PLATO Weekly Update 

June 13, 2023

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Summer courses are in full swing! You may still be able to register for some courses by contacting the course coordinator. Find the schedule for in-person, virtual, and hybrid courses on the Courses webpage.  

SPECIAL EVENTS

TOMORROW – we look forward to seeing pre-registered members and their guests at PLATO's Annual Meeting held at The Goodman Community Center's BRASS WORKS BUILDING. Note the address on the building is 214 Waubesa St – but if you use Google Maps it will say that it is located at 206 Waubesa St. Find venue and parking details here.

FIELD TRIP
NEXT WEEK! Wednesday, June 21 is our trip to Historic Dubuque, Iowa, and the Mississippi River Museum. Registration has closed. View photos and review trip details here.  

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Breakfast – new venue! On June 23 at  9:30am we will meet in a new location: Monona Bank's Rotunda Café located at 1965 Atwood Ave. View photos, learn about parking options, and RSVP here.

LECTURES
CANCELLED – group screening of Nuclear Now, on Friday, July 14, due to copyright complications. However, PLATO members are invited to watch this Oliver Stone film from the convenience of home at any time before June 20 by clicking this link to register and using this case-sensitive passcode: NNR-0623. Email Richard Steeves if you have questions about registration or if you would like to participate in a group discussion of this important documentary via Zoom in the near future.

Dive into new topics of interest through recorded PLATO Lectures.

BIKE RIDES
Discover new Madison neighborhoods through self-guided bicycling routes.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for June 13 – 26, 2023 

Zitkala-Ša, Lakota for Red Bird, aka Gertrude Simmons Bonnin (February 22, 1876 – January 26, 1938) was a political activist who found work wearing many hats – as a Yankton Dakota writer, editor, translator, musician, and educator. Zitkala-Ša recounted her struggles with cultural identity, emphasizing the friction between the majority culture in which she was educated and the Dakota culture into which she was born and initially raised. Her work helped bring traditional Native stories to a mainstream audience and influenced Congress to pass the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Zitkala-Ša 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

June 6, 2023

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEW! Summer courses begin this week! You may still be able to register for some courses by contacting the course coordinator. Find the schedule for in-person, virtual, and hybrid courses on the Courses webpage.  

SPECIAL EVENTS

Registration required by this Friday, June 9! This free, special event offers an opportunity to socialize, catch up on PLATO business and enjoy a Keynote presentation on “The Story of the Discovery, Recovery and Preservation of the Lake Mendota Canoes”. Register and learn more here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – new venue and time! We will move outdoors this Summer to the Memorial Union Terrace on the UW campus and gather from 10:30am – 12:30pm on June 9, July 14 and August 11. RSVP and learn more here.

PLEASE NOTE – Fourth Friday Breakfasts will be moving to a new location on the east side of Madison. Details coming soon.

FIELD TRIP
THIS MONTH! Registration deadline extended to Monday, June 12 for our trip to Historic Dubuque, Iowa, and the Mississippi River Museum on Wednesday, June 21. One participant will bring her grandchild as a guest and suggests others might like to do the same. The downtown Dubuque funicular and the amazing Mississippi River Museum with live animal exhibits will fascinate any child, as well as you. View photos, learn more and register here.  

LECTURES
SAVE THE DATE! Join us for a virtual screening of Nuclear Now, on Friday, July 14 at 1pm. Written by Oliver Stone and Joshua S. Goldstein, this film makes a case that nuclear energy may be the key missing ingredient to addressing the crisis of climate change. Hailed as "the most informative film ever" by James Hansen, Columbia University's Director of Climate Science, Awareness and Solutions, Nuclear Now is an Official Selection of the 2022 Venice International Film Festival. 

Check out recorded PLATO Lectures on a variety of timely topics.

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

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 30 – June 12, 2023  

Alice Ball (July 24, 1892 – December 31, 1916) was a black chemist in Hawaii who at the age of 23 in 1915 discovered a way of treating leprosy before antibiotics. Unfortunately, others claimed credit for it. Scholar Paul Wermager explains, “Not only did Alice Ball overcome the racial and gender barriers of her time to become one of the very few African American women to earn a master’s degree in chemistry, [but she] also developed the first useful treatment for Hansen’s disease. Her amazing life was cut too short at the age of 24. Who knows what other marvelous work she could have accomplished had she lived.” 

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

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

PLATO Weekly Update

May 30, 2023

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEXT WEEK – most Summer Courses begin! Find the schedule for in-person, virtual and hybrid options on the Courses webpage. Some courses still have room, so register today!

SPECIAL EVENTS

ANNUAL MEETING & REFRESHMENTS
TWO WEEKS AWAY! RSVP by Friday, June 9! Members and their guests are invited to socialize, catch up on PLATO business and enjoy Keynote Speaker Amy L. Rosebrough, Interim State Archeologist, present “The Story of the Discovery, Recovery and Preservation of the Lake Mendota Canoes”. This free, special event will take place on Wednesday, June 14 from 12:30 – 3pm at The Goodman Community Center's BRASSWORKS building. RSVP and learn more here.

