PLATO Weekly Update

June 24, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Have a question about a summer course? Find the answers you seek on the Courses webpage.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

NEW! Join us for a day trip to visit downtown Spring Green and tour Taliesen on Monday, August 25, 2025. Immerse yourself in this unique mix of architecture, nature, culture, and agriculture. PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. The registration deadline is Monday, July 21. Learn more and register here.

Register for the Celebrating American Design day trip on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, to tour Still Bend, Frank Lloyd Wright’s visionary “Dream House” brought to life! Also, experience the sights, sounds, and stories of American graphic design and printing like never before at The Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum – the country's biggest typographical museum. The registration deadline is Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Learn more and register here.

COFFEE & BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee – June 27, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café.Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! 
First Thursday Breakfast – July 3, 9:00-11:00am at Yola's Café. Note there is no First Friday Breakfast this month due to the holiday. Learn more and RSVP here.

Second Friday Breakfast – July 11, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Dive into timely topics with PLATO Lectures from the cool comfort of home.

BIKE RIDES
Explore the greater Madison area with self-guided bicycling routes.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD

Word of mouth is PLATO's best advertising – please forward this email to family and friends who may be interested in PLATO, and visit this page for additional ways to spread the word.

THE AGORA

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

The jury review and selection process is now complete and contributors to The Agora, Volume 9 have been notified. The Agora Board extends heartfelt thanks to all who submitted work for consideration – there were many high quality submissions! Work is now underway to produce The Agora, Volume 9, which PLATO members can look forward to receiving this fall.

Members who would prefer to read The Agora, Volume 9 online can "opt-out" of receiving a hard copy by mail by sending an email to info@platomadison.org.

View highlights from the past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for June 17 – 30, 2025

PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee has compiled a list of immigration resources in Dane County to encourage members to learn about the challenges that local immigrants face and, if interested, opportunities to get involved.

Visit the Social Justice page to explore the list of Dane County immigration resources and to learn more about the Diversity Awareness Committee and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

June 17, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Summer courses are in full swing! Have a question about a summer course? Find the answers you seek on the Courses webpage.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

Join us on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 on the Celebrating American Designfield trip to tour Still Bend, Frank Lloyd Wright’s visionary “Dream House”brought to life! Also, experience the sights, sounds, and stories of American graphic design and printing like never before at The Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum – the country's biggest typographical museum. The registration deadline is Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Learn more and register here.

COFFEE & BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

THIS MONTH! Fourth Friday Coffee – June 27, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT MONTH! 
First Thursday Breakfast – July 3, 9:00-11:00am at Yola's Café. Note there is no First Friday Breakfast this month due to the holiday. Learn more and RSVP here.

Second Friday Breakfast – July 11, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Learn about new topics with past recordings of PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and local, national, and international speakers.

BIKE RIDES
Enjoy the beauty of the season with self-guided bicycling routes throughout the greater Madison area.

THE AGORA

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

The jury review and selection process is now complete and contributors to The Agora, Volume 9 have been notified. The Agora Board extends heartfelt thanks to all who submitted work for consideration – there were many high quality submissions! Work is now underway to produce The Agora, Volume 9, which PLATO members can look forward to receiving this fall.

Members who would prefer to read The Agora, Volume 9 online can "opt-out" of receiving a hard copy by mail by sending an email to info@platomadison.org.

View highlights from the past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for June 17 – 30, 2025

PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee has compiled a list of immigration resources in Dane County to encourage members to learn about the challenges that local immigrants face and, if interested, opportunities to get involved.

Visit the Social Justice page to explore the list of Dane County immigration resources and to learn more about the Diversity Awareness Committee and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

June 10, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
The summer course term is underway! Some of the 14 in-person and virtual courses still have space, and some have yet to begin, so there is still time to register. Find the Summer Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP

The registration deadline is this Friday, June 13 for The Church Basement Ladies in The Last (Potluck) Supper on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson. Note that PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. Learn more and register here.

FIELD TRIPS

NEW! Join us on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 on the Celebrating American Design field trip to tour Still Bend, Frank Lloyd Wright’s visionary “Dream House” brought to life! Afterward, experience the sights, sounds, and stories of American graphic design and printing like never before at The Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum – the country's biggest typographical museum. The registration deadline is Tuesday, July 15, 2025. Learn more and register here.

