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 Cokato Elementary, 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 fi rst
Sunday of each month at the Dassel Covenant Church
(lower level) at 6:30 p.m., unless otherwise scheduled.
Special meetings take place at Dassel Lakeside Apartments
in June, to assist with planting fl owers, and in December for
a holiday activity. Club members are encouraged to be
involved in county-wide activities, and community service
projects. Club members meet annually to clean their section
of Adopt-A-Highway. The Dassel Lamplighters currently has
38 members, ranging in age from 5 to 18. New members are
welcome to join at any time. For more information, call the
Meeker County Extension Offi ce at 320-693-5275.
Dassel-Cokato Early Childhood
Dassel-Cokato Early Childhood is a program of Dassel-
Cokato Community Education, specifi cally 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
Aware-rated program. Classes for 4-year-olds take place
at Dassel Elementary and Cokato Elementary. The Early
Childhood Center hosts preschool classes for 3-year-olds,
and ECFE classes for families with children ages birth to 5, not
yet in kindergarten .
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 ecfe.dc.k12.mn.us.
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 J anuary 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 fi t. This is
why we say that 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 about 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 fi fth 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 fi rst war-time fatality
from Dassel. He was killed at the battle of Bellequ Woods in
World War I.
Throughout the 99 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.
Our local involvement includes assisting with an Honor
Guard during the funeral services of deceased members of
the Armed Services, and conducting old fl ag disposal. 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 Offi ce, these veterans are
given fi nancial assistance for needs such as housing and
utilities, or help in fi nding jobs. Legion members also collect
food for the Dassel Food Shelf.
The 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 specifi ed war
times are encouraged to join.
For further information about becoming a member,
contact Carl Wilkins, commander, at 320-241-8469 or carl_
[email protected]; or Dennis Compton, membership
offi cer at 320-275-3760.
Dassel Rod and Gun Club
The Dassel Rod and Gun Club House 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 6:30 p.m. Main fundraisers include
the walleye opener breakfast, spring fi sh fry, and club house
rentals. Sportsmen’s Park and many conservation groups are
supported with the proceeds raised.
The offi cers are Chris Hansen, vice president; Lyle Walker,
treasurer; and JoAnn Gayner, secretary. Board members
include Bill Bull, Tom Gayner, Dan Faust, John Bengtson, John
Sandstede, Rick Johnson, and Dean Winter. Tom and JoAnn
Gayner are the rental chairs.
Facility rental, boat landing, and archery range are
available. For rental information, call 320-275-2253.
Membership is $25 a year. Those interested in becoming
members may contact Chris Hansen at 320-275-4016; or for
rentals, Tom and JoAnn Gayner at 320-275-2253.
Dassel Senior Citizens
The Dassel Senior Citizens 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 and 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.
320.286.2118
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