PLATO Weekly Update

June 11, 2024

CURRICULUM

Summer Courses are underway! Have a question about a course? Find everything you need to know on the Courses Page or contact your Course Coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – Join us outdoors on June 14 at 10amat the UW-Memorial Union Terrace to connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of coffee and breakfast snacks. Lunch items are available after 11am. Feel free to bring a guest! Learn about parking tips, food options and how to RSVP here.

THEATER TRIP

The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool on Thursday, August 29, 2pm Matinee at American Players Theater – "Prepare for a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning Queen. As her monarchy teeters, she defers her duties, seeking solace in her bawdy, irreverent Fool. A witty, twisty thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat!" Members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
Recorded PLATO Lectures – a treasure trove of timely topics!

STAY IN-THE-KNOW WITH PLATO

PLATO volunteers provide thousands of hours each year on committees that oversee all aspects of the organization. Here is a summary of their accomplishments this past year. New members are always welcome! 

If you love being a PLATO member, please help spread the word! PLATO seeks to attract new members, so we have put together this flyer for you to pass along to a friend, family member, or acquaintance – anyone who might be interested in learning about PLATO. We invite you to print out this flyer to pass along or simply forward this email to folks who might be interested.

Reminder: New members can join now for just $60 and their membership is valid through July 31, 2025! 

THE AGORA FEATURES
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal, The Agora,
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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Mixed Doubles, a villanelle (poem) by Tim O'Donnell that compares the choice of “going it alone" to facing the challenges of life with a loving partner and the sometimes-fitful process of finding connection.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for June 4 – 17, 2024 

PLATO's Education Fund provides four annual partial scholarships for returning UW adult students. Administered through the UW-Madison Division of Continuing Studies, scholarships are awarded on a competitive basis and target single-parent students and other nontraditional adult returnees. Financial need and academic potential are critical components in determining the awards.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about 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

 June 4, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEW! Most Summer Courses begin this week. It's not too late to register for some courses and there are a variety of formats to choose from. Find everything you need to know on the Courses Page and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – Join us outdoors on June 14 at 10am at the UW-Memorial Union Terrace to connect with fellow PLATO members over a cup of coffee and breakfast snacks. Lunch items are available after 11am. Feel free to bring a guest! Learn more and RSVP here.

FIELD TRIP

NEXT MONDAY! Join us to tour the new Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) Center for Music on Monday, June 10 from 2:00 – 3:15pm. Located on Madison's near-east side on the site of the old Avenue Bar, this architecturally impressive building has a state-of-the-art rehearsal space for orchestras and ensembles of all sizes, studio teaching spaces for area musicians, administrative offices, and a music library. This tour is free for PLATO members and guests. Registration is required and there are only a few spots left! Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIP
NEW! Register today for a matinee performance of The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool at the American Player's Theater on Thursday, August 29 at 2pm. “Prepare for a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning Queen. As her monarchy teeters, she defers her duties, seeking solace in her bawdy, irreverent Fool. A witty, twisty thriller to keep you on the edge of your seat!” Members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES
Keep up on important topics with recorded PLATO Lectures.

STAY IN-THE-KNOW WITH PLATO

PLATO volunteers provide thousands of hours each year on committees that oversee all aspects of the organization. Here is a summary of their accomplishments this past year. New members are always welcome! 

If you love being a PLATO member, please help spread the word! PLATO seeks to attract new members, so we have put together this flyer for you to pass along to a friend, family member, or acquaintance – anyone who might be interested in learning about PLATO. We invite you to print out this flyer to pass along or simply forward this email to folks who might be interested.

Reminder: New members can join now for just $60 and their membership is valid through July 31, 2025! 

THE AGORA FEATURES
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal, The Agora,
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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Mixed Doubles, a villanelle (poem) by Tim O'Donnell that compares the choice of “going it alone" or facing the challenges of life with a loving partner and the sometimes-fitful process of finding connection.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 21 – June 3, 2024 

Garrett Morgan (March 4, 1877 – July 27, 1963) was a prolific inventor who called himself the “Black Edison.” Morgan devised early versions of the traffic light and gas mask. His career began as a sewing-machine mechanic and he would eventually invent a more sophisticated sewing machine which he patented, among other inventions. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Garrett Morgan

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 28, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Most Summer Courses begin the week of June 3. It's not too late to register as some Summer Courses still have open spots. Find everything you need to know on the Courses Page and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

Two Summer Courses with guaranteed availability are:

– Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation, Wednesday @ 10am: The lazy days of summer might be an ideal time to learn about mindfulness meditation – before the frenetic election season hits its peak in the fall! Craig Wille’s five-week course is hybrid so you can choose to attend in-person or online. Learn more and contact Craig here.

