all volunteers -- we do our best to get the word out but have very limited means of doing so. PLEASE, would you help us by mentioning the Heritage books to all the folks you know who are doing any research AND to family members who will just want to get the family history recorded in some small way -- even without full-blown genealogy work? Please assure everyone that there is NO CHARGE to submit an article with photo -- and not even an obligation to purchase a book! I'm happy to send details about the book, including guidelines as to length of articles, etc., and procedures for submitting them. People who have connections with Jefferson County and want their families represented in this book MUST get their articles and photos in right away. We don't want anyone to be disappointed AND we want and need their valuable input for this book! Each and every story brings another bit of our shared history more clearly into focus. This is also the best time for those wanting a book to order one. We were told that, just from the articles already processed, the publisher knows the Jefferson book will go up in price a minimum of $15 (instead of the more "standard" $10) -- and could be more, depending on the final size. The special "prepublication" sale price is $50, plus $4 tax, with $5 for shipping and handling -- a total of $59.00 to have a book delivered to your door. Also, everyone needs to know that, in addition to those books ordered prepublication, there is only a VERY LIMITED "overrun" of books. Several of the counties have sold out completely in a very short time. So, if you are thinking of ordering one or more for yourself and/or gifts, this is the time to act on that also. If you happen to be new to the list, or would like to get additional information for someone else, please email me and I will send a very detailed summary of answers to the most frequently answered questions. I can usually email this back to you on the same day. Articles for the book, as well as orders, should be sent to: Jefferson Co. Heritage Book Committee P. O. Box 190034 Birmingham, AL 35219 This has been a fascinating learning experience for all of us on the Committee and we truly appreciate all the support and kind words so many of you have expressed. We thank you as well! We hope you'll be as proud of your book and your part in it as we have taken pleasure in gathering all the material from so many super folks! Sincerely, Pat Dietlein, Family Coordinator Jefferson County Heritage Book Committee