Menu
Log in

Weekly Update 
is emailed every Tuesday to PLATO members and  those interested in joining

Be sure to add: PLATO Office Operations and "info@platomadison.org" to your email contacts or approved sender list in order to direct PLATO emails to your Inbox and keep them out of your junk folder.
  • June 21, 2022 11:34 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update

    June 21, 2022


    CURRICULUM

    COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

    Find current COVID protocols for specific Host Locations for Summer Courses listed in the Curriculum Showcase.

    SUMMER COURSES
    Information about Summer Courses can be found on the Summer Course Schedule page.

    FALL COURSES
    Fall course enrollment begins August 23 and Fall courses begin the week of September 19. 

    COURSES PAGE


    SPECIAL EVENTS 

    The Special Events Committee is busily planning several exciting events for the Fall season. Stay tuned to the Weekly Updates for details to come.

    BREAKFAST GATHERINGS

    COMING SOON! On Friday, July 8 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. enjoy coffee and conversation with fellow members outdoors at UW Memorial Union Terrace. If rain is in the forecast, we will meet indoors – look for Host Sharon Scrattish in the glassed-in lobby to find out where our tables are located. RSVP and learn more here.

    LECTURES  
    Explore archived PLATO Lectures on a range of topics.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR


    FEATURED AGORA WORKS

    Visit The Agora Features webpage for highlights from this past season, created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your pleasure. 

    Our Biweekly Feature for June 14 – June 27 is Melrose, a short story by Allen Youngwood, who shares an anecdote about the creation of this piece.

    AGORA FEATURE


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

    Select from a range of topics and formats 

    for your Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 

    curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

    Did You Know… The 2021 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to Abdulrazak Gurnah who was born in Zanzibar, Tanzania and now teaches and writes in Canterbury, England. The Swedish Academy cited Gurnah for his "uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents”.

    Gurnah
     is the first Black writer to receive the Literature Nobel since Toni Morrison in 1993. Gurnah has written 10 novels, including 1994’s Paradise, which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and 2001’s By the Sea, longlisted for the Booker. Gurnah’s writing has been noted for pushing back against previous Western takes on the African continent.

    Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about Abdulrazak Gurnah and the titles of his novels plus past DID YOU KNOW? features..

    DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE WEBPAGE


     

  • June 14, 2022 11:25 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update

    June 14, 2022


    CURRICULUM

    COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

    Find current COVID protocols for specific Host Locations for Summer Courses listed in the Curriculum Showcase.

    SUMMER COURSES
    Summer courses are underway! Information about Summer Courses, including contact information for course coordinators, can be found on the Summer Course Schedule page.

    COURSES PAGE 


    SPECIAL EVENTS

    BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
    NEXT MONTH! Meet with fellow members on Friday, July 8 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. for coffee and conversation outdoors at UW Memorial Union Terrace. If rain is in the forecast, we will meet indoors – look for Host Sharon Scrattish in the glassed-in lobby to find out where our tables are located. RSVP and learn more here.

    LECTURES  
    Escape this week's heatwave watching archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


    MEMBER FEATURE

    PLATO Story As Told by Oakwood Village

    Click on the Oakwood Article button below to see how Oakwood Village has described and promoted PLATO in a feature story in its semi-annual Outlook Magazine. This article is also available on PLATO's Member Feature webpage.


    OAKWOOD ARTICLE 


    FEATURED AGORA WORKS

    Visit The Agora Features webpage for highlights from this past season, created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your pleasure. 

    Our Biweekly Feature for June 14 – June 27 is Melrose, a short story by Allen Youngwood, who shares an anecdote about the creation of this piece.

    AGORA FEATURE 


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

    Select from a range of topics and formats 

    for your June reading, viewing, or listening, 

    curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

    New Book RecommendationHow the Word is Passed by Clint Smith. Because this is the UW-Madison “Big Read” book for 2022-23, several Madison community reading/discussion events are being planned - visit the Social Justice webpage for more information. 

