Welcome to the October edition of the Chosun newsletter. It's hard to believe that it has been a year since the first installment of the Chosun e-newsletter. As a school, we can look back with pride and gratitude for the many accomplishments and milestones attained by the students of Chosun. In this spirit of celebration, please don't forget to MARK YOUR CALENDAR for Saturday December 10th for the 14th Annual Awards Banquet and Dinner Dance. Details below. It is a wonderful time to enjoy the season with your Chosun family. If you have missed any of the previous Chosun Newsletters, they are archived in Master Cook's Blog, The Chosun Journal on the Chosun website.
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Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor
Friday, September 30, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
ONE DIVORCE TOO MANY...The loss of a black belt without closure can be a heart-wrenching experience
One spring day in 1997, just before beginning a vigorous training session at the Richard Chun Taekwondo Center in New York City, I sat with Grandmaster Chun in his office discussing several issues relating to school ownership. Being the benevolent and forthcoming man that he is, Grandmaster Chun was never one to hold back valuable information from his disciples.
The conversation on that warm afternoon centered on my question as to why he chose not to display photographs of his many black belt students on the walls of his Upper Eastside dojang. The root of my query evolved from observations I had made while visiting various schools here and in Korea, the homeland of tae kwon do. At one dojang locally, I had noticed a cluster of color photos depicting what appeared to be the location’s entire population of black belts; there wasn’t many, but they all seemed to be represented, including the master instructor. Likewise, while training at the Korean National University for Physical Education or KNUPE, in Seoul, South Korea, as well as other noteworthy training facilities in the “land of the morning calm”, I was impressed with row upon row of proud, young black belts frozen in black and white images that stared down at me from frames firmly secured above the mirrors that ran the entire length of the dojang. Tributes of this sort seemed to add an air of heritage and permanence to not only the institution itself, but also the sacred training floor upon which we were about to stand. And so, almost two decades ago, shrouded in my naiveté’, I was confounded as to why my kwanjangnim did not share in this practice.
Without ever meeting Grandmaster Chun, one could not be familiar with his humble, gracious demeanor. He is unyieldingly courteous and disarmingly kind in his approach; except, of course, when he is standing in class before a large group of students. It is then that his ferocity and passion for tae kwon do quickly becomes apparent. Nevertheless, sitting at his desk across from me that day, he paused seemingly in deep reflection before answering. I trust that I am not breaking a confidence when I share his reply. Kwanjangnim looked up and said “If I were to mount photos of every black belt that I have graduated across the years at this school alone, not only would they fill every available wall, but a real danger exists that I would weep for those who have left.” With that statement, I truly began to understand the deep and singular relationship that exists between a worthy master and his loyal students.
Since then, I too have created many black belts; clearly not as many as Grandmaster Chun, but the quantity reaches well into the hundreds. Some, based on limited tenure are difficult to remember. The vast majority, however, will never leave my mind. Many are still with me and have gone on to become highly competent master instructors. Others, having enrolled as youngsters, eventually entered college, had families of their own and relocated. A very few, sadly, have been forced to discontinue their training due to unrelated injuries or physical disabilities. But as with most martial arts schools many black belts tend to depart largely based on time constraints, family responsibilities or simple boredom stemming from a limited curriculum. This last malady frequently results in a trickling away of enthusiasm for the art in general. Fortunately, our school offers a traditional curriculum extending through 6th dan that constantly challenges the black belt, invariably igniting continuing interest. Still, to surrender for any reason is a tragedy of considerable proportions.
Regardless, the rapport that exists between the master instructor and the black belt student is exceptional in nature. If taken seriously and allowed to mature, the relationship is infused with a quantifiable consistency that mirrors other vivid liaisons in life. For example, at the culmination of the black belt examination, the master instructor symbolically bestows the student with wisdom by first wrapping the black belt around his waist before tying it around the student’s. Consequently, even though the practitioner may in the future train with other instructors, this is a statement that clearly says: “I am your first master and we are tied together for now and forever.” This ritual is vaguely reminiscent of another, equally heavy with meaning: that found in the bond of marriage signified by the gold wedding band. Once a serious commitment is made to the study of traditional tae kwon do, one cannot simply ignore its profound implications.
