Local Organizations
Boy Scouts of America
Boy Scouts of America is a youth outdoor organization for boys 12-18. There are currently about 20 members and it meets at St. John’s Education Center on the second and fourth Mondays of the month.
Special projects and events include camping, community Service, and volunteering program. James Hallquist is the committee chair. If anyone is interested in joining or has more questions, call scout master and Tim Steuck at (320) 275-3287.
Cokato Area Chamber of Commerce
The Cokato Chamber meets the first Tuesday of every month at noon at Cokato City Hall. The Cokato Area Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary association of business people working to improve the economic and civic vitality of the community.
The officers are: Dan Stonelake, president; Dorene Erickson, vice president; Scott Dietman, treasurer; and Jenny Terning, secretary. Questions may be directed to Cokato City Hall at (320) 286-5505.
Cokato Community Chest
The Cokato Community Chest was founded in 1954 to be a team of representatives of city organizations that conducts one city-wide fundraiser per year. The board of directors then divides the funds among the social agencies, local, state and national, who 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. Officers include Butch Paulson, president; John Bergmann, vice president; Margaret Salo, Secretary; and Susie Keskey, treasurer. If anyone is interested in joining they are to contact any of the officers listed.
Cokato Cub Scouts
The purpose is to provide educational and recreational activities for first and fifth grade boys. There are about 40 members in the Cokato organization. The Cub Scouts usually meets twice a month. The pack meeting is for all the boys, and the second meeting is a den meeting, which is just for the individual grade. Each Den has age-appropriate activities for the Scouts. The Scouts also do community education service activities. There is fall recruitment and information that is handed out at the elementary school. Contact Sara Keskey for further information at 286-5001.
Cokato Economic Development Association
The Cokato Economic Development Association is charged with the responsibilities to encourage, retain, attract, and promote business expansion and employment opportunities via redevlopment through state/federal program benefiting the city.
Appointed by the city council, this advisory board consists of seven members that includes two council representative. The other commissioner terms will be one, two, three, four and five years. Thereafter, all EDA commissioners except council members shall be terms of six years. Meetings are held on the third Monday of each month. Commissioners include Dean Perry, Kurt Dahlin, Chuck Miller, Steve Dietman, Jason Ryan, along with council members Butch Amundsen
Cokato-Dassel Lions Club
The Cokato Lions Club serves both Dassel and Cokato since about half of its members are from Dassel. It is a service driven organization To join call Mike Lhotka at (320) 286-5378 or Dave Pitchford at (320) 275-4035.
Cokato-Dassel Rotary
The Rotary meets Thursdays at noon. There are approximately 30 members, with special projects that include an annual fall rose sale, golf scramble, lutefisk dinner, root beer stand and Rural Urban Day.
Rotary is a worldwide organization of business representatives providing humanitarian service, encouraging high ethical standards in business and building goodwill and peace in the world.
Dori Erickson is president; Rob Swendra, president-elect; Geoff, secretary; and Laurie Nelson, treasurer.
To become a member or to have any additional questions may be directed to Kelly Babekuhl at (320) 275-2225.
Cokato Finnish-American Historical Society
The Cokato Finnish-American Historical Society was founded in 1896. The purpose of the organization is to preserve historical buildings and artifacts located at Temperance Corner, (north of Cokato on Highway 3), to educate the public and to provide historical information.
There are about 90 members in the organization. The organization meets quarterly at the Temperance Hall, except for the January annual meeting held in the Centennial Room at the Cokato Library. The business meeting is followed by lunch and the Finnish tradition of melting tins.
The society holds two festivals annually. The first being the Saturday before Memorial Day and the second Saturday in October. During these times, all buildings will be 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 at the site with an evening desert potluck followed by a bonfire.
Pikkujoulu (Little Christmas) is celebrated the second Saturday in December. A candle lighting at the cemetery takes place in late afternoon followed by a potluck supper.
The public is invited to attend all events. Memberships are $8 for individuals and $15 for couples and donations help the society with their preservation and educational efforts. The society offers free Finnish language classes for young and old. It also offers scholarships to a Finnish language camp in the summer.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, they can call Harvey Barberg, president at (320) 286-5823 or e-mail him at harveyheidib@yahoo.com.
Cokato Fire Department
The Cokato Fire Department meets the second and fourth Thursday of the month.
Officers are Mike Holmquist, chief; Ken Bakke, assistant chief; Jeff Carlson, captain, Jeff Amundsen, first lieutenant; Kurt Dahlin, second lieutenant, Kelvin Nelson, secretary-treasurer; and Skip Asfeld, safety officer.
