Area Organizations

Updated July 2022


Boy Scouts of America Troop 253

It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve others by helping to instill values in young people, and, in other ways, to prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetimes in achieving their full potential. The values the organization strives to instill are based on those founded in the Scout Oath and Law.

Dassel-Cokato Troop 253 welcomes boys ages 11 to 18. There are currently about 10 members who meet at 7 p.m. the second Monday, and 6 p.m. the fourth Sunday of the month, at St. John’s Education Center. Anyone interested in joining may contact troop Scoutmaster Terry Gabrelcik at 320-286-3288.


Cokato American Legion Post 209 & Auxiliary

Since its founding in 1919, the American Legion has been an advocate for America’s veterans, a friend of the US military, a sponsor of community-based programs for young people, and a spokesman for patriotic values. Nearly 2.8 million members make it the nation’s largest veterans group, with about 15,000 local posts and six foreign countries. Membership is restricted to men and women who served in the US military during an official period of conflict.

Cokato Post 209 was also founded in 1919. Members meet in city hall the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. In July there is no meeting.

Currently, there are 60 members, and new members are always welcome. Contact John Bergmann at 320-286-2711 for membership information.

The Cokato American Legion Auxiliary Unit 209 also meets in city hall the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. In July there is no meeting.
Membership is open to anyone whose spouse or other family member has served, or is currently serving in the military. New members are always welcome. Contact Charlotte Paulson at 320-286-2262, or Peggy Carlson at 320-286-2346 for membership information.

Cokato Chamber of Commerce

The Cokato Chamber of Commerce meets the second Tuesday of the month (no meeting in August) at noon at Cokato City Hall. The Cokato Chamber is a voluntary association of business owners and representatives working to improve the economic and civic vitality of both their own business/organization, and the community at large. 2022 Officers – Johanna Ellison – President, Josh Limanen – Vice President, Jarod Sebring -Treasurer, Dan Robertson – Board Member, Darren Sombke – Board Member, Teresa Martinson – Executive Secretary. Questions or requests for information may be directed to Teresa Martinson at: tmartinson@cokato.mn.us.


Cokato Community Chest

The Cokato Community Chest was founded in 1954, to be a team of representatives for city organizations that conduct one citywide fundraiser per year on Columbus Day. Following fundraising efforts, the board of directors divides collected funds among the social agencies, both local, and state, that have requested funds. Because there is an organization such as the community chest, there is only one door-to-door campaign per year, in October.

The organizers meet at the Cokato City Hall in the spring and fall. Anyone interested in joining may contact Cokato City Hall for further information.


Cokato Cub Scouts

The purpose of the Cub Scouts is to provide educational and recreational activities for kindergarten through fifth-grade boys. There is a focus on citizenship, as well as learning skills that the boys will use throughout life.

The full pack meets monthly. This meeting includes a flag ceremony, a lesson, and, of course, a snack.

Each grade level is known as a den, and also meets monthly, at which time they learn things in their own group that are age-appropriate. Each year, the Scouts run a pinewood derby, build and fire rockets, and camp.

This is great preparation for Cub Scouts to be prepared for Boy Scouts, and is also a wonderful way to prepare them for the challenges of the world.

The Scouts also do community service projects, and are sponsored by the American Legion.

There is fall recruitment drive, and information is handed out at the elementary school.


Cokato-Dassel Lions Club

The Cokato-Dassel Lions are a service-driven organization serving both the Cokato and Dassel communities. Part of the largest civic organization in the world, the Lions’ motto is “We Serve.” There currently are 40 members, who meet two times a month. The first Monday of each month is a social meeting, which takes place at the Dassel History Center. The third Tuesday of each month is a business meeting.

Some of the Lions annual events include the Silent Santa program, DC High School Scholarship participation, the Spring Pork Chop Dinner, the pork chop stand at the Corn Carnival, and supporting citizens through random acts of kindness.

