PLATO Weekly Update

September 2, 2025

NEW! PLATO members are invited to participate in a free community event hosted by AgeBetter's SAIL program to learn about ageism and what to do about it! PLATO is proud to partner with SAIL (Sharing Active Independent Lives) and other popular local senior programs to facilitate this afternoon event, and we hope to see PLATO members participate. Learn more and register here.

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Registration for Fall Courses continues! Fall courses are often popular and some are already full. Here's a list of Fall Courses that likely still have space: 

· Drawing as a Sacred Activity

· Money Skills for Retirees

· Biography

· History of the Hollywood Musical

· Jazz

· Gentle Chair Yoga for Stress Reduction

· Mindfulness of Mind: Emotion & Thinking

· Two Major Art Centers in Europe: Paris and Vienna

· Global Affairs and the Media

· Discussions in Philosophy

· Film History

· What in the World Happened

· Learning the Language and Logics of Autism

· PLATO Travel Group

Visit the Courses webpage to find the link to the Fall Course Schedule and contact the course coordinator to register.

To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST & COFFEE GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

THIS WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Pancake Café on Gammon Road on Friday, September 5, from 9:00-11:00am. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Lakeside Street Coffee House on September 12, from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES

SAVE THE DATES for PLATO Lectures – review this flyer for lecture dates through December 2025.

NEXT WEEK! Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad on Tuesday, September 9 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Connie Martin tells the history of the Underground Railroad and how quilt codes were used to communicate. Registration is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

THIS MONTH! Healing the Heart through Forgiveness on Thursday, September 25 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Lisa Rickert will reflect on her last two decades of working with defense teams on death penalty cases and the awe she has experienced in witnessing people who chose mercy in response to unspeakable pain, and the power of forgives in the healing process. Registration is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Beyond Politics: The Content of Wisconsin's Character, Past & Present by award-winning journalist and whistleblower Mike McCabe on Thursday, October 9 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. Registration is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures at your convenience presented by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters.

THEATER TRIPS

SAVE THE DATES for PLATO Theater Trips – review this flyer for theater trips for the upcoming membership year!

Only a handful of spots remain! Join us for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson. Note that PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. Registration deadline is Monday, September 15. Learn more and register here.

PLATO Weekly Update

August 26, 2025

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Registration for Fall Courses continues! Fall courses are often popular and some are already full. Here are two new courses to consider that still have room:

· Prose and Cons Book Discussion Group, 4th Tuesday of month, 1:30-3pm at Christ Presbyterian Church.

· Learning the Language and Logics of Autism, Thursdays,10am-12pm at Madison Senior Center.

Also, consider Fall courses with no class size limits – there are many courses in this category. Visit the Courses webpage to find the link to the Fall Course Schedule and contact the course coordinator to register.

To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST & COFFEE GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

NEXT WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Pancake Café on Gammon Road on Friday, September 5, from 9:00-11:00am. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT MONTH! Second Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Lakeside Street Coffee House on September 12, from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES

SAVE THE DATES for PLATO Lectures – review this flyer for lecture dates through December 2025.

NEW! Beyond Politics: The Content of Wisconsin's Character, Past & Present by award-winning journalist and whistleblower Mike McCabe on Thursday, October 9 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. Registration is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

Healing the Heart through Forgiveness on Thursday, September 25 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Lisa Rickert will reflect on her last two decades of working with defense teams on death penalty cases and the awe she has experienced in witnessing people who chose mercy in response to unspeakable pain, and the power of forgives in the healing process. Registration is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad on Tuesday, September 9 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Connie Martin tells the history of the Underground Railroad and how quilt codes were used to communicate. Registration is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures at your convenience presented by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters.

THEATER TRIPS

SAVE THE DATES for PLATO Theater Trips – review this flyer for theater trips for the upcoming membership year!

Join us for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson. Note that PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. Learn more and register here.

