PLATO Weekly Update

October 11, 2022

MEMBER PROFILE 

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· Have a question about a Fall Course? Find answers in the Fall Course Schedule posted on the Courses page.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

· Fall 2022 COVID Protocols for specific host locations are listed in the Curriculum Showcase.

SPECIAL EVENTS 

THEATER TRIPS
REGISTER THIS WEEK! for Stones in His Pockets – Thursday, November 17 at American Players Theater. Two of our favorite actors, Nate Burger and Marcus Truschinski play every role in this nearly sold out "timeless hit". Register and learn more here – registration deadline is Tuesday, November 1.

WALKS OF DANE COUNTY
NEW WALKS! 
Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 9:30am – explore the natural beauty of the Woods of Donald Park. Register and learn more here.

Tuesday, November 8 at 9:30am – enjoy the hills, prairie and waterways of Pheasant Branch Conservatory. Register and learn more.

BREAKFAST GATHERING 
THIS WEEK! Friday, October 14 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at at Lakeside Street Coffee House. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs level. You will need to climb nine steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. RSVP and learn more here.

LECTURES
TODAY! Discover the latest research in Alzheimer's Disease in this virtual lecture on Tuesday, October 11 from 1pm – 2:15pm with Dr. Sterling Johnson of the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP). Dr. Johnson, a neuropsychologist and neuroscientist, leads the WRAP program and is also the Associate Director and Biomarker Core Leader in the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). Register and learn more here.

NOVEMBER 9! The History of Television Soap Operas will take place virtually on Wednesday, November 9 from 1pm – 2:15pm. Dr. Elana Levine, a professor of media, cinema, and digital studies in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is a longtime soap opera fan who looks at the genre through two connected lenses: the role soaps have played in shaping cultural understandings of gender, as well as the rise and fall of network television’s influence on pop culture. Register and learn more here.

NOVEMBER 15! Clint Smith's Go Big Read Lecture on his new book: How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America on Tuesday, November 15 from 1pm – 3pm. PLATO is proud to host a virtual presentation of this important talk. We will spend the first hour+ watching his November 1 talk, followed by an online discussion of the many issues raised in his talk and the book. Register and learn more here.

Explore archived PLATO Lectures on many interesting and timely subjects.

EDUCATION FUND UPDATE

THE GIFT OF EDUCATION – helping PLATO help others. Recently members received a mailing with the PLATO Education Fund's scholarship flyer and donation forms for the upcoming year. The flyer spotlights our current scholarship and community organization recipients.This is all made possible by the generosity of PLATO members like you who value lifelong learning and want to provide much-needed financial support to others in need. A contribution of any size makes a difference!

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO.

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

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your October reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

NEW on the Social Justice webpage – review of the book, The Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America by Candacy Taylor.

DID YOU KNOW? for October 11 – 24, 2022

Did You Know… African American scientist and inventor Valerie L. Thomas (b: 1943) loved math and science but because she was a girl, she was discouraged from studying them. Once she got to college Thomas chose to major in physics which led to a career at NASA where she developed and patented the illusion transmitter – a key component of NASA’s digital imaging technologies, as well as worked as leader of a computer team researching Halley's Comet, and earned multiple NASA awards including the prestigious Goddard Space Flight Center Award of Merit. Thomas’ illusion transmitter was used not just by NASA but also adapted for surgical applications and in television and video screens.

Visit the Social Justice webpage for more about Valerie Thomas 
& 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

October 4, 2022

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· Have a question about a Fall Course? Find answers in the Fall Course Schedule posted on the Courses page.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

· Fall 2022 COVID Protocols for specific host locations are listed in the Curriculum Showcase.

SPECIAL EVENTS 

THEATER TRIPS
Registration is Open for Stones in His Pockets – Thursday, November 17 at American Players Theater. Winner of the 2001 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Nate Burger and Marcus Truschinski play every role. Register and learn more here – registration deadline is Sunday, October 16.

WALKS OF DANE COUNTY
NEXT WEEK! Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 9:30am, to explore the natural beauty of the Pope Farm Conservancy. Afterward, we suggest gathering at a local café to relax and socialize before returning home. Register and learn more here.

Also, plans for two more Autumn Walks are underway – stay tuned!