Current officers are: President Jacob Osness, Secretary Brian “Abe” Abrahamson, and Treasurer Mike Lhotka. For more information, contact any member, or visit the Facebook page, Cokato-Dassel Lions Club.

Cokato-Dassel Rotary Club

The Cokato-Dassel Rotary Club was organized in 1960, with 22 charter members. Currently, there are 28 members who believe in Rotary International’s motto, “Service above self,” and its four-way test of ethical standards.

The club meets every Thursday at noon for lunch and a program at Cokato City Hall.

As a service organization, the club participates in several youth endeavors, including the STRIVE high school mentor program, donating bike helmets for the first-grade spring bike rally, and sponsoring students to participate in various Rotary leadership programs.

For more information on Rotary, including how to become a member, visit the website at www.cokatodasselrotary.org, email cdrotaryclub@gmail.com; or find them on Facebook.

Cokato Finnish-American Historical Society

The Cokato Finnish-American Historical Society (CFAHS) was founded in 1896, to preserve historical buildings and artifacts located at Temperance Corner. The corner is located north of Cokato on Co. Rd. 3. The society’s mission is to educate the public, and to provide historical information.

CFAHS has more than 200 members, and meets quarterly at Temperance Hall. The annual meeting takes place in January, and a program and lunch follow the meeting.

The society has two festivals annually; the first is the Saturday before Memorial Day, and the second is in October. During these events, all buildings are open with historical displays, and lunch is served. There is also a bake sale and raffle, plus a historical program at noon. Midsummer is celebrated in June with a historical program and an evening dessert potluck, followed by a bonfire.

Pikkujoulu (Little Christmas) is celebrated the first Saturday in December with candle-lighting at the cemetery in late afternoon, followed by a potluck supper.

All events are open to the public. Memberships are $10 for individuals, and $15 for couples. Donations help the society with its preservation and educational efforts. The society offers scholarships to a Finnish language camp.

Anyone interested in joining, or with questions, may contact Harvey Barberg, president, at 320-286-5823, or email heidibharveyb@gmail.com.


Cokato Historical Society

The Cokato Historical Society board of trustees meets the third Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Centennial Room of the library/museum building (except where noted).

The historical society raises funds to support the operation of the award-winning Cokato Museum and Gust Akerlund Photography Studio, a National Register Historic site. They host regular programs and events, publish a quarterly newsletter, “In the Midst Of,” and provide research services for genealogists or persons interested in local history.

Questions about the historical society, museum, or Akerlund Studio, may be directed to the Cokato Museum at 320-286-2427, email: info@cokatomuseum.org; Youtube: Cokato Museum & Akerlund Studio., or visit the website: www.cokatomuseum.org; Facebook: Cokato Museum & Akerlund Photo Studio; and Twitter: @CokatoMuseum.


Darwin Community Club

The major function of the Darwin Community Club is the Darwin Museum and Souvenir Gift Shop. It is also a supporter of Twine Ball Day, which takes place the second Saturday in August, in Darwin.

The Darwin Community Club is always looking for new members interested in the welfare of the Darwin area to join its team. Anyone interested in joining may contact an officer: president, Chris Hansen; vice president, Pat Hansen; secretary, Carol Schumacher; or treasurer Jenny Smith.


Darwin Lions Club

The Darwin Lions Club has approximately 40 members. The club meets the first Monday of every month at the Darwin Rod and Gun Club. Throughout the year, the club supports International Lions Club projects, as well as local projects. The Darwin Twine Ball Celebration is the club’s major fundraiser. The club awards scholarships for Dassel-Cokato seniors and Litchfield seniors each year.

The club’s officers are Jay Mischke, president; Pat Raiber, secretary; and Ryan Severance, treasurer.

Anyone interested in joining or learning more about the organization can contact Josh Johnson at 320-275-3004.


Darwin Rod & Gun Club

The club, one mile east of Darwin on Highway 12, meets the second Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m.

The Darwin Rod and Gun Club is community-minded, with emphasis on hunting, fishing, and conservation. It hosts trap-shooting leagues in the summer, and provides a shooting range for members year-round. Several events take place for members and the public each year. Annual dues are $20, or $200 for a lifetime membership.

