HEART OF A TOWN

Jesse Stuart often said that he lived three lives: farmer, educator, and writer, and he overextended himself doing all of those things at once. Three lives, however, may be an understatement of his wide-ranging, self-imposed commitments.

For example, Jesse was an enthusiastic spokesman for his beloved Kentucky homeland and for the causes that he espoused. One organization that was, literally, dear to his heart was the American Heart Association. Ever since his first heart attack at Murray in 1954, Stuart had been an active spokesman and fundraiser for local, state, and national heart associations. His book, The Year of My Rebirth, was often endorsed by the AHA. It is a powerful, life-affirming testimony that has comforted and inspired many thousands who were convalescing.

In 1964, Stuart played a major role in a Heart Association promotion. He was the central character in a film, "Heart of a Town," that was shown nationwide on February 26 as part of Heart Month promotions. The twenty-six minute video had been filmed over a five-day period beginning September 8, 1963, during Greenup’s county fair. Greenup was chosen because it was Stuart’s home town and because, typical of many American towns and cities, several leading citizens had suffered heart disease.

An advance showing of this film at the Greenup County Courthouse drew a full house and prompted several speeches. Although the mood was celebratory because of Greenup’s exposure in a soon-to-be-released national film, Stuart’s comments were somber: "If it hadn’t been for the American Heart Association…I would have been dead nine years ago."

"Heart of a Town" was narrated by one of Hollywood’s most famous actors, Edward G. Robinson. Robinson, like Stuart, had suffered heart problems over the years, and he and Stuart together made an authentic and compelling presentation.

Forty years later, the film still delivers a powerful message for heart health, and it is also a valuable addition to the historical record of Jesse Stuart’s life and his hometown. Since February is "Heart Month," I encourage you to read "The Year of My Rebirth" and/or watch "Heart of A Town."

GWYN RUBIO’S VISIT

I want to thank everyone who helped to make best-selling author Gwyn Hyman Rubio’s recent visit to Ashland a great success. The community support for her booksignings and her public presentation made a very positive impression on her. She has already promised to return on April 29th for the Ohio River Festival of Books in Huntington.

USED FURNITURE

Our production schedule is full-to-overflowing this year, and we need to sell our used furniture to make room for new books. We still have several desks and several large shelving units that would be useful at home or at work. Please stop by during normal business hours and one of our staff members will show you our wide array of used furniture pieces. All proceeds go toward the installation of our new heating and air conditioning system.

For more information, call (606) 326-1667 or visit the JSF Bookstore at 1645 Winchester Avenue in downtown Ashland.