PLATO Weekly Update

January 27, 2026

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Registration for Spring Courses is underway! There are 37 Spring Courses to choose from including in-person, virtual, and hybrid options. Find a link to the Spring 2026 Course Scheduleon the Courses webpage. 

NEW COURSES
Check out these new Courses coming this Spring: 

The Psychology of Happiness: Mondays from 10am-12pm at Oakwood Village University Woods.

Introduction to Infectious Diseases: Wednesdays from 10am-11:30am Virtually via Zoom.

Living in 1984: Fridays from 10am-11:30am Virtually via Google Meet.

Also, while most Courses will begin the week of February 16, these two will begin early:  

History of the Hollywood Musical starts on Tuesday, February 3

Native Wisconsin starts on Tuesday, February 10

REGISTRATION TIPS
Some courses fill up quickly so if you see a course that interests you, try to sign up right away. If you find out that a course is full, ask if there's a waiting list you could join. Also, there are frequently a variety of courses that offer unlimited participation, so those are a sure bet. 

PLEASE NOTE! Courses that meet virtually or offer a hybrid virtual option will now list the platform they will use under "Location" in their course description. So if you need to download the Zoom app in advance, you will have plenty of time to do so. Learn more in the "Announcements" section at the top of the Spring 2026 Course Schedule webpage.

WINTER COURSES
Have a question about a Winter Course? Find answers on the Courses webpage. 

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
NEW! Learn about Allen May's recent Course Why Free Speech is Not a Free Pass in the latest article in the Curriculum Showcase. 

PLATO POP-UP EVENTS
Providing members with new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow!

NEW! PLATO Pop-Up Men’s Group Discussion – There is a widely shared sense among PLATO members (both men and women) that American boys and men are on a downward trajectory. The disturbing metrics on education, family, work, societal status, etc. all tell the same story. And there is growing literature about this story. If true, what are the causes? And how can we work toward a solution? Enrollment is limited to 20 men.

When: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 10am – 12pm
Where: Covenant Presbyterian Church @ 326 S. Segoe Rd.
Facilitators: Baxter Richardson and Tim Otis
Registration: Complete this form to register by Wednesday, February 11

Click here to learn more or to offer a Pop-Up Event.

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.

NEXT WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on February 6, from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Catherine Masi, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Catherine's email address here.

LECTURES

Download the PLATO Lecture Schedule through April 2026!

NEXT MONTH! March your calendar for these February lectures:

NEXT MONTH! Your Voice in Healthcare: How to Prepare & Partner for Better Outcomes on Thursday, February 12 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her interactive lecture, Angie Ingraham, a Board-Certified, Independent Patient Advocate and founder of True North Patient Advocates, LLC, will identify practical ways to speak up, stay informed, and feel more confident no matter where you are on your healthcare journey.Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Global Entries: Anecdotes from My Travels Abroad on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In his lecture, author Joe Fahey will share his extraordinary adventures while traveling to the ends of the earth and many places in between during his 40-year corporate career working for several multinational companies. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

THIS WEEK! Join us to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! The next Basketball Watch Party is on Saturday, January 31 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!

THEATER TRIPS
SAVE THE DATES! Review this updated schedule for theater trips that will be offered later this spring – destinations include Milwaukee, Fort Atkinson and Chicago!

FIELD TRIPS
COMING SOON! Planning is underway for a variety of exciting field trips so please stay tuned to upcoming Weekly Updates for full details.

PLATO Weekly Update

January 20, 2026

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
THIS WEEK! Registration for Spring Courses is now open! There are 37 Spring Courses to choose from including in-person, virtual, and hybrid options. Find a link to the Spring 2026 Course Schedule on the Courses webpage. Also, while most will begin the week of February 16, these two will begin early:  

History of the Hollywood Musical starts on Tuesday, February 3

Native Wisconsin starts on Tuesday, February 10

REGISTRATION TIPS
Some courses fill up quickly so if you see a course that interests you, try to sign up right away. If you find out that a course is full, ask if there's a waiting list you could join. Also, there are frequently a variety of courses that offer unlimited participation, so those are a sure bet. 

NEW! Courses that meet virtually or offer a hybrid virtual option will now list the platform they will use under "Location" in their course description. So if you need to download the Zoom app in advance, you will have plenty of time to do so. Learn more in the "Announcements" section at the top of the Spring 2026 Course Schedule.

