Five seventh and eighh grade  girls from Hopewell Junior high School visited the University of Pittsburgh  Human Enginnering and Research Lab  and the Pittsburgh Veterans Administration Hospital, according to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano.  A German professor, according to teacher  Paula Kosnik, heads the lab.  She said the girls saw a video to acclamate them with the program  as to why they are helping vets to get limbs replaced with technology available .  Beds , kitchens, and exercise equipment  are being designed to accomodate the vets who are disabled. The program, Mrs. Kosnik said is a part of STEM  called “Tour Your Future”  showing different areas where girls  can find occupations. On March 13 the girls will tour the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.

10th District State Representative Aaron Bernstine will be holding an Open House at his Ellwood City office this afternoon. The Open House will take place from 3 until 6:30 p-m. Bernstine told Matt Drzik on AM Beaver County this morning that it’s an opportunity for residents to learn more about what he and his staff can do for them. Bernstine defeated the incumbent Democrat, Jarret Gibbons, back in November. The event is open to all residents of the district.

The Battle of Iwo  Jima was during World War II and Edgar Lane, Sr. of New Brighton had joined the Marines and served there, according to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano.   Mr. Lane, brought home a Japanese  flag from the war and never discussed it, and  and was passed down to  His granddaughter Cindy.  the flag’s owner, Shiro Koga was killed in the war  Mrs. Kester volunteers at the Air  Heritage Museum in Chippewa Township and brought the flag to the museum to  show the guys.”.  Yoshihiro Yoshimura who moved to Pittsburgh from Japan  and came to Air Heritage to see the planes  was at the airport on November 12 and helped to get the ball rolling to find its owner. A news broadcast on RKB News in Japan  made it possible to locate Shiro Koga’s great nephew Eusike Oniike, who lives in Fukuoka City The event was very very emotional  for Kester and   Oniike.. Oniike travelled the 14 hours to  Pittsburgh International Airport on Friday, and in ceremony that was a “once in a lifetime event”  was held Saturday afternoon   at Air Heritage. The silk flag,  with the  sun in the middle, and writings from Koga’s nephew’s family, was tattered , but it contained  family members names , he carried it everywhere so he could feel his family was with him for his safe return He was the 9th of 10 children in the family It took 72 years and a news broadcast to  return the flag.,  The ceremony, and luncheon was  attended by approximately 75 persons.   Oniike, speaking to the group through an interpreter said , “I pray for peace in the world and that no war will occur between the United States and Japan again. Kester was scheduled to take him on a tour of Pittsburgh yesterday. He returns to Japan today with his photographer/interpreter.

Today is Lymphedema Awareness Day, according to Beaver County Radio News Correspondent Sandy Giordano.  Lymphedema is a chronic swelling  that occurs when lymph nodes are removed or damaged during cancer surgery, or from an injury’. Medicare doesn’t’ cover the cost of compression hose or or sleeves to help treat the issues that are arise from Lymphedema.  A pump to redirect protein rich fluid is also very costly  There are treatments available from physical therapists if recommended by the patients doctors. Bills have been introduced in Congress, with the hope of them passing so that Social Security and medicare cover the  cost of the necessary. This entire month is dedicated to Lymphedema Awareness.