Menu
Log in

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.
  • January 24, 2023 11:18 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    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.

    COURSES PAGE 


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

    Explore archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of subjects.

    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 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 


  • January 17, 2023 12:39 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    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 24The 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.

    COURSES PAGE


    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.

    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 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).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE


  • January 10, 2023 3:58 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

     

    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 24The 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.

    COURSES PAGE 


    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 levelRSVP 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.

    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 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).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


  • January 03, 2023 1:23 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    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.

    THE AGORA FEATURES

     

    CURRICULUM

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

    COURSES PAGE


    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 levelRSVP 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.

    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 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 PovertyFreedom 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).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE



  • December 20, 2022 11:43 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    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.

    THE AGORA FEATURES 


    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.

    COURSES PAGE 


    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.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


    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.

    MAKE A DONATION 


    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).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


  • December 13, 2022 10:40 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    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!.

    COURSES PAGE 


    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.

    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 


    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.



    MAKE A DONATION 


    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).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


  • December 06, 2022 11:12 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    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.

    THE AGORA FEATURES 


    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.

    COURSES PAGE 


    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.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


    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.

    A picture containing logo Description automatically generated

    Logo, company name Description automatically generated

    MAKE A DONATION 


    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).

    SOCIAL JUSTICE PAGE 


  • November 29, 2022 11:14 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    PLATO Weekly Update

    November 29, 2022

     

    CURRICULUM

    WINTER COURSES

    · Tuesday, December 13: The Winter Course Schedule will be posted to the Courses Page and registration will open.

    · Week of January 9: Most Winter Courses will begin.

    COURSES PAGE 


    SPECIAL EVENTS

    BREAKFAST GATHERING
    Next Week!
     Second Friday, December 9 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at at Lakeside Street Coffee House on Madison's near south side 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
    Check out archived PLATO Lectures that always inform and sometimes even entertain!

    A VERY SPECIAL EVENT
    Our November 17 trip to American Player's Theater proved a delightful experience. Able Trek, our hired coach, served us ably. Our jaunt through the countryside included a stop at the cozy Old Feed Mill in Mazomanie which very hospitably served us a sandwich buffet with vegetarian chili and cookies. The play, 
    Stones in his Pockets, lived up to its rave reviews with outstanding acting by two of APT's core company. All in all a very good day. If you would like to be involved in bringing trips like these into fruition in 2023, please reach out to Carla Di Iorio: carlad@tds.net.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


    EDUCATION FUND UPDATE

    PLEASE CONSIDER including PLATO's Education Fund in your year-end charitable gift giving plans to help PLATO continue to 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.

    MAKE A DONATION 


    THE AGORA

    A juried literary magazine published by PLATO.

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

    AGORA FEATURES 


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

    Select from a range of topics and formats 

    for your Autumn reading, viewing, or listening, 

    curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

    DID YOU KNOW? for November 22 – December 5, 2022

    Did You Know… Two Kenyan inventors, David Gathu and Moses Kinyua, have created the world’s first bio-robotic arm operated by brain signals. In 2020, during the Covid-19 epidemic, as they were trying to develop tools to safely decontaminate surfaces in public areas, they came up with an electronic prosthetic arm-type device. When Kenyans adopted other ways to handle decontamination, Gathu and Kinyua were able to repurpose their invention as a device to help the disabled with the revolutionary feature of control via the wearer’s brain signals.

    Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about David Gathu and Moses Kinyua 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 WEBPAGE 



  • November 22, 2022 9:40 PM | Anonymous member (Administrator)

    PLATO Weekly Update

     November 22, 2022

     

    CURRICULUM

    GIVING THANKS
    We'd like to thank all the course coordinators for contributing their time and energy to fellow PLATO members during this past year. You have truly helped make PLATO a space where the love of learning never gets old!

     

    WINTER COURSES
    The Winter 2023 Course Schedule will be available on Tuesday, December 13 and registration will open the same day. Most Winter Courses will begin the week of January 9.

    COURSES PAGE 


    SPECIAL EVENTS

    BREAKFAST GATHERING
    This Week!
     Fourth Friday, November 25 at 9:30am. Join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's Willy Street neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.

