| Obituaries: David “Dve”Cutler, Bolivar (Smethport)
Doyle Cleveland Roulette (Olean)
Photo by John Eaton
Luke Dunham (left) and Thomas Putnam prepare to distribute posters and information about the documentary “Under Our Skin,” the untold story of Lyme disease. The film will be shown during the Tioga County Lyme Disease Support Group meeting on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 6:30 p.m. in Wellsboro.
Wellsboro area residents Luke Dunham and Thomas Putnam are leading the newly formed Tioga County Lyme Disease Support Group to help people in Tioga County and surrounding areas who think they may have a tick-borne illness as well as those who have been diagnosed and are seeking support and information.
Dunham and Putnam recently formed the support group under the auspices of the PA Lyme Resource Network. Both men are regional co-leaders with the network, a statewide organization that is a registered 501c3 nonprofit corporation.
The Tioga County Lyme Disease Support Group is meeting for the first time on Thursday, Jan. 18 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Tokishi Training Center at 124 Nypum Drive in Wellsboro. To be shown at that meeting will be the documentary “Under Our Skin,” the untold story of Lyme disease. A question and answer session will follow, led by Linda Wales of Millerton, founder of A Hope for Lyme in Horseheads, New York. The meeting is free and open to the public.
“Looking back, I know I had symptoms starting in 2009,” said Dunham. Between 2012 and 2013, he did not feel well. “My worst symptoms started in 2014.”
Dunham was suffering from severe fatigue, migrating joint pain, heart palpitations, neurological problems, difficulty with short-term memory called “brain fog” and “air hunger,” the feeling that he was not getting enough oxygen.
The experiences of a colleague in the Tioga County Probation Department who had late-stage Lyme disease symptoms led Dunham to be tested. In 2013, he had the ELISA test, used to measure antibodies in the blood to identify certain infectious diseases, such as Lyme. It was negative. He had a positive Western blot test and was diagnosed on Sept. 11, 2014.
“This disease has impacted every part of my life, from physical to mental,” Dunham said. “Initially I was put on the antibiotic Doxycycline. After that failed, I was put on multiple classes of antibiotics.” To get well, he has been undergoing treatment much longer than standard protocols.
“I’m probably 75 percent better than I was early on,” said Dunham. “I experience many of the same symptoms but to a much lesser degree and more sporadically. About six months ago, I stopped taking antibiotics and relapsed. Long-term antibiotics, supplements and diet are the main treatment options today.”
“It’s a tricky disease,” said Putnam who is Hamilton-Gibson Productions artistic director. “The kind of test, the lab that analyzes it, the timing of the test, and the current unreliability of tests especially in being able to identify the multiple co-infections, all create a kind of crapshoot, at best.”
In March of 2017, Putnam was tested at two different hospitals. Both tests were negative. He then went to an infectious disease specialist, tested positive and was diagnosed in May of 2017.
“I had no reason to believe I had been bitten by a tick,” said Putnam. “The symptoms hit me hard this past March. I had extreme lightheadedness and had to hang onto walls or crawl just to move from room to room.” His white blood cell count was low. He had roving joint pain, strange headaches “not really pain but pressure and heat,” a 103-degree temperature at times and “horrendous” fatigue so he was barely able to get up in the morning and needed to nap during the day. “Brain fog was the most alarming. I couldn’t focus or concentrate or remember what I had just done,” Putnam said.
“I took Doxycycline. an antibiotic,” It was prescribed for only one month. Putnam’s symptoms lessened considerably but all reappeared about a month after he stopped taking the drug. That’s when he began a more rigorous treatment plan. “I am still on it and am much better today,” he said.
Dunham was the first person Putnam spoke to about his symptoms. “It was quite by accident,” Putnam said. “We shared symptoms and I told him about my treatment,” said Dunham.
