PLATO Weekly Update 

September 26, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Fall Courses are underway! Have Questions? Find answers on the Fall Course 2023 Schedule on the Courses webpage.

NOTE – COURSE UPDATES
Five Great Thinkers: In Person on the Good Life with Booth Fowler on Tuesday mornings at Oakwood has been cancelled.

For Courses that meet at Capitol Lakes from October 10 – 13:

· Global affairs and the Media will meet in the Premier Room for all of its Wednesday classes this Fall.

· History of the Hollywood Musical: The Tuesday, Oct.10 class is cancelled.

· An Amazing Walk through Prehistoric Time: The Tuesday, Oct.10 class is cancelled.

· PLATO Travel: The Friday, Oct.13 class is cancelled.

SPECIAL EVENTS

WALKS
Our next walk will be Tuesday, October 10 at Lakeshore Preserve on the University Campus. The walk will proceed from Picnic Point to Frautschi Point and back. Learn some of the history and future plans from our leader Bryn Scriver, volunteer and outreach coordinator at the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Learn more and register here. 

LECTURES
Community Conservation: From Wisconsin to the World on Monday, October 16 from 1:30 – 3pm at Capitol Lakes. Discover how conservation in Wisconsin has influenced conservation around the world with Dr. Teri Allendorf, Executive Director of Community Conservation. Registration is not required and parking is free. Learn more here.

On Early Childhood Education: The Importance of Nutrition & Trauma-Informed Care on Monday, November 6 from 1:30 – 3:30pm at Bethany United Methodist Church. Learn about the benefits of the School Family Model with Abbi Kruse, Executive Director of The Playing Field. There will be a presentation with Q&A for the first hour and a tour of the Playing Field Preschool during the second hour. Registration is not required and parking is free. Learn more here.

Cozy up with previously recorded PLATO Lectures on these rainy Autumn days.

THEATER TRIP
Mark your calendar for Scrooge The Musical on Friday, December 8, 2023 at The Fireside Dinner Theater! More details coming soon.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT MONTH! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, October 13 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. Coffee House located in the Bay Creek neighborhood. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. Learn more and RSVP here.

THE AGORA
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
celebrating 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 early fall reading, viewing, or listening pleasure,
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for September 19 – October 2, 2023 

Dr. Mary Walker (November 26, 1832 – February 21, 1919) was the first woman to be employed as a contract surgeon in the US Army. It was a struggle to be hired in this role – after earning a medical degree in 1855 from Syracuse College, Walker sought to volunteer for service as a surgeon or a spy during the Civil War but was turned down. Since the only option offered her was to serve as a nurse, Walker began treating the wounded and sick as a volunteer civilian doctor and finally the Army recognized her skill and hired her as a contract surgeon.

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

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable historic events and 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 

September 19, 2023

 CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Most Fall Courses begin this week and some courses still have openings! Find the Fall Course 2023 Schedule on the Course webpage and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

NOTE – CAPITAL LAKES COURSES
There will be room changes for Courses that meet at Capital Lakes from October 10 – 13. Here is what we know so far:

· History of the Hollywood Musical will cancel its Tues. Oct.10 class.

· Global affairs and the Media will meet in the Premier Room for all of its Wednesday classes this Fall.

· An Amazing Walk through Prehistoric Time – Its Oct. 10 room change is TBD. 

· PLATO Travel – Its Oct. 13 room change is TBD.

Be sure to watch for more information from your Course Coordinators and routinely review PLATO's Tuesday Weekly Updates!

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP CANCELLED
Run Bambi Run at the MKE Rep on October 15 has been cancelled due to low registrations and refunds will be processed this week. As disappointing as this is to some of us, there will be another theater trip in early December to The Fireside Dinner Theater to see Scrooge, The Musical. Stay tuned!

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, light breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, Sept. 22 from 9:30 – 11:30am. We will meet at Lake Ridge Bank's Rotunda Café located on Madison's east side. RSVP this time only to Carla Di Iorio by email at carlad@tds.net. Find more details here.

