Jean Soman has utilized her talents as an author to investigate the lives of her most notable ancestors. Currently in the process of developing her second book, she is investigating the life of her German-Jewish great-grandfather, Samuel G. Alschuler. A popular photographer during the mid-1800s, Alschuler’s claim to fame is a pair of photographs he took of President Abraham Lincoln while Lincoln still resided in Illinois. Since beginning her research, Jean Soman has become very involved with the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, serving as an active Board Member and previously serving as the organization’s Interim President.rnrnPrior to her current work, Jean Soman dedicated many years to investigating one of her other distinguished relatives: Colonel Marcus Spiegel. An immigrant, also of German-Jewish descent, Colonel Spiegel served in the 67th and 120th regiments of the Ohio Volunteer Infantry as part of the Union Army during the Civil War. Throughout the conflict, Colonel Spiegel maintained close correspondence with his family and wrote numerous letters home. These letters were passed down from generation to generation in Jean Soman's family. After transcribing all of the letters and researching his life, she and Dr. Frank L. Byrne, co-edited, the book, Your True Marcus: The Civil War Letters of a Jewish Colonel. A decade later, the book was republished by the University of Nebraska Press with the title, A Jewish Colonel in the Civil War: Marcus M. Spiegel of the Ohio Volunteers. It is currently available from AMAZON in paperback and kindle.
Specializing in head and neck surgery, Dr. Howard Hammer has served as a physician and Partner at Bucks ENT Associates for the past nine years. With a focus on ear, nose, and throat disorders, Dr. Howard Hammer also performs head and neck surgery, as well as facial plastic surgery. Furthermore, Dr. Howard Hammer serves as Vice President and a member of the board of directors at The Ambulatory Surgery Center at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, Pennsylvania. In addition, he recently earned the role of Assistant Clinical Professor of Otlolaryngology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Howard Hammer has also written several articles for publication related to the field of ear, nose, and throat medicine. Beyond his work as a physician, Dr. Howard Hammer works with The Bridge, a charitable organization that helps individuals and families in times of need. Dr. Howard Hammer also volunteers with the School's Out! Kids’ Triathlon, helping to keep kids active and healthy. As a triathlete himself, Dr. Howard Hammer often participates in swimming, cycling, and running events. In his leisure time, Dr. Howard Hammer enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, as well as playing golf. Possessing a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Howard Hammer is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dr. Howard Hammer maintains membership in multiple professional organizations within the medical community. Dr. Howard Hammer is a fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, in addition to being a current member of the American Osteopathic College of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, the American Osteopathic Association, the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy, the Bucks County Medical Society of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Medical Association.
Dr. Steve Laverson founded his clinic, Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery, in 1993. Dr. Steve Laverson helps mothers to restore their bodies after pregnancy through a variety of procedures used either in isolation or in combination with others to create a “Mommy Makeover.” Dr. Laverson offers procedures such as tummy tucks, breast augmentation, and liposuction. The clinic also offers services for men, including male breast reduction, chin implants, and rhinoplasty. A science and engineering scholar at the U.S. Naval Academy, Dr. Steve Laverson transferred to the University of Maryland, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Zoology. He graduated with his medical degree from the University of Maryland at Baltimore. Undertaking 10 years of training after receiving his medical degree, he honed his craft at teaching hospitals throughout the United States, including institutions in Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York. Dr. Laverson is certified by the American Board of Surgery, Inc. and The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. Based in Encinitas and Carlsbad, California, Dr. Steve Laverson serves clients in Poway, Vista, Del Mar, San Marcos, and Solana Beach. Offering patients a number of financing options, he performs surgery for the face, breast, and body, utilizing proven practices and FDA-approved products. Some of Dr. Laverson's procedures require overnight stays as a safety precaution and to assist in pain management. At the clinic, patients can view before and after photos of previous clients, analyzing their contours and youthfulness. Dr. Steve Laverson donates his time to providesurgery for underprivileged individuals and contributes funds to Women for Women International, which helps female war survivors. A patron of the arts, he supports the San Diego Symphony as an Advisory Board member and also contributes to the City Ballet of San Diego. In his leisure time, Dr. Laverson enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, and snowboarding.