For membership information, contact Katie at Darwin Municipal Liquor, or call 320-693-2586.


Dassel Friends of the Library

Dassel Friends of the Library is a group of individuals whose goal is to support, enhance, and promote the many benefits of the library system.

New members are welcome. For more information, contact the Dassel Library at 320-275-3756.


Dassel Area Historical Society

Known as the cultural, arts, and historical center of the Dassel area, the Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum offers an array of events and exhibits throughout the year.

Located at 901 First St. N. in Dassel, the history center is home to the Dassel Area Historical Society (DAHS), an organization with a mission to bring the past, present, and future together in a way in which all generations can learn and enjoy.

The museum is housed in the Universal Laboratories building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 2006, it was named one of the 25 top preservation projects in the state of Minnesota by the Minnesota Preservation Alliance.

Its main exhibit, Ergot: From Blight to Blessing, showcases what the building was primarily used for – processing ergot. From the early 1940s to the mid-1970s, Universal Laboratories provided raw ergot from the grain fields of the western US and Canada to pharmaceutical companies.

Critical drugs were produced from the ergot, saving countless military and civilian lives.

A semi-permanent exhibit, (Seed Corn: from Maize to Amazing), highlights the important role played by the local seed corn operations in the development of seed varieties capable of growing corn in colder climates such as Minnesota. This exhibit explains the development of special hybrid seed varieties, a revolutionary process for producing corn seed, that Time magazine recognized as “the most spectacular and far-reaching agricultural development of this generation.”

The history center offers other permanent exhibits, including a Peterson Pharmacy exhibit, featuring donated historical pharmaceutical artifacts; and Magnus Johnson: from Swedish Immigrant Farmer to US Senator, showcasing the political career of the late Senator from the Kingston area.

In addition, the museum features an assortment of temporary exhibits throughout the year providing artifacts, photos, historical information, and art.

The Dassel Event Center is located on site, where special events take place throughout the year. It is also available for rent by the public.

A variety of unique gifts are available for purchase at the museum, including DAHS totes, jewelry, artwork, and prints done by local artists; and historical books by local authors.

The museum is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and by appointment. There is no admission fee.

For more information about the Dassel History Center, visit the website, www.dasselhistorycenter.org. Questions may be directed to 320-275-3077, or dahs@dassel.com. The mailing address for the Dassel History Center and Ergot Museum is PO Box D, Dassel, MN 55325.


Dassel-Cokato Arts Association

The Dassel-Cokato Arts Association’s mission is to nurture the arts by supporting artists and art events in the community.

The DCAA was organized in 2004, during the construction of the Dassel-Cokato Performing Arts Center (PAC), located at the DC High School. Most DCAA events take place in the 800-seat PAC, and past events have included many concerts performed by the Minnesota Orchestra, Tonic Sol-fa, Mark Schultz, Peter Yarrow (of the former Peter, Paul & Mary trio), Todd Oliver, and free concerts, such as a performance by the US Army Field Band’s Jazz Ambassadors.

Touring performances, including “Church Basement Ladies,” Children’s Theatre Company productions, Don Shelby as Mark Twain, and a professional national touring production of “A Christmas Carol” have also been presented at the PAC.

Some DCAA events take place in the smaller, more intimate space at the Dassel History Center, such as performances by comedians such as Louie Anderson and a one-woman show entitled “Singing for the Cows.”

The DCAA also sponsors the annual Red Rooster Fine Arts Show. Artists of all ages are encouraged to participate in this judged event.

The Dassel-Cokato Arts Association always welcomes new members.

As a non-profit organization, tax-deductible donations to the DCAA help to bring world-class entertainment to our community with affordable ticket prices. Members also have the opportunity to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

To become a member, or for more information, contact Executive Director Deborah Moen at 612-236-5137, visit pac.dc.k12.mn.us, or email DCArtsAssn@gmail.com.


