PLATO Weekly Update

September 10, 2024

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· Most Fall Courses begin next week – choose from 35 courses with 21 in-person, 12 virtual and 2 hybrid options.

· Many still have availability as they allow an unlimited number of participants – check the Class Size under Course Description.

· Find the fall course schedule on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register.

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

Added this week: Military History of American Civil War from 1860 - 1865 on Monday mornings at 10am.

Foundations of Modern Art on Wednesday mornings at 10am.

What Confucius Might Have Said on Wednesday afternoons at 1pm.

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Weekly Fall Courses Quiz, Week #4 – indulge your joy of learning with fall's course offerings: 

1. If you are a HODOPHILE, in which class will you find likeminded PLATO members?

2. In which course should you enroll if you want to read and discuss one of the greatest works of literature to date?

3. What class will offer a lecture and discussion on Habitable Exoplanets – Worlds beyond our own?

Find answers on the Curriculum Showcase webpage!

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP

Good news – the registration deadline has been extended for this hit comedy musical! Prelude to a Kiss on Sunday, October 13 at 2:30pm. 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 storyline that gives the phrase “for better or worse” new meaning. Learn more and register here,

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members 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.

LECTURE
NEW! History & Stories of Wisconsin's One-room Schools on Tuesday, October 22 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Campus. Susan Apps-Bodilly, a retired teacher and educator, will take us back to the long-ago days when Wisconsin's rural children attended a one-room school. During this interactive talk, Susan will also share about how she researched and gathered stories for the book. Registration is not required and parking is free. Bring a guest! Learn more here.

BIKE RIDES
Carpe diem! Enjoy the fine late-summer weather with these self-guided bicycling routes around Madison. 

LECTURES
Recorded PLATO Lectures on a wide variety of subjects presented by PLATO members and special guest presenters are available whenever you are ready to settle in at home and learn something new.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT PLATO
Forward this newsletter to a friend or invite them to a class or event!

Members are welcome to bring a friend to sample a class or two, or if attending solo, the friend may contact the PLATO office for more information at info@platomadison.org. If bringing a friend, please advise the Course or Event Coordinator so they can prepare. Note that events that require registration fees are not applicable.

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. 

September's Featured Offering is Remember, a self portrait painted by Heather Williams to memorialize the spark of her personal essence which has guided her lifelong exploration of her true self through unconditional love.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for September 3 – 16, 2024

Did you know that PLATO's Education Fund supports the UW Odyssey Project? This award-winning UW-Madison 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 for more about UW-Madison Odyssey Project, PLATO's Education Fund 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).