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Weekly Update 
Sent via email every Tuesday to PLATO members and  those interested in joining

Be sure to add: PLATO Office Operations and "info@platomadison.org" to your email contacts or approved sender list in order to direct PLATO emails to your Inbox and keep them out of your junk folder.
  • February 13, 2024 1:34 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    PLATO Weekly Update

    February 13, 2024



    CURRICULUM

    SPRING COURSES
    NEW! Virtual course just listed:

    · Exploring Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Large Language Models on Wednesday afternoons – this four-week series starts in mid-March.

    Music lovers! Tune in to these additional musical offerings:

    · Dylan: The Unlikely Evolution of a Genius on Thursday mornings at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

    · History of the Hollywood Musical on Tuesday afternoons at Capitol Lakes.

    Visit the Courses webpage for a full listing of all 30 Spring Courses, most of which begin next week!

    CURICULUM SHOWCASE
    Learn about the retirement of a key Curriculum Committee player in a recent Curriculum Showcase article.

    COURSES PAGE 

    SPECIAL EVENTS

    THEATER TRIP

    Join us on Wednesday, March 27 for a matinee performance of The Chosen at the Milwaukee Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. One of the most beloved novels of the 20th century comes to life in this captivating portrayal of faith, family, and friendship. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 21! Learn more and register here.

    LECTURES
    Keep abreast of timely topics with recorded 
    PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and special guest presenters.

    COFFEE GATHERING
    NEXT WEEK! 
    Fourth Friday Coffee on February 23 from 9:30 – 11:30am at the Rotunda Café. Enjoy a cuppa your favorite morning beverage and lively conversation with fellow PLATO members. Learn more and RSVP here.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


    THE AGORA
    PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
    celebrating members’ creativity and diversity of thought

    Published biannually, The Agora is created by PLATO members and published for members and the community through a juried selection process. The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage.

    THE AGORA FEATURES 

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


    DID YOU KNOW? for February 12 – 236 2024

    Dr. Philip Emeagwali, born in 1954 in Nigeria, invented the world's fastest computer which performs computations at 3.1 billion calculations per second. Also known as the “Bill Gates of Africa", Dr. Emeagwali applied principles of biomimicry to achieve this accomplishment – specifically studying the work habits of bees as they constructed honeycomb. In 1989, he utilized 65,000 processors to build this computer!

    Visit the Social Justice page for more about Dr. Philip Emeagwali,
    and past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


  • February 06, 2024 10:54 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update 

    February 6, 2024


    CURRICULUM

    SPRING COURSES
    NEW! Check out two new courses with intriguing titles:

    · Crime Worse Than Lutefisk: History and Mystery in Scandinavia on Tuesday afternoons at Christ Presbyterian Church.

    · Communitarian Thought, a virtual course, will meet on Thursday afternoons.

    · Visit the Courses webpage for a full listing of all 29 courses!

    CURICULUM SHOWCASE
    Learn about the 
    retirement of a key Curriculum Committee player in a recent Curriculum Showcase article.

    COURSES PAGE 

    SPECIAL EVENTS

      

    BREAKFAST GATHERING
    THIS WEEK!
     Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, February 9, from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. 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. Bring a friend – guests are welcome! Learn more and RSVP here.

    THEATER TRIP
    Join us on Wednesday, March 27 for a matinee performance of The Chosen at the Milwaukee Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. One of the most beloved novels of the 20th century comes to life in this captivating portrayal of faith, family, and friendship. Registration deadline is Wednesday, February 21! Learn more and register here.

    LECTURES
    Discover something new through recorded 
    PLATO Lectures.

    A SPECIAL (EVENTS) OPPORTUNITY
    PLATO is a voluntary organization and relies on its volunteers to be successful. We have a great opportunity for one of our members to take on an important role to help PLATO meet its goals for adult learning and teaching. PLATO is seeking an enterprising individual to lead as Chair for our very important Special Events Committee (SEC) currently made up of very committed members. The primary role of the Chair is:

    · To coordinate the various events, such as lectures, walks, theater trips, currently being organized by different team leaders. 

