Our Club just completed its annual fundraiser, the Golf Classic at Edinburgh. We use the funds to give grants to local, and sometimes, international organizations. The Board recently approved a grant for the New Hope Human Rights Commission Crayola Colors of the World Program.
For years Club member David Dumas has funded and coordinated the purchase of toys for all the womens' shelters in the metro area. 2022 was another successful year.
The Club heard from Ambrose Russell sharingThe Inner Hero's mission and goals.
Jennifer Hendrickson of the Edina Noon Rotary Club discussed Camp Enterprise and her work with the Alzheimer's Association at a recent meeting.
At a recent meeting Cealleigh Smart updated the Club on Haiti Outreach latest activities. The Board approved a grant to participate in a project that will capture solar power for 2 existing community wells in Haiti.
Club member Sharon Brooks shared information for families of the imprisoned.
Our Club heard about the work being done by Mobility Worldwide.
Nieya Amezquita of Amez Dance was a recent Club program.
Alicia and Kevin of PRISM updated the Club on the PRISM programs, needs and opportunities for partnerships.
Matt Bazyk of Robbinsdale Recreation shared his experience with the inaugural "Badges and Bobbers" event co-sponsored by our Club.
Fanta and Dion Hutchinson shared information about their sober house for women at a recent meeting.
Paul Carter, CEO of Plastics International, provided an update on the world of plastics at a recent meeting.
Our Club, along with other Rotary Clubs is partnering with Alight to help Ukrainian refugees settle in Minnesota. We heard from the father of the family our Club assisted.
At a recent Club meeting we heard from Armstrong High School's Moon Goons and Super Mileage Team. Pretty impressive youth doing amazing things!!!
At a recent meeting we heard from Tim Mulcrone and members of the Maple Grove Rotary Club.
At a recent meeting, Fishing for Life founder Tom Goodrich updated the Club on the latest news and activities from FFL.
District Governor Lloyd Campbell shared his wisdom and observations at a recent Club meeting.
Ray Ruiz of Baztec was our program at a recent meeting. His passion is to promote fishing opportunities for all.
New Hope Community Services and Crime Prevention Officer Kallio updated the Club on New Hope police department community outreach.
Cooper High School Principal Frank Herman was our program at a recent meeting.
Past President Sharon Green accepted the Arch Klumph Award on behalf of the Club. This award was received in recognition of former Club member Berniece Simmons generous gift to Rotary. Past District Governor Tom Gump and Past Club President Green.
Past President Green Accepts Arch Klumph Award on behalf of Club
Earlier this year, our Club helped obtain a grant for Tree House New Hope for painting and new couches. Here's a thank you from Renee and Tree House youth. Enjoy!
At a recent meeting, we heard from Jason Bergmann about the good work being done by Operation Boot Strap Africa.
Our October 1 meeting ended up being on the patio with Gerry Hegna as our speaker - he'll be back on October 22 when we can be inside.
Mr. Clean House came back for District Governor Gump's visit to our Club and presented our Club an award for service to the community.
At our May 7 meeting, President Sharon Green thanked Kent Garber, owner of Frankie's, for his efforts to keep us meeting safely throughout the pandemic.
At our April 30 meeting, we were treated to a program by Mr. Clean House and Friends and the program's founder, Myron Green.
At a recent meeting, newly elected council members from our cities were invited to talk about their priorities and visions for their cities.
Robbinsdale Mayor Bill Blonigan, Council Members Tyler Kline and Sheila Webb joined us as did New Hope Council Member Mike Isenberg.
At a recent meeting, President Sharon Green accepted a large check from Rosemary Kaisershot who is helping her husband, Medard Kaisershot, with the estate of former Club member Bernice Simmons. The Club appreciates Bernice's generosity.
On April 8, these volunteers worked a shift at Second Harvest packaging supplemental food boxes for seniors.
On a recent Saturday, several Club members helped out with a Fishing for Life event at Canterbury Park.
In January, a few brave Club members volunteered time at Second Harvest Heartland - guessing the project involved sweet potatoes.
Our Club participated in Robbinsdale's Meet & Greet event - and we beat the rain! Great to see everyone!
In May our Club cleaned up Crystal's Becker Park the day before the community celebration of the improved park. Way to go, Club!
