PLATO Weekly Update

November 11, 2025

HOT OFF THE PRESS

NEW! Check out this two-page article featuring PLATO!

FRIENDLY REMINDER: Word of mouth has always been the best way for PLATO to attract new members. When members share their appreciation of PLATO's many opportunities to learn, connect, and grow, it inspires others to want to learn about PLATO, too. Please share this new article with your friends and family, either by forwarding this email or picking up a complimentary copy at locations around Greater Madison. Thanks for helping to spread the word about PLATO!

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

NEXT WEEK! Third Friday Lunch Gathering at the Great Dane Pub on the East Side on Jupiter Drive on November 21, from 11:30am-1:30pm. Learn more and RSVP here.

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

Please note that this is a morning lecture! 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! 
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

A second bus was added so there are five more spots are available for the Holiday of Lights Tour in Oshkosh on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Treat yourself to a day of holiday cheer with a variety of festive experiences in Oshkosh! 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, November 17. Learn more and register here.

A Fireside Chat with Tom Jacobson on Thursday, November 13 from 1:30-3pm in at Quarry Ridge Retirement Community is full. Learn more and join the waitlist 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. 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!