WALKS
Our next walk will be Tuesday, October 10 at Lakeshore Preserve on the University Campus. The walk will proceed from Picnic Point to Frautschi Point and back. Learn some of the history and future plans from our leader Bryn Scriver, volunteer and outreach coordinator at the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Learn more and register here...

LECTURES
Pique your curiosity with archived PLATO Lectures on an array of subjects. 

BIKE RIDES
Get out and about with these self-guided bicycling routes around our fair city.

THE AGORA
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
celebrating 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 reading, viewing, or listening pleasure,
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for September 19 – October 2, 2023 

Dr. Mary Walker (November 26, 1832 – February 21, 1919) was the first woman to be employed as a contract surgeon in the US Army. It was a struggle to be hired in this role – after earning a medical degree in 1855 from Syracuse College, Walker sought to volunteer for service as a surgeon or a spy during the Civil War but was turned down. Since the only option offered her was to serve as a nurse, Walker began treating the wounded and sick as a volunteer civilian doctor and finally the Army recognized her skill and hired her as a contract surgeon.

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

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable historic events and 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

September 12, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Most Fall Courses begin the week of September 18 and some courses still have openings! Find the Fall Course 2023 Schedule on the Course webpage and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

NOTE – CAPITAL LAKES COURSES
There will be room changes for Courses that meet at Capital Lakes from October 10 – 13. Here is what we know so far:

· History of the Hollywood Musical will cancel its Tues. Oct.10 class.

· Global affairs and the Media will meet in the Premier Room for all of its Wednesday classes this Fall.

· An Amazing Walk through Prehistoric Time – Its Oct. 10 room change is TBD. 

· PLATO Travel – Its Oct. 13 room change is TBD.

Be sure to watch for more information from your Course Coordinators and routinely review PLATO's Tuesday Weekly Updates!

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP CANCELLED
Run Bambi Run at the MKE Rep on October 15 has been cancelled due to low registrations. As disappointing as this is to some of us, there will be another theater trip in early December to The Fireside Dinner Theater. Stay tuned!

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, light breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, Sept. 22 from 9:30 – 11:30am. We will meet at Lake Ridge Bank's Rotunda Café located on Madison's east side. RSVP this time only to Carla Di Iorio by email at carlad@tds.net. Find more details here.

WALKS
Our next walk will be Tuesday, October 10 at Lakeshore Preserve on the University Campus. More information coming soon!

LECTURES
Pique your curiosity with archived PLATO Lectures on an array of subjects. 

BIKE RIDES
Get out and about with these self-guided bicycling routes around our fair city.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Want to join PLATO or renew your membership? Please visit our Join Us webpage for more information.

THE AGORA
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
celebrating 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 late-Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for August 29 – September 18, 2023 

Alice H. Parker (1895 – ?) an African American inventor, revolutionized home heating during the 1920’s by patenting a central heating system using natural gas, paving the way for modern central heating systems. Most homes were still reliant upon wood or coal to heat their homes – which made staying warm indoors a laborious task. Parker’s invention utilized natural gas through a network of ducts and vents that distributed heat through the entire home. Her design also offered users the ability to adjust heat to meet individual preferences.

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

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable historic events and 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 

September 5, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· Registration Continues! Find the Fall Course 2023 Schedule on the Course webpage.

· Choose from 35 Courses – 17 in-person, 14 virtual, and 4 hybrid options to meet a variety of member needs.

· Most Fall Courses will begin the week of September 18.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP
Run Bambi Run – the most glamorous murder case of the 1980's gets a musical makeover! Playboy Bunny/Milwaukee cop “Bambi” Bembenek's story told through song and dance by talented actors of the Milwaukee Rep. Registration deadline is Friday, September 15. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, September 8 from 9:30 – 11:30am. We will return to Lakeside St. Coffee House located in the Bay Creek neighborhood. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. Learn more and RSVP here.

