Dassel-Cokato Community Guide 2019

The club’s ofﬁ cers are Craig Dullinger, president; Jay Mischke, vice president; Pat Raiber, secretary; and Ryan Severance, treasurer. Anyone Any one interest interested d in joining join ing or learning more about the th organization org anization can contact Josh Johnson at 320-275-3004. 320-275-3004 Darwin Rod and Gun Club The club c lub, , one mile east of Darwin on Highway 12, meets meet the second Wednesday of the month at 8 p.m. The Darwin Rod and Gun Club is community-minded, community -minded, with emphasis on hunting, ﬁ shing, 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. 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 beneﬁ ts of the library system. New members are welcome For more information, contact the Dassel Library at 320-275-3756. Dassel assel Area Historical Histo rical 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 ﬁ elds of the western US and Canada to pharmaceutical companies. Critical drugs were produced from the ergot, saving countless military and civilian lives. Another exhibit, Seed Corn: From Maize to Amazing, highlights Dassel’s rich seed corn story and how it became known as the Seed Capital of the World. 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 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, and historical information. 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 [email protected]. 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 it 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 during the Memorial Day weekend. Artists of all ages are encouraged to participate in this judged event. The Dassel-Cokato Arts Association always welcomes new members. As a non-proﬁ t organization, tax-deductible donations to the DCAA help to bring world-class entertainment to our community with extremely 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 http:// pac.dc.k12.mn.us, or email [email protected]. Dassel-Cokato Girl Scouts �� 30 | �� DASSEL-COKATO VISITORS GUIDE 2019-20 The Girl Scouts Lakes & Pines of MN/Wisc, Troop 3068, meet twice a month, usually the ﬁ rst and third Thursday of the month. The current meeting place is at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel. 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. 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.

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