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Councilman making ‘great strides’ after open heart surgery

file photo Jim Armbruster

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By Rick McCrabb  and Ryan Gauthier, Staff Writers Updated 9:30 PM Tuesday, March 16, 2010

MIDDLETOWN — Middletown City Councilman Jim Armbruster, who underwent open-heart surgery this past weekend at Atrium Medical Center, is making “great strides,” according to a family spokeswoman.

Rachel Lewitt, a spokeswoman for the family, said Armbruster is in “critical” condition, but was showing “major improvements” Tuesday, March 16.

She called it a “very positive update” and said the family was “thrilled” with the news.

The family also is “deeply appreciative” of the cards, letters and prayers Armbruster is receiving from the Middletown community, Lewitt said.

“Jim and his family wish to express their deepest gratitude for the community support through their praying and caring for us through their own personal traditions,” Lewitt said. “Please continue to keep Jim in your hearts.”

She said Armbruster is eager to return to the family’s florist business and his seat on Middletown City Council.

The 66-year-old Middletown City Councilman was taken to the hospital by ambulance Saturday, March 6, after experiencing shortness of breath at the Bob Evans restaurant on Village Drive. He was eating breakfast with his wife when he apparently had trouble breathing, according to fire department officials.

Representatives with Atrium Medical Center are unable to provide any information regarding Armbruster’s condition or even confirm he is being treated at the hospital.

Armbruster was elected to his second term on City Council in November.

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