Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors, Ian Francis Lah and Molly Hill Fuller of the Northern Lakes Arts Association, often affectionately referred to as NLAA. They’ll talk about how the arts are TRANSFORMATIVE, and about the robust summer schedule of arts and cultural programming in Ely – including but not limited to multiple musical productions, a music festival, weekly Arts in the Park programming in coordination with the Farmers Markets, several youth arts camps, AN...
Jun 06, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 34
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors, Rob Wilmunen and Ammie Peterson, members of the Ely Events Committee which is responsible for several of the flagship events celebrating the Fourth of July in Ely. They’ll discuss Ely’s famous Fourth of July parade, as well as one of our favorite new traditions – Rock the Park.. And, of course, listeners should get their calendars ready for an upcoming event round up! Show Notes There is ALWAYS something going on. We encourage lis...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 33
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors, Nick Laurant and Maddie Wilson, the co-owners and chefs at The Chocolate Moose on Sheridan Street in Ely. They’ll discuss their new summer season menus and other updates at “The Moose.” She’ll also have a quick chat with special guest, David Wigdahl, who stopped in to tell her and Brett about a special event in honor of Memorial Day. And, of course, listeners should get their calendars ready for an upcoming event round up! Time St...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 32
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor Robyn Bertelsen. Robyn and Lacey talk about tourism – both Ely tourism and their experiences as tourists elsewhere. They also discuss the upcoming Northern Lights ClubHouse Mothers Day Tea Party – and more!! And, of course, this episode features an upcoming event round-up. Show Notes: There is ALWAYS something going on. We encourage listeners to consult the resources below for additional details. If you’d like to have your event feat...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 31
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor, Teague. Teague is a new Elyite who will share with us his first impressions of life in Ely, Minnesota. And, of course, this episode features an upcoming event round-up! There is ALWAYS something going on. We encourage listeners to consult the resources below for additional details. If you’d like to have your event featured on the What’s Up Ely Podcast, a great place to start is by submitting your event to the Ely.org Events page via...
Apr 01, 2024•31 min•Ep. 30
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor, Pam Turnbull, who born-and-raised Elyites may know as Pam Loe. Pam is the President of the Ely-Winton Historical Society, which is not to be confused with the Ely Heritage Preservation Commission – of which she is also co-chair. Pam is a member of the Ely Educational Foundation, a co-chair of the upcoming All Class Reunion Committee, and vice-chair of the administrative council, AND a trustee member of the Ely United Methodist Churc...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 29
In honor of Saint Urho's Day on March 16, we are sharing a special edition episode of the What's Up Ely Podcast. This audio is pulled from a recent History Happy Hour program about the holiday. History Happy Hour is a monthly presentation on Ely aea history in the time it takes to drink a pint. These half hour long events are hosted by our friend and neighbor, Jess Edberg, and are generally scheduled for the third Wednesday of the month at 5:00pm at the Lookout Lounge of the Boathouse Brewpub. F...
Mar 15, 2024•20 min
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors Andrea Strom, Giselle, and Krista. They’ll talk about the upcoming Northern Lakes Arts Association production of Fiddler on the Roof, as well as some other events that may or may not involve a fiddle, as well as the many things that Ian has up his sleeves for 2024 on behalf of the Northern Lakes Arts Association. And, of course, we do an upcoming event round-up! Time Stamps: ( 1:08)Andrea Strom (36:26) Event Roundup (51:10) Interna...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 28
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor Ian Lah. They’ll talk about the upcoming Northern Lakes Arts Association production of Fiddler on the Roof, as well as some other events that may or may not involve a fiddle, as well as the many things that Ian has up his sleeves for 2024 on behalf of the Northern Lakes Arts Association. And, of course, we do an upcoming event round-up! Episode Links: Northern Lakes Arts Association https://www.northernlakesarts.org/tickets/fiddler-o...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 27
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors Jessica Anderson Ojala and Parker Loew. Lacey and Jessica will talk about Ely’s local community college, Minnesota North’s Vermilion Campus. Then Lacey and Parker chat about noteworthy news stories. And, of course, we do an upcoming event round-up! Show Notes: Minnesota North Vermilion Campus Ely Echo Meet New Elyites, March 2023 Recording Forest North Podcast End of the Road Yoga Functional Fitness Studio North Chip carving class ...