– Exploring Generative AI, Wednesday @ 1pm: Whether curious or intimidated by artificial intelligence (or a little bit of both) this four-week course offered by Donaby Henton will edify and possibly even entertain you. Learn more and contact Donaby here.

CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
Read about what participants of the Writing Workshop were up to at a recent event at the Pinney Library in this brief Curriculum Showcase article. These PLATO members are proof that “Ordinary people truly live extraordinary lives!” 

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERING
SAVE THE DATES! Second "Summertime" Friday Breakfasts – on June 14, July 12 and August 9 we will return to meeting outside at the UW-Memorial Union Terrace at 10am. More details, including parking tips, are coming soon. Breakfasts at the Lakeside Street Coffee House will resume on September 13, 2024.

FIELD TRIP
NEXT MONTH! Join us to tour the new Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) Center for Music on Monday, June 10 from 2:00 – 3:15pm. Located on Madison's near-east side on the site of the old Avenue Bar, this architecturally impressive building has a state-of-the-art rehearsal space for orchestras and ensembles of all sizes, studio teaching spaces for area musicians, administrative offices, and a music library. This tour is free for PLATO members and guests. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIP
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, August 29, 2024. We will be travel via coach for an American Player's Theater production of The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool.Watch Tracy Michelle Arnold, Jim DeVita, Josh Krause and Nancy Rodriguez in a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning queen. Full details and registration information coming soon!

LECTURES
Expand your knowledge base with recorded PLATO Lectures on important issues facing our communities and planet.

Election Results for PLATO 2024 - 2025 Board 

The annual election is now completed. Congratulations to President J. K. Cheema, Vice President Jack Mitchell, Treasurer Rod McKenzie, Secretary Edie Urness-Pondillo, and two At-Large Directors Barbara Drake and Baxter Richardson. 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, 2024. Learn about PLATO’s structure, policies, and more on the Organizational Documents webpage.

THE AGORA FEATURES
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal, The Agora,
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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Lake Monona, a photograph by Julie Pretell which reflects the beauty and intrigue of a crepuscular moment in time.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 21 – June 3, 2024 

Garrett Morgan (March 4, 1877 – July 27, 1963) was a prolific inventor who called himself the “Black Edison.” Morgan devised early versions of the traffic light and gas mask. His career began as a sewing-machine mechanic and he would eventually invent a more sophisticated sewing machine which he patented, among other inventions. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Garrett Morgan

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 21, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES

– Registration for Summer Courses continues – find everything you need to know on the Courses Page and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

– Choose from 11 Summer Courses with in-person, virtual, and hybrid options.

– Most begin the week of June 3.

CURRICULUM SPOTLIGHT
NEW! Read about what participants of the Writing Workshop were up to at a recent event at the Pinney Library in this brief Curriculum Showcase article. These PLATO members are proof that “Ordinary people truly live extraordinary lives!” 

SPECIAL EVENTS

SPRING WALK
TOMORROW! Wednesday, May 22 at 9am – A Spring Walk in the Woods: Stewart Lake County Park. There are still spots left – registration is recommended. Learn more and register here.

THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on May 24 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Atwood Ave. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea over friendly conversation. Food options are limited but now include breakfast burritos and doughnuts! Feel free to bring a family member or friend who may be interested in PLATO. RSVP via email with Catherine Masi or new co-host Donaby Henton – learn more and find their email addresses to RSVP here.

FIELD TRIP
NEXT MONTH! Join us to tour the new Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) Center for Music on Monday, June 10 from 2:00 – 3:15pm. Located on Madison's near-east side on the site of the old Avenue Bar, this architecturally impressive building has a state-of-the-art rehearsal space for orchestras and ensembles of all sizes, studio teaching spaces for area musicians, administrative offices, and a music library. This tour is free for PLATO members and guests. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIP
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, August 29, 2024. We will be travel via coach for an American Player's Theater production of The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool.Watch Tracy Michelle Arnold, Jim DeVita, Josh Krause and Nancy Rodriguez in a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning queen. Full details and registration information coming soon!

LECTURES
Learn something new with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and special guest presenters.