BREAKFAST GATHERING 
NEXT WEEK! Friday, October 14 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at at Lakeside Street Coffee House. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb nine steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. RSVP and learn more here.

LECTURES
NEXT WEEK! Discover the latest research in Alzheimer's Disease in this virtual lecture on Tuesday, October 11 with Dr. Sterling Johnson of the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention (WRAP). Dr. Johnson, a neuropsychologist and neuroscientist, leads the WRAP program and is also the Associate Director and Biomarker Core Leader in the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). Register and learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! A virtual lecture on The History of Television Soap Operas. On Wednesday, November 9, Dr. Elana Levine, a professor of media, cinema, and digital studies in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is a longtime soap opera fan who looks at the genre through two connected lenses: the role soaps have played in shaping cultural understandings of gender, as well as the rise and fall of network television’sinfluence on pop culture. Register and learn more here.

Find archived PLATO Lectures on a range of important topics.

EDUCATION FUND UPDATE

THE GIFT OF EDUCATION – helping PLATO help others. This week members will receive a mailing with the PLATO Education Fund's scholarship flyer and donation forms for the upcoming year. The flyer highlights our current scholarship and community organization recipients.This is all made possible by the generosity of PLATO members like you who value lifelong learning and want to provide much-needed financial support to others in need.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO.

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

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Autumn reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for September 27 – October 10, 2022

Did You Know… What do the famed ‘round barns of Wisconsin’ owe to the son of a former slave? Many of the round barns, especially in southwest Wisconsin, were the work of Alga Shivers whose father operated the largest “negro-owned” farm in the state in 1900. Shivers became widely known for his skill in the design and construction of round barns, most of which were built between 1890 and 1930.

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).

September 20, 2022

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· Fall Courses are underway!

· Many courses still have room – it's not too late to register.

· Review the Fall Course Schedule to choose from a variety of in-person, virtual and hybrid courses to meet your personal needs.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

· Before attending in-person Fall Courses, check the Fall 2022 COVID Protocols for your specific host locations in the Curriculum Showcase.

ARTICLE
Find out how PLATO is experimenting with hybrid technology and how coordinators and participants can contribute to its success: Hybrid PLATO Courses.

SPECIAL EVENTS 

THEATER TRIPS
NEW! Now open for registration! Stones in His Pockets – Thursday, November 17 at American Players Theater.Winner of the 2001 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, Nate Burger and Marcus Truschinski play every role. Register and learn more here – registration deadline is Sunday, October 16.

NEXT MONTH! Titanic The Musical – Sunday, October 16 at the Milwaukee Rep. Tickets are still available if you act now! Winner of five Tony Awards, this epic musical features real stories of people aboard the most legendary ship in the world. This stunning and majestic musical sails back after being curtailed by the pandemic to kick off the 2022/23 Season. Register and learn more here. 

WALKS OF DANE COUNTY
Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 9am, to explore the natural beauty of the Pope Farm Conservancy. Afterward, we suggest gathering at a local café to relax and socialize before returning home. Register and learn more here.

Also, plans for two more Autumn Walks are underway – stay tuned!

BREAKFAST GATHERING 
THIS WEEK! Friday, September 23 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at at Marquette Hotel Café. RSVP and learn more here.

LECTURES
NEW! Join us for a virtual lecture on The History of Television Soap Operas. On Wednesday, November 9, Dr. Elana Levine shares why after seven decades, soap operas hold an important place in television history. Dr. Levine, a professor of media, cinema, and digital studies in the Department of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is a longtime soap opera fan who looks at the genre through two connected lenses: the role soaps have played in shaping cultural understandings of gender, as well as the rise and fall of network television’s influence on pop culture. Register and learn more here.

Also, more details coming soon for a lecture on Tuesday, October 11 on recent developments in Alzheimer's research.

Finally, as always, enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO.

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

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your late Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for September 13 – 26, 2022

Did You Know… 14-year old Harini Logan is the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion after a first-ever spell-off at the 94-year old event. The Texas 8th grader received a trophy and check for $50,000 after going head-to-head with Vikram Raju, of Colorado. The spell-off, a format that tested the contestants on how many words they could correctly spell within 90 seconds was necessary because the two finalists remained tied after 18 rounds – the maximum number of rounds the Bee allows. In the spell-off Harini spelled 21 of 26 words correctly, while Vikram got 15 of 19 words right.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more on Harini Logan and sample words from the 2022 Scripps Spelling Bee championship, along with 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).

