The theme of readings, viewings, and discussions for thisyear’s Serendipity events is “Journeys,” featuring an assortment of classics and new pieces of literature, announced Dr. Jan Ziegler, VP for Development. Serendipity is a program to promote lifelong learning opportunities and to cultivate friendships for the college. The organization is sponsored by BRTC’s Office of Corporate and Community Education and the Office of Development. Serendipity is now in its eighth year, with Patti Blaxton, Dr. Jan Ziegler, and Jessica McFadden coordinating the monthly events.
The kick-off meeting of Serendipity was held September 14, with approximately thirty members and guests attending. “It was great to see many returning folks, as well as a few new faces,” Blaxton said.
Books to be featured include such classics as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain; As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner; and Go Tell It On the Mountain by James Baldwin. Among the new titles, which also have “the journey” as a theme, are The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce; The Cat’s Table by Michael Ondaatje; and Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok. Additional books to be highlighted include The Rabbit Proof Fence by Lois Pilkington and Madeleine Albright’s historical memoir, Prague Winter.
Serendipity is open for interested individuals of all ages. Monthly meetings are typically held Fridays at 11:30, with special events scheduled as available. The October Serendipity meeting will consist of a dinner meeting with a Holocaust survivor on October 23. The November Serendipity meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 16, and will focus on the book, Girl in Translation, a national bestseller dealing with a fictional coming-of-age story of a young girl and her mother who immigrate from Hong Kong to New York with hopes of building a better life, but who face incredibly difficult hardships in order merely to survive.
For more information on joining Serendipity, contact Blaxton at 870-248-4000, ext. 4181.