WINTER COURSES
Have a question about a Winter Course? Find answers on the Winter Courses Schedule.

HALF-PRICE MEMBERSHIPS
To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage – now through March 31, memberships are half-price ($30).

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

THIS WEEK! Protecting Due Process & Immigrants in Our Community on Thursday, January 22from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In his lecture, Grant Sovern, a founding attorney and board president of Madison's Community Immigration Law Center, will focus on the challenges of protecting due process rights and the immigrants living in our community. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT WEEK! Lisa Rickert, a fellow PLATO member who presented a lecture last fall on the power of forgiveness based on her experiences working with death row inmates, invites PLATO members to join her for a complimentary monthly conversation to explore ways to heal from anger and resentment and learn the elements of a forgiveness practice. The first informational Forgiveness Cafe will take place on Monday, January 26, from 10:00–11:30am at Oakwood Village University Woods Campus in the Nakoma-Westmoreland Room located at the Heritage Oaks Main Entrance. Registration is not required and parking is free – find more about this location and parking options here. Please email Lisa with any questions you may have at lisa.ann.rickert@gmail.com.

NEXT MONTH!
March your calendar for these February lectures:

Thursday, February 12: Your Voice in Healthcare: How to Prepare and Partner for Better Outcomes, Presented by Angie Ingraham, M.D.

Thursday, February 26, 2026: Global Entries: Anecdotes from My Travels Abroad, Presented by Joe Fahey

Download the PLATO Lecture Schedule through April 2026!

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! Fourth Friday Coffee at the Rotunda Café on January 23 from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT MONTH! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on February 6, from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Catherine Masi, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Catherine's email address here.

NEXT WEEK! Join us to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! The next Basketball Watch Party is on Saturday, January 31 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!

THEATER TRIPS
SAVE THE DATES! Review this updated schedule for theater trips that will be offered later this spring – destinations include Milwaukee, Fort Atkinson and Chicago! Please note that the Fireside Dinner Theatre trip in June will be on Friday June, 19 (there was a typo in last week's email).

FIELD TRIPS
COMING SOON! Planning is underway for a variety of exciting field trips so please stay tuned to upcoming Weekly Updates for full details.

PLATO POP-UP EVENTS
Providing members with new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow!

Click here to learn more or to offer a Pop-Up Event.

PLATO Weekly Update

January 13, 2026

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Winter Courses are underway! If you have a question about a Winter Course, find the Winter Course Schedule on the Courses webpage. 

SPRING COURSES
NEXT WEEK! Registration for Spring Courses opens on Tuesday, January 20! There will be 37 Spring Courses to choose from, with in-person, virtual, and hybrid options. Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 16.  

REGISTRATION TIPS
Some courses fill up quickly so if you see a course that interests you, try to sign up right away. If you find out that a course is full, ask if there's a waiting list you could join. Also, there are frequently a variety of courses that offer unlimited participation, so perhaps expand your horizons by signing up for one of those in the meantime?

HALF-PRICE MEMBERSHIPS
To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage – now through March 31, memberships are half-price ($30).

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

SAVE THE DATES – Download the PLATO Lecture Schedule through April 2026!

THIS WEEK! Memories of My Childhood on Badger Creek on Thursday, January 15 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Peggy Prilaman Marxen will discuss her book, The Farm on Badger Creek: Memories of a Midwest Girlhood, which shares her memories of a rustic childhood in rural northern Wisconsin. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT WEEK! Protecting Due Process & Immigrants in Our Community on Thursday, January 22 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In his lecture, Grant Sovern, a founding attorney and board president of Madison's Community Immigration Law Center, will focus on the challenges of protecting due process rights and the immigrants living in our community. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

PAST RECORDINGS
Pique your curiosity with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters.

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! Third Friday Lunch Gathering at the Great Dane Pub on the East Side on Jupiter Drive on January 16, from 11:30am-1:30pm. RSVP via email to Sue Ellerhorst, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Sue's email address here.

THIS WEEK! Join us to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! The next Basketball Watch Party is on Saturday, January 17 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!

THEATER TRIPS
SAVE THE DATES! Review this revised schedule for theater trips that will be offered later this spring – destinations include Milwaukee, Fort Atkinson and Chicago!