It is said that genuinely competent martial arts instructors give a little piece of themselves away to each student they seek to inspire until, eventually, there is nothing left. The only way the teacher can replenish their skill is through constant, personal training and then facing new students yet again. And so, the cycle continues. I absolutely believe this to be true. Yet I ultimately hold that it is with each defection or departure of a black belt that an intangible, spiritual fragment of the master is torn away, never again to be replaced. The silent torment, unique to those at the top, cannot rightfully be shared and is overwhelmingly exacerbated by an informal exit. Tae kwon do training is built on a platform of courage, courtesy and dignity. Accordingly, if the day should arrive when the black belt chooses to depart, it is with the above virtues in mind that their intentions should be announced in the presence of their master and not through an email, phone call or written correspondence. Without dignified closure, the matter will continue to float between the two like a dark cloud that refuses to dissipate. One can only compare the divisive nature of this separation to a painful divorce from a beloved partner and if the parties involved, or at least one, are resistant to the measure, the wound seldom heals. To the uninitiated it may appear that I am overstating my case. Yet I’d wager that having experienced the loss of several valued, once-eager black belts, most masters would tell you that each exodus feels like one divorce too many.
Tae Kwon do does not speak to everyone equally and even for those dedicated few, priorities change and difficult life decisions must be made. So, if you find yourself in the untenable position of having to sever ties with your school and master, for whatever reason, do it face-to-face with a courteous, courageous and dignified state of mind.
Friday, September 9, 2011
The Dojang - A Safe Haven During 9/11 Master Doug Cook
It is ten years hence and that fateful day is still vivid in my mind.
On September 11, 2001, I was employed in New York City at a job that I would soon vacate in favor of teaching martial arts professionally. On that tragic but stunningly brilliant morning, I stood on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Nineteenth Street watching the destruction of the World Trade Center unfold before my very eyes.
Seconds after seeing the second plane slam into the South Tower, realizing full well that this was an assault on our country equal only in magnitude to the infamous attack on Pearl Harbor, I quickly made the decision to leave the city to seek the safety of my home and family sixty miles away.
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Monday, September 5, 2011
Chosun e-newsletter Volumn 2 #9 September, 2011
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the September edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As another season winds down,we can look back at all the informative workshops and special classes that Chosun hosted throughout the summer. Thank you to all instructors and students for a very fulfilling taekwondo summer. Looking ahead, September highlights include the Chosun Annual Open House , Exploring the I Ching workshop with Jed Bark and the third annual Leadership Team Book and Bake Sale. Don't forget to tune in to Cablevision's channel 78 to see the Chosun Leadership Team on "Meet the Leaders". Also be sure to read the two new additions to the newsletter, Martial Musings: Student Essays and All Things Korean. Lastly, check
the Chosun in the Media section for links to Master Cook's columns for TKD Times magazine and his articles that appear in various publications.
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Welcome to the September edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As another season winds down,we can look back at all the informative workshops and special classes that Chosun hosted throughout the summer. Thank you to all instructors and students for a very fulfilling taekwondo summer. Looking ahead, September highlights include the Chosun Annual Open House , Exploring the I Ching workshop with Jed Bark and the third annual Leadership Team Book and Bake Sale. Don't forget to tune in to Cablevision's channel 78 to see the Chosun Leadership Team on "Meet the Leaders". Also be sure to read the two new additions to the newsletter, Martial Musings: Student Essays and All Things Korean. Lastly, check
the Chosun in the Media section for links to Master Cook's columns for TKD Times magazine and his articles that appear in various publications.
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #8 August, 2011
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the August edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As a traditional martial arts institute we are very proud because this month the international publication, TaeKwonDo Times Magazine has named Chosun Taekwondo Academy "School of the Month." Click on the link below to read the entire article. In addition, special summer classes and workshops in the Warwick Town Park have been going strong with a variety of topics and instructors to keep your summer training interesting and rewarding. Check the schedule below for remaining special programs and as always, there is no extra charge for these classes. Another exciting development to augment Chosun students' training experience is the new Poomsae (Forms) page that has been added to the Chosun Website (details below). At present the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms can be viewed. Kicho forms will be posted in the near future. Lastly, be sure to check the Chosun in the Media section for links to Master Cook's columns for TKD Times magazine and his articles that appear in various publications.
