Robbins Wants Your Support
Robbins Mayor Theron Bell stands in front of the train depot. Glenn M. Sides
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The mayor of Robbins is looking for a little attention to be paid by The Readers Digest.
The magazine is working on finding the 100 best places in America for an April issue, and Theron Bell thinks her town is one of them.
The magazine will be giving towns across the country a chance to win some of a $5 million purse in money and promotional support. The idea, she says, is promoting "tourism, civic works, job growth, and economic development."
Bell and others in town are voting "early and often" in an online scheme of the magazine's devising by logging onto a Readers Digest website for the competition and entering the town's zip code (27325) at least 10 times a day. She hopes the rest of the county will pitch in.
Residents can go to http://www.wehearyouamerica.readersdigest.com and then type the code 27325 for Robbins beside the "CHEER" blue rectangle, Bell says. You must register and then cheer for Robbins.
"A pop-up will show up after the first vote," she says. "Close out the pop-up and continue to vote nine more times. You are allowed to vote 10 times a day. Please vote through Feb. 7, 2011."
The 10-a-day limit is not per person. It's per e-mail address and log on. Bell, former mayor Laura Ann Brady, Brady's daughter and other family, friends and other are collecting and voting using (by permission) e-mails of friends as well.
"Remember to log off and then log on again before you vote," she said Thursday night as members of the Robbins Village Theatre Foundation board talked about how this could help the town and the theater restoration effort.
Restoring the old theater as a performance site and tourist attraction is one key on a growing ring of local efforts to improve the downtown that was once the thriving center of the upper section of Moore County.
"We almost lost Robbins as a town several years ago," Bell said in a letter to Readers Digest. "We now wish to reopen the Village Theatre, which brings back fond childhood memories to those who grew up here."
A recent count of bolt points for theater seating units in balcony and orchestra floors indicated a former capacity of more than 800 seats. If completely brought back, that would make the Village Theatre larger than Temple and Sunrise combined.
"Robbins not only changed economically, but culturally," Bell said. "It is our hope that because of our diverse population which mostly tends to live in isolated groups that the Village Theatre will bring us all together."
The Village Theatre Foundation is working on an architectural plan for the building that will lay out physical goals for the structure in enough detail for potential donors. Bryan Mathis and Peggy Taphorn, of Sanford's Temple Theatre, paid a quick visit earlier in the week.
Like all the other theater professionals who've looked the village over, she urged extending the proscenium and the apron (the part of a stage that sticks out toward the audience) and reminded the board that "begging never ends."
A theater needs warehouse and construction space, but there are many other available spaces in Robbins.
"Aim past your mark," Taphorn told them. "Get others to buy into the vision. Grow your next board of directors so that the theater will continue beyond yourselves."
Pat Wallace, business manager of the Sunrise Theater, has joined the foundation board. A newly formed finance committee has held its first two meetings.
Contact John Chappell at jfchappell@gmail.com.
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Comments
MooreNorth 2 years, 3 months ago
It will not work. RD will show up, see the buzzards on the water tower, and just keep moving on down the road.
listenup 2 years, 3 months ago
How is the theater a tourist attraction? It seems (even in this article) that the only attraction it has at all is that it "which brings back fond childhood memories to those who grew up here" If you are living in the southern part of the county, I am betting folks get their fill of theater via the Sunrise. And it is not going to attract people from anywhere else to drive or fly in to see.
How does that attract any tourists? I hope Robbins does well, and every so often the Pilot will publish a story about how the folks in Robbins and the community leaders want us to come up there and take a look, and see how much it has to offer...and then does not really give any reason to do so. Besides the fact that it is unspoiled by development, and has "country charm" there does not seem to be much reason to go there unless you are from there.
Again, not trying to bag on Robbins, I am just perplexed as to why they are trying to attract tourists. If Robbins wants to prosper, and attract jobs/investment...shoot for industry, like manufacturing or the like.
golferbabe 2 years, 3 months ago
I live just outside of Robbins and I totally agree with the comment made by listenup. I don't think the theater will attract tourists. Why not spend money on the things that need it. All the buildings are run down or closed. There is definately nothing to see here right now. The town needs people with new ideas and the knowledge to make things happen.
