Thanks to CARES Act Funding distributed by Lake County, the Community Center was able to expand internet access options. Wireless internet will soon be available throughout the entire parking lot, so people can park and connect if they need to attend a virtual medical appointment or connect to a job interview. People can also make an appointment to use a scanner, printer or videoconference-enabled private room. There are also WiFi-enabled iPads available for checkout. Many of these services, including telehealth, are in higher demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The Clair Nelson Center has been serving the community’s tech needs for years,” said Honor Schauland, Executive Director of Friends of the Finland Community. “People have already been using our WiFi for virtual therapy appointments and check-ins with their doctors. Those services have become even more important because of the current COVID-19 crisis.”
“People live here because they love being off the beaten path, but Internet and phone service can be spotty,” said Lake County Commissioner Pete Walsh, who lives in and represents the area. “The Community Center makes sure everyone can be connected.”
The Community Center is located at 6866 Cramer Road, Finland, Minnesota, 55603. Community members can contact the Center at 218-353-0300 or www.friendsoffinland.org.
The Friends of the Finland Community is a non-profit entity in the Northern Lake County area providing space for youth, senior citizens, community groups, events, rentals, small business support and incubation, community education classes, social programs, community recreation, free WiFi internet, public computers, trail maps and information, all in one location – the Clair Nelson Community Center.
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