EXCITING NEWS! There are a handful of additional open seats for the popular Milwaukee History in the Making tour on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Architecture enthusiasts will be awed by the beauty of St. Josaphat's Basilica – Milwaukee's largest church – followed by lunch and a riverboat tour of Milwaukee's sites from the unique perspective along the river and harbor of Lake Michigan. PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. These seats are sure to go quickly so register today! Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – June 13, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace – note the time change and new summertime location. Learn more and RSVP here.

Fourth Friday Coffee – June 27, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Explore a wide variety of past recordings of PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and local, national, and international speakers.

BIKE RIDES
Get out and about with self-guided bicycling routes in the greater Madison area!

THE AGORA

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

NEW! The jury review and selection process is now complete and contributors to The Agora, Volume 9 have been notified. The Agora Board extends heartfelt thanks to all who submitted work for consideration – there were many high quality submissions! Work is now underway to produce The Agora, Volume 9, which PLATO members can look forward to receiving this fall.

View highlights from the past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for June 2 – 16, 2025

Bessie Coleman (January 26, 1892 – April 30, 1926) was the first American woman to obtain an international pilot's license. Because Coleman was born in Texas during the discriminatory Jim Crow era and was of African American and Native American descent, she had to go to France to attend aviation school. Coleman returned to the United States after completing her studies and became a stunt pilot. Tragically, she was killed in 1926 during an aerial show rehearsal. 

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Bessie Coleman, and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

June 3, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
THIS WEEK! Most Summer Courses begin this week and some of the 14 in-person and virtual courses still have space – including these two courses:

· America's National Parks: A Video Journey with Alan Capelle on Mondays from 10:00am-12:00pm – watch the Coordinator Video! 

· Understanding and Practicing Lovingkindness with Craig Wille on Wednesdays from 10:00-11:30am – watch the Coordinator Video!

Find the Summer Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIP

UPDATE! The registration deadline has been extended to Friday, June 13 for The Church Basement Ladies in The Last (Potluck) Supper on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson. Note that PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. Learn more and register here.

FIELD TRIP
MARK YOUR CALENDAR! On August 20, 2025, PLATO will host a day trip to Two Rivers, WI, to tour the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum and the Still Bend/Schwartz House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Details to come!

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks. Learn more below including updates on two new summertime locations and one time change!

THIS WEEK! First Friday Breakfast – June 6, 9:00-11:00am at Yola's Café on Commerce Drive – note the new summertime location! Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – June 13, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace – note the time change and new summertime location! Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Check out past recordings of PLATO Lectures on a buffet of options offered by PLATO members and local, national and international speakers.

BIKE RIDES
Get out and about with self-guided bicycling routes in the greater Madison area!

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

View highlights from this past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for June 2 – 16, 2025

Bessie Coleman (January 26, 1892 – April 30, 1926) was the first American woman to obtain an international pilot's license. Because Coleman was born in Texas during the discriminatory Jim Crow era and was of African American and Native American descent, she had to go to France to attend aviation school. Coleman returned to the United States after completing her studies and became a stunt pilot. Tragically, she was killed in 1926 during an aerial show rehearsal. 

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Bessie Coleman, and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

May 27, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Most Summer Courses will begin the week of June 2 and some of the 14 in-person and virtual courses still have space – find the Summer Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 FIELD TRIPS

REMINDER! Registration closes this Sunday, June 1, 2025 for the Circus, Stage and Sips Tour on Thursday, June 19, 2025. This Sauk County summertime adventure will include visits to three destinations: Circus World Museum, AL. Ringling Theatre, and Wollersheim Winery. Organized by PLATO, there will be three pick-up stops in Madison: East Towne Sears, Capital Lakes, and Oakwood Village University Woods. Learn more and register here.

Milwaukee History in the Making Tour on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 – this field trip is now full. Learn more and join the waitlist here.

THEATER TRIP

REMINDER! The registration deadline is this week Thursday, May 29 for The Church Basement Ladies in The Last (Potluck) Supper on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson. Note that PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST & COFFEE GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks. Learn more below including updates on two new summertime locations and one time change!

