Joe Krushinsky’s mother faithfully tuned in to the “Ask Your Neighbor” radio show on WLSH 1410 AM when he was growing up.

She’d listen as folks phoned the show’s host, the late Alice Angst, to share recipes for their favorite dishes.

“I remember how she would stop what she was doing, and write down what she was hearing,” said Krushinsky, a volunteer for the American Cancer Society Telethon Committee.

Many followed the weekday show in the 1970s. It was so popular that in 1978, a cookbook with listeners’ favorite recipes was published.

“The Great Radio Ask Your Neighbor Cookbook” was recently reprinted, and all proceeds will benefit the mission of the local cancer support group.

“We just thought it was a good idea because we - the Telethon - have been around for over 40 years, and the cookbook has been around for that long as well,” Krushinsky said.

The spiral-bound features more than 350 pages of down home favorites, ranging from appetizers and sides to main dishes and desserts.

It is a celebration of Coal Region tastes, and includes some unique recipes.

Krushinsky singled out a few of his favorites. One is “poplanok,” a bread that’s filled with cheese and chives and sprinkled with dill.

“The other is marinated kielbasa, which at first when I read it I wasn’t so sure,” he said. “Then I tried it, and it is incredible.”

Each recipe is credited to the cook who submitted it.

“All the names of the people and the towns they were from are in it. That in and of itself is a trip down memory lane. Lots of our ancestors are represented,” he said.

The books can be purchased in the Telethon Volunteer Office, 33 W. Ridge St., Lansford, weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., or they can be shipped for an extra fee. More information is available at www.CancerTelethon.org/cookbook or by calling 570-805-4555.

The organization also selling tickets for a fundraiser with The Mudflaps from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 12 from the West End Banquet Hall, 700 W. Mahanoy Ave., Mahanoy City. Doors open at 6 p.m.