Family of Black Belts
from
the Bernardsville
News, Friday May 29,
2009, 7:00 AM
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The Smalling family of Basking Ridge has
earned the unusual distinction of taking home their first-degree black
belts in Tae Kwon Do all at the same time. The presentation was made by
Frank Coppola, back left, founder of the American Tae Kwon Do Academy,
during an awards ceremony May 16 in Valley Forge, Pa. Family achievement
Attending are Annemarie and John Smalling and their children, Michael
and Kaitlin. The academy operates out of the Somerset Hills YMCA in Basking
Ridge. For more information visit www.somersethillsymca.org
or call (908) 766-7898.. The academy operates out of the Somerset Hills
YMCA in Basking Ridge. For more information visit www.somersethillsymca.org or
call (908) 766-7898.
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A family of black belts: Annemarie and
John Smalling and their children, Michael and Kaitlin
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The American Tae Kwon Do Academy
at the Somerset Hills YMCA awards its 100th Black Belt
from
the Somerset Reporter , Tuesday May 12, 2009, 11:04 AM
On
Saturday, May 16, a group of 16 members of the American Tae Kwon Do Academy
at the Somerset Hills YMCA in Basking Ridge will be celebrating a very
special achievement when they are awarded their 1st degree black belts at the
Embassy Suites in Valley Forge, Pa.
Annmarie
Smalling, one of the 16, will be the 100th black belt recipient in the
program that has been held at the Y since 1993. Smalling's husband and two
children will also receive their black belts at the awards ceremony.
Frank and
Miranda Coppola, who run the program at the Somerset Hills YMCA, are
delighted with the group's achievement.
"This
ceremony is a significant milestone for each individual and for our program
as, statistically, only one out of every one hundred makes it to black
belt," said Frank Coppola. "The Smalling family started with us
four years ago looking for an activity that they could enjoy as a family, and
are synonymous with everything that TKD and the YMCA stand for -- caring,
honesty, respect and responsibility."
Other members receiving their black belt, apart from Annmarie, John, Katie
and Mike Smalling, include Annemieke DeWilde; Sophie Everaert; Chris Calkins;
Bob Janusz; Gordon White III; Marykay Love; Alex Tung; Derek Miller; Brandon
Cheng; Tristan Decker; Allie Smith and Dominique Wadhwa.
Coppola, a fifth-degree black belt, and his wife Miranda, a third-degree
black belt, has taught at the Somerset Hills YMCA where Frank has taught
since 1993. To date, they have awarded a total of 163 varying degrees of
black belt.
"Tae Kwon Do is a big part of our lives now," Smalling said.
"I am especially proud of our children and it's comforting to me knowing
that the kids have good self defense training. Frank inspires and motivates
them every time and is a wonderful role model for the kids."
For more information, contact Coppola at F.Coppola@ATKDA.com or visit ATKDA.com.
For more information on the Somerset Hills YMCA, visit somersethillsymca.org or call (908) 766-7898.
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The YMCA is there to help during
tough times
from
the Bernardsville
News, Friday March
13, 2009, 4:33 AM
EDITOR:
In response to the economic crisis that every individual nationwide is
currently facing, I wanted to reach out to our own community to reassure them
of the Somerset Hills YMCA’s continuing commitment to providing membership
and services to all, regardless of their ability to pay.
We are a charitable organization and, now more than ever, our mission to help
all people grow in spirit, mind and body is of utmost importance.
Whether it is financial assistance for child care, or program support such as
networking and interview skills training for those in job transition, our
investment in each and every one of our members is sincere and constant.
These difficult times put terrible strains on our relationships and our
health. The Somerset Hills YMCA is committed to providing opportunities to
build family relationships, reduce stress and improve health, and represents,
quite simply, a place to connect with others.
Our
investment in the Somerset Hills community is rewarded with our many volunteers
and donors who come from all walks of life and contribute all levels of
support. With their help, our Strong Kids Financial Assistance Campaign
ensures that those in need, whether a senior citizen whose only outlet is
weekly socials at the Y, a child with autism who learns to swim in one of our
pools or an adult who feels lifted and encouraged by an inspirational
workshop, benefit from the many services that the Y can offer.
We are probably all acquainted with someone who is experiencing financial
hardship but who is reluctant to share their anguish due to embarrassment.
Let me assure you that with discretion and sensitivity, we can help bring
hope and joy back into their lives.
More information may be obtained by visiting www.somersethillsymca.org, or by
calling Jennifer Williford at (908) 766-7898, ext. 1527.
