PLATO Weekly Update

August 27, 2024

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· Registration for Fall Courses continues! Find the fall course schedule on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register.

· There are 34 courses to choose from with 20 in-person, 12 virtual, and 2 hybrid options.

WHAT'S NEW
Check out a few of the new courses this fall:

· Social Justice Book Discussion Group on Tuesdays at 1pm.

· What Confucius Might Have Said on Wednesdays at 1pm.

· Who’s Driving the Bus on Fridays at 10am.

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Weekly Fall Courses Quiz, Week #2 – explore your options for participation this semester!

1. What class should you enroll in if you want to read a book by the author of The Three Musketeers & The Count of Monte Christo?

2. In what course are you encouraged to "Do your own thing and make a commitment to yourself"?

3. In what course might you hear the terms migration, carbon-free, food choices, and biodiversity?

Find answers on the Curriculum Showcase webpage!

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP

Prelude to a Kiss on Sunday, October 13 at 2:30pm. A hit romantic comedy musical – when Peter and Rita are approached by a mysterious guest at their storybook wedding, the boundaries of true love are tested, taking them on a fantastic journey of self-discovery. Adapted from the Tony-nominated play and with a breathtaking score, you’ll love this moving musical that gives the phrase “for better or worse” new meaning. The registration deadline is next Wednesday, September 3! Learn more and register here,

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT MONTH! Second Friday Breakfast – socialize with fellow members over coffee and breakfast snacks on Friday, September 13 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. 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. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

FIELD TRIP

There are only four spaces left for this fascinating Tour of Yerkes Observatoryon Monday, October 7, 2024. Often called "the birthplace of modern astrophysics", this 90-minute tour will touch on a range of topics including astrophysics, architecture, local history, photography, engineering, art and more. Afterward, enjoy two hours in Lake Geneva for lunch and to explore the downtown on your own. The registration deadline is September 22 and members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

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

LECTURES
Explore new topics of importance with PLATO Lectures presented by PLATO members and special guest presenters.

STAY IN-THE-KNOW WITH PLATO

THE AGORA FEATURES
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal, The Agora,
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. 

August's Featured Offering is The Old Man and the Soil, a short story by William Eisinger that introduces a curious cast of characters in a 1950's rural American setting.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for August 13 – September 2, 2024

Warren M. Washington (b. 1936), the second African-American to earn a doctorate in the atmospheric sciences, received the highest scientific honor bestowed by the U.S. President, the National Medal of Science, for his fundamental contributions to the understanding of Earth's coupled climate system through numerical simulation, leadership in U.S. science policy, and inspiring mentorship of young people of all backgrounds and origins.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Warren Washington
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).