The May District Conference included the opportunity plant trees at Brookdale Park in Brooklyn Park. Club President Sharon Green was there (with District Governor Tom Gump and Rotary International Director Suzi Howe) and represented our Club and our Club-sponsored tree.
The latest service project for the Club was an updating at Tree House - painting and prepping for new couches. Big improvement!
The Club did a service project at the Food Group on March 19 and our assignment was packing black beans. Way to go, team!!!
The Club did a service project on February 20 at Bibles for Missions. We helped with sorting and putting out inventory.
Club Member David Dumas has a longstanding tradition of buying toys to distribute to youth in domestic violence shelters. This year Club President Sharon Green and Club member Sharon Anderson helped David with toy selection.
And our Club awarded a grant to the "Start Anew" program. Here is Club President Green with one of the 300+ children benefitting from this program.
On November 20 and 21 Club members helped PRISM with its 1,000 turkey dinner giveaway. On Friday, Club members sorted potatoes and on Saturday, we helped with the distribution of the turkey dinners.
The September 11 meeting was Friends, Family and Community Day. We had many visitors and thank them for attending our meeting. We're always happy to welcome new members to the Club.
Among the guests were:
Rudy Spike and Bob Triple of Bibles for Missions
Exchange student Kyah's host father
John Lapointe's guest, Robbinsdale Council Member Bill Blonigan
ISD 281 School Board member Helen Basset
Former Club Member Melodie Hanson with HUGS
Club Member Lynn Anderson's husband Larry Anderson
District Governor Tom Gump, District Governor Elect Marianna Khauv and District Membership Chair Lloyd Campbell visited our Club and shared their priorities for the coming year.
August 4 was a glorious summer day at Edinburgh USA for our 35th Elmer’s Rotary Golf Classic fundraiser. While the pandemic meant we could only golf, have a BBQ and raffle, a good time was had by all. Way to go, Club!!!
Former Club President Chue Xiong and her associate Amanda Swanson shared information about the AmeriCorps reading and math tutor program.
At a recent meeting, the Club heard from representatives of the Community Dental Clinic about the great services provided to our community.
And at another recent information, the Club heard Lori Strong from Parenting with Purpose talk about the work with families to provide support while a family member is incarcerated.
And another meeting featured Kaycee Stainley talking about the Reel Hope project.
Emily Wallace-Jackson provided information to our Club on the Seven Dreams Education Foundation.
A recent Club program was hearing from Tom Goodrich, Fishing for Life, about all the good work they do to help youth be outdoors and learn about fishing. Our Club supports Fishing for Life and will be working on opportunities to work together.
Three Club members, Ann Rest, Terry Johnson and Kathi Hemken participated in the August 10 community Feed My Starving Children MobilePack project. The goal was to complete 300,000 meals.
Club Member Tom Kosel received his 3-time Paul Harris Fellow Award. The Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Thanks for your support of Rotary and way to go, Tom!!!
We presented PRISM with a check to support local food shelf, clothing and school supplies initiatives:
Our Club supports the Seven Dreams Foundation and the New Hope Days for Girls project.
Club Member David Dumas has a long tradition of buying toys for kids in womens' shelters throughout the metro area. Our Club supports his efforts. Here is this year's bounty. Thanks, David!
Our Club partnered with Community Dental to include dental goods in our holiday baskets. Club President John Lapointe presents a check to Community Dental.
President Lapointe presents a check to Tree House for their work with youth in our community.
President Lapointe presenting a check to Good Samaritan for their work supporting the KidPack project.
President Lapointe thanked Crystal Police Chief Revering for her presentation on the Crystal DARE program.
Three Club members, Ann Rest, Terry Johnson and Kathi Hemken participated in the August 10 community Feed My Starving Children MobilePack project. The goal was to complete 300,000 meals.
Despite the weather, Elmer's 2019 was a great event! We had 110 golfers, a dozen painters and other volunteers and guests who enjoyed the silent auction and dinner at Edinburgh USA. Thanks to everyone for their work and help in putting on this event and our annual fundraiser.
Elmer's Rotary Golf Classic 2019 is just around the corner!
Mark your calendars now!
When: Tuesday, June 4
Where: Edinburgh Golf Course
Brooklyn Park, MN
Registration: 11:00 a.m.
Golf: 12:30 p.m. Shotgun Start
Painting: 2 :00 p.m. Painting class
Dinner/silent auction: 6:00 p.m.
