PLATO Weekly Update 

November 7, 2023

REMINDER: PLATO SATISFACTION SURVEY 

DUE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8

On October 25 you received a brief satisfaction survey regarding your experiences with PLATO. If you have already completed the survey, thank you! If you haven’t yet completed it, we hope you will take a few minutes to do so today. Your feedback will enable the PLATO board and committee volunteers to better serve PLATO members. Most members received the survey from noreply@alchemer.com with the subject line “PLATO Member Annual Satisfaction Survey.” If you haven't received it, please contact our office at info@platomadison.org. Survey responses are due no later than Wednesday, November 8. Thank you for your involvement and support of PLATO!

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Registration for Winter Courses opens on Tuesday, December 12 and most courses begin the week of January 8.

CURRICULUM COMMITTEE
Visit the Courses webpage to learn about attending and coordinating Courses.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

NEXT MONTH! From the Holocaust to Civil Rights – Film and Lecture. Registration is not required. Learn more here.

Recorded PLATO Lectures can be enjoyed 24/7 from the comfort of home.

THEATER TRIP
Scrooge The Musical! There may still be tickets left to attend this festive lunch and performance on Friday, December 8. Learn more and register here.

FIELD TRIP
THIS WEEK! Saturday, November 11 from 10:30 – 12:30pm: A Guided Indoor Walking Tour at Epic. Registration is closed and the waitlist is full. Because of the popularity of this trip a second trip will likely be offered – stay tuned! Learn more here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, November 10 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.

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.

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 October 31 – November 13, 2023 

Alain LeRoy Locke (September 13, 1885 – June 9, 1954) was the first African-American awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1907. As a writer, philosopher, and educator, Locke’s work helped educate white readers about Black culture which flourished during the Harlem Renaissance. His seminal work, The New Negro – a collection of fiction, poetry, and essays by Locke and other African Americans including Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, and Zora Neale Hurston – was published in 1925. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Locke
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).

PLATO Weekly Update

October 31, 2023

PLATO SATISFACTION SURVEY DUE NOVEMBER 8

On October 25 you received a brief satisfaction survey regarding your experiences with PLATO. If you have already completed the survey, thank you! If you haven’t yet completed it, we hope you will take a few minutes to do so today. Your feedback will enable the PLATO board and committee volunteers to better serve PLATO members. Most members received the survey from noreply@alchemer.com with the subject line “PLATO Member Annual Satisfaction Survey.” If you haven't received it, please contact our office at info@platomadison.org. Survey responses are due no later than Wednesday, November 8. Thank you for your involvement and support of PLATO!

CURRICULUM

COURSES WEBPAGE
Have a question about a Fall Course? Interested in learning more about the Curriculum Committee or coordinating a course? The Courses webpage is teeming with useful and interesting information to explore!

MID-SEMESTER COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT
Registration is still open for a four-week book discussion group that starts next week Tuesday, November 7. The book title is The Flag, the Cross, and the Station Wagon: A Graying American Looks Back at His Suburban Boyhood and Wonders What the Hell Happened, by Bill McKibben. Find course and registration details on the Fall Course 2023 Schedule.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS

Register today – for Scrooge the Musical – the deadline is Monday, November 6! This lively matinee performance on Friday, December 8 will be preceded bya luncheon with your choice of entree and dessert. Learn more and register here.

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.

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 October 31 – November 13, 2023 

Alain LeRoy Locke (September 13, 1885 – June 9, 1954) was the first African-American awarded a Rhodes Scholarship in 1907. As a writer, philosopher, and educator, Locke’s work helped educate white readers about Black culture which flourished during the Harlem Renaissance. His seminal work, The New Negro – a collection of fiction, poetry, and essays by Locke and other African Americans including Countee Cullen, Langston Hughes, and Zora Neale Hurston – was published in 1925. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Locke
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).

PLATO Weekly Update

October 24, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Find everything you need to know about Fall Courses on the Courses webpage.

CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
Another PLATO member has been published! After participating in Andy Millman’s popular Writer’s Workshop course, Fay Feringtonhas completed and published a book that shares her experiences as a nurse during the Vietnam War. Visit the Curriculum Spotlight webpageto learn more. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP
Register today – deadline is Monday, November 6! Join us to celebrate the season at Scrooge The Musical on Friday, December 8, 2023 at The Fireside Dinner Theater! This lively matinee performance will be preceded by luncheon featuring your choice of entree and dessert. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES 
Monday, November 6 from 1:30 – 3:30pm at Bethany United Methodist Church: On Early Childhood Education – The Importance of Nutrition & Trauma-Informed Care. Learn about the benefits of the School Family Model with Abbi Kruse, Executive Director of The Playing Field. There will be a presentation with Q&A for the first hour and a tour of the Playing Field Preschool during the second hour. Registration is not required and parking is free. Learn more here.

Saturday, November 11 from 10:30 – 12:30pm: A Guided Indoor Walking Tour at Epic. Explore two of Epic's uniquely whimsical campuses full of artwork and other surprises. Space is limited so register today! Learn more and register here.

Tuesday, December 5 from 1:30 – 3pm at Oakwood West Auditorium: From the Holocaust to Civil Rights – Film and Lecture. Three sisters present the story of their pilgrimage to Germany and France to retrace their grandmother’s history. Registration is not required and parking is free. Learn more here.

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures on timely topics of interest.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, light breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, October 27 from 9:30 – 11:30am. We will meet at Lake Ridge Bank's Rotunda Café located on Madison's east side. Learn more and RSVP here.

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

NEW! The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage! 

COMING SOON! The Agora Features webpage will soon feature highlights from Volume 8 as well as seasons past. The Agorais created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your enjoyment.

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 October 17 – 30, 2023 

Susie King Taylor (August 6, 1848 – October 6, 1912) is known for many firsts –two of which are being the first Black nurse during the American Civil War and being the first Black woman to self-publish her memoirs. Taylor was also an author and educator in the postbellum South who opened various schools in Georgia and so much more! 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Taylor
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).

PLATO Weekly Update

October 17, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Find everything you need to know about Fall Courses on the Courses webpage.

CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
Another PLATO member has been published! After participating in Andy Millman’s popular Writer’s Workshop course, Fay Ferington has completed and published a book that shares her experiences as a nurse during the Vietnam War. Visit the Curriculum Spotlight webpage to learn more. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP
Celebrate the season with friends at Scrooge The Musical on Friday, December 8, 2023 at The Fireside Dinner Theater! This lively matinee performance will be preceded by luncheon featuring your choice of  entree and dessert. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
NEXT MONTH! On Early Childhood Education: The Importance of Nutrition & Trauma-Informed Care on Monday, November 6 from 1:30 – 3:30pm at Bethany United Methodist Church. Learn about the benefits of the School Family Model with Abbi Kruse, Executive Director of The Playing Field. There will be a presentation with Q&A for the first hour and a tour of the Playing Field Preschool during the second hour. Registration is not required and parking is free. Learn more here.

SAVE THE DATE! From the Holocaust to Civil Rights – Film and Lecture on Tuesday, December 5 from 1:30 – 3pm at Oakwood West Auditorium. More details coming soon! 

Quench your thirst for learning with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and guest presenters on interesting and important subjects.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, October 13 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. Coffee House located in the Bay Creek neighborhood. 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. Learn more and RSVP here.

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

NEW! The Agora, Volume 8, is available for download on The Agora webpage! 

COMING SOON! The Agora Features webpage will soon feature highlights from Volume 8 as well as seasons past. The Agora is created and curated by fellow PLATO members for your enjoyment.

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 October 17 – 30, 2023 

Susie King Taylor (August 6, 1848 – October 6, 1912) is known for many firsts –two of which are being the first Black nurse during the American Civil War and being the first Black woman to self-publish her memoirs. Taylor was also an author and educator in the postbellum South who opened various schools in Georgia and so much more! 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Taylor
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).

PLATO Weekly Update

October 10, 2023

EDUCATION FUND UPDATE

THE GIFT OF EDUCATION – helping PLATO help others. Last week members received 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. 

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Have a question about a Fall Course? Find answers on the Fall Course 2023 Schedule on the Courses webpage.

COURSE REMINDERS
NEXT WEEK! For Courses that meet at Capitol Lakes from October 10 – 13:

· Global affairs and the Media will meet in the Premier Room for all of its Wednesday classes this Fall.

· History of the Hollywood Musical: The Tuesday, Oct.10 class is cancelled.

· An Amazing Walk through Prehistoric Time: The Tuesday, Oct.10 class is cancelled.

