Senior Friendship Centers Continues its “Joyful Journeys” Authors Series

October 30, 2024 | Sarasota

Senior Friendship Centers announces the continuation of its popular monthly authors series, “Joyful Journeys.” This engaging, free series celebrates the art of storytelling and highlights local authors. Each month, “Joyful Journeys” features a different author who will share their unique insights, captivating stories, and personal experiences. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in lively discussions, participate in Q&A sessions, and connect with fellow literature enthusiasts. These monthly events are on Thursdays, 5-6:30 p.m., at Senior Friendship Centers, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota.  “Joyful Journeys” is free, but registration is required at https://friendshipcenters.org/category/events/. For more information about Senior Friendship Centers, call 941-556-3269 or visit friendshipcenters.org.

Upcoming sessions in the “Joyful Journeys” series include:

• Thursday, November 7, 5-6:30 p.m.: Linda Albert, author of “Charting the Lost Continent: Poetry and Other Discoveries.” Explore the transformative power of poetry with Linda Albert, author of the award-winning “Charting the Lost Continent.” This collection, honored with the 2021 Florida Authors and Publishers Association’s gold medal, delves into universal themes of self-acceptance, empowerment, and the evolving roles of women. As relevant as ever, Albert’s work serves as both a mirror and a catalyst for growth and change, resonating with audiences through its 2023 stage adaptation. About the author: Linda Albert is an award-winning poet, essayist, and former theater director. A certified Jungian Archetypal Pattern Analyst and communication coach with a Master Certification in Neurolinguistics, her poetry reflects her academic interests and personal experiences. Her awards include the Olivet and Dyer-Ives Poetry Prizes, Atlanta Review’s International Merit Award, and the FAPA President’s Book Award gold medal. 

• Thursday, December 12, 5-6:30 p.m.: Dr. Ruth Brandwein, author of “Pursuing Justice.” Dr. Ruth Brandwein’s life story embodies a relentless pursuit of civil rights and feminist social justice. Born to parents of modest means but rich in social justice values, Dr. Brandwein rose from community organizer to acclaimed academic and advocate. From New York to Seattle and back, she earned a Ph.D. in social welfare as a single mother and gained widespread respect in academia and local government. Dr. Brandwein will share powerful stories of her journey, from standing up to oppression, raising children alone, and finding—and losing—great love, to her ongoing work in legislative advocacy for social change.

• Thursday, January 23, 5-6:30 p.m.: Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin, author of “Sacrifices for Kingdoms.” D’Arcy Laughlin’s “Sacrifices for Kingdoms” is the first book in her “Sacrifices and Kingdom” series, a multi-genre romance series crossing continents and cultures, places and races, duties and desires. “Sacrifices for Kingdoms” ignites with a tender romance that soon deepens into passion, intrigue, and danger. As secrets unravel and loyalties clash, Elizabeth, an equality-driven advocate, and Prince Michael, a protective European royal, must navigate love amidst their social convictions and personal sacrifices. About the author: Patricia D’Arcy Laughlin was born in Trinidad of British and French ancestry. She was educated there, in the UK, and the U.S. She is a world traveler and an award-winning artist, famous for developing her own medium, named by the media as “unique stainings on wood.” She lives in Florida with her husband, and she has three children, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.