PLATO Weekly Update 

July 16, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Have a question about a Summer Course? Find answers on the Courses Page or contact your Course Coordinator.

FALL COURSES
The fall course schedule will be announced on August 20 and registration will begin the same day. Most fall courses will begin the week of September 16.

COURSE COORDINATOR TOOLKIT
Interested in sharing your interests, knowledge, talents, and skills as a course coordinator? This new Course Coordinator Toolkit makes it easier than ever!

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Learn about a recent We Love a Mystery course gathering in this brief articlefeaturing an author who wrote a mystery set in Wisconsin.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FILED TRIP TOURS
NEW! Madison Youth Arts Center (MYArts) Tour on Wednesday, August 7 from 2:00-3:15pm. Completed in 2021, the $29 million dollar, four-story building is home to Madison Youth Choirs, the Children’s Theater of Madison, and over 25 more arts and community groups. This tour is free to PLATO members and their guests. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.

NEXT MONTH!

Forest Products Laboratory Tour on Thursday, August 15 at 9:15am. Free to PLATO members and their guests. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.

COFFEE GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on July 26 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea over friendly conversation. Feel free to bring a guest. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Explore a variety of interesting subjects through recorded PLATO Lectures.

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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is a poem titled Slipping Away, in which Rick Larson reflects upon the gradual loss of his dear friend after 60 years of friendship through thick and thin.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL 2024-25
Big thanks to members who have already renewed!

Membership dues remain at $60 and are valid from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025. Renewing members, check your email inbox for your dues renewal invoice or visit the  Join PLATO page. Also, new members may join by following the "Get Started" instructions on the Join PLATO page. For assistance, please contact the PLATO office at info@platomadison.org or 608-572-6869.

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 July 16 – 29, 2024 

Otis F. Boykin (August 29, 1920 – 1982) was an African American inventor who specialized in electronics. Earning more than 25 patents from 1959 to 1985, variations of his resistor models are still used today in televisions, computers, and radios. Boykin's most notable contribution was the development of control functions for the first successful, implantable pacemaker.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Otis F. Boykin, 
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

 July 9, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Have a question about a Summer Course? Find answers on the Courses Page or contact your Course Coordinator.

FALL COURSES
The fall course schedule will be announced on August 20 and registration will begin the same day. Most fall courses will begin the week of September 16.

COURSE COORDINATOR TOOLKIT
NEW! Interested in sharing your interests, knowledge, talents, and/or skills as a course coordinator? This labor of love has never been easier – learn how with the new Course Coordinator Toolkit.

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
NEW! Learn about a recent We Love a Mystery course gathering in this brief article featuring an author who wrote a mystery set in Wisconsin.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – Join us outdoors on July 12 at 10am at the UW-Memorial Union Terrace to connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of coffee and breakfast snacks. Lunch items are available after 11am. Feel free to bring a guest! Learn more and RSVP here.

NEW! Ever wonder what goes on in the building located opposite the Veterans Hospital on Madison's west side? Find out on this fascinating tour of the Forest Products Laboratory at 9:15am on Thursday, August 15. Registration is required and feel free to bring a friend. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
Escape the heat with recorded PLATO Lectures on an array of interesting subjects.

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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is a poem titled Slipping Away, in which Rick Larson reflects upon the gradual loss of his dear friend after 60 years of friendship through thick and thin.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FOR 2024-2025
July is Membership Renewal Month

Please check your email inbox for your membership renewal reminder invoice.As always, current members may renew online with a credit card by clicking the link in the reminder emails or send in a check via snail mail. New members may join by following the "Get Started" instructions on the Join PLATO webpage.Membership dues remain at $60 and are valid from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025. For assistance, please contact the PLATO office at info@platomadison.org or 608-572-6869.

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 July 2 – 15, 2024

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Lussier Community Education Center, PLATO's Education Fund, and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

Did you know that one of the local community programs that PLATO's Education Fund supports is Lussier Community Education Center? PLATO's annual donation supports educational programming for elementary and middle school students to help prepare them for success..

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Lussier Community Education Center, 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

 July 2, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Summer Courses continue. Visit the Courses Page or contact your Course Coordinator with any questions you may have.

FALL COURSES
The fall course schedule will be announced on August 20 and registration will begin the same day. Most fall courses will begin the week of September 16.

SPECIAL EVENTS

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – Join us outdoors on July 12 at 10am at the UW-Memorial Union Terrace to connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of coffee and breakfast snacks. Lunch items are available after 11am. Feel free to bring a guest! Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Recorded PLATO Lectures – learn about timely topics from the comfort of home.

