We’re saying hello to some of our neighbors, meeting folks who support West St. Paul Reader. Today we’re meeting Robin Rainford, who is a retired technology consultant and a former ISD 197 school board member. She’s lived in West St. Paul since 1957 and became a member of West St. Paul Reader in 2020.
West St. Paul Love
What do you love about West St. Paul?
It’s a small town. Generations of families live here. The old and new. New families discover West St. Paul and join the community. New generations of old families return here, and I see the familiar names pop up on rosters and directories. I went to high school here (Brady Class of ’70) and we returned later to raise kids.
What’s your go-to West St. Paul eatery?
Mela Thai Cuisine. I’ve sampled every Thai restaurant in the east metro, and we’re lucky to have such good Thai here. I go every week. Beirut Lebanese Restaurant is also a favorite.
What is West St. Paul’s best kept secret?
Mud Lake Park, because it’s such a resource. My siblings and children both enjoyed it. It’s my hobby and exercise to prune out invasive trees from the park so the city can haul buckthorn away to dispose of properly. After five years, we’re making some headway!
What do you wish people knew about West St. Paul?
There’s something here for everyone.
Why did you move to West St. Paul?
First, my parents moved here in 1956 to work at Northwest Airlines. We lived on Charlton and I went to kindergarten at Garlough Elementary. It wasn’t until I saw the West St Paul Reader story that I realized Garlough must have just opened with my class. Then we moved to Eagan and I changed to Mendota Elementary. After college and marriage, I came back to West St Paul in 1989 so our children could grow up with grandparents.
Being a West St. Paul Reader Member
Why did you decide to become a member and support West St. Paul Reader?
I was trained as a journalist, I admire the work done by the West St. Paul Reader.
Good journalism makes an informed community. We feel fortunate to have a high-quality independent newspaper here and I’m very glad to support it.
What do you like most about being a member and supporting West St. Paul Reader?
I find that I keep up on business development and City Council more than I might on my own. And I like the alerts to upcoming events.
It’s frankly a lot of work and a big commitment to cover a community, and I’m glad to help.
Be a Member
You can join Robin and support West St. Paul Reader. Membership starts at just $3 per month.
Thanks to Robin for supporting our work and sharing her story.
West St. Paul Reader 