PLATO Weekly Update

December 7, 2021

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Winter Course Registration opens next week Tuesday, December 14th! The Course Schedule Calendar is posted on PLATO's Home Page to help keep track of registration and start dates for Winter and Spring Courses.

KEEP IN MIND

These COVID-19 Protocols continue to be in place for in-person participants:

· 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.

A TIME TO SAY THANK YOU
"Course coordinators are the lights in our organization"... writes Paula McKenzie in her recent article to celebrate and give thanks to course coordinators who retired in 2020 and 2021. Course coordinators help make PLATO a community where the love of learning never gets old!

SPECIAL EVENTS

FALL LECTURE

Wisconsin Cocktails: Join us this week on Friday, December 10th at 2:30pm for a festive, one-hour virtual lecture by author Jeanette Hurt. We will learn about and celebrate some of Wisconsin's most iconic drinks and explore why Wisconsin has a love affair with Brandy Old Fashioneds, Tom and Jerrys, boozy ice cream and more. Registration is required.

As always, members are also welcome to access Past Recordings. 

IN-PERSON GATHERINGS

Dates for the resumption of social gathering breakfasts and an in-person theater trip are coming soon! PLATO's Executive Committee and COVID-19 Advisory Task Group have allowed us to begin planning for early 2022. Each event will require participants to follow COVID-19 protocols including masking and providing proof of vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours of the event.

SELF-GUIDED WALKS

Walking Tours of Dane County: Find descriptions of 11 of the most popular self-guided walks designed to help you locate parking easily and guide you along the trail.

THEATER 

Peruse a mix of virtual options found on PLATO’s Virtual Theater Trips page which is frequently updated.

EDUCATION FUND UPDATE 

YEAR-END GIVING - Please consider including PLATO's Education Fund in your charitable gift giving plans to help PLATO continue to provide scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, as well as supporting the Odyssey Project and other local community programs. Since 2012, PLATO has raised more than $205,000, with this year's member donations providing $34,000 to support these educational efforts. Learn more and donate online at PLATO's Donate webpage and send questions to Rod McKenzie: rod.mckenzie@mail.tds.net.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

NEW! Explore the digital version of The Agora, Volume 7, 2021 now online!

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

Our Biweekly Offering through December 13th is Woodpecker, a poem by Jane Hall, which offers a glimpse of how nature shapes this poet's work. 

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

NEW! PLATO Breakfasts to resume in early 2022 – see Special Events section above for more details.

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? November 30 - December 13, 2021

Did You Know… An  enslaved African man, Onesimus taught Cotton Mather how to inoculate against smallpox. The concept of immunization came to the American colonies via Africa. In the early 1700s, Puritan minister Cotton Mather learned from Onesimus, a man he enslaved, about a method long used in West Africa, where a weakened form of the disease would be intentionally applied to a cut.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about
Onesimus & 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

November 30, 2021

CURRICULUM

GIVING THANKS
We'd like to thank all the course coordinators who retired in 2020 and 2021 for contributing their time and energy to fellow PLATO members. You have truly helped make PLATO a space where the love of learning never gets old!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
The Course Schedule Calendar is now posted on PLATO's Home Page to make it easy to locate registration and start dates for Winter and Spring Courses.  

REMINDER
These COVID-19 Protocols continue to be in place for in-person participants:

· 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

GOOD NEWS! In the coming weeks we will announce dates for the resumption of social gathering breakfasts and an in-person theater trip. PLATO's Executive Committee and COVID-19 Advisory Task Group have allowed us to begin planning for early 2022. Each event will require participants to follow COVID-19 protocols including masking and providing proof of vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours of the event.

FALL WORKSHOP 

Tending Our Grief: A Self-Care Workshop: This week Thursday, December 2nd from 1:30–3pm we will learn about various types of grief and healthy ways to potentially work with it. Hosted by grief support specialists Stephanie Steigerwaldt and Julie Swanson, this session will include a presentation, self-reflection time, and small group sharing so that participants can learn, reflect and connect. Registration is required.

FALL LECTURE

Wisconsin Cocktails: Join us next week on Friday, December 10th at 2:30pm for a festive, one-hour virtual lecture by author Jeanette Hurt. We'll learn the histories behind some of our state's most iconic drinks and discover why Wisconsin has a love affair with Brandy Old Fashioneds, Tom and Jerrys, boozy ice cream and more. Registration is required.

Members are also welcome to access Past Recordings. 

SELF-GUIDED WALKS

Walking Tours of Dane County: Find descriptions of 11 of the most popular self-guided walks designed to help you easily locate parking and guide you along the trail.