    DID YOU KNOW? for June 7– 20, 2022

    DID YOU KNOW… Professor George W. McLaurin(1887-1968) was the first African-American to attend the University of Oklahoma, and the plaintiff in the precedent-setting McLaurin vs. Oklahoma State Regents 1950 Supreme Court decision. In the McLaurin case the Court ruled unanimously (9-0) that racial segregation within colleges and universities is inconsistent with the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, therefore African American students must receive the same treatment as all other students in higher education.

    Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about George McLaurin and the McLaurin vs. Oklahoma State Regents decision plus past DID YOU KNOW? features.

    DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE WEBPAGE 


  • June 07, 2022 10:14 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update 

    June 7, 2022

    CURRICULUM

    COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

    Please check the updated COVID protocols for specific Host Locations for Summer Courses listed in the Curriculum Showcase.

    SUMMER COURSES
    Summer courses begin this week! You may still be able to register for some courses by contacting the course coordinator.

    COURSES PAGE 

    SPECIAL EVENTS

    BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
    THIS WEEK! Enjoy coffee and conversation with fellow members on Friday, June 10 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. outdoors at UW Memorial Union Terrace. If rain is in the forecast, we will meet indoors – look for Host Sharon Scrattish in the glassed-in lobby to find out where our tables are located. RSVP and learn more here.

    WE WANT YOU 
    The Special Events Committee seeks a few more members in order to offer theater and field trips!Please send an email to info@platomadison.org if you are interested in learning more about this committee's activities and learning how to participate with this welcoming group.

    LECTURES  
    Check out archived PLATO Lectures on a wide range of topics.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 

    FEATURED AGORA WORKS

    Visit The Agora Features webpage for highlights from this past season, created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your pleasure. 

    Our Biweekly Feature for May 31 – June 13 is Storm Approaching, a painting by Joanna Kutter, who shares how reflecting on her childhood family vacations inspires much of her creative work.

    AGORA FEATURE 

    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

    Select from a range of topics and formats 
    for your June reading, viewing, or listening, 
    curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

    DID YOU KNOW? for June 7– 20, 2022

    DID YOU KNOW… Professor George W. McLaurin (1887-1968) was the first African-American to attend the University of Oklahoma, and the plaintiff in the precedent-setting McLaurin vs. Oklahoma State Regents 1950 Supreme Court decision. In the McLaurin case the Court ruled unanimously (9-0) that racial segregation within colleges and universities is inconsistent with the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, therefore African American students must receive the same treatment as all other students in higher education.

    Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about George McLaurin and the McLaurin vs. Oklahoma State Regents decision plus past DID YOU KNOW? features.

    DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE WEBPAGE 


  • May 31, 2022 10:39 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    PLATO Weekly Update 

    May 31, 2022


    CURRICULUM


    COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

    Please check the updated COVID protocols for Host Locations for Summer Courses listed in the Curriculum Showcase.

    SUMMER COURSES
    Summer courses begin next week June 6 - 10.

    COURSES PAGE


    SPECIAL EVENTS

    BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
    Join us on Friday, June 10 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. for coffee and conversation with fellow members outdoors at UW Memorial Union Terrace. If rain is in the forecast, we will meet indoors – look for Host Sharon Scrattish in the glassed-in lobby to find out where our tables are located. RSVP and learn more here
    .

    FIELD TRIPS 
    Register now to insure your spot on our guided tour of the International Crane Foundation Headquarters – though please note that some of the exhibits are closed temporarily due to avian flu. We will also tour the Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm. Lunch will be on your own in downtown Wisconsin Dells. Review the required COVID-19 Protocols below and learn more and register here

    COVID-19 Protocols for this Field Trip:

    · Persons wishing to wear a mask are encouraged to do so.

    · Neither site we will visit requires mask wearing.

    · Health protocols are subject to change closer to the time of this field trip.

    · You are asked to stay home if you are not feeling well. Please contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision. 

    FALL SNEAK PEAK
    Plans are in progress to visit the Pullman Historic House Tour in Chicago, the Birds in Art exhibit at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, and trips to the Milwaukee Rep for Unforgettable and Ragtime. More details coming soon!

