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Weekly Update 
is emailed 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.
  • April 04, 2023 12:26 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    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
    .

    COURSES PAGE


    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.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR


    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. 

    THE AGORA FEATURES


    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).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE


  • March 28, 2023 11:43 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    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. 

    COURSES PAGE 


    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 4Learn 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 CabaretLearn 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 WaterfallsLearn 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.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


    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. 

    THE AGORA FEATURES 


    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).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


  • March 21, 2023 1:57 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    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.

    COURSES PAGE 


    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 WaterfallsLearn 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.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


    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. 

    THE AGORA FEATURES 


    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).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


  • March 14, 2023 8:12 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    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.

      THE AGORA FEATURES 


      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.

            COURSES PAGE 


            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 playSunday, 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.

                SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 



                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).

                SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


              • March 08, 2023 1:48 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

                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.

                THE AGORA FEATURES 


                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.

                COURSES PAGE 


                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 WaterfallsLearn 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.

                SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


                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).

                SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


              • February 28, 2023 1:09 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


                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.

                COURSES PAGE 


                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 WaterfallsLearn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

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

                SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


                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.

                THE AGORA FEATURES 


                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).

                SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


              • February 21, 2023 4:06 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

                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

                COURSES PAGE


                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 WaterfallsLearn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

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

                SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR


                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.

                THE AGORA FEATURES


                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).

                SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE


              • February 14, 2023 2:04 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


                PLATO Weekly Update 

                February 14, 2023


                CURRICULUM

                SPRING COURSES
                NEXT WEEK!
                 Most Spring Courses begin the week of February 20. 

                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.

                COURSE COORDINATOR COFFEE KLATCH
                THIS WEEK
                ! Course Coordinators are invited to attend a Course Coordinator Coffee Klatch on Friday, February 17 at 11am. This casual, one-hour Zoom gathering is intended as an opportunity to share news and ideas and to socialize. RSVP at info@platomadison.org for the Zoom link. 

                COURSES PAGE 


                SPECIAL EVENTS

                THEATER TRIPS
                NEW! Now open for registration: God of Carnage, Tony award-winner for best play – Sunday, April 23, 2pm at Milwaukee Repertory TheaterLearn more and register here.  

                Save the Date: Saturday, May 6: The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute.

                BREAKFAST GATHERING
                NEXT 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 WaterfallsLearn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

                Enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of important and entertaining topics.

                SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


                MEMBERS, PLEASE NOTE...

                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 our 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.


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

                This is a blind juried review and the deadline for submissions is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

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

                THE AGORA FEATURES 


                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 7 – 20, 2023

                Mary Ann Shadd Cary
                 (October 9, 1823 – June 5, 1893) was an African-American anti-slavery activist, an advocate for women's rights, a teacher, and a lawyer. A pioneering journalist, Cary became the first black, female newspaper editor in North America as a publisher of Canada’s first antislavery newspaper, The Provincial Freeman. As a member of the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA), Cary spoke at the NWSA's 1878 convention. She also served as an advocate for the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments at a House Judiciary Committee hearing.

                Visit the Social Justice page for more about Mary Ann Shadd Cary 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).

                SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


              • February 07, 2023 11:53 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


                PLATO Weekly Update

                February 7, 2023

                CURRICULUM

                SPRING COURSES
                Spring Registration is underway! Find the Spring Course Schedule posted on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register.

                Choose from 34 courses – 17 in-person & 17 virtual (3 of which are hybrid).

                Most courses will begin the week of February 20.

                If your course meets in person, please review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase.

                COURSE COORDINATOR COFFEE KLATCH
                NEXT WEEK
                Course Coordinators are invited to attend a Course Coordinator Coffee Klatch on Friday, February 17 at 11am. This casual, one-hour Zoom gathering is intended as an opportunity to share news and ideas and to socialize. More details and the Zoom link will follow in an email later this week. 

