Funny how tuck away memories stir up emotions. Hadn't thought about the little restaurant that was once called Fred's News, in quite sometime. Most certainly a day does not pass, memories of the folks that frequented the little place, hop into the forefront! If we have said it once, we've said it a million times, "it's the people we miss!" Often we wondered, does this small town, tucked away in amongst the rolling green hills of the Shetucket River Valley, feel the same?
For years we were "The Constant Place," in the lives of the many lovable and ever so quirky people that became so appropriately known as the Fred's News Family. Yet, deep seeded within the minds of many, were thoughts that this was a very liberal self indulgent family,who only thought of themselves. Although no one ever said those exact words, at times hurtful insinuations were heard. Sometimes sarcastic barbs often hold the true feelings of the person trading the jabs.
As business owners, we thought it most important to invest in our town, specifically the young people. With weekly day trips planned throughout the summer months for any of the young people, we often visited the beaches of Long Island Sound or the fresh water state parks of inland Connecticut. A chance for the town to get a much needed respite from the youthful antics, if only for a day, but more importantly, it introduced many of the underprivileged young people to life beyond the small village. Thinking of it as a chance for a seed to be planted in the minds of the young, they would want to explore, learn and perhaps years later, they too would invest in their town. As the summer months waned, the town saw a need to sell the local school bus fleet to an outside, for profit company, ending all hopes for the next year's summer field trips. Having served on both Board of Education and Finance, I understood the decision, but heartily disagreed.
As time passed, nothing much changed within this or the lives of the citizens in the town, progress seemed to pass by this town, the neighborhoods falling deeper into despair. Mr. Bill's efforts to beautiful the town with his sweet smelling, vibrant array of glorious flowers, grew larger and larger every years. Although it was a labor of love and a chance to show all how beautifully quaint the little town was, ironically there was still deep seeded resentment by some. We truly loved this place, staying involved, trying to update and show others, perseverance pays.
There comes a time when the body and mind grows weary. Our children grown, none wanting the "family business," but that was fine. We had taught our children to grow, to wander, to experience and most of all, be passionate in whatever they chose to do. Having made our mark, a so called legacy, the mind, body and soul yearned for more. It was our time to "practice what we had preached" for so long. More importantly, it was me! Still young enough for a second career, Mr. Bill wanting to retire, there would be no argument from me!
Looking back, I truly think the people of the town thought of us more as a fixture, "The Constant Place" was most assuredly going to be there forever. We see it as "out of sight, out of mind!" For the most part, this is true, with an occasional message that warms the heart and soul, letting us know we were truly appreciated.
Perhaps, my thoughts are sometimes harsh, the heart is not. Only now, we know, we truly did leave a legacy, still, it was time. Without overstaying our welcome, we moved on. Visitors from the north do come, sometimes we wish for more. The question is always asked, "when will you return?" I always answer, "when will you come visit?'
For years we were "The Constant Place," in the lives of the many lovable and ever so quirky people that became so appropriately known as the Fred's News Family. Yet, deep seeded within the minds of many, were thoughts that this was a very liberal self indulgent family,who only thought of themselves. Although no one ever said those exact words, at times hurtful insinuations were heard. Sometimes sarcastic barbs often hold the true feelings of the person trading the jabs.
As business owners, we thought it most important to invest in our town, specifically the young people. With weekly day trips planned throughout the summer months for any of the young people, we often visited the beaches of Long Island Sound or the fresh water state parks of inland Connecticut. A chance for the town to get a much needed respite from the youthful antics, if only for a day, but more importantly, it introduced many of the underprivileged young people to life beyond the small village. Thinking of it as a chance for a seed to be planted in the minds of the young, they would want to explore, learn and perhaps years later, they too would invest in their town. As the summer months waned, the town saw a need to sell the local school bus fleet to an outside, for profit company, ending all hopes for the next year's summer field trips. Having served on both Board of Education and Finance, I understood the decision, but heartily disagreed.
As time passed, nothing much changed within this or the lives of the citizens in the town, progress seemed to pass by this town, the neighborhoods falling deeper into despair. Mr. Bill's efforts to beautiful the town with his sweet smelling, vibrant array of glorious flowers, grew larger and larger every years. Although it was a labor of love and a chance to show all how beautifully quaint the little town was, ironically there was still deep seeded resentment by some. We truly loved this place, staying involved, trying to update and show others, perseverance pays.
There comes a time when the body and mind grows weary. Our children grown, none wanting the "family business," but that was fine. We had taught our children to grow, to wander, to experience and most of all, be passionate in whatever they chose to do. Having made our mark, a so called legacy, the mind, body and soul yearned for more. It was our time to "practice what we had preached" for so long. More importantly, it was me! Still young enough for a second career, Mr. Bill wanting to retire, there would be no argument from me!
Looking back, I truly think the people of the town thought of us more as a fixture, "The Constant Place" was most assuredly going to be there forever. We see it as "out of sight, out of mind!" For the most part, this is true, with an occasional message that warms the heart and soul, letting us know we were truly appreciated.
Perhaps, my thoughts are sometimes harsh, the heart is not. Only now, we know, we truly did leave a legacy, still, it was time. Without overstaying our welcome, we moved on. Visitors from the north do come, sometimes we wish for more. The question is always asked, "when will you return?" I always answer, "when will you come visit?'
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