PLATO Weekly Update

April 25, 2023

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEXT MONTH! On Tuesday, May 9 the Summer Course schedule will be posted on the Courses webpage and registration begins the same day. Most Summer Courses will begin the week of June 5.

Are you interested in offering a PLATO Course? Summer Courses are a great way to get started as they run for shorter time frames – just 4-6 weeks – or whatever suits you! If you would like to offer a course, please email Therese Stevens – she is happy to assist you.

HYBRID TRAINING SESSION 
THIS WEEK! On Friday, April 28 at 1:30pm Course Coordinators are invited to attend a 90-minute information sharing session on how to lead effective hybrid meetings. Attend in person or virtually – register by sending an email to info@platomadison.org. These Guidelines for PLATO Hybrid Courses share some of this information too.

SPECIAL EVENTS

SPRING WALKS
TOMORROW! Our first Spring walk is at the beautiful Goose Pond Sanctuary on Wednesday, April 26 at 9:30am. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday, April 28 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. RSVP and learn more here.

LECTURES
NEXT MONTH! Join us on Thursday, May 25 at 2:00pm for We Gotta Get Out of this Place: The Soundtrack of the Vietnam War. This presentation by Doug Bradley and the Vets on Frets explores how and why U.S. troops in Vietnam turned to music as a way of connecting to each other and the world back home. This special event will be held at Oakwood Village West Performing Arts Center. Registration is not required and there is free parking. Learn more here. 

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures on a variety of timely topics.

FIELD TRIP
On Wednesday, June 21 we will celebrate summer by driving through Wisconsin’s beautiful driftless area to visit Historic Dubuque, Iowa and the Mississippi River Museum. Learn more and register here.

BIKE RIDERS
Explore self-guided bicycling routes around Madison at your leisure.

ELECTION FOR PLATO 2023-24 BOARD
BEGINS TOMORROW – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

Read about the board nominees by clicking on the Nominee Biographies link below so you are ready to vote. The Nominating Committee thanks the members who agreed to be listed! Watch your inbox for a PLATO email tomorrow, Wednesday, April 26 with your link to the Ballot. Voting will close on Wednesday, May 10, at midnight.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates 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 Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for April 25 – May 8, 2023

Florence Lois Weber (June 13, 1879 – November 13, 1939) was an American silent film actress, screenwriter, producer and director. In 1914, Weber became the first American woman to direct a full-length feature film and in 1917, she became the first American woman director to own her own film studio. Weber has been noted as one of "the most important and prolific film directors in the era of silent films".

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Florence Lois Weber
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

April 18, 2023

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Information about Spring Courses can be found on the Courses page.

SUMMER COURSES
Are you interested in offering a PLATO Course? Summer Courses are a great way to get started as they run for shorter time frames – just 4-6 weeks – or whatever suits you! If you would like to offer a course, please email Therese Stevens – she is happy to assist you.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
COVID protocols for host locations have been updated! Masks are not required at any of our in-person locations. If you are feeling ill, do not attend class.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES
TOMORROW! Join us on Wednesday, April 19 from 3–5pm, for a virtual lecture on The History of Latino Migration to Wisconsin presented by Martin Alvarado, Community Engagement Librarian at the Madison Public Library. Learn more and register here.

Check out our selection of recorded PLATO Lectures from the convenience of home.

SPRING WALKS
NEXT WEEK! Our first Spring walk is at Goose Pond Sanctuary on Wednesday, April 26 at 9:30am. This two-hour walk and educational conversation will cover 2+ miles of this regional gem. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday, April 28 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

BIKE RIDERS!
Check out the self-guided bicycling routes around Madison put together by Bob Shaw of PLATO’s Special Events Committtee. Learn more here.

FIELD TRIP
On Wednesday, June 21 we will celebrate summer by driving through Wisconsin’s beautiful driftless area to visit Historic Dubuque, Iowa and the Mississippi River Museum. Learn more and register here.

ELECTION FOR PLATO 2023-24 BOARD
BEGINS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

Read about the nominees by clicking on the Nominee Biographies link below so you are ready to vote next week. The Nominating Committee thanks the members who agreed to be listed! Watch for a PLATO email on Wednesday, April 26 with your link to the Ballot. Voting will close on Wednesday, May 10, at midnight.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates 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 Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for April 4 – 24, 2023

Dr. Anna Wessels Williams (March 17, 1863 – 1954) was an American pathologist who became the first woman to be elected chair of the laboratory section of the American Public Health Association in 1932. She contributed to the advancement of vaccines and diagnostic tests for many diseases. Williams was hailed as "a scientist of international repute" by New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia upon her retirement.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Dr. Anna Wessels Williams
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

 April 11, 2023

 
CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Information about Spring Courses can be found on the Courses page.