Dassel-Cokato Girl Scouts

The Girl Scouts Lakes & Pines of MN/WI Troop 3068 meets twice a month. The members of Troop 3068 complete different projects, go to summer camp, and do service activities. Troop 3068 sells cookies once a year, in the spring. For more information, please contact Girl Scouts Lakes & Pines at 320-252-2952.

The Girl Scouts Lakes & Pines of MN/WI Troop 3059 typically meets twice a month on Sunday afternoons. The group also offers many more additional meetings for activities. The current meeting place is at The Dassel City Hall Community Room. The members of Troop 3059 are big on service projects and giving back to the community, working on patch work, and exploring new opportunities to broaden their knowledge about the world around them. They have the opportunity to attend summer camps and council led events throughout the year. Troop 3059 sells chocolates and nuts in the fall, and cookies right after the turn of the new year.


Dassel-Cokato Kinship Caregivers Support Group

This group brings together grandparents and other relatives who are raising their grandchildren, nieces, or nephews. It is a time to discuss struggles and celebrations in a safe, supportive environment.

Discussion is based on current concerns of participants, and may include topics such as managing children’s behavior, addressing issues with adult children, frustration with having to alter life plans, and unexpected joys discovered through the journey.

Kinship Caregivers meets monthly (September-May) at Dassel-Cokato Early Childhood Center, and is facilitated by a licensed social worker. Call 320-286-4120 to learn more about this opportunity.


Dassel Lamplighters 4-H Club

The Dassel Lamplighters 4-H Club typically meets the first or second Sunday of each month at the Dassel Covenant Church (lower level) at 5 p.m., unless otherwise scheduled. They are a group of service-minded youth, ranging from Cloverbuds to seniors in high school. Some of their greatest project interests include beef, creative arts, horses, photography, poultry, and woodworking. They pride themselves on the services they provide for the community. They have worked with the residents of Dassel Lakeview Ranch, and Dassel Lakeside Assisted Living apartments, help support the annual holiday event in Dassel, as well as cleaning the ditches for the Adopt-a-Highway program. New members are welcome to join at any time. For more information, call the Meeker County Extension Office at 320-693-5275.


Dassel-Cokato Early Childhood

Dassel-Cokato Early Childhood is a program of Dassel-Cokato Community Education, specifically designed for families with children ages birth to 5 (not yet in kindergarten).

Dassel Cokato Early Childhood is responsible for Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) classes and special events, School Readiness Play and Learn Preschool, and Early Childhood Screening.

Play and Learn Preschool is proud to be a 4-Star Parent Award-rated program. Classes for 4-year-olds and 5-year-olds take place at the Early Childhood Center, Dassel Elementary, and Cokato Elementary. The Early Childhood Center also hosts preschool classes for 3-year-olds, and

ECFE classes for families with children ages birth to 5, not yet in kindergarten, and their parents.

The Early Childhood Center, located on the northwest corner of the Dassel-Cokato High School/Middle School campus, is home to a beautiful, fenced playground. Families with young children are welcome to enjoy the playground anytime.

For more information, visit www.isd466.org/domain/44.


Dassel Community Chest

The Dassel Community Chest was founded in 1959, to collect funds and distribute them to local and regional charities. The annual community chest drive is in October each year. There are 12 board members in the organization, which meets in October and January, at the Dassel History Center.

Anyone interested in becoming a board member, or with questions may call 320-275-9205.


Dassel Cub Scouts Pack 253

The aim of Cub Scouting is to help boys grow into good citizens, who are strong in character and personally fit. Cub Scouting is “fun with a purpose.” Every Cub Scout is a member of a Cub Scout pack, divided into smaller groups, called dens. Each den has appoximately six to eight boys.

All of the Cub Scouts in a den are about the same age. Much of the fun happens right in the den and pack.

The den usually meets one to two times a month, and the pack meets once a month. At den meetings and pack meetings, Cub Scouts do different things for fun and learning. While having fun, Scouts also earn badges and awards. Cub Scouts also participate in summer day camp and resident camp.