Feb 07, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 26
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors Todd Crego and Tim Barton. Lacey and Todd will talk about two long-standing and beloved Ely institutions: Ely’s Historic State Theater and Ely Steam Sauna. Tim Barton is back to chat about winter recreation and Ely’s Winter Festival. And, of course, we do an upcoming event round-up! Time Stamps: ( 1:06 ) Todd Crego ( 27:09 ) Tim Barton Episode Links: Forest North Podcast Ely's Historic State Theater EHST: Save Your Seat! (Custom se...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 25
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors Billie & Mike Rouse, who tell us all about an especially exciting upcoming event: Frozen The Musical, a live production that will take place in the Washington Auditorium of Ely’s Memorial High School the weekend of January 19-21. Lacey will also chat with film director Marius Anderson, whose film 40 Below: The Toughest Race in the World will be featured at the Ely Film Festival in February. And, of course, Lacey and Brett will ...
Jan 05, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 24
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor Sunshine Gardner. They’ll be talking about cross country skiing in the Ely-area, as well the Ely Youth Ski League. Sunshine is the founder and lead educator at the Ely Adventure School which facilitates preschool, child care, and summer camps where children learn and play almost exclusively outside. And, of course, Lacey, Sunshine, and Brett will present an upcoming event round-up! Episode Links: EYSL Sign up Hidden Valley Ski pass S...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 14 min
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor Lucy Soderstrom. They’ll be talking about the upcoming Anishinaabe Storytelling program hosted by the Ely Folk School, looking ahead to other Ely-area goings on, and reflecting on what they’re grateful for in the context of their Ely lives. And, of course, they’ll be presenting a December event round-up! Lucy Instagram Account Ely Folk School Lucy's Cranberry Picking Blog Ely Times (Raven Words Press) Ely Youth Ski League Sign up Hid...
Dec 04, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 22
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor, Lexy Fenske. Lexy will tell us about her extensive experience snowmobiling in the area, as well as what it’s like to raise two kids among the trees. Next, we’ll hear from Aaron Kania, the United States Forest Service Kawishiwi District Ranger. Aaron will tell us about how to harvest your own Christmas tree from within the Superior National Forest, and will provide us with some hot-off-the-press news. And, of course, we’ll do an upco...
Nov 21, 2023•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 21
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friend and neighbor, Peter Schurke, who is an arctic skipper during the summer months, and a dog sled guide in the winter. Peter will tell us of his Nordic sailing adventures and discuss how those experiences inform his work as the owner of a dog sledding business. Peter will also talk about the regular public game nights he hosts, as well as an upcoming concert featuring local musicians that he is coordinating. (1:31:42) November Event Roundup (1:56:35...
Nov 08, 2023•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 20
Listen in on Lacey’s conversation with her friends and neighbors, Abby Sirek and Emily Roose, both of whom are involved with the planning and execution of Ely’s bi-annual 100+ Women Who Care event. 100+ Ely Women Who Care is a women’s giving circle committed to helping the Ely area thrive by pooling small individual donations to collectively give a large sum to a local charity. Abby and Emily are each highly involved in the Ely community; tune into the full conversation to learn more (and for an...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 19
Join Lacey in conversation with Molly Olson, whom you may remember from our pilot episode which originally aired on January 11, 2023. Molly will tell us all about an upcoming Northern Lakes Arts Association fundraiser inspired by the popular reality competition show on Fox called The Masked Singer. Ely State Theater Ely Community Health Center Ely Folk School New Resident Social RSVP Ely Public Library https://www.ely.org/events/ Ely Times Northern Lakes Arts Association Ely Senior Center...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 18
Join Lacey in conversation with Tove Conway, a new Elyite who recently published her first children’s book, Northern Sights. They’ll discuss what it’s like to be new to town, as well as the upcoming New Resident Social event scheduled for October 12. They’ll also chat about Tove’s experience as a PhD student studying literature, and much more. We’ll also hear from Hudson Kingston, the 2023 Ely Marathon first place finisher. This episode includes an October event round up, so grab your calendars ...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 17
Join Lacey in conversation with Barbara Cary Hall as they discuss a local production called Root Beer Lady – The Musical, which is based on the book Root Beer Lady by Bob Cary, Barb’s father. The musical offers a window into the life of Dorothy Molter, who we’ve discussed previously on our podcast. Barb is the musical’s producer, playwright, and musical director. Listeners who are not familiar Bob Cary will get a real treat in hearing about the local legend from Barb herself! https://movies.elys...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 16
Join Lacey in conversation with Karl Kubiak as they discuss the discuss Ely area orchestras and bands, as well as Ely’s new, monthly Bar-Trivia-for-a-Cause program. Karl is the Band Director for Ely’s public school and the Ely City Band. And, don’t worry, we do an event round-up, too! (1:07) Karl Kubiak (1:02:00) Event Roundup https://www.ely.k12.mn.us/ http://www.elylibrary.org/calendar.html https://www.ely.org/events/ https://elyfolkschool.org/ https://movies.elystatetheater.org/ https://www.r...
