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Parents forgive daughter’s accused killer

» Elmira couple praises public outpouring after woman slain, husband charged with crime

BY: MARC MIQUEL HELSEN

More than a month after the murder of their daughter, the parents of Valerie Ferguson continue to be overwhelmed by the show of support they have received from family, friends and the community.
“We have never experienced such love and compassion as expressed by the people of this community. This love has encircled us in ways that words cannot express. This community of Elmira has shown us God’s love, by living it,” said Ruth Usick, as she and her husband Stan spoke publicly Wednesday for the first time since their only child was slain Apr. 3.
“We are doing great under the circumstances. We feel like a shield of prayers is surrounding us. This does not mean that we are not sad with the loss of Valerie, however we feel supported by the many people all over the world who are praying for us.”
Despite the hard times, the Usicks said letters and financial support continue to come in from near and far.
“It’s just been sort of overwhelming and awesome that we open a card and there’s a cheque from Pennsylvania, from California, from Regina, from Saskatchewan, from Vancouver … New York City,” she said at a news conference at Woodside Bible Fellowship.
Valerie Ferguson was found dead in her home on Nightingale Crescent Apr. 3 when police responded to a 911 call just after 3 p.m. Though initially treated as a sudden death, a postmortem later revealed that Ferguson had been strangled. Her husband, Kenneth Michael Ferguson, 41, was arrested in Elmira four days later and charged with first-degree murder.
The 44-year-old mother of two – K.J., 6, and Annastasia (Tasha), 8 – was actively involved with her church and with her children’s activities in the community.
Born and raised in St. Catharines, Valerie Ferguson studied at St. Catharines Collegiate and attended Ontario Bible College and Niagara College. Ferguson had a strong faith and love for family, said her mother.
Ruth and Stan are now raising their two grandchildren, bringing some significant changes to their lives.
“Being a granny you can spoil your kids and send them home; now, there are things that I would let them get away with before – I’m going to have to change my thinking,” she said.
“We’ll get through it,” she added, noting that the children are doing well under the circumstances and are receiving support from their friends at school, their church, and the wider community.
Despite the hardships, the family never thought of leaving Elmira to start fresh.
“There’s a lot of kids from this church that go to the same school – that helps a lot for the kids,” said Stan Usick.
K.J, in turn, has been able to help his friends.
“He’s a very soft-hearted person even though this tragedy happened on his birthday,” said Ruth of her grandson who recently comforted another schoolmate who had recently lost his grandfather.
“He walked over and put his arms around him and said, ‘I’m so sorry you lost your grandfather but I lost my mom and on my birthday,’ hugged him, and went off to play,” said Ruth Usick.
The Usicks noted that they have already pardoned Ken Ferguson although they have not yet had a chance to visit him.
“We have completely forgiven him. When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, one of the things he said to them was “forgive us our sins as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us.’ What Ken’s future holds will be up to our Father in Heaven and to the Justice system of Canada,” she said.
A trust fund has been set up for the children at the Bank of Montreal: transit number 33055, account number 8632493.

EDSS, home to friendly campaigning

» Four candidates have fun in run-up to election for Elmira high school’s co-presidents

