PLATO Weekly Update

March 21, 2023

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Information about Spring Courses can be found on the Courses page.

CANCELLATIONS
The course Experiencing Great English Literature (Mondays, 10am at the Senior Center) has been cancelled for the rest of the semester.

CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
PLATO members are invited to drop in on a Global Affairs and the Media class anytime this semester. The course meets on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm and most classes are hybrid, though a few are virtual-only. View the Spring 2023 Calendar to review the topics and meeting format. To request the Zoom link, contact Kirk Elliott.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
JOIN US – this Spring at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater!

God of Carnage – “A dark and hilarious farce” and Tony award-winner for best play. Sunday, April 23 at 2pm at Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. Register today as the registration deadline is tomorrow, Wednesday, March 22. Learn more and register here. 

A World Premier! The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute – This much-anticipated production has started rehearsals and will open this week! Our performance will be Saturday, May 6 at 3pm at the intimate Stackner Cabaret. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday, March 24 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

LECTURES
THIS MONTH! On Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

NEXT MONTH! Note the new time! Wednesday, April 19 from 3–5pm, Martin Alvarado, Community Engagement Librarian at the Madison Public Library, will present a two-hour virtual lecture on The History of Latino Migration to Wisconsin. Learn more and register here.

Explore recorded PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

Visit The Agora Features webpage for highlights from this past season, created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your enjoyment. 

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for March 21 – April 3, 2023

Joy Harjo (May 9, 1951 – present) is the first Native American to be appointed as the United States poet laureate, serving from 2019-2022. Harjo has written nine books of poetry, several plays, children’s books and two memoirs. Harjo is a member of the Mvskoke/Creek Nation.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Joy Harjo
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

PLATO Weekly Update

March 14, 2023

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

THIS WEEK! Submission deadline: Friday, March 17, 2023!

Seeking Submissions
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora, Volume 8 in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). Learn more about the submission process and guidelines on The Agora webpage. 

Questions may be directed to The Agora Managing Editor, Edie Urness-Pondillo at epondillo@aol.com or to PLATO's Office Coordinator, Stephanie Steigerwaldt at info@platomadison.org.

This is a blind juried review. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Have a question about a Spring Course? Find the answer on the Courses page.

CANCELLATIONS

• Today's Biographies class (3/14/23) is cancelled and will resume next week.
• This Thursday's What in the World Happened class (3/16/23) is cancelled and will resume next week.
• The course Experiencing Great English Literature (Mondays, 10am at the Senior Center) has been cancelled for the rest of the semester.

CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
PLATO members are invited to drop in on a Global Affairs and the Media class anytime this semester. The course meets on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm and most classes are hybrid, though a few are virtual-only. View the Spring 2023 Calendar to review the topics and meeting format. To request the Zoom link, contact Kirk Elliott.

WITH GRATITUDE...
We extend a hearty thank you to our 2022 retiring coordinators – find a list of these special people in Curriculum Showcase. PLATO depends on the generosity of people like these to make our programming rich and diverse. If you have an interest in offering a course, please email Kathie Burman.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
JOIN US – this Spring at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater!

God of Carnage – “A dark and hilarious farce” and Tony award-winner for best play. Sunday, April 23, 2pm at Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. Register today as the registration deadline is Wednesday, March 22. Learn more and register here. 

A World Premier! The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute –  A journey through Houston's record-setting hits. Saturday, May 6, 3pm at the intimate Stackner Cabaret. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday, March 24 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

LECTURES
THIS MONTH! On Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

NEXT MONTH! On Wednesday, April 19 at 1pm, Martin Alvarado, Community Engagement Librarian at the Madison Public Library, will present a two-hour virtual lecture on The History of Latino Migration to Wisconsin. Learn more and register here.

Check out recorded PLATO Lectures on many interesting subjects.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for March 7 – 20, 2023 

Daniel Hale Williams (January 18, 1856 – August 4, 1931) was the first African American physician admitted to the American College of Surgeons. A pioneering heart surgeon, Williams performed the first successful human open-heart surgery in 1893 at Provident Hospital in Chicago, IL. As an advocate to end racial disparities in the medical field, he co-founded the National Medical Association in 1895, a professional organization for black medical practitioners because the all-white American Medical Association did not grant membership to black doctors.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Daniel Hale Williams 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

PLATO Weekly Update

March 7, 2023

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

NEXT WEEK! Submission deadline: Friday, March 17, 2023!

