PLATO Weekly Update

February 1, 2022

CURRICULUM

 SPRING COURSES

Spring Registration is still open with 40 courses to choose from – 17 are in-person, 22 are virtual and one is via email. Four of these courses are hybrid, meaning there is an in-person or virtual option. Learn more on the COURSES webpage. 

And, please take a moment to review how to help make courses pleasant for all PLATO members by reading this brief article. 

 REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person courses:

· Wear masks inside of Host Location buildings.

· Follow social distancing guidelines.

· Follow any additional guidelines required at Host Locations - visit the Courses Page or check with your course coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES
NEW! Do you speak Badger? Join Professor Joe Salmons as he leads us in an informative and fun conversation on Wisconsin English – pronunciations, words, associations, and grammar. This is a virtual lecture and registration is required.

Also, explore archived PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics. 

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
Join us on Friday, February 11th at 9:30am for good company and food at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street in the heart of the Willy Street neighborhood. RSVP and other COVID-19 Protocols are required. RSVP and learn more here.

THEATER TRIPS 
Our trip to see a matinee of a Beatles-inspired version of As You Like It at the Milwaukee Rep on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 is now full but you can still join the wait list. Interwoven into Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, the production features more than 20 Beatles songs performed live, including "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand". We will take a chartered bus with convenient pick-up/drop-off stops around Madison. Registration and other COVID-19 protocols are required. Join the wait list and learn more here.

REMINDER 
These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person special events:

· Masks are required at all times, except while eating.

· You will need to show: 

o   A picture ID.

o   Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of negative results of a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to the event. The test must be issued by a medical provider or pharmacy. At home tests will not be accepted. 

· You will not be allowed to join the event without providing acceptable documentation.

· Please stay home if you are not feeling well and contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

COVID-19 UPDATE

PLEASE READ the latest advice from PLATO’s COVID-19 Workgroup which provides recommendations about the most effective types of masks and a link to request four free at-home tests from the U.S. Government.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

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

Our Biweekly Featured Offering for January 25th - February 7th is Coastline, a poem by Nancy Cross Dunham, inspired by a photograph she took on retreat in Hawaii that she calls "a visual meditation on impermanence".

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Winter reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for February 1 - 13, 2022

Dr. Charles E. Anderson was the first black man to receive a PhD in Meteorology (MIT, 1960) and first black man to earn tenure at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He was a Dean at UW-Madison (in the 1970’s and 1980’s), pioneered research and work that involved minimizing contrails of high-altitude aircrafts, worked extensively as a leading expert on severe storms and tornadoes, and made discoveries in the meteorology of other planets. 

Dr. Anderson was not only a distinguished scientist and meteorologist, but also an African American Studies scholar and teacher, serving as Professor of Afro-American Studies for several years at UW-Madison.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about Charles E. Anderson & 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 

January 25, 2022

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Spring Registration continues with 40 courses available! 17 are in-person, 22 are virtual and one is via email. Four of these courses are hybrid, meaning there is an in-person or virtual option. Learn more on the newly formatted COURSES webpage. 

Also, please read this article about how to help make courses pleasant for everyone – it offers some ideas for contributing to a congenial setting. 

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person courses:

· Wear masks inside of Host Location buildings.

· Follow social distancing guidelines.

· Follow any additional guidelines required at Host Locations - visit the Courses Page or check with your course coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS 
NOW is the time to sign up! Join us to see a matinee of a Beatles-inspired version of As You Like It at the Milwaukee Rep on Wednesday, March 16, 2022. We will take a chartered bus with convenient pick-up/drop-off stops around Madison. Although the sign-up deadline is February 15, if sufficient numbers don't register by February 8 (or if COVID interferes), the trip may be cancelled. Interwoven into Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, the production features more than 20 Beatles songs performed live, including "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand". Registration and other COVID-19 protocols are required. Register and learn more here.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
Join us next month for good company and food on Friday, February 11th at 9:30am at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street in the heart of the Willy Street neighborhood. RSVP and other COVID-19 Protocols are required. RSVP and learn more here.

REMINDER 
These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person special events:

· Masks are required at all times, except while eating.

· You will need to show: 

o   A picture ID.

o   Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of negative results of a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to the event. The test must be issued by a medical provider or pharmacy. At home tests will not be accepted. 

· You will not be allowed to join the event without providing acceptable documentation.

· Please stay home if you are not feeling well and contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

LECTURES
Peruse our archive of PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics.

COVID-19 UPDATE

PLEASE READ the latest advice from PLATO’s COVID-19 Workgroup featuring recommendations about the most effective types of masks and a link to request four free at-home tests from the U.S. Government.

CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS

LAST CALL! Each year we need members to serve on the board of directors. This is your opportunity to suggest names of members who you think might help lead our organization. The Nominating Committee seeks names for one at-large board position (3-year term) and for vice-president. Please send your suggestions to info@platomadison.org with the subject line "BoardNominations" by January 31. Remember, PLATO depends on volunteers to make its programs successful!

EATURED AGORA WORKS

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

Our Biweekly Featured Offering for January 25th - February 7th is Coastline, a poem by Nancy Cross Dunham, inspired by a photograph she took on retreat in Hawaii that she calls "a visual meditation on impermanence".

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Winter reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

BOOK LISTING – HELL OF A BOOK" by Jason Mott is one of The Washington Post's 50 Notable Works of Fiction and The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Best Books of 2021. For more on this acclaimed novel, click the Social Justice Webpage button below.

DID YOU KNOW? for January 18 – 31, 2022

Did You Know…Zaila Avant-Garde,14 years old, spelled “m-u-r-r-a-y-a”, a genus of tropical Asiatic and Australian trees, to clinch a victory at last year’s (2021) Scripps National Spelling Bee. Avant-Garde is the first Black American champion in the competition’s 96 year history. Spelling is not Avant-Garde’s only talent….

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about
Zaila Avant-Garde & 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

January 18, 2022

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
NEW – Spring Registration is now open! Choose from 40 courses this Spring – 17 in person, 22 virtual and one via email. Four of these courses are hybrid, meaning there is the option to attend in person or virtually. Find everything you want and need to know here on the new COURSES webpage. 

And please, let’s make PLATO courses pleasant for everyone – this article offers some ideas for how to contribute to creating a congenial atmosphere. 

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person courses:

· Wear masks inside of Host Location buildings.

· Follow social distancing guidelines.

· Follow any additional guidelines required at Host Locations - visit the Courses Page or check with your course coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS 
Live theater trips are back! Hop our chartered bus to a matinee at the Milwaukee Rep on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, for a Beatles-inspired version of As You Like It. Interwoven into Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, the production features more than 20 Beatles songs performed live, including "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand". Registration and other COVID-19 protocols are required. Register and learn more here

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
Our first Breakfast Gathering of the year was a great success. Join us next month on Friday, February 11th at 9:30am at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street in the heart of the Willy Street neighborhood. RSVP and other COVID-19 Protocols are required. RSVP and learn more here.

REMINDER 
These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person special events:

· Masks are required at all times, except while eating.

· You will need to show: 

o   A picture ID.

o   Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of negative results of a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to the event. The test must be issued by a medical provider or pharmacy. At home tests will not be accepted. 

· You will not be allowed to join the event without providing acceptable documentation.

· Please stay home if you are not feeling well and contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

LECTURES
Peruse our archive of PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics.

CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS

PLATO depends on volunteers to make its programs successful. Each year we need members who wish to be considered for service on the board of directors. This is your opportunity to suggest names to the Nominating Committee of members who you think might help lead the organization. The Nominating Committee is seeking names for one at-large board position (3-year term) and for vice-president. Please send your suggestions to info@platomadison.org with the subject line BoardNominations by January 31.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

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

Our Biweekly Featured Offering for January 11th - 24th is Brother Older Than Myself, a poem by Barbara Carson, which celebrates the special relationship that siblings can share.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Winter reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

NEW BOOK LISTING – HELL OF A BOOK" by Jason Mott is one of The Washington Post's 50 Notable Works of Fiction and The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Best Books of 2021. For more on this acclaimed novel, click the Social Justice Webpage button below.

DID YOU KNOW? for January 18 – 31, 2022

Did You Know…Zaila Avant-Garde,14 years old, spelled “m-u-r-r-a-y-a”, a genus of tropical Asiatic and Australian trees, to clinch a victory at last year’s (2021) Scripps National Spelling Bee. Avant-Garde is the first Black American champion in the competition’s 96 year history. Spelling is not Avant-Garde’s only talent….

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about
Zaila Avant-Garde & 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 

January 11, 2022

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Spring Course Registration begins next week Tuesday, January 18th, with in-person, virtual and hybrid options available. 

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person courses:

· Wear masks inside of Host Location buildings.

· Follow social distancing guidelines.

· Follow any additional guidelines required at Host Locations - visit the Courses Page or check with your course coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
THIS WEEK! Join us on Friday, January 14th at 9:30am for our first Breakfast Gathering of 2022 at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street in the heart of the Willy Street neighborhood. RSVP and other COVID-19 Protocols are required. RSVP and learn more here.

