BOROUGH OF SNPJ, Pa. — The SNPJ Heritage Center is busy helping Santa fulfill wish lists with last-minute cookbook orders and other items from the gift shop. It’s too late to receive a cookbook in time for the holidays, but remember that special person for his or her birthday, wedding, anniversary or other special occasion. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner!

The Heritage Center is closed and will reopen Sunday, April 18, 2010. Although we are closed, cookbook orders are still being filled. Thank you to Theresa Iskra of Willoughby Hills, Ohio, for selling and promoting the cookbook. It’s because of everyone’s continued interest that the SNPJ Heritage Center thrives today.

SNPJ Lodge 689 in Helper, Utah, donated $100 to the Heritage Center. Donations from other Lodges and organizations support the Heritage Center, and assist in providing upkeep, overhead costs and sponsored programs. Thank you to Lorraine Babcock for her efforts and for sending the check to us.

The positive feedback and support for the cookbook has been overwhelming. It has inspired the Heritage Center Committee to update displays and introduce new programs for 2010. There is a limited coal miner display in the Heritage Center that is going to be expanded. Many Slovenians had jobs in the coal mines, and the Heritage Center Committee would like to share those stories with others. If you, a family member or friend worked in the mines and would like to share your personal story, please write it down and mail it to me. The stories will be shared in Prosveta and on display in the Heritage Center. I can be reached at maruszaklcgazette@yahoo.com or 2151 Larchmont Dr., Wickliffe, OH 44092. We look forward to hearing from you!

Donations from the Heritage Center were sent to Dale Bucar, Sharon Ujcich Lubich, Val Pawlowski, Tony Petkovsek, Cindy Placek, Kay Sefcik, and Pam and Jerry Zagar for their support promoting the Heritage Center cookbook and events on their radio programs. Tune in to these radio personalities and show your support.

A Heritage Day is being planned at the SNPJ Heritage Center to kick off the new season and to preview the updated displays. Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 25, because you won’t want to miss this new event! Slovenian crafters will be displaying their talents and trades, and ethnic food will be available for purchase in the dining room. In addition, for any purchase made in the gift shop, you will receive 10 percent off the total price! Watch for details in PROSVETA.

Thank you for a very successful year. Merry Christmas and happy New Year. See you in 2010!