For non-golfers, there is a painting class option, starting at 2 p.m. A professional artist leads you step-by-step through painting a 16 x 20 acrylic painting. All supplies provided so you take home a masterpiece after the class.
You don't have to golf to come and support the event! Non golfers can enjoy the painting class, dinner and silent auction!
Elmer's Rotary Golf Classic 2019 is Tuesday, June 4
At our February 1 meeting, President Latisha Lowe presented checks in support of local projects: one to John Elholm, Crystal Recreation Director, for Crystal's Becker Park project; and one to Patsy Green and Pam Lindberg for Robbinsdale Schools' Seven Dreams Foundation.
Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our Club members are awesome!
Our 1.2 million-member organization started with the vision of one man - Paul P. Harris. The Chicago attorney formed one of the world's first service organizations, the Rotary Club of Chicago, on February 23, 1905 as a place where professionals with diverse backgrounds could exchange ideas and form meaningful, lifelong friendships. Rotary's name came from the group's early practice of rotating meetings among the offices of each member.
You are invited to visit us at an upcoming meeting - we meet Wednesday mornings at 7 a.m. at Frankie's Pizza in New Hope.
Ever wonder what Rotary is? We invite you to visit our Club!
Club President Latisha Lowe presents Crystal Police Chief Stephanie Revering and New Hope Officer Korth with funds to support the Crystal and New Hope DARE programs.
The Crystal-New Hope - Robbinsdale Rotary Club sponsored our 2018 Elmer's Rotary Golf Classic on Tuesday, June 5, at Edinburgh USA in Brooklyn Park. Since 1975, our Club, along with community participation, has made it possible for us to support initiatives benefiting youth, families and communities - locally and globally. Several of our current initiatives are:
PRISM
Tree House
New Hope YMCA
Robins Adapted Athletics
Future Roots
STRIVE
The Food Group
It was a beautiful day for golf, fun and fundraising. Thanks to all who participated and contributed!
2018 Elmer's Rotary Golf Classic - June 5 - Another great event!
Every year our Club partners with Tree House on a coffee sales fundraising project to help raise funds for youth outings and events. Here's Club President Terry Johnson presenting the proceeds of the fundraiser to Tree House Area Director Michelle Livingston.
Tree House Fundraiser - Another Successful Project!
Our own Club member David Dumas has been collecting and distributing toys for area women's shelters for 29 years. Our Club supports this great initiative. Thanks, Dave!
Our Club Supports Holidays Toys for Area Women's Shelters
District 5950 Mid-Term Assembly is Saturday, January 27, 7:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
at Crown College, 8700 College View Drive, St. Bonifacius, MN 55375
Join District 5950 leaders (current and future!) for a morning that re-energizes you with new ideas, information, networking, motivation, inspiration...and good food!
On Saturday, November 11, members of our Club partnered with members of the Minnetonka Rotary Club to turn dusty unused bikes into working shiny bikes for kids with Free Bikes 4 Kidz. Free Bikes 4 Kidz' goal for this year is to collect, fix and give away over 5,000 bikes to kids in need.
Our crew helped clean and fix some of the bikes to be given away on November 16.
Our Club works with Minnetonka Rotary Club at Free Bikes 4 Kidz
Our Club has supported Jaime and Liz and their Future Roots Project (www.futurerootsproject.com) for several years. The Future Roots Project is a collective founded in Minnesota that focuses on sustainable educational, artistic, and health initiatives in Nicaragua. From teachers trainings to designing sustainable classroom materials, Future Roots brings educational and artistic opportunities to impoverished communities that improve literacy rates, creativity, self worth, health & empowerment in children. Jaime and Liz are passionate about improving the lives of kids in Nicaragua.
We had a great time at the May 2, District 5950 Conference at the Radisson Blu! And kudos to Jim Benshoof and Marc Macke for getting the award for an international project!!!
Look at the fun time at the District 5950 Conference at the Radisson Blu!
At the March 21 meeting, the program was about the Robbinsdale Area HIgh Schools Relay for Life on May 17 from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. at Cooper High School. Here is the link to more information about the event as well as details about sponsorship of the event.
Liz and Jaime report they broke ground earlier this week at the community space they are working on in Wl Pantanal. They had to hand cut the entire site with machetes. Here are some photos of their efforts!
