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• 2nd Friday of the Month Breakfast

  • Start
    May 10, 2024
  •  
  • End
    January 10, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    9 sessions
  • Location
    402 W. Lakeside St, Madison, WI 53715-1702

  
  Meets every 2nd Friday!
  
  

  • Where: Lakeside Street Coffee House
  • Day: Meets on the second Friday of each month

  • Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
  • Seating is on both the main floor and down stairs levels. You will need to climb a flight of steps in order to be seated on the downstairs level.
  • The menu changes daily. To find out today's menu, please call the restaurant directly - 608 441-7599
  • Place: Lakeside St. Coffee House, 402 W Lakeside St, Madison
  • Directions are pictured on the map below
  • Parking: Street Parking
    
  • Organizer: Sharon Scrattish
  • RSVP or Questions?: Let Sharon know you're coming the Thursday before the breakfast by email or phone (sscratti@gmail.com or 608-280-8050)
  • COVID Protocol: Wear a mask to the event if you prefer.
    

  Questions? Sharon's contact information is:  sscratti@gmail.com  or 608-280-8050

  

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• 4th Friday of the Month Coffee

  • Start
    May 24, 2024
  •  
  • End
    January 24, 2025
  •  
  • Schedule
    9 sessions
  • Location
    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 Cafe
  
  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.

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• Tour of the Capitol

  • When
    November 21, 2024
  •  
    12:00 PM - 12:55 PM
  • Location
    2 East Main, Madison
  • Spaces left
    1

  Registration is closed

  
  

  Tour of the Capitol
  

  Thursday, November 21 from 12:00 - 12:55pm.
  

  Free to PLATO members and guests.

  Registration is required.

  The November 7 Tour of the Capitol proved to be so popular that it filled up in 24 hours.  Fortunately Steve Sparks has agreed to do a repeat tour on Thursday, November 21.
  

  Join us for a free 50-55 minute guided tour at the Wisconsin State Capitol. You will hear about the purpose of the spaces, the architecture, the artwork, the stone, and the history of the building.

  Leading the tour will be PLATO Board member Steve Sparks, also a Capitol Tour Guide. You will visit up to six areas: the Rotunda, the Assembly, the Senate, the North Hearing Room, Governor's Conference Room, and the Supreme Court. At the last minute some rooms may not be available due to unannounced meetings; however, this date has been selected to avoid known conflicts.

  The tour will start at the ground floor of the Capitol Rotunda. Enter any of the eight entrances and meet in the center. It will begin promptly at noon. Feel free to inquire at the Rotunda Information Desk.  

  Accessibility:  Wheelchair-accessible entrances are located between the wings of the Capitol. Elevators are available up to the fourth floor.

  Transportation Options:

  Bus - Many Madison Metro bus lines stop on the Square.  Route A and Route B  run every 15 minutes.

  Bicycle - Bike racks are available.
  

  Car - The closest parking ramps are at Capitol Square North Garage - 218 E. Mifflin,  Overture Center Garage - 318 W. Mifflin, and  Wilson Street Garage - 20 E. Wilson.

  Questions? - Contact tour organizer Bob Shaw at 608-255-3486 or robert.e.shaw@gmail.com

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• Travel Lessons: Your personal guide to better travel

  • When
    December 03, 2024
  •  
    1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    Oakwood Village West Performing Arts Center

       
  

  Tuesday, December 3 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
  

  
  

  Travel Lessons is not a memoir, although it’s full of travel experiences. It’s not a guidebook, although it contains an immense number of tips and tricks to save travelers time and money.  It is a book of travel. It is Bill Bryson meets Rick Steves. The travel experiences are poignant, often funny, and original. The travel lessons are succinct and apply to many of the ordinary challenges travelers face.

  The table of contents reflects the book’s theme. Thirteen chapters use traditional academic headings, such as history, geography, and economics, to group independent reports and essays into opportunities for travel growth in a way that is humorous and positive (as any good lesson plan is).

  

  Glenn Schmidt is a travel guide, teacher, newspaper editor, and union leader.  He's the travel co-conspirator you wish you had – someone who is wise in the ways of travel, observant, funny, and appreciative of a good deal.
  

  _________________________

  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

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• Miracle on 34th Street

  • When
    December 04, 2024
  •  
    8:45 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson
  • Spaces left
    1

  Registration is closed

  
  

  
  

  Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson

  Wednesday, December 4, 2024
  

  Registration deadline is November 11
  

  Based on the beloved Christmas movie, MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET is a big brassy Broadway musical with a heart. Funny, warm, tuneful, and inspirational, the show was written by Meredith Willson, creator of The Music Man musical. Kris Kringle—a jolly, kind man who claims that he is the real Santa Claus—has to prove his claim in court and teach his cynical neighbor and her daughter to believe in the goodness and love of Christmas. This is an unforgettable musical version of the classic Christmas tale.

