PK Night 3 (8/31/12) - Profile 8: Nikki Pynn

Nikki Pynn

Presenter: Nikki Pynn

Title:  Inconspicuous Birds

Blurb: I am a local artist and elementary art teacher for Giles Co. Public Schools. I work in stained glass mostly and soft pastels when I get the chance. I live in Radford with my husband, two young dogs and two old cats. I've watched Green Heron develop from the bare walls to the high representative of local artists it is today. I'm very happy to be part of it's ambiance.

Facebook: Green Heron Art Center

Volume 3's Musical Guest - K.T. Vandyke of Driftin' Westward

If you were planning to sneak in just before 7pm next Wednesday night, you might want to reconsider. Doors open at 6pm and so does a killer music set by K.T. Vandyke of Driftin' Westward. He will be playing up to the start of PechaKucha Night at The Lyric. You want to get there early for sure!

Check out Driftin' Westward's Website to catch a preview of his music.

PK Night 3 (8/29/12) - Profile 7: River Laker

River Laker

Presenter: River Laker

Presentation Title: Because We're All Stars, Baby!

Bio:   River Laker, born and educated in England, majored in Literary Studies, Contemporary Art, Film and Religion, before moving to the US to study Counseling Psychology. Currently living in Roanoke, VA, and employed in cultural development for Roanoke Public Libraries, Laker has previously worked as a minister, teacher and failed door-to-door salesman. He specializes in the creation, development and marketing of cultural experiences that are accessible, engaging, substantial and popular. He enjoys 6 month experiments, and is an honorary member of ELF (Earth Liberation Front).


Twitter: https://twitter.com/riverlaker

PK Night 3 (8/27/12) - Profile 6: Alyssia Sims

Presenter: Alyssia Sims

Alyssia Sims

Presentation: I Talk to Walls: The wonderful world of speech and debate

Bio: Alyssia Sims is entering her Senior year at Blacksburg High School. Her interests include singing, acting, driving, cooking, and a wide variety of other activities. She has spent the past four years participating in Forensic, also known as speech and debate. With the support of her family, her parents (Guy and Lisa) and her younger bothers, she is excited so share the fun and experience that she has gained by being a part of an extraordinary activity!

PK Night 3 (8/23/12) - Profile 5: Erik CB Olsen

Erik CB Olsen

Title: Power points

Blurb: How many presentations have you sat through that put you to sleep? Reading off the screen? Speakers that mumble? Unnecessary or unclear visuals cut and pasted from a report? These power points will prepare you for success the next time you give a talk or sit down to prepare your presentation. Transform your audience!

Erik CB Olsen has been giving presentations since the 80s. Inspired by one-too-many lousy presentations, he is dedicated to helping others to become organized so they can inspire when speaking out. 

Twitter: ErikCBOlsen

PK Night 3 (8/22/12) - Profile 4: Jennifer Chasse

Jennifer Chasse

Title: Observations of the New River Valley from a damn Yankee

Blurb: Jennifer Chasse quit Rhode Island and moved to Blacksburg 2 years ago and she and her family love it here! She is the publisher of NRV Macaroni Kid (www.nrv.macaronikid.com) a free weekly e-newsletter that encourages families to explore the area and support small business along the way.

She has a background in executive education and business development, and in her spare time she enjoys the outdoor recreation here in our area, travel, entertaining, crafting and playing games with her wonderful husband Joe and two cheating children.

Twitter: @nrvmacaronikid

PK Night 3 (8/21/12) - Profile 3: Mark Douglas Powell

Presenter: Mark Douglas Powell

Title: Growing Food, Building Community

Mark Douglas Powell

Position: Nonprofit director, Roanoke Community Garden Association; Lives in Roanoke Virginia

Blurb: After more than a few years traveling the US and globally, I resettled in my hometown of Roanoke and have been involved for the last five years in community efforts related to sustainable living, urban food, political activism, neighborhood development, and antipoverty efforts.

I live within sight of downtown Roanoke with my wife Silvija (pronounced like Sylvia) and my infant daughter Emilija (pronounced like Amelia). Roanoke Community Garden Association is currently working on expanding its network of community gardens, planning an urban orchard, helping to expand access to local food, and planning for a community kitchen, greenhouse operations, and hydroponic space. 

Website: www.roanokecommunitygarden.org

PK Night 3 (8/20/12) - Profile 2: Mike Allen

Mike Allen

Presenter: Mike Allen

Title: How to run a successful Kickstarter campaign

Bio: By day, and sometimes by night, Mike Allen works as the Arts & Extras columnist for The Roanoke Times. In his off-time, he’s a writer and editor of poetry and fiction, mostly horror, fantasy or science fiction. His first novel will be published by Chicago’s Black Gate Books in 2013. 

He edits a poetry journal called Mythic Delirium and a series of fiction anthologies called Clockwork Phoenix. He launched a Kickstarter campaign in July seeking $5,000 to fund a fourth Clockwork Phoenix volume and ultimately raised more than $10,000. His author website is http://descentintolight.com

PK Night 3 (8/6/12) - Profile 1: Jeremy Holmes

Jeremy Holmes

Presenter: Jeremy Holmes  

Topic:  Bicycles, Buses, Carpools: Transportation that Builds Neighborhoods 
 

Position: Coordinator of Sustainability Programs, Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission, Roanoke, VA 

Blurb: Born in San Diego, CA, Jeremy moved to Roanoke with his family in 1989 and, with the exception of one brief moment of wanting to work for a newspaper in Seattle, has never wanted to leave.  He has worked in Transportation Demand Management since 2006 when he took over as Program Director of RIDE Solutions.  He can often been seen riding bicycles with his daughter, Penelope, along the Roanoke River Greenway, and occasionally filming sweded films for The Shadowbox.

Twitter: @ridesolutions