ELY— The city council here had a packed schedule Tuesday evening, but it took time out to honor two longtime community leaders.
That included a moment of silence and some subsequent comments on behalf of Paul Kess, a longtime council member and distinguished Ely resident.
Mayor Heidi Omerza said Kess was a dedicated public servant who spent years making the council better and had a particular gift for teaching.
“I also had the privilege of having him in my classroom when I was teaching. He had a gift for teaching, especially with some of the students in my classroom, and I know he will be truly missed in this community,” Omerza said.
Lisa Porthan, the executive director of Northwoods Partners, was awarded a key to the city on behalf of Northwoods Partners as the organization celebrates its 25th anniversary.
“Northwoods Partners has faithfully served the older adults of the Ely community and surrounding area for 25 years, providing essential programs, services, and support that promote independence, healthy aging, and community connection,” Omerza said.
Porthan, with characteristic selflessness, celebrated the Ely community when she received the key.
“I just think it’s amazing that this community constantly steps up, and the fact that we have 100 volunteers, the fact that we have 15,000 hours of volunteer time that’s given to our community members, it’s just miraculous,” Porthan said. “We should be so proud to live in a community that supports each other and its neighbors and friends so well.”