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. 

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 Theater. Learn 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 Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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 Waterfalls. Learn 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.

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.

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).

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.

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 Waterfalls. Learn 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.

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.

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).

PLATO Weekly Update

January 24, 2023

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.

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES

· REMINDER – Spring Registration has been postponed until Tuesday, January 31. The Spring Course Schedules will be available the same day on the Courses page.  

· This Spring, PLATO will offer 33 courses – 17 in-person, 16 virtual, and two of which are hybrid.

· Most courses will begin the week of February 20.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday, January 27 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
We have two upcoming in-person lectures on Wisconsin's fresh waters! These will both be held 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 Waterfalls. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

Explore archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of subjects.

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.

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).

PLATO Weekly Update

January 17, 2023

IN MEMORIAM: LOUISE FOWLER

We are very sorry to announce the sudden death of Louise Fowler while she was on vacation with her family in Philadelphia. Louise provided administrative support to PLATO for almost a decade as a valued member of the UW Division of Continuing Studies staff. Her work for PLATO members touched most, if not all, parts of our organization. She will be missed in numerous and profound ways. Her engaging personality and generosity of time and attention was evident to, and appreciated, by all. Our sympathies are with Louise’s family.

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES

· Winter Courses are underway – find details on the Courses page. 

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

· NOTE: Refighting the Civil War, usually a Spring course, began on January 9 and will end April 24. The course is 12 weeks total with no classes during March. You may still join now or wait and join during the Spring session. Please contact the coordinator, Daryl Sherman at snippetswi@gmail.com for more information about this virtual course.

SPRING COURSES

NEXT WEEK! On Tuesday, January 24, the Spring Course Schedule will be posted to the Courses page and registration will open the same day.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday, January 27 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
We have two upcoming lectures on Wisconsin's fresh waters:

· Join us on Wednesday, February 8 at 2pm as author Donald P. Sanford shares fascinating stories from his book, On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota. This in-person lecture will be held in Grand Hall 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 will not be required but you may wear one if you wish. Learn more about this event, parking validation, and the author.

· In March, author Scott Spoolman will share what he learned writing his new book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. More details coming soon.

Enjoy archived PLATO Lectures on an array of timely topics.

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.

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 3 – 23, 2023

Did You Know…Freedom House Ambulance Service, formed in 1967 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was the first emergency medical service in the United States staffed by paramedics who had received medical training. They served the predominantly black Hill District of Pittsburgh, and the majority of the staff were African-American. Formed with partial funding from President Johnson’s War on Poverty, Freedom House Ambulance Service established new national and international standards in emergency medical care. They operated until 1975 when the city took over providing emergency ambulance service. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Freedom House Ambulance Service 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

January 10, 2023

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES

· Most Winter Courses begin this week! Find details on the Courses page. 

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

· NOTE: Refighting the Civil War, usually a Spring course, began on January 9 and will end April 24. The course is 12 weeks total with no classes during March. You may still join now or wait and join during the Spring session. Please contact the coordinator, Daryl Sherman at snippetswi@gmail.com for more information about this virtual course.

SPRING COURSES

COMING SOON! On Tuesday, January 24, the Spring Course Schedule will be posted to the Courses page and registration opens the same day.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday, January 13 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
Look for two upcoming lectures on one of Wisconsin's greatest assets – our fresh waters. Complete details about these events are coming soon! 

· On Wednesday, February 8 at 2pm we welcome Don Sanford, author of On Fourth Lake: A Social History of Lake Mendota. 

· Then in March, author Scott Spoolman will share what he learned writing his fascinating book Wisconsin Waters: The Ancient History of Lakes, Rivers and Waterfalls. 

As always, check out archived PLATO Lectures on many interesting subjects.

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.

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 3 – 16, 2023

Did You Know…Freedom House Ambulance Service, formed in 1967 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was the first emergency medical service in the United States staffed by paramedics who had received medical training. They served the predominantly black Hill District of Pittsburgh, and the majority of the staff were African-American. Formed with partial funding from President Johnson’s War on Poverty, Freedom House Ambulance Service established new national and international standards in emergency medical care. They operated until 1975 when the city took over providing emergency ambulance service. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Freedom House Ambulance Service
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

January 3, 2023

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.