    LECTURES
    Cozy up with archived PLATO Lectures on many timely topics.

    VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
    Special Events Don't Just Happen – and without your assistance, they won't happen. Your time, talents and thoughts are valuable to us on the Special Events Committee. We need more of all three and would welcome your presence with us in the new year. Contact Carla (carlad@tds.net) or Michael Di Iorio (mdiiorio1234@gmail.com) to learn more.

    SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


    EDUCATION FUND UPDATE

    YEAR-END GIVING  Please consider including PLATO's Education Fund in your charitable gift giving plans to help PLATO continue to 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.

    MAKE A DONATION 


    THE AGORA

    A juried literary magazine published by PLATO.

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

    AGORA FEATURES 


    SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

    Select from a range of topics and formats 

    for your Autumn reading, viewing, or listening, 

    curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

    DID YOU KNOW? for November 22 – December 5, 2022

    Did You Know… Two Kenyan inventors, David Gathu and Moses Kinyua, have created the world’s first bio-robotic arm operated by brain signals. In 2020, during the Covid-19 epidemic, as they were trying to develop tools to safely decontaminate surfaces in public areas, they came up with an electronic prosthetic arm-type device. When Kenyans adopted other ways to handle decontamination, Gathu and Kinyua were able to repurpose their invention as a device to help the disabled with the revolutionary feature of control via the wearer’s brain signals.

    Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about David Gathu and Moses Kinyua 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 WEBPAGE 


  • November 15, 2022 11:35 AM | Anonymous member (Administrator)


    PLATO Weekly Update

    November 15, 2022

    CURRICULUM

    CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
    Next Week! On Monday, November 21 at 10am Pathways to a Sustainable Planet will welcome Professor Greg Nemet, one of the Lead Writers for the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Assessment Report released earlier this year. This report identifies the close link between climate change mitigation, adaptation and development pathways taken by countries at all stages of economic development to impact green house gas emissions which are the driving cause for climate change. All PLATO members are welcome to attend via Zoom – please login by 9:55am so we can start on time: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86993898527

    PLEASE NOTE
    If you participate in a course at Capital Lakes, please note the coffee stand by the front desk is for residents only. PLATO members must bring their own coffee or buy it at the Café.

        COURSES PAGE 


        SPECIAL EVENTS

        LECTURES
        Today! Clint Smith's Go Big Read Lecture on his new book: How the Word is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America on Tuesday, November 15 from 1pm – 3pm. PLATO is pleased to host a virtual presentation of this important talk. We will begin by watching Smith's November 1 talk and follow with an online discussion of the many issues raised in his talk and the book.  Register and learn more.

        Peruse archived PLATO Lectures on many timely subjects.

        BREAKFAST GATHERING
        Next Week!
         Fourth Friday, November 25 at 9:30am. Yes, even though you may have eaten your fill on Thanksgiving, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's Willy Street neighborhood. RSVP and learn more.


        VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
        Special Events Don't Just Happen – and without your assistance, they won't happen. Your time, talents and thoughts are valuable to us on the Special Events Committee. We need more of all three and would welcome your presence with us in the new year. Contact Carla (carlad@tds.net) or Michael Di Iorio (mdiiorio1234@gmail.com) to learn more.

            SPECIAL EVENTS CALENDAR 


            THE AGORA

            A juried literary magazine published by PLATO.

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

            AGORA FEATURES 


            SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

            Select from a range of topics and formats 

            for your Fall reading, viewing, or listening, 

            curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

            DID YOU KNOW? for November 8 – 21, 2022

            Did You Know… An African American dentist, Dr. George F. Grant, was the inventor of the wooden golf tee. On Dec. 12, 1899, Dr. Grant received a U.S. patent No. 638,920, the world’s first patent for ‘a wooden spike with a flexible rubber peg for the ball’ – a golf tee! Before this time, golfers carried small buckets of sand for pinching a mound of damp sand to elevate a golf ball on the tee box.

            Visit the Social Justice webpage for more about Dr. George F. Grant & 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 WEBPAGE 


          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

          Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software