bald_dude 2 years, 3 months ago
Wow! The Reader's Digest!? That has the potential to be awesome if it works out! I am happy that The Pilot published something on this. It was like pulling chicken teeth just to get them to publish a letter to the editor (which I had to write) I wrote the letter months ago trying to gain attention to the fact that the Union Pines High School Band was in the running for a $50 grant from Pepsi in their Pepsi Refreshes Everything Contest to replace 15 year old school owned instruments. It’s simple all they had to do was mention us every once in awhile to let people know they could vote for FREE Yes that is right FREE, no orange sales, no doughnuts, and no coupon books! Just a simple click of a computer mouse each day to send a vote, and if they wanted they could send a daily vote via a cell text. Oh well it is the 26th of January and voting ends on the 31st. Pepsi won't give us an opportunity to try again until March. But after seeing the response we received from the local communities (You may remember the UP Band passing out flyers in Southern Pines and Carthage during the last Christmas Parades) I am not sure it will be worth our time to even try again. It was mentioned on a reader's blog several times but never placed in any prominent local in The Pilot. So Robbins - Good Luck! (if I sound vitriolic I apologize… maybe I am just tired of the “US vs. THEM” which exists now over a stupid brawl which happened at a football game that 4 years from now will be forgotten)
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
I give a thumbs up for Mayor Bell and all that she does for the Town of Robbins. I also give a thumbs up to all the local business owners that keep business rolling in town.
Recently, David Cheek owner of Southern Variety helped two "New" businesses get off the ground this month. With risk there is reward.
@listenup & golferbabe, Come to Robbins sometime and ask for myself (Joey) or any Town Council member, we will be glad to show you why people DO visit Robbins.
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
John Chappell thanks for posting this story!
Bflat 2 years, 3 months ago
It would be nice if the town could grow and come together as a community building toward that growth. The economy is going to have to improve quite a lot before that happens.
golferbabe 2 years, 3 months ago
@ Cornershot, I'm in Robbins everyday. Seeing how you're a business owner there, I can see why you responded this way. The truth is that the town is very run down. Instead of spending money on a theater, why not start repairing and filling the buildings? The building beside the gym has roof that's falling in and there are store buildings that have been vacant a very long time.
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
The buildings are not owned by the Town. Most of the empty facilities are owned by private individuals who live out of the County and even the State.
cewm 2 years, 3 months ago
Robbins residents need employment opportunities (ex. industry / mfg.) more than they need publicity for the town. "Two new stores" sounds good to the ear, but how many jobs did they generate for the unemployed? The Readers Digest idea would be great if the town was "growing / booming" and "looking good in appearance", but I don't think this describes Robbins. A theater would be a great idea if the town was doing good, but I don't think Robbins is. Robbins needs to start back with the basics (ex. job opportunities) and build up from that. When people have jobs and money to spend, then those people visit / patronize stores and theaters. I've lived in Robbins all my life and would love to see Robbins thrive again - to have all the mill buildings filled with flourishing manufacturing, all of the stores full of prospering businesses, restaurants full of hungry patrons, extracurricular activities and arts accessible for our children and families - but town officials are going to have to start from the ground level and work upward.
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
"Robbins needs to start back with the basics (ex. job opportunities) and build up from that."
Actually this needs to be done for the entire State of NC, not just Robbins. I love to see growth more than anybody, but without tax incentives to offer for business development it becomes very difficult for a small town to attract industry. Not saying it's impossible, just makes it very difficult.
listenup 2 years, 3 months ago
<p>@cornershot...once again I have someone telling me to "come and see what we have to offer" and not telling me what that is.I have been to Robbins several times and I can tell you, besides it being a regular small rural town with little or no shopping, dining or entertainment opportunities, it is not any different than any other tiny burg in this state. So again...why should I come there if I don't have family or friends who live there?? Is there some shop or attraction that I cant get in the rest of the county?
I think Robbins is a wonderful small town, but it is not a tourist destination even for folks who live in this county and are only a short drive away. To try to market the town as such is going to work against them, and wind up doing more harm than good.
If I am new to the area and drive up to Robbins after being told it is a "destination" I am going to be upset...another small downtown with buildings in disrepair and little to see? Bad idea to promote the town in that manner, that's all I am saying.
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
Come and visit (hike) the Bear Creek Trails. Or bring your canoe!
listenup 2 years, 3 months ago
Here is a thought: Robbins should have the Pilot do a photo essay on the town with a dozen or so photos of it, and place it here on the Pilot's site, under the Multimedia tab in "Galleries". Then you could show off these attractions that people keep mentioning, offering to "show" us if we come up, but never describe or explain what they are. I have a feeling this will not happen...