An ad is placed in the local paper when new members need to be recruited.
Questions about the department may be directed to any Cokato firefighter.
Cokato Historical Society
The Cokato Historical Society Board of Trustees meets the third Thursday of each Month at 7 p.m. (except December and February) in the Centennial Room of the library/museum building.
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 quarterly 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, Akerlund Studio may be directed to the Cokato Museum, (320) 286-2427, or visit the web site: www.cokato.mn.us/cmhs/.
Cokato Senior Citizens Club
The Cokato Senior Citizens meet Mondays at 1 p.m., except when potlucks are schedule at 12 p.m., in the Centennial Room of the Cokato Library-Museum building. During the winter months, the club will meet at 440 2nd Ave. NW Apt. 1 for easier access. Call the city hall for location changes (320) 286-5505.
The senior citizens is a social group. It makes birthday and anniversaries a special event by having a potluck on the second Monday of every other month. Sometimes members go out to dinner or have a dinner catered in. Other activities include a “show and tell” where members can share memories. The group has been in existence since May 14, 1973.
Officers are Mildred Wolff, president; Ruth Abrahamson, vice president; Lucille Larson, secretary; and Ainie Busse, treasurer.
Membership may be gained by word of mouth from friends, by attending meetings and paying the dues.
Darwin Community Club
The Darwin Community Club is always looking for new members interested in the welfare of the Darwin community to join its team. The organization donates to different local projects and is the major organizer of Darwin’s Twine Ball Day the second Saturday in August. The officers are, Al Stone, president; Pat Hansen, vice president; Karen Huhn, secretary; Roger Werner, museum director. If anyone is interested in joining contact Al Stone at (320) 221-4035.
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. Darwin Twine Ball Day is the club’s major fundraiser. The club awards scholarships for Dassel-Cokato seniors and Litchfield seniors each year. The clubs officers are Rick Molenaar, president; Josh Johnson, vice president; Jay Mischke, secretary; John Fink, treasurer. If anyone is interested in joining or learning more about the organization contact Rick Molenaar at (320) 275-9968.
Darwin Rod and Gun Club
The club, one mile east of Darwin on Hwy. 12, meets the second Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m.
The 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 are held for members and the public each year.
Officers are: Brett Abelson, president; Merl Cropp, treasurer; and Dave Franzen, secretary.
Annual dues are $15 or $200 for a lifetime membership. Questions may be directed to Vern Porth at (320) 693-8722.
Dassel Area Chamber of Commerce
The Dassel Chamber meets the second Tuesday every other month.
The Dassel Area Chamber of Commerce promotes and serves a growing community of retail service, manufacturing and professional businesses in the Dassel area.
Officers are Kristi Rorah, president; Dori Erickson, vice president; and Kelly Babekuhl, secretary/treasurer. Questions may be directed to (320) 275-2454 or checkout the web site at www.dassel.com.
Dassel Area Historical Society
The museum in the Universal Lab Building (ULB) at 901 N. First Street, Dassel, is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
It serves as an area historical society with monthly meetings the fourth Tuesday of the month at 9a.m. Programs are scheduled throughout the year.
The ULB is also available for business and organizational meetings, as well as private rental.
Officers are: Deanna Martens, president; Jerry Bollman, chairman of the board; Julie Lindquist, museum director; and Kristi Rorah and Amy Wilde as assistants.
Questions may be directed to (320) 275-3077.
Dassel-Cokato Arts Association
The Arts Association nurtures the arts by supporting arts events in the Dassel-Cokato communities. It has no regularly scheduled meeting times.
Board members are: Carolyn Hojie, chair; Colleen Compton, executive director; Ann Benda, Andy Rosenquist, Sue Rootes, Chris Hansen, Marc Keith, and Lee Peterson.
The Dassel Cokato Arts Association is also welcoming new members. The association was originally organized in 2004, to help support and sponsor non school-sponsored arts in the community.
Past events included musical acts Lorie Line, Mark Schultz, and the Minnesota Orchestra along with plays and musicals such as “Songs From the Tall Grass.”
With a tax-deductible membership, members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public, as well as help make the events possible. To become a member or for more information call (320) 286-4120 or visit www.dc.k12.mn.us/artscenter.
