'Women Take Charge' seminar provoked from complaints of stalking in village
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Debbie Hanny, owner of Sweet Jenny's, no longer wanted her employees to work in fear after an unwanted customer repeatedly entered the store.

The employees had been dealing with a man they described as a stalker who had been coming around the business leaving unwanted gifts and notes.

They say it's not the first establishment he has harassed.

"We were discussing the issue and realized how ill equipped we were to handle any situation that was potentially dangerous," Hanny said.

She added that living in a small village the residents are not taught to have the same street smarts as those in a city.

To change that she asked Safety Education Officer Cathy Onions of the Amherst Police Department to speak to women in the town about protecting themselves.

The lecture will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 25 at Amherst Town Hall, 5583 Main St., Williamsville.

Onions, who has spoken numerous times on safety, said women should take steps to make crime difficult.

"They should be aware of their surroundings," she said.

In situations where stalking is suspected the victim should contact the Police Department with the best possible description of the suspect and include plate information if a vehicle is involved.

"If they are concerned while at work and feel uncomfortable, steps should be taken to address that," Onions said, adding that information on employees' schedules should be restricted whether the suspect calls or walks in.

The lecture will address how to stay safe, how to avoid dangerous situations and how to be less of a target.

Hanny said she has become angry with the person that was stalking her store.

"We need to learn it's OK to say no when someone has crossed the line," she said.

She added that she wants to spread the word about the situation taking place so others can be aware.

"We need to be educated, we need awareness and we need to protect ourselves," she said. "I don't want him to go to another business. I want to see this stopped."

One week prior to the seminar, Amherst police arrested the man in question, Cheektowaga resident David S. Nestor, 62.

He was charged with aggravated harassment - leaving written communications that resulted in alarm to the victim - and criminal trespass, for walking into the private area of the business.

Nestor was arraigned by Amherst Town Judge Mark Farrell on Tuesday, and ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation. He was held on $2,500 cash, or $10,000 bond.

Seminar set

The "Woman Take Charge" seminar will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 25 at Amherst Town Hall, 5583 Main St., Williamsville. Call 631-2424 for information