PLATO Weekly Update

 February 11, 2025

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Most Spring Courses begin the week of February 17 and many still have space with in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Find the Spring Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

Here are five Spring Courses that still have space:

– Mondays, 1:00-3:00pm: Money Skills for Retirees 

– Tuesdays, 1:00-3:00pm: Jazz

– Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm: Discussions in Philosophy 

– Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm, Book Discussion Group – Poverty, by America

– Fridays, 12:30am-1:15pm: Gentle Chair Yoga

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

NEW! History & Art Tour with a Vintage Flair! – Tuesday, March 18, 2025. Since its inception, Beloit has seen nearly 180 years of American history unfold playing a role as a way station on the Underground Railroad and actively participating during the Industrial Revolution thanks to the ingenuity of its citizens.Enjoy the gems of this city located just 55 miles south of Madison! The registration deadline is Noon on Friday, February 21. Space is limited so learn more and register today!

THEATER TRIPS

LAST CHANCE! Register today for this delightful production!
The Craic – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stackner Cabaret. Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

LAST CHANCE! Register today for this spellbinding production! 
The Woman in Black – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio. Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years! Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, February, 14 at 9:30-11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. A prominent stairway leads to the lower level where our group meets. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES

THIS MONTH! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

· Friday, March 21, 12pm – The Benefits of Strength Training webinar

· Thursday, April 17, 1:30pm – A Conversation with Chloe Benjamin!

Cozy up during winter weather with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

THE AGORA

The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for February 11 – 24, 2025

J. Ernest Wilkins Jr. (1923-2011) was a pioneering African American mathematician, physicist, and educator who worked at the University of Chicago Met Lab during the Manhattan Project. Wilkins was a child prodigy who completed his mathematics undergrad degree at 17 years old and his master's degree a year later. Later in his career he researched methods for producing fissionable nuclear materials – plutonium-239 in particular. He did not learn the purpose of his research until after the atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945.

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about J. Ernest Wilkins Jr. and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

 February 4, 2025

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Registration for Spring Courses continues – there are 39 Spring Courses to choose from with in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Find the Spring Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register. Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 17. 

Still looking for a Spring course? Many still have space, including the following:

– Mondays, 1:30-3:00pm: Photographer’s Journey to Three Medieval Cathedrals in Southeast England

– Tuesdays, 1:30-3:00pm: Musical Evolution of the Beatles 1962 - 1970, also check out the Course Coordinator video here!

– Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm: Global Affairs and the Media

– Thursdays, 1:00-3:00pm, Book Discussion Group – Poverty, by America

– Fridays, 10:00am-12:00pm: PLATO Travel

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

THIS MONTH! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Quench your curiosity with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

THEATER TRIPS

The Craic – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stackner Cabaret. Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

The Woman in Black – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio. Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years! Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, February, 14 at 9:30-11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. A prominent stairway leads to the lower level where our group meets. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS

Would you or someone you know like to help ensure PLATO’s success and guide its future? Each year we need members who wish to be considered for service on the PLATO Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to suggest names to the Nominating Committee of members who you think might help lead the organization. Self-nominations are also welcome.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD
Please share this webpage with a family member or friend!

Word of mouth is PLATO's best advertising – please forward this email to someone who might enjoy PLATO's courses, trips, lectures, and other special events. Also, check out this list of 10 Ways to Tell Others about PLATO.

THE AGORAThe Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for January 28 – February 10

Julia Parsons (b. March 2, 1924) was a World War II Code Breaker and Navy WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). In 1942, after a brief stint doing quality assurance in an Army ordnance lab reviewing shells made in Pittsburgh’s steel mills, Parsons read a newspaper article about the Navy accepting women into service as commissioned officers for the first time. She signed up immediately – soon she would be learning how to de­code German U­boat message traffic, making significant contributions to the wartime effort. 

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Julia Parsons' fascinating wartime story and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

January 28, 2025

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Registration for Spring Courses continues – there are 39 Spring Courses to choose from with in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Find the Spring Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register. Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 17. 

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Please join us in recognizing and thanking our recently retired Course Coordinators who are listed in this brief Curriculum Showcase article. Course coordinator contributions mean a great deal to PLATO members; their contributions are appreciated and will be missed!