SUMMER COURSES
Plans for Summer Courses are underway! If you would like to offer a course, please email Therese Stevens – she is happy to assist you.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
COVID protocols for host locations have been updated – masks are not required at any of our in-person locations, but if you are feeling ill, do not attend class.

ARTICLE
Two long-term PLATO members share their thoughts on PLATO courses in an article posted in the Curriculum Showcase.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES
NEXT WEEK! Join us on Wednesday, April 19 from 3–5pm, for a virtual lecture on The History of Latino Migration to Wisconsin presented by Martin Alvarado, Community Engagement Librarian at the Madison Public Library. Learn more and register here.

Enjoy a variety of recorded PLATO Lectures at your leisure.

SPRING WALKS
Our first Spring walk is at Goose Pond Sanctuary on Wednesday, April 26 at 9:30am. This two-hour walk and educational conversation will cover 2+ miles of this regional gem. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday, April 14 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at at Lakeside Street Coffee House in the Bay Creek neighborhood. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to descend a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. RSVP and learn more here.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates 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 Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for April 4 – 17, 2023

Dr. Anna Wessels Williams (March 17, 1863 – 1954) was an American pathologist who became the first woman to be elected chair of the laboratory section of the American Public Health Association in 1932. She contributed to the advancement of vaccines and diagnostic tests for many diseases. Williams was hailed as "a scientist of international repute" by New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia upon her retirement.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Dr. Anna Wessels Williams
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

 April 4, 2023

 CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Information about Spring Courses can be found on the Courses page.

COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
COVID protocols for host locations have been updated – masks are not required at any of our in-person locations, but if you are feeling ill, do not attend class.

NEW ARTICLE
Two long-term PLATO members share their thoughts on PLATO courses in a new article posted in the Curriculum Showcase.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
God of Carnage – “A dark and hilarious farce” and Tony award-winner for best play. Sunday, April 23 at 2pm at the Milwaukee Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. The deadline to register is TODAY, April 4. Learn more and register here. 

The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute – this trip has been cancelled due to low registrations.

LECTURES
On Wednesday, April 19 from 3–5pm, Martin Alvarado, Community Engagement Librarian at the Madison Public Library, will present a two-hour virtual lecture on The History of Latino Migration to Wisconsin. Learn more and register here.

Check out recorded PLATO Lectures on timely topics.

NEW WALKING SEASON BEGINS! 
Our first Spring walk is at Goose Pond Sanctuary on Wednesday, April 26 at 9:30am. This last week there were hundreds of migrating swans! We can't promise that for late April, but this Audubon property is worth visiting many times during the year. Learn more and register here.

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

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates 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 Spring reading, viewing, or listening, 
curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for April 4 – 17, 2023

Dr. Anna Wessels Williams (March 17, 1863 – 1954) was an American pathologist who became the first woman to be elected chair of the laboratory section of the American Public Health Association in 1932. She contributed to the advancement of vaccines and diagnostic tests for many diseases. Williams was hailed as "a scientist of international repute" by New York City mayor Fiorello La Guardia upon her retirement.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Dr. Anna Wessels Williams
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

March 28, 2023

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Information about Spring Courses can be found on the Courses page.

IN-PERSON COURSE PARTICIPANTS…
Be sure to review the COVID-19 protocols for your host locations and adhere to those requirements. Sometimes host locations need to cancel our courses for a few days because of an increase in COVID-19 cases. When these protocols are updated, we will announce them in the Weekly Update and on the website. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
JOIN US – this Spring at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater!

God of Carnage – “A dark and hilarious farce” and Tony award-winner for best play. Sunday, April 23 at 2pm at Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. The registration deadline has been extended through April 4. Learn more and register here. 

A World Premier! The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute –This much-anticipated production has opened! Our performance will be Saturday, May 6 at 3pm at the intimate Stacker Cabaret. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
TOMORROW! On Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

NEXT MONTH! Note the new time! Wednesday, April 19 from 3–5pm, Martin Alvarado, Community Engagement Librarian at the Madison Public Library, will present a two-hour virtual lecture on The History of Latino Migration to Wisconsin. Learn more and register here.