FIELD TRIP
NEXT MONTH! Wait no longer – register by Tuesday, June 6 for our trip to Historic Dubuque, Iowa, and the Mississippi River Museum on Wednesday, June 21. One participant will bring her grandchild as a guest and suggests others might like to do the same. The downtown Dubuque funicular and the amazing Mississippi River Museum with live animal exhibits will fascinate any child, as well as you. View photos, learn more and register here.  

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – new venue and time! We will move outdoors this Summer to the Memorial Union Terrace on the UW campus and gather from 10:30am – 12:30pm on June 9, July 14 and August 11. Learn more and RSVP here.

PLEASE NOTE – Fourth Friday Breakfasts will be moving to a new location on the east side of Madison. Details will follow.

BIKE RIDES
Check out new areas of Madison with these self-guided bicycling routes.

LECTURES
Expand your horizons with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and special guests who share their knowledge on many topics.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 30 – June 12, 2023  

Alice Ball (July 24, 1892 – December 31, 1916) was a black chemist in Hawaii who at the age of 23 in 1915 discovered a way of treating leprosy before antibiotics. Unfortunately, others claimed credit for it. Scholar Paul Wermager explains, “Not only did Alice Ball overcome the racial and gender barriers of her time to become one of the very few African American women to earn a master’s degree in chemistry, [but she] also developed the first useful treatment for Hansen’s disease. Her amazing life was cut too short at the age of 24. Who knows what other marvelous work she could have accomplished had she lived.” 

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

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

PLATO Weekly Update

 May 23, 2023

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Registration for Summer Courses continues! Find the schedule on the Courses webpage. Most Summer Courses will begin the week of June 5, with in-person, virtual and hybrid options.

PLEASE NOTE
An additional course has been added: Short Stories & Essays on Tuesdays, 10am–12pm, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. To register, email Irv Klibaner.

SPECIAL EVENTS

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

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and special guests who share their expertise on a variety of subjects.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday, May 26 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's Williamson-Marquette neighborhood. Learn more and RSVP here. Fourth Friday Breakfasts will continue to meet at the Marquette Hotel Café throughout the Summer. 

PLEASE NOTE
NEW VENUE AND TIME for Second Friday Breakfasts. We will move outdoors this Summer to the Memorial Union Terrace on the UW campus and gather from 10:30am -12:30pm on June 9, July 14 and August 11. Learn more and RSVP here.

FIELD TRIP
NEXT MONTH! Register today to visit Historic Dubuque, Iowa, and the Mississippi River Museum on Wednesday, June 21. The registration deadline is Tuesday, June 6. View photos, learn more and register here.

BIKE RIDERS
Check out new areas of Madison with these self-guided bicycling routes.

PLATO FACEBOOK RELAUNCH

VISIT & SHARE
PLATO’s Facebook page, @platomadison, is relaunched with new features and exciting information about PLATO activities! Please visit our page and share it with others who may be interested in PLATO. See the special email sent on Monday, May 15 for more details.

PLEASE NOTE
PLATO's Tuesday Weekly Update emails are still the best source for PLATO news. PLATO's Facebook Page is intended to supplement the Weekly Update and extend PLATO's visibility in the broader community.

ELECTION RESULTS FOR PLATO 2023-24 BOARD

The annual election is now completed. Congratulations to President Rod McKenzie, Vice President Mike Kernats, Secretary Edie Urness-Pondillo, Treasurer Jatinder Cheema and two new At-Large Directors Marian Fisher and Tobey Marsceill. The PLATO Board is composed of five officers, standing committee chairpersons, and five At-Large Directors. The new Board’s term starts on July 1, 2023. Learn about PLATO's structure, policies and more on the Organizational Documents webpage.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 9 – 22, 2023 

The Indian Citizenship Act, established on June 2, 1924, was enacted by Congress to grant citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. However, some states barred Native Americans from voting until 1957. Learn more about the Indian Citizenship Act and the Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 which had devastating on Native American people and their culture.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about the Indian Citizenship Act 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update 

May 16, 2023

PLATO FACEBOOK RELAUNCH

VISIT & SHARE
PLATO’s Facebook page, @platomadison, is relaunched with new features and exciting information about PLATO activities! Please visit our page and share it with others who may be interested in PLATO. See the special email sent on Monday, May 15 for more details.

PLEASE NOTE
PLATO's Tuesday Weekly Update emails are still the best source for PLATO news. PLATO's Facebook Page is intended to supplement the Weekly Update and extend PLATO's visibility in the broader community.

 
CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Registration continues! Find the Summer Course schedule on the Courses webpage. Most Summer Courses will begin the week of June 5, with in-person, virtual and hybrid options.

PLEASE NOTE
An additional course has beed added: Short Stories & Essays on Tuesdays, 10am–12pm, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. To register, email Irv Klibaner.

SPECIAL EVENTS

SPRING WALK
THIS FRIDAY! On May 19th @ 9:30am we will appreciate the gifts of Spring at the Pheasant Branch Conservancy Walk and Lecture. Learn about the addition of a farm and its conversion to a prairie and catch-basins in an attempt to reduce the phosphorus and other contaminants. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
NEXT WEEK! Join us on Thursday, May 25 at 2:00pm for We Gotta Get Out of this Place: The Soundtrack of the Vietnam War. This presentation by Doug Bradley and the Vets on Frets explores how and why U.S. troops in Vietnam turned to music as a way of connecting to each other and the world back home. This special event will be held at Oakwood Village West Performing Arts Center. Registration is notrequired and there is free parking. Learn more here. 

