Local female instructors continue all-ladies ccw classes

Published on Wednesday, 30 September 2009 00:38

Written by Sheri Trusty

Thanks to Joy and Faith Ferkel, over 75 men and women are now better prepared to defend themselves and their families, because each one of them has taken the NRA certified concealed carry courses taught by the mother/daughter team. Most of the female students have taken advantage of their all-ladies classes.

The Ferkels began offering the all-ladies classes last year as a way to provide a comfortable setting for women to learn how to shoot a gun, and obtain a concealed carry permit. “Women have different reasons for choosing a women-only class,” said Joy. “Some feel intimidated by those they know have more firearm experience, some have personal protection issues that they believe other women understand, and some want the encouraging camaraderie of a ladies sewing circle.”

“It’s easier to ask questions and easier to take the skills test (in an all-ladies class),” said Kim Kuieck, who took the class this spring. “It’s easier to think about what you’re doing, instead of what everybody’s thinking about you.”

“I went into it not knowing a thing,” said Suzanne Black, who decided to obtain her permit after experiencing a break-in robbery. “I had never touched a handgun before. The class was very interesting, very informative, and very comfortable, especially in a group of ladies. Had it been a mixed class, I don’t think I would have been there.”

“I love shooting. It’s a lot of fun, and it was fun to (take the class) with all girls,” said Kathy VanWey, wife of former Fremont Assistant Chief of Police, Dennis VanWey. “Joy and Faith are so hospitable. They kept it very basic, and took us through the ropes very gently.”

Just as the women had varying reasons for taking an all-ladies class, they also had different reasons for obtaining a concealed carry permit in the first place.

“I felt like it was a civic duty,” said VanWey. “I believe all citizens should be armed, not only to defend themselves, but to defend others. If citizens are well-trained and know how to use the firearm, it can only help them.”

“I’ve been fascinated with shooting for a long time,” said Marilu Waleryszak. “I had the time and decided to pursue it. I was very inexperienced and wanted to do it the right way.”

Many of the women said they decided to obtain a concealed carry permit as a fearful response to President Obama’s anti-gun stance. For others, it was fear of another kind that brought them to the class.

Mel Wammes was robbed at gunpoint while working in a Fremont tavern last year. “Everyone had left, except a friend and the captain of the dart league,” she said. “A man came in demanding money. He had a mask on, he had his hood up, and he was wearing gloves.”

That night, both she and her friend were physically assaulted. “That’s when I decided, that’s it. (I’m taking the class.) Never again will I get hit across the face.”

Joy, herself, was attacked by an armed intruder while babysitting when she was 17. Before the man left, she had a broken nose and was covered in blood. “I had a very supportive family. I always thought at that time that men take care of women and children. That’s why it was such a shock to me,” she said.

Having been in the vulnerable situation of being beaten by someone much bigger than she, Joy realizes the necessity for women to have the knowledge and tools to defend themselves, and she also has greater sympathy for the women who come to her class because a past experience has made them afraid.

There are openings in the all-ladies and coed classes in August and September, and Joy was invited to be a featured speaker at the Sixth Annual Ohioans for Concealed Carry Party in the Park family picnic in Powell on July 11.

For more information, or to register for a class, please call 419-547-6203.

*****
Reprinted with permission of The News-Messenger

• < Prev
• Next >