PLATO Weekly Update

November 4, 2025

CURRICULUM

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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Registration for Winter Courses will open on Tuesday, December 9 and most Winter Courses will begin the week of January 5. If you would like to offer a Winter Course, check out the Course Coordinator Toolkit.

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 Bread located at 601 Junction Road on November 7, from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Lakeside Street Coffee House on November 14, from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

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

THIS WEEK! 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. 

Coping with Loss: The Empty Chair on Thursday, November 20 from 10:00-11:30am at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center . In her lecture, Peggy Weber will discuss the impact of loss on persons due to illness, death, significant family changes (and more), as well as highlight strategies for coping with grief. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! 
NEW! 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.

FIELD TRIPS

Civil Rights Struggles in Milwaukee in the 1960’s – a conversational interview of Tom Jacobson by Dave Zweifel on Thursday, November 13 from 1:30-3pm in Fitchburg at Quarry Ridge Retirement Community. Tom Jacobson is a renown civil rights attorney involved in some of Wisconsin's most important historical legal cases, including the defense of the legendary Father Groppi in Milwaukee during the 1960's. Please note that guests are welcome but they must carpool with you as there is only room for one car per registration. Learn more and register here.

The Chazen Museum of Art Field Trip with Alan Garfield, Professor Emeritus and retired art historian on November 14 from 1:00-3:00pm is full. Learn more and join the waitlist here.

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

Join us for the timeless classic 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. Learn more and register here.

The Holiday of Lights Tour in Oshkosh on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 is full. Learn more and join the waitlist here.

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!