A PLATO PILOT PROGRAM
Seeking to provide PLATO members opportunities to gather informally to explore topics and activities of interest throughout the year

Are you interested in hosting a one-time informal group discussion on a particular topic or inviting others to participate in an activity you enjoy? If yes, please fill out this brief online form so that your idea can be shared with other PLATO members because odds are that if it is of interest to you, it will likely interest other members too! Topics can be academic in nature, or focus on current events, or involve a fun activity or outing. For example: a discussion group about genealogy, sustainable living practices, or the Finnish concept of sisu; a sunset or moonrise watch party at a local park; or a game of cards at a venue of your choice.

We look forward to seeing how you will put the "P" into the "Participatory" Learning And Teaching Organization!

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

THIS FALL! Work is underway to produce The Agora, Volume 9, which PLATO members can look forward to reading this fall in hard copy and/or online. Members will be sent a hard copy in the mail unless they have opted-out of receiving it, with one copy sent per member household.

View highlights from the past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS
Select from a range of topics and formats for your viewing or listening pleasure, curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for August 26 – September 8, 2025

Did you know that PLATO's Education Fund supports the UW-Madison Odyssey Project? This award-winning program takes a whole family approach to breaking the cycle of generational poverty through access to education, giving adult and youth learners a voice, and increasing confidence through reading, writing, and speaking. 

Visit the Social Justice page to learn more about UW-Madison Odyssey Project, the PLATO Education Fund and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

PLATO Weekly Update

August 19, 2025

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
NEW! Registration for Fall Courses begins today! Visit the Courses webpage to find the link to the Fall Course Schedule and contact the course coordinator to register. There are 36 Fall Courses to choose from including in-person, virtual, and hybrid options and you may register for more than one course! Most Fall Courses will begin the week of September 15, 2025.

To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS

SAVE THE DATES for PLATO Theater Trips – review this flyer for theater trips for the upcoming membership year!

NEW! Join us for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson. Note that PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST & COFFEE GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee Gathering – August 22, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT MONTH! 

· First Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Pancake Café on Gammon Road on Friday, September 5, from 9:00-11:00am. Learn more and RSVP here.

· Second Friday Breakfast Gatherings will return to the Lakeside Street Coffee House on September 12, from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES

SAVE THE DATES for PLATO Lectures – review this flyer for lecture dates through November 2025.

NEW! Healing the Heart through Forgiveness on Thursday, September 25 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Lisa Rickert will reflect on her last two decades of working with defense teams on death penalty cases and the awe she has experienced in witnessing people who chose mercy in response to unspeakable pain, and the power of forgives in the healing process. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad on Tuesday, September 9 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Connie Martin tells the history of the Underground Railroad and how quilt codes were used to communicate. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures at your convenience presented by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters.

FIELD TRIPS

REMINDERS!

· Celebrating American Design: Prairie Architecture and Wood Type Craft on Wednesday, August 20 – registered guests can review details here.

· Spring Green and Taliesen Tour on Monday, August 25 – registered guests can review details here.

A PLATO PILOT PROGRAM
To provide PLATO members opportunities to gather informally to explore topics or activities of interest at any time throughout the year

Are you interested in hosting a one-time informal group discussion on a particular topic or inviting others to participate in an activity you enjoy? If yes, please fill out this brief online form so that your idea can be shared with other PLATO members because odds are that if it is of interest to you, it will likely interest other members too! Topics can be academic in nature, or focus on current events, or involve a fun activity or outing. For example: a discussion group about star gazing or artificial intelligence; an afternoon gathering of jigsaw puzzlers; or a visit to one of Madison's art museums or galleries. 

We look forward to seeing how you will put the "P" into the "Participatory" Learning And Teaching Organization!

REMINDER! Word of mouth is PLATO's best advertising so please help spread the word by forwarding this email to family and friends who can visit the JOIN PLATO webpage to learn about the benefits and how to join. And, members can learn more about how to spread the word here.

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

THIS FALL! Work is underway to produce The Agora, Volume 9, which PLATO members can look forward to reading this fall in hard copy and/or online. Members will be sent a hard copy in the mail unless they have opted-out of receiving it, with one copy sent per member household. Please be sure your address is up to date in your PLATO member profile so that your copy is sure to reach you.

View highlights from the past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

PLATO Weekly Update

August 12, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
THIS WEEK! Last chance to register for Fixed Income Portfolios Including How to Buy Inflation Protected Securities. Starting Thursday, August 14, this course will meet virtually from 12:30-2:00pm on Thursdays through the end of the month.