As you know, our Club partnered with several other area Clubs to fill a shipping container with supplies for the Mano a Mano project. Check out the article from the March 13 Sun Post and District Governor Diann Kirby's response to President Mac Gordron below.
Benefiting Bolivia: Area Rotary Clubs fund shipment of needed supplies
New Hope Mayor Kathi Hemken, center, joins members of the Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale Rotary to pack a 40-foot container with supplies to ship to Bolivia. Bolivia has the highest rural poverty rate in the world. Mano a Mano, the organization responsible for helping the Bolivians, has impacted approximately one-fourth of Bolivia’s rural population since its inception in 1994. (Submitted photo)
Bolivia is known for having the highest rural poverty rate in the world with 94 percent of the population not even meeting the level for adequate survival, according to the Mano a Mano organization.
Mano a Mano, meaning “hand in hand” in Spanish, is a nonprofit based in St. Paul with offices in Cochabamba, Bolivia. The organization, founded in 1994, focuses on helping Bolivians any way it can – from creating a health clinic or school to fixing roads or improving water. It is unique in that the Bolivians decide what projects are most important in their communities.
Last year the Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale Rotary sparked interest in helping the organization.
Jim Benshoof, a Rotarian, and his wife, Marsha, had previously been host parents to a Bolivian child through a Rotary exchange program. It was through that child that Benshoof found a passion for helping Bolivia. The Benshoofs have since traveled to Bolivia to help locals and visit the child they housed several years ago.
Benshoof learned of Mano a Mano not long ago and brought it to the attention of the Rotary.
The Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale Rotary partnered with the Brooklyn Park Rotary and Minnetonka Rotary to raise funds to help the organization.
In addition, Benshoof’s Rotary applied for a grant from the Rotary District 5950. Each year the district accepts applications and approves grants for rotaries in the area. In December, the Rotary was approved for a $6,000 grant.
Each participating Rotary raised $1,000 each, for a total of $9,000.
The money was used to help fund the shipment of a 40-foot container filled with needed supplies, but the money the Rotaries raised only covered a portion of the cost. According to Nate Knatterud, director of communications and research for Mano a Mano, the organization used to be able to ship containers for free but now it costs $10,000 to $14,000 to ship one container.
Once additional fees are added it could cost a total of nearly $20,000. Mano a Mano earns funds from other organizations and individuals to help with sending the containers to Bolivia.
“It’s definitely a struggle each shipment now,” Knatterud said.
The funds raised by the Rotaries is a significant help for Mano a Mano.
“We basically need the seed money for any project,” Knatterud said. “Without that we wouldn’t be able to do any of the projects we do.”
In January members of each Rotary visited the St. Paul location to pack the container with supplies. The volunteers packed 38,000 pounds of supplies to be shipped to Bolivia.
The supplies are donated from area hospitals, companies, schools and individuals rather than being dumped in landfills.
The Rotaries packed wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, hospital beds, linens, gloves, medical instruments, surgical supplies, airplane parts, wound care supplies, machine tools, school and office supplies and more. The supplies valued nearly $500,000.
Mano a Mano, a nonprofit helping Bolivia, sends shipping containers full of medical and school supplies to Bolivians in need. The Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale Rotary, Minntonka Rotary and Brooklyn Park Rotary packed 38,000 pounds of supplies on Jan. 21. The Rotaries, with the help of a grant, raised $9,000 to put towards the shipment of the container. (Submitted photo)
“The sweat equity was a big part for us,” said Mac Gordon, president of the Crystal, New Hope, Robbinsdale Rotary. “It was such a fun time. We had a blast doing it. It was a fun way for us to connect as a group with the other two clubs and Mano a Mano. It was really rewarding.”
The container would be driven to New York where it would travel by ocean freight through the Panama Canal to Chile and eventually arrive in Bolivia. It would take an additional few months for the container to clear customs before the supplies could be distributed to 16 hospitals, 33 health centers, 72 clinics, 12 jails and 431 individuals.
Since its inception in 1994, Mano a Mano has shipped 3.5 million pounds of supplies valued at $14 million to Bolivia, built 145 clinics that help 700,000 Bolivians resulting in a decrease of infant mortality rate by more than 92 percent, improved 1,400 kilometers of roads, constructed seven large water reservoirs and 170 water ponds, built 49 schools and provided emergency air rescue to more than 2,100 individuals.
The Rotaries were happy to be a small part in helping Bolivians in need.