    WE WANT YOU
    The Special Events Committee welcomes new members. Please send an email to info@platomadison.org if you are interested in knowing more about this committee's activities and learning how to participate. We need member involvement in order to offer trips!

    LECTURES  
    Explore archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR


    FEATURED AGORA WORKS

    Visit The Agora Features webpage for highlights from this past season, created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your pleasure. 

    Our Biweekly Feature for May 31 – June 13 is Storm Approaching, a painting by Joanna Kutter, who shares how reflecting on her childhood family vacations inspires much of her creative work.

    AGORA FEATURE


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

    Select from a range of topics and formats 

    for your Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 

    curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

    DID YOU KNOW? For May 24 – June 6, 2022

    Scott Joplin (1868-1917) was an African-American composer and pianist. He was considered the “King of Ragtime”, though he also composed music for ballet, opera, and broadway. Ragtime is a syncopated (i.e. off-beat) music style with roots in the African-American community. It was especially popular in America from about 1895 to 1919, and is considered one forerunner of jazz. Joplin’s "Maple Leaf Rag” (1899) was a major hit and is often referred to as the model for all ragtime works.

    Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Scott Joplin and past DID YOU KNOW? features.

    DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE WEBPAGE


  • May 24, 2022 11:05 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update

    May 24, 2022


    CURRICULUM


    COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

    Please check the updated COVID protocols for Host Locations for Summer Courses listed in the Curriculum Showcase.

    SUMMER COURSES
    Be sure to register for Summer Courses – they begin the week of June 6.

    COURSES PAGE


    SPECIAL EVENTS

    BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
    COMING SOON! Next get together is Friday, June 10. Enjoy coffee and conversation with fellow members outdoors from 9:30 - 11:00 a.mat UW Memorial Union Terrace. If rain is in the forecast, we will meet indoors – look for Host Sharon Scrattish in the glassed-in lobby to find out where our tables are located. RSVP and learn more here.

    FIELD TRIPS 
    Only a few places remain! Register now to insure your spot on our guided tour of the newly-renovated International Crane Foundation Headquarters and tour of  the Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm. Lunch will be on your own in downtown Wisconsin Dells. Review the required COVID-19 Protocols below and learn more and register here

    COVID-19 Protocols for this Field Trip:

    • Persons wishing to wear a mask are encouraged to do so.
    • Neither site we will visit requires mask wearing.
    • Health protocols are subject to change closer to the time of this field trip.
    • You are asked to stay home if you are not feeling well. Please contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision. 

    FALL SNEAK PEAK
    Planning is underway for Fall events, including the Pullman Historic House Tour in Chicago, the Birds in Art exhibit at the
     Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, and trips to the Milwaukee Rep for Unforgettable and Ragtime. Stay tuned for details on these trips and more! 

    WE WANT YOU
    The Special Events Committee welcomes new members. Please send an email to info@platomadison.org if you are interested in knowing more about this committee's activities and learning how to participate. Without member involvement there are no trips!

    LECTURES  
    Discover archived PLATO Lectures on a wide range of topics.

        SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR


        PLATO BOARD AMENDS BYLAWS

        The PLATO Board has amended PLATO's bylaws. The revisions clarify current governanceadd language to conform to state law, and give PLATO leaders specific authority to manage affairs after recent changes in PLATO's relationship with the University of Wisconsin. The amendments remove obsolete practices, add those currently used, and clarify ambiguous or inconsistent language. They are now organized so that similar subjects are grouped together and make explicit our standards of good governance. The amended bylaws can be viewed by clicking on the black button below and they can be found on our Organizational Documents webpage, along with other valuable information on PLATO's policies, history, finances, and more.

        PLATO BYLAWS


        EATURED AGORA WORKS

        Visit The Agora Features webpage for highlights from this past season, created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your pleasure. 

        Our Biweekly Feature for May 17 – May 30 is Yarn Dyers, a painting by Sherry Ackerman, who provides a peek into her artistic process through a brief video. 

