PLATO Weekly Update 

March 31, 2026

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.

REMINDER: Registration for this complimentary event for PLATO memberswill 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.

SUMMER COURSES
Registration for Summer Courses will open on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Most Summer Courses will begin the week of June 8.

SPECIAL EVENTS

THEATER TRIPS

The registration deadline is this Thursday, April 2 – guests are welcome! Note that a handful of additional tickets for Frida... A Self Portrait are now available.

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. Learn more and register here.

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

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FIELD TRIPS
View the Field Trip Schedule with day trips to interesting sites around Wisconsin through Fall 2026. More will be announced as details are finalized.

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 housesthe 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.

NEXT WEEK! 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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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 WEEK! 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.

THIS 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.