BY: MARC MIQUEL HELSEN

There was no political mudslinging in this election campaign. It was quick, and friendly.
“We’ll have a great year either way whoever gets nominated,” said Grade 12 EDSS presidential hopeful Ian Kendall after a campaign rally that had more to do with entertainment and antics than aggressive politicking – the avid swimmer, clad in a Speedo, entered the cafeteria Tuesday on a slip-and-slide.
Kendall was one of four senior students at Elmira District Secondary School who this week campaigned for the two co-president positions up for grabs in Friday’s election (results weren’t available at press time).
“It’s a pretty tight competition and everyone is pretty well suited to be the president. Anyone that gets nominated is going to be great at it, but hopefully, I make it up there,” said the energetic Kendall, exhibiting a common theme that was prevalent throughout the electioneering process; one that that appeared to be more an exercise in school unity than in political divisiveness.
The candidates for the two positions in 2008-09 are:
Brittany Kalenderian
The Grade 11 from Heidelberg noted that previous co-presidents have let her down with their broken promises. Keeping her word will be of paramount importance.
“A lot of times with co-presidents there are unkept promises. They’ll promise something, but they’ll never really follow through with it; I think a lot of people are disappointed by that.
“What I plan on doing is whatever promises I do make, I will hope to keep them,” said Kalenderian, noting that she will work to bring a pinball machine into the cafeteria, with proceeds going toward lowering athletic fees.
Another top priority on her list is getting Brubacher Street paved.
“It’s really bad,” said Kalenderian, referring to the pothole-ridden street leading to the school.
Kalenderian noted she has some experience in school politics, having served as an elementary school president, worked on leadership projects and really enjoyed her leadership class in her senior year.
“When I was given the opportunity to run for co-president, I really wanted to do it.”
Caleb Redekop
As an experienced leader on his sports teams, Caleb Redekop knows a thing or two about getting people excited, and that’s exactly what he wants to do at his school, said the Grade 11 student from Floradale.
“I think I bring the same thing to a student body just being a leader and encouraging people and getting people excited about things. That’s what I can bring to the table: being friendly and having everyone feel like a big community.
“I like to make sure everyone’s having a good time and everyone’s feeling like they want to be at school.”
To spark and maintain those good times, Redekop is thinking of planning another ‘hug day’ (where students go around hugging and greeting people in the halls), dress up days, and other fun days.
“If everyone’s having a good time it means everyone wants to be at school, everyone’s enjoying being at school. If you create community at school, there would be less bullying, fewer kids just feeling like they don’t belong.”
In addition to this, Redekop said he wants to garner even more support for some of the school’s sports teams and to schedule more fundraisers with a global perspective, benefiting developing countries.
Brianne Bearinger
“I feel that we do go to a really good school and I’ve gone to other schools in the past and kind of seen what other schools are like and we have a really unique school and I feel I represent that too,” said Brianne Bearinger.
The Grade 11 student describes herself as reliable and responsible and well fitted for the position of co-president.
Some key issues of hers include: getting a light for the cafeteria bell (when really noisy in the cafeteria, the bell is often inaudible); and streamlining the program Students On a Caring Kick (SOCK, a charitable collections program).
Though a good program – the project is currently collecting money to purchase chickens for impoverished areas of the African continent – Bearinger noted she wants to make it even more efficient and effective.
“What I want to do is bring it close to home so that students recognize that there is a real problem and that they should care about it,” she explained, adding she wants to support local businesses and organizations wherever and whenever possible.
Ian Kendall
If elected, Grade 12 student Ian Kendall from Elmira will work to make the school more colourful.
“It’s a bit bland right now,” he said, noting that among his top priorities are: increasing school spirit and kick starting the Quarter of Time murals at the school.
“We just built this awesome stadium and we need to get people out to see football games and stuff like that.
“Because I’ve always been involved in the school, whenever there’s a school program going on I’m in there, helping out. Because I love this school.”

Don Martin bound for hall of fame

» Elmira businessman recognized for entrepreneurship and service to community

BY: STEVE KANNON

Don Martin’s reluctance to step into the limelight comes as no surprise to anyone who knows him. Informed of his pending induction into the Waterloo County Hall of Fame, the Elmira resident had to think twice before accepting the honour.
“It was sort of a surprise – the first reaction was ‘I’m not sure this is me,’” said Martin of being notified of his selection
A prominent businessman and philanthropist, he’ll be recognized for his entrepreneurship and community service in a ceremony May 11 at Doon Heritage Crossroads in Kitchener.
Flattered by the attention, Martin said he’s always preferred to go about doing things quietly, whether it was business or lending a helping hand in the community.
There’s no denying, however, that he has had a major impact on Elmira and the township in the years since being born into a conservative Mennonite family in 1933.
In his mid-20s he took over the family business, Martin Feed Mills Ltd., and built it into a significant business and employer in Elmira. Martin was also involved in the creation of more than 30 other businesses, including the Elmira Land Development Company, Brox’s Olde Town Village and B&L Metals.
Martin has held a number of volunteer positions both locally and nationally. He was president of the Elmira Board of Trade in 1965, the year the Elmira Maple Syrup Festival was launched. He has also served on the Elmira high school board and has been a member of the Lions Club for 45 years. He is the recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellow given by Lions Club International Foundation. Some of his most challenging experiences were being involved in search-and-rescue missions where he volunteered his airplane and piloting expertise. He is also a Mason and Shriner. Martin served nationally as chairman of the Canadian Feed Manufacturers Association.
He has been involved in the creation of many local facilities such as the Lions Sports Park, Kissing Bridge Trail, Lions Woolwich Dam Trail and the Elmira Golf and Country Club. Martin has been recognized for his community service with several awards of distinction including being named Woolwich Citizen of the Year in 1992.
Modest about what he’s done, Martin is quick to credit others for his success.
“The accomplishments came because of the good people you have around you. You don’t do anything like this on your own,” he said.
The Waterloo County Hall of Fame, however, saw his contributions as praiseworthy, despite Martin’s reluctance.
The organization’s research committees, made up of members from across the region, are tuned to those people who play a significant part in making the community what it is, explained John Thompson, chair of the hall’s board of governors.
Each year, a list of candidates is compiled and two committees – one for sports, and for pioneers, those who contribute to community – vet the names, paring down the selections. The board then votes to come up with the inductees.
“We recognize those who make a difference,” he said.
This year, the 36th annual induction ceremony will include nine others: Charles Belair (photography), Charles Edgar Davies (sports builder and community service), Howard Dyck (choral music), Bob Hodges (ice hockey referee), the McClintock family (waterskiing), Laura Nicholls (swimming), Ralph L. Shantz (public and community service), Yvonne Tousek (gymnastics) and Fitzroy Vanderpool (boxing).
More than 400 names now appear in the hall.

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As friends and family gathered to remember Valerie Ferguson this week, her impact on those who knew her came to light. Read More