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

THIS WEEK! United States Immigration Policy: Background and Current Status on Thursday, January 30, 2025 with Dr. Sara McKinnon, professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture and Faculty Director of Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures provided by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters on a variety of important topics.

THEATER TRIPS

The Craic – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stackner Cabaret. Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

The Woman in Black – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio. Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years! Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT MONTH! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, February, 14 at 9:30-11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS

Would you or someone you know like to help ensure PLATO’s success and guide its future? Each year we need members who wish to be considered for service on the PLATO Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to suggest names to the Nominating Committee of members who you think might help lead the organization. Self-nominations are also welcome.

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

NOW IS A GREAT TIME TO JOIN PLATO

Please consider forwarding this email to a friend or family member who might be interested in joining PLATO!

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

DID YOU KNOW? for January 28 – February 10

Julia Parsons (b. March 2, 1924) was a World War II Code Breaker and Navy WAVE (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service). In 1942, after a brief stint doing quality assurance in an Army ordnance lab reviewing shells made in Pittsburgh’s steel mills, Parsons read a newspaper article about the Navy accepting women into service as commissioned officers for the first time. She signed up immediately – soon she would be learning how to de­code German U­boat message traffic, making significant contributions to the wartime effort. 

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Julia Parsons' fascinating wartime story and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

January 21, 2025

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
NEW! Registration for Spring Courses is open – find the Spring Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

There are 39 Spring Courses to choose from with in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 17. 

WINTER COURSES
Details about Winter Courses can be found on the Winter Course Schedule.

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
NEW! Please join us in recognizing and thanking our recently retired Course Coordinators who are listed in this brief Curriculum Showcase article. Course coordinator contributions mean a great deal to PLATO members; their contributions are appreciated and will be missed!

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS
TOMORROW! Members who are registered for The Malibu of the Midwest Touron Wednesday, January 22, 2025 can review details for that trip here.

THEATER TRIPS

The Craic – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stackner Cabaret. Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

The Woman in Black – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio. Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years! Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES

NEXT WEEK! United States Immigration Policy: Background and Current Status on Thursday, January 30, 2025 with Dr. Sara McKinnon, professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture and Faculty Director of Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Cozy up at home with recorded PLATO Lectures provided by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters on a variety of timely topics.

COFFEE GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on January 24 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of your favorite morning beverage. Feel free to bring a friend or family member who might be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

THE AGORA

The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

NEW! Mark your calendars for this year's Member Appreciation Annual Meeting on Wednesday, May 14, from 2:00 - 4:00pm. This will be a complimentary event and members may bring a guest! Also, PLATO's Annual Meeting Planning Committee welcomes member suggestions for a guest speaker – please send suggestions to info@platomadison.org by Friday, January 31, 2025. 

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

DID YOU KNOW? for January 14 – 27, 2025 

Frederick Douglass "Fritz" Pollard (January 27, 1894 – May 11, 1986) was one of the first two African American football players in the National Football League. After serving his country during World War I, Pollard went on to become the first African American head coach in the National Football League with the Akron Pros in 1921.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Frederick Douglass "Fritz" Pollard and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

January 14, 2025

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Winter Courses are underway! Find everything you need to know about Winter Courses on the Courses webpage. 

SPRING COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Registration for Spring Courses opens on Tuesday, January 21 and most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 17. 

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
NEW! Take a sneak peek at four new Spring Courses shared recently in a brief Curriculum Showcase article.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS
NEXT WEEK! Members who are registered for The Malibu of the Midwest Tour on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 can review details for that trip here.

THEATER TRIPS

The Craic – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stackner Cabaret. Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

NEW! The Woman in Black – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio. Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years! Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 12. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES

United States Immigration Policy: Background and Current Status onThursday, January 30, 2025 with Dr. Sara McKinnon, professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture and Faculty Director of Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Expand your understanding about important and interesting topics with recorded PLATO Lectures.