Aug 11, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 15
Join Lacey in conversation with Bill Teft and Mac Leaf as they discuss Ely’s free, weekly ecological field trips which are facilitated by the Ely Field Naturalists. Bill Teft is a retired Minnesota North Vermilion Campus professor, and Mac recently graduated from Vermilion with a degree in Wilderness & Parks Management. Next we’ll hear from Ian Lah, who will give us an update on the Broadway in the Boundary Waters season. And, don’t worry, we do an event round-up, too! https://www.ely.org/ev...
Jul 26, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 14
This episode begins with an upcoming event round-up featuring Brett Ross. Next, Lacey has a conversation with Eva Sebesta and Kristen Switajewski of the Ely Chamber of Commerce. Eva and Kristen give us the inside scoop about the 42nd annual Blueberry Art Festival which will take place July 28-30. (25:05) Eva and Kristen https://www.ely.org/events/annual-events-and-festivals/blueberry-art-festival/ https://www.ely.org/events/ https://www.ravenwordspress.com/ely-times/ https://www.northernlakesart...
Jul 13, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 13
Join Lacey as she and Brett Ross do a rundown of upcoming Ely-area events. Next, Lacey chats with Liz Engelman, the founder and director of the Tofte Lake Center, a creative retreat center outside of Ely. Lastly, Lacey and her friend Deanna reminisce about and look forward to upcoming summer adventures on the water and beyond. (1:34) Liz Engelman (57:10) Deanna Tupy
Jun 28, 2023•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 12
Grab your calendar and pen to take notes during our quick June event rundown, then settle in for a great conversation between host Lacey and her guest Cindy Smyka, the Executive Director of the Ely Tourism Bureau.
Jun 15, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 11
Join Lacey as she learns all about blueberries in eager anticipation of blueberry season in the north woods. Specifically, we hear from Larry & Sue Smith who tell us all about the Ely Kiwanis Club blueberry pie sales that take place as part of the Ely Chamber of Commerce Blueberry/Art Festival. We’ll also learn about the role of blueberries in Ojibwe community and culture thanks to the insights of our guest Ryan Bajan, a tribally endorsed Ojibwe Language and Culture Instructor. Lastly, we’ll...
Jun 07, 2023•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 10
Join Lacey as she learns about local seasonal restaurant, The Chocolate Moose, and its seasonal, rotating-cuisine supper club program. We’ll also learn about the joys of open-water fishing with two avid anglers in honor of fishing opener. https://www.thechocolatemooseely.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@therealfarwater elyphotography.com Chapters: (01:11) Nick Laurent (49:38) Taylor Ham & Eric Glasson...
May 11, 2023•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 9
Join host Lacey as she learns about the Northern Lights Club House with program director Robyn Bertelsen. The Northern Lights Club House is a community of adults working together to live their best lives; it is a program of Wellbeing Development. Next, we hear from Chris Clemens, Treasurer of the Ely Folk School, who tells us all about the beloved Ely Folk School Spring Bonfire. Lastly, film producer Erin Miller tells us about the project she’s currently working on in Ely. (01:20) Robyn Bertelse...
Apr 24, 2023•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 8
Join host Lacey as she explores the world of mountain biking, with the Hidden Valley Hammer Bike Race Series coming up in May and June. She also chats with new resident Carly Wogen about the experience of moving to Ely, and they discuss the upcoming New Resident Social. elynordic.org (1:24) Sarah and Mark Sponholz (59:45) Carly Wogen
Apr 11, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 7
Episode 6 of our What’s Up, Ely Podcast features United States Forest Service Kawishiwi District Ranger Aaron Kania, and local Slovenian honey walnut potica legend Mary Louise Icenhour. Ranger Aaron explains the difference between the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, talks about recreational opportunities in each area, and touches on fire history and current wildfire management strategies. Elyite Mary Louise charms us with sweet tales of making potica, a tr...
Mar 28, 2023•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 6