FIELD TRIPS
COMING SOON! Planning is underway for a variety of exciting field trips so please stay tuned to upcoming Weekly Updates for full details.

PLATO POP-UP EVENTS
Providing members with new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow!

Click here to learn more or to offer a Pop-Up Event.

PLATO Weekly Update

January 6, 2026

HALF-PRICE PLATO MEMBERSHIPS

To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage. And be sure to tell your family and friends that Half-Year Memberships ($30) are available for January 1 – July 31, 2026!

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Most Winter Courses begin this week – review the Winter Course Schedule on the Courses webpage. Also, please note that Fictional Detectives has been cancelled for this term and Gentle Chair Yoga for Stress Reduction, a drop-in course on Friday afternoons, is still accepting registrations.

SPRING COURSES
NEW! Mark your calendar:

· Registration for Spring Courses opens on Tuesday, January 20

· Most Spring Courses will begin the week of February 16

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS

NEXT WEEK! There are three spaces left! Join us for BEEHIVE on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson to celebrate the powerful female voices of the 1960's. 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. The registration deadline is this Thursday, January 8. Learn more and register here. 

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! Second Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Lakeside Street Coffee House on January 9 from 9:30-11:30am. If you are new to this gathering, please RSVP via email to Sharon Scrattish, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Sharon's email address here.

NEXT WEEK! Third Friday Lunch Gathering at the Great Dane Pub on the East Side on Jupiter Drive on January 16, from 11:30am-1:30pm. RSVP via email to Sue Ellerhorst, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Sue's email address here.

LECTURES

SAVE THE DATES – Download the PLATO Lecture Schedule through April 2026!

NEXT WEEK! Memories of My Childhood on Badger Creek on Thursday, January 15 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Peggy Prilaman Marxen will discuss her book, The Farm on Badger Creek: Memories of a Midwest Girlhood, which shares her memories of a rustic childhood in rural northern Wisconsin. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

THIS MONTH! Protecting Due Process & Immigrants in Our Community on Thursday, January 22 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In his lecture, Grant Sovern, a founding attorney and board president of Madison's Community Immigration Law Center, will focus on the challenges of protecting due process rights and the immigrants living in our community. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

PAST RECORDINGS
Learn something new with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters.

PLATO POP-UP EVENTS
Providing members with new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow!

Click here to learn more or to offer a Pop-Up Event.

THIS MONTH! Join us to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! The next Basketball Watch Party is on Saturday, January 17 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!

PLATO Weekly Update

December 30, 2025

CURRICULUM

To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage. And be sure to tell your family and friends that Half-Year Memberships ($30) are available for January 1 – July 31, 2026!

WINTER COURSES
Registration for Winter Courses is underway – there are now 12 courses with in-person and virtual options to choose from! Find the Winter Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

Most Winter Courses run 2-7 weeks and will begin the week of January 5. 
PLEASE NOTE: Fictional Detectives has been cancelled for this term.

REGISTRATION TIPS
Some courses fill up quickly so if you see a course that interests you, try to sign up right away. If you find out that a course is full, ask if there's a waiting list you could join. Also, there are three courses that offer unlimited participation, so perhaps expand your horizons by signing up for one of these in the meantime:

· Drawing as a Sacred Activity – Monday at 11am

· Women Artists from Baroque to Modern Period – Monday at 1pm

· Gentle Chair Yoga for Stress Reduction – Friday at 2pm

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 at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on January 2, from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Judy Groth, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event.  Learn more and find Judy's email address here.

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Lakeside Street Coffee House on January 9 from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Sharon Scrattish, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Sharon's email address here.

THEATER TRIPS

Join us for BEEHIVE on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson to celebrate the powerful female voices of the 1960's. 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. The registration deadline is Thursday, January 8. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES

SAVE THE DATES – Download the PLATO Lecture Schedule through April 2026!

NEXT MONTH! Memories of My Childhood on Badger Creek on Thursday, January 15 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Peggy Prilaman Marxen will discuss her book, The Farm on Badger Creek: Memories of a Midwest Girlhood, which shares her memories of a rustic childhood in rural northern Wisconsin. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Protecting Due Process & Immigrants in Our Community on Thursday, January 22 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In his lecture, Grant Sovern, a founding attorney and board president of Madison's Community Immigration Law Center, will focus on the challenges of protecting due process rights and the immigrants living in our community. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

PAST RECORDINGS
Learn something new with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters.