· PLATO Travel: The Friday, Oct.13 class is cancelled.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

NEXT WEEK! Community Conservation: From Wisconsin to the World on Monday, October 16. Learn more about the lecture, venue, and free parking here.

NEXT MONTH! On Early Childhood Education: The Importance of Nutrition & Trauma-Informed Care on Monday, November 6 from 1:30 – 3:30pm at Bethany United Methodist Church. Learn about the benefits of the School Family Model with Abbi Kruse, Executive Director of The Playing Field. There will be a presentation with Q&A for the first hour and a tour of the Playing Field Preschool during the second hour. Registration is not required and parking is free. Learn more here.

Peruse recorded PLATO Lectures presented by PLATO members and guest presenters on a variety of timely topics.

THEATER TRIP

Celebrate the season with friends at Scrooge The Musical on Friday, December 8, 2023 at The Fireside Dinner Theater! This lively matinee performance will be preceded by luncheon featuring your choice of  entree and dessert. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, October 13 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. Coffee House located in the Bay Creek neighborhood. 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. Learn more and RSVP here.

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

EXCITNG NEWS! The Agora, Volume 8, is on its way and the digital copy will be posted to PLATO's website this week. Stay tuned!

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for October 3 – 16, 2023 

Mildred Fish (September 16, 1902 – February 1943) was born in Milwaukee and studied and taught English at UW-Madison where she met her German husband, Arvid Harnack. After moving to Germany, the couple joined a small Nazi-resistance group which the Gestapo called the Red Orchestra. Unfortunately, the Nazis executed them for their social justice work. Fish-Harnack was the only American woman executed on the direct order of Adolf Hitler. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Fish-Harnack 
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).

PLATO Weekly Update 

October 3, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Fall Courses are underway! Have Questions? Find answers on the Fall Course 2023 Schedule on the Courses webpage.

COURSE REMINDERS
NEXT WEEK! For Courses that meet at Capitol Lakes from October 10 – 13:

· Global affairs and the Media will meet in the Premier Room for all of its Wednesday classes this Fall.

· History of the Hollywood Musical: The Tuesday, Oct.10 class is cancelled.

· An Amazing Walk through Prehistoric Time: The Tuesday, Oct.10 class is cancelled.

· PLATO Travel: The Friday, Oct.13 class is cancelled.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP
Scrooge The Musical! Celebrate the season with friends on Friday, December 8, 2023 at The Fireside Dinner Theater! This lively matinee performance will be preceded by luncheon featuring your choice of  entree and dessert. Learn more and register here.

WALKS
Tuesday, October 10 at 9:30am at the Lakeshore Preserve on the University Campus. Have you ever set out for a stroll out to Picnic Point and wondered about the myriad side paths? This Preserve is the site of an incredibly diverse array of ancient and modern human endeavor. Learn some of the history and future plans from our leader Bryn Scriver, volunteer and outreach coordinator. Learn more and register here. 

LECTURES

Community Conservation: From Wisconsin to the World: Learn more about the lecture, venue and free parking here.

On Early Childhood Education: The Importance of Nutrition & Trauma-Informed Care on Monday, November 6 from 1:30 – 3:30pm at Bethany United Methodist Church. Learn about the benefits of the School Family Model with Abbi Kruse, Executive Director of The Playing Field. There will be a presentation with Q&A for the first hour and a tour of the Playing Field Preschool during the second hour. Registration is not required and parking is free. Learn more here.

Explore new recorded PLATO Lectures presented by PLATO members and guest presenters on current events and sustainable living from two popular PLATO Courses: Whither the State and Pathways to a Sustainable Planet – both courses welcome drop-in participation via Zoom – contact the Course Coordinator for the Zoom link.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, October 13 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. Coffee House located in the Bay Creek neighborhood. 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. Learn more and RSVP here.

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for October 3 – 16, 2023 

Mildred Fish (September 16, 1902 – February 1943) was born in Milwaukee and studied and taught English at UW-Madison where she met her German husband, Arvid Harnack. After moving to Germany, the couple joined a small Nazi-resistance group which the Gestapo called the Red Orchestra. Unfortunately, the Nazis executed them for their social justice work. Fish-Harnack was the only American woman executed on the direct order of Adolf Hitler. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Fish-Harnack 
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).

PLATO Weekly Update 

September 26, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Fall Courses are underway! Have Questions? Find answers on the Fall Course 2023 Schedule on the Courses webpage.