“Not long after that, we became interested in forming a Tioga County Lyme Disease Support Group because of our experiences, which are unfortunately common,” Dunham said. “Lyme can be much more complex than an acute bacterial infection that can be diagnosed and easily cured. People can be infected by Lyme and one or more co-infections. Tick-borne disease would be a better name since there are many possible infections that can result from ticks and other vector-borne transmitters.” Co-infections can be caused by multiple strains of Borelia or other organisms such as Bartonella, Ehrlichiosis, Babeiosis and Powassan Virus.
“Thinking of Lyme as a complex set of medical problems that can manifest in a variety of ways depending on the infectious organism and the response a person has to it is the new way of looking at this disease,” said Dunham.
“If caught early, there is a much higher treatment success rate. Unfortunately there is still controversy among scientists and researchers involving testing, diagnosis, definitions and treatment. Right now, peer-reviewed science is happening and I believe good news will come from it eventually,” Dunham said.
“In the meantime, Thomas and I think it is important to have a place where we can offer some support and guidance to those who are suffering. While there may not always be clear answers, there will be people who are experiencing what we have. The best words someone in this situation can hear are ‘I believe you.'”
Lyme disease has been confirmed in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth has the dubious distinction of leading the nation in the number of cases diagnosed annually.
A 501c3 nonprofit, the network provides education, patient advocacy, support and resources to help others navigate Lyme and tick-borne illnesses in the Commonwealth and also supports regional and independent Lyme groups across the state that hold local meetings to give support, education, and resources to their local communities.
The Tioga County Lyme Disease Support Group will meet regularly on the third Thursday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. The next meeting will be on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Tokishi Training Center in Wellsboro.
For more information, contact Dunham and Putnam by email at tiogacountylyme@palyme.org or by calling Putnam at 570-439-2000.
Meanwhile, the website lymedisease.org reports Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York this week laid out a wide-ranging agenda that included specific provisions related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.
In August 2017, the New York State Department of Health launched a multi-faceted initiative to safeguard New Yorkers from tick-borne diseases with expanded tick surveillance and an aggressive awareness and outreach campaign in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation.
However, in some parts of New York State, tick-borne diseases are on the rise, posing a threat to both individual New Yorkers and our regional economies that rely on outdoor recreation. Each year, there are approximately 8,000 cases of Lyme disease, 700 cases of 266 anaplasmosis, 400 cases of babesiosis, 100 cases of ehrlichiosis, and 30 cases of other tick-borne illnesses reported to the Department of Health—with many other cases going unreported. And 2017 also brought deadly cases of the rare tick-borne disease Powassan.
In 2018, Governor Cuomo will launch an aggressive initiative to reduce the incidence of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses in New York State, by controlling tick populations on public lands, advancing research on diagnostics and treatment, and further increasing public awareness.
Sinnemahoning State Park is now accepting registrations for the 2018 Winter Women in the Wilds event, which will be held at the park during the weekend of February 16-18, 2018.
(L) Park Manager Lisa Bainey teaches a cross country skiing class
(R) Lin Kline, a program participant learns to cross country ski
The Women in the Wilds event at Sinnemahoning State Park is a ladies-only weekend of outdoor recreation and environmental education. The 2018 Winter WITW event offers women the opportunity to participate in activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, fly tying, nature painting, essential oils, animal tracking, open hearth cooking, winter bird walk and indoor yoga.
Program fee is $70 per person. Fee includes choice of seven outdoor recreation and interpretive classes, Friday evening snacks, lunch and dinner on Saturday, lunch on Sunday, plus all program materials and supplies. Equipment for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating will be provided. Sizes are limited. Program fee does not include overnight accommodations or breakfast either day. A list of local cabins, B&Bs, and motels will be provided upon request.
Pre-registration and pre-payment required by Saturday, February 3rd. Limit 30 people.
For more information about Women in the Wilds or other programs at Sinnemahoning State Park, please call the park office at 814-647-8401. Additional details can be found on the DCNR Calendar of Events at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov
Winter Women in the Wilds event offers ladies an opportunity to learn winter outdoor skills. Photo 1: Park Manager, Lisa Bainey, on left, teaches an introductory cross country class. Photo 2: Program participant, Lin Kline, learns to cross country ski at the Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park.
