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    • May 24, 2024
    • January 24, 2025
    • 9 sessions
    • Rotunda Cafe in the Lobby of Lake Ridge Bank, 1965 Atwood Ave., Madison, WI

    COFFEE GATHERING

    Make new friends and meet new PLATO members over a cup of coffee and breakfast snacks

    The Rotunda Ca
    fe

    1965 Atwood Ave  

    on Madison's near east side


    • Meet on Fourth Friday of each month

    • Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am

    • Place: Rotunda Cafe, lobby of Lake Ridge Bank, formerly Monona Bank

    • Ambiance: With a unique, large seating area, The Rotunda Cafe is an attractive rotunda in what was once the Monona Bank building at Schenks Corners. Great ambiance with pleasant, soothing background music.

    • Place order at counter, bus own table 

    • Food choices are limited but do include breakfast burritos and doughnuts

    • There is a service fee for use of credit card

    • Parking: (see below)

    • RSVP or Questions? Email Catherine Masi, at cat100tothesea@gmail.com or Donaby Henton at aiexplorer125@gmail.com by Wednesday so they know you are coming. 

    • COVID Protocol: Please continue to use a mask if you desire

    Parking Options:

    • Street parking is available on either side of the bank, on Atwood and on Winnebago and further down both streets.

    • Parking is also available at Trinity Lutheran Church, 904 Winnebago St.  Please note:  The church requests a small good will donation which will be used to benefit a local neighborhood fund.  We will periodically request a few dollars donation for this from our members who use the lot.
    • Parking is also available in the lot behind United Way, 2059 Atwood Ave. Drive all the way in to the unmarked spaces toward the back of the lot.
      • January 22, 2025
      • 7:15 AM - 5:30 PM
      • Sheboygan, Cedarburg, Kohler
      • 8



      The Malibu of the Midwest Tour

      Wednesday, January 22, 2025

      Registration deadline extended to December 30

      Did you know that Sheboygan is dubbed by the surfing crowd as "the Malibu of the Midwest"?  Since it might be a wee bit chilly to "hang 10" in Lake Michigan in January, we will instead be going inside some of the jewels of the Sheboygan area.

      We will start our day with a stop at the Sheboygan Area Visitor Center to stretch our legs and refresh. Located inside the Visitor Center is the Science on a Sphere (SOS) exhibit, a suspended spherical screen projecting online data sets transforming it into a giant animated planet.

      After a short ride, we will visit the John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC). The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is known for promoting the understanding and appreciation of the work of self-taught and contemporary artists through exhibitions and commissioned works of art.  Founded in 1967, JMKAC has preserved, studied, and exhibited artist-built environments, earning a worldwide reputation.  The Arts Center’s downtown Sheboygan facility includes eight galleries, two performance spaces, a café, a museum shop, and a drop-in art-making studio.


      Then we are off to visit the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts and Fiber Arts (WMQFA) and lunch. The Museum, located just east of historic downtown Cedarburg, is dedicated to educating the public about the artistic, cultural, historic and social importance of quilts and fiber arts. The museum’s roots extend back to 1988. Since then, the museum has documented over 8,000 quilts. In addition to quilt documentation, the WMQFA collects and displays important historical fiber arts.

      After completing our visits, we are headed home. As always, the trip will include a surprise stop during the day!


      Lunch Options: (Indicate your choice when registering)

      • Roast beef and mushroom ciabatta roll
      • Chicken, bacon, ranch wrap
      • Falafel wrap (V)
      • Pecan salad with chicken

      _________________________________________

      PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center  and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity.  Pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips.  You will be required to fill out the 2025 Verona New Member Form  (no charge) and 2025 Verona trip waiver Form.  You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.

      Schedule:  (Return times are approximate)

      7:15 a.m.  Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

      7:30 a.m.   Pick-up (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)

      5:30 p.m.   Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride

      6:00 p.m.   Return Verona Senior Center

      Departure Locations:

      Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

      East Side (Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot))

      Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)


      Cost: $80 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.

      Seating is limited, so register today!  Registrations must be received no later than noon on Friday, December 20, 2024.

      Mail-In Registration Form:   Print, Fill-in, and Mail this Form  for those who wish to register off-line and by check.

      Refund Policy:  PLATO refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

      PLATO Membership:  PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1. 

      For further information, contact Malibu of the Midwest trip coordinator, Bob Shaw,  robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486

      • January 30, 2025
      • 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
      • Oakwood Village West Performing Arts Center

           

      Thursday, January 30 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.