THEATER 

Partake in a variety of virtual options found on PLATO’s Virtual Theater Trips page where new items are added frequently.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

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

Our Biweekly Offering for November 23 - December 6 is Woodpecker, a poem by Jane Hall, which offers a glimpse of how nature shapes this poet's work. 

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

NEW! PLATO Breakfasts to resume in early 2022 – see Special Events section above for more details.

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? November 30 - December 13, 2021

Did You Know… An  enslaved African man, Onesimus taught Cotton Mather how to inoculate against smallpox. The concept of immunization came to the American colonies via Africa. In the early 1700s, Puritan minister Cotton Mather learned from Onesimus, a man he enslaved, about a method long used in West Africa, where a weakened form of the disease would be intentionally applied to a cut.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about 
Onesimus & 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

November 23, 2021

CURRICULUM

The Course Schedule Calendar is now posted on PLATO's Home Page to make it easy to locate registration and start dates for Winter and Spring Courses.  

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols continue to be in place for in-person participants:

· 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

GOOD NEWS! In the coming weeks we will announce dates for the resumption of social gathering breakfasts and an in-person theater trip. PLATO's Executive Committee and COVID-19 Advisory Task Group have allowed us to begin planning for early 2022. Each event will require participants to follow COVID-19 protocols including masking and providing proof of vaccination or a negative test within 72 hours of the event.

FALL WORKSHOP 

Tending Our Grief: A Self-Care Workshop: On Thursday, December 2nd from 1:30–3pm we will learn about various types of grief and healthy ways to potentially work with it. Hosted by grief support specialists Stephanie Steigerwaldt and Julie Swanson, this session will offer participants an opportunity to learn, self-reflect and connect. Registration is required.

FALL LECTURE

Wisconsin Cocktails: Join us on Friday, December 10th at 2:30pm for a festive, one-hour virtual lecture by author Jeanette Hurt. We'll learn the histories behind some of our state's most iconic drinks and discover why Wisconsin has a love affair with Brandy Old Fashioneds, Tom and Jerrys, boozy ice cream and more. Registration is required.

Also, members are welcome to access Past Recordings. 

SELF-GUIDED WALKS

Walking Tours of Dane County: Find descriptions of 11 of the most popular self-guided walks designed to help you easily locate parking and guide you along the trail.

THEATER 

Partake in a variety of virtual options found on PLATO’s Virtual Theater Trips page where new items are added frequently.

EDUCATION FUND UPDATE

T'IS THE SEASON to give! Please consider including PLATO's Education Fund in your year-end charitable gift giving to help PLATO continue to provide scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, as well as supporting the Odyssey Project and other local community programs. Since 2012, PLATO has raised more than $205,000, with this year's member donations providing $34,000 to support these educational efforts. Learn more and donate online at PLATO's Donate webpage and send questions to Rod McKenzie: rod.mckenzie@mail.tds.net.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

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

Our Biweekly Offering for November 23 - December 6 is Woodpecker, a poem by Jane Hall, which offers a glimpse of how nature shapes this poet's work. 

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

NEW! PLATO Breakfasts to resume in early 2022 – see Special Events section above for more details.

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 November 16 - 29, 2021

Did You Know… We’wha (a Zuni Two Spirit), a pottery and textile artist, was a Zuni cultural ambassador who took on both male and female tasks. We’wha was also a spiritual leader who endeavored to preserve the history, traditions, and knowledge of the Zuni people.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about We’wha 
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 

November 16, 2021

CURRICULUM

NEW! The Course Schedule Calendar is now posted on PLATO's Home Page to make it easy to locate registration and start dates for Winter and Spring Courses.

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols continue to be in place for in-person participants:

· 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

FALL WORKSHOP 

Tending Our Grief: A Self-Care Workshop: On Thursday, December 2nd from 1:30–3pm we will learn about various types of grief and healthy ways to potentially work with it. Hosted by grief support specialists Stephanie Steigerwaldt and Julie Swanson, this session will offer participants an opportunity to learn, self-reflect and connect. Registration is required.

FALL LECTURE

Wisconsin Cocktails: Join us on Friday, December 10th at 2:30pm for a festive, one-hour virtual lecture by author Jeanette Hurt. We'll learn the histories behind some of our state's most iconic drinks and discover why Wisconsin has a love affair with Brandy Old Fashioneds, Tom and Jerrys, boozy ice cream and more. Registration is required.

Also, members are welcome to access Past Recordings. 

SELF-GUIDED WALKS

Walking Tours of Dane County: Find descriptions of 11 of the most popular self-guided walks designed to help you easily locate parking and guide you along the trail.