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Welcome to the August edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As a traditional martial arts institute we are very proud because this month the international publication, TaeKwonDo Times Magazine has named Chosun Taekwondo Academy "School of the Month." Click on the link below to read the entire article. In addition, special summer classes and workshops in the Warwick Town Park have been going strong with a variety of topics and instructors to keep your summer training interesting and rewarding. Check the schedule below for remaining special programs and as always, there is no extra charge for these classes. Another exciting development to augment Chosun students' training experience is the new Poomsae (Forms) page that has been added to the Chosun Website (details below). At present the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms can be viewed. Kicho forms will be posted in the near future. Lastly, be sure to check the Chosun in the Media section for links to Master Cook's columns for TKD Times magazine and his articles that appear in various publications.
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #7 July, 2011
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the July edition of the Chosun e-newsletter and the official start of Summer! This is a great opportunity to delve deeper into your taekwondo training by taking advantage of the exciting new classes and workshops offered at Chosun this summer. Check the schedule below and as always, there is no extra charge for these classes. Another exciting development to augment Chosun students' training experience is the new Poomsae (Forms) page that has been added to the Chosun Website (details below). At present the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms can be viewed. More forms will be posted in the future.
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Welcome to the July edition of the Chosun e-newsletter and the official start of Summer! This is a great opportunity to delve deeper into your taekwondo training by taking advantage of the exciting new classes and workshops offered at Chosun this summer. Check the schedule below and as always, there is no extra charge for these classes. Another exciting development to augment Chosun students' training experience is the new Poomsae (Forms) page that has been added to the Chosun Website (details below). At present the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms can be viewed. More forms will be posted in the future.
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #6 June, 2011
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the June edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. The summer season is right around the corner and Chosun has many special events and new classes to offer students. The official Chosun summer schedule will be in effect on July 1. Please take note of a new sparring class on Monday evenings taught by Blackbelt, Travis Yee (details below). Check the schedule for special training in the Warwick Town Park. Another exciting development to augment Chosun students' training experience is the new Poomsae (Forms) page that has been added to the Chosun Website (details below). At present the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms can be viewed. More forms will be posted in the future.
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Welcome to the June edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. The summer season is right around the corner and Chosun has many special events and new classes to offer students. The official Chosun summer schedule will be in effect on July 1. Please take note of a new sparring class on Monday evenings taught by Blackbelt, Travis Yee (details below). Check the schedule for special training in the Warwick Town Park. Another exciting development to augment Chosun students' training experience is the new Poomsae (Forms) page that has been added to the Chosun Website (details below). At present the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms can be viewed. More forms will be posted in the future.
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #5 May, 2011
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the May edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. It has been a really busy spring season at Chosun Taekwondo Academy. In fact the accomplishments and exciting upcoming events are so many in number that I hope I haven't forgotten any! One exciting update to be aware of is the changes that have and will be made to the Chosun website to aid students in their training. A live video feed has been added to the Chosun homepage that will take the viewer to the chosun video channel. Here you can view various video clips of Chosun events. In the very near future, we will also offer videos of the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms. Later, the Kicho, Kukkiwon and Traditional Black Belt forms will be posted
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Welcome to the May edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. It has been a really busy spring season at Chosun Taekwondo Academy. In fact the accomplishments and exciting upcoming events are so many in number that I hope I haven't forgotten any! One exciting update to be aware of is the changes that have and will be made to the Chosun website to aid students in their training. A live video feed has been added to the Chosun homepage that will take the viewer to the chosun video channel. Here you can view various video clips of Chosun events. In the very near future, we will also offer videos of the Taegeuk and Palgwe forms. Later, the Kicho, Kukkiwon and Traditional Black Belt forms will be posted
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #4 April, 2011
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the April edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. Gladly, spring is upon us and the Chosun Taekwondo Academy is celebrating many accomplishments as well as hosting exciting events. Chosun students take special note: Our school will be featured in TaeKwonDo Times magazine's "School of the Month." A photo of all students will be taken for the magazine before the Color Belt Test on Sunday May 22, 2011 at 12:00 noon at the Warwick Town Hall. This will take about 15 minutes and all Chosun students should attend in their doboks. On a sadder note, as a school our thoughts and wishes for healing go out to the people of Japan in their hour of need. To that end, the young students of Chosun have written notes and letters expressing their feelings that will be sent to the Japanese embassy. Thanks to these martial artists for their thoughtfulness. Read a letter.