ROBERT J. LOMAURO
President and CEO
Somerset Hills YMCA
Basking Ridge
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Annual American Tae
Kwon Do Academy Fall Tournament held at the Somerset Hills YMCA (November
2008)
Just let him go...
When Donna
and Bob Dillon decided to give Liam, their 7 year old son with
some special
needs,
the opportunity to try Tae Kwon Do, they weren’t really sure whether it was
the right decision. Liam is a charming child who, in spite of the challenges
he faces, is determined and ready to try new experiences. But organized sport
wasn’t for Liam and so, when Donna turned to a local TKD organization, it was
with some optimism mixed with a sense of unease.
Unfortunately
however, his parents were asked not to sign Liam up for classes because he
might be too disruptive to other students. Determined not to give up, Donna
took Liam to another TKD class at a church but again, recommendations were
made to find alternative arrangements such as private classes, as Liam was
proving too much of a distraction to the class. Donna and Bob were
disappointed. They had earnestly hoped that Liam might learn better self
control and some means of self defense which, sadly, might be important to
him as he grows up being a little different, Donna quite frankly admits.
Then
something wonderful happened. Donna brought Liam to the Somerset Hills
YMCA where Miranda and Frank Coppola have been providing weekly Tae Kwon Do classes
for kids,
adults and families since 1993. Reassured by their warm welcome and
encouragement, Bob and Liam started a class together. Bob shares his story;
“In our first few classes I would pull the instructor aside and try to
explain that my son has special needs and that I will try to not have him
distract the other students. He would tell me not to worry and all I remember
thinking was ‘right, you'll see’. The fact is he really did not want me
to worry as they are incredibly good at handling children. ‘Just let him go’,
Frank would murmur, ‘just let him go’”.
Donna
describes the Tae Kwon Do class like a support group, all of whom, young and
old, have taken on the role of surrogate parent. They gently remind Liam what
to do and to stay on task. “It brought tears of joy to my eyes to watch this
shared responsibility of our son, Liam, being taken on. Class members will
literally give him a hug and include him in their group.”
Liam’s
parents have noticed that he’s a lot less distracted these days. He earned
two promotions and is now a green belt. Liam now goes twice a week since
Donna has joined the class. Donna loves the workout and warns that there are
no trophies or empty praise in this class. "It’s no walk in the park,”
she says. “You work hard to deserve a promotion but you feel such a sense of
achievement when you finish.”
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Annual American Tae
Kwon Do Academy Fall Tournament held at the Somerset Hills YMCA (October
2007)
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 On
Sunday, October 21, 2007 The American Tae Kwon Do Academy held its annual
Fall tournament at the Somerset Hills YMCA with approximately 150 people in
attendance. The Miller Family of Basking Ridge received this year’s ATKDA
“Family of the Year” award.
Frank
Coppola, 5th Degree Black Belt, is President of the American Tae Kwon Do
Academy. The ATKDA program has served the YMCA since 1993, with their
curriculum based on Family Exercise with a Purpose. The Martial Arts school
offers classes for tots and kids, but the pride of the school is the family
class taught 3 days a week by Coppola.
The
tournament showcased the family efforts by allowing the students to compete
in Forms (pre-planned movements designed to simulate self-defense) and
Sparring (Non-Contact point based fighting). “There aren’t too many
activities where parents and kids can participate with each other, yet excel
at their own pace,” said Coppola. “There are fewer where kids are in a
position to empower their parents, not only furthering the parent-child
bond, but fostering confidence as well.”
This year, Coppola presented the Miller Family of Basking
Ridge with the “Family of the Year” award. Father Scott, 1st
Degree Black Belt, teaches classes at the YMCA with eldest son Zach, 2nd
Degree Black Belt, who has been with the ATKDA for 10 years. Younger
brothers Derek, 1st degree Black Belt, and Lucas, Brown Belt; performed
a board-breaking demonstration in front of the tournament crowd.
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Coppola
presented the award and feels the family epitomizes the academy’s
mission. “The Millers are one of the most gracious, humble, yet
hardworking & martial-arts-tough families I know,” said Coppola.
“What the Miller’s have achieved together shows their dedication and
obvious enjoyment which energizes and motivates fellow students.”
The
Miller family was thrilled that they were selected as this year’s
recipients. “We all felt very honored because there are many other
families in the program deserving of the award,” said Brenda
Miller. “We know how much Frank’s focus on family has become a big
part of the program, which aligns itself with the Y’s principles, and we
are proud to help promote that.”
The American Tae Kwon Do
Academy offers classes at the Somerset Hills YMCA for ages 4 and
up. For more information please visit www.somersethillsymca.org or
call Dan Reeve at 908-630-3502.
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