PLATO Weekly Update

March 11, 2025

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
The Agora, Volume 9 deadline is this Friday, March 14, 2025

PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Have a question about a Spring Course? Find the answer on the Courses webpage. The Curriculum Committee hopes you are enjoying the opportunity to participate in one or more Spring courses!

SUMMER COURSES
Spread your wings and offer a course this summer! Summertime is an ideal time to offer a new course, or maybe your very first course! PLATO's Curriculum Committee is here to help – whether you're a new or existing coordinator, find what you need in the Coordinator Toolkit.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS

REMINDER – The Woman in Black – this Sunday, March 16, 2025. Registered guests may review trip details here.

REMINDER – The Craic – this Sunday, March 16, 2025. Registered guests may review trip details here.

FIELD TRIPS

REMINDER – History & Art Tour with a Vintage Flair! – next Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Registered guests may review trip details here.

NEW REGISTRATION DEADLINE – Spring into Spring Tour in the Janesville area on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Flower and nature enthusiasts will enjoy the expansive Rotary Botanical Gardens and the K&W Greenery and their gift shops! We'll also tour the Milton House – Wisconsin's only certified Underground Railroad site. And there will be a group lunch at an Italian restaurant and a surprise stop. The registration deadline has been extended to Friday, March 21, 2025. Learn more and register here.

Linden Cohousing Tour on Saturday April 5, 2025, at 10:00am. There are about 200 cohousing communities across the United States and Madison is home to four of them! Come learn how cooperative living can facilitate interaction among neighbors to provide social, practical, economic, and environmental benefits.This is a complimentary tour for PLATO members and their guests and registration is required. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES

Slavery in "Free" Wisconsin Territory, 1800-1850 on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 1:30-3:00pm. Using documentation gathered in the writing of her latest book Enslaved, Indentured, Free: Five Black Women on the Upper Mississippi 1800-1850, historian and author Mary Elise Antoine will discuss the history of slavery in Wisconsin. Registration is not required for this lecture, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

NEW! A Conversation with Chloe Benjamin on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 1:30-3:00pm. PLATO's Alt-Pinney Book Club will interview the award-winning author of The Immortalists and The Anatomy of Dreams. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures on important and interesting topics.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS

THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, March 14 at 9:30-11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. A prominent stairway leads to the lower level where our group meets. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT MONTH! Our very first First Friday Breakfast on the West Side!

Join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at the Pancake Café on Gammon Road. Held the first Friday of each month from 9:00-11:00am, the first event will be on Friday, April 4, 2025. This venue provides the comfort of a private dining room and the convenience of a large parking lot. Bring a friend! Like all Breakfast and Coffee Gatherings, everyone is responsible for their own tab. Learn more and RSVP here.

WEBINAR

The Benefits of Strength Training for Life's Journey by Vivo on Friday, April 4 at 2:00pm. This one-hour webinar features a presentation by Dr. Katie Starr, PhD, RD, Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, followed by an interactive demo and Q&A session. This complimentary event requires registration to receive the Zoom link – the deadline is Thursday, April 3. Learn more and register here. 

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

DID YOU KNOW? for March 11 – 24, 2025

Charles Richard Drew (June 3, 1904 – April 1, 1950) was an American physician who pioneered the storage of blood plasma in blood banks in the United States and Great Britain during the early years of World War II. Drew resigned his posts in 1942 as an act of protest of the decision of the armed forces who ruled that African American blood would be accepted but would need to be stored separately from the blood of whites.

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Charles Richard Drew, and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

PLATO Weekly Update

March 4, 2025

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
The Agora, Volume 9 deadline is next Friday, March 14, 2025

PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Have a question about a Spring Course? Find the answer on the Courses webpage. The Curriculum Committee hopes you are enjoying the opportunity to participate in one or more Spring courses!

COURSE COORDINATOR TOOLKIT
Have an idea for a course you would like to lead? PLATO's Curriculum Committee is here to help you get started. Whether you're a new or existing coordinator, find what you need in the Coordinator Toolkit.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

REGISTER TODAY – only a few spots remain for the Spring into Spring Tour in the Janesville area on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Flower and nature enthusiasts will enjoy the expansive Rotary Botanical Gardens and the K&W Greenery and their gift shops! We'll also tour the Milton House – Wisconsin's only certified Underground Railroad site. And there will be a group lunch at an Italian restaurant and a surprise stop. The registration deadline is next Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Learn more and register here.

