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We really don’t know how long we will be around. But I’m always amazed by those who have reached their 90s and not slowed down.
One story that made me smile was talking with Butch Pecha about his mother who lives in one of the apartment buildings south of the hospital.
From her window she can see ATVs going by, heading to or coming from the Taconite Trail. When Butch bought a side by side, he offered to take her for a ride so she could see what it was all about.
This mother and son trip took them down the Taconite and all the way to the Beaver River bridge. At age 95, she found out what the fuss was all about.
Thursday, Sheila Gruba stopped in the Echo office with her mom. This lively 99 year-old wanted to see where the newspaper she reads every week is put together. She lives in St. Cloud but has been coming to Ely since 1975 “and I only missed one year” she said.
The Ely Events Group has been searching for the oldest living graduates of Ely Memorial High School for the All Class Reunion as potential Grand Marshals.
At our meeting on Monday, we found out there three who may be able to participate, one is 100, one is 101 and one is 103. Wouldn’t that be a grand sight on the Fourth of July!
Seeing people enjoying their senior years brings a smile to my face. Especially those who are active and still have a good dose of curiosity. My grandmother Golda lived to be 100 years old and she read voraciously until her final days.
When she found something interesting she would tell me about it, from world politics to a Bible verse. Whatever it was she would relate what she had learned and then exclaim, “Well what do you know!”
I know much more because of people like her. And it’s another reason why I have a fascination with history. I enjoy being part of the group that keeps the Pioneer Mine open as a place folks can learn about Ely’s mining past.
And it’s also why I agreed to return to the Ely-Winton and St. Louis County Historical Societies. I’ve served as president of both in the past and I was glad to see other Ely people getting involved as well. Former St. Louis County commissioner Mike Forsman and Tracy Maki were also welcomed Wednesday night to the Ely-Winton board and Jess Edberg will be joining me on the St. Louis County Historical Society board.
While my plate is a little full, it won’t be long until the All Class Reunion is over and that will free up some time. If you’re a graduate, please register and participate.
The Echo is sponsoring an All Class Mixer on Monday, July 1 with Bill Bulinski’s band 4 Blue Teardrops rocking the Miners Dry, playing the finest in authentic “oldies” rock & roll with vocals and instrumentals from the 50s and early 60s.
Should be a good time for all ages whether you’re a 2024 or a 1939 graduate of Ely Memorial High School.