FALL COURSES
NEXT WEEK! The Fall Course Schedule will be posted on the Courses webpage on Tuesday, August 19 and registration will begin the same day. There will be 36 Fall Courses to choose from including in-person, virtual, and hybrid options! Most Fall Courses will begin the week of September 15.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST & COFFEE GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee Gathering – August 22, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT MONTH! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Pancake Café on Gammon Road on Friday, September 5, from 9:00-11:00am. Learn more and RSVP here.

THEATER & FIELD TRIPS

NEW! SAVE THE DATES for PLATO Theater Trips – review this flyer for theater trips for the upcoming membership year!

REMINDER! Celebrating American Design: Prairie Architecture and Wood Type Craft on Wednesday, August 20 – registered guests can review details here.

REGISTRATION IS FULL for the Dane County Landfill Tour on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 is full. Learn more and join the waitlist here.

LECTURES

NEXT MONTH! Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad on Tuesday, September 9 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Connie Martin tells the history of the Underground Railroad and how quilt codes were used to communicate. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

SAVE THE DATES for PLATO Lectures – review this flyer for lecture dates through November 2025.

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures at your convenience presented by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters.

BIKE RIDES
Set off on a summertime adventure with self-guided bicycling routes.

A PLATO PILOT PROGRAM
To provide PLATO members opportunities to gather informally to explore topics or activities of interest at any time throughout the year

NEW! Are you interested in hosting an informal group discussion on a particular topic or inviting others to participate in an activity you enjoy? If yes, please fill out this brief online form so that your idea can be shared with members in PLATO's Weekly Update. Odds are that if it is of interest to you, it will likely interest other PLATO members too!

REMINDER! Word of mouth is PLATO's best advertising so please help spread the word by forwarding this email to family and friends who can visit the JOIN PLATO webpage to learn about the benefits and how to join. And, members can learn more about how to spread the word here.

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

THIS FALL! Work is underway to produce The Agora, Volume 9, which PLATO members can look forward to reading this fall in hard copy and/or online. Members will be sent a hard copy in the mail unless they have opted-out of receiving it, with one copy sent per member household. Please be sure your address is up to date in your PLATO member profile so that your copy is sure to reach you.

THIS WEEK! Members who would prefer to read The Agora, Volume 9 online can opt-out of receiving a hard copy by mail by sending an email to info@platomadison.org by Friday, August 15.

View highlights from the past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS
Select from a range of topics and formats for your viewing or listening pleasure, curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for August 12 – 25, 2025

Alexander Miles (May 18, 1838 – May 7, 1918) was a Black businessman and inventor who invented the automatic elevator door (after nearly losing his daughter down an elevator shaft) for which he was awarded a patent in 1887.

Visit the Social Justice page to learn more about Alexander Miles and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

August 5, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
THIS MONTH! Register today for a late summer course – Fixed Income Portfolios Including How to Buy Inflation Protected Securities which will meet virtually for three Thursdays in August from 12:30-2:00pm starting August 14.

Also, Military History of the Civil War continues to allow drop-in participation; the course meets at Oakwood University Woods Campus on Wednesdaysfrom 10:00am-12:00pm through August 13. Contact the course coordinator for room details.

FALL COURSES

Tuesday, August 19: The Fall Course Schedule will be posted on the Courses webpage and registration begins the same day. 

The Week of September 15: Most Fall Courses will begin.

A PLATO PILOT PROGRAM
To provide PLATO members opportunities to gather informally to explore topics or activities of interest at any time throughout the year

THIS FRIDAY! Attend a PLATO discussion group to share perspectives on current immigration and deportation issues. Baxter Richardson will facilitate this opportunity for up to 12-15 PLATO members.

Date & Time: Friday, August 8, 2025, from 10:00am-12:00pm.

Where: Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ, 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison.

RSVP: Click here to RSVP by 5pm on Thursday, August 7.

STAY TUNED... to learn how to host an informal gathering on a topic you are curious about or an activity you enjoy – because odds are that it will be of interest to other PLATO members too!

