PLATO Weekly Update

September 30, 2025

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· This fall semester features 35 courses with 21 in-person, 12 virtual and 2 hybrid options.

· It's not too late to register for some, including 12 of our courses which offer unlimited participation – email the PLATO office for this course list.

· Find the fall course schedule on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register.

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Learn how some PLATO courses are allowing members to participate both virtually and in person in this brief article: Cluster Hybrid Courses. Explore additional Curriculum topics through past articles in the Curriculum Showcase.

To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage.

SPECIAL EVENTS

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

THIS WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering (note the new location and time) at Panera Breadlocated at 601 Junction Road on Friday, October 3, from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Lakeside Street Coffee House on October 10, from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEW! Third Friday Lunch Gathering at the Great Dane Pub on the East Side on Jupiter Drive on October 17, from 11:30am-1:30pm. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Save the Dates – review this flyer for lecture dates through December 2025!

NEXT WEEK! Beyond Politics: The Content of Wisconsin's Character, Past & Present by award-winning journalist and whistleblower Mike McCabe on Thursday, October 9 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

Immigration Law: History and Current Status by Raluca Vais-Ottosen, attorney and Chair of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association on Thursday, October 23 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

Beyond Alexa & Siri: AI, Your Digital Dignity, and an Empowered Future by Dr. Hank Weiss (PhD, MPH, MS), an experienced epidemiologist and AI advocate at JBS International. This lecture on Thursday, November 6 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center will provide a compelling and empowering introduction to AI, focusing on the crucial concept of digital dignity for older adults. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here. 

FIELD TRIPS

There are several spots left! Join us on a field trip to Fond du Lac on Wednesday, November 5to visit the historic Hotel Retlaw which has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. Three more fun stops include Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats, Lakeside Park and Lighthouse. and Christmas Kringle Shoppe. 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. Registration deadline is Monday, October 13.Registration is required and members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

TODAY! Tour of the Overture Center on Tuesday, September 30 from 1:00-2:30pm. Previously registered guests may review details here.

THEATER TRIPS
PLATO's new theater trip season is underway! Registration is now open for a matinee production of The 39 Steps at American Players Theatre – find details below. Following this are several new Milwaukee Rep productions in their brand new theaters. In June 2026 we hope to revisit Chicago’s Goodman Theatre with another new play. Learn more about theater trips with this flyer!

The 39 Steps – 1pm Matinee on Tuesday, November 18 at American Players Theatre. "A seductive spy story based on all the best noir, with a hearty comic twist – think North by Northwest, but by Noël Coward. All brought to gleeful life by four incredible actors playing over 100 characters!"Registration is required and members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

THIS WEEK! The Chazen Museum of Art excursion on Friday, October 3, from 1:00-3:00pm withDr. Alan Garfield. This is offered through PLATO's Pilot Program and registration is full – previously registered guests should review their confirmation email sent by info@platomadison.org for details.

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

DRUM ROLL PLEASE... The Agora, Volume 9, will be arriving in the mailboxes of members who requested to receive a hard copy within the first two weeks of October with one copy sent per member household. All PLATO members will receive an email this week with access to the digital version.

BIG THANKS go out to all PLATO members who submitted work for inclusion – join us to celebrate their contributions at the PLATO Arts Café on Tuesday, October 28 at 7pm at the Capitol Lakes Grand Hall Auditorium! Learn more here.