    · To host bi-monthly SEC meetings;

    · To represent the SEC as the Board member at the bi-monthly Board meetings and update the Board on SEC events;

    The Chair is not required to organize events, but to help coordinate.  

    We hope you will consider joining us to lead this group. If interested or if you have suggestions, please send an email to info@platomadison.org with the subject line "SEC Chairperson" by Friday, February 16.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 



    THE AGORA

    PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
    celebrating members’ creativity and diversity of thought

    Published biannually, The Agora is created by PLATO members and published for members and the community through a juried selection process. The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage.

    THE AGORA FEATURES 


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

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

    DID YOU KNOW? for January 30 – February 12, 2024

    Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson, U.S. Army Reserve, was the first African-American woman to achieve the rank of major general on October 1, 2011 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Maj. Gen. Anderson had previously served as the clerk of Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Wisconsin, located in Madison, Wisconsin. She retired from the military in 2016 after 37 years of service.

    Visit the Social Justice page for more about Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson
    and past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


  • January 30, 2024 1:07 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update

     January 30, 2024


    CURRICULUM

    SPRING COURSES
    Check out what's new for Spring 2024!

    · A virtual course called Project 2025. Then What? which will meet on Tuesday mornings at 10am. Find course details here!

    · View a brief video about the Musical Evolution of the Beatles course, made by the course coordinator, which will meet on Monday afternoons at 1pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Campus.

    · For a full listing of all 29 Spring courses, visit the Courses webpage.

    · Course Coordinators – Visit the new For Course Coordinators webpage to learn three Google tips to make coordinators' lives easier!

    COURSES PAGE 

    SPECIAL EVENTS

      

    Join us on Wednesday, March 27 for a matinee performance of The Chosen at the Milwaukee Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. One of the most beloved novels of the 20th century comes to life in this captivating portrayal of faith, family, and friendshipLearn more and register here.

    BREAKFAST GATHERING
    NEXT WEEK!
     Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, February 9, from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. 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. Bring a friend – guests are welcome! Learn more and RSVP here.

    LECTURES
    Catch up on timely topics with recorded PLATO Lectures.

    A SPECIAL (EVENTS) OPPORTUNITY
    PLATO is a voluntary organization and relies on its volunteers to be successful. We have a great opportunity for one of our members to take on an important role to help PLATO meet its goals for adult learning and teaching. PLATO is seeking an enterprising individual to lead as Chair for our very important Special Events Committee (SEC) currently made up of very committed members. The primary role of the Chair is:

    · To coordinate the various events, such as lectures, walks, theater trips, currently being organized by different team leaders. 

    · To host bi-monthly SEC meetings;

    · To represent the SEC as the Board member at the bi-monthly Board meetings and update the Board on SEC events;

    The Chair is not required to organize events, but to help coordinate.  

    We hope you will consider joining us to lead this group. If interested or if you have suggestions, please send an email to info@platomadison.org with the subject line "SEC Chairperson" by Friday, February 16.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


    THE AGORA

    PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
    celebrating members’ creativity and diversity of thought

    Published biannually, The Agora is created by PLATO members and published for members and the community through a juried selection process. The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage.

    THE AGORA FEATURES 


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

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

    DID YOU KNOW? for January 30 – February 12, 2024

    Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson, U.S. Army Reserve, was the first African-American woman to achieve the rank of major general on October 1, 2011 at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Maj. Gen. Anderson had previously served as the clerk of Bankruptcy Court, Western District of Wisconsin, located in Madison, Wisconsin. She retired from the military in 2016 after 37 years of service.

