THE NEWEST STRAINS OF THE VIRUS ARE CAUSING A SURGE THIS SEASON, AND EXPERTS SAY IT’S IMPORTANT TO GET IMMUNIZED, ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE AGE 65 OR OLDER.[i],[ii],[iii]

HERE NOW TO HELP CLARIFY LINGERING CONFUSION AROUND COVID-19 AND VACCINATION ARE PHARMACIST JOHN BECKNER AND SILVIA TAYLOR, CHIEF CORPORATE AFFAIRS AND ADVOCACY OFFICER AT NOVAVAX.

BIO:
John O. Beckner, R.Ph.

John is a pharmacist consultant with the National Community Pharmacists Association. Most recently, he served NCPA as Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives where he helped independent community pharmacies develop diversified revenue streams and maximize patient care activities. In his current role, John continues to be involved in several diabetes and immunization related activities, and he hosts Independent Rx Forum, NCPA’s podcast. He is a staunch supporter of innovative community pharmacy practice, especially with respect to immunizations. During his tenure as Director of Pharmacy and Health Services for Ukrop’s Super Markets, the company received numerous awards for excellence in immunizations, including the Immunization Champion and Pinnacle Awards from APhA.  John is a member of the Virginia Pharmacists Association, of which he served as president in 1996-1997. He received the 2014 APhA-APPM Distinguished Achievement Award in Pharmacy Management and the 2015 Bowl of Hygeia Award for outstanding community service, sponsored by APhA and NASPA. Most recently John received the Ed. D. Spearbeck Virgina Pharmacist Service Award for 2024.
John holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Wake Forest University and a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from VCU/ MCV. He is on the board of directors of the Virginia Pharmacists Association Research and Education Foundation, the Board of Trustees of the MCV Foundation, and the VCU School of Pharmacy National Advisory Council.  John has served on the board of the Central Virginia Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), the board of CrossOver Healthcare Ministry, the Health Practitioners Monitoring Committee for the Virginia Department of Health Professions, the board of Health Quality Innovators, and the Virginia Board of Pharmacy. John serves on several industry advisory boards including the Novavax Advisory Board and the Drug Store News Editorial Advisory Board. He is a luminary for CPESN VA and has been involved with the network since its inception.
John and his wife Pam have 3 children, 2 grandchildren, and 2 chocolate rescue labs!

Silvia Taylor
Executive Vice President,
Chief Corporate Affairs and Advocacy Officer
Silvia Taylor is the Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs and Advocacy Officer at Novavax. In her capacity, Ms. Taylor oversees both external and internal communications, government affairs, public policy, patient advocacy, corporate reputation, global corporate digital experience and engagement, and corporate responsibility. With a career spanning over 25 years in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and public health sectors, she brings a wealth of experience in commercial, corporate, and financial communications to her leadership role. Ms. Taylor’s diverse background includes marketing blockbuster and specialty pharmaceuticals, product launches, capital raising, and holding key positions in global investor relations and corporate affairs at prominent biopharmaceutical firms such as Pfizer, MedImmune, Sucampo, and Autolus.
Originally from Argentina, Ms. Taylor holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in foreign affairs from the University of Virginia. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Maryland Technology Council.

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The post HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE: Courage and Conviction event & A POWERFUL MOVIE ABOUT LITHUANIAN JEWS MURDERED BY RUSSIANS AND NAZIS…INHUMAN appeared first on Good News!.

January 21, 2024 – In Commemoration of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, Am Yisrael Chai presents a powerful and unforgettable event:

COURAGE and CONVICTION – The Holocaust in Lithuania.

Keynote speakers: Elly Gotz, Grant Gochin and Silvia Foti.

The Holocaust in Lithuania resulted in an almost complete annihilation of the Jewish community. More than 95 percent of Lithuania’s Jewish population (approximately 200,000 Jews) were murdered by the Nazis and their Lithuanian collaborators during the War – mostly between June and December of 1941. This was a more complete destruction than befell any other country affected by the Holocaust. A deep and simmering level of antisemitism fueled this destruction in Lithuania – and sadly, it is not unlike the deepening and unbridled antisemitism we are experiencing around the world today.

Elly Gotz was born in Kovno, Lithuania in 1928. During the War, life became increasingly difficult for Jews. Elly survived 3 years in the Kovno ghetto and was later deported to Dachau. Elly is an author and passionate Holocaust educator.

Grant Gochin is a South African born Jew who lost more than 100 members of his family inLithuania.  He is a philanthropist, author, journalist, politician and activist. He is the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Togo, and the Vice Dean of the Los Angeles Consular Corps.

Silvia Foti is a devout Catholic from Chicago, who discovered that her grandfather – who was considered a war hero in Lithuania, was complicit in the murder of Lithuanian Jews. Silvia is the author of Storm in the Land of Rain, journalist, and a Nobel Peace Prize nominee (2023). Together, Grant and Silvia expose the truth about the mass murders and killings across Lithuania. Their story is told in the movie – J’Accuse that gives a voice to the victims so cruelly murdered.

Please join us for the movie J’Accuse followed by the Courage and Conviction event featuring Elly Gotz as well as Grant Gochin, Silvia Foti and movie producer, Michael Kretzmer and that includes a panel discussion hosted by Nadia Bilchik.

Date:             Sunday, January 21, 2024

Time:             7:00pm — 8:30pm EST – Online event

After signing up, you will receive a link to the movie, and for the online event.

RSVP required; Signup/Donate at: https://bit.ly/AYCEvent

This event is free and open to the public.

The post Courage and Conviction Holocaust Remembrance Event appeared first on Good News!.

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