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Welcome to the April edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. Gladly, spring is upon us and the Chosun Taekwondo Academy is celebrating many accomplishments as well as hosting exciting events. Chosun students take special note: Our school will be featured in TaeKwonDo Times magazine's "School of the Month." A photo of all students will be taken for the magazine before the Color Belt Test on Sunday May 22, 2011 at 12:00 noon at the Warwick Town Hall. This will take about 15 minutes and all Chosun students should attend in their doboks. On a sadder note, as a school our thoughts and wishes for healing go out to the people of Japan in their hour of need. To that end, the young students of Chosun have written notes and letters expressing their feelings that will be sent to the Japanese embassy. Thanks to these martial artists for their thoughtfulness. Read a letter.
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #3 March, 2011
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the March edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. With 2011 well underway, the Chosun Taekwondo Academy has been buzzing with activity. Classes have been busy and the winter weather has not dampened the spirit of the Chosun student body and instructor staff. Our first Color Belt Promotion Test of the year was a huge success and an exciting event to witness. Be sure to view the photos below. Chosun students also made an excellent showing at the recent Haddock Taekwondo Tournament in New York City bringing home a record total of 23 trophies! Congratulations to all participants. See fellow Chosun students in action by visiting the
Chosun Video Channel.
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Welcome to the March edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. With 2011 well underway, the Chosun Taekwondo Academy has been buzzing with activity. Classes have been busy and the winter weather has not dampened the spirit of the Chosun student body and instructor staff. Our first Color Belt Promotion Test of the year was a huge success and an exciting event to witness. Be sure to view the photos below. Chosun students also made an excellent showing at the recent Haddock Taekwondo Tournament in New York City bringing home a record total of 23 trophies! Congratulations to all participants. See fellow Chosun students in action by visiting the
Chosun Video Channel.
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #2 February, 2011
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the February edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. The new year has been very busy at Chosun and even though the weather has been brutal, it has not diminished the Chosun spirit! Classes have been packed and we have many new faces in the dojang! Our kickstart program for 4 and 5 year olds is brimming over with eager young students. Many thanks to Chokyonim Pamela Pyke for stepping up to help instruct these budding martial artists. In fact all the Chosun instructors, junior instructors and assistant instructors have been busy. Check the Chosun website for new photos of the Chosun teaching staff. February has a full roster of events including the color belt test at the Town Hall on February 13. Check below to get information on all the upcoming programs and Dojang news!
Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor
Celebrate the season and your dedication to the traditional martial art of TaekFebruary is Student Appreciation Month at Chosun!
See below for details
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Welcome to the February edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. The new year has been very busy at Chosun and even though the weather has been brutal, it has not diminished the Chosun spirit! Classes have been packed and we have many new faces in the dojang! Our kickstart program for 4 and 5 year olds is brimming over with eager young students. Many thanks to Chokyonim Pamela Pyke for stepping up to help instruct these budding martial artists. In fact all the Chosun instructors, junior instructors and assistant instructors have been busy. Check the Chosun website for new photos of the Chosun teaching staff. February has a full roster of events including the color belt test at the Town Hall on February 13. Check below to get information on all the upcoming programs and Dojang news!
Kamsahamnida,
Patty Cook, Editor
Celebrate the season and your dedication to the traditional martial art of TaekFebruary is Student Appreciation Month at Chosun!
See below for details
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 2 #1 January, 2011
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to 2011 and the fourth edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As Chosun Taekwondo Academy enters its 14th year of operation, we celebrate the continued vitality of our school and look ahead to recognizing the ever present opportunities that strengthen our intentions and rejuvenate our spirit! The five tenets, recited at the end of every taekwondo class are a way to re-connect to universal respect and order that stand at the root of every culture and spiritual tradition through the millennia. This continuum helps us as individuals and in turn our larger Chosun family to achieve our objectives and seek common purpose. We value your support and wish you a productive and prosperous new year!
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Welcome to 2011 and the fourth edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As Chosun Taekwondo Academy enters its 14th year of operation, we celebrate the continued vitality of our school and look ahead to recognizing the ever present opportunities that strengthen our intentions and rejuvenate our spirit! The five tenets, recited at the end of every taekwondo class are a way to re-connect to universal respect and order that stand at the root of every culture and spiritual tradition through the millennia. This continuum helps us as individuals and in turn our larger Chosun family to achieve our objectives and seek common purpose. We value your support and wish you a productive and prosperous new year!