      In-Person at Oakwood Village West Performing Arts Center


      6205 Mineral Point Road


      Registration is Not Required

      FREE PARKING


      Sara McKinnon is a professor of Rhetoric, Politics, and Culture and Faculty Director of Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies in the Department of Communication Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  She is currently working on a collaborative project to expand the legal information about US immigration and refugee programs and legal counsel available to migrants throughout Latin America as they consider safe options for movement and resettlement.  In her presentation she will discuss the background and current status of US immigration policy.

      _________________________

      Transportation Options:


      Bicycle:  Bike racks are available


      Bus: The BRT Route A bus  runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.  


      Car: 

      • Use the Island Drive entrance at 6205 Mineral Point Road.
      •  Veer left and follow the drive to the 2nd driveway with sign “Heritage Oaks Parking Garage.”
      •  Turn right into driveway.
      •   Press the buzzer and the Oakwood desk attendant will buzz you in. There are 70 parking stalls. Park in any visitor or non-reserved stall. Take the elevator up one floor to the main entrance, turn right and walk through the mail box area into the lobby. Ask at the desk for directions to the Performing Arts Center.
      • When you exit the underground parking, the garage door opens automatically.
      • _________________________

      Questions?  Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at barbaradrake21@gmail.com

      • February 17, 2025

        Many Spring courses begin the week of February 17. Most Spring courses will meet once a week for 10 weeks.  Be sure to check the course list to see the dates, times and lengths of individual courses.

      Nonmembers may attend the first two sessions of a course at no cost, but if they intend to continue with the course, they should join PLATO by paying the appropriate fee. Residents of host facilities are exempt from fees when participating in PLATO activities at their residence. 



      • February 27, 2025
      • 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
      • Oakwood Village West Performing Arts Center

           

      Thursday, February 27 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.


      In-Person at Oakwood Village West Performing Arts Center


      6205 Mineral Point Road


      Registration is Not Required

      FREE PARKING


      This year will mark the 50 th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald which occurred on November 10, 1975. Rochelle’s lecture is the fascinating story of the events leading up to the tragic loss of the ship and its 29 crew members.

      Rochelle Pennington is an award-winning newspaper columnist and bestselling author of ten books, including Highlighted in Yellow (co-authored with H. Jackson Brown, #1 New York Times bestselling author), The Historic Christmas Tree Ship (as featured on national television), An Old-Fashioned Christmas (2009 Midwest Booksellers Choice Award nomination), and more. Her work has been included in multiple bestselling series over the past two decades.

      Rochelle is both a lively storyteller and an entertaining lecturer as evidenced by the many invitations she receives to speak, ranging from history’s most memorable stories, complete with fascinating trivia, to motivational engagements highlighting courage, determination, and personal strength. She expertly weaves the perfect balance of humor, charm, and riveting facts into her presentations.

      ____________________________________________

      Transportation Options:


      Bicycle:  Bike racks are available


      Bus: The BRT Route A bus  runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.  


      Car: 

      • Use the Island Drive entrance at 6205 Mineral Point Road.
      •  Veer left and follow the drive to the 2nd driveway with sign “Heritage Oaks Parking Garage.”
      •  Turn right into driveway.
      •   Press the buzzer and the Oakwood desk attendant will buzz you in. There are 70 parking stalls. Park in any visitor or non-reserved stall. Take the elevator up one floor to the main entrance, turn right and walk through the mail box area into the lobby. Ask at the desk for directions to the Performing Arts Center.
      • When you exit the underground parking, the garage door opens automatically.
      • _________________________

      Questions?  Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at barbaradrake21@gmail.com

      • March 16, 2025
      • Milwaukee
      • 9
      Register


      Sunday, March 16, 2025   2:00 pm Matinee

      Milwaukee Rep - Stackner Cabaret


      World Premiere Event

      Music and great company in an iconic Irish pub

      Step in to one of South Kerry's most welcoming pubs, somewhere along the Dingle peninsula, where stories and songs flow as easy as a whiskey and a pint – with a group of master storyteller-musicians leading the way. From jigs and fairy tales, to drinking songs and war stories, you’ll enjoy good cheer and great company while having some craic along the way. The Irish spirit of love and resilience shines through in classics like “Danny Boy,” “Whiskey in the Jar,” “Star of the County Down” and “The Irish Rover” that’ll have you raising a glass and shouting sláinte by the end of the show!

