Jam on the River, Operation Splashmob a success

as soon as possible.

e beginning of a state-wide program

In 1996, Grandmaster Uoon Choi founded USTA Martial Arts, which has become the largest string of taekwondo schools in Washington. e nonpro t has been committed to promoting the art by giving everyone an opportunity to keep it alive through participation, whether it’s for one’s recreational tness or one’s competitive, tournament-driven nature.

Starting taekwondo at 8 years old, Choi went on to earn various high school, college and international awards. Choi was also Ross’ instructor in Mt. Vernon for a few years, and Ross trained with Choi until he was a senior blue belt, which is halfway to a black belt. Ross later moved to Bellingham where he continued his training with Choi at the studio there. After Ross earned his black belt, he began his teaching journey by assisting Choi and the other instructors. He eventually quit his original job and went to being a full-time instructor at the Bellingham studio. In October 2009, he took over the Ferndale studio when the previous instructor moved to Everett. According to the USTA Martial Arts website, all instructors “are not only fully quali ed black belt[s], they are also successful, active professionals in technology, education and other local industries.

On July 22, another hot Saturday, Ferndale Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Jam on the River festival. Held at Centennial Riverwalk Park, folks enjoyed performances from various singers including Andrew Hansen, JP Falcon, Uncle Doug, The Shannanigans and AntiShock as well as performances from Chicas Reinas and Community Heroes. With more than 30 vendors and a handful of food trucks, there was something for everyone. After touring the festival, families walked next door to Star Park where they cooled down with the City of Ferndale’s Operation Splashmob, which featured a water slide and squirt guns. More upcoming summer events include the Food Truck Friday event on Aug. 4, stargazing at VanderYacht Park on Aug. 12, and a live concert at the Pioneer Village Stage on Aug. 19. (Taras McCurdie/Ferndale Record)