PLATO Weekly Update

September 1, 2026

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Registration for Fall Courses continues! Visit the Courses webpage to find the link to the Fall Course Schedule. There are many courses to choose fromincluding in-person, virtual, and hybrid options. Most Fall Courses will begin the Week of September 14 – here are a few to consider:

Money Skills for Retirees – Virtual – Mondays

Short Stories and Essays (note new books listed) – Covenant Presbyterian Church – Tuesdays 

Getting Through: The Language and Logics of Autism – Madison Senior Center – Thursdays

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Learn about efforts during the last few months to automate the course registration process in this previously shared Curriculum Showcase article. This new process is in response to member feedback and was tested out in a pilot program over the summer with select courses. The feedback was positiveand many course coordinators chose to try this online registration option this fall.

SPECIAL EVENTS

NOON ZOOM

TODAY! Join retired WPR talk show host Joy Cardin and the Director of the Marquette Law School Poll Charles Franklin for a Noon Zoom discussionabout polling, politics, and public opinion on Tuesday, September 1 from 12-1pm. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link and members can register a guest. Learn more and register here. 

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LECTURES

NEXT WEEK! Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on the Underground Railroad on Tuesday, September 8 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In this moving presentation, Connie Martin will reveal how these songs carried secret messages that warned of danger and guided people along the Underground Railroad to freedom in Canada. Registration is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

THIS MONTH! The Power of Art in History on Thursday, September 24from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In this dynamic lecture, Professor Alan Garfield share slides of what many consider masterpieces in the world of art history and discuss how and why they have been given that designation. Registration is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

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POP-UP EVENTS

Submit your idea for a Pop-Up Event here.

NEW! Join PLATO member Dr. Alan Garfield, retired art historian, on Friday, September 18 from 1:00-2:30pm for a Pop-Up Art tour of The Chazen Museum of Art featuring artworks in the exhibition titled Recollection: Exhibiting the Collection. Registration is required for PLATO members and their guests. Learn more and register here.

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THIS WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on September 4, from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Catherine Masi, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and RSVP here.

I
S YOUR MEMBERSHIP CURRENT? As of August 1, we have entered a new membership year! If you have not renewed yet, your membership has lapsed. Renew today to take advantage of the mix of in-person and virtual courses, lectures and social activities this fall and into next year – dues are just $60 per person!

There's a reason PLATO's membership has once again surpassed 1,000 members... PLATO is thriving! Since June 2025, PLATO has offered more than 100 Courses; 26 Field/Theater Trips; 15 Lectures; more than 50 Social Gatherings, and more! Lapsed members may renew here and new members may visit the Join PLATO webpage to become members.

NEW TO PLATO? While PLATO’s course offerings are consistently cited as the number one reason that members join PLATO, there are many benefits to membership. To make the most of your PLATO membership, visit the About PLATO webpage.