The following is from an e-mail from Jim Rutledge:
Woodturners,
Hope things are well. As you know I have supported the (Retreat and hold) response to covid. As people have started the vaccination process, I think that the coming summer may bring more normal conditions for us. I want to share with you my situation which has direct impact on our woodturning club. As you know I had a hip replacement on November 10, 2020 recovery going on well. In early December I started experiencing shortness of breath. After extensive testing it was determined that I had developed an acute autoimmune disease called Myasthenia-Gravis (MG). The disease attacks the voluntary muscles, eyesight, ability to balance. I spent 16 days in the Petoskey hospital. I am currently under the care of Dr. Levy in Petoskey who is the country’s leading authority in this disease. I am able to walk with a walker, but not stand for long periods of time. I have also developed some small blood clots in the lungs controlled by meds (blood thinners). The disease also caused severe fatigue. I would be unable to attend meetings. (must avoid dust) I think my woodworking career is over. My goal at this point with my doctor is to control my symptoms (this disease is not curable) to a point allowing a more normal life. Most people with this disease do improve to this point after a long recovery - months - years.
Steve has agreed to organize and run meetings during the half year he is here. I am asking others to step up and help run meetings and carry this club forward. You could make this a combined woodworking & woodturning club or not. As I said I am not able to attend and run meetings. Steve is just asking for help.
Sometime in the future I will have a sale of my equipment. A shaky man on blood thinners should not be using sharp tools on moving machinery. Please feel free to contact me about the club or anything else. I will miss watching us get better together.
Our connection to the schools, especially your demos were a very positive feature for us. The St.Ignace paper has been very good promoting us. We have new members, etc., definitely a reason to continue. I will contribute if able in a very limited capacity. Please contact me with questions, ideas, etc..
Jim 906-287-5114, email: ljrut@sbcglobal.net
Jim Rutledge
We all wish Jim the best and hope his health improves. Jim we will miss having you at the meetings.
Yours friends at Hiawatha Woodturners
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