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Why a dog license is important to my family

I chose to write the above article for the following reason: The Friday night before Christmas, my 14-year-old dog got loose. And I didn’t know what to do except panic. I have no idea how it happened. But my best guesstimate would be it occurred when someone came over and left the back door open for just a moment too long. It was in that instant she must have planned her route. Miss Mia made that split-second decision to high-tail it out of there. And she did. Inconspicuously. To this day I am still quite puzzled how her wobbly back end and scrawny little legs found the strength to ...

Guest column/Before you set those New Year’s resolutions …

(Editor’s note: A number of years ago, Family Recovery Center was offered a weekly space on the pages of area newspapers. Eloise Traina snapped up the opportunity. Michael Traina passed away in 2022, and Eloise Traina has retired, but she requested a reprint of the first New Year’s article her husband wrote for the agency. We hope that you enjoy it.) A couple of weeks ago, as I was sitting in the kitchen, having my morning coffee, the director of the Family Recovery Center emerged from the bedroom. Not being a member of Congress, I don’t have to confess that I sleep with a ...

Room for discussion

One of the great things about any hall of fame is the anticipation that goes along with the buildup leading to the naming of a new class. An example came earlier this year, when baseball fans had the chance to see the nominees for the Baseball Hall of Fame who appeared on the ballot members of the contemporary era committee would vote from. Included on the list of managers, executives and umpires were some important names from the last 40 years of baseball: Umpires Joe West and Ed Montague; general manager Hank Peters; former player, broadcaster and National League President Bill ...

A ‘70s Christmas … perhaps the best of times

I was born at the start of the ‘70s. So, when I reflect back on my childhood and how Christmas mornings were spent, they were, perhaps some of the most wonderful moments of my life. Today’s younger generation — and by younger, I mean those who are in their 20s and teenagers, well, they just wouldn’t understand what it is like to be content with the little things. They would more-than-likely be aghast at just the thought of receiving from Santa his choice of gifts — especially in their stocking. And that is simply heartbreaking. Because some of the best Christmases were not ...

History in the Hills: Christmas memories

Christmas decorating in my house is always a group effort. I bring up the boxes of decorations from the basement and my wife and I spend an afternoon selecting where to place every treasured item. This year our daughter Stella was very eager to help us empty the boxes and decorate the place. We soon discovered that some decorations don’t hold up well with help from a 4-year-old. Finally, when all the house decorations are up, we turn our attention to the tree. After fluffing up the branches, we assembled the tree in the living room. Getting the tree just right is my job. When I ...

Guest column/Gratitude for public support of FRC’s mission

Season’s Greetings and best wishes for a Happy New Year to you and your loved ones. As we approach the culmination of the year, I extend sincere holiday greetings on behalf of the Family Recovery Center. Reflecting on the past year, we acknowledge the challenges that have touched our lives and communities. In the face of adversity, we are mindful of the uncertainties many individuals and families endure, be it economic struggles, the constant barrage of distressing news or the ongoing impact of the pandemic. It is with gratitude that we recognize the continued support from the ...