    Visit the Social Justice page for more about Maj. Gen. Marcia Anderson
    and past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


  • January 23, 2024 10:51 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update

     January 23, 2024

    CURRICULUM


    NEW! Member registration for Spring Courses is open – find the Spring Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and choose from 29 courses including 11 virtual and 18 in-person options, a variety of which are hybrid. Contact the course coordinator to register. Most Courses begin the week of February 19.

    BEFORE COURSES BEGIN...
    Please review these COVID-19 protocols for your host locations and keep an eye out for messages from your Course Coordinator for possible updates during the session of the course.

    COURSES PAGE


    SPECIAL EVENTS

     

    Join us on Wednesday, March 27 for a matinee performance of The Chosen at the Milwaukee Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. One of the most beloved novels of the 20th century comes to life in this captivating portrayal of faith, family, and friendshipLearn more and register here.

    COFFEE GATHERING
    THIS WEEK! 
    Fourth Friday Coffee resumes on January 26 from 9:30 – 11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Madison's near east side. They may not have breakfast snacks so we are temporarily calling it a "coffee" instead of a "breakfast". Learn more and RSVP here.

    LECTURES
    THIS WEEK!
     OFriday, January 26 at 1pm there will be a virtual screening of Atomic Hope, hosted by Richard Steeves from the PLATO course Pathways to a Sustainable Planet. This Irish documentary follows pro-nuclear activists who believe in the urgency of re-addressing nuclear power to avoid catastrophic climate change. There will be a discussion after the screening. View the trailer hereRSVP by Friday, January 26 at 9am by sending an email to info@platomadison.org – the screening link and login details will be sent via email later that morning.

    Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures from the convenience and comfort of home.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR



    THE AGORA

    PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
    celebrating members’ creativity and diversity of thought

    Published biannually, The Agora is created by PLATO members and published for members and the community through a juried selection process. The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage.

    THE AGORA FEATURES


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

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

    DID YOU KNOW? for January 16 – 29, 2024

    Lewis Latimer (1848-1928), the youngest son born to parents who had escaped from slavery just six years before his birth, was a talented African-American inventor. Latimer worked in Thomas Edison’s lab and designed several light bulb improvements. He also made significant inventions in the areas of air conditioning and railroad cars.

    Visit the Social Justice page for more about Lewis Latimer
    and past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE


  • January 16, 2024 2:02 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update

     January 16, 2024

     

    CURRICULUM

    SPRING COURSES
    NEXT WEEK! Registration for Spring Courses opens on Tuesday, January 23. Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 19.

    FRIENDLY REMINDER 
    COVID-19 protocols are specific to each host site and subject to change. Please review these protocols which are always available in the Curriculum Showcase. Also, keep an eye out for messages from your Course Coordinator for possible updates during the session of the course. 

    COURSES PAGE


    SPECIAL EVENTS


    NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee resumes on January 26 from 9:30 – 11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Madison's near east side. They may not have breakfast snacks so we are temporarily calling it a "coffee" instead of a "breakfast". Learn more and RSVP here.

    LECTURES
    NEW!
     OFriday, January 26 at 1pm there will be a virtual screening of Atomic Hope, hosted by Richard Steeves from the PLATO course Pathways to a Sustainable Planet. This Irish documentary follows pro-nuclear activists who believe in the urgency of re-addressing nuclear power to avoid catastrophic climate change. There will be a discussion after the screening. View the trailer hereFind screening details in next Tuesday's Weekly Update.

    Explore many interesting subjects offered as recorded PLATO Lectures brought to you by fellow PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

    THEATER TRIP
    Join us on Wednesday, March 27 for a matinee performance of The Chosen at the Milwaukee Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. One of the most beloved novels of the 20th century comes to life in this captivating portrayal of faith, family, and friendshipLearn more and register here.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR

     

    THE AGORA
    PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
    celebrating members’ creativity and diversity of thought

    Published biannually, The Agora is created by PLATO members and published for members and the community through a juried selection process. The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage.