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· NEXT WEEK! Most Fall Courses begin the week of September 19

· There's still time to register for many Fall Courses! 

· Check out the Fall Course Schedule to choose from a variety of in-person, virtual and hybrid courses

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

· Before attending in-person Fall Courses, check the Fall 2022 COVID Protocols for your specific host locations in the Curriculum Showcase.

· Please note that at Attic Angels, all visitors are asked to wear a 3-ply procedure mask, a surgical mask or a N95 mask while in the building.

NEW ARTICLE
Learn how PLATO continues to experiment with hybrid technology in order to meet various member needs: Hybrid PLATO Courses.

SPECIAL EVENTS 

CANCELLED: Historic Pullman House Tour on Sunday, October 9 Unfortunately, this trip was cancelled due to low registration.  

THEATER TRIP
NEXT MONTH! Titanic The Musical – Sunday, October 16 at the Milwaukee Rep. The registration deadline is Thursday, September 15 and you are welcome to invite a friend or two. Winner of five Tony Awards, this epic musical features real stories of people aboard the most legendary ship in the world. This stunning and majestic musical sails back after being curtailed by the pandemic to kick off the 2022/23 Season. Register and learn more here. 

WALKS OF DANE COUNTY
Join us on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 9am, to explore the natural beauty of the Pope Farm Conservancy. Afterward, we suggest gathering at a local café to relax and socialize before returning home. Register and learn more here.

Also, plans for two more Autumn Walks are underway – stay tuned!

BREAKFAST GATHERING 
NEXT WEEK! Friday, September 23 at 9:30am, gather with fellow PLATO members and their guests for breakfast and conversation at at Marquette Hotel Café. RSVP and learn more here.

LECTURES
Browse our archived PLATO Lectures on a range of interesting subjects.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO.

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

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your late Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for September 13 – 26, 2022

Did You Know… 14-year old Harini Logan is the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion after a first-ever spell-off at the 94-year old event. The Texas 8th grader received a trophy and check for $50,000 after going head-to-head with Vikram Raju, of Colorado. The spell-off, a format that tested the contestants on how many words they could correctly spell within 90 seconds was necessary because the two finalists remained tied after 18 rounds – the maximum number of rounds the Bee allows. In the spell-off Harini spelled 21 of 26 words correctly, while Vikram got 15 of 19 words right.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more on Harini Logan and sample words from the 2022 Scripps Spelling Bee championship, along with 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 

September 6, 2022

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· Registration for Fall Courses is underway! 

· View our Fall Course Schedule of in-person, virtual and hybrid courses

· Most Fall Courses begin the week of September 19

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

· Before attending in-person Fall Courses, check the Fall 2022 COVID Protocols for your specific host locations in the Curriculum Showcase.

· Please note that at Attic Angels, all visitors are asked to wear a 3-ply procedure mask, a surgical mask or a N95 mask while in the building.

SPECIAL EVENTS 

UPCOMING OCTOBER TRIPS
Registration deadlines are fast approaching. If we do not have enough registrants by these deadlines to make the trips financially feasible, they will be cancelled. So, we encourage you to invite a friend or two!

Historic Pullman House Tour on Sunday, October 9! The registration deadline is Thursday, September 8. Once a year residents of the Pullman Historic District in Chicago open their homes for their annual house tour. You will see beautiful homes, selected public buildings, exhibits and a video on the history of this unique landmark district, enjoying music, food, antique cars, and so much more. Register, view photos, and learn more here.

Titanic The Musical on Sunday, October 16! The registration deadline is Thursday, September 15. PLATO member Stuart shares, "I saw this fantastic production at the Milwaukee Rep and I was just so moved by the opening and closing numbers in particular, though the whole show is outstanding!" He's got a ticket to see the show again. Register and learn more here.

WALKS OF DANE COUNTY
Join us for these morning Walks starting at 9am to take in the natural splendor of the season. Following each Walk we have suggested gathering at a local café to relax and socialize before returning home.