        AGORA FEATURE


        SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

        Select from a range of topics and formats 

        for your Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 

        curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

        DID YOU KNOW? For May 24 – June 6, 2022

        Scott Joplin (1868-1917) was an African-American composer and pianist. He was considered the “King of Ragtime”, though he also composed music for ballet, opera, and broadway. Ragtime is a syncopated (i.e. off-beat) music style with roots in the African-American community. It was especially popular in America from about 1895 to 1919, and is considered one forerunner of jazz. Joplin’s "Maple Leaf Rag” (1899) was a major hit and is often referred to as the model for all ragtime works.

        Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Scott Joplin and past DID YOU KNOW? features.

        DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

        SOCIAL JUSTICE WEBPAGE


      • May 17, 2022 12:48 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

        PLATO Weekly Update

        May 17, 2022

        CURRICULUM

        COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

        COVID-19 protocols are specific to each host site. Please see the updated post for Summer courses on the Curriculum Showcase for details or contact your course coordinator.

        SUMMER COURSES
        Registration continues! Find course lists on the Summer Course Schedule page.

        ARTICLE 
        Paula McKenzie shares her experience of being a course coordinator in her article, A Coordinator's Perspective, posted in the Curriculum Showcase.

        COURSES PAGE 


        SPECIAL EVENTS

        BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
        NEW! Friday coffee/breakfasts will move to the UW Memorial Union Terrace starting Friday, June 10. We will meet outdoors, weather permitting. If rain is in the forecast, we will meet indoors at the UW Memorial Union. Look for Sharon in the glassed-in lobby to find out where our tables are located. Our meeting time will continue to be 9:30-11:00 AM. RSVP and learn more here.

        FIELD TRIPS  
        SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE! Six places remain for our guided tour of the newly-renovated International Crane Foundation Headquarters. After lunch on your own in downtown Wisconsin Dells, we tour the Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm. Review the required COVID-19 Protocols and learn more and register here

        COVID-19 Protocols for this Field Trip:

        · Persons wishing to wear a mask are encouraged to do so.

        · Neither site we will visit requires mask wearing.

        · Health protocols are subject to change closer to the time of this field trip.

        · You are asked to stay home if you are not feeling well. Please contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

        LECTURES  
        Enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on a range of meaningful topics.

        SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


        PLATO MEMBERS, 
        PLEASE SHARE YOUR STORIES

        This is the first in a quarterly series of questions for PLATO members to share their experiences. A selection of responses to this question will be published in the June 14 Weekly Update. We look forward to hearing your story – please submit your answer by Tuesday, May 24 by clicking on the black button below!

        WHY I JOINED PLATO 


        PLATO BOARD AMENDS BYLAWS

        The PLATO Board recently amended our bylaws. Relatively little is changed in how we actually do governance. Rather the revisions clarify current governanceadd language to conform to state law, and give PLATO leaders specific authority to manage affairs after our change in the relationship with the University of Wisconsin. The amendments remove obsolete practices, add those currently used, and clarify ambiguous or inconsistent language. They also reorganize the bylaws so that similar subjects are grouped together and make explicit our standards of good governance. The amended bylaws can be viewed by clicking on the black button below and they can be found on our Organizational Documents webpage, along with other valuable information on PLATO's policies, history, finances, and more.

        PLATO BYLAWS 


        FEATURED AGORA WORKS

        Visit The Agora Features webpage for highlights from this past season, created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your pleasure. 

        Our Biweekly Feature for May 17 – May 30 is Yarn Dyers, a painting by Sherry Ackerman, who provides a peek into her artistic process through a brief video. 

        AGORA FEATURE 


        SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

        Select from a range of topics and formats 

        for your Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 

        curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

        DID YOU KNOW? for May 10 – 23, 2022

        Did You Know… Victor Jerome Glover (b: April 30, 1976) is a NASA astronaut from the class of 2013 and pilot on the first operational flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon to the International Space Station (ISS). Glover is a commander in the U.S. Navy where he pilots an F/A-18 and is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He was a crew member of Expedition64 (ISS November 16, 2020 - May 2, 2021), serving as a station systems flight engineer and completing three space walks. 

        Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Victor Jerome Glover and past DID YOU KNOW? features.

        DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

        SOCIAL JUSTICE WEBPAGE 


      • May 10, 2022 12:34 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


        PLATO Weekly Update

        May 10, 2022


        CURRICULUM

        COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

        COVID-19 protocols are specific to each host site. Please see the post on the Curriculum Showcase for details or contact your course coordinator.

        SUMMER COURSES
        Registration begins today, Tuesday, May 10. Course lists are now available on the Summer Course Schedule page.

        PLEASE NOTE 
        The Tuesday, May 17 Whither the State class is cancelled.

        NEW ARTICLE 
        Paula McKenzie shares her experience of being a course coordinator in her article, A Coordinator's Perspective, posted on the Curriculum Showcase.

        COURSES PAGE 


        SPECIAL EVENTS

        BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
        THIS FRIDAY! Meet fellow PLATO members over coffee on Friday, May 13 from 9:30 - 11:30 am at The Marquette Hotel Café, 414 S. Baldwin Street. Find menu, directions and RSVP details here.

        FIELD TRIPS 
        SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE! 15 places remain for our guided tour of the newly-renovated International Crane Foundation Headquarters. After lunch on your own in downtown Wisconsin Dells, we tour the Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm. Review the required COVID-19 Protocols and learn more and register here

        COVID-19 Protocols for this Field Trip:

        · Persons wishing to wear a mask are encouraged to do so.

        · Neither site we will visit requires mask wearing.

        · Health protocols are subject to change closer to the time of this field trip.

        · You are asked to stay home if you are not feeling well. Please contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

        LECTURES  
        Check out archived PLATO Lectures on a wide range of topics.

        SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


        QUESTIONS FOR PLATO LEADERSHIP

        This first in a quarterly series of questions for PLATO leadership is answered by President Kathy Brown about the year she is completing and links to her newly published PLATO annual report.

        Graphical user interface, text, application Description automatically generated

        ANNUAL REPORT 


        ELECTION RESULTS FOR PLATO 2022-23 BOARD


        The annual election is now completed. 
        Congratulations to President Rod McKenzie, Vice President Mike Kernats, Secretary Patricia Herrling, Treasurer Jatinder Cheema and new At-Large Director MaryJo MacSwain. The PLATO Board is composed of five officers, standing committee chairpersons, and five At-Large Directors. In lieu of an annual meeting, please see the link above for the PLATO Annual Report for fiscal year 2022.

        FEATURED AGORA WORKS

        Visit The Agora Features webpage for highlights from this past season, created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your pleasure. 

        Our Biweekly Feature for May 3 – 16 is Kitchen Match, a short (true!) story written and narrated by Thomas Schlicht.

        AGORA FEATURE 

        SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

        Select from a range of topics and formats 

        for your Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 

        curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

        DID YOU KNOW? for May 10 – 23, 2022

        Did You Know… Victor Jerome Glover (b: April 30, 1976) is a NASA astronaut from the class of 2013 and pilot on the first operational flight of the SpaceX Crew Dragon to the International Space Station (ISS). Glover is a commander in the U.S. Navy where he pilots an F/A-18 and is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School. He was a crew member of Expedition64 (ISS November 16, 2020 - May 2, 2021), serving as a station systems flight engineer and completing three space walks. 

        Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Victor Jerome Glover and past DID YOU KNOW? features.

        DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

        SOCIAL JUSTICE WEBPAGE 


      • May 03, 2022 11:14 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


        PLATO Weekly Update

         May 3, 2022


        CURRICULUM

        COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

        COVID-19 protocols are specific to each host site. Please see the post on the Curriculum Showcase for details or contact your course coordinator.

        SUMMER COURSES
        Registration begins next week Tuesday, May 10. Course lists will be available on that date on the Courses page.

        PLEASE NOTE 
        Whither the State change of class dates:  
        – The final Spring class will be on 
        Tuesday, May 17 not Tuesday, May 24.

        COURSES PAGE


        SPECIAL EVENTS

        BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
        NEXT WEEK! Enjoy lively conversation over breakfast with fellow PLATO members at our next event on Friday, May 13 at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 S. Baldwin Street in the popular Williamson-Marquette neighborhood. This is a great opportunity to invite a guest who might be interested in learning more about PLATO.

