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.

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.

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!

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.

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).

April 26, 2022

CURRICULUM

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

COVID-19 protocols are specific to each host site. Please 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.

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.

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!

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.

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).

PLATO Weekly Update

April 19, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

PLATO Weekly Update 

April 12, 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.

REFLECTIONS ON COURSES
Read about some PLATO members' reflections on Courses this year.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES
THIS WEEK! Join us on Thursday, April 14th at 1:00pm for an intriguing exploration of the night skies with Jim Lattis, Director of UW Space Place. This lecture will feature important eclipses, meteor showers and other astronomical events visible in the near future. Dr. Lattis will provide tips on the astronomical use of telescopes and binoculars appropriate to the amateur. This will be a 75-minute virtual lecture and registration is required. 

Enjoy our selection of archived PLATO Lectures.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
These events invite you to meet other PLATO members to enjoy lively conversation 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.

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

Read about the nominees by clicking on the Nominee Biographies link below so you are ready to vote next week. The Nominating Committee thanks the members who agreed to be listed! Watch for a PLATO email on Wednesday, April 20 with your link to the Ballot. Voting will close on Wednesday, May 4, at midnight.

PLATO MEMBER PROFILE
MEET THE DYNAMIC DUO: CARLA & MIKE DIIORIO

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 5th – April 18th is Day of Diagnosis, a poem by Diane Hughes.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 
or 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).

PLATO Weekly Update 

April 5, 2022

CURRICULUM

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

COVID-19 protocols are specific to each host site. Please visit our Curriculum Showcase or contact your course coordinator for details.

Check out the Courses webpage to see all the news from Curriculum, including the date that Summer registration begins.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
THIS WEEK! Join friends old and new at this Friday's breakfast get together starting at 9:30am at Marquette Hotel Café located at 414 South Baldwin Street on Madison's near Eastside. RSVP and other COVID-19 Protocols are required. RSVP and learn more here. 

LECTURES
NEXT WEEK! On Thursday, April 14th at 1:00pm, Jim Lattis, Director of UW Space Place, will present "Eyes on the Skies" – an intriguing and practical lecture that will feature astronomical events coming soon as well as tips for amateur skywatchers for how to use telescopes and binoculars. This will be a 75-minute virtual lecture and registration is required. 

And, as always, please enjoy archived PLATO Lectures.

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 5th – April 18th is Day of Diagnosis, a poem by Diane Hughes.

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 March 29 – April 11, 2022

Did You Know… Phillis Wheatley Peters (also spelled Phyllis and Wheatly) was the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. 

At the age of 7 or 8 (in approx.1760) she was sold into slavery to the Wheatley family of Boston. Young Phillis learned to read and write and began penning poetry. Seeing her talent, the Wheatleys encouraged her work and in 1773 sent her to London where she connected with supportive patrons and publishers who facilitated the publication of her work.  

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Phillis Wheatley Peters & 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).

PLATO Weekly Update 

March 29, 2022

CURRICULUM

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

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

Interested in offering a Summer course? Please contact Therese Stevens (thmstevens@gmail.com) with your ideas!

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES
Join us on Thursday, April 14th at 1:00pm, Jim Lattis, Director of UW Space Place, will lead an intriguing exploration of the night skies featuring important eclipses, meteor showers and other astronomical events visible in the near future. Dr. Lattis will provide tips on the astronomical use of telescopes and binoculars appropriate to the amateur. This will be a 75-minute virtual lecture and registration is required. 

In the meantime, enjoy our selection of archived PLATO Lectures.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
These events invite you to meet other PLATO members to enjoy lively conversation over a breakfast of your choice. For the next two gatherings on April 8th and May 13th, we will continue to meet at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street in the Willy Street neighborhood. Members, your guests are always welcome. Non-members interested in learning about PLATO are welcome to join us.

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 March 22nd - April 4th is Dr. Ackerman's Memory Training Seminar, a short story by Andy Millman.

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 March 29 – April 11, 2022

Did You Know… Phillis Wheatley Peters (also spelled Phyllis and Wheatly) was the first African-American author of a published book of poetry. 

At the age of 7 or 8 (in approx.1760) she was sold into slavery to the Wheatley family of Boston. Young Phillis learned to read and write and began penning poetry. Seeing her talent, the Wheatleys encouraged her work and in 1773 sent her to London where she connected with supportive patrons and publishers who facilitated the publication of her work.  