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

NEW! Join us for a behind-the-scenes field trip to the Dane County Landfill on Tuesday, September 9 from 10:00-11:30am to tour these important facilities for what is sure to be a fascinating journey into the world of recycling, renewable energy, and responsible disposal. This tour is free for PLATO members and their guests and registration is required. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST & COFFEE GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – August 8, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace. Learn more and RSVP here.

THIS MONTH! Fourth Friday Breakfast – August 22, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES

NEXT MONTH! Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad on Tuesday, September 9 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Connie Martin tells the history of the Underground Railroad and how quilt codes and their meanings were used to communicate. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

SAVE THE DATES for PLATO Lectures – review this flyer for lecture dates through November 2025.

Recorded PLATO Lectures presented by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters offer a wealth of knowledge 24/7.

BIKE RIDES
Cruise the bike paths and streets of Madison with self-guided bicycling routes.

FIELD & THEATER TRIPS
REMINDER! The Verona Pick-Up & Drop-Off location has changed. If you are going on the Where Nature and Architecture Converge field trip on August 25, please note that the new location is at the Verona Park and Ride Lot which is located off Exit 81 on south bound US Highway 151 or Exit 79 north bound on US Highway 151 and Old PB. Click here for a printable map. Please contact Sandi Hasse with any questions you may have at sandi.haase@wisc.edu.

PLATO Weekly Update

July 29, 2025

REMINDER! Word of mouth is PLATO's best advertising so please help spread the word by forwarding this email to family and friends who can visit the JOIN PLATO webpage to learn about the benefits and how to join. And, members can learn more about how to spread the word here.

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEXT MONTH! Fixed Income Portfolios Including How to Buy Inflation Protected Securities will meet virtually for three Thursdays in August from 12:30-2:00pm starting August 14.

Also, Military History of the Civil War continues to allow drop-in participation; the course meets at Oakwood University Woods Campus on Wednesdays from 10:00am-12:00pm through August 13. Contact the course coordinator for room details.

FALL COURSES

Tuesday, August 19: The Fall Course Schedule will be posted on the Courses webpage and registration begins the same day. 

The Week of September 15: Most Fall Courses will begin.

A PLATO PILOT PROGRAM
To provide PLATO members opportunities to gather informally to explore topics or activities of interest at any time throughout the year

NEW! Attend a PLATO discussion group to share perspectives on current immigration and deportation issues on August 8, 2025, from 10:00am-12:00pm at Orchard Ridge United Church of Christ located at 1501 Gilbert Road, Madison. Baxter Richardson will facilitate this opportunity for 12-15 PLATO members. Click here to RSVP by Wednesday, August 6.

STAY TUNED... to learn how to host an informal gathering on a topic you are curious about or an activity you enjoy – because odds are that it will be of interest to other PLATO members too!

SPECIAL EVENTS

THIS WEEK! First Friday Breakfast – August 1, 9:00-11:00am at Yola's Café on Commerce Drive. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – August 8, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEW! Mark your calendar for Pre-Civil War Quilts: Secret Codes to Freedom on the Underground Railroad on Tuesday, September 9 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Connie Martin tells the history of the Underground Railroad and how quilt codes and their meanings were used to communicate. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

SAVE THE DATES – review this flyer for lecture dates through November 2025!

Learn about timely topics with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters.

BIKE RIDES
Explore Madison's neighborhoods with self-guided bicycling routes.

FIELD & THEATER TRIPS
REMINDER! The Verona Pick-Up & Drop-Off location has changed. If you are going on the Where Nature and Architecture Converge field trip on August 25, please note that the new location is at the Verona Park and Ride Lot which is located off Exit 81 on south bound US Highway 151 or Exit 79 north bound on US Highway 151 and Old PB. Click here for a printable map. Please contact Sandi Hasse with any questions you may have at sandi.haase@wisc.edu.

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

REMINDER! Work is underway to produce The Agora, Volume 9, which PLATO members can look forward to reading this fall in hard copy and/or online. Members will be sent a hard copy in the mail unless they have opted-out of receiving it, with one copy sent per member household. Please be sure your address is up to date in your PLATO member profile so that your copy is sure to reach you.

Members who would prefer to read The Agora, Volume 9 online can opt-out of receiving a hard copy by mail by sending an email to info@platomadison.org by Friday, August 15, 2025.