      Estimated Running Time: 2 hr 15 minutes with intermission


      Our performance will be in the intimate Stackner Cabaret.  You may want to order a drink or dessert from the menu.  The Stackner Cabaret is located at the top of the gold escalators in the Rotunda on the second floor to the left. It can also be accessed via the elevator.  Information about this unique theater venue. 

      The Stackner Cabaret is handicapped accessible to the main level and chairs. Most of our seating will be on staggered tables and chairs set on platform deck flooring that are an easy, shallow step-down/step-up between levels of tables and chairs. The backs of the chairs provide good step-down/step-up support.

      Tickets:  Our Group will be seated at tables of 4's and 8's scattered throughout the small, 186-seat cabaret.

      Group Lunch  is at The Public Market.  We will save tables on the second-floor.  Each person is responsible for ordering, paying for and carrying their own meal from one of the nine unique eateries in the Public Market to the second floor dining area.  In addition to the nine eateries, there is a bakery, wine shop and bar, coffee shop, etc.  An elevator and stairs access the second floor and restrooms near the seating area.  Again, lunch is not included in your registration.


      Our bus will also drop-off and pick-up at the Milwaukee Public Market for lunch alternatives. There are many nearby Third Ward restaurants from which to choose.  Many restaurants have changed over time so please check to see if they will be open and we highly recommend that you make a reservation.

      Historic Third Ward Official Restaurant List - Check to see if they are open.

      Historic Third Ward Official Shopping List - Check to see if they are open.

      Itinerary   

      Bear in mind that our boarding bus route is like Madison Metro or any other municipal bus service.  Please arrive early at your boarding stop so you don’t miss the bus.  When everyone is aboard and seated, we leave.  Don’t be late.  We can wait just 5 minutes at any one location.

      Accessibility Policy:  On the Van Galder Bus, you must be able to climb steps to board and exit the bus.  If you need assistance, we require that you bring a friend to give you a hand.

      Leaving Madison

      9:15 AM   Westside: Bus arrives for boarding at Oakwood University Woods, 6205 Mineral Point Road

      9:30 AM   Westside: Bus departs from Oakwood University Woods

      9:50 AM   Central: Bus departs from Capitol Lakes, 333 W. Main St.

      10:20 AM   Eastside: Bus departs from Oakwood Prairie Ridge, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison.  Leave for Milwaukee (sooner if everyone is aboard).

      In Milwaukee

      11:30 AM   Drop off at the Milwaukee Public Market

      1:25 PM   Pick-up at the Milwaukee Public Market.

      2:00 PM   The Craic begins

      4:15 PM    The Craic performance ends and bus boarding begins. (There will be adequate time for coat check retrieval and restroom use.)

      4:45 PM   Depart for Madison (sooner if everyone is aboard)

      Arrive Madison (Estimated)

      5:55 PM   Bus returns to Oakwood Prairie Ridge

      6:25 PM  Bus returns to Capitol Lakes

      6:45 PM   Bus returns to Oakwood University Woods

      Non-Member Policy:   Members must register their guests. Each PLATO member is entitled to bring one non-member guest per bus trip.  Members may bring more than one guest near the registration deadline date if seats are available.  Check with trip organizer.  Non-member guests pay an additional $1 registration fee.

      PLATO Membership:  PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on August 1.  

      For further information, contact theater trip organizers:

      Sue Josheff, sooziej@sbcglobal.net  608-770-3828 or 

      Carla Diorio, carlad@tds.net  608-886-4556.

      • March 16, 2025
      • Milwaukee
      • 5
      Register

      Sunday, March 16, 2025   2:00 pm Matinee

      Milwaukee Rep - Stiemke Studio

      A spine-tingling theatrical event

      Direct from London’s West End comes the chilling and electrifying theatrical event that has kept millions of audiences on the edge of their seats for more than 30 years. Director Robin Herford’s production is a gripping study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror. A lawyer obsessed with a curse that he believes has been cast over him and his family by the specter of a woman in black - engages a skeptical young actor to help him tell his terrifying story and hopefully exorcise the fear that grips his soul. As they reach further into his darkest memories, they find themselves ensnared in a world of eerie marshes and moaning winds. What happens next is something you must see to believe!

      “One of British theatre's biggest – and scariest – hits.” – The Guardian

      “…A marvelous exercise in spine tingling tension, spun from perfectly paced storytelling and stagecraft.” – The Independent

      Recommended age:  12 and up

      Approximate Running Time: 2 hrs with intermission 


      The Stiemke Studio is located on the ground floor of the Associated Bank River Center Rotunda in the northwest corner near the gold escalators. Typically seating just over 200, patrons may be seated in sections with various configurations including thrust, in the round or traditional banks of raked seating. The Stiemke Studio black box is a blank canvas for designers; everything in this space can be changed to suit the director’s concept for the show and no two shows in this space are alike.