Scouts is for boys in kindergarten through fifth grade, or 5 to 11 years old. Dassel Cub Scouts meet at Dassel City Hall.


Dassel American Legion Post 364

The Dassel American Legion Paul F. Dille Post 364 was originally formed in 1920, and was named in honor of Paul F. Dille, a local man who became the first war-time fatality from Dassel. He was killed at the battle of Bellequ Woods in World War I.

Throughout the 100 years since, the post has dedicated itself to helping veterans of all of the subsequent wars, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Our dedication to the needs of veterans includes help in transportation to veteran hospitals, and volunteer work in the local community.

Local involvement includes assisting with an Honor Guard during the funeral services of deceased members of the Armed Services, conducting old flag disposal, and hosting Memorial Day and Veterans Day programs. The Legion Post is also actively involved with sponsoring local high school students to both Boys State and Girls State, providing scholarships and assistance with Beyond the Yellow Ribbon, an organization that helps veterans within Meeker County who are returning from overseas deployment. In conjunction with the Meeker County Service Office, these veterans are given financial assistance for needs such as housing and utilities, or help in finding jobs. Legion members also collect food for the Dassel Food Shelf.

Dassel Post 364 meets at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Dassel Historical Center. All veterans who have served in the US Armed Forces during war times are encouraged to join.

For further information about becoming a member, contact Carl Wilkins, commander, at 320-241-8469 or carl_wilkins@hotmail.com; or Dennis Compton, membership officer at 320-275-3760.


Dassel Rod & Gun Club

The Dassel Rod and Gun Clubhouse is located at Sportsmen’s Park on the north side of Lake Washington, 1.5 miles west of Dassel. Monthly meetings take place the second Thursday of each month at 5p.m. Membership is $25 a year.

Main fundraisers include the walleye opener breakfast, spring fish fry, and clubhouse rentals. Sportsmen’s Park and many conservation groups are supported with the proceeds raised.

Facility rental, boat landing, and archery range are available.

For rental information, or for those interested in becoming members, call 320-275-2253; email dasselrodgunclub@gmail.com, or visit the Facebook page.


Dassel Senior Citizens

The Dassel Senior Citizens group meets every Wednesday at the Dassel History Center. Coffee and treats are served from 1 to 4 p.m. The seniors enjoy visiting and playing games such as Rummikub, SkipBo, and dominos.

Dassel Senior Citizens welcome new members and visitors.


Discover Dassel & Farmers Market

Dassel’s Farmers Market, which was founded in 2011, is located in Bandstand Park in downtown Dassel. The market offers fresh fruits, vegetables, and other local fare Friday afternoons from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. during the summer months.

Discover Dassel sponsors many events during the year, including an art show, and an old-fashioned holiday celebration, with caroling, snacks, and visits with Santa each December.

FOCAL

FOCAL (Friends of the Cokato Area Library) is made up of community members who wish to support their local library with a membership donation of $5, by volunteering as much or as little as possible on various projects, and by being an advocate of the library. A membership form may be obtained by visiting or calling the library. Contact the library at 320-286-5760 for more information.

FungusAmongus Players of Dassel-Cokato

The FungusAmongus Players of Dassel-Cokato is an active community theater group that provides access to a broad range of high quality, affordable theatrical experiences that move and entertain audiences, and inspire community participation in all aspects of production.

A typical FungusAmongus season includes productions in the autumn, a holiday show, a spring show, and a summer musical or Shakespeare in the Park experience. Most productions take place at the Dassel History Center.

FungusAmongus is always delighted to have new people and old friends audition for shows, or get involved with set work, costuming, or lighting. There is something fun to do for everyone.

For more information about auditions or purchasing tickets, visit www.fungusamongusplayers.org; email support@fungusamongusplayers.org; visit the Facebook page, or contact any member of the board of directors.


Kingston Legion Post 483

The Johnson Kelly American Legion Post 483 in Kingston was founded in 1961, with George Saukkola as commander.