Ridgway based state police have arrested Matthew Cunningham of St.Marys for theft of leased property. Authorities claim Cunningham was found to have re3nted equipment from Burkes Home Center in Fox Township and has not paid for it.
Two area men have been charged with possession drug paraphernalia. According to troopers at the Kane barracks both David Wolfe (23) and Mark Chittester (24) no addresses provided were found in possession of glass pipes used for smoking pot and when their vehicle was pulled over on Clay Street in Kane last Friday night for a turn signal violation.
Obituaries
Doyle L. Cleveland, 60, of Roulette, formerly of Olean, N.Y., passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2018 in Cole Memorial Hospital, Coudersport, after a prolonged illness.
Born on October 9, 1957 in Olean, N.Y., he was a son of Edward and Ruth Cole Cleveland. On April 20, 2003 in Roulette, he married Denice M. Moore, who survives.
Doyle attended Olean High School. He was employed by Cattaraugus County Meals on Wheels and later worked for Morgan A M & T in Coudersport, retiring due to ill health.
Doyle enjoyed technology and loved raising big dogs.
Surviving besides his wife are six children, Jason Nobles, Kyle Cleveland, Brandon Cleveland, Renae Rich, Brandon Rich, and Roy Rich; fourteen grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; four siblings, Marion Black, Edward Cleveland, George Cleveland, and Sharon Hanigan; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Doyle was predeceased by six brothers and sisters.
A celebration of Doyle’s life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Calvary Baptist Church, Coudersport, with Pastor William Moore, Doyle’s father-in-law, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Doyle and his brother, Clifford.
Doyle’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences or share a fond memory of Doyle, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
David E. “Dave” Cutler, 64, of Bolivar, N.Y., formerly of Smethport, Pa., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 12, 2018, in Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester.
Born on January 20, 1953 in Shinglehouse, he was a son of Ed W. and Rocelia Lawton Cutler.
Dave was a graduate of Oswayo Valley High School in Shinglehouse. He was formerly employed by the Smethport Borough Water Treatment Plant.
He was a former member of the Smethport Volunteer Fire Department. He enjoyed hunting, wood carving, metal working—especially making knives, and reading. His greatest love was his family.
Surviving are two sons, Aaron D. Cutler of Bolivar and Todd W. (Andrea) Cutler of York, Pa.; eight grandchildren; two sisters, Bess Cooper of California and Helen Cutler of Friendship; a brother, Joel Cutler of Shinglehouse; and many nieces and nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
In addition to his parents, Dave was predeceased by three brothers, Ed Cutler, Jr., Donald Cutler, and Newton Cutler; and three sisters, Nancy Cutler, Nellie Stone, and EdraUmbaugh.
In keeping with Dave’s wishes there will be no public visitation. A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on a date and place to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a local library in Dave’s memory.
Dave’s family has entrusted his care to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences or share a fond memory of Dave, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com
The Tioga County Region for the Pennsylvania Lyme Resource Network will present “Under Our Skin,” the untold story of Lyme disease, an exceedingly complex and often misunderstood disease.
This documentary film will be shown during the first meeting of the Tioga County Lyme Disease Support Group at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18 at the Tokishi Training Center at 124 Nypum Drive in Wellsboro. A question and answer session will follow, led by Linda Wales of Millerton, founder of A Hope for Lyme in Horseheads, New York.
Luke Dunham and Thomas Putnam, both from the Wellsboro area, are regional co-leaders with the network and both have been diagnosed with and are being treated for Lyme disease and/or co-infections. They recently formed the Tioga County support group under the auspices of the Pennsylvania Lyme Resource Network, an all-volunteer statewide organization founded in 2012 by individuals with personal experiences with Lyme, Lyme co-infections and other tick-borne diseases, which can be contracted at the same time as Lyme from a tick bite.
Lyme disease has been confirmed in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth leads the nation in the number of cases diagnosed annually.
