In their own way, these numbers give meaning to the word “community”:

583

The increase in Hispanic residents of Buchanan County from July 2006 to July 2007, according to official U.S. Census Bureau calculations

We recognize that our distinction as home to the “fastest growing Hispanic community in the United States” is tempered by the fact that, for decades, the census takers saw St. Joseph as a place with little or no diversity.

Thus, when the Census Bureau began to take an interest in residents with Hispanic lineage, it took little account of most who came before. Yes, the census still breaks out categories for blacks and Asians, but our 80,000 or so other residents pretty much all look alike to the bureau — except for that 2007 tally of 2,980 residents of Hispanic descent.

Never mind that St. Joseph’s ethnic and cultural heritage is rich — in the 1800s the city was an outpost on the frontier for all manner of travelers heading west and in the 1900s it was a welcoming place for families with Polish, German and English heritage. From this melting pot, our city grew and prospered.

We offer these thoughts as perspective, not to take offense. We welcome our newest residents and neighbors.

750

The number of pairs of shoes donated to the St. Joseph AFL-CIO community services program for distribution to needy children

The local AFL-CIO community services outreach program deserves its reputation as one of the most caring organizations around.

Only in recent years have we paid much attention to the importance of shoe drives, both for children here and abroad. But when you think about it, it’s hard to imagine a more caring gesture.

Our community’s diversity includes both those who can provide for their own means, and those who need a hand up. We are richer — all of us — when one hand helps the other.

40,000

Last year’s estimated attendance (at least) during the three-day run of the Trails West! festival

Today is “last call” for button sales. Not all button sales, mind you, just the discounted ones.

Through today, more than 30 locations will sell buttons to the 16th annual Trails West! festival for $5 each. These include most banks, American Family insurance agents, Hy-Vee, Lanham Music, Beauty First, Weiser’s Family Cleaners, Clara’s Fashions, Bliss Salon, Record Wear House, Speedy’s locations, Trex Mart locations, Walgreens, Village Steakhouse, Fredrick Inn and City Hall, among several others.

The buttons are good for admission for all three days of the region’s largest festival — a community celebration of our heritage — including concerts featuring guitarist Robben Ford (Friday night), singers Ashton Shepherd and Kellie Pickler (Saturday night) and the band Night Ranger (Sunday night).

After today, the buttons will be sold at one of the five festival gates for $7. Children 12 and under will be admitted free when accompanied by an adult.