· THIS WEEK! Friday, Sept. 9 we'll walk the woods of Stewart Lake County Park on the edge of Mt. Horeb. Register and learn more here.

· Tuesday, Oct. 11 we'll stroll Pope Farm Conservancy and enjoy its beautiful scenery. Register and learn more here.

· Two more events are planned – stay tuned!

BREAKFAST GATHERING 
THIS WEEK! On Friday, September 9 at 9:30am, members and non-members are invited to enjoy coffee and conversation with Host Sharon at the UW Memorial Union Terrace. RSVP and learn more here, including parking tips and what to do if rain is in the forecast.

LECTURES
Check out our archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of compelling topics.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO.

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

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your late Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. 

NEW! Movie Recommendation: THE BANKER – based on the true story of two Black men with great business acumen forced to hire a working-class white man to pretend to be the head of their business empire. Visit the Social Justice webpage for more about this 2020 film.

DID YOU KNOW? for August 30 – September 12, 2022

Did You Know… Andrea Mia Ghez (b: 1965) is an American astrophysicist professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA. Ghez's research focuses on the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. In 2020 she became just the 4th woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, sharing the prize with Reinhard Genzel. Her Nobel was awarded for the discovery of a supermassive compact object, now generally recognized to be a black hole, in the Milky Way’s galactic center.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Andrea Mia Ghez 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).

PLATO Weekly Update

August 30, 2022

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· Registration for Fall Courses continues! View our Fall Course Schedule of 39 in-person, virtual and hybrid courses

· Most Fall Courses begin the week of September 19

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

Before attending in-person Fall Courses, check the Fall 2022 COVID Protocols for your specific host locations in the Curriculum Showcase.

SPECIAL EVENTS 

UPCOMING OCTOBER TRIPS
If you are interested in either or both of our October trips, please sign up now.  Registration deadlines are fast approaching. If we do not have enough registrants by these deadlines to make the trips financially feasible, they will be cancelled. 

Historic Pullman House Tour on Sunday, October 9 – Once a year residents of the Pullman Historic District in Chicago open their homes for their annual house tour. You will see beautiful homes, selected public buildings, exhibits and a video on the history of this unique landmark district, enjoying music, food, antique cars, and so much more. The registration deadline is September 8. Register, view photos, and learn more here.

Titanic The Musical on Sunday, October 16 – PLATO member Stuart shares, "I saw this fantastic production at the Milwaukee Rep and I was just so moved by the opening and closing numbers in particular, though the whole show is outstanding!" He's got a ticket to see the show again. The registration deadline is September 15. Register and learn more here.

WALKS OF DANE COUNTY
NEW! Join us for these morning Walks starting at 9am to take in the natural splendor of the season. Following each Walk we have suggested gathering at a local café to relax and socialize before returning home.

· Friday, Sept. 9 we'll walk the woods of Stewart Lake County Park on the edge of Mt. Horeb. Register and learn more here.

· Tuesday, Oct. 11 we'll stroll Pope Farm Conservancy and enjoy its beautiful scenery. Register and learn more here.

· Tuesday, October 25, we'll return to the equestrian trails and new park land of Donald County Park. Register and learn more here.

· Tuesday, November 8, we'll walk part of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, named "Best of Madison" for hiking/biking trails. Register and learn more here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING 
On September 9 at 9:30am, members and non-members are invited to enjoy coffee and conversation with Host Sharon at the UW Memorial Union Terrace. RSVP and learn more here, including parking tips and what to do if rain is in the forecast.

LECTURES
Please, WE NEED YOU! Many of you have enjoyed PLATO Lectures on a wide range of interesting topics. We need you now to help put together this year's lectures. Our current Lectures leader needs people to assist her in choosing topics and speakers, arranging dates and times of lectures and finally, assisting during their presentations. For the time being, lectures will continue to be presented virtually and most of the work required can be done via email and phone calls. Please contact Stephanie at info@platomadison.org to volunteer.

Enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on many interesting subjects.

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 August 23 – September 5 is Reflections and Deceptions, a photograph by Bill Eisinger, who draws an interesting analogy about the mysteries of human perception.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your late Summer reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for August 30 – September 12, 2022

Did You Know… Andrea Mia Ghez (b: 1965) is an American astrophysicist professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Ghez's research focuses on the center of the Milky Way Galaxy. In 2020 she became just the 4th woman to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, sharing the prize with Reinhard Genzel. Her Nobel was awarded for the discovery of a supermassive compact object, now generally recognized to be a black hole, in the Milky Way’s galactic center.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Andrea Mia Ghez 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).