THEATER 

Partake in a variety of virtual options found on PLATO’s Virtual Theater Trips page where new items are added frequently.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

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

Our Biweekly Offering for November 9 - 22 is Olbrich Garden Gems, an artwork by Sherry Ackerman, inspired by an anecdote most grandparents can relate to. 

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

Social Gatherings – to resume next semester, depending upon the course of the pandemic.

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 November 16 - 29, 2021

Did You Know… We’wha (a Zuni Two Spirit), a pottery and textile artist, was a Zuni cultural ambassador who took on both male and female tasks. We’wha was also a spiritual leader who endeavored to preserve the history, traditions, and knowledge of the Zuni people.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about We’wha
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 

November 9, 2021

CURRICULUM

COMING SOON

Keep an eye on PLATO's Home Page - it will soon feature an updated Courses Calendar!

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols continue to be in place for in-person participants:

· 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

FALL WORKSHOP 

NEW! Tending Our Grief: A Self-Care Workshop: The holidays can be a time of great joy but can also be a time when many of us struggle with grief. Join us on Thursday, December 2nd at 1:30pm to learn about various types of grief and discover some healthy ways to potentially work with it. This 90-minute workshop, hosted by grief support specialists Stephanie Steigerwaldt and Julie Swanson, will offer participants an opportunity to learn, self-reflect and connect to help us integrate our grief. Registration is required.

SEASONAL LECTURES

Wisconsin Cocktails: You are invited to what is sure to be a festive virtual lecture by author Jeanette Hurt on Friday, December 10th at 2:30pm. We'll learn the histories behind some of our state's most iconic drinks and discover why Wisconsin has a love affair with Brandy Old Fashioneds, Tom and Jerrys, boozy ice cream and more. Registration is required.

Hygge, Health and Happiness: With winter headed our way, now is a good time to revisit last year's "BadgerTalk" by Claus Andersen, UW–Madison Professor of Scandinavian Studies. Learn how hygge – a Scandinavian way of life – can benefit us right here in Wisconsin.

And, as always, members are welcome to access Past Recordings. 

SELF-GUIDED WALKS

Walking Tours of Dane County: Find descriptions of 11 of the most popular self-guided walks designed to help you easily locate parking and guide you along the trail.

THEATER 

Partake in a variety of virtual options found on PLATO’s Virtual Theater Trips page where new items are added frequently.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

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

Our Biweekly Offering for November 9 - 22 is Olbrich Garden Gems, an artwork by Sherry Ackerman, inspired by an anecdote most grandparents can relate to. 

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

Social Gatherings – to resume next semester, depending upon the course of the pandemic.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Fall reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

NEW BOOK “The Loneliest Americans” by Jay Caspian Kang. Click on the Social Justice Webpage button below for more on this book ranked as #1 New Release in Asian American Studies by Amazon.

DID YOU KNOW? for November 2 - 15, 2021

Did You Know…U.S. Patent # 473,653, issued on April 26,1892 to Sarah Boone, for the design of a tapered ironing board on a stand is still used today!

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about Sarah Boone 
& 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 

November 2, 2021

CURRICULUM

PLEASE NOTE that Chuck Karabin's course, Contemporary Economic Issues has been canceled. It met on Tuesday afternoons at Capitol Lakes.

INVITATION

Ever considered leading a PLATO course? The Curriculum Committee is seeking new members to share their interests or expertise by offering a course. If this idea appeals to you, please visit our Propose a Course page to learn more about this process. Or you can contact Therese Stevens at thmstevens@gmail.com for more information. 

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols continue to be in place for in-person participants:

· 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

FALL LECTURES

NEW! Getting antsy for the upcoming holidays? Sign up for now for Wisconsin Cocktails, presented by author Jeanette Hurt, for what is sure to be a festive virtual lecture on Friday, December 10th at 2:30pm. We'll learn the histories behind some of our state's most iconic drinks and discover why Wisconsin has a love affair with Brandy Old Fashioneds, Tom and Jerrys, boozy ice cream and more.

A Seasonal Favorite – with winter weather and darker days around the corner, now is a good time to revisit last year's "BadgerTalk" on Hygge, Health and Happiness, by Claus Andersen, UW–Madison Professor of Scandinavian Studies. Learn how hygge – a Scandinavian way of life – can benefit us here in Wisconsin.

And, as always, members are welcome to access Past Recordings. 

SELF-GUIDED WALKS

Peruse descriptions of the most popular Walking Tours of Dane County compiled on one convenient webpage. These 11 self-guided walking tours are designed to help you easily locate parking and guide you along the trail.  

THEATER 

Browse a variety of virtual options on PLATO’s Virtual Theater Trips page where new items are added  frequently.