A 501c3 nonprofit, the network provides education, patient advocacy, support and resources to help others navigate Lyme and tick-borne illnesses in the Commonwealth and also supports regional and independent Lyme groups across the state that hold local meetings to give support, education, and resources to their local communities.
The Tioga County Lyme Disease Support Group will meet regularly on the third Thursday of each month from 6:30-8 p.m. The next meeting will be on Thursday, Feb. 16 at the Tokishi Training Center in Wellsboro.
For more information, contact Dunham and Putnam by email at tiogacountylyme@palyme.org or by calling Putnam at 570-439-2000.
The website Lymediseas.org reports
ew York Governor Andrew Cuomo this week laid out a wide-ranging agenda that included specific provisions related to Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.
Here’s the text of what he proposed in hisState of the State book:
Proposal: Implement a Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Control Plan
In August 2017, the New York State Department of Health launched a multi-faceted initiative to safeguard New Yorkers from tick-borne diseases with expanded tick surveillance and an aggressive awareness and outreach campaign in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Conservation.
However, in some part of New York State, tick-borne diseases are on the rise, posing a threat to both individual New Yorkers and our regional economies that rely on outdoor recreation. Each year, there are approximately 8,000 cases of Lyme disease, 700 cases of 266 anaplasmosis, 400 cases of babesiosis, 100 cases of ehrlichiosis, and 30 cases of other tick-borne illnesses reported to the Department of Health—with many other cases going unreported. And 2017 also brought deadly cases of the rare tick-borne disease Powassan.
In 2018, Governor Cuomo will launch an aggressive initiative to reduce the incidence of Lyme Disease and other tick-borne illnesses in New York State, by controlling tick populations on public lands, advancing research on diagnostics and treatment, and further increasing public awareness.
First, the Governor will direct the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation, and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to launch a tick reduction strategy targeting priority counties and public lands with the highest risk of tick exposure and Lyme disease. Tick control methods will include strategic application of ecofriendly tick control treatments to high traffic trails and facilities, as well the expanded use of 4-poster tickicide stations to treat deer and traps to treat rodents.
Second, the Governor will direct the Commissioner of Health to establish a new working group on Lyme and other tickborne diseases to review current strategies and improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of tick-borne diseases in New York State.
The DOH Wadsworth Center will work with private partners to explore ways to improve diagnostic testing and treatment for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, as better solutions are needed to protect New Yorkers. Third, the Department of Health will continue its robust public outreach campaigns and also convene a tick-borne disease summit this spring, bringing together national experts, members of the new working group and local health departments to review New York’s existing initiatives, and to make recommendations for future policy actions.
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Registration Now Open for Winter Women in the Wilds
Sinnemahoning State Park is now accepting registrations for the 2018 Winter Women in the Wilds event, which will be held at the park during the weekend of February 16-18, 2018.
The Women in the Wilds event at Sinnemahoning State Park is a ladies-only weekend of outdoor recreation and environmental education. The 2018 Winter WITW event offers women the opportunity to participate in activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, fly tying, nature painting, essential oils, animal tracking, open hearth cooking, winter bird walk and indoor yoga.
Program fee is $70 per person. Fee includes choice of seven outdoor recreation and interpretive classes, Friday evening snacks, lunch and dinner on Saturday, lunch on Sunday, plus all program materials and supplies. Equipment for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating will be provided. Sizes are limited. Program fee does not include overnight accommodations or breakfast either day. A list of local cabins, B&Bs, and motels will be provided upon request.
Pre-registration and pre-payment required by Saturday, February 3rd. Limit 30 people.
For more information about Women in the Wilds or other programs at Sinnemahoning State Park, please call the park office at 814-647-8401. Additional details can be found on the DCNR Calendar of Events at http://events.dcnr.pa.gov
Winter Women in the Wilds event offers ladies an opportunity to learn winter outdoor skills. Photo 1: Park Manager, Lisa Bainey, on left, teaches an introductory cross country class. Photo 2: Program participant, Lin Kline, learns to cross country ski at the Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State |