NEW! Linden Cohousing Tour on Saturday April 5, 2025, at 10:00am. There are about 200 cohousing communities across the United States and Madison is home to four of them! Come learn how cooperative living can facilitate interaction among neighbors to provide social, practical, economic, and environmental benefits. This is a complimentary tour for PLATO members and their guests and registration is required. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES

NEW! Slavery in "Free" Wisconsin Territory, 1800-1850 on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 1:30-3:00pm. Using documentation gathered in the writing of her latest book Enslaved, Indentured, Free: Five Black Women on the Upper Mississippi 1800-1850, historian and author Mary Elise Antoine will discuss the history of slavery in Wisconsin. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR with this upcoming lecture:

– Thursday, April 17, A Conversation with Chloe Benjamin!

Also, recorded PLATO Lectures are available 24/7 for your learning pleasure.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS

NEW! Announcing... First Friday Breakfasts on the West Side!

Join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at the Pancake Café on Gammon Road. Held the first Friday of each month from 9:00-11:00am, the first event will be on Friday, April 4, 2025. This venue provides the comfort of a private dining room and the convenience of a large parking lot. Bring a friend! Like other Breakfast and Coffee Gatherings, everyone is responsible for their own tab. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, March 14 at 9:30-11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. A prominent stairway leads to the lower level where our group meets. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

WEBINAR

NEW! The Benefits of Strength Training for Life's Journey by Vivo on Friday, April 4 at 2:00pm. This one-hour webinar features a presentation by Dr. Katie Starr, PhD, RD, Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University School of Medicine, followed by an interactive demo and Q&A session. This complimentary event requires registration to receive the Zoom link – the deadline is Thursday, April 3. Learn more and register here. 

MEMBER APPRECIATION ANNUAL MEETING 

Registration for this complimentary event will open on April 1! Local Broadcast Legend John Stofflet, a 26-time Emmy winner, will give the keynote presentation titled Anecdotes & Challenges from My Career as a Newscaster on Wednesday, May 14 from 2:00-4:00pm at the East Side Club on Monona Drive.

PLATO Weekly Update

 February 25, 2025

NEW! Local Broadcast Legend John Stofflet, a 26-time Emmy winner, will give the keynote presentation at PLATO's Member Appreciation Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 14 from 2:00-4:00pm at the East Side Club on Monona Drive. Registration for this complimentary event will open on April 1.

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Spring Courses are underway! Some courses may still have space – find the Spring Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register. 

The Curriculum Committee hopes you are enjoying the opportunity to participate in one or more of these courses!

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

NEW! Spring into Spring Tour in the Janesville area on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. Visit the fabulous Rotary Botanical Gardens, and the K&W Greenery, shop in their gift shops and partake in the Milton House Tour – Wisconsin's only certified Underground Railroad site. There will also be a group lunch at an Italian restaurant and a surprise stop. The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES

THIS WEEK! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR with these upcoming lectures:

– Thursday, April 10, Slavery in "Free" Wisconsin Territory, 1800-1850

– Thursday, April 17, A Conversation with Chloe Benjamin!

Pique your curiosity with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

COFFEE GATHERING

THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on February 28 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of your favorite morning beverage. Feel free to bring a friend or family member who might be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for February 25 – March 10, 2025

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Literacy Network, 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).

PLATO Weekly Update 

February 18, 2025

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
NEW! Most Spring Courses begin this week and some still have space with in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Find the Spring Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

Here are five Spring Courses that still have space:

– Mondays, 1:00-3:00pm, Novels Old and New

– Tuesdays, 1:00-3:30pm, History of the Hollywood Musical

– Wednesdays, 10:00-11:00am, Buddhist Mindfulness: How To Do It; How To Understand It

– Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm, Writing Workshop

– Fridays, 10:00am-12:00pm, PLATO Travel Group

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

NEXT WEEK! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Learn something new with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

FIELD TRIPS

The registration deadline is Noon on Friday, February 21. History & Art Tour with a Vintage Flair!  – Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Since its inception, Beloit has seen nearly 180 years of American history unfold playing a role as a way station on the Underground Railroad and actively participating during the Industrial Revolution thanks to the ingenuity of its citizens. Enjoy the gems of this city located just 55 miles south of Madison! Space is limited so learn more and register today!

NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on February 28 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of your favorite morning beverage. Feel free to bring a friend or family member who might be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD
Please forward this email to a family member or friend!

Word of mouth is PLATO's best advertising – please forward this email to someone who might enjoy PLATO's courses, trips, lectures, and other special events. Also, check out this list of 10 Ways to Tell Others about PLATO.