PLATO POP-UP EVENTS
Providing members with new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow!

Click here to learn more or to offer a Pop-Up Event.

NEXT MONTH! There will be three more opportunities to gather to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! The next Basketball Watch Party is on Saturday, January 17 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!

PLATO Weekly Update

December 23, 2025

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Registration for Winter Courses is underway – there are 13 courses with in-person and virtual options to choose from! Find the Winter Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

Most Winter Courses run 2-7 weeks and will begin the week of January 5. 

REGISTRATION TIPS
Some courses fill up quickly so if you see a course that interests you, try to sign up right away. If you find out that a course is full, ask if there's a waiting list you could join. Also, there are five courses that offer unlimited participation, so perhaps expand your horizons by signing up for one of these in the meantime:

· Drawing as a Sacred Activity – Monday @ 11am

· Women Artists from Baroque to Modern Period – Monday at 1pm

· Fictional Detectives – Thursday @ 9:30am

· Beyond Bing and Bots: AI Fluency for Savvy Seniors – Thursday at 10am

· Gentle Chair Yoga for Stress Reduction – Friday at 2pm

To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage. And be sure to tell your family and friends that Half-Year Memberships ($30) are available for January 1 – July 31, 2026!

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS

NEW! Join us for BEEHIVE on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson to celebrate the powerful female voices of the 1960's. 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. The registration deadline is Thursday, January 8. Learn more and register here.

LECTURES

SAVE THE DATES – Download the PLATO Lecture Schedule through April 2026!

NEXT MONTH! Memories of My Childhood on Badger Creek on Thursday, January 15 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Peggy Prilaman Marxen will discuss her book, The Farm on Badger Creek: Memories of a Midwest Girlhood, which shares her memories of a rustic childhood in rural northern Wisconsin. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Protecting Due Process & Immigrants in Our Community on Thursday, January 22 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In his lecture, Grant Sovern, a founding attorney and board president of Madison's Community Immigration Law Center, will focus on the challenges of protecting due process rights and the immigrants living in our community. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

PAST RECORDINGS
Learn something new with recorded PLATO Lectures offered by PLATO members and local, national, and international special guest presenters.

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

NEXT WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on January 2, from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Judy Groth, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event.  Learn more and find Judy's email address here.

PLEASE NOTE: December's Fourth Friday Coffee Gathering is cancelled due to the holidays.

PLATO POP-UP EVENTS
Providing members with new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow!

Click here to learn more or to offer a Pop-Up Event.

NEXT MONTH! There will be three more opportunities to gather to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! The next Basketball Watch Party is on Saturday, January 17 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!

PLATO Weekly Update

December 16, 2025

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
Registration for Winter Courses is underway – there are 13 courses with in-person and virtual options to choose from! Find the Winter Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

Most Winter Courses run 2-7 weeks and will begin the week of January 5. 

REGISTRATION TIPS
Some courses fill up quickly so if you see a course that interests you, try to sign up right away. If you find out that a course is full, ask if there's a waiting list you could join. Also, there are five courses that offer unlimited participation, so perhaps expand your horizons by signing up for one of these in the meantime:

· Drawing as a Sacred Activity – Monday @ 11am

· Women Artists from Baroque to Modern Period – Monday at 1pm

· Fictional Detectives – Thursday @ 9:30am

· Beyond Bing and Bots: AI Fluency for Savvy Seniors – Thursday at 10am

· Gentle Chair Yoga for Stress Reduction – Friday at 2pm

To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage. And be sure to tell your family and friends that Half-Year Memberships ($30) are available for January 1 – July 31, 2026!

SPECIAL EVENTS

LECTURES

SAVE THE DATES – Download the PLATO Lecture Schedule through April 2026!

NEXT MONTH! Memories of My Childhood on Badger Creek on Thursday, January 15 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Peggy Prilaman Marxen will discuss her book, The Farm on Badger Creek: Memories of a Midwest Girlhood, which shares her memories of a rustic childhood in rural northern Wisconsin. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Protecting Due Process & Immigrants in Our Community on Thursday, January 22 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In his lecture, Grant Sovern, a founding attorney and board president of Madison's Community Immigration Law Center, will focus on the challenges of protecting due process rights and the immigrants living in our community. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

PAST RECORDINGS
Expand your understanding about important and interesting topics with recorded PLATO Lectures.

