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The
25th anniversary celebration of the Jae H. Kim Tae Kwon Do
Institute, held on October 31, 1999 at Chef Chang’s Restaurant, was a
highly memorable event for everyone who attended.
The event was planned and organized by Jack Brosnahan, Susan
Warner, Bryan Bergeron, Gayane Faniants, Ivan Rhudick and Jennifer Kim.
The entire restaurant, which was reserved for this event, was
packed to capacity with students and instructors from the institute. The celebration began with a formal reception that gave attendees a chance to chat and mingle before moving to the main dining hall for the ceremonies. Susan Warner and Ivan Rhudick served as MCs. The first speaker was Master Michael O’Malley, who reminisced about his experience as a student during the early years of the institute. Ben Foster followed with reflections of his experience at the school. Luncheon was then served. A full 10-course banquet, featuring such dishes as Peking Duck, Chicken Soong, Crispy Whole Cod, Lobster with Ginger and Scallion, General Gau’s Chicken and more, was a delectable feast for the attendees. Everyone had more than enough to eat just sampling various dishes since there were so many delicious dishes to sample. Grand Master Kim commended Tony Chan and the staff at Chef Chang’s Restaurant for doing a magnificent job with the luncheon. The second half of the celebration began with a masterful toast by Bryan Bergeron, a moving tribute in honor of Grand Master Kim. Lynne Kaulback followed with a toast of her own, wishing the continued success of the institute. Gayle Lassen then gave an eloquent speech, reflecting on her years at the institute. It was now time for Grand Master Kim (or Mr. Kim as he would like to be addressed) to speak. Mr. Kim began by recognizing the three people who have made invaluable contributions to the success of the institute - Grand Master C. K. Ma, Dr. Michael Chang and Master Michael O’Malley. Mr. Kim gave each of them a gold key, a traditional Korean symbol for good luck and happiness. He then spoke about the challenges and triumphs of the past 25 years. Mr. Kim ended the speech by describing the joy he derives from day to day teaching. There were four standing ovations by the attendees. Jack Brosnahan then took the podium to deliver some of the official certificates of recognition from various people and organizations to Grand Master Kim. The following are some of the documents of recognition received by Mr. Kim.:
After closing remarks by Susan Warner and Ivan Rhudick, attendees moved to the reception area for the cake-cutting ceremony, where Mr. Kim, Grand Master Ma, Dr. Chang and Master O’Malley did the honors. The 25th Anniversary Celebration was a wonderful and memorable event. Everyone wished that our black belts now living in far away places (Mexico, Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Norway, Colorado, Atlanta, etc.) could have joined us, but at least we can offer them glimpses of the event through pictures. We hope to see you soon during your next visit to Boston. |
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Photographs were taken by Fausto Blasco and Bryan Bergeron. This site best viewed with
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