Dassel- Cokato Girl Scouts
The purpose of the Dassel-Cokato Girl Scouts is to provide an environment for girls to learn and explore. There are about 75 members. The girls sell products twice a year, once in September and again in January. They also attend day camp in the summer. There are various troop, service unit, area, and council events through out the year and open to girls. Officers are Catherine Baumann, service manager; Amy Kaiser, service unit secretary, and Kerry Rossow, service unit treasurer. If anyone is interested in joining or has more questions, they can contact Catherine Baumann at (320) 286-2199 or Amy Kaiser at (320) 275-2388.
Dassel Fire Department
The Dassel Fire Department officers meet the first Monday of the month; regular membership meets the second Monday, and the fourth and fifth Mondays are training meetings. All start at 7 p.m.
The Fire-Rescue Department responds to various types of calls throughout the year.
Officers include Dale Grochow, chief; Dave Johnson, assistant chief; Jon Trotter, captain; Kurt Mortenson, assistant captain; Kevin Carlen, lieutenant; Dennis Johnson, training officer; and Brian Gillman, safety officer.
To become a member one has to fill out an application and a hiring process follows. For question, call the fire station at (320) 275-3260.
Dassel Lamplighters 4-H Club
Meetings are the first Sunday or Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m., at Dassel Covenant Church (lower level).
The Lamplighters Club has 27 members ranging from age 6-18. Members are involved in the community by helping Lakeview Ranch staff with adopt-a-highway two times a year. In addition, they provide child care during the fall parent-teacher conferences at Dassel Elementary School.
The purpose of 4-H is to help youth and adults reach their fullest potential through life skills education and volunteer effort. Four-Hers learn to make decisions and assume responsibility for their projects. In addition, parents and volunteer leaders are an important part of the 4-H program. The highlight of the 4-Her’s year is the Meeker County Fair. Those who win high honors with their projects at the county level then go onto the Minnesota State Fair.
Officers are: Isaac Salfer, president; Lucas Salfer, vice president; Carmen Dischinger, secretary; Brooke Woetzel, treasurer; and Lizzy Cron, reporter. Contact person: Marcia Dischinger at (320) 275-2017 or Catherine Baumann at (320) 286-2199.
Dassel-Cokato MEADA
Dassel-Cokato MEADA (Methamphetamine Education and Drug Awareness) is part of the Wright County MEADA Coalition. It was formed and sponsored by the Cokato Police Commission. The purpose of the organization is to educate and provide information to the public about the dangers of drug use.
Drug literature and videos are available in the local libraries. DC MEADA sponsors events and classes at schools, gives presentations to groups upon request, puts up and hosts displays during community events.
Monthly meetings are held with the Wright County MEADA. General meetings for the local group are held several times a year.
For more information or to request a newsletter, contact Susie Keskey via e-mail at skeskey@hotmail.com. Other questions and requests can be directed to the Cokato City Hall at (320) 286-5505.
Dassel-Cokato PTA
The Dassel-Cokato Parent Teacher Association was founded in 2006. It’s mission is to foster communication between schools and families, as well as supporting children in their work of learning. The DC PTA hopes to create a collaborative effort with the schools, community and parents/guardians, to ensure a quality, well-rounded education for children in the DC area.
There are about 100 members in the organization. It meets the first Thursday of every month in the DC High School Media Center from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Officers in the organization are, Kathy Grochow; chair, Melissa Weckwerth; vice chair, Kathy Camp; secretary, Amy Brustuen; finance, Tonia Olsen; membership, Jane Ryan; communications, Tina Schenk and Jenny Lee; co-chairs for fund development.
If anyone is interested in joining or has more questions, e-mail chargerpta@yahoo.com or write to Dassel-Cokato PTA, PO Box 632 Dassel, MN 55325.
Dassel-Cokato Ski Club
The Dassel-Cokato Ski Club was founded in 1994 for the purpose of providing an asset-building experience for area kids and families.
There are about 130 members in the organization and they at 2:45 p.m. for seven Mondays in January through March at the DC Performing complex before being bused to Powder Ridge in Kimball and returning to the PAC at 9 p.m.
Special skiing events include down-hill skiing, snow boarding, an annual cookout at Powder Ridge, fourth grade introduction night, a Bring-A-Friend Night, two club sponsored DC STARS night, and an annual ski trip to various distant locations. The club also puts on an annual ski swap with ski equipment available through donations from the National Ski Patrol in Brighton, Michigan. Officers include Steve Benda, Chuck Keskey, and Steve Ryynanen.
If anyone is interested in joining or wants more questions, please call Steve Benda at (320) 286-6406 or Leslie Arnold at DC Community Education at (320) 286-4120.