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Most Winter Courses begin next week – some may still have space! Find details on the Courses page. If your course meets in person, be sure to review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday, January 13 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.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
PLATO trips are on temporary Winter hiatus but Breakfasts and Lectures will continue! The Special Events Committee (SEC) is making plans for springtime Theater and Field Trips, and invite PLATO members to join in this effort.

What do SEC volunteers do? The tasks vary but one thing remains the same: it is all about collaboration and you will always have the support of other team members. The SEC is a kind, welcoming group that meets five times a year to catch up, brainstorm and encourage one another. Like to give it a try or learn more? Contact SEC co-chairs, Carla Di Iorio (carlad@tds.net) or Michael Di Iorio (mdiiorio1234@gmail.com).

LECTURES
Check out archived PLATO Lectures on interesting and timely 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 January 3 – 16, 2023

Did You Know…Freedom House Ambulance Service, formed in 1967 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was the first emergency medical service in the United States staffed by paramedics who had received medical training. They served the predominantly black Hill District of Pittsburgh, and the majority of the staff were African-American. Formed with partial funding from President Johnson’s War on Poverty, Freedom House Ambulance Service established new national and international standards in emergency medical care. They operated until 1975 when the city took over providing emergency ambulance service. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Freedom House Ambulance Service
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

December 20, 2022

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.

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Registration for Winter Courses continues – check out the seven Winter Courses being offered on the Courses page. Also, if your course meets in person, be sure to review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase.

NEW OPPORTUNITY for course coordinators – make a short introductory video to introduce your course and you to your participants. Click here to view a sample video and request instructions from Jayne Fischer.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
CANCELLED! Fourth Friday, December 23 breakfast at Marquette Hotel Café – due to the severe weather forecast.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
PLATO trips are on temporary Winter hiatus but Breakfasts and Lectures will continue! The Special Events Committee (SEC) is making plans for springtime Theater and Field Trips, and invite PLATO members to join in this effort.

What do SEC volunteers do? The tasks vary but one thing remains the same: it is all about collaboration and you will always have the support of other team members. The SEC is a kind, welcoming group that meets five times a year to catch up, brainstorm and encourage one another. Like to give it a try or learn more? Contact SEC co-chairs, Carla Di Iorio (carlad@tds.net) or Michael Di Iorio (mdiiorio1234@gmail.com).

LECTURES
Explore archived PLATO Lectures on important and interesting topics.

EDUCATION FUND UPDATE

A HUGE THANK YOU – to all the PLATO members who have donated this year! If you haven't given yet and would like to contribute, please know that a donation of any size helps PLATO provide scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, as well as supporting the Odyssey Project and other local community programs.

Learn more about this year's scholarship recipients and local community programs and donate online or via snail mail by clicking on the button below. Send questions or comments to Tim Otis: tierneyotis@gmail.com.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your early Winter reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for December 20, 2022 – January 2, 2023

Did You Know… Maria W. Stewart (1803 – December 17, 1879) is known as America’s first black woman political writer. She was a Connecticut free-born African-American teacher, journalist, lecturer, evangelist, abolitionist, and women's rights activist. Stewart was a pioneer by her speaking to mixed audiences of men and women, white and black. She was also a trail-blazer as the first African-American woman to make public lectures, and to lecture about women's rights, and publicly speak against slavery.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Maria W. Stewart
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

December 13, 2022

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
NEW! Registration for Winter Courses is now open – find the Winter 2023 Course Schedule posted on the Courses page. Also, if your course meets in person, be sure to review the COVID-19 Protocols posted in the Curriculum Showcase.

NEW OPPORTUNITY for course coordinators – learn how to make a short video to introduce you and your course to participants in John Serbian's post called Coordinators: Make a Video of You!.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday, December 23 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.


SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
Unpredictable winter weather puts PLATO trips on temporary hiatus but Breakfasts and Lectures will continue! And the Special Events Committee is already planning for Theater and Field Trips for Spring, which is why we continue to invite you to join the Special Events Committee (SEC) to help make these plans. 