What is The Agora?
For those new to PLATO, The Agora is PLATO’s literary and arts journal, designed to celebrate members’ creativity and diversity of thought. The liberal arts tradition is a core value of PLATO. The Agora is a unique opportunity for PLATO members to share their talents with the membership in printed form. 

Seeking Submissions
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora, Volume 8 in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography).

Please note: Literary works do not need to be submitted in Word Document format. Some members were finding this to be a barrier to submission. Learn more about the submission process and guidelines on The Agora webpage. 

Questions may be directed to The Agora Managing Editor, Edie Urness-Pondillo at epondillo@aol.com or to PLATO's Office Coordinator, Stephanie Steigerwaldt at info@platomadison.org.

This is a blind juried review. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Have a question about a Spring Course? Find the answer on the Courses page.

WITH GRATITUDE...
We extend a hearty thank you to our 2022 retiring coordinators – find a list of these special people in Curriculum Showcase. PLATO depends on the generosity of people like these to make our programming rich and diverse. If you have an interest in offering a course, please email Kathie Burman.

CLASS CANCELLATIONS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
When a class session is canceled due to weather or another unforeseen situation, the course coordinator will contact the participants to let them know.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
TWO PLAYS – this Spring at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater!

God of Carnage – “A dark and hilarious farce” and Tony award-winner for best play. Sunday, April 23, 2pm at Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. Reserve your spot now as the registration deadline is Wednesday, March 22. Learn more and register here. 

The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute –  A journey through her record-setting hits. Saturday, May 6, 3pm at the intimate Stackner Cabaret. 
Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday, March 10 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at at Lakeside Street Coffee House in the Bay Creek neighborhood. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to descend a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. RSVP and learn more here.

LECTURES
THIS MONTH! On Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

NEXT MONTH! On Wednesday, April 19 at 1pm, Martin Alvarado, Community Engagement Librarian at the Madison Public Library, will present a two-hour virtual lecture on The History of Latino Migration to Wisconsin. Learn more and register here.

As always, explore recorded PLATO Lectures on a variety of interesting and important topics.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for March 7 – 20, 2023 

Daniel Hale Williams (January 18, 1856 – August 4, 1931) was the first African American physician admitted to the American College of Surgeons. A pioneering heart surgeon, Williams performed the first successful human open-heart surgery in 1893 at Provident Hospital in Chicago, IL. As an advocate to end racial disparities in the medical field, he co-founded the National Medical Association in 1895, a professional organization for black medical practitioners because the all-white American Medical Association did not grant membership to black doctors.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Daniel Hale Williams 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

PLATO Weekly Update 

February 28, 2023

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Spring Courses are underway! Some courses still have space – view the Spring Course Schedule posted on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register. If your course meets in person, please review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase. 

COURSE CANCELLATIONS
The following two Spring courses have been cancelled:

· Tuesday Evening – NYTimes The Ethicist & Social Q's Discussion

· Thursday Morning – Women's Journeys to Self Acceptance

CLASS CANCELLATIONS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
When a class session is canceled due to weather or another unforeseen situation, the course coordinator will contact the participants to let them know.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
TWO PLAYS – now open for registration! 

God of Carnage, Tony award-winner for best play – Sunday, April 23, 2pm at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Learn more and register here.  

The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute – Saturday, May 6, 3pm at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Learn more and register here. 

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday, March 10 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at at Lakeside Street Coffee House in the Bay Creek neighborhood. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb nine steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. RSVP and learn more here.

LECTURES
Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

Check out recordings of past PLATO Lectures on a variety of subjects.

MEMBERS, PLEASE NOTE...

PLATO GENERAL POLICIES UPDATED
During the past six months the PLATO Board has reviewed and updated its General Policies as needed. These updated policies are always available on PLATO's website under About/Organizational Documents. Here's a link to those policies for your review.

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

The submission deadline has been extended 
to Friday, March 17, 2023! 

What is The Agora?
For those new to PLATO, The Agora is PLATO’s literary and arts journal, designed to celebrate members’ creativity and diversity of thought. The liberal arts tradition is a core value of PLATO. The Agora is a unique opportunity for PLATO members to share their talents with the membership in printed form. 

Seeking Submissions
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora, Volume 8 in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography).