First Friday Breakfast – June 6, 9:00-11:00am at Yola's Café on Commerce Drive – note the new summertime location! Learn more and RSVP here.

Second Friday Breakfast – June 13, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace – note the time change and new summertime location! Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Enjoy past recordings of PLATO Lectures on an array of topics offered by PLATO members and local, national and international speakers.

BIKE RIDES
Explore the greater Madison area with self-guided bicycling routes – and, if you are curious, find out where to rent a Madison BCycle (electric bike).

STAY IN THE KNOW ABOUT PLATO

BIG THANKS to those who attended PLATO's Member Appreciation Annual Meeting 2025! Much information was shared, including this Committee Highlights flyer which features the many accomplishments achieved during this past year. 

Virtually everything that you enjoy about PLATO – courses, lectures, trips, publications – is available due to the efforts of members like you. Whatever your skills, there is a place for you – we welcome you to get involved!

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

View highlights from this past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

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

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Maydm, PLATO's Education Fund, and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

May 20, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Registration for Summer Courses continues with 14 courses to choose from including in-person and virtual offerings! Most will begin the week of June 2 and vary in length from 3-10 weeks. Find the Summer Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

THIS WEEK! Best-selling author Robert Kurson talks writing at the PLATO Writing Workshop on Wednesday, May 21 at 1pm and today is the deadline to register – learn more and register here!

SPECIAL EVENTS

 FIELD TRIPS

NEW! Register today for the Milwaukee History in the Making Tour on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. Architecture enthusiasts will be awed by the beauty of St. Josaphat's Basilica – Milwaukee's largest church – followed by lunch and a riverboat tour of Milwaukee's sites from the unique perspective along the river and harbor of Lake Michigan. PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. The registration deadline is Wednesday, June 11. Learn more and register here.

NEXT MONTH! Register today for the Circus, Stage and Sips Tour on Thursday, June 19, 2025. This Sauk County summertime adventure will include visits to three destinations: Circus World Museum, AL. Ringling Theatre, and Wollersheim Winery. Organized by PLATO, there will be three pick-up stops in Madison: East Towne Sears, Capital Lakes, and Oakwood Village University Woods. The registration deadline is Sunday, June 1, 2025. Learn more and register here.

 THEATER TRIP

The Church Basement Ladies in The Last (Potluck) Supper on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson. "It is 1979, the day of the church’s Centennial Celebration, and past parishioners have gathered to share hotdishes, bars, and stories from the last 100 years. As the women work in the kitchen, shared memories burst into life through a series of flashbacks." PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. The registration deadline is next week Thursday, May 29. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST & COFFEE GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks. Learn more below including updates on two new summertime locations and one time change!

THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee – May 23, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café. Learn more and RSVP here.

First Friday Breakfast – June 6, 9:00-11:00am at Yola's Café – note the new summertime location! Learn more and RSVP here.

Second Friday Breakfast – June 13, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace – note the new summertime location and time change! Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Partake in past recordings of PLATO Lectures on timely topics offered by PLATO members and local, national and international speakers.

BIKE RIDES
Explore the greater Madison area with self-guided bicycling routes – and, if you are curious, find out where to rent a Madison BCycle (electric bike).

STAY IN THE KNOW ABOUT PLATO

BIG THANKS to those who attended PLATO's Member Appreciation Annual Meeting 2025! Much information was shared, including this Committee Highlights flyer which features the many accomplishments achieved during this past year. 

Virtually everything that you enjoy about PLATO – courses, lectures, trips, publications – is available due to the efforts of members like you. Whatever your skills, there is a place for you – we welcome you to get involved!

ELECTION RESULTS FOR PLATO 2025-26 BOARD

Congratulations to President J. K. Cheema, Vice President MaryJo MacSwain, Treasurer Rod McKenzie, Secretary Edie Urness-Pondillo, and At-Large Director Allen May! 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, 2025. Learn about PLATO’s structure, policies, and more on the Organizational Documents webpage.

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

View highlights from this past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

PLATO Weekly Update

May 13, 2025

TOMORROW! PLATO's Member Appreciation Annual Meeting 2025 on Wednesday, May 14 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at the East Side Club. Registered members and guests may review the Schedule of Events here. Feel free to arrive a bit early to get checked in!