        FIELD TRIPS 
        Registration continues! Places still remain for our guided tour of the $10 million newly-renovated International Crane Foundation Headquarters. Lunch will be on your own in downtown Wisconsin Dells; restaurant suggestions are included in the registration information at the link below. Following lunch, we will have a guided tour of the Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm. Review the required COVID-19 Protocols and learn more and register here

        COVID-19 Protocols for this Field Trip:

        · Persons wishing to wear a mask are encouraged to do so.

        · Neither site we will visit requires mask wearing.

        · Health protocols are subject to change closer to the time of this field trip.

        · You are asked to stay home if you are not feeling well. Please contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

        LECTURES  
        Enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on a wide range of topics.

        SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR


        ELECTION FOR PLATO 2022-23 BOARD

        Voting Ends Wednesday Evening, May 4th

        Tommorrow is the last day to vote on the slate of officers and one new At-Large Board member who will serve in 2022-2023. PLATO members, If you haven't voted yet, please vote today!

        To NOMINEE Info & BALLOT Link


        FEATURED AGORA WORKS

        Visit The Agora Features webpage for highlights from this past season, created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your pleasure. 

        Our Biweekly Feature for May 3 – 16 is Kitchen Match, a short (true!) story written and narrated by Thomas Schlicht.

        AGORA FEATURE


        SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

        Select from a range of topics and formats 

        for your Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 

        curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

        DID YOU KNOW? for April 26 – May 9, 2022

        Did You Know… Mae Carol Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. In 1992 she became the first Black woman to travel into space when she served as a Mission Specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, spending more than a week orbiting the earth and fulfilling dreams that began when she watched Star Trek on television as a youngster. 

        Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Mae Carol Jemison & past DID YOU KNOW? features.

        DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

        SOCIAL JUSTICE WEBPAGE

      • April 26, 2022 1:17 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

         

        April 26, 2022

        CURRICULUM

        COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

        COVID-19 protocols are specific to each host sitePlease see the post on the Curriculum Showcasefor details or contact your course coordinator.

        GIVING THANKS
        Many Spring courses are ending this week and next week. Thank you to all the coordinators whose dedication and hard work continue to provide PLATO members with opportunities for lifelong learning.

        COURSES PAGE 


        SPECIAL EVENTS

        FIELD TRIPS 
        Registration continues! We will have a guided tour of the $10 million newly-renovated International Crane Foundation Headquarters as we view the 15 world crane species in their natural habitat. After lunch on your own in Wisconsin Dells, we will have a guided tour of the Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm. 
        Your trip organizers will provide information about luncheon restaurants within an easy walk of the bus stop. Review the required COVID-19 Protocols below and learn more and register here

        COVID-19 Protocols for this Field Trip:

        · Persons wishing to wear a mask are encouraged to do so.

        · Neither site we will visit requires mask wearing.

        · Health protocols are subject to change closer to the time of this field trip.

        · You are asked to stay home if you are not feeling well. Please contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

        BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
        These delightful events invite PLATO members to enjoy lively conversation over your choice of breakfast. Join us on Friday, May 13th for our next gathering at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street in the popular Williamson-Marquette neighborhood. These are great opportunities to bring along a guest who might be interested in learning more about PLATO.

        LECTURES
        Check out archived PLATO Lectures on a range of interesting and educational topics.

        SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


        ELECTION FOR PLATO 2022-23 BOARD

        Voting Ends Wednesday Evening, May 4th

        Next week Wednesday is the last day to vote on the slate of officers and one new At-Large Board member who will serve in 2022-2023. If you haven't already voted and are a PLATO member, please vote today!

        To NOMINEE Info & BALLOT Link 


        FEATURED AGORA WORKS

        Visit The Agora Features webpage for highlights from this past season, created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your pleasure. 

        Our Biweekly Feature for April 19 – May 2 is Sparkling River, a photograph by Bill Eisinger, who shares a bit about his artistic process and tips for snapping compelling photos.

