Page 31 - Spring 2014 Magazine.indd

Spring 2014 • 29

New Member Spotlight

While Clubs always celebrate additions to their membership, Optimist International is also pleased to welcome new Members to the Optimist family. This new feature will highlight some of our newest Optimists and share interesting facts about them. A big “thank you” goes out to ever y new Member for helping to bring out the best in kids!

If you have joined an Optimist Club in the last year, please visit www.Optimist.org/newmember to complete a brief sur vey. Submitted information may be included in future Optimist publications.

Nicole Morrison-Mathern

Club: Bismarck Optimist Club, North Dakota

Occupation: Entrepreneur

Reason for Joining: I joined because of the Optimist Creed. It was exactly what I needed to hear the day I visited my Optimist Club. I now have it hanging from my car visor and read it on the days I need a dose of Optimism!

Favorite Club Project: Funds for the Future

Favorite Line from the Optimist Creed: To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear and too happy to permit the presence of trouble

Greatest Thing about Being an Optimist: Being surrounded by kind people doing great things for our youth and community

Goal: My goal as an Optimist Club Member is to play an active role in our Club and never be just a name on the Member list.

Hobbies: Lots of volunteering, public speaking, spending time with my kids

Fun Fact: I have helped set two world records - most people simultaneously making snow angels and world's longest chicken dance.

Michael Gorsline

Club: Deerfeld Optimist Club, Illinois

Occupation: Alumni Relations

Reason for Joining: I wanted to become more involved in the community and had heard great things about Optimist service projects.

Favorite Club Project: Relay for Life

Favorite Line from the Optimist Creed: To look at the sunny side of everything and make your Optimism come true

Greatest Thing about Being an Optimist: Being able to give back to youth in the community

Goal: Be involved in as many Club projects as my schedule allows

Hobbies: Spending time with family and sports

Fun Fact: I love watching airplanes fy!

Shawn Rearden

Club: Sumter Evening Optimist Club, South Carolina

Occupation: Teacher

Reason for Joining: I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children.

Favorite Club Project: Christmas Stocking Stuffng for the Orphanage

Favorite Line from the Optimist Creed: To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own

Greatest Thing about Being an Optimist: The large amount of time and energy spent helping the children of the community

Goal: My goal is to improve the well-being of children, whether it is fnancially, socially or academically.

Hobbies: Gardening, learning new things, staying busy

Fun Fact: I love to make others happy.