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Home: Salem Age: 45 Sign: Gemini Occupation: Teaches International Baccalaureate (IB) English as well as English for college-bound students at Salem High School. Education: A bachelor's degree in English and theater from Longwood University and a master's in liberal studies from Hollins University. Nominated by: His friend (and Neighbors columnist) Emily Carter. She was full of praise for the teacher whose favorite students call themselves "Fredheads." He's a witty, musical (he sings and plays guitar for band Blue Calhoon), physically fit, spiritual (he's a faithful member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church), movie and concert aficionado (he's taught film studies classes and he's especially fond of catching Bob Dylan live). Moreover, Emily reiterated the fact that Fred's a good man who deserves a good woman. About Fred: Sometimes he feels people are intimidated by his profession. English teachers and police officers, in Fred's opinion, are possibly two of the most feared vocations -- people are on their guard with both, constantly worrying they're going to say the wrong thing. Fred worked part time as a stand-up comic in the '80s. His routine wasn't the sort of raw stand-up comedy often used by comics such as Eddie Murphy -- it was more reminiscent of Woody Allen's subtle, self-deprecating sort of humor. Admittedly, Fred has a dry sense of irony, but his biting wit is paired with a reflective and compassionate approach to life.
General interests: He plays the guitar and sings, and he's interested in many forms of literature, music and film. Travel is also a high priority for Fred. Where you're most likely to find him: Eating out -- whether it's Italian, Indian, seafood, he'll have dinner almost anywhere. You might also find him wandering the aisles at Barnes & Noble. Fred's routine when he goes out: He's a big fan of the dinner and a movie combo, but he's not locked into it. How long he's been single: He's never been married, and as far as his single status is concerned, "It feels like forever." Pro of single life: If he wakes up in the middle of the night and he wants to read or watch a movie, it's his decision; he doesn't have to worry whether he's bothering someone else. Con of single life: It's easy for Fred to get stuck in a solitary routine; nevertheless, sometimes a day can be really boring without a partner, and whenever an event comes up, you have to contemplate whether it's something you want to do by yourself. Whom he'd like to meet: A woman who's interested in literature and music; a woman who after walking out of a movie theater, is analytical enough to supply more than a "Yeah, it was fine." Fred's always thought the "fine" description was a bit ambiguous. Also, Fred's ideal mate values the importance of solitary pursuits and personal space.
In the next five years, Fred hopes to: Five years can go by quick; Fred swears that five years ago he was 25. He's met most of the goals he's set for himself both personally and professionally, and he's happy with much of what he's achieved. Would he like to be in a relationship of some sort, though? Sure. How he rates Roanoke's single life on a scale of 1 to 5: 2 Why? He has a hard time establishing common ground with anyone in Roanoke on a romantic level; he's not into sports, and the books he reads (by authors including A.S. Byatt and John Irving) aren't usually on the best-seller list. In his experience, it's difficult to meet singles his age. The older he gets, the harder it is for Fred to make interpersonal connections of the romantic kind. Furthermore, the Roanoke music scene needs work. He remembers when the Iroquois on Salem Avenue hosted an assortment of musical acts, but places like that are few and far between now. Best date: His best date memories have involved live music. Worst date: On the first date, it's important for him to be comfortable and to know his date is having a good time; one place he wouldn't be comfortable is in a dance club. How to approach Fred: Smiling is important. He's "incurably shy in those situations," and persistence is important if you want to make any headway with Fred. |
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