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 1 #3 December 2010
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast,
Welcome to the third edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As the final days of the year rush by, and a new year waits in the wings, we as students of Chosun can count our blessings and take pride in the many accomplishments and achievements of the past year. As a school, Chosun has added 24 new black belts to its ranks and provided an opportunity for students to deepen their training experience by traveling to Korea, the birthplace of Taekwondo. Through the efforts of the Leadership Team, young students have been able to put the five tenets of Taekwondo into practice. So while the Chosun Taekwondo Academy is a place where our commitment to the art flourishes, we as individuals must find the courage, stamina and confidence to carry our commitment into action every day. Grandmaster Richard Chun sums it up with his few but meaningful words, "Never Give Up."
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Welcome to the third edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. As the final days of the year rush by, and a new year waits in the wings, we as students of Chosun can count our blessings and take pride in the many accomplishments and achievements of the past year. As a school, Chosun has added 24 new black belts to its ranks and provided an opportunity for students to deepen their training experience by traveling to Korea, the birthplace of Taekwondo. Through the efforts of the Leadership Team, young students have been able to put the five tenets of Taekwondo into practice. So while the Chosun Taekwondo Academy is a place where our commitment to the art flourishes, we as individuals must find the courage, stamina and confidence to carry our commitment into action every day. Grandmaster Richard Chun sums it up with his few but meaningful words, "Never Give Up."
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Friday, September 2, 2011
Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 1 #2 November 2010
Dear Martial Arts Enthusiast, Welcome to the second edition of the Chosun e-newsletter. The Chosun Taekwondo Academy wants to extend and invitation to you and your family to attend our:
13th Annual Awards Banquet
& Dinner Dance
Saturday December 11th, 2010 6:30 - 11:00 pm
Black Bear Golf Club, 138 Route 23 North, Franklin, NJ 07416
Guest of honor Grandmaster Richard Chun, DJ and dancing, cash bar, awards presentation, and a visit from Santa!
Adults: $49 / Children:$39 / under 4 years: FREE Make checks payable to Chosun Taekwondo Academy. Remit to Chosun Taekwondo Academy PO Box 721 Warwick, NY 10990 Reserved seating available: contact Chosun at info@chosuntkd.com
Kamsahamnida, Patty Cook, Editor
Celebrate the season and your dedication to the traditional martial art of Taekwondo. Happy Thanksgiving!
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13th Annual Awards Banquet
& Dinner Dance
Saturday December 11th, 2010 6:30 - 11:00 pm
Black Bear Golf Club, 138 Route 23 North, Franklin, NJ 07416
Guest of honor Grandmaster Richard Chun, DJ and dancing, cash bar, awards presentation, and a visit from Santa!
Adults: $49 / Children:$39 / under 4 years: FREE Make checks payable to Chosun Taekwondo Academy. Remit to Chosun Taekwondo Academy PO Box 721 Warwick, NY 10990 Reserved seating available: contact Chosun at info@chosuntkd.com
Kamsahamnida, Patty Cook, Editor
Celebrate the season and your dedication to the traditional martial art of Taekwondo. Happy Thanksgiving!
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Chosun e-newsletter archive Volumn 1 #1 October 2010
Dear Martial Art enthusiast,
Thank you for your interest in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy and the traditional martial art of Taekwondo. In this inaugural issue of our newsletter you will find information on news and events at our academy as well as insights into the training experience at the Chosun Taekwondo Academy. As a newsletter recipient you will receive notification about Chosun sponsored events such as Taekwondo trips and seminars as well as previews of upcoming books and articles written by Master Doug Cook.
Kamsahamnida and Thank you for your support
Patty Cook, Editor
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Thank you for your interest in the Chosun Taekwondo Academy and the traditional martial art of Taekwondo. In this inaugural issue of our newsletter you will find information on news and events at our academy as well as insights into the training experience at the Chosun Taekwondo Academy. As a newsletter recipient you will receive notification about Chosun sponsored events such as Taekwondo trips and seminars as well as previews of upcoming books and articles written by Master Doug Cook.
Kamsahamnida and Thank you for your support
Patty Cook, Editor
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