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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is a poem titled Slipping Away, in which Rick Larson reflects upon the gradual loss of his dear friend after 60 years of friendship through thick and thin.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FOR 2024-2025
July is Membership Renewal Month

Please check your email inbox for your membership renewal reminder invoice.As always, current members may renew online with a credit card by clicking the link in the reminder emails or send in a check via snail mail. New members may join by following the "Get Started" instructions on the Join PLATO webpage.Membership dues remain at $60 and are valid from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025. For assistance, please contact the PLATO office at info@platomadison.org or 608-572-6869.

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 July 2 – 15, 2024

Did you know that one of the local community programs that PLATO's Education Fund supports is Lussier Community Education Center? PLATO's annual donation supports educational programming for elementary and middle school students to help prepare them for success..

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Lussier Community Education Center, 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

June 25, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Summer Courses are underway! Visit the Courses Page or contact your Course Coordinator with any questions you may have.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on June 28 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea over friendly conversation. Food options are limited but now include breakfast burritos and doughnuts! Feel free to bring a family member or friend who may be interested in PLATO. RSVP via email with Catherine Masi or new co-host Donaby Henton –learn more and find their email addresses to RSVP here.

THEATER TRIP

The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool – 2pm Matinee on Thursday, August 29 at American Players Theater. "Prepare for a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning Queen. As her monarchy teeters, she defers her duties, seeking solace in her bawdy, irreverent Fool. A witty, twisty thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat!" Members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures – at your own pace from the comfort of home.

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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Mixed Doubles, a villanelle (poem) by Tim O'Donnell that compares the choice of “going it alone" to facing the challenges of life with a loving partner and the sometimes-fitful process of finding connection.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FOR 2024-2025
July is Membership Renewal Month

NEXT WEEK! Please watch your email inbox for your membership renewal reminder emails. As always, current members may renew online with a credit card by clicking the link in the reminder emails or send in a check via snail mail. New members may join by following the "Get Started" instructions on the Join PLATO webpage. Membership dues remain at $60 and are valid from August 1, 2024 through July 31, 2025. For assistance, please contact the PLATO office at info@platomadison.org or 608-572-6869.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for June 18 – July 1, 2024 

Marian Croak, a black woman in the engineering group at Google who has filed more than 200 patents, is best known for developing Voice Over Internet Protocols (VoIP). This technology converts a person’s voice into a digital signal which allows one to make a call directly from a computer or another digital device. Croak became one of the first Black women to be inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Marian Croak

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

June 18, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Have a question about a course? Find everything you need to know on the Courses Page or contact your Course Coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on June 28 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea over friendly conversation. Food options are limited but now include breakfast burritos and doughnuts! Feel free to bring a family member or friend who may be interested in PLATO. RSVP via email with Catherine Masi or new co-host Donaby Henton –learn more and find their email addresses to RSVP here.

THEATER TRIP

The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool – 2pm Matinee on Thursday, August 29 at American Players Theater. "Prepare for a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning Queen. As her monarchy teeters, she defers her duties, seeking solace in her bawdy, irreverent Fool. A witty, twisty thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat!" Members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures – at your own pace from the comfort of home.

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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Mixed Doubles, a villanelle (poem) by Tim O'Donnell that compares the choice of “going it alone" to facing the challenges of life with a loving partner and the sometimes-fitful process of finding connection.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for June 18 – July 1, 2024 

Marian Croak, a black woman in the engineering group at Google who has filed more than 200 patents, is best known for developing Voice Over Internet Protocols (VoIP). This technology converts a person’s voice into a digital signal which allows one to make a call directly from a computer or another digital device. Croak became one of the first Black women to be inducted into the Inventors Hall of Fame. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Marian Croak

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

June 11, 2024

CURRICULUM

Summer Courses are underway! Have a question about a course? Find everything you need to know on the Courses Page or contact your Course Coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – Join us outdoors on June 14 at 10amat the UW-Memorial Union Terrace to connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of coffee and breakfast snacks. Lunch items are available after 11am. Feel free to bring a guest! Learn about parking tips, food options and how to RSVP here.

THEATER TRIP

The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool on Thursday, August 29, 2pm Matinee at American Players Theater – "Prepare for a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning Queen. As her monarchy teeters, she defers her duties, seeking solace in her bawdy, irreverent Fool. A witty, twisty thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat!" Members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
Recorded PLATO Lectures – a treasure trove of timely topics!

STAY IN-THE-KNOW WITH PLATO

PLATO volunteers provide thousands of hours each year on committees that oversee all aspects of the organization. Here is a summary of their accomplishments this past year. New members are always welcome! 

If you love being a PLATO member, please help spread the word! PLATO seeks to attract new members, so we have put together this flyer for you to pass along to a friend, family member, or acquaintance – anyone who might be interested in learning about PLATO. We invite you to print out this flyer to pass along or simply forward this email to folks who might be interested.

Reminder: New members can join now for just $60 and their membership is valid through July 31, 2025! 

