Reader's Digest is awarding towns across the United States a chance to win a portion of $5 million and promotional support for tourism, civic works, job growth and economic development. We in Robbins are working hard to come back from difficult economic times. You, dear reader, could help us by cheering for Robbins at www.we hearyouamerica.readersdigest.com.

On website, type the ZIP code 27325 for Robbins beside the CHEER blue rectangle. You must register and then CHEER for Robbins. A pop-up will show up after the first vote. Close out the pop-up and continue to vote nine more times. You are allowed to vote 10 times a day. Vote through Feb. 7.

We almost lost Robbins as a town several years ago. We decided to help ourselves by reinventing what we were (a small mill town) into what we can be. We had many in Moore County and in North Carolina who guided us and facilitated us into seeing the possibilities. With a population of plus or minus 1,300 we are doing astoundingly well!

We now wish to reopen the Village Theatre, which brings back fond childhood memories to those who grew up here. The theater seated 300-500 people and was a venue for movies, musicals and plays. Robbins not only changed economically but culturally.

It is our hope that because of our diverse population, which tends to live in isolated groups, that the Village Theatre will bring us all together and will provide our children with entertainment, but, most importantly, with an opportunity to work with others and learn we have more in common than we have differences. Help us bridge this gap and come together as a community

One person can make a difference, but a lot of us working together can work miracles.

Theron Bell, Mayor

Robbins