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A tribe is defined as a group of people having a common character or interest . In today’s day and age it has also come to mean supporters and we invite you to be one o f ours. Since 1966, we’ve proudly and effectively covered the issues most important to our community. We ask our loyal readers to consider donating a small amount to help us continue publishing community news that informs, entertains and inspires. Could you send $10 a year...or more? Every dollar helps. To contribute, mail your check to St. Paul Publishing Co., 1643 S. Robert St., Suite 60B, West St. Paul, MN 55118, or call us at 651-457-1177 with your credit card number. Mailed subscriptions are available for $21.50 per year. Thanks for your support!

Minnesota, out of 87 counties statewide. County property taxes are 55% lower in Dakota County than in neighboring Ramsey County.

Volunteers make a difference

In 2022, more than 2,300 volunteers contributed over 23,500 hours in 177 opportunities, helping Dakota County provide quality services and activities for residents, at a value of $672,545 in services completed. Thank you to all of our volunteers!

Next month I will explain the status of county projects in northern Dakota County, like the mental health crisis facility proposed to go in next to the Northern Service Center in West St. Paul, as well as the newest county library under construction in South St. Paul. I welcome feedback. To share comments, concerns and questions, contact me at Joe. Atkins@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-438-4430.

Neighbors,

Charlie Thompson President & CEO

Inc.

Editor’s note: Executive director Charlie Thompson has resigned from Neighbors, Inc. to lead a nonprofit in the state of Washington. He has been executive director since 2017. This is his farewell column.

This past Christmas, my family did something we had never done before. We took a vacation to Florida and visited theme parks and beaches. It was an amazing experience. I cannot remember the last time the four of us spent so much time together. The weather was cold by Florida’s standards. It wasn’t until our last day that the temperatures climbed into the seventies. It made it difficult to leave but we knew we had to get back to life in Minnesota.

Six years ago, I did something I had never done before. I accepted a job in Minnesota. Not just any job. The job I took on was one that afforded me experiences like no other. My time at Neighbors has allowed me the opportunity to meet incredible people and be part of an organization that is well respected and supported by its community.

One of my earliest memories is celebrating Virginia

Milbert’s 100th birthday. As a part of that celebration, the Rotary Club honored her with an award. The highlight was listening to Virginia tell stories of her time at Neighbors. I have been blessed to have heard many more of her stories during the past six years.

Ducks are another aspect of Neighbors that will be hard to forget. Delbert and the Duck Races are as unique as it gets when you think of nonprofits. Our mascot and fundraiser offer a fun way to show support to our neighbors in need.

I have never seen a com- munity come together the way we do in March during Minnesota Food Share. The outpouring of support is incredible. Creative contests to raise pounds of food and funds abound. From churches to businesses, Food Share exemplifies the support we have in the community.

Finally, our volunteers, donors and employees are THE BEST. I have met so many great people. I will cherish the relationships I have formed during my six years here. I want to give special recognition to the Neighbors’ staff. You show up every day and connect our volunteers with our neighbors in need. You manage the programs and services. You bring joy to people’s lives. I will miss you all very much.

Much like my recent trip to Florida, it is hard to leave when so many positive changes are taking hold. I am incredibly humbled by the talent and dedication our community has to offer. As I depart to move back to Washington and lead a new organization, my hope is that I have been able to help provide opportunities to thrive.

Valagrams are back

The South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force is delivering CommUNITY Grams for Valentine’s Day again this year. Valagrams are an opportunity to share positive messages, greetings and well-wishes with family members or friends living in South St. Paul.

To participate, download a Valagram form at www.southstpaul.org (on the event’s calendar page) or pick up a form at South St. Paul City Hall, 125 3rd Ave. N. Complete the form and return it and the fee to City Hall by Thursday, Feb. 8. Grams cost $6, or two for $10. Task force members will create the Valagram, place it in a Valentine’s bag with some tasty treats, and deliver it to the recipient’s door on Saturday, Feb. 11. The recipient must live in South St. Paul. The message can be up to 100 words.

Valagrams have been the most popular CommUNITY Gram. The task force also delivers Boo Grams for Halloween and Jingle Grams at Christmas. CommUNITY Grams can also be sent throughout the year for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations and other reasons. Proceeds fund community activities hosted by the task force, such as the Kaposia Days children’s parade, Disco Bingo, Fill the Backpack campaign, the Great Halloween Get Together and the South St. Paul Annual Food Drive for Neighbors, Inc. For more information, contact Deb Griffith at 651-554-3230 or deb.griffith@southstpaul.org.