It takes a special kind of vision to see potential. But that's what John Menzo sees when he looks at wood.

“My wife Ellen and I lived in Lake Murray, SC on land with a lot of oak trees. Those trees were standing a long time before they were cut, and I wanted to give them a new life.” John planed 25 logs, each about 15 feet long. He dried them in the basement for a few years then started to build.

“My father was a car­penter, but it didn’t come naturally to me. I started in my 30s because I wanted to create something for my kids. At first I used all hand tools, I just looked at the wood and had ideas.”

John was an engineer, and then worked in finance. When he found himself out of work for a time, he began designing and build­ing furniture. Ellen recalls, “Everyone got homemade wine racks for holidays and birthdays!”

John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2006. “Wood­working was very fulfilling for me. I didn’t notice any real impact at first. I just slowed down, modified a few plans.”

Ellen was more con­cerned. “We had conver­sations about safety and power tools. He took safety courses, and as the disease progressed he’s made chang­es. When we moved to Sun City in 2014, he joined the woodworkers club. He’s left his mark there and many re­member him and his input.”

And that old wood? “We brought some of it with us,” John smiles. “But now I mostly help other people conceptualize and make plans.”

He’s still putting his vision to work. “He’s so innovative,” Ellen beams, “He isn’t building anymore, but woodworking has been a big part of his life. He has a lot to be proud of.”

John agrees and has advice for others living with Parkinson’s: “If you think you can’t help, think again – you’re still capable.”