  The meal includes butternut squash soup, freshly baked breads, choice of entree, Mississippi mud cake for dessert, and coffee/tea/milk. Entree choices include:

  • Chicken & Ribs:  Fall off the bone lean pork back ribs and buttermilk marinated southern fried baked chicken breast. Served with garlic whipped potatoes and Romanesco.
  • Steak Diane:  Medallions of roast beef tenderloin in the classic sauce. Served with garlic whipped potatoes and Romanesco.
  • Seared Duck Breast:  Tender duck breast with a reduction of port wine and tart red cherries.  Served with garlic whipped potatoes and Romanesco.
  • Global Vegetarian Medley:  Farm fresh vegetables, mushrooms, grains, and pasta.

  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 Verona Senior Center New Member Form (no charge) and Verona Senior Center Liability Agreement.  You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.

  Schedule (Return times are approximate)

  8:45 a.m. - Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

  9:30 a.m.  - Pick-up (East side) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)

  10:30 a.m. - Arrive at Fireside Theatre

  11:15 a.m. - Dine

  1:30 p.m. - Showtime

  5:00 p.m. - Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride

  5:30 p.m. - Return Verona Senior Center

  Cost:  $135 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 Monday, November 11, 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 Miracle on 34th Street trip organizer, Sue Josheff,  sooziej@sbcglobal.net , 608-770-3828
  

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• Winter Course Registration Opens

  • When
    December 09, 2024

  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.

  
  

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• Milwaukee Holiday Tour

  • When
    December 09, 2024
  •  
    8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
  • Location
    Milwaukee, WI
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  
  

  
  

  Milwaukee Holiday Tour
  

  Monday, December 9, 2024
  

  Registration deadline is November 15
  

  Join us and experience the magic of Milwaukee this holiday season with our Santa-approved tour, blending history, cherished Christmas traditions, delectable treats, and a sprinkle of festive cheer.

  Our journey starts with a visit to a cozy bakery for a morning treat and a steaming cup of coffee, perfect for warming up on a crisp winter morning.

  Then it's off to the Pabst Mansion, adorned in  all its Christmas splendor with its beautifully decorated rooms that evoke the spirit of the season.

  
  

  Lunch will be at Kegel's Inn indulging in seasonal flavors and hearty fare.   Lunch choices are:

  Fish Fry: Four pieces of cod deep fried to golden perfection served with French fries and coleslaw.

  Beef Goulash: Tender beef sirloin tips in a rich Austrian style paprika gravy, served over a choice of mashed potato or buttered noodles.

  Sauerbraten: Marinated slow roasted beef served smothered with red-wine vinegarand ginger-snap gravy. This tangy dish is complimented by a savory
  potato dumpling and our house red cabbage.

  Sausage Combination: Bratwurst and polish sausage served with homemade German potato salad and sauerkraut.

  Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich: House pounded chicken, lettuce, tomato and a lemon aioli.

  Grilled Chicken House Salad: Grilled chicken over a large mixed green salad with red onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes and our homemade croutons. Choice of dressing.

  Your traditional German lunch is also accompanied with soup and bread service.  Ask your server about Vegan options. 
  

  Throughout the day we will visit 4-6 enchanting ethnic bakeries and shops around Milwaukee, where you'll be treated to delightful samples, festive treats, and ample shopping time to find the perfect holiday gifts.

  
  

  We conclude our magical day at the Wauwatosa European Christmas Market, where the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere will fill you with holiday joy.

  This will be a fully narrated tour sharing the rich history of Christmas traditions from various cultural groups, including the Greek, Polish, German, Italian and Irish. Let the festive stories and cheerful sights make your holiday season unforgettable.

  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 Verona Senior Center New Member Form (no charge) and Verona Senior Center Liability Agreement.  You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.
  

  Schedule  (Return times are approximate)

  8:00 a.m.  Depart Verona Senior Center, 108 Paoli Street, Verona

  8:30 a.m.   Pick-up (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)

  5:00 p.m.   Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride

  5:30 p.m.   Return Verona Senior Center
  

  Cost: $165 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, November 15, 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 Milwaukee Holiday Tour trip organizer, Bob Shaw,  robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486
  

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• Winter Courses Begin

  • When
    January 06, 2025

  Many Winter courses begin the week of January 6th. Most Winter 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.

  
  

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• Spring Course Registration Opens

  • When
    January 21, 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.

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• Spring Courses Begin

  • When
    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. 

  
  

  
  

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• Summer Course Registration Opens

  • When
    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.

  
  

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• Summer Courses Begin

  • When
    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.

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• Fall Course Registration Opens

  • When
    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.

  Show details