Dassel-Cokato Youth Hockey Program
The Dassel-Cokato Youth Hockey Program was founded for the purpose of providing local area youth, grades K through 6, an opportunity to learn to skate and to learn the basics of ice hockey. Scheduling and coordination is through the DC Community Education Offices.
Membership includes youth in grades K through 6. In 2008 we had 130 skaters in the program, with similar numbers in previous years. Youth are split up by grade an ability. The program generally runs from late December or early January through the end of February.
This is an outdoor ice program with cooperation from the City of Cokato for set aside ice at the Cokato Ice Rink on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings. Coaching is provided by local volunteers and coordinated by the Youth Hockey Program. Each year includes a year end pizza party with indoor ice at a nearby arena. Jerseys are provided by the program and youth are required to provide their own skates, helmets and sticks. Equipment may be available for those in need.
If anyone is interested in joining or wants additional information, please call Mark Raisanen at (320) 286-6565, Larry Tormanen at 275-2170 or Leslie Arnold at DC Community Education at (320) 286-4120.
Dassel Community Chest
The Dassel Community Chest was founded in 1959 to collect funds and distribute them to many charities. The annual community chest drive in September. There are about 15 board members in the organization which meets in October and January at the Dassel Area Historical Society building. Officers include Sharon Asplin, president; Willa Mae Alberts, secretary and treasurer. If anyone is interested in joining or has any questions they can call Willa Mae Alberts at 850 Willis St. Dassel, 55325.
Dassel Rod and Gun Club
The club house is located at Sportsmen’s Park on the north side of Lake Washington, 1.5 miles west of Dassel. Monthly meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Main fundraisers include the walleye opener breakfast, spring and fall fish fries, club house rentals, and the 357 Club. Sportsmen’s Park and many conservation groups are supported with the proceeds raised.
Board members include: Dean Winter, president; Chris Hansen, vice president; Dennis Isaacson, secretary; Daryl Moritko, treasurer; Scott Drew, Dale Lund, Tom Gayner, and Mike Colberg, board members. Call Dean Winter at (320) 275-2299 or Chris Hansen at (320) 275-3307 with any questions.
Dassel Saddle Club
The Dassel Saddle Club has 70 individual and family members. It helps support the 4-H horse knowledge programs and is a family oriented group that does a variety of horse related activities and clinics. The club also sponsors two WSCA shows a year, one game show in August and a pleasure show in July. The club also has a show in May. In addition to the shows, the club has trail rides and participates in local parades. They also sponsor different clinics through out the year that are open to club members and 4-H’ers.
Meetings are the second Tuesday of each month at Hojies in Dassel at 6:30 p.m. Officers are Cindy Few, president; Charity Johnson, vice president; Audrey Kortz, treasurer; and Catherine Baumann, secretary. If anyone is interested in joining or has more questions, they can contact Cindy Few at (320) 693-2993 or Catherine Baumann at (320) 286-2199.
Dassel Senior Citizens
The Dassel Senior Citizens club meets every Wednesday at the center on 215 Atlantic Ave. West in Dassel. Coffee and treats are served from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The seniors enjoy to visiting and playing games such as Rummikub, SkipBo and dominos. Some of the men enjoy a game of pool in the lower level.
Dassel Senior Citizens welcomes new members and visitors. Officers includes Duane Benoit, president; Joan Benson, treasurer; Marva Nolan, secretary; and Steve Nolan, board members.
FOCAL
Friends of the Cokato Area Library meet the third Monday of the month, 7 p.m., in the library, 175 4th St. SW, Cokato.
FOCAL is made up of community members who wish to support their local library with a membership donation, by volunteering to work at various projects and by speaking out in favor of the library.
A membership form may be obtained by visiting or calling the library at (320) 286-5760.
Horticultural Society
The Meeker County chapter 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 48 members, and they meet the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Litchfield Family Services building.
The meeting includes informational speakers who share their expertise on trees, shrubs, landscaping, garden designs, and attracting birds and butterflies.
The Meeker County Horticulture Society is always looking for members. The membership fee includes a monthly newsletter with gardening information and the monthly meetings. Those interested in joining may contact Hallquist at (320) 275-2375.
Knapp Busy Bees
The Knapp Busy Bees meet once a month. The club welcomes new members, and participates in fun activities such as learning folk dancing lessons.
Those interested in joining may call Tom Lucken at (320) 286-5005.
Kingston Legion
The Johnson Kelly Post 483 in Kingston was founded in 1961 with George Saukkola as commander. Saukkola along with Dick Orn and Ted Root are three original members still active in the Kingston Legion today.