View highlights from the past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS
Select from a range of topics and formats for your viewing or listening pleasure, curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for July 29 – August 11, 2025

As a Black female technology innovator who started her career in the early days of the internet, one of Lisa Gelobter’s most notable jobs was as an engineer for the earliest interactive multimedia platform, Shockwave. Gelobter helped develop the software behind the very first online videos.

Visit the Social Justice page to learn more about Lisa Gelobter and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

July 22, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Have a question about a Summer Course? Find everything you need to know on the Courses Page or contact your Course Coordinator for assistance.

Also, these three Summer Courses are sill open for participation – click on the linked course titles to find the contact info for each course coordinator:

– Military History of the Civil War meets at Oakwood University Woods Campuson Wednesdays from 10:00am-12:00pm through August 13. Drop ins are welcome!

– Gentle Chair Yoga for Stress Reduction meets online via Zoom each Wednesdayfrom 12:00-12:45pm through July 30. Drop-ins are welcome!

– NEXT MONTH! Fixed Income Portfolios Including How To Buy Inflation Protected Securities will meet virtually for three Thursdays in August from 12:30-2:00pm starting August 14.

FALL COURSES
The fall course schedule will be announced on Tuesday, August 19 and registration will begin the same day. Most fall courses will begin the week of September 15. If you're interested in offering a Fall course, PLATO's Curriculum Committee created a Course Coordinator Toolkit to help get you started!

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS
IMPORTANT! The Verona Pick-Up & Drop-Off location has changed. If you are going on this field trip, please take note! 

· Where Nature and Architecture Converge (August 25)

The new location is at the Verona Park and Ride Lot which is located off Exit 81 on south bound US Highway 151 or Exit 79 north bound on US Highway 151 and Old PB. Click here for a printable map. Please contact Sandi Hasse with any questions you may have at sandi.haase@wisc.edu.

COFFEE & BREAKFAST GATHERINGS

These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee – July 25, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! First Friday Breakfast – August 1, 9:00-11:00am at Yola's Café on Commerce Drive. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT MONTH! Second Friday Breakfast – August 8, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Learn something new with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters.

BIKE RIDES
Get out and about on a bike with self-guided bicycling routes – there's also electric bike rental info!

PLATO Weekly Update

July 15, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Have a question about a Summer Course? Find everything you need to know on the Courses Page or contact your Course Coordinator for assistance.

Also, these three Summer Courses are still open for participation –click on the linked course titles to find the contact info for each course coordinator:

– Military History of the Civil War meets at Oakwood University Woods Campuson Wednesdays from 10:00am-12:00pm through August 13. Drop ins are welcome!

– Gentle Chair Yoga for Stress Reduction meets online via Zoom each Wednesdayfrom 12:00-12:45pm through July 30. Drop-ins are welcome!

– NEXT MONTH! Fixed Income Portfolios Including How To Buy Inflation Protected Securities will meet virtually for three Thursdays in August from 12:30-2:00pm starting August 14.

FALL COURSES
The fall course schedule will be announced on Tuesday, August 19 and registration will begin the same day. Most fall courses will begin the week of September 15. If you're interested in offering a Fall course, PLATO's Curriculum Committee created a Course Coordinator Toolkit to help get you started!

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS
IMPORTANT! The Verona Pick-Up & Drop-Off location has changed. If you are going on these field trips, please take note! 

· Milwaukee History in the Making (July 16)

· Where Nature and Architecture Converge (August 25)

The new location is at the Verona Park and Ride Lot which is located off Exit 81 on south bound US Highway 151 or Exit 79 north bound on US Highway 151 and Old PB. Click here for a printable map. Please contact Sandi Hasse with any questions you may have at sandi.haase@wisc.edu.

The registration deadline is today, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 for the Celebrating American Design day trip on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, to tour Still Bend, Frank Lloyd Wright’s visionary “Dream House” brought to life! Also, experience the sights, sounds, and stories of American graphic design and printing like never before at The Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum – the country's biggest typographical museum. Learn more and register here.