“We are on organization that is based on trying to help and support organizations, individuals and families that can’t help themselves,” Gordon said. “To see the end result… to see the amount of stuff in there that’s going to help families and individuals is pretty amazing. It’s great. We love it.”
District Governor Diann Kirby Response to President Mac Gordon:
Mac:
Great article in the Sun Post article about Crystal-New-Hope-Robbinsdale’s project to send a container of medical equipment to Bolivia project in collaboration with Mano a Mano. Kudos to you and your project partners – Brooklyn Park and Minnetonka – for leveraging your dollars and qualifying for the maximum funding match from the district for this effort. I loved the Sun Post article and the recognition that is given to the clubs involved. You are truly changing lives in Bolivia with this project.
Great work!
Thanks!
Diann
PS: I also liked the accompanying photo of your Rotarians, especially the member pictured in an Iowa sweatshirt. J
The club hosts Karen throughout the year, but we are also looking for host families for Karen to live with while she is here. With the Rotary Youth Exchange program, Karen would become part of your family and live in your home for up to 3 months.
Being a host family is a very rewarding experience for the student AND for the family that hosts. Rotary exchange students are selected for the program because they want to learn about and engage in another culture. Karen has begun immersing herself in American culture and hopes to experience different family dynamics and experiences while in Minnesota. A rotary exchange student becomes one of the family and is expected to assist with household chores, attend family events and become part of the everyday happenings of a home.
If you are interested in hosting Karen and being part of this young lady's great experience in Minnesota, please contact Carla Hansen at ch3mk@comcast.net or 763-504-9679.
The Crystal New Hope Robbinsdale club have welcomed their newest youth exchange member - Karen Hirose from Japan! Karen (pronounced Ka-Le-m) is excited to be in the youth exchange program and will be attending Robbinsdale Armstrong High School as a senior. By enrolling as a senior a the high school, Karen will be able to attend all senior activities and graduate with the class in May 2014. Karen is interested in volleyball, basketball and many other sports. She enjoys cooking and photography as well.
For more pictures of Karen's fun since she arrived, click on "Youth Exchange" on our website.
If you are interested in learning more about the Rotary Youth Exchange program or being a host family for the program, please contact Carla Hansen at ch3mk@comcast.net or 763-504-9679.
Although it was a dreary day, there were bright smiles at Rush Creek for this year's Elmers Golf Tournament! Thanks for all you did to make our big fundraiser another success!
2013 Elmers - Another Success Story - thanks to you!
Aline's last day with the Crystal New Hope Robbinsdale Rotary club was on Friday June 14th. We wish her all the best and thank her spending a year with us. We will miss you Aline!
President Macke recently received the following thank you.
Dear Marc:
Our sincere thanks to the members of the Crystal – New Hope—Robbinsdale Rotary Club for your generous donation of $500 to purchase early childhood books for children and families.
We purchase books that reflect the diverse families who are our neighbors, including books in various languages. The books are treasured in each home and help increase parent-child interaction. Our Northwest Hennepin Early Childhood Network members distribute these books through various programs that serve infants and young children in this area and also at community events.
Your gift is very much appreciated and is multiplied through our membership in First Books, which is an opportunity to purchase books for pennies on the dollar.
CNHR President Carla Hansen and her husband Chuck participated in the Deep Freeze Dunk sponsored by the Maple Grove Rotary on Saturday January 21st. Despite the 20 degree weather, they jumped into Fish Lake to raise money toward the construction of a public school in Haiti. In total almost $19,000 was raised with all proceeds going to Haiti International. Way to represent the club Carla and Chuck!
Get ready to celebrate the Holidays on Saturday December 17th at a fun social outing with the rest of the club members and their significant others!
Tim and Mary Ann Kudalis have invited all club members to their home for an evening of dance and celebration! Joy Divina and Todd Paulus of Social dance Studio, Minneapolis will be providing the program and dance instruction in waltz and rhumba for all attendees!
More details will be available at Friday's meeting.
Looking for a volunteer opportunity? The Emergency Food shelf Network is working with neighboring churches to ensure young students have enough food to eat each weekend through the assembly of Weekend Kid Pack's.
Kid Pack is a collaborative effort to fight local weekend hunger for children in our own backyards. Weekend snacks are assembled and delivered to schools on Fridays for children to bring home. Weekend Kid Packs are provided to 1400 local elementary students attending Robbinsdale Area Schools.