The annual Memorial Day program takes place at Kingston Veterans Memorial Park, located at the intersection of CSAH 27 and 19. The program starts at 10 a.m.

Both the Legion and Auxiliary meet the last Tuesday of every month at the Kingston Community Center, near the ball field in Kingston. The Kingston Legion is accepting new members.

Those interested, or those inquiring about the Legion, may call 320 420-7025. Those interested in the Auxiliary, may call 612-723-7237.

Kingston Lions Club

The Kingston Lions meet the third Thursday of the month, at 7 p.m., at the Kingston Community Center. It is a service group of men and women who love to volunteer and help people in the community, as well as nationally, and internationally. Those with questions or wanting more information may call 320-236-2682.


Knapp Busy Bees 4-H Club

The Knapp Busy Bees 4-H Club meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the Centennial Room of the Cokato Public Library. The club welcomes new members, and participates in fun activities through the University of Minnesota Extension.

There are currently approximately 15 members, and the club is always looking for more to join in the fun. Those interested may call Ann Steinhaus, at 612-597-2161.


Meeker County Horticultural Society

The Meeker County Horticultural Society began in 1989, with 20 members from Dassel, Cokato, Eden Valley, Litchfield, Paynesville, and Watkins.

The club’s objective is to help members learn more about gardening and the outdoors. There are currently 23 members, who meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Meeker County Family Services building in Litchfield. (The society does not meet in January, February, July, or August.)

The meetings include informational speakers, who share their expertise on trees, shrubs, landscaping, garden design, and attracting birds and butterflies. The group also participates in garden tours throughout the area.

Annual events include the May plant sale; June member picnic and plant swap; and a December party. Proceeds from events go to scholarships, trips, and other activities

The Meeker County Horticultural Society is looking for new members. The membership fee of $8 includes a monthly newsletter with gardening information, and the monthly meetings.

Those interested in joining may call 320-587-3581, or send mail to 69427 CSAH 18, Dassel, MN 55325.

Red Cross Bloodmobile, Cokato

The Red Cross Bloodmobile was founded in 1948, for the purpose of organizing blood drives for Cokato and the surrounding area. The organization meets at the First Baptist Church of Cokato and has three blood drives each year, on the third or fourth Monday of February, June, and October. The American Red Cross encourages donors to make appointments online at redcrossblood.org.


Red Cross Bloodmobile, Dassel

The Red Cross Bloodmobile for Dassel has drives three times a year – April, August, and December. The blood drive takes place at Dassel Covenant Church. Date and times are announced. The American Red Cross encourages donors to make appointments online at redcrossblood.org.


Sew Friendly Quilt Guild

The Sew Friendly Quilt Guild was founded in 1997, for the purpose of teaching and encouraging people to sew and quilt. There are roughly 55 members in the organization, which meets the second Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Covenant Church in Dassel.

One of the guild’s special projects is making a quilt as a group for the bi-annual quilt show. The quilt show typically takes place every other year in Dassel, during Red Rooster Days in early September. Many quilts are on display, as well as small, hand-made quilted items.

Anyone interested in joining or anyone who has more questions, may contact Deb Dahlberg, 952-484-8399; Amy Wilde, 320-295-1873; or Linda Butzin, 320-583-1437.

Therapy Dogs International

Therapy Dogs International (TDI) is a volunteer group organized to provide qualified handlers and their therapy dogs for visitations to institutions, facilities, and other places where there is a need.

The non-profit organization was founded in 1976, and is headquartered in Flanders, NJ. TDI Chapter 252 includes Meeker, McLeod, Kandiyohi, and Wright Counties, and is based in Hutchinson. Currently, there are 11 active members in the area including members from Dassel, Cokato, Lester Prairie, Hutchinson, Litchfield, Willmar, Howard Lake, and Stewart. Contacts are: Robin Bucholz at 612-655-6053 or robinbucholz@yahoo.com; and Char Gatz at 612-203-7829 or ezobedience@gmail.com.