PLATO Weekly Update

August 23, 2022

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· NEW! Fall Course Registration begins today! View our Fall Course Schedule of 39 in-person, virtual and hybrid courses

· Most Fall Courses begin the week of September 19

· Updates to the schedule will be added as we receive them

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS FOR COURSES

Check the Fall 2022 COVID Protocols for specific host locations in the Curriculum Showcase.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIP
NEW! Historic Pullman House Tour – Friday, October 9. In the spring of 2018, PLATO organized a field trip to Chicago for a walking tour of the Pullman Historic District. On our way home many participants said that they wished they could have viewed the inside of the houses. This trip offers that opportunity – this is the one weekend each year that Pullman residents open their homes to the public. Register, view photos, and learn more here.

THEATER TRIP
REGISTRATION IS OPEN – for Titanic The Musical. PLATO member Stuart shares, "I saw this fantastic production at the Milwaukee Rep and I was just so moved by the opening and closing numbers in particular, though the whole show is outstanding!" He's got a ticket to see the show again. Register and learn more here.

WALKS OF DANE COUNTY
NEW! Join us for these morning Walks starting at 9am to take in the natural splendor of early Fall. Following each Walk we have suggested gathering at a local café to relax and socialize before returning home.

Friday, Sept. 9 we'll walk the woods of Stuart Lake County Park on the edge of Mt. Horeb, Register and learn more here.

Tuesday, Oct. 11 we'll stroll Pope Farm and check out the sunflowers. Register and learn more here.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS 
NEW! Beginning on August 26 at 9:30am, we will offer another monthly Breakfast Gathering on the fourth Friday of each month at the Madison Marquette Café located at 414 S. Baldwin Street. Members and non-members are invited to enjoy coffee and conversation with Hosts Catherine, Michael and Peggy. RSVP and learn more here. Second Friday of the month Breakfast Gatherings will also continue – see below.

NEXT MONTH! On September 9 at 9:30am, members and non-members are invited to enjoy coffee and conversation with Host Sharon at the UW Memorial Union Terrace. RSVP and learn more here, including parking tips and what to do if rain is in the forecast.

LECTURES
We need YOU! NOW. Many of you have enjoyed PLATO Lectures on a wide range of interesting topics. We need you now to help put together this year's lectures. Our current Lectures leader needs people to assist her in choosing topics and speakers, arranging dates and times of lectures and finally, assisting during their presentations. For the time being, lectures will continue to be presented virtually and most of the work required can be done via email and phone calls. Please contact Stephanie at info@platomadison.org to volunteer.

As always, browse archived PLATO Lectures on many important topics.

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 August 23 – September 5 is Reflections and Deceptions, a photograph by Bill Eisinger, who draws an interesting analogy about the mysteries of human perception.

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? for August 16 – 29, 2022

Did You Know... Diana Trujillo Pomerantz is a Colombian-born (January 1980) aerospace engineer at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She leads the engineering team at JPL Rover. On February 18, 2021 Trujillo hosted the first ever Spanish-language NASA transmission of a planetary landing for the Perseverance rover landing on Mars. Trujillo moved to the US when she was just 17 years old, with only $300 in her pocket. She worked in service jobs and attended school part-time for years, eventually earning admission to the NASA Academy, becoming the first Hispanic immigrant woman to do so.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Diana Trujillo Pomerantz 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).

PLATO Weekly Update

August 16, 2022

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
MARK YOUR CALENDAR – next week Tuesday, August 23:

• The Fall Course Schedule will be posted to the Courses webpage...
• And Registration for Fall courses will begin!

SPECIAL EVENTS 

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS 
NEW! Starting on August 26 at 9:30am, we will offer another monthly Breakfast Gathering on the fourth Friday of each month at the Madison Marquette Café located at 414 S. Baldwin Street. Members and non-members are invited to enjoy coffee and conversation with Hosts Catherine and Peggy. RSVP and learn more here. Note that we will continue to offer a Breakfast Gathering on the second Friday of the month as well – see below.

