PLATO Weekly Update

July 14, 2026

BIG THANKS... to members who have already renewed! For those who haven't, you are invited to renew today to take advantage of the mix of virtual and in-person courses, lectures and social activities this summer and fall, and all the way through August 1, 2027. Dues are just $60 per person!

There's a reason PLATO's membership has once again surpassed 1,000 members... PLATO is thriving! Since June 2025, PLATO has offered more than 100 Courses; 26 Field/Theater Trips; 15 Lectures; more than 50 Social Gatherings, and more! Current members may renew here and new members may visit the Join PLATO webpage to become members.

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES
Find details about Summer Courses on the Courses webpage.

FALL COURSES are around the corner! Are you interested in sharing your interests, knowledge, talents, and/or skills as a course coordinator? The Curriculum Committee is ready to lend a hand – learn how to get started with your course proposal here.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST & COFFEE GATHERINGS + A LUNCH HOUR MEET-UP
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee or breakfast and lunch options.

THIS WEEK! Third Friday PLATO Meet-Up at the Great Dane Pub on the East Side on Jupiter Drive on July 17, from 11:30am-1:30pm. Note that this gathering is now in the downstairs bar area instead of upstairs and ordering lunch is not required. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee at the Rotunda Café on July 24 from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

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FIELD TRIPS

SOLD OUT! From Wood to Watercraft: Dugout Canoes from Wisconsin onAugust 3 is full – learn more and join the waitlist here.

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BIKE RIDES

Explore Madison's neighborhoods with self-guided bicycling routes – there's also electric bike rental info. Also, heads up! The popular bicycling route around Lake Monona will now have a detour (starts today) due to construction on John Nolen Drive. To learn about the detour along with details about the entire route, see PLATO's A Guide to Bicycling around Lake Monona with the Detour.

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LECTURES

PLATO Lectures will resume in early September! In the meantime, explore the Past Recordings webpage to enjoy lectures and course sessions on a variety of interesting subjects presented by PLATO members and special guest presenters.