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Phillis Wheatley Peters & 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).

PLATO Weekly Update 

March 22, 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.

We are starting to plan for Summer courses now. If anyone is interested in offering a Summer course, please contact Therese Stevens (thmstevens@gmail.com).

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES
Join us on Thursday, April 14th at 1:00pm when Jim Lattis, Director of UW Space Place, will lead an intriguing exploration of the night skies featuring important eclipses, meteor showers and other astronomical events visible in the near future. Dr. Lattis will provide tips on the astronomical use of telescopes and binoculars appropriate to the amateur. This will be a 75-minute virtual lecture and registration is required. 

In the meantime, enjoy our selection of archived PLATO Lectures.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
These events are special opportunities to get to know other PLATO members over your choice of breakfast. We will continue to meet at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street in the Willy Street neighborhood for the next two gatherings on April 8th and May 13th. Beginning in June, we hope to meet outdoors at Memorial Union Terrace. Mark your calendars for the second Friday mornings! Non-members who are interested in learning about PLATO are welcome to join us.

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 March 22nd - April 4th is Dr. Ackerman's Memory Training Seminar, a short story by Andy Millman.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your early Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for March 15 - 28, 2022

Did You Know… Ellen Eglin was born in Washington, D.C in 1849. She worked as a government clerk, and for a while as a housekeeper. However she earned a place in history books as the inventor of the clothes wringer, a laundry aid that used two rollers and a crank handle to squeeze out excess water and noticeably sped-up clothes washing and drying.

As a Black woman, Eglin couldn’t get a patent on her own in 1888, so she sold the rights to her invention to an agent for just $18, and made no further profit from her brainchild.  

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Ellen Eglin & 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).

PLATO Weekly Update

 March 15, 2022

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Find everything you need to know on the COURSES webpage. 

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES
COVID-19 protocols are now specific to each host site. Find details here or contact your course coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES
On Thursday, April 14th at 1:00pm Jim Lattis, Director of UW Space Place, will lead us in an intriguing exploration of the night skies featuring important eclipses, meteor showers and other astronomical events visible in the near future. Dr. Lattis will provide tips on the astronomical use of telescopes and binoculars appropriate to the amateur. This is a 75-minute virtual lecture and registration is required. 

And, as always, PLATO Lectures on many topics are always available.

THEATER TRIPS 
THIS WEDNESDAY! Our trip to see a performance of a Beatles-inspired version of As You Like It at the Milwaukee Rep is this Wednesday, March 16, 2022. Please remember to bring your proof of ID and proof of COVID vaccination or negative COVID test. The bus will leave on time so plan to be there a few minutes early for review of required documentation.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
These events offer a delightful opportunity to socialize with PLATO members over a breakfast of your choice. We will continue to meet at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street on Madison's near Eastside for the next two gatherings on April 8th and May 13th.  Beginning in June we hope to meet outdoors at Memorial Union Terrace. Mark your calendars for the second Friday mornings.

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 March 8th - March 21st is Morning Call, a painting by Susan Young Hoffman.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your early Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for March 15 - 28, 2022

Did You Know… Ellen Eglin was born in Washington, D.C in 1849. She worked as a government clerk, and for a while as a housekeeper. However she earned a place in history books as the inventor of the clothes wringer, a laundry aid that used two rollers and a crank handle to squeeze out excess water and noticeably sped-up clothes washing and drying.

As a Black woman, Eglin couldn’t get a patent on her own in 1888, so she sold the rights to her invention to an agent for just $18, and made no further profit from her brainchild.  

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Ellen Eglin & 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).

PLATO Weekly Update 

March 8, 2022

CURRICULUM

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES
COVID-19 protocols are now specific to each host site. Find details here or contact your course coordinator.

CANCELLATIONS
Mary Kirn's Illuminated Manuscripts course has been cancelled.

SPECIAL FEATURE
Check out Kathie Berman’s article about what PLATO means to her.

SPECIAL EVENTS

JOIN THE TEAM
Have you enjoyed PLATO theater and field trips in the past? Are you eager to participate in future trips? We need your help to make them happen! As PLATO carefully resumes this kind of activity we need new team members on the Special Events Committee to help us plan and put them together. Without more help they won't take place. Please contact Michael or Carla Di Iorio if you are interested at carlad@tds.net or 608-257-9164.