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
Here you go. http://www.townofrobbins.com/
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
http://www.townofrobbins.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19&Itemid=27
whathappenedtorobbins 2 years, 3 months ago
I think the Mayor of Robbins, Theron Bell, needs a strong dose of reality with her morning coffee. A gimmick (voting as much as possible) to acquire funds for a “project” to increase harmony or whatever sophomoric goal she has in mind will ultimately fail. The people of Robbins are struggling for gainful employment instead of reenactments of “Annie” at the local theater. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but tourism is not the answer for Robbins, NC. No amount of outdoor programs or theater performances will change that. The economic shock the town is experiencing isn’t isolated to Robbins. The loss of textiles and other manufacturing facilities have eviscerated the blue collar jobs in the town and surrounding areas. A quick look at the town’s demographics is a huge buzz kill. According to the 2000 census, the median family income was only $33,523 with 22% of the town’s population below the poverty line. I have a feeling the numbers are worse once analysis on the 2010 census is released. And the Mayor is concerned about renovating a theater that will probably not be able to have a sustainable revenue stream. Meaning the town will always be subsidizing this boondoggle if it were to remain open. Realistically, why did it go out of business the first time? I’m guessing it didn’t have a population to sustain it. According to the census, there are only around 1,200 people in the town. The math just doesn’t work, even when counting Westmoore/High Falls. I am from Robbins, NC and left shortly after my High School graduation to attend college. I never really planned on moving back but wanted to be close enough to visit the farm, family, all along allowing me to stay grounded to my childhood. It hurts to visit my home and see the town ran so poorly. Why not invest in programs that give incentive to local entrepreneurs who have ideas about providing a unique good or service. How long has Mrs. Bell been the mayor? Specifically, has the economic data gotten worse or better under her tenure? I would bet, heavily, that things have gotten much worse under her direction. Robbins, NC will not become the next tourism hotspot in the Carolinas. The hard working people of Robbins need to demand town administrators steer toward economic growth rather than worthless pet projects. Exit question, how long has Mrs. Bell been running things?
Mark106 2 years, 3 months ago
Hey, You can't knock her for trying. That's more than most can say around here. She could just have a closed door meeting, Raise Taxes, buy some swamp land and not care about her people. If you can get a free lottery ticket...take it.
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
“A single individual inspired me to think hopefully about a situation which I thought was at a dead end. While that person may not have given me a solution to my problem, they inspired enough optimism that I was able to open my eyes and see a solution that in some cases was only too obvious.” – Blaine S.
whathappenedtorobbins 2 years, 3 months ago
@mark106- As an elected official, I have every right to "knock" the Mayor. Your free lottery ticket isn't monopoly money, but dollars taxed from the community. You may accept bad economic policy in the name of good intentions ("atleast she is trying") but I prefer cost/benefit analysis. As far as your tax rate is concerned...expect them to go up if this renovation happens. You heard it here first!
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
If your claiming to be an "elected official" shouldn't you be using your real name on the blog?
I have no issues posting my name ...(Joey Boswell)
Mark106 2 years, 3 months ago
@whathappenedtorobbins-"The magazine will be giving towns across the country a chance to win some of a $5 million purse in money and promotional support." Where is this "dollars taxed from the community"? This is a shot at freemoney being "Given" to the community.
whathappenedtorobbins 2 years, 3 months ago
@cornershot- I typed that last one on a cell phone. I re-read. Terrible phrasing on my part. Sorry. I meant since she is an elected official I/everyone has the right to criticize. So you can refer to me by my username. Thanks!
whathappenedtorobbins 2 years, 3 months ago
@mark106- I don't think this purse will last for infinity. eventually this venture will have to cover fixed and variable cost when the prize runs out. Renovation and operating costs for an 800 person theater sounds like an overkill for Robbins.
Jean 2 years, 3 months ago
Robbins is and has always been a friendly town with hard working people. It is facing hard economic times like many other towns. I do think we can accomplish great things if we work together and ditch the negative dialogue. When people are working as hard as they can, they deserve a pat on the back, not a slap in the face. What are you doing to help?
MooreNorth 2 years, 3 months ago
You can't drive through Robbins and see why it's a good place to be. My family wouldn't trade our neighbors for anything. We wouldn't trade our experience with the schools up here. We wouldn't trade our church communities. It's hard to put a finger on it, but Robbins has been a great place to raise a family. It only has one place to eat after 2 PM, and there are no jobs to speak of, but you would find it very difficult to pry us out of here. It's my home town.
statelady 2 years, 3 months ago
AMEN!!! I have lived here all but six of my 44 years and wouldn't want to live anywhere else!!! It's nice to be able to call the auto parts place owner after hours and get what you need-it's nice to be able to call the plumbing parts store owner and get what you need on a Sunday!!! You can't do that in Greensboro and probably not even in lil ole Southern Pines or Pinehurst. it's nice to got to the restaurant and if you leave your money at home-which I did one time-the owner tell you to bring it by when you can. RObbins is full of good supportive people. It does hurt me as well to go through town and see empty buildings. Please do not knock Mrs. Bell. She is the lady who is partly responsible for our beautiful library.