COFFEE GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on January 24 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of your favorite morning beverage. Feel free to bring a friend or family member who might be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

THE AGORA

The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for January 14 – 27, 2025 

Frederick Douglass "Fritz" Pollard (January 27, 1894 – May 11, 1986) was one of the first two African American football players in the National Football League. After serving his country during World War I, Pollard went on to become the first African American head coach in the National Football League with the Akron Pros in 1921.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Frederick Douglass "Fritz" Pollard and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

January 7, 2025

THE AGORA
The Agora, PLATO’s literary and arts journal, 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for The Agora, Volume 9 
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2025 edition of The Agora in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). 

This is a blind juried review and the submission deadline is Friday, March 14, 2025. Learn more about The Agora and the submission process here. The Agora Board looks forward to sharing the talents of PLATO members through this journal!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
NEW! Most Winter Courses begin this week – review the Winter Course Schedule on the Courses webpage. 

SPRING COURSES

· Registration for Spring Courses opens on Tuesday, January 21.

· Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 17.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS

NEW! The Craic – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stackner Cabaret. Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. Learn more and register here.

NEW! The Woman in Black – Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 2:00pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Stiemke Studio. Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years! Learn more and register here.

LECTURES

United States Immigration Policy: Background and Current Status onThursday, January 30, 2025 with Dr. Sara McKinnon, professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture and Faculty Director of Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with bestselling author Rochelle Pennington. This lecture will explore the fascinating story of the events that lead up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Expand your understanding about important and interesting topics with recorded PLATO Lectures.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, January 10, 9:30-11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. Feel free to bring a friend or family member! Learn more and RSVP here.

FIELD TRIPS
Members who are registered for The Malibu of the Midwest Tour on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 can find details for that trip here.

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

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

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

PLATO Weekly Update

December 31, 2024

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Most Winter Courses will begin the week of January 6 – find the Winter Course Schedule on the Courses webpage. 

SPRING COURSES

· Registration for Spring Courses opens on Tuesday, January 21.

· Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 17.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

NEW! United States Immigration Policy: Background and Current Status onThursday, January 30, 2025 with Dr. Sara McKinnon, professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture and Faculty Director of Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Registration is not required, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR! The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald with Rochelle Pennington on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Check out recorded PLATO Lectures on a variety of important topics brought to you by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

BREAKFAST GATHERING

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, January 10, 9:30-11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. Feel free to bring a friend or family member! Learn more and RSVP here.

FIELD TRIPS
Members who are registered for The Malibu of the Midwest Tour on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 can find details for that trip here.

STAY IN THE KNOW WITH PLATO

NEW! Please help PLATO attract new members! Word of mouth has always been PLATO's best recruitment tool. When members share their appreciation of PLATO's many opportunities to learn, grow and connect, it inspires others to want to learn about PLATO, too. Check out the new 10 Ways to Tell Others About PLATO article to discover additional steps you could take to spread the word. Thanks in advance for your assistance!

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

DID YOU KNOW? for December 31 – January 13, 2024 

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

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

PLATO Weekly Update

December 24, 2024

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Registration for Winter courses continues – find the Winter Course Schedule on the Courses webpage with in-person and virtual options to choose from. Winter Courses run from 2-6 weeks and most will begin the week of January 6, 2025.

NEW! Due to its popularity, a second session of "Truth Decay" led by Jack Mitchell, is now open for registration on Tuesdays, 1:00 – 2:30pm, starting on January 21.

SPRING COURSES

· Registration for Spring Courses opens on Tuesday, January 21.

· Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 17.

SPECIAL EVENTS

COFFEE GATHERING

THIS WEEK! Please note – there is a venue change to Lakeside Street Coffee House for this week! Fourth Friday Coffee on December 27 from 9:30-11:30am at the Lakeside Street Coffee House (instead of Rotunda Cafe as it will be closed). Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb a flight of steps to be seated on the downstairs levels. Feel free to bring a guest! RSVP by emailing Catherine Masi at cat100tothesea@gmail.com.

FIELD TRIPS

There are a few spaces left for the The Malibu of the Midwest Tour on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this fun travel opportunity. The registration deadline is extended to Monday, December 30! Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
SAVE THE DATES! More details are coming soon about these two lectures coming up this winter: Immigration Law: History & Current Status with Sara McKinnon on Thursday, January 30, 2025 and The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald with Rochelle Pennington on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics brought to you by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

PLATO EDUCATION FUND ANNUAL GIVING
Many thanks to those who have already donated!