LECTURES
NEW! On Thursday, April 14th at 1:00pm Jim Lattis, Director of UW Space Place, will lead us in an intriguing exploration of the night skies featuring important eclipses, meteor showers and other astronomical events visible in the near future. Dr. Lattis will provide tips on the astronomical use of telescopes and binoculars appropriate to the amateur. This is a 75-minute virtual lecture and registration is required. 

And, as always, PLATO Lectures on many topics are always available.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
THIS FRIDAY! These events offer a delightful opportunity to socialize with PLATO members over a breakfast of your choice. Join us on March 11th at 9:30am at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street on Madison's near Eastside. RSVP and other COVID-19 Protocols are required. RSVP and learn more here.

THEATER TRIPS 
Our trip to see a matinee of a Beatles-inspired version of As You Like It at the Milwaukee Rep on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 is full but you can learn more here. COVID-19 protocols are required.

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 March 8th - March 21st is Morning Call, a painting by Susan Young Hoffman.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your late Winter reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for March 1 - 14, 2022

Did You Know... Jessie Isabelle Price, was a veterinary microbiologist who studied and worked at the Cornell University Duck Research Laboratory where she identified the cause of the most common life-threatening disease in duck farming in the 1950’s. She then developed preventive vaccines for this and many other avian diseases. 

Price, a black woman, was highly praised for her work in vaccine development which greatly aided commercial duck, turkey, and pigeon farming. She relocated to Madison, Wisconsin in 1977 to work as a research microbiologist at the National Wildlife Health Center, where she focused on diseases in waterfowl and environmental contaminants.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Jessie Isabelle Price & 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).

PLATO Weekly Update

February 22, 2022

CURRICULUM

CANCELLATIONS

Please note that two Spring Courses have been cancelled:

· Life Maps with Norm Leer

· Women’s Journeys toward Self-Discovery with Grethe Brix-J Leer

SPRING COURSES

Find everything you need to know on the COURSES webpage. 

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person courses:

· Wear masks inside of Host Location buildings.

· Follow social distancing guidelines.

· Follow any additional guidelines required at Host Locations - visit the Courses Page or check with your course coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES
THIS WEEK! On Thursday, February 24th at 2:00pm Professor Joe Salmons will lead us in an intriguing exploration of Wisconsin English including pronunciations, words, associations and grammar. This is a one-hour virtual lecture and registration is required.

As always, PLATO Lectures on many topics are always available.  

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
These events offer a delightful opportunity to socialize with PLATO members over a breakfast of your choice. Our next gathering will be on March 11th at 9:30am at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street on Madison's near Eastside. RSVP and other COVID-19 Protocols are required. RSVP and learn more here.

THEATER TRIPS 
Our trip to see a matinee of a Beatles-inspired version of As You Like It at the Milwaukee Rep on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 is full but you can learn more and join the waitlist here. COVID-19 protocols are required. 

REMINDER 
These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person special events:

· Masks are required at all times, except while eating.

· You will need to show: 

o   A picture ID.

o   Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of negative results of a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to the event. The test must be issued by a medical provider or pharmacy. At home tests will not be accepted. 

· You will not be allowed to join the event without providing acceptable documentation.

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

HISTORY OF PLATO

"Thirty-five Years of PLATO Courses" is an interesting article about the history of PLATO's courses, updated to include the pandemic era for your edification and enjoyment. Other stories in the Leisurely Walk through PLATO's History series can also be found on PLATO's About webpage.

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 February 22nd – March 7th is What Time is it Anyway?, a short story written and narrated by Mary De Wolf (a 10.5 minute listen).

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Winter reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

NEW BOOK & VIDEO RECOMMENDATIONS – For more on the book “JUST AS I AM: A MEMOIR" by Cicely Tyson and the 2022 mini-series, “WOMEN OF THE MOVEMENT” click the Social Justice Webpage button below. 

DID YOU KNOW? for February 15 – 28, 2022

Did You Know… World War II Navajo code talker Thomas Begay was a teenager playing football near his high school in New Mexico when he heard news of the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. As soon as he could, he went to a recruiting office to join the Marines. Because he was only 17 he had to go home and return with his mother to give permission for his enlistment. This was just the start of his lifelong commitment to public service. 

Begay, now in his late 90’s, is one of only 4 men still alive among the 400-plus Navajo code talkers from World War II.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Thomas Begay & 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).