THEATER TRIPS 
Live theater trips are back! Hop our chartered bus to a matinee at the Milwaukee Rep on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, for a Beatles-inspired version of As You Like It. Interwoven into Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, the production features more than 20 Beatles songs performed live, including "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand". Registration and other COVID-19 protocols are required. Register and learn more here.

REMINDER 
These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person special events:

· Masks are required at all times, except while eating.

· You will need to show: 

o   A picture ID.

o   Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of negative results of a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to the event. The test must be issued by a medical provider or pharmacy. At home tests will not be accepted. 

· You will not be allowed to join the event without providing acceptable documentation.

· Please stay home if you are not feeling well and contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

LECTURES
Peruse our archive of PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics.

CALL FOR BOARD NOMINATIONS

PLATO depends on volunteers to make its programs successful. Each year we need members who wish to be considered for service on the board of directors. This is your opportunity to suggest names to the Nominating Committee of members who you think might help lead the organization. The Nominating Committee is seeking names for one at-large board position (3-year term) and for vice-president. Please send your suggestions to info@platomadison.org with the subject line BoardNominations by January 31.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

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

Our Biweekly Featured Offering for January 11th - 25th is Brother Older Than Myself, a poem by Barbara Carson, which celebrates the special relationship that siblings can share.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Winter reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for January 4 - 17, 2022

Did You Know…The inventor of the first home security system was Marie Van Brittan Brown, a black woman from New York. She is also credited with the invention of the first closed circuit television. The patent for the invention was filed in 1966 and it later influenced modern home security systems that are still used today.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about
Marie Van Brittan Brown & 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

January 4, 2022

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
NEW! Film History begins this week; three more Winter Courses will start next week. 

SPRING COURSES
Spring Course Registration will open on Tuesday, January 18th.

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person courses:

· Wear masks inside of Host Location buildings.

· Follow social distancing guidelines.

· Follow any additional guidelines required at Host Locations - visit the Courses Page or check with your course coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS 
NEW! Live theater trips are back! Join our bus to a matinee at the Milwaukee Rep on Wednesday, March 16, 2022, for a Beatles-inspired version of As You Like It. Interwoven into Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, the production features more than 20 Beatles songs performed live, including "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand". Registration and other COVID-19 protocols are required. Register and learn more here.

REMINDER 
These COVID-19 Protocols are required for in-person special events:

· Masks are required at all times, except while eating.

· You will need to show:

o   A picture ID.

o   Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of negative results of a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to the event. The test must be issued by a medical provider or pharmacy. At home tests will not be accepted. 

· You will not be allowed to join the event without providing acceptable documentation.

· Please stay home if you are not feeling well and contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS
Join us for our first Breakfast Gathering of the new year on Friday, January 14th at 9:30am at The Marquette Hotel Café, located at 414 South Baldwin Street in the heart of the Willy Street neighborhood. RSVP and other COVID-19 Protocols are required. RSVP and learn more here.

VIRTUAL LECTURES

Enjoy recordings of PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics. 

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

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

Our Biweekly Featured Offerings will continue next week, January 11th. In the meantime, check out the digital version of The Agora, Volume 7, 2021!

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Winter reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? for January 4 - 17, 2022

Did You Know…The inventor of the first home security system was Marie Van Brittan Brown, a black woman from New York. She is also credited with the invention of the first closed circuit television. The patent for the invention was filed in 1966 and it later influenced modern home security systems that are still used today.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about
Marie Van Brittan Brown & 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 

December 21, 2021

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Winter Course Registration continues – review our course offerings and contact the course coordinator via phone or email to register. Please note that Spring Course Registration will open on Tuesday, January 18th.

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols continue to be in place for in-person participants:

· Wear masks inside of Host Location buildings.

· Follow social distancing guidelines.

· Follow any additional guidelines required at Host Locations - visit the Courses Page or check with your course coordinator.

SPECIAL EVENTS

NEW! Theater Trips and Breakfast Gatherings will resume in 2022! Please note that these COVID-19 Protocols are required to attend these in-person events:

· Masks are required at all times, except while eating.

· You will need to show: 

o   A picture ID.

o   Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of negative results of a COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to the event. The test must be issued by a medical provider or pharmacy. At home tests will not be accepted. 

· You will not be allowed to join the event without providing acceptable documentation.

· Please stay home if you are not feeling well and contact the trip organizer to inform them of your decision.