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Registration for Summer Courses is underway! Most will begin the week of June 2 and vary in length from 3-10 weeks. There are 14 courses to choose from which include in-person and virtual offerings. Find the Summer Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
The Curriculum and Diversity Awareness Committees are seeking coordinators for two possible new courses: Classic Films II and Criminal Justice – find descriptions of these potential courses in the Curriculum Showcase.

NEXT WEEK! Best-selling author Robert Kurson talks writing at the PLATO Writing Workshop on May 21 at 1pm – learn more and register here!

SPECIAL EVENTS

 FIELD TRIP

NEXT MONTH! Register today for the Circus, Stage and Sips Tour on Thursday, June 19, 2025. This Sauk County summertime adventure will include visits to three destinations: Circus World Museum, AL. Ringling Theatre, and Wollersheim Winery. Organized by PLATO, there will be three pick-up stops in Madison: East Towne Sears, Capital Lakes, and Oakwood Village University Woods. The registration deadline is Sunday, June 1, 2025. Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIP

The Church Basement Ladies in The Last (Potluck) Supper on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson. "It is 1979, the day of the church’s Centennial Celebration, and past parishioners have gathered to share hotdishes, bars, and stories from the last 100 years. As the women work in the kitchen, shared memories burst into life through a series of flashbacks." PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. The registration deadline is Thursday, May 29. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST & COFFEE GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks. Learn more below including updates on two new summertime locations and one time change!

NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee – May 23, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café. Learn more and RSVP here.

First Friday Breakfast – June 6, 9:00-11:00am at Yola's Café – note the new summertime location! Learn more and RSVP here.

Second Friday Breakfast – June 13, 10:00am-12:00pm at the Memorial Union Terrace – note the new summertime location and time change! Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Expand your horizons with past recordings of PLATO Lectures on important topics offered by PLATO members and local, national and international speakers.

ELECTION RESULTS FOR PLATO 2025-26 BOARD

The annual election is now completed. Congratulations to President J. K. Cheema, Vice President MaryJo MacSwain, Treasurer Rod McKenzie, Secretary Edie Urness-Pondillo, and At-Large Director Allen May. 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, 2025. Learn about PLATO’s structure, policies, and more on the Organizational Documents webpage.

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

View highlights from this past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 6 – 19, 2025

Aileen Cole Stewart (c.1893 – c.1997) passed her nursing exams in Maryland during the same year that the United States entered World War I. Though the army was in desperate need for nurses, it wasn’t until the1918 influenza epidemic that African American nurses were assigned to active duty.

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Aileen Cole Stewart and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

May 6, 2025

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEW! Registration for Summer Courses is now open! Most will begin the week of June 2 and vary in length from 3-10 weeks. With 14 courses to choose from, including in-person and virtual offerings, something is sure to please! Find the Summer Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

CURRIULUM SHOWCASE
The Curriculum and Diversity Awareness Committees are seeking coordinators for two possible new courses: Classic Films II and Criminal Justice – find descriptions of these potential courses in the Curriculum Showcase.

SPECIAL EVENTS

 THEATER TRIPS

NEW! The Church Basement Ladies in The Last (Potluck) Supper on Thursday, July 10, 2025 at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson. "It is 1979, the day of the church’s Centennial Celebration, and past parishioners have gathered to share hotdishes, bars, and stories from the last 100 years. As the women work in the kitchen, shared memories burst into life through a series of flashbacks." PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. The registration deadline is Thursday, May 29. Learn more and register here.

 FIELD TRIPS

Celebrate the advent of summer with the Circus, Stage and Sips Tour on Thursday, June 19, 2025. This Sauk County adventure will include visits to three destinations: Circus World Museum, AL. Ringling Theatre, and Wollersheim Winery! Organized by PLATO, there will be three pick-up stops in Madison: East Towne Sears, Capital Lakes, and Oakwood Village University Woods. The registration deadline is Sunday, June 1, 2025. Learn more and register here.

REMINDER – East Troy Railroad & Yerkes Observatory Tour on Monday, May 12, 2025. Registrants may review event details here.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS

THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, May 9 at 9:30-11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. A prominent stairway leads to the lower level where our group meets. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

Fourth Friday Coffee – May 23, 9:30-11:30am at Rotunda Café. Learn more and RSVP here.

