PLATO Weekly Update

 February 10, 2026

NEW! PLATO has a new brochure to share with family and friends! Hard copies will be available at Lectures and Social Gatherings, or you can request copies by emailing info@platomadison.org. You may also download the Digital Brochure. Feel free to share with anyone who might be interested in PLATO!

CURRICULUM

HAVE YOU REGISTERED YET FOR SPRING COURSES?

Now is the time, as many begin next week! Our Winter courses are ending, so consider registering for one or more of our 37 Spring Courses, which include in-person, virtual, and hybrid options. Find a link to the Spring 2026 Course Schedule on the Courses webpage

CHECK OUT THESE COURSES:

· Psychology of Happiness: Mondays, 10am - 12 noon, 10 weeks starting on Feb. 16, Oakwood Village University Woods

· Shots Heard Round the World: History and Mystery of American Revolution: Tuesdays, 1 - 3pm, 4 weeks starting on March 10, Christ Presbyterian Church

· Introduction to Infectious Diseases: Wednesdays, 10 - 11:30am, 8 weeks starting on Feb. 18, via Zoom

· Learning the Language and Logics of Autism: Thursdays, 10am - 12 noon, 8 weeks starting on Feb. 19, Madison Senior Center

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

PAST LECTURE RESOURCES – Download this handout from the Protecting Due Process and Immigrants in Our Community lecture last month.

Download the PLATO Lecture Schedule through April 2026! 

THIS WEEK! 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.

THIS 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.

NEXT MONTH! Birding: Transitioning from Winter to Spring! Join us on Thursday, March 19, 2026 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center for this fascinating lecture with Chuck Henrikson, PhD. In his lecture, Dr. Henrikson will share how he got started with his birding adventures in the UW Arboretum, and what makes this post-retirement hobby such a meaningful way of life. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

FIELD TRIPS
Download the updated Field Trip Schedule with day trips to interesting sites around Wisconsinthrough Fall 2026. Note that this is a preliminary list; more will be announced as details are finalized.

THEATER TRIPS
Download the updated Theater Trip Schedule with spring and summer offerings – destinations include Milwaukee, Fort Atkinson, and Chicago.

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 February 13 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 February 20, from 11:30am-1:30pm. Learn more and RSVP here.