Grassroots of Tarboro

My Mom's generation (she's 83); the women were taught "don't make waves", "be sweet", "do what you are told".

My generation (I'm 55); we were a bit rebellious with "Women's Lib",  "Make Love Not War", "Question Authority".

I'm older now, and perhaps a little wiser, but I can still see the value in stirring things up a bit when people get too apathetic.

We worked really hard to create two nice events. They were good for the downtown businesses  and the people who came downtown had a great time.  We had honestly hoped that the town officials would appreciate what we are doing and help us in any way than can.  It is possible that a couple of the council members do not like some of the things I blog about and I had hoped that Milton Bullock would speak for The Grassroots of Tarboro instead of me doing the talking, but he was sick.  Judging from the number of "heads up" reports I got before the town council meeting, I'm glad that I was there and Milton was not subjected to what almost seemed like a personal attack.

When they chose NOT to be supportive, the people noticed and are not pleased. In fact some are angry. What often follows anger is action.  Anger is a strong motivator. 

We've been placing petitions around town asking people to show their support for what we are trying to do and to request that the town officials do the same.  The sheets are filling up with names. 

I'm beginning to think that the council's requirements for the T2S events to use the Court House Square might work in our favor in the long run.  We are determined to raise the extra money needed and even more determined to put on a fabulous event.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. Sign the petition requesting that the town manager and town council members support what we are trying to do for our town.

2. Donate whatever small amount you can afford to help cover these additional expenses for the June 14th event.

3. Join with us in making the June event the biggest and best yet.

4. Contact your town council representative and tell him that you support this grassroots effort to revitalize the town and want his support.

5. Attend the next town council meeting at 7:00 pm on Monday, June 9 at the Tarboro Town Hall.

Click here for a downloadable petition in word.doc format

The town meeting is behind us. We now know what must be done.

A petition has been created to gather the signatures of Tarboro residents who want the town to support us (the ordinary people of Tarboro) in our efforts to promote and revitalize Tarboro.   You can download the word doc file to print a petition to distribute or you can find and sign a copy of the petition at many downtown businesses.   If you feel that you have no voice in town matters, that the council members are not representing you, this is how we get their attention.

The next step is to start gathering funds to cover the cost of the insurance policy and the clean-up deposit.  We need $1000 within two weeks to get the insurance and permission to use the square on Saturday, June 14th, Tarboro's 2nd Saturday for June.  It's not impossible or even difficult if you look at it like this... we need 25 people to donate $40.  We need to make the June event GREAT!  We can not let the town council be an obstacle. We must create a terrific event despite their lack of support.  It would be nice if they worked with us, nice if they simply appreciated what we do, but it is not necessary.  

Our next planning meeting for the June event is tomorrow night. We'll meet at the Tarboro library on Main street at 6pm.  We need you to come, there is much that needs to be done and very little time. 

I had an interesting conversation the other evening regarding how things are done in Tarboro.

At a T2S planning meeting, I mentioned that the Grassroots of Tarboro were hoping for a positive response from the town council to our request for permission to have outside speakers and use of the courthouse square for future T2S events.

A gentleman at one of our meetings for the first time said that if Sam Noble gives his recommendation for approval to the council there shouldn't be a problem.

"What!?!", I asked.

The man clarified his statement, by saying "That's how it works.  The town manager gives his recommendation to the town council and they vote based on that."

To which I responded, "That's backwards. That's not how our town government is supposed to work. The town manager is not an elected official. He is not representing the people, the council members represent the people. The town manager's job is to carry out the management of tasks decided upon by the council."

The man added, "That's just the way it has always been done, decisions are based on the manager's recommendations."

It becomes more clear to me every day why Tarboro is in the state it is in.  Every time I learn a little bit more about how things are done here, I understand better why things are the way they are, why many of the citizens feel apathetic and disconnected from the local government.  It strengthens my opinion that to move forward into a vibrant future, there is a need for change in Tarboro to correct some old habits that may have slipped into common usage but are no longer acceptable or beneficial to the residents of our home town.

To everyone who is looking for the perfect spot to live; looking for a beautiful historic town that is quiet and safe;  looking for a place where there are still plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs to start their own business; looking for a place that has everything you think a little town should have...

Consider Tarboro, North Carolina.  The groundwork is in place.  The town is very pretty and well-maintained.  Homes are affordable and there are many existing buildings available to house your new business.

The people are very friendly and welcoming and smart and interesting and creative and anxious for positive changes to take place.  These same people are starting to work together and are making things happen in Tarboro.

Our downtown is partially revitalized, so there is already a core of businesses that are beginning to draw customers, but there is plenty of room for more businesses.  Just to name a few ... a bakery would be divine,  interesting arts and crafts would be well-received, a ladies' better clothing consignment shop has been talked about, an evening music venue would be popular, as would a restaurant with a great salad bar and healthy entrees, and another bed and breakfast.  

If you have an internet or technology based business, Tarboro is a perfect spot to call home.  It is an Embarq town with a good infrastructure. You can live in a quiet town, in a great old house, with no traffic jams, and be just over an hour away from the Research Triangle Park.

Tarboro is not perfect, but we're already working on enhancing what is here and creating the few missing elements. In 5 years things will be greatly improved and in 10 years, we'll look back and say "Wow, we knew Tarboro could be great!

Come to Tarboro soon, while things are just getting started. This is definitely a get in on the ground floor opportunity and we can use your help.  Come find out what it is like to build a town and be part of a community. 

Ordinarily, if you visit downtown Tarboro on a Saturday afternoon, you won't find crowds on the sidewalks.  If you are looking for something to do you can browse the shops that are open and if you look harder you might find a place to eat.

This Saturday, is a 2nd Saturday, when visitors come to Tarboro they'll see lively activity downtown.  There will be lots of people milling around, shoppers and street vendors as well as a variety of places to eat,  things to do, and lots of smiling faces.

They will see our pretty downtown as it should be seen. They will enjoy themselves and when they leave they'll take with them the opinion that Tarboro is a beautiful, historic town with lots of places to shop and eat and lots of friendly happy people.

Each T2S (Tarboro's 2nd Saturdays) event will get bigger and better, each month more people will hear about it and come to Tarboro.  Before long, Tarboro, North Carolina will be known as a fun destination for a Second Saturday Day Trip.   If folks are on their way to or from the Outer Banks, they'll swing by Tarboro on the way.  If folks are looking for a weekend get-away with lots of historic charm and fun stuff to do, they'll come to Tarboro.

Eventually visitors will come to Tarboro on every weekend, not just the 2nd Saturday weekends.  They'll stroll our sidewalks. They'll shop at our shops and eat at our restaurants.  The few hundred-count people who attend our T2S events now will soon be matched on non-T2S weekends,  and on the 2nd Saturday of the month Tarboro's downtown will be a true festival of activity with events going on simultaneously at the town commons, the court house square, and Riverside Park. 

This is how it starts. It's like planting a seed in the garden. We take this little idea of having some fun things to do downtown on one day of the month, and we cultivate it and nourish it and grow it into a fabulous attraction that in turn "feeds the town".

I can see it.  If you can see it, too, let's work together to make it happen.