Cokato Dassel Rotary Club

STRIVE students honored at annual banquet

kmiller — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:30:34 +0000

Ten Dassel-Cokato seniors completed this year’s Rotary STRIVE program $2,000 in scholarships awarded at its annual banquet May 10. STRIVE, which stands for Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education, is a motivational scholarship program that recognizes and awards students who show the greatest improvement in grades their senior year. Students meet once a month with members of the Cokato-Dassel Rotary Club and led by Eric Johnson, member and program chair. Pictured are this year’s STRIVE students and their awards: Marissa Corona, Brittany Schwarze ($400 ), Dana Wyze ($600), Isaac Anderson ($1,000), Jessica Moe, Keegan Phillips, and Cheallsea Thurn. Not pictured are Alex Cady, Mollie Luhman, and Greg Nowak.

Kim Keithahn returns from Haiti

kmiller — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:21:46 +0000

Rotarian Kim Keithahn spent 10 days in Haiti in February with other members of District 5950 and Haiti Outreach, a non-profit program that drives the expansion of community-managed clean water, sanitation, education, and economic development in Haiti.
In April, Kim gave an informative presentation of his time there, sharing photos and experiences. He recommends all Rotarians see for themselves what a difference the organization makes in third-world countries like Haiti.

Ag Appreciation Day

kmiller — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:14:53 +0000

The 2012 Rotary Agriculture Appreciation Day, formerly known as Rural/Urban Day, took place March 15 at the First Baptist Church of Cokato.
Rotarian Russ Johnson was key in making the day a success, particularly with providing the guest speakers from Wright-Hennepin Electric Cooperative. This was perfect timing for the co-op as well as it was in conjunction with its 75th anniversary of bringing electricity to rural Wright County.

Club welcomes Terri Boese as new member

kmiller — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 01:48:02 +0000

Terri Boese joined the club March 1, soon after taking the job as new Dassel City Clerk/Treasurer. She comes all the way from Ely, where she was active in Rotary there.
The club is excited to have Terri as new member and looks forward to her contribution and service to the community.

New committees forming

kmiller — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 00:04:23 +0000

Club members are encouraged to become involved in one of the club’s new committees now forming. As the club begins another year, we need your help to make it successful, both in fundraising and in serving our communities of Dassel and Cokato. Members can join any of the following committees:

Community Service Projects – We have a few projects the club would like to look into and we need a motivated committee to spearhead these projects. We also continually seek ways in which the club can better serve the community. Contact Kristen or Eric to join.
Membership – The club is always looking to grow in membership, but we also need to put focus on the members we currently have. Membership orientation, weekly greeters, and membership events are some of the committee’s goals. See Peter if interested.
Ribfest – With the help of our Rib chef Mike Boyle, the club will host its first-ever Rotary ribfest. To make this a successful event, we need members to share their ideas and coordination. See Mike for details.
Fun – Rotary is not only about service, it’s also meant to be fun for its members. In addition to the weekly luncheons, members in the Fun committee will help coordinate more events in which the club can gather throughout the year for fellowship. If interested, contact Kelly.

Committees are asked to meet before the monthly board meeting, at which time the board liason will report the progress.

Member Kim Keithahn to travel to Haiti

kmiller — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:38:22 +0000

Our thoughts and prayers will be with member Kim Keithahn as he travels to Haiti with other area Rotary members Feb. 15-23 as part of Haiti Outreach, a non-profit program that drives the expansion of community-managed clean water, sanitation, education, and economic development in Haiti. The club looks forward to hearing about Kim’s experience and learning more how our club can help international efforts at and upcoming meeting upon his return.

New members Darty and Stonelake inducted

kmiller — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:14:15 +0000

The club welcomed Jason Darty and Vickie Stonelake into the club Feb. 2, 2012. Jason is an intern pastor at Cokato Evangelical Lutheran Church and Vikie is a closer at Title Mark.
Each of the new members shared a little bit about themselves and the club showed their acceptance in an applause. Welcome Jason and Vickie. We are looking forward to your presence at club functions and how you can help in putting service above self.

Club donates $500 to local food shelves

kmiller — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:32:55 +0000

The Cokato Dassel Rotary Club donated $500 to be divided between the Cokato and Dassel food shelves. Pictured are Dassel food shelf volunteers Pauline Nelsen and Marge Piepenburg; food shelf director Brenda Voigt, Rotary president Dean Perry, and food shelf volunteers Cate and George Kraemer.

Pastor Dan recognized at January luncheon

kmiller — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:24:14 +0000

Long-time Rotary club member Danville Swanson was recently recognized at a club luncheon in honor of his upcoming retirement (Jan. 15). Russ Johnson spoke highly of Dan and even shared some jokes (rumors) that had the whole club laughing. The club appreciates his many years of service and wishes him well in his retirement.

Perry takes over as president

kmiller — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 22:21:52 +0000

As of July 1, Dean Perry became the 2011-12 Cokato Dassel Rotary Club President. Thanks to Phil Geoffrion for a great year of leadership and encouraging club members for “involvement beyond Thursday.” Pictured is Perry and Geoffrion exchanging the gavel.