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
Would you be willing to help Robbins? Getting your hands dirty may help change the outlook you have.
Your comment: "You can't drive through Robbins and see why it's a good place to be" Does nothing but put the hard working business owners in a negative light. If had this attitude I would have moved already.
MooreNorth 2 years, 3 months ago
Joey, you obviously didn't understand the comment. I support and do business with all these people. Talk about negative, I should move? I'm sure that sends a warm feeling to all.
whathappenedtorobbins 2 years, 3 months ago
Ugh, this is exhausting to read. I’m not knocking the people of Robbins or how good natured they are. Yes, I know they are hard working, like most people. I’m questioning the financial wisdom of building something that Robbins cannot sustain. Sorry, Corneshot! Your arguments are not convincing, especially since you don’t mention the economics of it. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t either…I would want to steer the topic away from that too if I were you. If you want to follow the “Field of Dreams” model…“Build it and they will come”, then knock yourself out. However, directing public funds to this sounds like a disaster. From the lack of dining to the lack of parking, Robbins is not an ideal environment for Theater. Sorry.
listenup 2 years, 3 months ago
Exactly...nobody is knocking the people of Robbins or even the town, just the fact that it is VERY unwise to put your money and marketing into trying to convince people that it is a tourist attraction. Focus on attracting industry and outside investment, not day trippers or tourists. It will not work and you will loose money.
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
@Whathappenedtorobbins & Listenup, If you really want to question the financial wisdom of the Board members then you should attend our regular "Open" schedule meetings that we hold each month and truley exercise your right. I will be glad to hear your arguments and share any details on the decisions made by the Main Street program and our supporting votes.
But trying to engage me on a blog in regards to wisdom and grant details isn't going to happen here, So don't expect me to waste my time when several of you on here can not really stand behind your arguments by hiding behind anonymous blog names.
If you truley believe in your opinons and arguments, then STAND UP and let it be known! I love and hold great hope for my community, town and citizens and I have no issue showing that or standing up for it. What will you do?
I encourage anyone to come to our Town monthly meetings and community meetings, voice your opinions, share your ideas and solutions. This is what we need to be successful.
whathappenedtorobbins 2 years, 3 months ago
@Cornershot- Err, I am observing my right to privacy, in according to the standards set forth by the “Comments” section of this article and website. I am not being obscene, simply stating an opinion based on common sense business acumen. What is your obsession with ousting opposition? FYI, I chose to remain anonymous because I have family members who still live in town that I do not want to drag into this. Given your obsession with who I am, I think my choice has been wise. Thanks for the concern though! If it is that big of a deal to you, feel free to refer to me as Mr. Whathappenedtorobbins. My argument about how this is a terrible financial decision and Robbins will never be a tourist destination is untarnished just because I have protected my identity. And if it means a lot to you, just imagine a real person STANDING UP right now because this note didn’t type itself. All due respect, it looks like your best argument is a lame quote about optimism, which by the way, doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence in the “Board members”. You then pull a variation of the...hey at least we are trying card. I surely do not expect you to lay out the entire financials of this decision. However, your refusal to put forth coherent logic on why this will succeed speaks volumes to anyone reading this. I have no doubt that your intentions are great and I’m sure you do great work for the town. But good grief, how will it make enough money to survive on its own in five years. If I’m not mistaken, there is an auditorium at North Moore High School that would be perfect for performances.
Jean 2 years, 3 months ago
I am glad that Cornershot mentioned the Main Street program. The program is in its second year. ALL are encouraged to come out and work to improve the appearance of the town, help attract businesses, and support the businesses that are here. The Main Street program meets for one hour every first Thursday of the month at six pm at Town Hall. WE WELCOME YOU TO COME, SHARE YOUR IDEAS, YOUR TALENTS, AND YOUR TIME. That way, there will be a name and a face to your opinions. See you there.
