PLATO Weekly Update

April 20, 2021

CURRICULUM

The Curriculum Committee has developed a library of class videos from two 2020-21 courses: Whither the State and Pathways to a Sustainable Planet. Both courses have many guest speakers discussing challenging and timely topics. 

Consider public policy issues and questions like, If the commercial mix of State Street businesses changes will it become the "Bourbon Street" of the midwest? (Whither the State, April 6) or learn about energy and sustainability concerns like, Can nuclear energy production really be done safely in seismically active areas? (Pathways to a Sustainable Planet, April 12).

The Courses Page has links to these and other class videos.

LECTURES & THEATER

LECTURES 

MAY 6: The Birds & the Bees: How To Get Involved in Citizen Science through Your Garden A garden can be home to birds, animals, pollinators, and many other living things.  Jessica Ross, a Research Specialist at UW-Madison will discuss how you can use the citizen science practices and principles to observe, monitor and document garden life -- for your own records and to contribute data to a project.

THEATER

To watch or not to watch? That is the question! We have 2 Shakespearean options on the Virtual Theater Trips page to choose from:  Romeo and Juliet, the PBS Great Performances/National Theatre contemporary production, updated with actors from The Crown and Fargo, and Measure for Measure, the Goodman Theatre's 2013 production. 

WALKS

NEW May 11: Walk the Camrock Trail along Koshkonong Creek.  This is the first of the local walks planned for this year.  As we cautiously resume this outdoor activity, capacity will be limited to allow for social distancing.  Face masks will be required.  The Walk's information page contains details about our Covid safety protocols.

NEW June 11: Walk the Olin-Turville Conservancy Park. A natural gem on the shores of Lake Monona, this is the second of our planned walks.  Capacity will be limited to allow for social distancing. Face masks will be required.  The Walk's information page contains details about our COVID safety protocols.

ELECTION FOR PLATO 2021-22 BOARD 
BEGINS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21 

Tomorrow, members will receive an email with a link to vote on officers who will serve during our next membership year plus 2 At-Large Board members who will serve 3-year terms.

As provided in our bylaws, the slate was selected by the Nominating Committee and is presented for your approval. The Nominating Committee thanks the individuals who agreed to be listed. 

Watch for a PLATO email on Wednesday, April 21 with your link to the Ballot. Voting will close on Wednesday, May 5 at midnight.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

Each week, we offer for your enjoyment, a featured piece from contributors to PLATO's Agora arts and ideas journal. Refresh your mind with this week's featured work and scroll through the Features page to appreciate past weekly highlights.

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

The next PLATO Virtual Breakfast will be Friday, May 7 from 9:30 to 10:30 am. Meet new friends and connect with other PLATO members.  Click below for more information and the link to join the online gathering. 

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS
Suggested readings, films, activities, and podcasts.

Select from a range of topics and formats for your Spring-time reading, viewing, or listening, curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee. April highlights include a new featured book title.