2023 KAARI Open House.Annual Meeting Review

 
The 2023 RI Korean Association Open House/General Meeting was a remarkable and meaningful event that brought together KAARI members, community residents, and distinguished guests to celebrate the conclusion of President Sangwook Ji's two-year term and welcome President-elect Angela Sharkey. The gathering occurred at KAARI's Community Center building on December 16th, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere for all attendees.

The open house, held from 3 to 5 p.m., provided a unique opportunity for KAARI and local community members to connect with Korean Association executives, staff, and fellow members. The event featured an array of exhibits showcasing the hall's activities, enriching it for first-time visitors. The highlight of the open house was an exceptional 'gayageum' (Korean Harp) performance by Seoyeon Kim, a talented artist from Rhode Island.

A delightful surprise came from a visit from Rhode Island's senior senator, Jack Reed, and Ms. Kassandra Florez, Reed's Community Affairs Coordinator. Their unexpected presence added a special touch to the event, with attendees warmly welcoming them and enjoying engaging conversations. President Sangwook Ji, President-elect Angela Sharkey, and Building Chair Bongsup Cho provided Senator Reed with insights into KAARI's history and events, receiving gratitude from the senator for the community's active engagement and support.

 

Senator Reed's consistent interest and support for the Korean Association was acknowledged, with the event serving as a platform to express gratitude for his participation in previous KAARI events, including the opening ceremony of the Korean Community Center (2017), Sounds of Korea (2022), and the Korean Festival (2023).

The Open House event received coverage from Providence TV ABC6 and WJAR Channel 10, further amplifying the reach and impact of KAARI's activities. President Ji and President-elect Sharkey took part in a camera
interview, showcasing the Association's history and recent accomplishments to a broader audience.

We transitioned seamlessly into the Annual Meeting at 6 p.m. President Ji delivered a welcoming address, followed by committee resolutions and an audit report by KAARI Board Chairman Heon-jo Park. The meeting included progress reports from the Building Committee and the Culture Committee, culminating in the unanimous election of Angela Sharkey as the next KAARI President for the upcoming two years (2024-2025).

The 2023 RI Korean Association Open House/General Meeting is a testament to the organization's vibrant community, successful leadership transition, and continued commitment to cultural enrichment and community engagement.

 

 

NBC10 TV covering Seoyon Kim's Gayageum perofrmance

 

 

KAARI President Sangwook Ji, President-Elect Angela Sharkey, Senator Jack Reed, Building Chair Bongsup Cho

 

 

Bongsup Cho, Senator Reed

 

KAARI President-Elect Angela Sharkey, KAARI President Sangwook Ji, Senator Jack Reed

 

ABC6 TV, KAARI President Sangwook Ji, President-Elect Angela Sharkey

 

 

 

 

Senator Reed and Seoyon Kim

 

Senator Reed with Seoyon Kim and her mom and dad

 

 

 

Raymond Kim, Dongsoo Lee, Sun Kang, Angela Sharkey, Jack Reed, Sangwook Ji, Bongsup Cho

 

Food!!

 

Newly elected KAARI President Angela Sharkey

 

President-Elect Angela Sharkey, KAAR Board Chairman Heojo Park, President Sangwook Ji