One in five area households with children are food insecure. Children in those households simply do not get enough to eat-- they have to cut the size of their meals, skip meals, or even go whole days without food at some point during the school year.
Hungry children face unnecessary barriers as they strive to become healthy, productive, and engaged members of society.
Hunger contributes to poor academic performance and disruptive behavior in the classroom. Missed meals also increase tardiness and visits to the school nurse.
Click on the Download link to the left for more information including dates and times when assemblers are needed.. Thank you for helping us fight hunger in children within our community!
The Tree House Youth met on Tuesday night and roasted and bagged over 150 pounds of coffee sold by Rotarians. The coffee will be available to pick up at the meeting on Friday morning. Please plan to attend and pick up your coffee. If you haven't yet paid for the coffee, plan to do so on Friday as well.
If you are unable to pick up your coffee on Friday morning, please contact Carla by email or call 763-504-9679 to let her know and make arrangements to pick it up!
CNHR Rotarians have teamed up once again with PRISM to provide Food Box donations to those in need in time for the holidays. All Rotarians are asked to please mark your calendars for the best part of all: Thursday, December 15, 4:30 PM at Prism for the final assembly and delivery of baskets to needy families. A cash donation of $130 will be accepted in lieu of actual goods.
Items to be donated by Rotarians and dates to bring it:
October 7
Soup (at least 12 cans or boxes)
Bottled or Canned Spaghetti Sauce (i.e. Prego,
Ragu, Hunts ~ at least 6 cans or bottles)
Spaghetti Pasta (at least 6 boxes/bags)
October 14
Canned vegetables (at least 12 cans please)
Canned Fruit (at least 6 cans or more)
October 21
Boxed Instant Potatoes And Stuffing (at least 6 boxes or bags of each)
October 28
Cake Mix And Frosting(at least 6 boxes of each)
November 4
Cereal (at least 6 boxes or bags)
November 11
Bath Soap and Dishwashing Liquid (NOT IRISH SPRING PLEASE!!)
(6 please of each)
November 18
Christmas Candy (4 packages)
December 2
Toilet Paper (at least 6 packages of 4 rolls)
December 9
Shampoo and Conditioner (at least 6 bottles of each)
C-NH-R Rotarians collect items Food and other goods for Holiday Distribution
Our exchange student Lorena has joined the Armstrong JV Soccer Team. They have already played two games and Lorena has been on the field about a third of the time.
The photo shows her earlier this week in a game against Centennial High. Way to go Lore!
The Rotary Club of Crystal, New Hope and Robbinsdale has awarded Strive scholarships to Cassandra Walters of Brooklyn Park and Diamond Hoskins of Minneapolis, both 2011 graduates of Cooper High School.
Strive, a Rotary program started in 1994 at Cooper High School, is offered to high school students who are paced to graduate in the coming year.A group of Rotarians meet every other Monday at 8 a.m. to coach the students in grade improvement, college opportunities and answer questions about goals and jobs.The scholarships are awarded to the top two students with the biggest improvement in their grades.
For more of this story, click on or type the URL below:
The Rotary Club of Crystal New Hope and Robbinsdale is looking for dymanic, interesting speakers for a 15 minute presentation to our weekly club. Contact Past President Jess Madland at jmadland@gmail.com
Interested in Speaking to 30 dynamic local professionals?
The authorship for this story of the National Anthem is attributed to the late Dr. Isaac Asimov. He was born in Russia and emigrated with his parents to the U. S. in 1923. He became a U. S. citizen in 1928. He is
known as the father of modern sci-fi and was an accomplished chemist and physicist. He died in 1992. This is his story.
All Four Stanzas
By Isaac Asimov
I have a weakness--I am crazy, absolutely nuts, about our national anthem.
The words are difficult and the tune is almost impossible, but frequently when I'm taking a shower I sing it with as much power and emotion as I can. It shakes me up every time.
I was once asked to speak at a luncheon. Taking my life in my hands, I announced I was going to sing our national anthem--all four stanzas.
This was greeted with loud groans. One man closed the door to the kitchen, where the noise of dishes and cutlery was loud and distracting.
"Thanks, Herb," I said."That's all right," he said. "It was at the request of the kitchen staff."
I explained the background of the anthem and then sang all four stanzas.