FIELD TRIP
Monday, September 11, 2023 – There are still open spots! Tour the stunning home and grounds of Black Point Estate, which Fodor's names as one of the top 10 estate tours in the United States, followed by lunch and time to explore the historic resort town of Lake Geneva, WI. Email Bob Shaw to register.

WALKS
Tuesday, September 12 walk through Faville Grove Sanctuary near Lake Mills, WI. This walk is full but you can join the waitlist – please carefully review the special instructions for gathering and parking. Learn more and join the waitlist here. 

LECTURES
Enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of timely topics.

BIKE RIDES
Explore Madison with these self-guided bicycling routes.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Want to join PLATO or renew your membership? Please visit our Join Us webpage for more information.

THE AGORA
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
celebrating 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 late-Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for August 29 – September 11, 2023 

Alice H. Parker (1895 – ?) an African American inventor, revolutionized home heating during the 1920’s by patenting a central heating system using natural gas, paving the way for modern central heating systems. Most homes were still reliant upon wood or coal to heat their homes – which made staying warm indoors a laborious task. Parker’s invention utilized natural gas through a network of ducts and vents that distributed heat through the entire home. Her design also offered users the ability to adjust heat to meet individual preferences.

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

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable historic events and 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

August 29, 2023

Want to join PLATO or Renew Your Membership?
We invite new members to visit our Join Us webpage and renewing members to simply login to their PLATO profile here.

THE AGORA
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
celebrating members’ creativity and diversity of thought

PLATO Members, coming to your snail mailbox this Fall... The Agora, Volume 8, PLATO's Literary & Arts Journal!

Please note... Members must have joined or renewed their PLATO membership by Friday, September 1 to be eligible to receive their complimentary hard copy of The Agora, Volume 8.

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

 
CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Registration Continues! Find the Fall Course 2023 Schedule on the Course webpage which includes 35 Courses – 17 in-person, 14 virtual, and 4 hybrid options to meet a variety of member needs.

NEXT MONTH! Most Fall Courses will begin the week of September 18.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, September 8 from 9:30 – 11:30am. We will return to Lakeside St. Coffee House located in the Bay Creek neighborhood. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. Learn more and RSVP here.

THEATER TRIP Sunday, October 15, 2023 – Join us for Run Bambi Run in the large, yet intimate Quadracci Powerhouse Theater at the Milwaukee Rep. A n outrageous ‘true crime’ saga that took the nation by storm, Lawrencia “Bambi” Bembenek's fall from Milwaukee Police Department cop to Playboy Bunny lands her in the slammer, convicted of a murder that she didn’t commit. Or did she? Registration deadline is Friday, September 15. Learn more and register here.

FIELD TRIP
Monday, September 11, 2023 – Tour the stunning home and grounds of Black Point Estate, which Fodor's names as one of the top 10 estate tours in the United States, followed by lunch and time to explore the historic resort town of Lake Geneva, WI. Learn more and register here.

WALKS
Tuesday, September 12 walk through Faville Grove Sanctuary near Lake Mills, WI. This walk is full but you can join the waitlist – please carefully review the special instructions for gathering and parking. Learn more and join the waitlist here. 

LECTURES
Archived PLATO Lectures presented by members and their special guests, offer enriching entertainment at your viewing convenience.

BIKE RIDES
These self-guided bicycling routes around Madison are sure to please.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for August 29 – September 11, 2023 

Alice H. Parker (1895 – ?) an African American inventor, revolutionized home heating during the 1920’s by patenting a central heating system using natural gas, paving the way for modern central heating systems. Most homes were still reliant upon wood or coal to heat their homes – which made staying warm indoors a laborious task. Parker’s invention utilized natural gas through a network of ducts and vents that distributed heat through the entire home. Her design also offered users the ability to adjust heat to meet individual preferences.

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

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable historic events and 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 

August 22, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
NEW! The Fall Course 2023 Schedule has been posted to the Course webpage and registration is open! There are 35 Courses total with 17 in-person, 14 virtual, and 4 hybrid options to meet a variety of member needs.