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! Third Friday Lunch Gathering at the Great Dane Pub on the East Side on Jupiter Drive on December 19, from 11:30am-1:30pm. Learn more and RSVP here.

PLEASE NOTE: December's Fourth Friday Coffee Gathering is cancelled due to the holidays.

THEATER TRIPS
There have been some changes to our upcoming schedule – review this flyer for theater trip datesthrough June 2026.

PLATO POP-UP EVENTS
These events provide members with opportunities to gather informally to explore topics or activities of interest at any time throughout the year.

Click here to learn more or to offer an event.

NEXT MONTH! There will be three more opportunities to gather to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! The next Basketball Watch Party is on Saturday, January 17 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!

PLATO Weekly Update

December 9, 2025

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES
NEW! Registration for Winter Courses begins today – there are 13 courses with in-person and virtual options to choose from! Find the Winter Course Schedule on the Courses webpage and contact the course coordinator to register.

Most Winter Courses run 2-7 weeks and will begin the week of January 5. 

REGISTRATION TIPS
Some courses fill up quickly so if you see a course that interests you, try to sign up right away. If you find out that a course is full, ask if there's a waiting list you could join. Also, there are frequently a variety of courses that offer unlimited participation, so perhaps expand your horizons by signing up for one of those in the meantime?

To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage. And be sure to tell your family and friends that Half-Year Memberships ($30) are available for January 1 – July 31, 2026!

SPECIAL EVENTS

THIS WEEK! Join us for the second "pop-up" virtual film discussion group to discuss the PBS documentary film series "The American Revolution" by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Moderated by Dr. Michael Stevens, who specializes in this era of American history, this second session will focus on the final three episodes and take place via Zoom on Friday, December 12 at 1:30-3:00pm. Learn more and register here by Noon on Thursday, December 11 to receive the link to participate.

LECTURES

TODAY! Fun with Gorgeous Gladiolas! In their lecture, Jean and Dave Kollasch will share the challenges of raising gladiolas, hybridizing and developing new varieties and designing ways to show off their beauty in state and national competitions. This lecture will take place on Tuesday, December 9 from 1:30-3pm at Quarry Ridge Retirement Community. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Memories of My Childhood on Badger Creek on Thursday, January 15 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Peggy Prilaman Marxen will discuss her book, The Farm on Badger Creek: Memories of a Midwest Girlhood, which shares her memories of a rustic childhood in rural northern Wisconsin. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Protecting Due Process & Immigrants in Our Community on Thursday, January 22 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In his lecture, Grant Sovern, a founding attorney and board president of Madison's Community Immigration Law Center, will focus on the challenges of protecting due process rights and the immigrants living in our community. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

PAST RECORDINGS
Expand your understanding about important and interesting topics with recorded PLATO Lectures.

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! Second Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Lakeside Street Coffee House on December 12 from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Sharon Scrattish, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Sharon's email address here.

NEXT WEEK! Third Friday Lunch Gathering at the Great Dane Pub on the East Side on Jupiter Drive on December 19, from 11:30am-1:30pm. Learn more and RSVP here.

PLEASE NOTE: December's Fourth Friday Coffee Gathering is cancelled due to the holidays.

THEATER TRIPS
There have been some changes to our upcoming schedule – review this flyer for theater trip datesthrough June 2026.


WATCH PARTIES

NEXT MONTH! There will be three more opportunities to gather to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! The next Basketball Watch Party is on Saturday, January 17 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!

PLATO Weekly Update

December 2, 2025

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES

· NEXT WEEK! Registration for Winter Courses opens on Tuesday, December 9 – with at least 12 courses to choose from! Watch for your PLATO Weekly Update next Tuesday to learn about Winter courses, or go straight to the Courses webpage to find the Winter Courses schedule.

· Most Winter Courses will begin the week of January 5. 

REGISTRATION TIPS
Some courses fill up quickly so if you see a course that interests you, try to sign up right away. If you find out that a course is full, ask if there's a waiting list you could join. Also, there are frequently a variety of courses that offer unlimited participation, so perhaps expand your horizons by signing up for one of those in the meantime?