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.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

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

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

Social Gatherings – to resume next semester, depending upon the course of the pandemic.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Fall reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

NEW BOOK “The Loneliest Americans” by Jay Caspian Kang. Click on the Social Justice Webpage button below for more on this book ranked as #1 New Release in Asian American Studies by Amazon.

DID YOU KNOW? for November 2 - 15, 2021

Did You Know…U.S. Patent # 473,653, issued on April 26,1892 to Sarah Boone, for the design of a tapered ironing board on a stand is still used today!

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about Sarah Boone
& 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 26, 2021

CURRICULUM

INVITATION

The Curriculum Committee seeks new members to share their interests or expertise with other members by offering a course. If you are thinking of becoming a course coordinator, please visit our Propose a Course page to learn more about this process. Or you can contact Therese Stevens at thmstevens@gmail.com for more information. 

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols continue to be in place for in-person participants:

· 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

FALL LECTURES
There are several new lectures in the works with details to come soon – stay tuned! In the meantime, members are welcome to access Past Recordings. 

Hygge, Health and Happiness, by Claus Andersen, UW–Madison Professor of Scandinavian Studies. With winter's challenges around the corner, now is a good time to revisit last year's "BadgerTalk" on hygge – the Danish word connoting close, cozy comfort – and show how this Scandinavian way of life can benefit us here in Wisconsin. 

THEATER 
At-home virtual options:

The Tragedy of Macbeth  – A little later than now, in the ruins of a theatre, three witches make a prophecy. A warrior and his wife enter the darkness. A war begins. Yaël Farber directs James McArdleand Saoirse Ronan, in an elemental production about a world in transformation, the shadows in all of us, and one couple’s spine-chilling quest for power. Streaming Oct. 27-30.  

Also, browse a variety of options on PLATO’s Virtual Theater Trips page where new items are added frequently.

INVITATION
Have you attended a talk you enjoyed and think more people should be aware of it? Are you curious about something and think others might be too? Send your ideas for new lecture topics and include the name of a speaker if you have it to mdiiorio1234@gmail.com.

EDUCATION FUND UPDATE

ARRIVING SOON in your mailbox – the PLATO Education Fund's updated scholarship flyer and donation forms for the upcoming year. The flyer highlights the current scholarship and community organization recipients that PLATO funds. This is all made possible by the generosity of PLATO members who value lifelong learning and see value in providing much-needed financial supportto students and community organizations who might otherwise be unable to take advantage of educational opportunities due to financial need.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

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

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

Social Gatherings – to resume next semester, depending upon the course of the pandemic.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Fall reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for October 19 – November 1, 2021

Did You Know...The winner of the 1980 Law and Economics Center Prize was a black man, Thomas Sowell, an economist, academic, and social theorist. His book, Knowledge and Decisions, was heralded as a "landmark work," selected for this prize "because of its cogent contribution to our understanding of the differences between the market process and the process of government."

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about Thomas Sowell 
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

October 19, 2021

CURRICULUM

PLEASE NOTE that Don Reeder's course, Where is Everybody?, has been canceled. It met on Thursday mornings at Oakwood. 

INVITATION

PLATO is always looking for more members to share their interests or expertise with other members by offering a course. If you are thinking of becoming a course coordinator, please visit our Propose a Course page to learn more about this process. Or you can contact Therese Stevens at thmstevens@gmail.com for more information. 

REMINDER

The following COVID-19 Protocols are still in place for in-person participants:

· 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

FALL LECTURES
Join us next week Tuesday, October 26th at 1:30pm for “What is Critical Race Theory, and Why is it Controversial?” In this timely 90-minute lecture with Gloria Ladson-Billings, Professor Emerita at UW-Madison, we will learn about how CRT applies to education and why it has become part of the culture wars in this country. Gloria Ladson-Billings is also the former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Please register online – it is required to attend.

Until then, members are welcome to access Past Recordings of lectures online.

NEW! At-home virtual streaming options:

The Tragedy of Macbeth  – A little later than now, in the ruins of a theatre, three witches make a prophecy. A warrior and his wife enter the darkness. A war begins. Yaël Farber directs James McArdle and Saoirse Ronan, in an elemental production about a world in transformation, the shadows in all of us, and one couple’s spine-chilling quest for power.

Designing Women – A WORLD PREMIERE – The place, Atlanta, the time, before and after the presidential election in November, 2020. The show contains adult language and themes, a confetti cannon, and, much like the television show that preceded it, fiery political debate and humor with many references to recent events. Written by L. Bloodworth Thomason, the same playwright who wrote the popular television series.