THE AGORA

The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for February 11 – 24, 2025

J. Ernest Wilkins Jr. (1923-2011) was a pioneering African American mathematician, physicist, and educator who worked at the University of Chicago Met Lab during the Manhattan Project. Wilkins was a child prodigy who completed his mathematics undergrad degree at 17 years old and his master's degree the following year. Later in his career he researched methods for producing fissionable nuclear materials – plutonium-239 in particular. He did not learn the purpose of his research until after the atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about J. Ernest Wilkins Jr. 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).

PLATO Weekly Update

 February 11, 2025

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Most Spring Courses begin the week of February 17 and many still have space with in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Find the Spring Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

Here are five Spring Courses that still have space:

– Mondays, 1:00-3:00pm: Money Skills for Retirees 

– Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00pm: Jazz

– Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm: Discussions in Philosophy 

– Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm, Book Discussion Group – Poverty, by America

– Fridays, 12:30am-1:15pm: Gentle Chair Yoga

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

NEW! History & Art Tour with a Vintage Flair! – Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Since its inception, Beloit has seen nearly 180 years of American history unfold playing a role as a way station on the Underground Railroad and actively participating during the Industrial Revolution thanks to the ingenuity of its citizens.Enjoy the gems of this city located just 55 miles south of Madison! The registration deadline is Noon on Friday, February 21. Space is limited so learn more and register today!

THEATER TRIPS

LAST CHANCE! Register today for this delightful production!
The Craic – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stackner Cabaret. Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

LAST CHANCE! Register today for this spellbinding production! 
The Woman in Black – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio. Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years! Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, February, 14 at 9:30-11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. A prominent stairway leads to the lower level where our group meets. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES

THIS MONTH! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

· Friday, March 21, 12pm – The Benefits of Strength Training webinar

· Thursday, April 17, 1:30pm – A Conversation with Chloe Benjamin!

Cozy up during winter weather with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

THE AGORA

The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for February 11 – 24, 2025

J. Ernest Wilkins Jr. (1923-2011) was a pioneering African American mathematician, physicist, and educator who worked at the University of Chicago Met Lab during the Manhattan Project. Wilkins was a child prodigy who completed his mathematics undergrad degree at 17 years old and his master's degree a year later. Later in his career he researched methods for producing fissionable nuclear materials – plutonium-239 in particular. He did not learn the purpose of his research until after the atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about J. Ernest Wilkins Jr. 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).

PLATO Weekly Update

 February 4, 2025

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Registration for Spring Courses continues – there are 39 Spring Courses to choose from with in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Find the Spring Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register. Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 17. 

Still looking for a Spring course? Many still have space, including the following:

– Mondays, 1:30-3:00pm: Photographer’s Journey to Three Medieval Cathedrals in Southeast England

– Tuesdays, 1:30-3:00pm: Musical Evolution of the Beatles 1962 - 1970, also check out the Course Coordinator video here!

– Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm: Global Affairs and the Media

– Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm, Book Discussion Group – Poverty, by America

– Fridays, 10:00am-12:00pm: PLATO Travel

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

THIS MONTH! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Quench your curiosity with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

THEATER TRIPS

The Craic – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stackner Cabaret. Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

The Woman in Black – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio. Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years! Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, February, 14 at 9:30-11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. A prominent stairway leads to the lower level where our group meets. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS

Would you or someone you know like to help ensure PLATO’s success and guide its future? Each year we need members who wish to be considered for service on the PLATO Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to suggest names to the Nominating Committee of members who you think might help lead the organization. Self-nominations are also welcome.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD
Please share this webpage with a family member or friend!

Word of mouth is PLATO's best advertising – please forward this email to someone who might enjoy PLATO's courses, trips, lectures, and other special events. Also, check out this list of 10 Ways to Tell Others about PLATO.

THE AGORAThe Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for January 28 – February 10

Julia Parsons (b. March 2, 1924) was a World War II Code Breaker and Navy WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). In 1942, after a brief stint doing quality assurance in an Army ordnance lab reviewing shells made in Pittsburgh’s steel mills, Parsons read a newspaper article about the Navy accepting women into service as commissioned officers for the first time. She signed up immediately – soon she would be learning how to de­code German U­boat message traffic, making significant contributions to the wartime effort. 

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Julia Parsons' fascinating wartime story 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).

PLATO Weekly Update

January 28, 2025

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Registration for Spring Courses continues – there are 39 Spring Courses to choose from with in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Find the Spring Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register. Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 17. 