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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Mixed Doubles, a villanelle (poem) by Tim O'Donnell that compares the choice of “going it alone" to facing the challenges of life with a loving partner and the sometimes-fitful process of finding connection.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for June 4 – 17, 2024 

PLATO's Education Fund provides four annual partial scholarships for returning UW adult students. Administered through the UW-Madison Division of Continuing Studies, scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis and target single-parent students and other nontraditional adult returnees. Financial need and academic potential are critical components in determining the awards.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about 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

 June 4, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEW! Most Summer Courses begin this week. It's not too late to register for some courses and there are a variety of formats to choose from. Find everything you need to know on the Courses Page and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – Join us outdoors on June 14 at 10am at the UW-Memorial Union Terrace to connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of coffee and breakfast snacks. Lunch items are available after 11am. Feel free to bring a guest! Learn more and RSVP here.

FIELD TRIP

NEXT MONDAY! Join us to tour the new Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) Center for Music on Monday, June 10 from 2:00 – 3:15pm. Located on Madison's near-east side on the site of the old Avenue Bar, this architecturally impressive building has a state-of-the-art rehearsal space for orchestras and ensembles of all sizes, studio teaching spaces for area musicians, administrative offices, and a music library. This tour is free for PLATO members and guests. Registration is required and there are only a few spots left! Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIP
NEW! Register today for a matinee performance of The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool at the American Player's Theater on Thursday, August 29 at 2pm. “Prepare for a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning Queen. As her monarchy teeters, she defers her duties, seeking solace in her bawdy, irreverent Fool. A witty, twisty thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat!” Members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
Keep up on important topics with recorded PLATO Lectures.

STAY IN-THE-KNOW WITH PLATO

PLATO volunteers provide thousands of hours each year on committees that oversee all aspects of the organization. Here is a summary of their accomplishments this past year. New members are always welcome! 

If you love being a PLATO member, please help spread the word! PLATO seeks to attract new members, so we have put together this flyer for you to pass along to a friend, family member, or acquaintance – anyone who might be interested in learning about PLATO. We invite you to print out this flyer to pass along or simply forward this email to folks who might be interested.

Reminder: New members can join now for just $60 and their membership is valid through July 31, 2025! 

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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Mixed Doubles, a villanelle (poem) by Tim O'Donnell that compares the choice of “going it alone" or facing the challenges of life with a loving partner and the sometimes-fitful process of finding connection.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 21 – June 3, 2024 

Garrett Morgan (March 4, 1877 – July 27, 1963) was a prolific inventor who called himself the “Black Edison.” Morgan devised early versions of the traffic light and gas mask. His career began as a sewing-machine mechanic and he would eventually invent a more sophisticated sewing machine which he patented, among other inventions. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Garrett Morgan

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

 May 28, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Most Summer Courses begin the week of June 3. It's not too late to register as some Summer Courses still have open spots. Find everything you need to know on the Courses Page and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

Two Summer Courses with guaranteed availability are:

– Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation, Wednesday @ 10am: The lazy days of summer might be an ideal time to learn about mindfulness meditation – before the frenetic election season hits its peak in the fall! Craig Wille’s five-week course is hybrid so you can choose to attend in-person or online. Learn more and contact Craig here.

– Exploring Generative AI, Wednesday @ 1pm: Whether curious or intimidated by artificial intelligence (or a little bit of both) this four-week course offered by Donaby Henton will edify and possibly even entertain you. Learn more and contact Donaby here.

CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
Read about what participants of the Writing Workshop were up to at a recent event at the Pinney Library in this brief Curriculum Showcase article. These PLATO members are proof that “Ordinary people truly live extraordinary lives!” 

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
SAVE THE DATES! Second "Summertime" Friday Breakfasts – on June 14, July 12 and August 9 we will return to meeting outside at the UW-Memorial Union Terrace at 10am. More details, including parking tips, are coming soon. Breakfasts at the Lakeside Street Coffee House will resume on September 13, 2024.

FIELD TRIP
NEXT MONTH! Join us to tour the new Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) Center for Music on Monday, June 10 from 2:00 – 3:15pm. Located on Madison's near-east side on the site of the old Avenue Bar, this architecturally impressive building has a state-of-the-art rehearsal space for orchestras and ensembles of all sizes, studio teaching spaces for area musicians, administrative offices, and a music library. This tour is free for PLATO members and guests. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIP
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, August 29, 2024. We will be travel via coach for an American Player's Theater production of The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool.Watch Tracy Michelle Arnold, Jim DeVita, Josh Krause and Nancy Rodriguez in a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning queen. Full details and registration information coming soon!

LECTURES
Expand your knowledge base with recorded PLATO Lectures on important issues facing our communities and planet.