Expand your knowledge base with recorded PLATO Lectures on an array of important topics.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT MONTH! Second Friday, April 14 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at at Lakeside Street Coffee House in the Bay Creek neighborhood. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to descend a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. RSVP and learn more here.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates 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 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for March 21 – April 3, 2023

Joy Harjo (May 9, 1951 – present) is the first Native American to be appointed as the United States poet laureate, serving from 2019-2022. Harjo has written nine books of poetry, several plays, children’s books and two memoirs. Harjo is a member of the Mvskoke/Creek Nation.

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

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

PLATO Weekly Update

March 21, 2023

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Information about Spring Courses can be found on the Courses page.

CANCELLATIONS
The course Experiencing Great English Literature (Mondays, 10am at the Senior Center) has been cancelled for the rest of the semester.

CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
PLATO members are invited to drop in on a Global Affairs and the Media class anytime this semester. The course meets on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm and most classes are hybrid, though a few are virtual-only. View the Spring 2023 Calendar to review the topics and meeting format. To request the Zoom link, contact Kirk Elliott.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
JOIN US – this Spring at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater!

God of Carnage – “A dark and hilarious farce” and Tony award-winner for best play. Sunday, April 23 at 2pm at Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. Register today as the registration deadline is tomorrow, Wednesday, March 22. Learn more and register here. 

A World Premier! The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute – This much-anticipated production has started rehearsals and will open this week! Our performance will be Saturday, May 6 at 3pm at the intimate Stackner Cabaret. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday, March 24 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

LECTURES
THIS MONTH! On Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

NEXT MONTH! Note the new time! Wednesday, April 19 from 3–5pm, Martin Alvarado, Community Engagement Librarian at the Madison Public Library, will present a two-hour virtual lecture on The History of Latino Migration to Wisconsin. Learn more and register here.

Explore recorded PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates 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 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for March 21 – April 3, 2023

Joy Harjo (May 9, 1951 – present) is the first Native American to be appointed as the United States poet laureate, serving from 2019-2022. Harjo has written nine books of poetry, several plays, children’s books and two memoirs. Harjo is a member of the Mvskoke/Creek Nation.

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

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

PLATO Weekly Update

March 14, 2023

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

THIS WEEK! Submission deadline: Friday, March 17, 2023!

Seeking Submissions
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora, Volume 8 in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography). Learn more about the submission process and guidelines on The Agora webpage. 

Questions may be directed to The Agora Managing Editor, Edie Urness-Pondillo at epondillo@aol.com or to PLATO's Office Coordinator, Stephanie Steigerwaldt at info@platomadison.org.

This is a blind juried review. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Have a question about a Spring Course? Find the answer on the Courses page.

CANCELLATIONS

• Today's Biographies class (3/14/23) is cancelled and will resume next week.
• This Thursday's What in the World Happened class (3/16/23) is cancelled and will resume next week.
• The course Experiencing Great English Literature (Mondays, 10am at the Senior Center) has been cancelled for the rest of the semester.

CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
PLATO members are invited to drop in on a Global Affairs and the Media class anytime this semester. The course meets on Wednesdays from 10am-12pm and most classes are hybrid, though a few are virtual-only. View the Spring 2023 Calendar to review the topics and meeting format. To request the Zoom link, contact Kirk Elliott.

WITH GRATITUDE...
We extend a hearty thank you to our 2022 retiring coordinators – find a list of these special people in Curriculum Showcase. PLATO depends on the generosity of people like these to make our programming rich and diverse. If you have an interest in offering a course, please email Kathie Burman.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
JOIN US – this Spring at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater!

God of Carnage – “A dark and hilarious farce” and Tony award-winner for best play. Sunday, April 23, 2pm at Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. Register today as the registration deadline is Wednesday, March 22. Learn more and register here. 

A World Premier! The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute –  A journey through Houston's record-setting hits. Saturday, May 6, 3pm at the intimate Stackner Cabaret. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday, March 24 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

LECTURES
THIS MONTH! On Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

NEXT MONTH! On Wednesday, April 19 at 1pm, Martin Alvarado, Community Engagement Librarian at the Madison Public Library, will present a two-hour virtual lecture on The History of Latino Migration to Wisconsin. Learn more and register here.

