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I was gratified recently to learn from several Ely Echo readers that they read the columns I’ve been writing these past two years.
Some accompanied that admission with kind words about the content and style of these submissions. More on this later, but for now, thank you readers.
I’ve had some quiet moments alone lately to think about why I was so lucky to grow up in Ely and to know it will always be my home town. Recent interactions with locals make it clear why Ely is deservedly proud of its reputation for warmth -- and nice. Ely Nice.
Some examples: 1. A frequent visitor to our place is Walter. Walter has many admirable characteristics including an ability to distinguish good beer from not-as-good beer. Thus, when Walter has an upcoming visit, I try to buy a new one for him to try. I saw an ad for Schell’s Northland Gold, a new label and brew from that New Ulm brewery so I called Eric at Ely Liquor. No, they didn’t have it at that moment but were expecting it soon. A few days later Eric called me to report it was in. Where else but in Ely would you find a retailer who would call a seasonal customer about a potential $20 purchase?
Eric’s a pretty special customer- focused businessman. That’s Ely Nice.
2. Last week my antique (three years old) cell phone explored a shallow boat slip in Burntside.
Yes, while it was in my pocket.
Despite Burntside’s protection of me, the phone didn’t survive. The next morning Karen, Rigby and I visited Voltz Technologies to purchase a replacement. Lisa greeted us with a caution that Voltz was not associated with Verizon; but she would see what she could do for us. With the dexterity of a watchmaker, the smarts of a NASA engineer, and the perseverance of a monk, she salvaged the data from my pocket submarine and sent us out the door with my new phone ringing. Ely Nice.
3. In my wallet is a small plastic card on which is printed my long ago date of birth -- the reason why my encounters with practitioners of the medical sciences are increasingly frequent. A few weeks ago I agreed to take a ride up Conan Street to see why things hurt. I was seen immediately and treated caringly.
A short time later, I returned to visit with a different group of pros who had yet to be subjected to my gurney humor. They indulged me, pampered me and diagnosed that problem. I’ve been impressed with the medical treatment I’ve received in several major hospitals this past decade, but the staff at EBCH is tops. Ely Nice.
4. Compare the ease of getting your boat license renewed in that former barber shop on Chapman Street with the agony of sitting in line and awaiting your number in a haughty Hennepin County building. Ely Nice.
5. What makes the GEL such a reliable place for dinner and drinks? Many things, of course, but let me just say, “Thanks, Bob” for the spirit you’ve established there. I’m sure it will continue.
Ely Nice.
Now, back to this column.
Thank you for reading my rants each month. The years and accumulation of medical bruises have sapped much of my energy -- and I need a break. If a good rest reinvigorates me, I may be back soon or not so soon. Meanwhile, be safe and stay Ely Nice.
Doug Luthanen grew up in Ely and graduated from Memorial High School in 1967. He wrote a weekly viewpoint column for the Northwest Arkansas Times for four years and is an occasional contributor to The Ely Echo.