What do SEC volunteers do? The tasks vary in terms of what is required to coordinate Trips, Lectures, Walks and Breakfasts, but one thing remains the same: it is all about collaboration and you will always have the support of other team members. The SEC is a kind, welcoming group that meets as a whole five times a year to catch up, brainstorm and generally encourage one another. Like to give it a try or learn more? Contact SEC co-chairs, Carla Di Iorio (carlad@tds.net) or Michael Di Iorio (mdiiorio1234@gmail.com).

LECTURES
Cozy up with archived PLATO Lectures to enjoy from the comfort of home.

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.

EDUCATION FUND UPDATE

THE GIFT OF LEARNING – benefits everyone! Sincere thanks to all the PLATO members who have donated this year! If you haven't yet and are in a position to share, please consider contributing to PLATO's Education Fund to help PLATO provide scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, as well as supporting the Odyssey Project and other local community programs.

Learn more about this year's scholarship recipients and local community programs and donate online or via snail mail by clicking on the button below. Send questions or comments to Tim Otis: tierneyotis@gmail.com.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your late Autumn reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for December 6 – 19, 2022

Did You Know…Fifty years ago, psychiatrist John E. Fryer, M.D. electrified his colleagues by telling the 1972 convention of the American Psychiatric Association that he was homosexual. Fryer's announcement came at a time when homosexuality was classified as a mental illness. He wore a head-to-toe disguise, altered his voice, and used the name Dr. Anonymous when making his announcement. It was a dramatic moment in the gay rights movement, and is credited with leading the psychiatric community to no longer classify homosexuality as a mental disorder as of 1973, which led to insurance companies, the US government, and other institutions following suit. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Dr. John E. Fryer, M.D. 
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 

December 6, 2022

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 three categories: Poetry, 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.

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
NEXT WEEK! On Tuesday, December 13 the Winter Course Schedule will be posted to the Courses Page and registration will open.

NEXT MONTH! Most Winter Courses will begin during the week of January 9.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday, December 9 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.

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED...
Breakfasts are our only special event offerings at the moment. This is because several years ago we had to cancel a December theater trip when a blizzard made travel unsafe – which resulted in a hefty deficit in PLATO’s budget. This makes us reluctant to schedule trips during peak winter months.

Fortunately, Breakfasts and Lectures will continue during the winter months! And the Special Events Committee is already planning for Theater and Field Trips for Spring, which is why we continue to invite you to join the Special Events Committee (SEC) to help make these plans. 

Just what is involved in this volunteer commitment? Essentially, it is collaborating with other members to plan for and coordinate Theater and Field Trips, Lectures, Walks and Breakfasts. The tasks vary but you will always have the support of other team members. The SEC meets as a whole five times a year to catch up, brainstorm and generally encourage one another. Like to give it a try or learn more? Contact SEC co-chairs, Carla Di Iorio (carlad@tds.net) or Michael Di Iorio (mdiiorio1234@gmail.com).

LECTURES
Choose from a range of archived PLATO Lectures to enjoy from the comfort of home during the chilly months ahead.

EDUCATION FUND UPDATE

'TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE – big thanks to all who have donated this year! 
If you haven't yet and are in a position to share, please consider contributing to PLATO's Education Fund to help PLATO provide scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, as well as supporting the Odyssey Project and other local community programs.

Learn more about this year's scholarship recipients and local community programs and donate online or via snail mail by clicking on the button below. Send questions or comments to Tim Otis: tierneyotis@gmail.com.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your late Autumn reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for December 6 – 19, 2022

Did You Know…Fifty years ago, psychiatrist John E. Fryer, M.D. electrified his colleagues by telling the 1972 convention of the American Psychiatric Association that he was homosexual. Fryer's announcement came at a time when homosexuality was classified as a mental illness. He wore a head-to-toe disguise, altered his voice, and used the name Dr. Anonymous when making his announcement. It was a dramatic moment in the gay rights movement, and is credited with leading the psychiatric community to no longer classify homosexuality as a mental disorder as of 1973, which led to insurance companies, the US government, and other institutions following suit. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Dr. John E. Fryer, M.D. 
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).