PLATO Weekly Update

March 17, 2026

CURRICULUM

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

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Long-time member Rod McKenzie reflects on the impact that PLATO's history courses have had on his thinking over the years in his brief Curriculum Showcase article featuring a recent course on American history.

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

ANNOUNCING... PLATO NOON ZOOMS!

NEW! A monthly special event for members only: Noon Zooms! These hour-long, virtual conversations with newsmakers and other guest experts differ from lectures in that they are conversations between a host and speaker that are based on issues in the news and offer more time for questions and comments from participants. As the name implies, these events will be held via the Zoom platform.

SAVE THE DATE! Join us for Talking Earth Day Politics with Spencer Black on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 12pm – 1:00pm. This first Noon Zoom will feature Joy Cardin, retired Wisconsin Public Radio talk show host, who will interview Spencer Black, former state legislator and Sierra Club vice president, about how we can individually and collectively make a difference on environmental issues during this era of deregulation and climate change denial on the federal level. Registration will open on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Learn more about this members-only event here.

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LECTURES
View the Lecture Schedule through Spring 2026.

THIS 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.

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.

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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.

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:

SOLD OUT! Frida... A Self Portrait explores the breathtaking life of Frida Kahlo. Learn more and join the waitlist 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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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 March 20, from 11:30am-1:30pm. Learn more and RSVP here.