        AGORA FEATURE 


        SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

        Select from a range of topics and formats 

        for your Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 

        curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

        DID YOU KNOW? for April 26 – May 9, 2022

        Did You Know… Mae Carol Jemison is an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. In 1992 she became the first Black woman to travel into space when she served as a Mission Specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour, spending more than a week orbiting the earth and fulfilling dreams that began when she watched Star Trek on television as a youngster. 

        Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Mae Carol Jemison & past DID YOU KNOW? features.

        DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

        SOCIAL JUSTICE WEBPAGE 


      • April 19, 2022 11:20 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


        PLATO Weekly Update

        April 19, 2022

        CURRICULUM

        COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

        COVID-19 protocols are specific to each host sitePlease see the post on the Curriculum Showcase for details or contact your course coordinator.

        NEW CURRICULUM COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP
        Big thanks to Paul Thompson for his thoughtful and dedicated service as curriculum chair through these challenging pandemic times. And a warm welcome to Kathie Burman who is stepping up to fill these big shoes! Kathie enjoys volunteering and finds lifelong learning one of the most appealing aspects of PLATO.

        COURSES PAGE 


        SPECIAL EVENTS

        NEW - FIELD TRIPS ARE BACK 
        Registration opens today! 
        We will have a guided tour of the $15 million renovation of theInternational Crane Foundation Headquarters as we view the 15 world crane species in their natural habitat. After lunch on your own in the Wisconsin Dells, we will have a guided tour of the Aldo Leopold Shack and Farm. Review the required COVID-19 Protocols below and learn more and register here

        COVID-19 Protocols for this Field Trip:

        · Persons wishing to wear a mask are encouraged to do so.

        · Neither site we will visit requires mask wearing.

        · Health protocols are subject to change closer to the time of this field trip.

        · You are asked to stay home if you are not feeling well. Please contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

        BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
        Enjoy lively conversation with PLATO members over a breakfast of your choice. The next gathering will be on Friday, May 13th, at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street on Madison's near east side. Members, your guests are always welcome. Non-members interested in learning about PLATO are welcome to join us.

        LECTURES
        Our wide variety of archived PLATO Lectures is always available.

        SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


        ELECTION FOR PLATO 2022-23 BOARD
        BEGINS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20

        VOTING BEGINS TOMORROW - watch for a special email on Wednesday, April 20 with a link to the ballot. Learn about the nominees by clicking on the Nominee Biographies link below. Voting will close on Wednesday, May 4 at midnight.

        NOMINEE BIOGRAPHIES 


        FEATURED AGORA WORKS

        Visit The Agora Features webpage for highlights from this past season, created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your pleasure. 

        Our Biweekly Feature for April 19th – May 2nd is Sparkling River, a photograph by Bill Eisinger, who shares a bit about his artistic process and tips for taking compelling photos.

        AGORA FEATURE 


        SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

        Select from a range of topics and formats 

        for your Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 

        curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

        DID YOU KNOW? for April 12 – 25, 2022

        Did You Know… Gladys Mae West is a “Hidden Figure behind your phone’s GPS.” West is an American mathematician known for her contributions to the mathematical modeling of the shape of the earth, and her work on the development of satellite geodesy models that were eventually incorporated into global positioning systems (GPS).

        As a studious Black girl in rural Virginia, West earned a scholarship to Virginia State College where she completed her first degree in math in 1952. She was eventually hired by the U.S. Naval Proving Ground where she combined information from Seasat and other satellites to refine an increasingly detailed and accurate mathematical model of the actual shape of the earth – called a “geoid.” This computational modeling would prove essential to modern GPS.

        Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about Gladys Mae West & past DID YOU KNOW? features.

        DID YOU KNOW? – spotlighting notable contributions made by non-mainstream individuals you might not have learned or read about. Suggestions for inclusions are welcome (send to Kathy at: ksmichaelis@gmail.com).

        SOCIAL JUSTICE WEBPAGE 


      PLATO is proudly supported in part by Oakwood Village.


      PLATO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in association with:

      for more information, contact us at:

      info@platomadison.org

      608-572-6869

      6209 Mineral Point Road #203
      Madison, WI 53705

      Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software