AN AUDIO PLAY for listening at home: 

Coal Country
Written by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen, Coal Country is an audio play that tells the story of the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine explosion in West Virginia, the most deadly mining disaster in recent U.S. history. It is a riveting, emotionally stunning work based on first-person accounts by survivors and family members. Blank and Jensen are a writing team who The New Yorker calls "among the foremost practitioners of documentary theater in the U.S." The performance is directed by Blank and features original music by three-time Grammy award-winning country/folk legend Steve Earle. 

To access Coal Country free for one month:

· Go to audible.com

· Search for Coal Country

· Follow the prompts

· After your 30-day free trial the cost is $7.95 per mont; cancel anytime.

INVITATION
Have you attended a talk you enjoyed and think more people should be aware of it? Are you curious about something and think others might be too? Send your ideas for new lecture topics and include the name of a speaker if you have it to mdiiorio1234@gmail.com.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

Each week, we offer for your enjoyment, a featured piece from contributors to The Agora, PLATO's journal of arts and ideas. This week we offer Foot of Yosemite Falls, a painting by Jim Albright.

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

Social Gatherings - due to the pandemic, we hope to resume next semester.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Fall reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for October 19 – November 1, 2021

Did You Know...The winner of the 1980 Law and Economics Center Prize was a black man, Thomas Sowell, an economist, academic, and social theorist. His book, Knowledge and Decisions, was heralded as a "landmark work," selected for this prize "because of its cogent contribution to our understanding of the differences between the market process and the process of government."

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about Thomas Sowell
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

October 12, 2021

CURRICULUM

We hope that everyone is continuing to enjoy our Fall course offerings. Please note the following COVID-19 Protocols continue to be in place for in-person participants:

· Wear masks inside of Host Location buildings.

· Follow social distancing guidelines.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

NEW! AN AUDIO PLAY

For listening at home: 

Coal Country
Written by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen, Coal Country is an audio play that tells the story of the 2010 Upper Big Branch mine explosion in West Virginia, the most deadly mining disaster in recent U.S. history. It is a riveting, emotionally stunning work based on first-person accounts by survivors and family members. Blank and Jensen are a writing team who The New Yorker calls "among the foremost practitioners of documentary theater in the U.S." The performance is directed by Blank and features original music by three-time Grammy award-winning country/folk legend Steve Earle. 

To access Coal Country free for one month:

· Go to audible.com

· Search for Coal Country

· Follow the prompts

· After your 30-day free trial the cost is $7.95 per mont; cancel anytime.

THEATER 

For virtual streaming at home:

Can I Live?
Fehinti Balogun offers an invitation to a vital new digital performance about the climate catastrophe, sharing his personal journey into the biggest challenge of our times. Weaving his story with spoken word, rap, theatre, animation and the scientific facts, Balogun charts a course through the fundamental issues, identifying the intimate relationship between the environmental crisis and the global struggle for social justice, and sharing how, as a young Black British man, he has found his place in the climate movement. Available now through October 17th.

And, browse a variety of options on PLATO’s Virtual Theater Trips page where new items are frequently added.

INVITATION

Have you attended a talk you enjoyed and think more people should be aware of it? Are you curious about something and think others might be too? Send your ideas for new lecture topics and include the name of a speaker if you have it to mdiiorio1234@gmail.com.

FALL LECTURES

Join us for “What is Critical Race Theory, and Why is it Controversial?” on Tuesday, October 26th at 1:30pm. Register here for this 90-minute Zoom lecture with Gloria Ladson-Billings, Professor Emerita at UW-Madison and former Kellner Family Distinguished Professor of Urban Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. She will talk with us about how CRT applies to education and why it has become part of the culture wars in this country. Registration is required to attend.

In the meantime, members are welcome to access Past Recordings.

PLEASE NOTE
We have new contact information! 

PLATO’s new phone number and mailing address:

Telephone: 608-572-6869

Mailing Address: 6209 Mineral Point Rd. #203, Madison, WI, 53705-4549

Our email address remains: info@platomadison.org

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

Each week, we offer for your enjoyment, a featured piece from contributors to The Agora, PLATO's journal of arts and ideas. This week we are pleased to present Margaret Mary, a poem by George Faunce, that is sure to delight grandparents and grandchildren alike.

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

Social Gatherings - due to the pandemic, we hope to resume next semester.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your early Fall reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for October 4-19, 2021

Did You Know… Maria Tallchief was the first Native American woman to break into ballet. Elizabeth Marie Tallchief was born in 1925 in Oklahoma; her father was a member of the Osage Nation. At age 17, she moved to New York City to pursue her dreams of becoming a dancer.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about Maria Tallchief 
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).