Area
ORGANIZATIONS
Boy Scouts of America Troop 253
It is the mission of the Boy Scouts of America to serve oth-
ers by helping to instill values in young people e, and, in other
ways, to prepare them to ma ake
ethical choices over
their
lifetimes in achieving their full potential. The values the or-
ganization 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 20 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 and Auxiliary
Since its founding in 1919, the American Legion has been
an advocate for America’s veterans, a friend of the US mili-
tary, 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 offi cial period of confl ict.
Cokato Post 209 was also founded in 1919. Members meet
in city hall the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m., except
in March and December, when there are potluck dinners at
the city hall at 6:30 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 meet
in city hall the third Monday of the month at 7 p.m., except
in March and December, when there are potluck dinners at
the city hall at 6:30 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 fi rst Tuesday
of every month at noon at Cokato City Hall. The Cokato
Chamber is a voluntary association of business people working
to improve the economic and civic vitality of both their
own business/organization and the community at large.
Offi cers for 2020 are Jarod Sebring, president/treasurer;
Johanna Ellison, board member; Dorene Erickson, past president;
and Teresa Martinson, executive secretary. Questions
or requests for information may be directed to Teresa Martinson
at: [email protected].
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 divide des colle lect-
ed funds among the social agencies, bo oth local and state,
that t have requested ed funds ds. Because there is an organization
such as the community mun chest, the here is only one door-to o-door
campaign per ye ear, in October.
The
organizers meet at the Cokato City Hall in
the spring
and fall.
Anyone ne interested in joining may contact t 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 fi fth-
grade boys. There is a focus on citizenship, as well as learning
skills that the boys will use throughout hou life.
A monthly meeting of the full pack takes place, and this
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. Some of the great projects the
Scouts do each year are the pinewood derby, building and
fi ring rockets, and camping.
This is a good way for boys 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, 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 36 members, who meet two times
a month. The fi rst Monday of each month is the social meeting,
which takes place at the Dassel History Center. The third
Tuesday of each month is the business meeting.
Some of the 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 offi cers are: President Gordy Erickson, Secretary
Brian 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 fi rst-grade spring
bike rally, and sponsoring students to participate in various
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