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HERALD
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DECEMBER 28, 2023 - JANUARY 3, 2024
What’s What’s
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VOL. 35 NO. 1
HERALD PERSON OF THE YEAR JOOSOO KIM
A ‘light’ and a ‘true good-doer’ Joosoo Kim is a proud immigrant, a busy PTA member, a business leader, and a pillar of the community. By Juan Lasso
Memorial’s Room 107 takes on new role Page 7
When it comes to drastic life changes, Joosoo Kim initiated one early on. Before she became a mother of three and a beacon of community positivity and leadership in Valley Stream, she was a 20-year-old who came to the United States alone from South Korea to study English. She decided to leave her homeland behind because she believed this country offered what she wanted: an opportunity to succeed if she worked hard enough. Kim, 54, has worked hard, and succeeded in more ways than one — not only as a leading real estate agent and an admired local business leader, but also for making a wide range of contributions to the village for decades, enriching its alley public life in the process. The Herald is proud to name her its 2023 Person of Stream is the Year. lucky to have “When my number two was born, Joosoo, and I’m we needed more space and a safe place for them to run around,” Kim said. lucky to have “We looked around at different parts, and stumbled on Valley Stream by total her as a friend. accident.” She’s family — Joosoo and her husband, K.C. Kilkenny, were both working as school- the family you teachers at the time, and the ease of choose. access to the schools in the village, the public library, and the parks made quite CHRISTINA an impression on them. They have lived RENDON here ever since. Central/Memorial As someone with a strong personal- PTSA ity, Kim confessed that she struggled early on to discover who she was. She has learned to embrace something of a patchwork of identities that make her who she is, from her immigrant roots and her South Korean heritage to her patriotism for the United States. She long ago vowed to build her life on a solid foundation of serving others, and she has put her talent and energy to great use in Valley Stream, benefiting scores of causes and organizations with her business acumen and infectious cheer. “I can’t split myself in fives, but I do involve myself in activities that resonate personally with me,” Kim said. She has been active in the Valley Stream Civilian Patrol, and the Crochet Club. She has leapt at opportunities to help the village’s Beautification Committee collect litter on local streets. More recently, Kim has helped David Sabatino, the deputy village treasurer for planning and economic development,
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At 30, a century of learning, second to none Page 16
Village is hit by ‘unprecedented’ rain Page 17
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review grant applications to support projects aimed at “bringing back the downtown’s economy.” She also counts herself among a handful of Community Fest committee members, who organize the village’s biggest showcase of business and community organizations on Rockaway Avenue each year. Kim’s sincerity and her delight in others, regardless of where they come from or how they look, is almost palpable. And she shares her abundant passion for education. “She was an integral part of starting the Book Fair in Memorial Junior High School as a member of the Valley Stream Central/Memorial PTSA,” PTSA member Christina Rendon said. “She’s always looking to give back to the kids. “She’d be there all day and all night, setting up the Book Fair and devoting her time to other PTSA events and fundraisers,” Rendon added. “She just brings so much fun and energy to any venue, and is always thankful for everything.” And Kim doesn’t shirk from helping others in crisis. When resident Qumyka Howell pulled into her street on February 25, 2019 only to see her house consumed by flames, a distraught Kim joined Dawn Tortora-Morici, a fellow friend and local Continued on page 2 Courtesy Joosoo Kim
Chamber of Commerce President Sasan Shavanson presents Joosoo Kim with the Businessperson of the Year award. She is also the Herald's Person of the Year.