      The outer lobby of the Stiemke Studio, where one first enters, includes a Guest Services Desk where you can check out assistive listening devices, check your coat or pick up a large print program. The lobby includes seating, standing cocktail tables, and bar offering drinks and concessions.

      Tickets:  Our Group will be seated throughout the small theater.  Seats will be assigned based on registration date.

      Group Lunch  is at The Public Market.  We will save tables on the  second-floor.  Each person is responsible for ordering, paying for and carrying their own meal from one of the nine unique eateries in the Public Market to the second floor dining area.  In addition to the nine eateries, there is a bakery, wine shop and bar, coffee shop, etc.  An elevator and stairs access the second floor and restrooms near the seating area.  Again, lunch is not included in your registration.


      Our bus will also drop-off and pick-up at the Milwaukee Public Market for lunch alternatives. There are many nearby Third Ward restaurants from which to choose.  Many restaurants have changed over time so please check to see if they will be open and we highly recommend that you make a reservation.

      Historic Third Ward Official Restaurant List - Check to see if they are open.

      Historic Third Ward Official Shopping List - Check to see if they are open.

      This theater trip's patrons with share a bus and group lunch with the patrons attending The Craic.

      Itinerary   

      Bear in mind that our boarding bus route is like Madison Metro or any other municipal bus service.  Please arrive early at your boarding stop so you don’t miss the bus.  When everyone is aboard and seated, we leave.  Don’t be late.  We can wait just 5 minutes at any one location.

      Accessibility Policy:  On the Van Galder Bus, you must be able to climb steps to board and exit the bus.  If you need assistance, we require that you bring a friend to give you a hand.

      Leaving Madison

      9:15 AM   Westside: Bus arrives for boarding at Oakwood University Woods, 6205 Mineral Point Road

      9:30 AM   Westside: Bus departs from Oakwood University Woods

      9:50 AM   Central: Bus departs from Capitol Lakes, 333 W. Main St.

      10:20 AM   Eastside: Bus departs from Oakwood Prairie Ridge, 5565 Tancho Drive, Madison.  Leave for Milwaukee (sooner if everyone is aboard).

      In Milwaukee

      11:30 AM   Drop off at the Milwaukee Public Market

      1:25 PM   Pick-up at the Milwaukee Public Market.

      2:00 PM   The Woman in Black begins

      4:00 PM    The Woman in Black performance ends and bus boarding begins. (There will be adequate time for coat check retrieval and restroom use.)

      4:45 PM   Depart for Madison (sooner if everyone is aboard)

      Arrive Madison (Estimated)

      5:55 PM   Bus returns to Oakwood Prairie Ridge

      6:25 PM  Bus returns to Capitol Lakes

      6:45 PM   Bus returns to Oakwood University Woods

      Non-Member Policy:   Members must register their guests. Each PLATO member is entitled to bring one non-member guest per bus trip.  Members may bring more than one guest near the registration deadline date if seats are available.  Check with trip organizer.  Non-member guests pay an additional $1 registration fee.

      PLATO Membership:  PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on August 1.  

      For further information, contact theater trip organizers:

      Sue Josheff, sooziej@sbcglobal.net  608-770-3828 or 

      Carla Diorio, carlad@tds.net  608-886-4556.

      • May 06, 2025

      PLATO Course registration generally begins on a Tuesday four weeks before the week in which most courses begin.   Registration generally ends after week 2 of the session.

      The course schedule becomes public on the same day that registration opens.


      • June 02, 2025

      Many Summer courses begin the week of June 2nd. Most Summer courses will meet once a week for 4 - 6 weeks.  Be sure to check the course list to see the dates, times and lengths of individual courses.  

      Nonmembers may attend the first two sessions of a course at no cost, but if they intend to continue with the course, they should join PLATO by paying the appropriate fee. Residents of host facilities are exempt from fees when participating in PLATO activities at their residence.

      • August 19, 2025

      PLATO Course registration generally begins on a Tuesday four weeks before the week in which most courses begin.  Registration generally ends after week 2 of the session.

      The course schedule becomes public on the same day that registration opens.


    PLATO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported in part by:



    info@platomadison.org

    Facebook: @platomadison

    608-572-6869

    6209 Mineral Point Road #203
    Madison, WI 53705








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