Posts by Kaare Melby
Recruiting Board Members!
We need a few good people to join our Board. Maybe that’s you? The Friends of Finland Board is designed to have nine members who work effectively, efficiently, and with clear purpose. While the commitment is significant, we can say that hours should be limited and the work inspiring. We’re prepared to nurture the people…
Read MoreNew Wood-Fired Oven at the Clair Nelson Center
By: Kaare Melby As I look out at the brand-new and beautifully crafted outdoor oven here at the Clair Nelson Center, I can’t help but think back to early 2022 when I started writing one of the grant narratives that ended up funding the construction of our new wood-fired oven. What I wrote then struck…
Read MoreDear Finland Community
Dear Finland Community, We recognize that our community is reeling from recent accusations surrounding one of our former youth night employees, Andrew Deyette. The concerns that you have shared are being taken very seriously. We are taking action to better understand what happened and how we can prevent this type of situation from happening in…
Read MoreFriends of Finland Winter Update 2023-2024
Newsletter of Friends of the Finland Community, Crystal Bay Township and the community of Finland Friends of Finland’s mission is to help make Finland and its surrounding area an inviting and vibrant place. We do that by extending hospitality to everyone, no matter what circumstances have brought them to our door. We work to hold…
Read MoreFriends of Finland Strategic Plan
Our community has always drawn its strength from the spirit of helping that we inherited from the community ancestors that settled in this area. Those early settlers had to work together in order to survive, and over time they created systems and organizations to make Finland and its surrounding area an inviting and vibrant place.…
Read MoreThe Finland Community Youth Program is looking for Youth Night Workers!
Position will work with other Youth Night Staff to collaborate in creating and running high-quality youth activities for area children ages 5 to 18. Position will provide supervision and guidance as needed at weekly Youth Night which offers open gym, arts and crafts, and a teen room, as well as occasional special events & outings.…
Read MoreCommunity Activities Moved Due to Greenwood Fire
UPDATE: As of September 19th, 2021, all of Friends of Finland’s community activities have moved back to the Clair Nelson Center! Due to the Incident Management Team for the Greenwood, Whelp, and John Ek Fires using the Clair Nelson Center in Finland, MN, we are moving all scheduled activities to other locations temporarily. Please call…
Read MoreFree Thanksgiving Dinner – To Go
Wednesday November 25th, 2-4pm “Gratitude is a powerful thing, so powerful that when you hold it in your heart, you are forced to let go of all your fear, anger, sadness and hurt.” -Nancy Anselment-Olson There is a reason we call the dark part of the year the “holiday season.” As the outdoor temps cool,…
Read MoreAnnouncing SISU STEW!
We know that things have been tough this year. Cooler weather and declining light are upon us. Woodsheds are being filled, and there may be just a little stress about managing to “get it all done” before winter finally comes. None of this has been made any easier with COVID-19 keeping us from having our…
Read More