Check out recorded PLATO Lectures on many interesting subjects.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for March 7 – 20, 2023 

Daniel Hale Williams (January 18, 1856 – August 4, 1931) was the first African American physician admitted to the American College of Surgeons. A pioneering heart surgeon, Williams performed the first successful human open-heart surgery in 1893 at Provident Hospital in Chicago, IL. As an advocate to end racial disparities in the medical field, he co-founded the National Medical Association in 1895, a professional organization for black medical practitioners because the all-white American Medical Association did not grant membership to black doctors.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Daniel Hale Williams 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

March 7, 2023

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

NEXT WEEK! Submission deadline: Friday, March 17, 2023!

What is The Agora?
For those new to PLATO, The Agora is PLATO’s literary and arts journal, designed to celebrate members’ creativity and diversity of thought. The liberal arts tradition is a core value of PLATO. The Agora is a unique opportunity for PLATO members to share their talents with the membership in printed form. 

Seeking Submissions
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora, Volume 8 in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography).

Please note: Literary works do not need to be submitted in Word Document format. Some members were finding this to be a barrier to submission. Learn more about the submission process and guidelines on The Agora webpage. 

Questions may be directed to The Agora Managing Editor, Edie Urness-Pondillo at epondillo@aol.com or to PLATO's Office Coordinator, Stephanie Steigerwaldt at info@platomadison.org.

This is a blind juried review. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Have a question about a Spring Course? Find the answer on the Courses page.

WITH GRATITUDE...
We extend a hearty thank you to our 2022 retiring coordinators – find a list of these special people in Curriculum Showcase. PLATO depends on the generosity of people like these to make our programming rich and diverse. If you have an interest in offering a course, please email Kathie Burman.

CLASS CANCELLATIONS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
When a class session is canceled due to weather or another unforeseen situation, the course coordinator will contact the participants to let them know.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
TWO PLAYS – this Spring at The Milwaukee Repertory Theater!

God of Carnage – “A dark and hilarious farce” and Tony award-winner for best play. Sunday, April 23, 2pm at Quadracci Powerhouse Theater. Reserve your spot now as the registration deadline is Wednesday, March 22. Learn more and register here. 

The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute –  A journey through her record-setting hits. Saturday, May 6, 3pm at the intimate Stackner Cabaret. 
Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday, March 10 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at at Lakeside Street Coffee House in the Bay Creek neighborhood. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to descend a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. RSVP and learn more here.

LECTURES
THIS MONTH! On Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

NEXT MONTH! On Wednesday, April 19 at 1pm, Martin Alvarado, Community Engagement Librarian at the Madison Public Library, will present a two-hour virtual lecture on The History of Latino Migration to Wisconsin. Learn more and register here.

As always, explore recorded PLATO Lectures on a variety of interesting and important topics.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for March 7 – 20, 2023 

Daniel Hale Williams (January 18, 1856 – August 4, 1931) was the first African American physician admitted to the American College of Surgeons. A pioneering heart surgeon, Williams performed the first successful human open-heart surgery in 1893 at Provident Hospital in Chicago, IL. As an advocate to end racial disparities in the medical field, he co-founded the National Medical Association in 1895, a professional organization for black medical practitioners because the all-white American Medical Association did not grant membership to black doctors.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Daniel Hale Williams 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update 

February 28, 2023

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Spring Courses are underway! Some courses still have space – view the Spring Course Schedule posted on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register. If your course meets in person, please review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase. 

COURSE CANCELLATIONS
The following two Spring courses have been cancelled:

· Tuesday Evening – NYTimes The Ethicist & Social Q's Discussion

· Thursday Morning – Women's Journeys to Self Acceptance

CLASS CANCELLATIONS DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER
When a class session is canceled due to weather or another unforeseen situation, the course coordinator will contact the participants to let them know.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
TWO PLAYS – now open for registration! 

God of Carnage, Tony award-winner for best play – Sunday, April 23, 2pm at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Learn more and register here.  

The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute – Saturday, May 6, 3pm at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Learn more and register here. 

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday, March 10 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at at Lakeside Street Coffee House in the Bay Creek neighborhood. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb nine steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. RSVP and learn more here.

LECTURES
Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

Check out recordings of past PLATO Lectures on a variety of subjects.

MEMBERS, PLEASE NOTE...

PLATO GENERAL POLICIES UPDATED
During the past six months the PLATO Board has reviewed and updated its General Policies as needed. These updated policies are always available on PLATO's website under About/Organizational Documents. Here's a link to those policies for your review.

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

The submission deadline has been extended 
to Friday, March 17, 2023! 

