Other Activities
The opportunity to make like-minded friends is one of the best parts of PLATO. Groups frequently stay together once an SDG has ended and continue to meet monthly on their topic. Friendships form during breaks and lunches and before and after SDGs. People meet in the lounge and find common interests. PLATO makes it easy to form new connections and make new friends. You are also invited to get involved in running PLATO and planning what we do - another great way to make friends.
The Holiday Party
Every year we celebrate at year end with a lovely party in a lovely and convenient setting on the westside. It is a time to see all of our PLATO friends dressed in their holiday finery (or not) and share conversation, tasty food, champagne, and good cheer.
The Annual Meeting
Every June PLATO sponsors a luncheon to conduct our official business. We elect new officers, thank our outgoing officers, and honor deserving members, all while having fun socializing and table hopping. It is an excellent opportunity to see old friends and make new ones.
The Virtual Lounge
Informal get-togethers on Zoom held weeknights at 4 and Thursday mornings, this offers members a chance to chat and socialize informally. All are welcome.
Colloquia
PLATO is proud to bring to its members and their guests lectures by experts in fields that impact us today. Held at the Skirball Center, our speakers have included Erwin Chemerinsky, Dean of Berkeley Law School; George Gascon, Los Angeles D.A; and Jane Fonda.
Brown Bag Lunches
Lunchtime presentations and/or discussions by members on topics drawn from their personal experiences, interests, and expertise. Topics include Travel, Art, how to demonstrations, guest experts and more. These may be either on Zoom or in-person at Gayley.
.png)
TGIF+ Events
These are diverse events usually offered on a Friday but occasionally at other times. They could be on Zoom or in person. Usually these are discussion groups led by a member but sometimes there is a guest speaker. Topics are varied and could be about, for example, a pre-watched movie, today's political and worldwide situations, the Oscars, or favorite restaurants.
Day Trips
These involve group visits to places of interest in Los Angeles, usually museums or historic sites. In the past we have gone to see the Space Shuttle and to the home of Sam Maloof, California's foremost wood worker and furniture maker. We go all over LA discovering the history, architecture and exhibits that make our city so vibrant.
Foreign Travel
Once a year, PLATO members plan a 2-3 week trip somewhere in the world. Recent trips include Turkey, Sicily, Cuba and China, Slovenia and Croatia.
Annual Getaway
Once a year members go on a 3-day, 2-night retreat at the Brandeis-Bardin Conference Center in Simi Valley. There we socialize, enjoy a variety of activities and hold discussions on myriad topics.
