David Kriso
It’s amazing how quickly this year has blown by. Back in February of this year, I did my very first presentation, “Cruising: Making Waves & Sense”. My goal was to reach out to novice cruisers and those seeking helpful hints for future cruises. I did the presentation at the Wyckoff Public Library. It was an immediate success. Later, I did the same program at the Louis Bay 2nd Library in Hawthorne, NJ. It too went well, and so did Englewood, NJ.
Along came June. I created a new presentation in the wake of the Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia. I felt that it was paramount to reach out to Amtrak travelers and railroad fans alike. It was important to educate train travelers about Amtrak’s history and it’s ongoing improvements in their service. Additionally, it was crucial to share Amtrak’s plans to ensure the safety of its passengers.
This Fall has been a season to remember. I created two presentations in just one month. I created the presentation, “Walt Disney World: To the mouse, the castle, and beyond!”. Being a former Walt Disney World cast member and seasoned Disney traveler, it was vital to share the keys to having a memorable stay in America’s favorite playground. Also, it was important to show what new attractions are coming to Walt Disney World in the coming year.
Along came my fourth presentation, “Washington DC: A destination of ‘monumental’ proportions”. The intent of the program was to show that there is a significant amount of recreation and unique experiences that await Washington visitors. There have been ongoing criticisms passed around that Washington DC has nothing to do other than seeing the same museums and monuments over and over again. The other argument is that there is nothing to do once the museums close at dusk. The presentation strongly refutes both criticisms.
Recently, I wrote a letter to over one hundred libraries, including four in New York State and two in Rhode Island. The vast majority of libraries are in the northern New Jersey area. These cities include the cities of Hoboken, Newark, Elizabeth. Among the other towns are Belleville, Wayne, Rahway, Kearny, and Parsippany. I am truly excited about the possibilities of these libraries getting back to me. Spreading my boundaries and stretching beyond my comfort zone is the name of the game.
These four presentations are not the only ones I plan do share. I have no intentions of stopping there. I am presently brainstorming on new topics to present in the near future. I’m planning on creating my fifth presentation on Boston, and my sixth on the city of Newport, RI, the hometown of my college alma mater, Salve Regina University.
Whether it is cruising, traveling on Amtrak, that first visit to Walt Disney World, or experiencing Washington DC in newer and different ways, these presentations have an abundance of potential ahead of them. I certainly cannot wait to share these presentations with not just libraries I’ve recently presented at, but the new ones for the most part. I strongly encourage everyone to check this site for my upcoming presentation dates and times. There’s a great deal of fun and adventure that await.