What is The Agora?
For those new to PLATO, The Agora is PLATO’s literary and arts journal, designed to celebrate members’ creativity and diversity of thought. The liberal arts tradition is a core value of PLATO. The Agora is a unique opportunity for PLATO members to share their talents with the membership in printed form. 

Seeking Submissions
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora, Volume 8 in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography).

Please note: Literary works do not need to be submitted in Word Document format. Some members were finding this to be a barrier to submission. Learn more about the submission process and guidelines on The Agora webpage. 

Questions may be directed to The Agora Managing Editor, Edie Urness-Pondillo at epondillo@aol.com or to PLATO's Office Coordinator, Stephanie Steigerwaldt at info@platomadison.org.

This is a blind juried review. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for February 21 – March 6, 2023 

Nancy Grace Roman (May 16, 1925 – December 25, 2018) is known to many as the “Mother of the Hubble” for her foundational role in the observatory’s planning and program structure, paving the way for missions like the Roman Space Telescope (formerly WFIRST). She received her BA degree in Astronomy in 1946 from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, and her PhD from the University of Chicago. As a female in astronomy, Roman faced many challenges throughout her career. From a young age she was discouraged from going into astronomy by those around her, and struggled with its male dominance and the roles perceived as appropriate for women.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Nancy Grace Roman 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

February 21, 2023

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
THIS WEEK! Most Spring Courses begin! If your course meets in person, please review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase. 

Some courses still have space – view the Spring Course Schedule posted on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register.

CANCELLATIONS
The following two Spring courses have been cancelled:

· Tuesday Evening – NYTimes The Ethicist & Social Q's discussion

· Thursday Morning – Women's Journeys to Self Acceptance

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS
NEW! TWO PLAYS now open for registration: 

God of Carnage, Tony award-winner for best play – Sunday, April 23, 2pm at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Learn more and register here.  

The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute – Saturday, May 6, 3pm at Milwaukee Repertory Theater. Learn more and register here. 

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday, February 24 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

LECTURES
NEXT MONTH! Wednesday, March 29 at 2pm at Capitol Lakes, author Scott Spoolman will share highlights from his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

View an archived PLATO Lecture from the cozy comfort of home.

MEMBERS, PLEASE NOTE...

PLATO GENERAL POLICIES UPDATED
Over the past six months the PLATO Board has reviewed and updated its General Policies as needed. These updated policies are always available on PLATO's website under About/Organizational Documents. Here's a link to those policies for your review.

PLATO PASSWORD UPDATE
You will now be prompted to update your PLATO member profile password on an annual basis due to new security measures put in place by the vendor of PLATO's website. These email reminders will come from info@platomadison.org. Please email Stephanie at info@platomadison.org with questions or concerns. 

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

NEW! Extended Agora Deadline & Easier Submission Process:

· The deadline has been extended to Friday, March 17, 2023! 

· Literary works do not need to be submitted in Word Document format. Some members were finding this to be a barrier to submission. Learn more about the submission process and guidelines on The Agora webpage. 

Questions may be directed to The Agora Managing Editor, Edie Urness-Pondillo at epondillo@aol.com or to PLATO's Office Coordinator, Stephanie Steigerwaldt at info@platomadison.org.

What is The Agora?
For those new to PLATO, The Agora is PLATO’s literary and arts journal, designed to celebrate members’ creativity and diversity of thought. The liberal arts tradition is a core value of PLATO. The Agora is a unique opportunity for PLATO members to share their talents with the membership in printed form. 

Seeking Submissions
PLATO members are invited to submit original works for the 2023 edition of The Agora, Volume 8 in the following categories: Poetry, Fiction, Non-Fiction (including essays) and Visual Arts (painting, sculpture, drawing and photography).

This is a blind juried review. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

To view highlights from this past season, click on The Agora Features button below.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your 2023 reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for February 21 – March 6, 2023 

Nancy Grace Roman (May 16, 1925 – December 25, 2018) is known to many as the “Mother of the Hubble” for her foundational role in the observatory’s planning and program structure, paving the way for missions like the Roman Space Telescope (formerly WFIRST). She received her BA degree in Astronomy in 1946 from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, and her PhD from the University of Chicago. As a female in astronomy, Roman faced many challenges throughout her career. From a young age she was discouraged from going into astronomy by those around her, and struggled with its male dominance and the roles perceived as appropriate for women.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Nancy Grace Roman 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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