Please note: Literary works do not need to be submitted in Word Document format. Some members were finding this to be a barrier to submission. Learn more about the submission process and guidelines on The Agora webpage. 

Questions may be directed to The Agora Managing Editor, Edie Urness-Pondillo at epondillo@aol.com or to PLATO's Office Coordinator, Stephanie Steigerwaldt at info@platomadison.org.

This is a blind juried review. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for February 21 – March 6, 2023 

Nancy Grace Roman (May 16, 1925 – December 25, 2018) is known to many as the “Mother of the Hubble” for her foundational role in the observatory’s planning and program structure, paving the way for missions like the Roman Space Telescope (formerly WFIRST). She received her BA degree in Astronomy in 1946 from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, and her PhD from the University of Chicago. As a female in astronomy, Roman faced many challenges throughout her career. From a young age she was discouraged from going into astronomy by those around her, and struggled with its male dominance and the roles perceived as appropriate for women.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Nancy Grace Roman 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

PLATO Weekly Update

February 21, 2023

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
THIS WEEK! Most Spring Courses begin! If your course meets in person, please review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase. 

Some courses still have space – view the Spring Course Schedule posted on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register.

CANCELLATIONS
The following two Spring courses have been cancelled:

· Tuesday Evening – NYTimes The Ethicist & Social Q's discussion

· Thursday Morning – Women's Journeys to Self Acceptance

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
NEW! TWO PLAYS now open for registration: 

God of Carnage, Tony award-winner for best play – Sunday, April 23, 2pm at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Learn more and register here.  

The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute – Saturday, May 6, 3pm at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Learn more and register here. 

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday, February 24 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

LECTURES
NEXT MONTH! Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

View an archived PLATO Lecture from the cozy comfort of home.

MEMBERS, PLEASE NOTE...

PLATO GENERAL POLICIES UPDATED
Over the past six months the PLATO Board has reviewed and updated its General Policies as needed. These updated policies are always available on PLATO's website under About/Organizational Documents. Here's a link to those policies for your review.

PLATO PASSWORD UPDATE
You will now be prompted to update your PLATO member profile password on an annual basis due to new security measures put in place by the vendor of PLATO's website. These email reminders will come from info@platomadison.org. Please email Stephanie at info@platomadison.org with questions or concerns. 

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

NEW! Extended Agora Deadline & Easier Submission Process:

· The deadline has been extended to Friday, March 17, 2023! 

· Literary works do not need to be submitted in Word Document format. Some members were finding this to be a barrier to submission. Learn more about the submission process and guidelines on The Agora webpage. 

Questions may be directed to The Agora Managing Editor, Edie Urness-Pondillo at epondillo@aol.com or to PLATO's Office Coordinator, Stephanie Steigerwaldt at info@platomadison.org.

What is The Agora?
For those new to PLATO, The Agora is PLATO’s literary and arts journal, designed to celebrate members’ creativity and diversity of thought. The liberal arts tradition is a core value of PLATO. The Agora is a unique opportunity for PLATO members to share their talents with the membership in printed form. 

Seeking Submissions
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora, Volume 8 in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography).

This is a blind juried review. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for February 21 – March 6, 2023 

Nancy Grace Roman (May 16, 1925 – December 25, 2018) is known to many as the “Mother of the Hubble” for her foundational role in the observatory’s planning and program structure, paving the way for missions like the Roman Space Telescope (formerly WFIRST). She received her BA degree in Astronomy in 1946 from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, and her PhD from the University of Chicago. As a female in astronomy, Roman faced many challenges throughout her career. From a young age she was discouraged from going into astronomy by those around her, and struggled with its male dominance and the roles perceived as appropriate for women.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Nancy Grace Roman 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

PLATO Weekly Update 

February 14, 2023

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Most Spring Courses begin the week of February 20. 

If your course meets in person, please review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase. 

Some courses still have space – view the Spring Course Schedule posted on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register.

COURSE COORDINATOR COFFEE KLATCH
THIS WEEK! Course Coordinators are invited to attend a Course Coordinator Coffee Klatch on Friday, February 17 at 11am. This casual, one-hour Zoom gathering is intended as an opportunity to share news and ideas and to socialize. RSVP at info@platomadison.org for the Zoom link. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
NEW! Now open for registration: God of Carnage, Tony award-winner for best play – Sunday, April 23, 2pm at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Learn more and register here.  