NEXT MONTH! On September 9 at 9:30am, members and non-members are invited to enjoy coffee and conversation with Host Susan at the UW Memorial Union Terrace. RSVP and learn more here, including parking tips and what to do if rain is in the forecast.

THEATER TRIP
NEW! Registration is open for Titanic – join us on October 16 to see this Tony award-winning musical at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre. Register and learn more here.

FIELD TRIP
ONE SPACE LEFT – Join us on Wednesday, August 31, for a day in the Sheboygan, Wisconsin area. In the morning we will visit Kohler-Andrae State Park and in the afternoon spend time at the new Art Preserve of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. Lunch will be on your own at Shops at Woodlake Kohler. Register, view photos and learn more here.

LECTURES  
Check out our archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics.

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 August 9 – 22 is Pintail Duck, a woodwork by Jim Albright, who shares a bit about his creative woodworking process. 

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? for August 16 – 29, 2022

Did You Know... Diana Trujillo Pomerantz is a Colombian-born (January 1980) aerospace engineer at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She leads the engineering team at JPL Rover. On February 18, 2021 Trujillo hosted the first ever Spanish-language NASA transmission of a planetary landing for the Perseverance rover landing on Mars. Trujillo moved to the US when she was just 17 years old, with only $300 in her pocket. She worked in service jobs and attended school part-time for years, eventually earning admission to the NASA Academy, becoming the first Hispanic immigrant woman to do so.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Diana Trujillo Pomerantz 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).

PLATO Weekly Update

August 9, 2022

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Mark your calendar:

• Tuesday, August 23 – the Fall Course schedule will be posted to the Courses webpage and registration for courses begins
• The week of September 19 – Fall Courses begin

SPECIAL EVENTS 

BREAKFAST GATHERING 
THIS WEEK! On Friday, August 12 at 9:30am, members are invited to enjoy coffee and conversation at the UW Memorial Union Terrace. Please note that Peet's Coffee might be the only open venue. They offer limited food choices such as sandwiches, coffee drinks and bakery GrabNGo items – see their menu for details. RSVP for this event and learn more here, including parking tips and what to do if rain is in the forecast.

FIELD TRIP
Registration deadline is August 17 – currently 10 seats available for the Wednesday, August 31 ART AND NATURE IN SHEBOYGAN FIELD TRIP. In the morning we will explore Kohler-Andrae State Park and in the afternoon visit the new Art Preserve of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center. Lunch will be on your own at Shops at Woodlake Kohler. Register, view photos, and learn more here.

SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, October 16 – a theater trip to see Titanic at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. More details to come! 

NOTE – POSTPONED UNTIL SPRING 2023
A Walk Through Forest Hill Cemetery lead by Bruce Gregg, longtime member of PLATO and of Historic Madison.

LECTURES  
Check out our archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics.

QUESTIONS FOR PLATO LEADERSHIP
PLATO Course Coordinators Represent Deep Expertise

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL REMINDER
Have you renewed your PLATO membership?

THANK YOU – to those members who have already renewed! For those of you who haven't renewed yet, there's still time! Renew online now to be eligible to participate in this year's wide array of in-person and virtual courses and events.

Renew online or mail a check for $60 to: 
PLATO, 6209 Mineral Point Rd. #203, Madison, WI 53705. 
(If mailing your check, let us know if your contact information has changed since 2021).

Email PLATO office coordinator Stephanie Steigerwaldt (info@platomadison.org)with any renewal questions.

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 August 9 – 22 is Pintail Duck, a woodwork by Jim Albright, who shares a bit about his creative woodworking process. 

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.

NEW on the Social Justice Webpage: Updates on the “Mayors for a Guaranteed Income” projects.

DID YOU KNOW? for August 2 – 15, 2022

Did You Know… Marshall “Major” Taylor (1878-1932) was an African-American bicycling legend at the turn of the 20^th century. He established numerous world records from a quarter mile to 1 and 2-mile races. He excelled on velodrome tracks – the once-popular arenas built for bicycle racing. Hailed as the “Black Cyclone”Taylor defeated cycling champions from the U.S. and Canada, plus Germany, England, France, Australia, and New Zealand.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for much more about Marshall “Major” Taylor 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).