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Please join us in recognizing and thanking our recently retired Course Coordinators who are listed in this brief Curriculum Showcase article. Course coordinator contributions mean a great deal to PLATO members; their contributions are appreciated and will be missed!

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

THIS WEEK! United States Immigration Policy: Background and Current Status on Thursday, January 30, 2025 with Dr. Sara McKinnon, professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture and Faculty Director of Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures provided by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters on a variety of important topics.

THEATER TRIPS

The Craic – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stackner Cabaret. Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

The Woman in Black – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio. Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years! Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT MONTH! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, February, 14 at 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.

CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS

Would you or someone you know like to help ensure PLATO’s success and guide its future? Each year we need members who wish to be considered for service on the PLATO Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to suggest names to the Nominating Committee of members who you think might help lead the organization. Self-nominations are also welcome.

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO JOIN PLATO

Please consider forwarding this email to a friend or family member who might be interested in joining PLATO!

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

DID YOU KNOW? for January 28 – February 10

Julia Parsons (b. March 2, 1924) was a World War II Code Breaker and Navy WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). In 1942, after a brief stint doing quality assurance in an Army ordnance lab reviewing shells made in Pittsburgh’s steel mills, Parsons read a newspaper article about the Navy accepting women into service as commissioned officers for the first time. She signed up immediately – soon she would be learning how to de­code German U­boat message traffic, making significant contributions to the wartime effort. 

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Julia Parsons' fascinating wartime story 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).

PLATO Weekly Update

January 21, 2025

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
NEW! Registration for Spring Courses is open – find the Spring Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

There are 39 Spring Courses to choose from with in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 17. 

WINTER COURSES
Details about Winter Courses can be found on the Winter Course Schedule.

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
NEW! Please join us in recognizing and thanking our recently retired Course Coordinators who are listed in this brief Curriculum Showcase article. Course coordinator contributions mean a great deal to PLATO members; their contributions are appreciated and will be missed!

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS
TOMORROW! Members who are registered for The Malibu of the Midwest Touron Wednesday, January 22, 2025 can review details for that trip here.

THEATER TRIPS

The Craic – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stackner Cabaret. Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

The Woman in Black – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio. Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years! Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES

NEXT WEEK! United States Immigration Policy: Background and Current Status on Thursday, January 30, 2025 with Dr. Sara McKinnon, professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture and Faculty Director of Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Cozy up at home with recorded PLATO Lectures provided by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters on a variety of timely topics.

COFFEE GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on January 24 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of your favorite morning beverage. Feel free to bring a friend or family member who might be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

THE AGORA

The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

NEW! Mark your calendars for this year's Member Appreciation Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 14, from 2:00 - 4:00pm. This will be a complimentary event and members may bring a guest! Also, PLATO's Annual Meeting Planning Committee welcomes member suggestions for a guest speaker – please send suggestions to info@platomadison.org by Friday, January 31, 2025. 

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

DID YOU KNOW? for January 14 – 27, 2025 

Frederick Douglass "Fritz" Pollard (January 27, 1894 – May 11, 1986) was one of the first two African American football players in the National Football League. After serving his country during World War I, Pollard went on to become the first African American head coach in the National Football League with the Akron Pros in 1921.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Frederick Douglass "Fritz" Pollard 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).

PLATO Weekly Update

January 14, 2025

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Winter Courses are underway! Find everything you need to know about Winter Courses on the Courses webpage. 

SPRING COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Registration for Spring Courses opens on Tuesday, January 21 and most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 17. 

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
NEW! Take a sneak peek at four new Spring Courses shared recently in a brief Curriculum Showcase article.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS
NEXT WEEK! Members who are registered for The Malibu of the Midwest Tour on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 can review details for that trip here.

THEATER TRIPS

The Craic – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stackner Cabaret. Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

NEW! The Woman in Black – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio. Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years! Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES

United States Immigration Policy: Background and Current Status onThursday, January 30, 2025 with Dr. Sara McKinnon, professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture and Faculty Director of Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Expand your understanding about important and interesting topics with recorded PLATO Lectures.

COFFEE GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on January 24 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of your favorite morning beverage. Feel free to bring a friend or family member who might be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

THE AGORA

The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for January 14 – 27, 2025 

Frederick Douglass "Fritz" Pollard (January 27, 1894 – May 11, 1986) was one of the first two African American football players in the National Football League. After serving his country during World War I, Pollard went on to become the first African American head coach in the National Football League with the Akron Pros in 1921.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Frederick Douglass "Fritz" Pollard 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).