Save the Date: Saturday, May 6: The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday, February 24 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

LECTURES
NEXT MONTH! Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

Enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of important and entertaining topics.

MEMBERS, PLEASE NOTE...

You will now be prompted to update your PLATO member profile password on an annual basis due to new security measures put in place by the vendor of our website. These email reminders will come from info@platomadison.org. Please email Stephanie at info@platomadison.org with questions or concerns. 

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

SEEKING SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 8
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the deadline for submissions is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for February 7 – 20, 2023

Mary Ann Shadd Cary (October 9, 1823 – June 5, 1893) was an African-American anti-slavery activist, an advocate for women's rights, a teacher, and a lawyer. A pioneering journalist, Cary became the first black, female newspaper editor in North America as a publisher of Canada’s first antislavery newspaper, The Provincial Freeman. As a member of the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA), Cary spoke at the NWSA's 1878 convention. She also served as an advocate for the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments at a House Judiciary Committee hearing.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Mary Ann Shadd Cary or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

PLATO Weekly Update

February 7, 2023

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Spring Registration is underway! Find the Spring Course Schedule posted on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register.

Choose from 34 courses – 17 in-person & 17 virtual (3 of which are hybrid).

Most courses will begin the week of February 20.

If your course meets in person, please review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase.

COURSE COORDINATOR COFFEE KLATCH
NEXT WEEK! Course Coordinators are invited to attend a Course Coordinator Coffee Klatch on Friday, February 17 at 11am. This casual, one-hour Zoom gathering is intended as an opportunity to share news and ideas and to socialize. More details and the Zoom link will follow in an email later this week. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES
TOMORROW! On Wednesday, February 8 at 2pm at Capital Lakes, author Donald P. Sanford shares fascinating stories from his book, On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

NEXT MONTH! Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capital Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

Take in an archived PLATO Lecture from the convenient comfort of home. 

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday, February 10th at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Lakeside Street Coffee House in Madison's Bay Creek neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

THEATER TRIPS
SAVE THE DATES! Theater trips will resume this Spring with two events at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater – more details coming soon!

Sunday, April 23: Tony award-winner for best play – God of Carnage.

Saturday, May 6: The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute.

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

SEEKING SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 8
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the deadline for submissions is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for February 7 – 20, 2023

Mary Ann Shadd Cary (October 9, 1823 – June 5, 1893) was an African-American anti-slavery activist, an advocate for women's rights, a teacher, and a lawyer. A pioneering journalist, Cary became the first black, female newspaper editor in North America as a publisher of Canada’s first antislavery newspaper, The Provincial Freeman. As a member of the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA), Cary spoke at the NWSA's 1878 convention. She also served as an advocate for the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments at a House Judiciary Committee hearing.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Mary Ann Shadd Cary 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

PLATO Weekly Update 

January 31, 2023

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
NEW! Spring Registration is open! Find the Spring Course Schedule posted on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register.

· Choose from 34 courses – 17 in-person & 17 virtual (3 of which are hybrid).

· Most courses will begin the week of February 20.

· If your course meets in person, please review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES
We are celebrating that gatherings of people are becoming possible again. Our two upcoming lectures on Wisconsin's fresh waters will be in-person. Both will take place at Capital Lakes, located at 333 W. Main St. Free parking is available across the street in their parking ramp. Please sign the registration book when you arrive at the front desk. Masks are not required but please wear one if you wish.

· On Wednesday, February 8 at 2pm author Donald P. Sanford shares fascinating stories from his book, On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

· On Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

And, as always, you are welcome to enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on many timely topics from the cozy comfort of home. 

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday, February 10th at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Lakeside Street Coffee House in Madison's Bay Creek neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS

PLATO depends on volunteers to make its programs successful. Each year we need members who wish to be considered for service on the board of directors. This is your opportunity to suggest names to the Nominating Committee of members who you think might help lead the organization. The Nominating Committee is seeking names for two At-Large board positions (3-year term) and for Secretary. Please send your suggestions to info@platomadison.org with the subject line Board Nominations by February 6.

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

SEEKING SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 8
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography).

