Fred's News Playhouse

People from all walks of life frequented Fred's News. Depending on how often they passed through the doors as well as how they actually "took to the place", ultimately determined their status as a regular. One thing for sure, neither my husband nor I made that determination. The people who considered themselves regulars, approved or were just indifferent. If someone visited the place three or four times a week, just to eat, that was fine. Everyone was cordial. If you could "perform", most likely you earned the ultimate title..."a regular". Someone once asked, "How do you and your husband keep the place rolling day in and out?" From an operational standpoint, yes, we controlled everything. But if you look closely, the character and the charm of the place, were all about the customers. We allowed them a "stage" on which to perform. Everyday new performances unfolded, although many older more memorable performances demanded "curtain calls" by the ever increasing cast of characters.

Within the pass two years, Fred's News lost one of its performers. Ray had seen the ups and downs of life. An outstanding academic, he taught high school English at Norwich Free Academy. Whatever the reason, his life had inner turmoil and he turned to alcohol, yet his friends never spoke badly about him. Many people including his own family tried to help, Ray had to hit rock bottom. A near death experience made him realize just how fragile life could be. Years he had thrown away were now behind him. His friends never spoke of his past, instead they welcomed him back to the warmth and security of Fred's News. An avid Red Sox fan, Ray could be very vocal about his beloved team. He often said "whatever happens to me now, is irrelavent, my Red Sox have won the World Series!"

And then there was Nick. God love 'em! "Nicholas the Czar" was perhaps one of the most opinionated performers at Fred's News. Always predicting a revolution in this country, Sarah Palin would of loved him. "Johann, the Nephew..Great" and "Nicholas the Czar" were cut from the same mold. Someone tried to start the rumor that Nick was Johann's father, somehow and thankfully that bit of bullshit never left the confines of the place. Nick, by his own self admission was an authority on...well everything. Johann assumed everyone knew, he too was a God damn Encyclopedia Britannica. Oddly enough, both these characters had a definite soft spot in their hearts for kids. I do believe both were a wealth of info and could put themselves in these kids shoes. Many of our young customers would love to sit and talk with both of them. Either together or separately, they could perform for hours before their young audiences. They say the nut doesn't fall too far from the tree. As for me, I believe some sick ass squirrel trying to wipeout mankind, put all these lovable nuts in the same place, Fred's News. Each and every performance had Oscar, Emmy and Tony award written all over it.