Election Results for PLATO 2024 - 2025 Board 

The annual election is now completed. Congratulations to President J. K. Cheema, Vice President Jack Mitchell, Treasurer Rod McKenzie, Secretary Edie Urness-Pondillo, and two At-Large Directors Barbara Drake and Baxter Richardson. The PLATO Board is composed of five officers, standing committee chairpersons, and five At-Large Directors. The new Board’s term starts on July 1, 2024. Learn about PLATO’s structure, policies, and more on the Organizational Documents webpage.

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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Lake Monona, a photograph by Julie Pretell which reflects the beauty and intrigue of a crepuscular moment in time.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 21 – June 3, 2024 

Garrett Morgan (March 4, 1877 – July 27, 1963) was a prolific inventor who called himself the “Black Edison.” Morgan devised early versions of the traffic light and gas mask. His career began as a sewing-machine mechanic and he would eventually invent a more sophisticated sewing machine which he patented, among other inventions. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Garrett Morgan

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

May 21, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES

– Registration for Summer Courses continues – find everything you need to know on the Courses Page and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

– Choose from 11 Summer Courses with in-person, virtual, and hybrid options.

– Most begin the week of June 3.

CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
NEW! Read about what participants of the Writing Workshop were up to at a recent event at the Pinney Library in this brief Curriculum Showcase article. These PLATO members are proof that “Ordinary people truly live extraordinary lives!” 

SPECIAL EVENTS

SPRING WALK
TOMORROW! Wednesday, May 22 at 9am – A Spring Walk in the Woods: Stewart Lake County Park. There are still spots left – registration is recommended. Learn more and register here.

THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on May 24 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea over friendly conversation. Food options are limited but now include breakfast burritos and doughnuts! Feel free to bring a family member or friend who may be interested in PLATO. RSVP via email with Catherine Masi or new co-host Donaby Henton – learn more and find their email addresses to RSVP here.

FIELD TRIP
NEXT MONTH! Join us to tour the new Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) Center for Music on Monday, June 10 from 2:00 – 3:15pm. Located on Madison's near-east side on the site of the old Avenue Bar, this architecturally impressive building has a state-of-the-art rehearsal space for orchestras and ensembles of all sizes, studio teaching spaces for area musicians, administrative offices, and a music library. This tour is free for PLATO members and guests. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIP
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, August 29, 2024. We will be travel via coach for an American Player's Theater production of The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool.Watch Tracy Michelle Arnold, Jim DeVita, Josh Krause and Nancy Rodriguez in a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning queen. Full details and registration information coming soon!

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

Election Results for PLATO 2024 - 2025 Board 

The annual election is now completed. Congratulations to President J. K. Cheema, Vice President Jack Mitchell, Treasurer Rod McKenzie, Secretary Edie Urness-Pondillo, and two At-Large Directors Barbara Drake and Baxter Richardson. The PLATO Board is composed of five officers, standing committee chairpersons, and five At-Large Directors. The new Board’s term starts on July 1, 2024. Learn about PLATO’s structure, policies, and more on the Organizational Documents webpage.

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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Lake Monona, a photograph by Julie Pretell which reflects the beauty and intrigue of a crepuscular moment in time.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 21 – June 3, 2024 

Garrett Morgan (March 4, 1877 – July 27, 1963) was a prolific inventor who called himself the “Black Edison.” Morgan devised early versions of the traffic light and gas mask. His career began as a sewing-machine mechanic and he would eventually invent a more sophisticated sewing machine which he patented, among other inventions. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Garrett Morgan

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

May 14, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES

· Registration for Summer Courses continues – find everything you need to know on the Courses Page and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

· Choose from 11 Summer Courses with in-person, virtual, and hybrid options.

· Most begin the week of June 3.

SPECIAL EVENTS

TODAY! Reminder for registered members – PLATO's Member Appreciation Lunch & Annual Meeting 2024 on Tuesday, May 14 from 11:30am – 2:30pm. Review the Schedule of Events and Important parking details here.

SPRING WALK
NEXT WEEK! Wednesday, May 22 at 9am – A Spring Walk in the Woods: Stewart Lake County Park. Learn more and register here.

FIELD TRIP
NEW! Join us to tour the new Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) Center for Music on Monday, June 10 from 2:00 – 3:15pm. Located on Madison's near-east side on the site of the old Avenue Bar, this architecturally impressive building has a state-of-the-art rehearsal space for orchestras and ensembles of all sizes, studio teaching spaces for area musicians, administrative offices, and a music library. This tour is free for PLATO members and guests. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIP
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, August 29, 2024. We will be travel via coach for an American Player's Theater production of The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool.Watch Tracy Michelle Arnold, Jim DeVita, Josh Krause and Nancy Rodriguez in a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning queen. Full details and registration information coming soon!

LECTURES
Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures on a wide array of timely topics.

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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Lake Monona, a photograph by Julie Pretell which reflects the beauty and intrigue of a crepuscular moment in time.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for April 30 – May 20, 2024 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about CLIMB USA 

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).