The current Kingston Legion officers are Gary Mansicka as commander, Darrell Hedlund as treasurer, Paul Keranen as adjunct general and secretary, and Luke Lekander as chaplain.
Both groups meet the last Tuesday of every month at the Kingston Community Center near the ball field in Kingston. The Kingston Legion is always accepting new members. For those interested or inquiring about the Legion contact any of its members.
Kingston Lions Club
The Kingston Lions meet the third Thursday of the month, 7:30 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.
Officers are: John Juusola, president; David Hendrickson, vice president: Joann Strand, secretary; and Sandra Anderson, treasurer. Questions may be directed to Joann Strand at (320) 236-2632.
Minnesota Disaster Relief
The Minnesota Disaster Relief is a faith-based non-profit organization developed for the purpose of sending volunteers to areas affected by natural disasters. The organization began in Dec. 2005 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Volunteers assist in many forms of clean-up and rebuilding projects. “In natural disasters, there is work for everyone. The biggest thing we need is a willing heart and a desire to serve,” said Al Nagel, director.
There is now a donation drop-off site located at 395 Broadway Ave. S., Cokato. The Board of Directors includes Al Nagel, director; Jerry Terning, president; Jim Kirkpatrick, vice president; Gary Plowman, treasurer; Jill Plowman, secretary; and Ned Wilson, board member.
To sign-up to be on a notification list for upcoming trips visit www.mndisasterrelief.org. For more information contact Nagel at (320) 296-1521.
Red Cross Bloodmobile
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 fourth Monday of February, June, and October. Officers include Gladys Peterson, Margaret Salo, and Ruth Schmieg. If anyone is interested in joining or has more questions, they can call Gladys Peterson at (320) 286-5948, Margaret Salo at (320) 286-5827, or Ruth Schmieg at (320) 286-2489.
Sew Friendly Quilt Guild
The Sew Friendly Quilt Guild was founded in 1997 for the purpose to teach and encourage people to sew and quilt. There are about 30-plus members in the organization and meets the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Cokato.
One of the special projects includes making one quilt each year as a group for the annual quilt show. The quilt shows are once a year in Dassel during Labor Day (Red Rooster Days) and in August at the Cokato Corn Carnival. The quilt guild also donates quilts to local residents in need.
Officers in the organization are Lenore Brown, chairman; Barb Erickson, co-chair; Sandy Tracy, secretary; and Gayle Carlson, treasurer.
If anyone is interested in joining, or has more questions, they can call Lenore Brown at (320) 286-2259.
Viewfinders Camera Club
The Viewfinders Camera Club was founded in 1983 to promote improvement of photography skills by learning from others. Open to any method of photography, point and shoot, 35 millimeter and digital.
There are about 25 members in the organization which meets on the first Thursday of the month from September through May.
During the months of December and May the club has a photo contest. In November, the club hosts a community photo contest to non members. Other projects include the fall shoot out, monthly traveling trophy subjects, guest speakers and field trips.
Officers include Faye Kroeger, president; Bob Wilde, vice president; and Heidi Barberg, secretary/treasurer. Yearly elections are held in May. If anyone is interested in joining or has any more questions, contact Bob Wilde at (320) 275-2953 or Heidi Barberg at (320) 286-5823.
West Central Christian Seniors
The West Central Christian Seniors was founded in 2003 to provide a forum for senior citizens to fellowship, eat a meal, and hear an interesting program and devotional speaker. There are approximately 200-250 registered participants who month for the monthly catered luncheon at First Baptist Church of Cokato’s fellowship hall from 11:30 to 1:30 on the third Tuesday.
Planning committee members are Lucy Haglin, Ainie Busse, Gladys Andersen, Joan Benson, Viola Larson, Eleanor Partridge, Estelle Rokala, and Orville and Laverne Peterson. Call Ainie Busse if there are any questions at (320) 286-5445.
Willard Hempel Golf Program
The Willard Hempel Golf Program was founded in 2000 for the purpose of teaching and promoting golf skills and etiquette. There are about 80 participants in the program which meets once a week at the Cokato Golf Course during the summer months.
Participants receive quality instruction on swinging, putting and chipping. They also can have the opportunity to play various holes on the course for specialized training. Funding through the Willard Hempel endowment helps support this golf program annually. Hempel’s vision was to teach youth the fine art and etiquette of high level golf. To register or get more information on the program, call Dassel-Cokato Community Education at 286-4120.