listenup 2 years, 3 months ago
@cornershot: "But trying to engage me on a blog in regards to wisdom and grant details isn't going to happen here" Its a comment board, not your personal blog. People come here to express their opinions on the story the Pilot printed, not your feelings. You are the one who commented on my posts that were already here, and none were directed at you or for your benefit. You are still missing the point: I do not live in Robbins, and I don't care what you people do with your money. I was expressing my opinion on the idea of Robbins presenting itself as a tourist destination. No, I am not going to come to your meetings, they do not affect me in any way, nor does the failure or success of Robbins. My opinions here are just that, opinions being expressed. If you folks only want to hear praise and agreement for what many may view as a bad idea, go ahead.
listenup 2 years, 3 months ago
By the way, I still think Robbins is a nice place, with nice people. Just not a tourist destination (nor will the theater be). CornerShot can't seem to grasp this concept for some reason. @Jean has the right idea...put your time and money behind programs like the Main Street program, encourage the commercial property owners to maintain and improve the downtown buildings via tax cut offers or incentives. Don't throw money and effort away on projects like the theater or a silly Reader's Digest contest.
foothillsoutdoors 2 years, 3 months ago
As someone who has been involved in the efforts in Robbins, I think it is more accurate to say that Robbins is an aspiring destination place. I think 'tourist destination' is an overstatement of the goal. I was involved with the STEP program. Through that process, a large number of people - Robbins residents and other interested parties - came together to development a long-range plan for the town. All involved understood that there is no one solution for Robbins. Therefore, the plan included a number of smaller efforts, that together, would make Robbins a more attractive place for businesses, visitors, and new residents. These efforts included support for new and/growing small businesses, infrastructure, outdoor recreation, and downtown revitalization. The theater fits into that plan. It is not meant to be THE solution for Robbins. It is meant to be part of that larger vision. An important piece of that plan was to improve quality of life for residents. The theater is as much about that as it is about attracting outsiders.
I am involved primarily with outdoor recreation in the Robbins area through Foothills Outdoors - please visit our website www.foothillsoutdoors.org. Our events attract people from the southern end of the county as well as from surrounding counties. We are one piece of the larger vision for Robbins, and like the theater, outdoor recreation activities are not going to save Robbins, but can contribute to making Robbins an attractive destination place.
Much has been done, but there is much more to do in Robbins to realize this vision. It won't happen next week, or even next year. It's a long process. The Pilot has been very supportive in publishing the various articles about these efforts, but I feel that sometimes the emphasis is on specific events or activities when it's this ongoing and lengthy process that is most important.
The Main Street program is picking up where the STEP program left off. However, these programs can only be successful if people get involved.
Speaking from experience, I know that you don't have to live in Robbins to make a difference.
Cynthia Reeves
listenup 2 years, 3 months ago
Thank you Cynthia Reeves! The pilot should have interviewed you. Your post here makes much more sense and put Robbins in a much better light than the article above focusing on the silly Readers Digest contest.
Jean 2 years, 3 months ago
So I do not give the wrong impression, I am a hundred percent in favor of the theater. Having a meeting place in Robbins, a place for recitals, performances, a wide range of cultural events, etc. will benefit everyone. Mention was made of North Moore's auditorium. I don't know about scheduling events there, but most schools are not that open to community programs. I am all for renovating the theater. First and foremost, it will upgrade the building. This project is in the initial planning stages. That is the reason no details are being given. It is a work in progress.
JohnChappell 2 years, 3 months ago
The idea of using a renewed Village Theatre as a "draw" is based on having attractions playing there and enough seats to sell (could be 800+) to support viable touring shows.
Moore could use a venue of that size at the upper end of the county. It could be an entertainment incubator developing touring productions as well as a place with "something to see" on stage.
The rural community of Abingdon in western Virginia had not been heard of very far from home when Bob Porterfield came down from Depression-era New York to start the Barter Theater — now the state theater of Virginia.
Don't sell old Hemp short!
ASU88 2 years, 3 months ago
...selling old Hemp short...selling old or new Hemp would increase tourisim for sure JC! lol!
MooreNorth 2 years, 3 months ago
Building a new water plant would do a lot more for Robbins than a theater. And JC, comparing Robbins to Abingdon, is like comparing apples to tuna fish.
clodfelter37 2 years, 3 months ago
I am an outsider looking in. Theron Bell is a hard working mayor trying to do her best for a town with a lot of ungrateful citizens. The town is better since her reign. Look at your library or have you visited it lately. She tries and tries to help Robbins return to the way it was when Carl Robbins ran the mill. Help her out. The voting costs nothing and Readers Digest might give the town some money. Be glad there is someone trying.
CornerShot 2 years, 3 months ago
Ditto that!