PLATO Weekly Update

 April 21, 2026

ELECTION FOR PLATO BOARD 2026-27

Read the biographies for the nominees!

THIS WEEK! PLATO's Board of Directors Election for 2026-27 will run from April 22 – May 6, 2026. Read about the nominees so you are ready to vote. The Nominating Committee thanks the members who agreed to be listed! Watch for a PLATO email on Wednesday, April 22, with your link to the Ballot. Voting will close on Wednesday, May 6, at midnight.

CURRICULUM

SPRING COURSES
Find the full Spring 2026 Course Schedule on the Courses page.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

NOON ZOOMS

TODAY! 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. Member registrants were sent the Zoom link via email. Contact the PLATO office with questions at info@platomadison.org.

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LECTURES

THIS WEEK! 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.

PAST RECORDINGS

Visit the Past Recordings webpage to enjoy Hearing Advice to Make You (and Your Ears) Smile! In this PLATO lecture recorded on April 9, 2026, professional audiologist Juliette Sterkens highlights advances in hearing technology, hearing rehabilitation, and more!

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NATURE WALKS

NEXT MONTH! On Wednesday, May 6 at 10am, enjoy a leisurely one-hour walk through the Oakwood Nature Preserve lead by Barb Littlewood followed by a social hour with lemonade and cookies in the Oaks Community Room. Listening devices will be provided for all participants. Unfortunately, the trail is not accessible to people with disabilities. Registration is required – only five spaces left! 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.

LAST WEEK TO REGISTER! Just one spot left! 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.

SOLD OUT! The Ten Chimneys in Genesee Depot Tour on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 is full. Review details and join the waitlist 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 April 24 from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

Register today for this complimentary member event on Wednesday, May 13 from 2:00-4:00pm at the East Side Club on Monona Drive. Enjoy light refreshments, social opportunities, committee updates, door prizes, and a keynote presentation by Dr. Henrik Schatzinger titled Hidden Money, Visible Power: Super PACs and Dark Money in Wisconsin Politics. Dr. Schatzinger is the Director of the Center for Politics and the People at Ripon College, which is dedicated to the promotion of constructive political debate and informed citizens concerned with good governance. Registration is required and members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.