Let me understand this. Her PARENTS are BUYING her CIGARETTES for her?? Sounds like a case of child abuse. Seriously.

Wendy,

Thanks for your question. It is a sad situation -- and as the prosecutor involved explains, an unusual one. It may be the first international kidnapping case handled by the Northwestern District Attorney's office. It got onto our Page One list -- along with four other local stories today -- after the grand jury took action and an arrest warrant was issued for the mother for kidnapping.

Custody disputes are difficult to write about and rarely warrant Gazette stories, much less coverage on Page One. Such stories can seem to expose families unnecessarily. But in this case, given the criminal charges, the judge's stern admonition of the mother and the complicating international element, editors felt this story offered important insights into how a court is attempting to deliver justice to a Valley parent.

Again, thanks for your question. It is a valid one that editors must always be prepared to tackle.

Larry Parnass
Gazette editor

Sabina,
I miss you, miss your cello in Panharmonium, your spontaneous singing of old songs that we both love, and your feisty interruptions at rehearsals.

Why is this sad family struggle front page news?

It's the S-o-l-i-d-a-g-o Foundation

ROCK ON!!!!!!!

The Communtiy Crisis Response Team (CCRT) would like to remind the community that free & confidential support is available to people in the aftermath of crime related trauma, such as robbery, asualt, and other crimes. For over 12 years, CCRT has provided support to people in Franklin & Hampshire Counties & the N. Quabbin Area who have been affected by crime & trauma. Our support includes group & one-on-one support, information & referral, Healing Arts programs, library materials on trauma & recovery for lending, and now a trauma recovery coaching series. If anyone involved in this incident is feeling like he or she would like some support around what happened, please do not hesitate to call us at 413-773-5090. For more information about CCRT, please view our website at www.communitycrisis.info. We are here to help! CCRT is a program of Community Action and is funded in part by the Massachusetts Office for Victim Assistance Victims of Drunk Driving Trust Fund and the 1984 VOCA grant from OVC, OJP, U.S., & DOJ.