PLATO Weekly Update

March 24, 2026

REMINDER: Registration for this complimentary event for PLATO members will open on April 7! The keynote presentation will feature Dr. Henrik Schatzinger, Director of the Center for Politics and the People at Ripon College, which is dedicated to the promotion of constructive political debate and an informed citizens concerned with good governance. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 13 from 2:00-4:00pm at the East Side Club on Monona Drive. Stay tuned!

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

FIELD TRIPS

NEW! Join us for Adventures in Dubuque on Wednesday, May 13, 2026! Highlights of this trip will include a visit to St. Luke's United Methodist Church which houses the fifth largest collection of Tiffany-stained glass windows in the world and a ride on the Fenelon Place Elevator which is a narrow-gauge funicular railway. Experience a Progressive Lunch (no, it’s not political) and enjoy time for shopping in the charming downtown area. 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 27, 2026. Learn more and register here.

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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NOON ZOOMS
PLATO will begin to offer occasional virtual conversations with newsmakers and guest experts that are based on issues in the news and which offer extra time for participants to ask questions and make comments. As the name implies, these one-hour events will be held via the Zoom platform on various days of the week.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Hop online for Talking Earth Day Politics with Spencer Black on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 12pm – 1:00pm. This first Noon Zoom features 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 make a difference on environmental issues during this era of deregulation and climate change denial. Registration is open to members only and is required to receive the Zoom link. Learn more and register here.

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LECTURES
View the Lecture Schedule through Spring 2026.

NEXT MONTH! 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.

NEXT MONTH! 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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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! Fourth Friday Coffee at the Rotunda Café on Friday, March 27, from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.