Stay sharp and informed with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and special guests who share their time and expertise.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday, May 26 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation at Marquette Hotel Café in Madison's WilIiamson-Marquette neighborhood. Learn more and RSVP here. Fourth Friday Breakfasts will continue to meet at the Marquette Hotel Café throughout the Summer. 

PLEASE NOTE
Second Friday Breakfasts will move outdoors this Summer to the Memorial Union Terrace on the UW campus on June 9, July 14 and August 11.

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

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

ELECTION RESULTS FOR PLATO 2023-24 BOARD

The annual election is now completed. Congratulations to President Rod McKenzie, Vice President Mike Kernats, Secretary Edie Urness-Pondillo, Treasurer Jatinder Cheema and two new At-Large Directors Marian Fisher and Tobey Marsceill. The PLATO Board is composed of five officers, standing committee chairpersons, and five At-Large Directors. The new Board’s term starts on July 1, 2023. Learn about PLATO's structure, policies and more on the Organizational Documents webpage.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 9 – 22, 2023 

The Indian Citizenship Act, established on June 2, 1924, was enacted by Congress to grant citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. However, some states barred Native Americans from voting until 1957. Learn more about the Indian Citizenship Act and the Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 which had devastating on Native American people and their culture.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about the Indian Citizenship Act 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

May 9, 2023

ELECTION FOR PLATO 2023-24 BOARD
VOTING CLOSES TOMORROW, WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Online voting is available for the election of officers and two new At-Large PLATO Board members. If you haven't already voted and are a PLATO member, please vote today through the E-Ballot that was emailed to you on April 26. Read about the nominees by clicking on the Nominee Biographies link below. 

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEW! The Summer Course schedule is now available on the Courses webpage and registration is open! Most Summer Courses will begin the week of June 5, with in-person, virtual and hybrid options to choose from.

ARTICLE
Visit the Curriculum Showcase to read "Two decades of Experiencing Great Literature” written by PLATO members as a reflection of a beloved course that recently ended. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday, May 12 at 9:30am, join fellow PLATO members and guests for breakfast and conversation 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. Learn more and RSVP here.

SPRING WALK
NEXT WEEK! On Friday, May 19th @ 9:30am we will appreciate the gifts of Spring at the Pheasant Branch Conservancy Walk and Lecture.Learn about the addition of a farm and its conversion to a prairie and catch-basins in an attempt to reduce the phosphorus and other contaminants. Learn more and register here.

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

Learn something new – explore recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and special guests who share their expertise on a variety of important and timely topics.

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

BIKE RIDERS
Check out these self-guided bicycling routes around Madison.

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 9 – 22, 2023 

The Indian Citizenship Act, established on June 2, 1924, was enacted by Congress to grant citizenship to all Native Americans born in the United States. However, some states barred Native Americans from voting until 1957. Learn more about the Indian Citizenship Act and the Dawes Severalty Act of 1887 which had devastating on Native American people and their culture.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about the Indian Citizenship Act 
or past DID YOU KNOW? features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update 

May 2, 2023

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEXT WEEK! On Tuesday, May 9 the Summer Course schedule will be posted on the Courses webpage and registration begins the same day.

NEXT MONTH! Most Summer Courses will begin the week of June 5.

NEW ARTICLE
Visit the Curriculum Showcase to read "Two decades of Experiencing Great Literature” written by PLATO members as a reflection of a beloved course that has recently ended. 

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday, May 12 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.

SPRING WALK
NEW! On May 19th @ 9:30am we will enjoy the gifts of Spring at the Pheasant Branch Conservancy Walk and Lecture. Learn about the addition of a farm and its conversion to a prairie and catch-basins in an attempt to reduce the phosphorus and other contaminants. Driving and parking instructions coming soon.

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

Check out recorded PLATO Lectures on many important subjects.

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

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

ELECTION FOR PLATO 2023-24 BOARD
OPEN NOW THROUGH WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

Online voting is now available for the election of officers and two new At-Large PLATO Board members. If you haven't already voted and are a PLATO member, please vote today through the E-Ballot that was emailed last week. Read about the nominees by clicking on the Nominee Biographies link below. 

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLATO Weekly Update

April 25, 2023

CURRICULUM

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

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

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

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

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

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

Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures on a variety of timely topics.

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

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

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

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

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

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

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

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

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

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

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

PLATO Weekly Update

April 18, 2023

CURRICULUM

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

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

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for April 4 – 24, 2023

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

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

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

PLATO Weekly Update

 April 11, 2023

 
CURRICULUM

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

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

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

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

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

Enjoy a variety of recorded PLATO Lectures at your leisure.

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

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

THE AGORA
A juried literary magazine published by PLATO 
celebrates members’ creativity and diversity of thought.

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? for April 4 – 17, 2023

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

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

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