PLATO Weekly Update

March 10, 2026

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES

Have a question about a Spring Course? Find the full Spring 2026 Course Schedule on the Courses page.

ARE YOU COURSE COORDINATOR CURIOUS?
Do you have an area of expertise you would like to share by offering a PLATO Course? Or perhaps there's a subject you'd like to learn about with fellow PLATO members? PLATO Courses are open to a wide variety of topics and can be structured in a variety of formats – here are the most common:

– Lecture + Question & Answer

– Group Activity (e.g. read a book or watch a film) + Group Discussion

– Hands-On Activities in Creative Arts or Skill Building

If you have an idea to develop for a course offering, the Curriculum Committee is here to assist – check out the Course Coordinator Toolkit to get started and email Kathy Brown or Jayne Fischer with any questions you may have.

HALF-PRICE MEMBERSHIPS
Memberships are half-price (just $30) for new members or lapsed members through March 31, 2026! Visit the Join PLATO webpage for details.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

View the Field Trip Schedule with day trips to interesting sites around Wisconsin through Fall 2026. Note that this is a preliminary list; more will be announced as details are finalized.

NEW! Join us for the Exploring Wisconsin's Driftless Area field trip on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Visit the Driftless Historium in Mount Horeb and Vortex Optics in Barneveld. This trip will include a group lunch and surprise stop. 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, April 6. Learn more and register here.

The Wisconsin Veterans Museum Tour on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at 1:30pm is now full. Registered members may review field trip details here. 

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

A Milwaukee Rep Theater Double Header! PLATO members have two fantastic matinees to choose from, each featuring a cultural icon:

– Frida... A Self Portrait explores the breathtaking life of Frida Kahlo (just three spots left!). Learn more and register here.

– Mrs. Christie is a mystery that would delight Agatha "Queen of Crime" Christie, herself. Learn more and register here.

Registration is required and members may bring a guest. The registration deadline is Thursday, April 2.

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LECTURES
View the Lecture Schedule through Spring 2026.

NEXT WEEK! 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.

NEXT MONTH! 
Mark Your Calendar! These April Lectures will be held at the Oakwood Village University Woods Campus Arts & Education Center from 1:30 – 3:00pm:

Hearing Advice to Make You and Your Ears Smile! Join us on Thursday, April 9, 2026 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center for this practical lecture with Juliette Sterkens, a professional audiologist. Her lecture will highlight advances in hearing technology, hearing rehabilitation, and assistive listening. She will also share answers to commonly asked questions about hearing loss and rehabilitation, as well as take questions from participants. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEW! Healthy Grown – Sustainable produce from Wisconsin! Join us on Thursday, April 23, 2026 from 1:30-3:00pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center for this lecture with Dr. Deana Knuteson who will present the history and requirements of the Healthy Grown program, its acceptance by Wisconsin farmers, and how the purchase of Healthy Grown vegetables benefits the consumers. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

LECTURES RESOURCES

– Download the slides from the Your Voice in Healthcare: How to Prepare and Partner for Better Outcomes lecture and find a link to the recording on PLATO's Past Recordings webpage.

– Download this handout from the Protecting Due Process and Immigrants in Our Community lecture.

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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 March 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.