NEXT MONTH! Most Fall Courses will begin the week of September 18.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Monday, September 11, 2023 – Tour the stunning home and grounds of Black Point Estate followedby lunch and time to explore the historic resort town of Lake Geneva, WI. Last week to register – the deadline is Sunday, August 27th! Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIP
THIS FALL! Sunday, October 15, 2023 – Join us for Run Bambi Run in the large, yet intimate Quadracci Powerhouse Theater at the Milwaukee Rep. An outrageous ‘true crime’ saga that took the nation by storm, Lawrencia “Bambi” Bembenek's fall from Milwaukee Police Department cop to Playboy Bunny lands her in the slammer, convicted of a murder that she didn’t commit. Or did she? Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee and conversation on Friday, August 25 from 9:30 – 11:30am. We will meet at Lake Ridge Bank's Rotunda Café located on Atwood Ave. View photos, find menu and parking options, and RSVP here.

WALKS
NEXT MONTH! Tuesday, September 12 walk through Faville Grove Sanctuary near Lake Mills, WI. Space is limited for this special walk so register today! And please carefully review the special instructions for gathering and parking. Learn more and register here. 

LECTURES
This wide variety of archived PLATO Lectures provides enriching entertainment from the cool comfort of home.

BIKE RIDES
Enjoy five self-guided bicycling routes around Madison neighborhoods.

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

COMING THIS FALL – The Agora, Volume 8! The Agora Editorial Team is pleased to announce that Volume 8 is in the final stages of production and copies will be mailed this Fall. Please note that members can choose to opt-out of receiving a print copy of The Agora, Volume 8 by visiting their PLATO member profile. If you previously opted-out, your preference will continue to be honored. Please email info@platomadison.org if you have questions about this.

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 Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for August 15 – 28, 2023 

Frederick McKinley Jones (May 17, 1893 – February 21, 1961) invented the first successful system of mobile refrigeration which eliminated the use of ice and salt to preserve food for transport, contributing to the modernization of food transportation services. Jones was the first African-American to be awarded the National Medal of Technology and he patented more than sixty inventions during his prolific lifetime. 

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

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable historic events and 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

August 15, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
NEXT WEEK! The Fall Course Schedule will be announced on Tuesday, August 22 and registration for 35 courses will open – watch the Courses webpage for details!

NEXT MONTH! Most Fall Courses will begin the week of September 18.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP
NEW! Sunday, October 15, 2023 – Join us for Run Bambi Run in the large, yet intimate Quadracci Powerhouse Theater at the Milwaukee Rep. An outrageous ‘true crime’ saga that took the nation by storm, Lawrencia “Bambi” Bembenek's fall from Milwaukee Police Department cop to Playboy Bunny lands her in the slammer, convicted of a murder that she didn’t commit. Or did she? Learn more and register here.

FIELD TRIP
NEXT MONTH! Monday, September 11, 2023 – Tour the stunning home and grounds of Black Point Estate followed by lunch and time to explore the historic resort town of Lake Geneva, WI. Register today – the deadline is Sunday, August 27th! Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee and conversation on Friday, August 25 from 9:30 – 11:30am. We will meet at Lake Ridge Bank's Rotunda Café located on Atwood Ave. View photos, find menu and parking options, and RSVP here.

WALKS
NEXT MONTH! Registration is now open for the Tuesday, September 12 walk through Faville Grove Sanctuary near Lake Mills, WI. Space is limited for this special walk so register today! And please carefully review the special instructions for gathering and parking. Learn more and register here. 

LECTURES
Enjoy hours of archived PLATO Lectures hosted by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters on an array of timely topics.

BIKE RIDES
Get out and about with five self-guided bicycling routes around Madison.

