Programs & Activities

A Welcoming Place to Connect, Play, and Participate

Join your neighbors for a wide variety of weekly and monthly activities. Whether you're into cards, walking, or just great conversation, there's something happening here for you. Most events are free or low-cost, and everyone is welcome.

About Our Calendar

The Ely Community Center hosts a wide variety of activities, events, and rentals throughout the year. This calendar shows everything happening in the building so members and the community can plan ahead.

Here’s how to read the calendar:
👉 Public events (no prefix) are open to all — just come and enjoy!
👉 Members: activities are for members and their guests.
👉 Hosted Group: activities are hosted by groups meeting at the Community Center. These are open to new members — contact the organizer to learn more.
👉 By Reservation: events that require an appointment or sign-up (please do not drop in).
👉 Rental: private events or by invitation only.

Room colors:
🟩 Main Hall | 🟥 Meeting Room | 🟦 Commercial Kitchen | 🟧 Whole Building

Community Center Member Activities

These activities are open to members and their guests. Membership is just $20/year and everyone is welcome!

Bingo
Wednesdays, 1–4 PM
Lively games, prizes, and lots of fun! One of our most popular events.

Ping Pong
Sundays, 12 PM & Wednesdays, 6 PM
Friendly indoor table tennis—bring your paddle or borrow one! Great exercise and even better company.

Smear
Mondays, 6–9 PM (September - May)
A local favorite. Come for the cards, stay for the company.

Mah Jongg
Thursdays, 12–3 PM (April - October)
Learn and play this classic tile game. Newcomers and experienced players welcome.

Pinochle
Thursdays & Fridays, 1–4 PM
Looking for a fourth? Join our friendly group for a few hands and good conversation.

Monthly Highlights

Community Potluck

First Wednesday of each month, 11:30 AM

Bring a dish to share and enjoy a delicious meal with friends old and new.
Sign up to bring a dish on the sheet posted in the Community Center lobby.
If you don't have a dish, don't worry - $5 suggested donation.

Member & Board Meeting
Second Wednesday of each month, 4 PM
All are welcome to attend and stay informed on what's happening in the center.

Have an Idea for a Program?

We’re always open to new activities! If you'd like to start a group or offer a class, contact us.

Public Events Hosted at the Center

Minnesota DMV
1st & 3rd Mondays of the month *excluding holidays
State driver’s license and ID services available.
📞 Call 651-284-1234 or go to drive.mn.gov to schedule.

Happy Toes
2nd and 4th Tuesdays, by appointment
Gentle nail care for seniors.
📞 Book at: 218-290-1986 

Ladies of Kaleva
Monthly - 3rd Tuesdays, 1 PM — New members welcome
A Finnish heritage group with deep community roots.

ZOE Life Prayer Group
Tuesdays, 6 PM – New members welcome

Bridge Club
Wednesdays, 12–3 PM
Friendly games for experienced and new players.
📧 Contact: Terry Cooper 651-230-2117 

Wellness Wednesday
Monthly - 1st Wednesday, 11:30 AM – Open to all
Free blood pressure checks and tips from volunteer nurses.
Contact: (218) 302-1778 or SeniorProgramLeader@elycommunityhealth.org

Braver Angels Meetings
Monthly - 4th Wednesday, 6 PM – Open to all
Monthly community conversations focused on bridging divides.
📧 Contact: ElyBraverAngels@gmail.com

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)
Thursdays, 8 AM
Weekly support meetings – all are welcome
📞 Contact: Trish 270-945-6228

Praise Fellowship Church Service
Sundays, 10:00 AM
Open to the public.
Info: https://praisefellowship0.wixsite.com/praisefellowship

Private Groups (Not Open to Public)

Other private groups also meet regularly at the Community Center, including small prayer groups, classes, and clubs. While not open to the public, we’re proud to support their community work!

Volunteer With Us!

The Ely Community Center thrives thanks to the time and talents of our members and neighbors. Whether you can bake cookies, wash windows, plan an event, or write a grant — there’s a way for everyone to get involved!

Volunteer opportunities include:

• Baking for our Blueberry Bazaar Bake Sale

• Helping with the Annual Membership Luncheon

• Window washing and light building maintenance days

• Grant writing and fundraising

• Planning new programs or activities

• Running snack stations at events

• Other fun projects throughout the year!

Want to help?
Talk to a board member or email us at elycommunitycenter@gmail.com — we’d love to have you on the team!