PLATO Weekly Update

February 22, 2022

CURRICULUM

CANCELLATIONS

Please note that two Spring Courses have been cancelled:

· Life Maps with Norm Leer

· Women’s Journeys toward Self-Discovery with Grethe Brix-J Leer

SPRING COURSES

Find everything you need to know on the COURSES webpage. 

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person courses:

· Wear masks inside of Host Location buildings.

· Follow social distancing guidelines.

· Follow any additional guidelines required at Host Locations - visit the Courses Page or check with your course coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES
THIS WEEK! On Thursday, February 24th at 2:00pm Professor Joe Salmons will lead us in an intriguing exploration of Wisconsin English including pronunciations, words, associations and grammar. This is a one-hour virtual lecture and registration is required.

As always, PLATO Lectures on many topics are always available.  

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
These events offer a delightful opportunity to socialize with PLATO members over a breakfast of your choice. Our next gathering will be on March 11th at 9:30am at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street on Madison's near Eastside. RSVP and other COVID-19 Protocols are required. RSVP and learn more here.

THEATER TRIPS 
Our trip to see a matinee of a Beatles-inspired version of As You Like It at the Milwaukee Rep on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 is full but you can learn more and join the waitlist here. COVID-19 protocols are required. 

REMINDER 
These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person special events:

· Masks are required at all times, except while eating.

· You will need to show: 

o   A picture ID.

o   Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of negative results of a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to the event. The test must be issued by a medical provider or pharmacy. At home tests will not be accepted. 

· You will not be allowed to join the event without providing acceptable documentation.

· Please stay home if you are not feeling well and contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

HISTORY OF PLATO

"Thirty-five Years of PLATO Courses" is an interesting article about the history of PLATO's courses, updated to include the pandemic era for your edification and enjoyment. Other stories in the Leisurely Walk through PLATO's History series can also be found on PLATO's About webpage.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

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

Our Biweekly Feature for February 22nd – March 7th is What Time is it Anyway?, a short story written and narrated by Mary De Wolf (a 10.5 minute listen).

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Winter reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

NEW BOOK & VIDEO RECOMMENDATIONS – For more on the book “JUST AS I AM: A MEMOIR" by Cicely Tyson and the 2022 mini-series, “WOMEN OF THE MOVEMENT” click the Social Justice Webpage button below. 

DID YOU KNOW? for February 15 – 28, 2022

Did You Know… World War II Navajo code talker Thomas Begay was a teenager playing football near his high school in New Mexico when he heard news of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. As soon as he could, he went to a recruiting office to join the Marines. Because he was only 17 he had to go home and return with his mother to give permission for his enlistment. This was just the start of his lifelong commitment to public service. 

Begay, now in his late 90’s, is one of only 4 men still alive among the 400-plus Navajo code talkers from World War II.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Thomas Begay & 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).