NOTE – COURSE UPDATES
Five Great Thinkers: In Person on the Good Life with Booth Fowler on Tuesday mornings at Oakwood has been cancelled.

For Courses that meet at Capitol Lakes from October 10 – 13:

· Global affairs and the Media will meet in the Premier Room for all of its Wednesday classes this Fall.

· History of the Hollywood Musical: The Tuesday, Oct.10 class is cancelled.

· An Amazing Walk through Prehistoric Time: The Tuesday, Oct.10 class is cancelled.

· PLATO Travel: The Friday, Oct.13 class is cancelled.

SPECIAL EVENTS

WALKS
Our next walk will be Tuesday, October 10 at Lakeshore Preserve on the University Campus. The walk will proceed from Picnic Point to Frautschi Point and back. Learn some of the history and future plans from our leader Bryn Scriver, volunteer and outreach coordinator at the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Learn more and register here. 

LECTURES
Community Conservation: From Wisconsin to the World on Monday, October 16 from 1:30 – 3pm at Capitol Lakes. Discover how conservation in Wisconsin has influenced conservation around the world with Dr. Teri Allendorf, Executive Director of Community Conservation. Registration is not required and parking is free. Learn more here.

On Early Childhood Education: The Importance of Nutrition & Trauma-Informed Care on Monday, November 6 from 1:30 – 3:30pm at Bethany United Methodist Church. Learn about the benefits of the School Family Model with Abbi Kruse, Executive Director of The Playing Field. There will be a presentation with Q&A for the first hour and a tour of the Playing Field Preschool during the second hour. Registration is not required and parking is free. Learn more here.

Cozy up with previously recorded PLATO Lectures on these rainy Autumn days.

THEATER TRIP
Mark your calendar for Scrooge The Musical on Friday, December 8, 2023 at The Fireside Dinner Theater! More details coming soon.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT MONTH! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, October 13 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. Coffee House located in the Bay Creek neighborhood. 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. Learn more and RSVP here.

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for September 19 – October 2, 2023 

Dr. Mary Walker (November 26, 1832 – February 21, 1919) was the first woman to be employed as a contract surgeon in the US Army. It was a struggle to be hired in this role – after earning a medical degree in 1855 from Syracuse College, Walker sought to volunteer for service as a surgeon or a spy during the Civil War but was turned down. Since the only option offered her was to serve as a nurse, Walker began treating the wounded and sick as a volunteer civilian doctor and finally the Army recognized her skill and hired her as a contract surgeon.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Walker 
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).

PLATO Weekly Update 

September 19, 2023

 CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Most Fall Courses begin this week and some courses still have openings! Find the Fall Course 2023 Schedule on the Course webpage and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

NOTE – CAPITAL LAKES COURSES
There will be room changes for Courses that meet at Capital Lakes from October 10 – 13. Here is what we know so far:

· History of the Hollywood Musical will cancel its Tues. Oct.10 class.

· Global affairs and the Media will meet in the Premier Room for all of its Wednesday classes this Fall.

· An Amazing Walk through Prehistoric Time – Its Oct. 10 room change is TBD. 

· PLATO Travel – Its Oct. 13 room change is TBD.

Be sure to watch for more information from your Course Coordinators and routinely review PLATO's Tuesday Weekly Updates!

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP CANCELLED
Run Bambi Run at the MKE Rep on October 15 has been cancelled due to low registrations and refunds will be processed this week. As disappointing as this is to some of us, there will be another theater trip in early December to The Fireside Dinner Theater to see Scrooge, The Musical. Stay tuned!

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, light breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, Sept. 22 from 9:30 – 11:30am. We will meet at Lake Ridge Bank's Rotunda Café located on Madison's east side. RSVP this time only to Carla Di Iorio by email at carlad@tds.net. Find more details here.

WALKS
Our next walk will be Tuesday, October 10 at Lakeshore Preserve on the University Campus. The walk will proceed from Picnic Point to Frautschi Point and back. Learn some of the history and future plans from our leader Bryn Scriver, volunteer and outreach coordinator at the UW-Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Learn more and register here...

LECTURES
Pique your curiosity with archived PLATO Lectures on an array of subjects. 

BIKE RIDES
Get out and about with these self-guided bicycling routes around our fair city.

