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Rise to the Challenge

6/16/2025

By Carol Van Why, Library Committee

Marlene Johnson was at Coffman recently to talk about her time as Lieutenant Governor and her recently published memoir, Rise to the Challenge: A Memoir of Politics, Leadership and Love. Rudy Perpich selected Johnson to run with him in Minnesota’s 1982 gubernatorial race.

This was Johnson’s first run for public office. I wondered what sort of background would have given the girl who grew up in small town Braham, MN, the confidence to run for a high-level state office.

Perhaps she was influenced by her father’s advocacy work on behalf of rural electrification. Maybe it was the college years at Macalester where she was involved at the precinct level with Eugene McCarthy’s 1968 bid for the presidential nomination. Or maybe it can be traced to a very young age when she was a 4-H member. Johnson claims that the “4-H pledge became her world view.”

Whatever the trajectory, Johnson’s memoir is a worthwhile read that charts her life in and after state government. The chapters of the book that show Johnson’s true character and grit make up the last third of the memoir.

For the next month or so, unless it’s signed out to another Coffman reader, look for Johnson’s book on the Recent and Relevant shelves. Thereafter, find it shelved under “Johnson” in the Library’s Biography section.

Find the Best of Almost Everything!

6/1/2025

By Faye Herold, originally published in the June 2025 issue of the 1666 Coffman Newsletter

Interesting facts:

“Food & Water Watch…says that US tap water is usually safer to drink than bottled water, since it is tested more rigorously.”
“…the little independent research on duct cleaning indicates that the work won’t improve dust levels in your home.”
“One company, Italy’s EssilorLuxottica, owns or controls the manufacture and retailing of many well-known eyeglass names and stores, including the optical department at Target.

The Spring/Summer 2025 issue of Twin Cities Consumers’ Checkbook has arrived in our Library, and I have quoted above from the feature article, “65 Things You (Probably) Shouldn’t Pay For.”

Look to this issue for best veterinarians, electricians, computer stores, housecleaning companies, and much more—all locally reviewed by Twin Cities customers. Ratings are prefaced by in-depth discussions of the topic, for example, how to “wipe your data before getting rid of” an old computer.

Look for Twin Cities Consumers’ Checkbook issues in the black binder below the Library clock.

Rise to the Challenge

Find the Best of Almost Everything!

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