First Friday Breakfast – June 6, 9:00-11:00 at Yola's Café (note the new summertime location). Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Peruse past recordings of PLATO Lectures on many interesting subjects offered by members and local, national and international speakers.

ELECTION FOR PLATO 2025-26 BOARD
Voting is underway and will close on Wednesday, May 7 at midnight

Read about the nominees by clicking on the Nominee Biographies link below and then cast your vote with the provided link. Note that you will need to login and there is a "forgot password" button if needed. The Nominating Committee thanks the members who agreed to be listed as nominees as well as those who have already voted!

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

View highlights from this past season on the The Agora Features webpage.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 6 – 19, 2025

Aileen Cole Stewart (c.1893 – c.1997) passed her nursing exams in Maryland during the same year that the United States entered World War I. Though the army was in desperate need for nurses, it wasn’t until the1918 influenza epidemic that African American nurses were assigned to active duty.

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Aileen Cole Stewart and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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

PLATO Weekly Update

April 29, 2025

MEMBER APPRECIATION ANNUAL MEETING

THIS WEEK! The deadline to register is this Friday, May 2. This lively social event features keynote speaker John Stofflet, Local Broadcast Legend and 26-time Emmy Winner who will share anecdotes and challenges from his career as a newscaster. Enjoy light refreshments, the annual PLATO business meeting, door prizes and more! This is a complimentary event and members may invite a guest. Find event and registration details here – including the list of door prizes!

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Registration for Summer Courses will open on Tuesday, May 6, and most will begin the week of June 2. Courses will vary in length ranging from 3-10 weeks with in-person and virtual offerings. With 12 courses to choose from, something is sure to please! Course Schedules are always announced here in the Tuesday Weekly Update and on the Courses webpage.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

THIS WEEK! Join us to learn about the science and technology involved in coffee production! Dr. Juan Rodrigo Sanz Uribe from UW-Madison will present Espresso Yourself: The Science & Art of Coffee, on Thursday, May 1 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village West's Nakoma/Westmoreland Room. Dr. Uribe will deliver his lecture virtually from the country of Colombia while participants gather in person to sample the wonderful flavors of Colombian coffee. Registration is not required for this lecture, parking is free, and guests are welcome. Learn more here.

Quench your curiosity with past recordings of PLATO Lectures on a variety of timely topics offered by members and local, national and international speakers.

 FIELD TRIPS

Celebrate the advent of summer with the Circus, Stage and Sips Tour on Thursday, June 19, 2025. This Sauk County adventure will include visits to three destinations: Circus World Museum, AL. Ringling Theatre, and Wollersheim Winery! Organized by PLATO, there will be three pick-up stops in Madison: East Towne Sears, Capital Lakes, and Oakwood Village University Woods. The registration deadline is Sunday, June 1, 2025. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS

THIS WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Pancake Café on Gammon Road on Friday, May 2, from 9:00-11:00am. Enjoy good food and conversation with fellow PLATO members. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy conversation, coffee and breakfast snacks with fellow members on Friday, May 9 at 9:30-11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. A prominent stairway leads to the lower level where our group meets. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

NATURE WALK

REMINDER – Nature Walk at Oakwood West on May 5 at 10am followed by a social hour with lemonade and cookies in the Oaks Community Room. This event is full – find event details here.

ELECTION FOR PLATO 2025-26 BOARD
Voting is underway and will close on May 7 at midnight

Read about the nominees by clicking on the Nominee Biographies link below and then cast your vote with the provided link. Note that you will need to login and there is a "forgot password" button if needed. The Nominating Committee thanks the members who agreed to be listed as nominees as well as those who have already voted!

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

Big thanks to the many PLATO members who submitted their work for consideration for inclusion in The Agora, Volume 9, which will be published in Fall 2025. With so many high-quality entries, this edition is sure to please!

To view highlights from this past season, visit The Agora Features.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for April 22 – May 5, 2025

Visit the Social Justice page to read more about Lussier Community Education Center, PLATO's Education Fund and past DID YOU KNOW? Features.

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