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for September 19 – October 2, 2023 

Dr. Mary Walker (November 26, 1832 – February 21, 1919) was the first woman to be employed as a contract surgeon in the US Army. It was a struggle to be hired in this role – after earning a medical degree in 1855 from Syracuse College, Walker sought to volunteer for service as a surgeon or a spy during the Civil War but was turned down. Since the only option offered her was to serve as a nurse, Walker began treating the wounded and sick as a volunteer civilian doctor and finally the Army recognized her skill and hired her as a contract surgeon.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Walker 
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).

PLATO Weekly Update

September 12, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Most Fall Courses begin the week of September 18 and some courses still have openings! Find the Fall Course 2023 Schedule on the Course webpage and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

NOTE – CAPITAL LAKES COURSES
There will be room changes for Courses that meet at Capital Lakes from October 10 – 13. Here is what we know so far:

· History of the Hollywood Musical will cancel its Tues. Oct.10 class.

· Global affairs and the Media will meet in the Premier Room for all of its Wednesday classes this Fall.

· An Amazing Walk through Prehistoric Time – Its Oct. 10 room change is TBD. 

· PLATO Travel – Its Oct. 13 room change is TBD.

Be sure to watch for more information from your Course Coordinators and routinely review PLATO's Tuesday Weekly Updates!

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP CANCELLED
Run Bambi Run at the MKE Rep on October 15 has been cancelled due to low registrations. As disappointing as this is to some of us, there will be another theater trip in early December to The Fireside Dinner Theater. Stay tuned!

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, light breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, Sept. 22 from 9:30 – 11:30am. We will meet at Lake Ridge Bank's Rotunda Café located on Madison's east side. RSVP this time only to Carla Di Iorio by email at carlad@tds.net. Find more details here.

WALKS
Our next walk will be Tuesday, October 10 at Lakeshore Preserve on the University Campus. More information coming soon!

LECTURES
Pique your curiosity with archived PLATO Lectures on an array of subjects. 

BIKE RIDES
Get out and about with these self-guided bicycling routes around our fair city.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Want to join PLATO or renew your membership? Please visit our Join Us webpage for more information.

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for August 29 – September 18, 2023 

Alice H. Parker (1895 – ?) an African American inventor, revolutionized home heating during the 1920’s by patenting a central heating system using natural gas, paving the way for modern central heating systems. Most homes were still reliant upon wood or coal to heat their homes – which made staying warm indoors a laborious task. Parker’s invention utilized natural gas through a network of ducts and vents that distributed heat through the entire home. Her design also offered users the ability to adjust heat to meet individual preferences.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Parker 
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).

PLATO Weekly Update 

September 5, 2023

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· Registration Continues! Find the Fall Course 2023 Schedule on the Course webpage.

· Choose from 35 Courses – 17 in-person, 14 virtual, and 4 hybrid options to meet a variety of member needs.

· Most Fall Courses will begin the week of September 18.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP
Run Bambi Run – the most glamorous murder case of the 1980's gets a musical makeover! Playboy Bunny/Milwaukee cop “Bambi” Bembenek's story told through song and dance by talented actors of the Milwaukee Rep. Registration deadline is Friday, September 15. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, September 8 from 9:30 – 11:30am. We will return to Lakeside St. Coffee House located in the Bay Creek neighborhood. 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. Learn more and RSVP here.

FIELD TRIP
Monday, September 11, 2023 – There are still open spots! Tour the stunning home and grounds of Black Point Estate, which Fodor's names as one of the top 10 estate tours in the United States, followed by lunch and time to explore the historic resort town of Lake Geneva, WI. Email Bob Shaw to register.

WALKS
Tuesday, September 12 walk through Faville Grove Sanctuary near Lake Mills, WI. This walk is full but you can join the waitlist – please carefully review the special instructions for gathering and parking. Learn more and join the waitlist here. 

LECTURES
Enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of timely topics.

BIKE RIDES
Explore Madison with these self-guided bicycling routes.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

Want to join PLATO or renew your membership? Please visit our Join Us webpage for more information.

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for August 29 – September 11, 2023 

Alice H. Parker (1895 – ?) an African American inventor, revolutionized home heating during the 1920’s by patenting a central heating system using natural gas, paving the way for modern central heating systems. Most homes were still reliant upon wood or coal to heat their homes – which made staying warm indoors a laborious task. Parker’s invention utilized natural gas through a network of ducts and vents that distributed heat through the entire home. Her design also offered users the ability to adjust heat to meet individual preferences.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Parker 
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).