    THE AGORA FEATURES


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

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

    DID YOU KNOW? for January 16 – 29, 2024

    Lewis Latimer (1848-1928), the youngest son born to parents who had escaped from slavery just six years before his birth, was a talented African-American inventor. Latimer worked in Thomas Edison’s lab and designed several light bulb improvements. He also made significant inventions in the areas of air conditioning and railroad cars.

    Visit the Social Justice page for more about Lewis Latimer
    and past DID YOU KNOW? features.

  • January 09, 2024 12:15 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update

     January 9, 2024


    CURRICULUM

    WINTER COURSES
    NEW!
     Most Winter Courses begin this week! Some Courses still have openings find the Winter 2024 Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

    SPRING COURSES
    MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Registration for Spring Courses will open on Tuesday, January 23. Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 19.

    FRIENDLY REMINDER 
    COVID-19 protocols are specific to each host site and subject to change. Please take a moment to review these protocols which are always available in the Curriculum Showcase.  

    COURSES PAGE


    SPECIAL EVENTS

     

    NEW! Join us on Wednesday, March 27 for a matinee performance of The Chosen at the Milwaukee Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. One of the most beloved novels of the 20th century comes to life in this captivating portrayal of faith, family, and friendshipLearn more and register here.

    BREAKFAST GATHERING
    THIS WEEK!
     Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, January 12 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. 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. Bring a friend – guests are welcome! Learn more and RSVP here.

    COFFEE GATHERING
    Fourth Friday Coffee resumes on January 26 from 9:30 – 11:30am at the Rotunda Café. They may or may not have food so we are temporarily calling it a "coffee" instead of a "breakfast". Learn more and RSVP here.

    LECTURES
    Get up to speed on a variety of timely topics with recorded PLATO Lectures.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR



    THE AGORA

    PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
    celebrating members’ creativity and diversity of thought

    Published biannually, The Agora is created by PLATO members and published for members and the community through a juried selection process. The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage.

    THE AGORA FEATURES


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

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

    DID YOU KNOW? for January 2 – 15, 2024  

    Sheila Crump Johnson (Born on January 25, 1949) is the first African-American woman to become a billionaire. In addition to co-founding Black Entertainment Television (BET) and serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, Johnson is also the first African-American woman to be an owner or partner in three professional sports franchises: the Washington Capitals (NHL), the Washington Wizards (NBA), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA).

    Visit the Social Justice page for more about Sheila Crump Johnson
    or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE


  • January 02, 2024 12:03 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update

     January 2, 2024

     

    CURRICULUM

    WINTER COURSES
    NEXT WEEK!
     Most Winter Courses begin the week of January 8. There are still openings in some classes – find the Winter 2024 Course Schedule on the Courses webpage. Simply contact the course coordinator to register for any course you are interested in attending.

    SPRING COURSES
    MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Registration for Spring Courses will open on Tuesday, January 23. Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 19.

    COURSES PAGE 


    SPECIAL EVENTS

    THEATER TRIP
    SAVE THE DATE! 
    Wednesday, March 27, 2024 – Join us for a matinee performance of The Chosen at the Milwaukee Rep. Stay tuned for details!

    BREAKFAST GATHERING
    NEXT WEEK!
     Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, January 12 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. 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. Bring a friend – guests are welcome! Learn more and RSVP here.

    COFFEE GATHERING
    Fourth Friday Coffee resumes on January 26 from 9:30 – 11:30am at the Rotunda Café. They may or may not have food so we are temporarily calling it a "coffee" instead of a "breakfast". Learn more and RSVP here.

    LECTURES
    Check out recorded PLATO Lectures featuring members and special guest presenters on a wide variety of topics from the cozy comfort of home.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 

     

    THE AGORA
    PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
    celebrating members’ creativity and diversity of thought

    Published biannually, The Agora is created by PLATO members and published for members and the community through a juried selection process. The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage.