THREE MORE OPEN SPOTS! Join us for a day trip to visit downtown Spring Green and tour Taliesen on Monday, August 25, 2025. Immerse yourself in this unique mix of architecture, nature, culture, and agriculture. PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. The registration deadline is Monday, July 21. Learn more and register here.

COFFEE & BREAKFAST GATHERINGS

These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

NEXT WEEK!
Fourth Friday Coffee – July 25, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT MONTH!
First Friday Breakfast – August 1, 9:00-11:00am at Yola's Café on Commerce Drive. Learn more and RSVP here.

Second Friday Breakfast – August 8, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Learn something new with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters.

BIKE RIDES
Get out and about on a bike with self-guided bicycling routes – there's also electric bike rental info!

NEW MEMBERS! Word of mouth is PLATO's best advertising so please help spread the word! You are welcome you to share this info with family and friends – they can visit the JOIN PLATO webpage to learn about the benefits and how to join. And, members can learn more about how to spread the word here.

THE AGORA

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

The jury review and selection process is now complete and contributors to The Agora, Volume 9 have been notified. The Agora Board extends heartfelt thanks to all who submitted work for consideration – there were many high quality submissions! Work is now underway to produce The Agora, Volume 9, which PLATO members can look forward to receiving this fall.

Members who would prefer to read The Agora, Volume 9 online can "opt-out" of receiving a hard copy by mail by sending an email to info@platomadison.org.

View highlights from the past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS
Select from a range of topics and formats for your viewing or listening pleasure, curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

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

PLATO Weekly Update

July 8, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Have a question about a Summer Course? Find everything you need to know on the Courses Page or contact your Course Coordinator for assistance.

FALL COURSES
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The fall course schedule will be announced on Tuesday, August 19 and registration will begin the same day. Most fall courses will begin the week of September 15. If you're interested in offering a Fall course, PLATO's Curriculum Committee created a Course Coordinator Toolkit to help get you started! 

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS
IMPORTANT! The Verona Pick-Up & Drop-Off location has changed. If you are going on any of the field trips below, please take note! 

· Church Basement Ladies: The Last (Potluck) Supper (July 10)

· Milwaukee History in the Making (July 16)

· Where Nature and Architecture Converge (August 25)

The new location is at the Verona Park and Ride Lot which is located off Exit 81 on south bound US Highway 151 or Exit 79 north bound on US Highway 151 and Old PB. Click here for a printable map. Please contact Sandi Hasse with any questions you may have at sandi.haase@wisc.edu.

Register for the Celebrating American Design day trip on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, to tour Still Bend, Frank Lloyd Wright’s visionary “Dream House” brought to life! Also, experience the sights, sounds, and stories of American graphic design and printing like never before at The Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum – the country's biggest typographical museum. The registration deadline is next Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Learn more and register here.

Join us for a day trip to visit downtown Spring Green and tour Taliesen on Monday, August 25, 2025. Immerse yourself in this unique mix of architecture, nature, culture, and agriculture. PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. The registration deadline is Monday, July 21. Learn more and register here.

COFFEE & BREAKFAST GATHERINGS

These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

THIS WEEK!
Second Friday Breakfast – July 11, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace. Learn more and RSVP here.

Fourth Friday Coffee – July 25, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Expand your horizons with PLATO Lectures from the convenience of home.

BIKE RIDES
Enjoy the sights of summertime on your bike with self-guided bicycling routes.

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

The jury review and selection process is now complete and contributors to The Agora, Volume 9 have been notified. The Agora Board extends heartfelt thanks to all who submitted work for consideration – there were many high quality submissions! Work is now underway to produce The Agora, Volume 9, which PLATO members can look forward to receiving this fall.

Members who would prefer to read The Agora, Volume 9 online can "opt-out" of receiving a hard copy by mail by sending an email to info@platomadison.org.

View highlights from the past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS
Select from a range of topics and formats for your viewing or listening pleasure, curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for July 1 – 14, 2025

Mary Davidson Kenner (May 17, 1912 – January 13, 2006) holds the record for the greatest number of patents (five) awarded a Black woman by the U.S. government. While she wasn’t formally recognized with awards for her practical inventions, her commonsense contributions helped pave the way for subsequent innovations. 

Visit the Social Justice page to learn more about Mary Davidson Kenner and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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