Election Results for PLATO 2024 - 2025 Board 

The annual election is now completed. Congratulations to President J. K. Cheema, Vice President Jack Mitchell, Treasurer Rod McKenzie, Secretary Edie Urness-Pondillo, and two At-Large Directors Barbara Drake and Baxter Richardson. 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, 2024. Learn about PLATO’s structure, policies, and more on the Organizational Documents webpage.

THE AGORA FEATURES
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal, The Agora,
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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Lake Monona, a photograph by Julie Pretell which reflects the beauty and intrigue of a crepuscular moment in time.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for May 21 – June 3, 2024 

Garrett Morgan (March 4, 1877 – July 27, 1963) was a prolific inventor who called himself the “Black Edison.” Morgan devised early versions of the traffic light and gas mask. His career began as a sewing-machine mechanic and he would eventually invent a more sophisticated sewing machine which he patented, among other inventions. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Garrett Morgan

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 14, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES

· Registration for Summer Courses continues – find everything you need to know on the Courses Page and contact the Course Coordinator to register.

· Choose from 11 Summer Courses with in-person, virtual, and hybrid options.

· Most begin the week of June 3.

SPECIAL EVENTS

TODAY! Reminder for registered members – PLATO's Member Appreciation Lunch & Annual Meeting 2024 on Tuesday, May 14 from 11:30am – 2:30pm. Review the Schedule of Events and Important parking details here.

SPRING WALK
NEXT WEEK! Wednesday, May 22 at 9am – A Spring Walk in the Woods: Stewart Lake County Park. Learn more and register here.

FIELD TRIP
NEW! Join us to tour the new Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras (WYSO) Center for Music on Monday, June 10 from 2:00 – 3:15pm. Located on Madison's near-east side on the site of the old Avenue Bar, this architecturally impressive building has a state-of-the-art rehearsal space for orchestras and ensembles of all sizes, studio teaching spaces for area musicians, administrative offices, and a music library. This tour is free for PLATO members and guests. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIP
SAVE THE DATE! Thursday, August 29, 2024. We will be travel via coach for an American Player's Theater production of The Virgin Queen Entertains Her Fool.Watch Tracy Michelle Arnold, Jim DeVita, Josh Krause and Nancy Rodriguez in a wild, theatrical ride through the final hours of a waning queen. Full details and registration information coming soon!

LECTURES
Enjoy recorded PLATO Lectures on a wide array of timely topics.

THE AGORA FEATURES
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal, The Agora,
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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Lake Monona, a photograph by Julie Pretell which reflects the beauty and intrigue of a crepuscular moment in time.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for April 30 – May 20, 2024 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about CLIMB USA 

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 7, 2024

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
NEW! 

· Summer Courses are open for registration – find all you need to know on the Courses Page and contact the Course Coordinator to register!

· There are 11 Summer Courses with in-person, virtual and hybrid, options.

· Most begin the week of June 3.

PLATO WRITERS READ
NEW! Wednesday, May 8, 1:00-3:00pm – PLATO Writers Read at the Pinney Library Community Room located on 516 Cottage Grove Road. There is plenty of free parking behind the building. Come listen to fellow PLATO writers share their work! Email Andy Millman at mill60062@yahoo.com with questions.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THIS WEEK!Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy socializing with fellow members over coffee and breakfast snacks on Friday, May 10 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! Reminder for registered members – PLATO's Member Appreciation Lunch & Annual Meeting 2024 on Tuesday, May 14 from 11:30am – 2:30pm. Review the Schedule of Events and Important parking details here.

SPRING WALK
SAVE THE DATE! Wednesday, May 22 at 9am – A Spring Walk in the Woods: Stewart Lake County Park. More details coming soon! 

LECTURES
Expand your horizons with recorded PLATO Lectures presented by fellow members and their special guest presenters.

ELECTION FOR PLATO 2024-25 BOARD

Last chance to vote – the poll will close on May 8 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! Tomorrow, May 8, is the last day to vote!

THE AGORA FEATURES
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal, The Agora,
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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Lake Monona, a photograph by Julie Pretell which reflects the beauty and intrigue of a crepuscular moment in time.

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

DID YOU KNOW? for April 30 – May 20, 2024 

Did you know that one of the local community programs that PLATO's Education Fund supports is CLIMB USA? PLATO's annual donation supports expanding the participation of Madison Area Students in The CLIMB Youth Leadership and Summer Stock Market Experience Programs.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about CLIMB USA 

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 30, 2024

CURRICULUM

SPECIAL EVENTS

THIS WEEK! Donald County Park Walk on Thursday, May 2, from 9am – 11:30am. Learn more and register here.