    THE AGORA FEATURES 


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

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

    DID YOU KNOW? for January 2 – 15, 2024  

    Sheila Crump Johnson (Born on January 25, 1949) is the first African-American woman to become a billionaire. In addition to co-founding Black Entertainment Television (BET) and serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Salamander Hotels and Resorts, Johnson is also the first African-American woman to be an owner or partner in three professional sports franchises: the Washington Capitals (NHL), the Washington Wizards (NBA), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA).

    Visit the Social Justice page for more about Sheila Crump Johnson
    or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


  • December 19, 2023 2:21 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update

     December 19, 2023


    CURRICULUM

    WINTER COURSES
    The Winter 2024 Course Schedule is available on the Courses webpage and registration is open – there are eight courses to choose from with in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Simply contact the course coordinator for any course you are interested in attending. Most Winter Courses will begin the week of January 8. 

    CANCELLATION 
    The Winter Film History course has been cancelled, but will resume in the Spring session with a new coordinator.

    COURSES PAGE 


    SPECIAL EVENTS

    SAVE THE DATE!
    Wednesday, March 27, 2024 – 
    Join us for a matinee performance of The Chosen at the Milwaukee Rep. More details coming soon.

    BREAKFAST GATHERING
    NEXT MONTH!
     Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, January 12 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. 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 guest! Learn more and RSVP here.

    NOTE: Fourth Friday Breakfasts are on hiatus until January 26, 2024.

    LECTURES
    Explore recorded PLATO Lectures featuring members and their special guest presenters on a wide variety of interesting and important topics.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


    PLATO EDUCATION FUND ANNUAL GIVING

    Many thanks to those who have already donated!

    'TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE... please consider contributing to PLATO's Education Fund if you are in a position to share. This fund provides scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, and supports the UW/DCS Badger Ready program, the Odyssey Project, and four additional local community programs. Learn more about this year's scholarship recipients and local community programsand how to donate online or mail. 

    THE AGORA
    PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
    celebrating members’ creativity and diversity of thought

    Published biannually, The Agora is created by PLATO members and published for members and the community through a juried selection process. The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage.

    THE AGORA FEATURES 


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

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

    DID YOU KNOW? for December 12, 2023  – January 1, 2024 

    Ynes Mexia (May 24, 1870 – July 12, 1938) was a Mexican-American botanical collector and explorer who collected 145,000 plant species – an incredible number – especially because she began collecting while in her mid-50’s! Mexia's discoveries continue to impact researchers today and her work can be viewed in many museums and universities. 

    Visit the Social Justice page for more about Ynes Mexia
    or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


  • December 12, 2023 11:00 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update 

    December 12, 2023


    CURRICULUM

    WINTER COURSES
    NEW!
     The Winter 2024 Course Schedule is now available on the Courses webpage and registration is open – there are nine courses to choose from with in-person, virtual and hybrid options. Simply contact the course coordinator for any course you are interested in attending.


    REMINDER – Most Winter Courses will begin the week of January 8.

    COURSES PAGE


    SPECIAL EVENTS

    FIELD TRIP
    THIS WEEK! 
    Saturday, December 16 from 10:30 – 12:30pm: A Guided Indoor Walking Tour at Epic. Registration for this trip has closed – tour details for registrants are available here.

    LECTURES
    During Fall 2023, two popular online PLATO courses continued to meet to learn about and discuss current environmental, economic and political challenges. These sessions are available 24/7 as recorded PLATO Lectures for your viewing convenience! Recent topics included electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, The Badger Project, the geopolitics of energy, discussions on current events featuring several local elected representatives and other leaders in the Dane County community. Many thanks to the participants of Pathways to a Sustainable Planet and Whither the State for continuing to offer these valuable courses! 

    BREAKFAST GATHERING
    NEXT MONTH!
     Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, January 12 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. 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 guest! Learn more and RSVP here.

    NOTE: Fourth Friday Breakfasts are on hiatus until January 26, 2024.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR


    PLATO EDUCATION FUND ANNUAL GIVING

    Big thanks to those who have already donated!