BREAKFAST GATHERINGS

NEW! Join us for a Breakfast Gathering on Friday, January 14th at 9:30am at The Marquette Hotel Cafe, located at 414 South Baldwin Street in the heart of the fun and funky Willy Street neighborhood. This will be the first of what we intend to be monthly breakfasts in several locations during 2022. All participants must follow PLATO's COVID-19 Protocols for in-person events listed above and RSVP. Find more details and RSVP information here.

THEATER 

NEW! Madison Savoyards presents An Evening with Gilbert and Sullivan, premiering at 2:30pm on December 26th. Recorded for the University League's Candlelight Concert, this free YouTube offering includes a Christmas version of Three Little Maids from School and other favorites from this delightful duo. 

Also, check out these Virtual Theater Trips which are frequently updated.

LECTURES

Enjoy archived Recordings of PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics. 

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

PLEASE NOTE - In light of the holidays, there will be no Weekly Update next week; the Weekly Update will resume on Tuesday, January 4th. Sending best wishes for a safe, happy and healthy holiday season! 

EDUCATION FUND UPDATE

YEAR-END GIVING - Please consider including PLATO's Education Fund in your charitable gift giving plans to help PLATO continue to provide scholarships for returning adult students at UW-Madison, as well as supporting the Odyssey Project and other local community programs. Since 2012, PLATO has raised more than $205,000, with this year's member donations providing $34,000 to support these educational efforts. Learn more and donate online at PLATO's Donate webpage and send questions to Rod McKenzie: rod.mckenzie@mail.tds.net.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

The digital version of The Agora, Volume 7, 2021 is now online!

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

Our Featured Offering through January 4th is Bridge a photograph by Bill Eisinger, an apt metaphor for these challenging times.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your Winter reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? December 14 - January 4, 2022

Did You Know… Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink of Hawaii, was the first woman of color and the first Asian-American woman to serve in the U.S. Congress. She was also the first Asian-American to run for President.

Mink is known for writing bills like Title IX (later named the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act), the Early Childhood Education Act, and Women’s Educational Equity Act.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about
Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink & 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

December 14, 2021

CURRICULUM

NEW! Winter Course Registration opens today – review our course offerings and contact the course coordinator via phone or email to register. Please note that Spring Course Registration will open on Tuesday, January 18th.

REMINDER

These COVID-19 Protocols continue to be in place for in-person participants:

· Wear masks inside of Host Location buildings.

· Follow social distancing guidelines.

· Follow any additional guidelines required at Host Locations - visit the Courses Page or check with your course coordinator.

EXPRESSING GRATITUDE
"Course coordinators are the lights in our organization"... writes Paula McKenzie in her recent article to celebrate and give thanks to course coordinators who retired in 2020 and 2021. Course coordinators help make PLATO a community where the love of learning never gets old!

SPECIAL EVENTS

IN-PERSON GATHERINGS

COMING SOON! On Friday, January 14, 2022 we will gather for breakfast at The Marquette Hotel Cafe, located at 414 South Baldwin St. in the heart of the funky Willy Street neighborhood. This will be the first of what we intend to be monthly breakfasts in several locations during 2022. Registration will be required and all participants must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID test 72 hours or less before the event. Home tests are not acceptable. The time and registration link will be coming soon, please stay tuned!

VIRTUAL LECTURES & THEATER 

Members are invited to enjoy:

· Past Recordings of PLATO Lectures on a variety of topics. 

· Virtual Theater Trips which are frequently updated.

SELF-GUIDED WALKS

Walking Tours of Dane County: Find descriptions of 11 of the most popular self-guided walks designed to help you locate parking easily and guide you along the trail.

FEATURED AGORA WORKS

Explore the digital version of The Agora, Volume 7, 2021 now online!

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

Our Biweekly Offering through December 28th is Bridge a photograph by Bill Eisinger, an image that serves as a profound metaphor for these challenging times.  

SOCIAL GATHERINGS

COMING SOON! PLATO Breakfasts to resume on Friday, January 14, 2022 – see Special Events section above for more details.

SOCIAL JUSTICE EVENTS & READINGS

Select from a range of topics and formats 

for your late Autumn reading, viewing, or listening, 

curated by PLATO's Diversity Awareness Committee.

DID YOU KNOW? December 14 - December 27, 2021

Did You Know… Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink of Hawaii, was the first woman of color and the first Asian-American woman to serve in the U.S. Congress. She was also the first Asian-American to run for President.

Mink is known for writing bills like Title IX (later named the Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act), the Early Childhood Education Act, and Women’s Educational Equity Act.

Visit the Social Justice Webpage for more about
Patsy Matsu Takemoto Mink & 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).