NEXT MONTH! Second Friday Breakfast – enjoy socializing with fellow members over coffee and breakfast snacks on Friday, May 10 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside Street Coffee House. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. Guests are welcome, so feel free to bring a friend who may be interested in PLATO! Learn more and RSVP here. 

LECTURES
Dive into timely topics with recorded PLATO Lectures presented by fellow members and their special guest presenters.

ELECTION FOR PLATO 2024-25 BOARD
Voting is underway and will close on May 8 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 FEATURES
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal, The Agora,
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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Papa's Barn, an acrylic painting by Joanna Kutter, created in memory of her dear father and his dream of being a farmer. 

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

DID YOU KNOW? for April 30 – May 13, 2024 

Did you know that one of the local community programs that PLATO's Education Fund supports is CLIMB USA? PLATO's annual donation supports expanding the participation of Madison Area Students in The CLIMB Youth Leadership and Summer Stock Market Experience Programs.

CLIMB USA’s mission is to help teens and young adults improve their financial capability through education and capital market engagement.

CLIMB USA is developing a community of youth and families that are  learning new ways of thinking about economics through a focus on youth development, building wealth through investment clubs, entrepreneurial training, and thought leadership.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about CLIMB USA 

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 23, 2024

ELECTION FOR PLATO 2024-25 BOARD
Begins Wednesday, April 24

Read about the 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 for a PLATO email tomorrow, Wednesday, April 24, with your link to the Ballot. Voting will close on Wednesday, May 8, at midnight.

CURRICULUM

SPECIAL EVENTS

SPRING WALKS
NEXT WEEK! Join us for our rescheduled walk at Donald County Park on Thursday, May 2, from 9am – 11:30am. Ken Bradbury, a retired geologist, and Donna Thomas, a member of the Friends Group, will be our docents. Registration is required. If you were registered for this walk previously, which was cancelled due to rain, you will need to re-register. Learn more and register here.

COFFEE GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee on April 26 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Madison's near east side. Enjoy the company of fellow PLATO members over a cup of coffee or tea. Learn more and RSVP here.

THEATER TRIP
NEXT MONTH! Nina Simone: Four Women – Join us for this matinee on Sunday, May 5 at 2pm at The Milwaukee Rep. This play shines a light on how Nina Simone, a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and pianist found her true calling and gave voice to the Civil Rights movement through impactful and inspirational songs. There are still some seats available! Learn more and register here. Also, see the Did You Know feature under the Social Justice and Readings section below to learn more about Nina Simone, a phenom who is ranked No. 21 on Rolling Stones’ list of 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

LECTURES
In the spirit of Earth Day, check out new recorded PLATO Lectures. Recent guest presenters in the Pathways to a Sustainable Planet course included Dr. Terri Allendorf and Curt Meine in lectures on the topic of community land conservation.

REGISTRATION CLOSES THIS FRIDAY
PLATO Member Appreciation Lunch & Annual Meeting
This is a complimentary event and members may invite a guest!

Members are invited to attend this this lively social event which features keynote speaker Charles Franklin, Director of the Marquette Law School Poll on the topic of The Outlook for the 2024 Elections in Wisconsin and the Nation. Enjoy lunch, the annual PLATO business meeting, door prizes and more! Registration is required and will close on Friday, April 26. Learn more and register here.

THE AGORA FEATURES
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal, The Agora,
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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Papa's Barn, an acrylic painting by Joanna Kutter, created in memory of her dear father and his dream of being a farmer. 

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

DID YOU KNOW? for April 16 – 29, 2024 

Nina Simone (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003) was born to black parents in North Carolina during the Jim Crow era. Simone was a piano prodigy who performed classical concerts by age 12. The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and pianist was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Simone is ranked No. 21 on Rolling Stones’ list of 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Nina Simone 
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 16, 2024

CURRICULUM

SPECIAL EVENTS

Through November, PLATO will offer a variety of nature walks in and around Dane County. Each will be about 2.5 miles in distance and take about 2.5 hours to complete, and each will feature local flora, fauna and culture. Some walks will be docent-led! Our first walk at Donald County Park on Wednesday, April 17, at 9:00am will be led by Ken Bradbury, a retired geologist, and Donna Thomas, a member of the Friends Group, who will bring the farm and local culture to life. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
Fourth Friday Coffee on April 26 from 9:30-11:30am at the Rotunda Café on Madison's near east side. Enjoy a cuppa your favorite morning beverage and lively conversation with fellow PLATO members. Learn more and RSVP here.

