Reston Runners Volunteer of the Month

We are proud to recognize John Nusbaum

Read about John's generous contributions to the club and learn some fun facts about the man who considered a career in taxidermy.

Please list the Reston Runners programs and/or events that you volunteer for.
During the 14 years I've been a member of Reston Runners, I've helped out with a variety of things. Here are a few: Water support, Youth in Motion Program, Women's Training Program, Women's Distance Festival, Fall into Winter Race, Finish Line Services, annual trash pickup day on the W&OD Trail, and any other activities where I can see that a need exists.

For 6 years, Maria and I ran the Reston Runners Boutique. We ran it in a very member-friendly way: We had our merchandise out every month and made it available at all the races.

What do you like best about doing volunteer work for the club?
What I like best about doing volunteer work is pretty much what any volunteer would tell you: volunteering brings with it a great deal of personal satisfaction and creates a stronger and better community.

That said, I would like to see the club make more of an effort to hold onto current volunteers and get new ones in the future. A review of the club's mission statement and how we are going about reaching those goals is a good idea.

Please tell us an unusual fact about yourself or talent that you have that few people know about.
I doubt that many people know that I went to taxidermy school and planned to open my own business many years ago.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
When I was a child, my love of wild animals and the outdoors made me think of a career in the Park Service or a similar field. However, real life stepped in and I am in my 39th year as an outside salesman, which I love very much.

We Need You!
Want to pitch in and help out the club, too? Reston Runners offers a variety of programs and activities you can volunteer for:
Course Marking
Gungadins (Water support)
Finish Line Services
Youth in Motion program
Women's Training Program
Women's Distance Festival
Stats and Chats reporter

In addition, we can always use your help for the Fall Into Winter race, the annual summer picnic and pool party, the annual dinner meeting, W&OD trail cleanup days, crewing and other tasks for the JFK50 race, and the periodic blood drives the club sponsors.