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

COMING THIS FALL – The Agora, Volume 8! The Agora Editorial Team is pleased to announce that Volume 8 is in the final stages of production and copies will be mailed this Fall. Please note that members can choose to opt-out of receiving a print copy of The Agora, Volume 8 by visiting their PLATO member profile. If you previously opted-out, your preference will continue to be honored. Please email info@platomadison.org if you have questions about this.

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 Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for August 15 – 28, 2023 

Frederick McKinley Jones (May 17, 1893 – February 21, 1961) invented the first successful system of mobile refrigeration which eliminated the use of ice and salt to preserve food for transport, contributing to the modernization of food transportation services. Jones was the first African-American to be awarded the National Medal of Technology and he patented more than sixty inventions during his prolific lifetime. 

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

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable historic events and 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

 August 8, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
MARK YOUR CALENDAR with these important dates:

· Tuesday, August 22: The Fall Course Schedule will be announced and registration opens.

· The Week of September 18: Fall Courses begin.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIP
Monday, September 11, 2023 – Join us in a visit to the beautiful house and grounds of Black Point Estate followed by lunch and exploration in Lake Geneva, WI. A late summer jaunt to one of Wisconsin's historic resort towns, favored by the rich and famous since the late 19th century. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast on August 11, 10:30am – 12:30pm. We will meet at the Memorial Union Terrace on the UW campus. Learn more and RSVP here. 

WALKS
Join us on Tuesday, September 12 for a very special walk through Faville Grove Sanctuary near Lake Mills, WI. Registration will open on August 15th. Space is limited and if you are not registered you will not be allowed on the walk. Parking Instructions: We will meet at 8:45am sharp. We will consolidate cars and leave at 9am. Learn more here. 

PLEASE NOTE
Registration for walks is required. This allows us to communicate with you if postponements or cancellations occur.

LECTURES
Browse archived PLATO Lectures by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

BIKE RIDES
Enjoy our fair city with these five self-guided bicycling routes.

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

COMING THIS FALL – The Agora, Volume 8! The Agora Editorial Team is pleased to announce that Volume 8 is in the final stages of production and copies will be mailed this Fall. Please note that members can choose to opt-out of receiving a print copy of The Agora, Volume 8 by visiting their PLATO member profile. If you previously opted-out, your preference will continue to be honored. Please email info@platomadison.org if you have questions about this.

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 mid-Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for August 1 – 14, 2023

Dr. Lonnie Johnson ((born October 6, 1949), a NASA engineer and founder and president of Johnson Research and Development, invented the Super Soaker while working on spacecraft system designs at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. “I was working on a new type of heat pump that would use water as a working fluid instead of freon and I was experimenting…and I machined these nozzles and, I’d hook them up to the sink in my bathroom, and I was looking at the stream of water coming out of a nozzle, and I turned and shot the stream across the bathroom, and I thought jeez it would be neat to have a really powerful toy water gun,” explained Dr. Johnson. 

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

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable historic events and 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 

August 1, 2023

 
CURRICULUM

PLATO depends on volunteer Course Coordinators to offer courses for our members. Curious about becoming a Course Coordinator? Learn more here. Not ready to host a course, but want to contribute to making PLATO classes successful? Learn More here.

FALL COURSES
MARK YOUR CALENDAR with these important dates:

· Tuesday, August 22: The Fall Course Schedule will be announced and registration opens.

· The Week of September 18: Fall Courses begin.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Monday, September 11, 2023 – Join us in a visit to the beautiful house and grounds of Black Point Estate followed by lunch and exploration in Lake Geneva, WI. A late summer jaunt to one of Wisconsin's historic resort towns, favored by the rich and famous since the late 19th century. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – We will meet at the Memorial Union Terrace on the UW campus from 10:30am – 12:30pm on August 11. Learn more and RSVP here. 

WALKS
PLEASE NOTE: Registration for walks is required. This allows us to communicate with you if postponements or cancellations occur.

Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – Enjoy a very special walk through Faville Grove Sanctuary near Lake Mills, WI. Registration will open on August 15th. Space is limited and if you are not registered you will not be allowed on the walk. Parking Instructions: We will meet at 8:45am sharp. We will consolidate cars and leave at 9am. Learn more here. 

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

COMING THIS FALL – The Agora, Volume 8! The Agora Editorial Team is pleased to announce that Volume 8 is in the final stages of production and copies will be mailed this Fall. Please note that members can choose to opt-out of receiving a print copy of The Agora, Volume 8 by visiting their PLATO member profile. If you previously opted-out, your preference will continue to be honored. Please email info@platomadison.org if you have questions about this.

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 mid-Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

DID YOU KNOW? for August 1 – 14, 2023

Dr. Lonnie Johnson ((born October 6, 1949), a NASA engineer and founder and president of Johnson Research and Development, invented the Super Soaker while working on spacecraft system designs at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. “I was working on a new type of heat pump that would use water as a working fluid instead of freon and I was experimenting…and I machined these nozzles and, I’d hook them up to the sink in my bathroom, and I was looking at the stream of water coming out of a nozzle, and I turned and shot the stream across the bathroom, and I thought jeez it would be neat to have a really powerful toy water gun,” explained Dr. Johnson. 

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

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable historic events and 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 

July 25, 2023

CURRICULUM

CANCELLATION
Film History: The Early Fifties, taught by Jim O’Brien, is cancelled for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 26.

FALL COURSES

· Tuesday, August 22: The Fall Course Schedule will be announced and registration opens.

· The Week of September 18: Fall Courses begin.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Breakfast – We will meet at the Rotunda Cafe in Lake Ridge Bank from 9:30am – 11:30pm. Note that Sally Porter and Sharon Scrattish will co-host this gathering – to RSVP please email Susan Scrattish by Wednesday, July 26. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT MONTH! Second Friday Breakfast – We will meet at the Memorial Union Terrace on the UW campus from 10:30am – 12:30pm on August 11. Learn more and RSVP here. 

FIELD TRIP
Monday, September 11, 2023 – Join us in a visit to the beautiful house and grounds of Black Point Estate followed by lunch and exploration in Lake Geneva, WI. A late summer jaunt to one of Wisconsin's historic resort towns, favored by the rich and famous since the late 19th century. Learn more and register here.

WALK
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 – Enjoy a very special walk through Faville Grove Sanctuary near Lake Mills, WI, with limited registration due to the Madison Audubon conservators' concern for impacting this restored landscape. A wait list will be maintained for possible late openings. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
Beat the heat in the cool comfort of home with archived PLATO Lectures.

BIKE RIDES
Explore Madison with five self-guided bicycling routes around Madison.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCMENT
New PLATO Member-at-Large: Gail Bergman

PLATO's Board has unanimously voted to install Gail Bergman as a Member-at-Large for the remaining 2 years (2023-2025) of the open seat. This opening was created when MaryJo MacSwain became Chair of the Diversity Awareness Committee. Big thanks to Kathy Michaelis for her long commitment serving as Chair of the Diversity Awareness Committee, and a big welcome to Gail!

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

COMING THIS FALL – The Agora, Volume 8! The Agora Editorial Team is pleased to announce that Volume 8 is in the final stages of production and copies will be mailed this Fall. Please note that members can choose to opt-out of receiving a print copy of The Agora, Volume 8 by visiting their PLATO member profile. If you previously opted-out, your preference will continue to be honored. Please email info@platomadison.org if you have questions about this.

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 Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for July 10 – 31, 2023   

Cecilia Payne (May 10, 1900 ­ – December 7, 1979) was the first person to earn a Ph.D. in astronomy from Radcliffe College, with what Otto Strauve called “the most brilliant Ph.D. thesis ever written in astronomy.” And in 1950’s, Payne became the first female professor and chair of the Astronomy Department at Harvard. Payne’s work is foundational to the modern study of variable stars. She was also awarded the Henry Norris Russell Prize from the American Astronomical Society.

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

DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable historic events and 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).