THEATER TRIP
NEXT MONTH! Nina Simone: Four Women – Join us for this matinee on Sunday, May 5 at 2pm at The Milwaukee Rep. This play shines a light on how Nina Simone, a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and pianist found her true calling and gave voice to the Civil Rights movement through impactful and inspirational songs. There are still some seats available! Learn more and register here. Also, see the Did You Know feature under the Social Justice and Readings section below to learn more about Nina Simone, a phenom who is ranked No. 21 on Rolling Stones’ list of 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

LECTURES
In the spirit of Earth Day, check out new recorded PLATO Lectures – recent guest presenters in the Pathways to a Sustainable Planet course included Dr. Terri Allendorf on the topic of sustaining biodiversity through community conservation and Curt Meine, a well-known author who serves as Senior Fellow with the Aldo Leopold Foundation in Baraboo, Wisconsin on the topic of community land conservation and the reuse of the Badger Army Ammunition plant lands in Sauk County, Wisconsin.

ELECTION FOR PLATO 2024-25 BOARD
Begins Wednesday, April 24

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 24 with your link to the Ballot. Voting will close on Wednesday, May 8, at midnight.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
PLATO Member Appreciation Lunch & Annual Meeting
This is a complimentary event and members may invite a guest!

Members are invited to attend this this lively social event which features keynote speaker Charles Franklin, Director of the Marquette Law School Poll on the topic of The Outlook for the 2024 Elections in Wisconsin and the Nation. Enjoy lunch, the annual PLATO business meeting, door prizes and more! Registration is required and will close on Friday, April 26. Learn more and register here.

THE AGORA FEATURES
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal, The Agora,
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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Papa's Barn, an acrylic painting by Joanna Kutter, created in memory of her dear father and his dream of being a farmer. 

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

DID YOU KNOW? for April 16 – 29, 2024 

Nina Simone (February 21, 1933 – April 21, 2003) was born to black parents in North Carolina during the Jim Crow era. Simone was a piano prodigy who performed classical concerts by age 12. The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and pianist was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. Simone is ranked No. 21 on Rolling Stones’ list of 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Nina Simone 
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 9, 2024

CURRICULUM

SPECIAL EVENTS

NEW! Through November, PLATO will offer a variety of docent-led walks in and around Dane County. Each will be about 2.5 miles in distance and take about 2.5 hours to complete, and each will feature local flora, fauna and culture. Our first walk at Donald County Park on Wednesday, April 17, at 9:00am will be led by Ken Bradbury, a retired geologist, and Donna Thomas, a member of the Friends Group, who will bring the farm and local culture to life. Registration is required. Learn more and register here.

BREAKFAST GATHERING
THIS WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast – make new PLATO friends over coffee, breakfast snacks, and conversation on Friday, April 12 from 9:30 – 11:30am at Lakeside St. Coffee House. Seating is on both the main floor and downstairs levels. You will need to climb a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level. Bring a friend – guests are welcome! Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Explore recorded PLATO Lectures on many interesting subjects introduced by PLATO members and their special guest presenters.

THEATER TRIP
Nina Simone: Four Women – Join us for a matinee performance at The Milwaukee Rep's Quadracci Powerhouse Theater on Sunday, May 5 at 2pm. Nina Simone created some of our most powerful Civil Rights anthems. This play with music shines a light on how she found her true calling and gave voice to a movement through impactful and inspirational songs. Learn more and register here.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
PLATO Member Appreciation Lunch & Annual Meeting
This is a complimentary event and members may invite a guest!

Members are invited to attend this this lively social event which features keynote speaker Charles Franklin, Director of the Marquette Law School Poll on the topic of The Outlook for the 2024 Elections in Wisconsin and the Nation. Enjoy lunch, the annual PLATO business meeting, door prizes and more! Registration is required and will close on Friday, April 26. Learn more and register here.

THE AGORA FEATURES
PLATO's Literary & Fine Arts Journal, The Agora,
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. 

This Month's Featured Offering is Papa's Barn, an acrylic painting by Joanna Kutter, created in memory of her dear father and his dream of being a farmer. 

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

DID YOU KNOW? for April 2 – 15, 2024 

Amar Bose, born on November 2, 1929 as the son of Indian immigrant parents, became interested in technology at age 13 when he started repairing model trains to help support his family. Bose graduated with a BS in Electrical Engineering in the early 1950’s and eventually developed Bose stereo speakers which are now considered the industry standard. 

Visit the Social Justice page for more about Amar Bose 

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).