If you are in a position to share, please consider contributing to PLATO's Education Fund which provides scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, and supports the UW- Department of Continuing Education's Badger Ready program, the Odyssey Project, as well as four local community programs. Learn more about this year's scholarship recipients and local community programsand how to donate online or via snail mail.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for December 10 – 30, 2024 

Juan Pablo Knipping Pacheco (March 25, 1935 – February 15, 2021) was a Dominican musician and composer who became known as the Godfather of Salsa. He popularized the term "salsa" by founding the Fania All-Stars, a musical group formed in 1968 to feature the leading artists of the genre, which played an critical role in the evolution of Latin music and brought Pacheo worldwide fame.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Juan Pablo Knipping Pacheco and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

December 17, 2024

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Registration for Winter courses is open! Find the Winter Course Schedule on the Courses webpage with in-person and virtual options to choose from. Winter Courses run anywhere from 2-6 weeks and most will begin the week of January 6, 2025.

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
The Curriculum Committee extends heartfelt thanks to Richard Steeves who served as the course coordinator for the popular Pathways to a Sustainable Planet for 14 years! Enjoy this brief article written by Mert Corwin in celebration of Richard's legacy of leadership within PLATO.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

GOOD NEWS! More spaces have opened up for the The Malibu of the Midwest Tour on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this fun travel opportunity. The registration deadline is this Friday, December 20! Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
SAVE THE DATES! More details are coming soon about these two lectures coming up this winter: Immigration Law: History & Current Status with Sara McKinnon on Thursday, January 30, 2025 and The Sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald with Rochelle Pennington on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics brought to you by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

COFFEE GATHERING

NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on December 27 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of your favorite morning beverage. Feel free to bring a friend or family member who might be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

PLATO EDUCATION FUND ANNUAL GIVING
Many thanks to those who have already donated!

If you are in a position to share, please consider contributing to PLATO's Education Fund which provides scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, and supports the UW- Department of Continuing Education's Badger Ready program, the Odyssey Project, as well as four local community programs. Learn more about this year's scholarship recipients and local community programsand how to donate online or via snail mail.

HALF-YEAR GIFT MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES
Give the Gift of Knowledge, Connection and Growth

Do you know someone who would enjoy PLATO's many offerings – and you wish they were a member? The New Year is an exciting time to join with a half-year membership. On January 1, anyone can join at half-price ($30) and enjoy membership benefits through July 31. Surprise someone you care about with a gift membership today! Learn more and order PLATO Gift Memberships here.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for December 10 – 23, 2024 

Juan Pablo Knipping Pacheco (March 25, 1935 – February 15, 2021) was a Dominican musician and composer who became known as the Godfather of Salsa. He popularized the term "salsa" by founding the Fania All-Stars, a musical group formed in 1968 to feature the leading artists of the genre, which played an critical role in the evolution of Latin music and brought Pacheo worldwide fame.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Juan Pablo Knipping Pacheco and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

December 10, 2024

PLATO GIFT MEMBERSHIP CERTIFICATES
Give the Gift of Knowledge, Connection and Growth

Do you know someone who would enjoy PLATO's many offerings – and you wish they were a member? The New Year is an exciting time to join with a half-year membership. On January 1, anyone can join at half-price ($30) and enjoy membership benefits through July 31. Surprise someone you care about with a gift membership today! Learn more and order PLATO Gift Memberships here.

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
NEW! Registration for Winter courses is open! The Winter Course Schedule is now available on the Courses webpage – there are seven courses to choose fromwith in-person and virtual options. Winter Courses run anywhere from 2-6 weeks and most will begin the week of January 6, 2025.


CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
NEW! The Curriculum Committee extends heartfelt thanks to Richard Steeves who served as the course coordinator for the popular Pathways to a Sustainable Planet for 14 years! Enjoy this brief article written by Mert Corwin in celebration of Richard's legacy of leadership within PLATO.