    'TIS THE SEASON TO BE GENEROUS... please consider contributing to PLATO's Education Fund if you are in a position to share. This fund provides scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, and supports the UW/DCS Badger Ready program, the Odyssey Project, and four additional local community programs. Learn more about this year's scholarship recipients and local community programs and how to donate online or mail. 


    THE AGORA

    PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
    celebrating members’ creativity and diversity of thought

    Published biannually, The Agora is created by PLATO members and published for members and the community through a juried selection process. The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage.

    THE AGORA FEATURES


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

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

    DID YOU KNOW? for December 12, 2023  – January 1, 2024 

    Ynes Mexia (May 24, 1870 – July 12, 1938) was a Mexican-American botanical collector and explorer who collected 145,000 plant species – an incredible number – especially because she began collecting while in her mid-50’s! Mexia's discoveries continue to impact researchers today and her work can be viewed in many museums and universities. 

    Visit the Social Justice page for more about Ynes Mexia
    or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE


  • December 05, 2023 11:48 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update

    December 5, 2023


    CURRICULUM

    WINTER COURSES
    NEXT WEEK! 
    On Tuesday, December 12 the Winter 2024 Course Schedule will be available on the Courses webpage and registration will open the same day. 

    NEXT MONTH! Most Winter Courses will begin the week of January 8 – there will be nine courses to choose from, including in-person and virtual options.  

    COURSES PAGE 


    SPECIAL EVENTS

    TODAY! Tuesday, December 5 – From the Holocaust to Civil Rights: Film and Lecture from 1:30 – 3:00pm at Oakwood Village West. Three sisters present the story of their pilgrimage to Germany and France to retrace their grandmother's historyRegistration is not required. Learn more here.

    BREAKFAST GATHERING
    THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, December 8 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. 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 guest! Learn more and RSVP here.

    NOTE: Fourth Friday Breakfasts are on hiatus until January 26, 2024.

    THEATER TRIP
    THIS WEEK! Scrooge The Musical! at The Fireside Theater on Friday, December 8. Registration for this trip has closed. Review trip details here.

    FIELD TRIP
    NEXT WEEK! Saturday, December 16 from 10:30 – 12:30pm: A Guided Indoor Walking Tour at Epic. Registration for this trip has closed – join the waitlist here.

    LECTURES
    During Fall 2023, two popular online PLATO courses continued to meet to learn about and discuss current environmental, economic and political challenges. These sessions are available 24/7 as recorded PLATO Lectures for your viewing convenience! Recent topics included electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, The Badger Project, the geopolitics of energy, discussions on current events featuring several local elected representatives and other leaders in the Dane County community. Big thanks to the participants of Pathways to a Sustainable Planet and Whither the State for continuing to offer these valuable courses! 

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


    PLATO EDUCATION FUND ANNUAL GIVING

    IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION TO SHARE... please consider contributing to PLATO's Education Fund to provide scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, as well as supporting the UW/DCS Badger Ready program, the Odyssey Project, and four additional local community programs. Learn more about this year's scholarship recipients and local community programs and how to donate online or mail. Many thanks to those who have already donated!

    A group of logos and a donation Description automatically generated

    THE AGORA
    PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal,
    celebrating members’ creativity and diversity of thought

    Published biannually, The Agora is created by PLATO members and published for members and the community through a juried selection process. The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage.

    THE AGORA FEATURES 


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

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

    DID YOU KNOW? for November 28 – December 11, 2023 

    Granville T. Woods (April 23, 1856 – January 30, 1910), nicknamed "Black Edison”, was an inventor who held various engineering and industrial jobs before establishing an electric apparatus company. Woods registered more than 50 patents in his lifetime! He was best known for inventing the induction telegraph in 1887. 

    Visit the Social Justice page for more about Granville T. Woods
    or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 



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Madison, WI 53705








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