This is a blind juried review and the deadline for submissions is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for January 24 – February 6, 2023

Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. (December 18, 1912 – July 4, 2002) a United States Air Force (USAF) general and commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen, was the first African-American brigadier general in the USAF. During World War II, he was commander of the 99th Fighter Squadron which escorted bombers on air combat missions over Europe. Davis Jr. flew sixty missions in P-39, Curtiss P-40, P-47 and P-51 Mustang fighters. He followed in his father's footsteps in breaking racial barriers, as Benjamin O. Davis Sr. was the first black brigadier general in the United States Army.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr.
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

PLATO Weekly Update

January 24, 2023

CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS

PLATO depends on volunteers to make its programs successful. Each year we need members who wish to be considered for service on the board of directors. This is your opportunity to suggest names to the Nominating Committee of members who you think might help lead the organization. The Nominating Committee is seeking names for two At-Large board positions (3-year term) and for Secretary. Please send your suggestions to info@platomadison.org with the subject line Board Nominations by February 6.

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES

· REMINDER – Spring Registration has been postponed until Tuesday, January 31. The Spring Course Schedules will be available the same day on the Courses page.  

· This Spring, PLATO will offer 33 courses – 17 in-person, 16 virtual, and two of which are hybrid.

· Most courses will begin the week of February 20.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday, January 27 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

LECTURES
We have two upcoming in-person lectures on Wisconsin's fresh waters! These will both be held at Capital Lakes, located at 333 W. Main St. Free parking is available across the street in their parking ramp. Please sign the registration book when you arrive at the front desk. Masks are not required but please wear one if you wish.

· On Wednesday, February 8 at 2pm author Donald P. Sanford shares fascinating stories from his book, On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

· On Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

Explore archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of subjects.

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

SEEKING SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 8
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the deadline for submissions is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for January 24 – February 6, 2023

Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. (December 18, 1912 – July 4, 2002) a United States Air Force (USAF) general and commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen, was the first African-American brigadier general in the USAF. During World War II, he was commander of the 99th Fighter Squadron which escorted bombers on air combat missions over Europe. Davis Jr. flew sixty missions in P-39, Curtiss P-40, P-47 and P-51 Mustang fighters. He followed in his father's footsteps in breaking racial barriers, as Benjamin O. Davis Sr. was the first black brigadier general in the United States Army.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr.
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

PLATO Weekly Update

January 17, 2023

IN MEMORIAM: LOUISE FOWLER

We are very sorry to announce the sudden death of Louise Fowler while she was on vacation with her family in Philadelphia. Louise provided administrative support to PLATO for almost a decade as a valued member of the UW Division of Continuing Studies staff. Her work for PLATO members touched most, if not all, parts of our organization. She will be missed in numerous and profound ways. Her engaging personality and generosity of time and attention was evident to, and appreciated, by all. Our sympathies are with Louise’s family.

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES

· Winter Courses are underway – find details on the Courses page. 

· If your course meets in person, please review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase.

· NOTE: Refighting the Civil War, usually a Spring course, began on January 9 and will end April 24. The course is 12 weeks total with no classes during March. You may still join now or wait and join during the Spring session. Please contact the coordinator, Daryl Sherman at snippetswi@gmail.com for more information about this virtual course.

SPRING COURSES

NEXT WEEK! On Tuesday, January 24, the Spring Course Schedule will be posted to the Courses page and registration will open the same day.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday, January 27 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

LECTURES
We have two upcoming lectures on Wisconsin's fresh waters:

· Join us on Wednesday, February 8 at 2pm as author Donald P. Sanford shares fascinating stories from his book, On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota. This in-person lecture will be held in Grand Hall at Capital Lakes, located at 333 W. Main St. Free parking is available across the street in their parking ramp. Please sign the registration book when you arrive at the front desk. Masks will not be required but you may wear one if you wish. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

· In March, author Scott Spoolman will share what he learned writing his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. More details coming soon.

Enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on an array of timely topics.

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

SEEKING SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 8
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography).

This is a blind juried review and the deadline for submissions is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for January 3 – 23, 2023

Did You Know…Freedom House Ambulance Service, formed in 1967 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was the first emergency medical service in the United States staffed by paramedics who had received medical training. They served the predominantly black Hill District of Pittsburgh, and the majority of the staff were African-American. Formed with partial funding from President Johnson’s War on Poverty, Freedom House Ambulance Service established new national and international standards in emergency medical care. They operated until 1975 when the city took over providing emergency ambulance service. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Freedom House Ambulance Service or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).