                COURSES PAGE 


                SPECIAL EVENTS

                LECTURES
                TOMORROW! On Wednesday, February 8 at 2pm at Capital Lakes, author Donald P. Sanford shares fascinating stories from his book, On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

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

                Take in an archived PLATO Lecture from the convenient comfort of home. 

                BREAKFAST GATHERING
                THIS WEEK! 
                Second Friday, February 10th at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Lakeside Street Coffee House in Madison's Bay Creek neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

                THEATER TRIPS
                SAVE THE DATES! Theater trips will resume this Spring with two events at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater – more details coming soon!

                Sunday, April 23: Tony award-winner for best play – God of Carnage.

                Saturday, May 6: The Greatest Love for Whitney: A Whitney Houston Tribute.

                SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


                THE AGORA

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

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

                This is a blind juried review and the deadline for submissions is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

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

                THE AGORA FEATURES 


                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 7 – 20, 2023

                Mary Ann Shadd Cary (October 9, 1823 – June 5, 1893) was an African-American anti-slavery activist, an advocate for women's rights, a teacher, and a lawyer. A pioneering journalist, Cary became the first black, female newspaper editor in North America as a publisher of Canada’s first antislavery newspaper, The Provincial Freeman. As a member of the National Woman Suffrage Association (NWSA), Cary spoke at the NWSA's 1878 convention. She also served as an advocate for the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments at a House Judiciary Committee hearing.

                Visit the Social Justice page for more about Mary Ann Shadd Cary 
                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).

                SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


              • January 31, 2023 11:46 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

                PLATO Weekly Update 

                January 31, 2023

                 

                CURRICULUM

                SPRING COURSES
                NEW! 
                Spring Registration is open! Find the Spring Course Schedule posted on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register.

                · Choose from 34 courses – 17 in-person & 17 virtual (3 of which are hybrid).

                · Most courses will begin the week of February 20.

                · If your course meets in person, please review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase.

                COURSES PAGE


                SPECIAL EVENTS

                LECTURES
                We are celebrating that gatherings of people are becoming possible again. Our two upcoming lectures on Wisconsin's fresh waters will be in-person. Both will take place at Capital Lakes, located at 333 W. Main St. Free parking is available across the street in their parking ramp. Please sign the registration book when you arrive at the front desk. Masks are not required but please wear one if you wish.

                · On Wednesday, February 8 at 2pm author Donald P. Sanford shares fascinating stories from his book, On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

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

                And, as always, you are welcome to enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on many timely topics from the cozy comfort of home. 

                BREAKFAST GATHERING
                NEXT WEEK! 
                Second Friday, February 10th at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Lakeside Street Coffee House in Madison's Bay Creek neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

                SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR


                CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS

                PLATO depends on volunteers to make its programs successful. Each year we need members who wish to be considered for service on the board of directors. This is your opportunity to suggest names to the Nominating Committee of members who you think might help lead the organization. The Nominating Committee is seeking names for two At-Large board positions (3-year term) and for Secretary. Please send your suggestions to info@platomadison.org with the subject line Board Nominations by February 6.


                THE AGORA

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

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

                This is a blind juried review and the deadline for submissions is Tuesday, February 28, 2023. Click here to learn more and submit your work.

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

                THE AGORA FEATURES


                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 January 24 – February 6, 2023

                Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr. (December 18, 1912 – July 4, 2002) a United States Air Force (USAF) general and commander of the World War II Tuskegee Airmen, was the first African-American brigadier general in the USAF. During World War II, he was commander of the 99th Fighter Squadron which escorted bombers on air combat missions over Europe. Davis Jr. flew sixty missions in P-39, Curtiss P-40, P-47 and P-51 Mustang fighters. He followed in his father's footsteps in breaking racial barriers, as Benjamin O. Davis Sr. was the first black brigadier general in the United States Army.

                Visit the Social Justice page for more about Benjamin Oliver Davis Jr.
                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).

                SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE



              PLATO is proudly supported in part by Oakwood Village.


              PLATO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in association with:

              for more information, contact us at:

              info@platomadison.org

              608-572-6869

              6209 Mineral Point Road #203
              Madison, WI 53705

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