Newcomers & Long-timers

Meetings like this Ely Field Naturalists gathering are good places to get to know others with like interests. For Ely Newcomers, Their Neighbors,

and Others Who Would Like to Meet Them

Story and photos by Lacey Squier

Being “new” to any place can be hard. And in rural northeastern Minnesota there are the physical challenges associated with the seasonal highs and lows of life on the Range–the mosquitos in the summer, the cold temperatures and gobs and gobs of snow in the winter, the wood to split and pile, and so on.

Sometimes it seems like the emotional seasons can be just as extreme–the excitement and elation of making the choice, the energy of taking the leap, and the contrast of the complexities of settling in and periods of loneliness associated with the change.

Don’t you worry, it’s worth it. The charm of the communities here and the beauty of the region are truly spectacular. And on the rare occasion when they aren’t quite enough, the sisu in the water will carry you through any tough patch. Before you know it, you’ll be chatting with an acquaintance while waiting in line at the grocery store and laughing over coffee or tea with a new friend at one of the new-to-you Ely coffee shops. Before you know it, you’ll be trying to figure out how to squeeze both art exhibit openings, the piano concert, and that class you really want to take into your calendar.

For established Ely residents who would like to meet newcomers and give them a Minnesota-nice welcome, there are several opportunities. A regular topic at Tuesday Group is called Meet New Elyites. About six individuals, couples, or families tell about themselves: what they do for fun, what they do or did for work, where they’ve lived before, and why they moved to the Ely-area. In the last 18 months more than 50 new “neighbors” have been introduced in seven such programs.

Boundary Waters Connect (BWC) offers a series of Hello Neighbor programs and services designed to build bridges to the established communities in the Ely area. New residents can sign up to receive a gift bag featuring messages of welcome, informational resources about local programs and services, coupons from local businesses, and free goodies. Businesses are welcome to donate items to include.

New resident socials are held at least twice a year, spring and fall. Newcomers, old-timers, and everyone in between are welcome to gather for free beverages, snacks, and conversation in Society Hall. Watch for announcements or check the events page at BoundaryWatersConnect.com.

New residents can arrange to meet with one or two established Elyites who have similar interests for a cup of coffee, glass of wine, or a walk. Visit BWC in person or virtually to set up a time and place.

Now meet a few of the people who have moved to Ely recently:

Although Lissa has seen much of the world, having recently traveled to Maui, Roatan, and the desert southwest, she chose Ely for her home when she retired. “What I have found is, besides all of the wonderful things that you can do here that I love–the canoeing, hiking, biking, swimming, and all that–it’s just a wonderful and unique community of people.”

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Alison has worked in several [their son’s class] whose name I don’t different fields because she loves to be know, and I’ve probably met their constantly learning. “I hope until the parents, too. That is so powerful and day I die I’m doing something exciting so cool.” to expand my mind.” Ian was born and raised in Ely, then

Her husband, Toby, is a retired left for college and career exploration. global technology analyst. “It occurred He returned, bought a house he and his to me that this is a magical place. The husband are renovating, and became kind of place where I would find the Managing Director of Northern answers. We live to learn and we think Lakes Arts Association, where he has this is the kind of community where infused that organization with fresh that can happen.” energy. “I’m so glad to be back. This

Leah is an artist. She and her was the right move.” partner purchased property on Fall There are plenty more people to Lake where they are helping their meet, so reach out to your new friend, SunShine Gardner, establish the neighbors and help to keep Ely the Ely Adventure School. For Leah, friendly place it has long been for “Connecting with nature is connecting newcomers and old-timers alike. with yourself, and is connecting with community. And it’s the same thing with painting.”

Edie, the new owner of Motel Ely, is one example of the entrepreneurial spirit so prevalent among the people here. “I’ve written a business plan for owning a motel probably 7 times in the last 20 years.” When she went on a five-day trip into the BWCA with her husband and their 3-year-old son, Edie quickly realized, “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, the best!” To which she added with a smile, “And then my poor husband never got to go on vacation anywhere else... We never knew our neighbors as well as we do here.” She and her husband, Mike, celebrate the small class sizes in Ely Public Schools. “There isn’t a kid in Lissa and Ian had the lead roles in Quiltmaker’s Gift.

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