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

NEW! This Friday and next Friday – PLATO members are invited to participate in a "pop-up" virtual film discussion group to share their learnings, impressions and questions about the PBS documentary film series "The American Revolution" by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Moderated by Dr. Michael Stevens, who specializes in this era of American history, the first discussion will take place on Friday, December 5 at 1:30-3:00pm and the second session on Friday, December 12 at 1:30-3:00pm. Attend one session or both! Learn more and register hereby Thursday, December 4 to receive the link to participate virtually.

LECTURES

NEXT WEEK! Fun with Gorgeous Gladiolas! In their lecture, Jean and Dave Kollasch will share the challenges of raising gladiolas, hybridizing and developing new varieties and designing ways to show off their beauty in state and national competitions. This lecture will take place on Tuesday, December 9 from 1:30-3pm at Quarry Ridge Retirement Community. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

FOLLOW UP LECTURE NOTES:

The Empty Chair: Coping with Loss – PLATO members who are interested in receiving details about Peggy Weber's bereavement workshop series on Wednesday, December 10 and 17, can contact the PLATO office at info@platomadison.org to learn more.

Espresso Yourself: The Science and Art of Making Coffee – PLATO members may download Professor Sanz-Uribe's fascinating 38-page slideshow presentation here.

PAST RECORDINGS
Visit PLATO's Past Recordings webpage to watch a follow up session about senior living options recently offered by Tom Eggert in his Fall 2025 course Money Skills for Retirees. In it, Holly Johnson from Capitol Lakes and Sarah Rublein from the Hyland Campus of Capri Communities share information about their senior living communities.

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 at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on December 5, from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Catherine Masi, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Catherine's email address here.

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Lakeside Street Coffee House on December 12 from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Sharon Scrattish, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Sharon's email address here.

FIELD TRIPS

UPDATE! Two spots have opened up for this festive trip! Join us for the Holiday of Lights Tour in Oshkosh on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Treat yourself to a day of holiday cheer in Oshkosh! Learn more and register here.

THIS WEEK! Basketball fans, put on your best red and white gear and join your fellow PLATO buddies at this social event to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! Our first Watch Party is on Saturday, December 6 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!

THEATER TRIPS

PLEASE NOTE! There have been some changes to our upcoming schedule – review this flyer for theater trip dates through June 2026.

PLATO Weekly Update

 November 25, 2025

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Have a question about a course? Find everything you need to know on the Courses webpage.

WINTER COURSES
NEXT MONTH! Registration for Winter Courses will open on Tuesday, December 9 and most Winter Courses will begin the week of January 5. 

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.

PLEASE NOTE: Fourth Friday Coffee Gatherings have been cancelled for November and December because of the holidays.

NEXT WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on December 5, from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Catherine Masi, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Catherine's email address here.

LECTURES

NEXT MONTH! Fun with Gorgeous Gladiolas! In their Tuesday afternoon lecture, Jean and Dave Kollasch will share the challenges of raising gladiolas, hybridizing and developing new varieties and designing ways to show off their beauty in state and national competitions. This lecture will take place on Tuesday, December 9 from 1:30-3pm at Quarry Ridge Retirement Community. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free, with valet options. Learn more here.

FOLLOW UP LECTURE NOTES:

The Empty Chair: Coping with Loss – PLATO members who are interested in receiving details about Peggy Weber's free bereavement workshop series in December can contact the PLATO office at info@platomadison.org to learn more.

Espresso Yourself: The Science and Art of Making Coffee – PLATO members may download Professor Sanz-Uribe's fascinating 38-page slideshow presentation here.

PAST RECORDINGS
NEW! Visit PLATO's Past Recordings webpage to watch a follow up session about senior living options recently offered by Tom Eggert in his Fall 2025 course Money Skills for Retirees. In it, Holly Johnson from Capitol Lakes and Sarah Rublein from the Hyland Campus of Capri Communities share information about their senior living communities.

THEATER TRIPS
Save the Dates – review this flyer for theater trip dates through June 2026!

There are just three spots left for It's a Wonderful Life on Wednesday, December 17, 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. The registration deadline is Monday, December 1. Learn more and register here.

NEXT MONTH! Basketball fans, put on your best red and white gear and join your fellow PLATO buddies to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! Our first Watch Party is on Saturday, December 6 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!