Life in the Fisbowl!

Admittedly there were some drawbacks concerning Fred's News ownership. These drawbacks were viewed through the eyes of our children and only when it concerned the lack of privacy in their lives. Mom and Dad were busy providing for the children and yes, there were hardships. Living with memories that we could not always attend functions with and for our children, is sometimes be an extremely hard pill to swallow. On the positive side, Fred's News' patrons were like a giant paparazzi. They would let us know of our kids' location on a daily basis. Great for us, not so great for the kids. Everyone knew the "boys"! Irritating doesn't even begin to describe their feelings. Middle son Matt owned a Volkswagen Rabbit with flames painted on the side. That alone made the statement..."look at me, teenage wheels!" Oldest son Todd also had a VW Rabbit until he was in a minor accident near Carlson's Pond on Rte. 207 in Franklin. A loyal patron immediately came into the restaurant informing us of the mishap, at the the same time letting us know Todd was okay. He then purchased a Pontiac Fiero. "Hello", this also said "look at me!" Youngest son Mark opted for what his brothers called "the family truckster" or a "pepere car". It was a black Ford sedan with a luggage rack. Nothing about it screamed "look at me!" Mark figured he could "fly under the radar!" buy rarely did he "fly alone." That boy always had a group of friends with him and the "family truckster" was the vehicle of choice. Mark got his license shortly after his sixteenth birthday. The next day, without our knowledge he headed to Boston's Quincey Market in the "family truckster" with a load of friends. We probably would of never known, however, the "patron paparazzi" sighted him and immediately checked in at Fred's News. No wonder Mark had opted for the "pepere car".

It wasn't until they were older and my Dad passed away that we realized how lucky we were the "patron paparazzi" really existed. After Dad's funeral, family and friends had gathered at Fred's News. We had a small reception upstairs at the house, everyone remembering Dad and Grampa stories. The boys started telling us some of the crazy things they had done during their teen years. OMG.....its seems Mark was not the only one who flew under the radar. There were times they had all outwitted the "patron paparazzi!

People always came to Fred's News for the food, friendship, conversation and info. We always joked that the banner provided by "The Last Green Valley" organization, hanging outside the place. advertising "INFO" was more than just tourist info. The publics' need for info had gotten to the point that if a state trooper car was parked down the road and they were talking with someone, Fred's News received a call "hey what's going on down the street?". Really folks! Our "boys" purchased a scanner for their parents at Christmas one year. Great idea for the "concerned public", bad idea for Mom and Dad. We now realize it was their way of saying "Okay, we own a restaurant "news stand", thanks for the life in the fishbowl!" Gotta love those boys!