PLATO Weekly Update

August 4, 2026

REMINDER... As of August 1, we have entered a new membership year! If you have not renewed yet, your membership has lapsed. Renew today to take advantage of the mix of in-person and virtual courses, lectures and social activities this fall and into next year – 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! Lapsed 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
GET READY! Tuesday, August 18, the Fall Course Schedule will be posted on the Courses webpage and registration will open the same day. The Week of September 14, most Fall Courses will begin.

There will be 36 courses with in-person, virtual, and hybrid options to choose from – here are two new titles:

– The History of MGM

– The Enduring Legacy of Chicago’s South Side

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

NEW-ish! One or two spots have opened up for the Green Bay/Oneida Nation Tour on Tuesday, August 11 – contact the PLATO office at info@platomadison.orgto register and make payment arrangements. Learn more here.

LECTURES

SAVE THE DATES! These September Lectures are just around the corner:

Tuesday, September 8: Hidden Messages in Negro Spirituals on the Underground Railroad, presented by Connie Martin.

Thursday, September 24: The Power of Art in History, presented by Dr. Alan Garfield, Emeritus.

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PAST RECORDINGS
Visit the Past Recordings webpage to explore past lectures and course sessions on a variety of interesting subjects presented by PLATO members and special guest presenters.

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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.

NEXT WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on August 7, from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Catherine Masi, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Catherine's email address 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.

STAY IN THE KNOW! While PLATO’s course offerings are consistently cited as the number one reason that members join PLATO, there are many benefits to membership. To make the most of your PLATO membership, visit the About PLATO webpage.