PLATO upcoming events

3rd Friday Lunch on the East Side (May 15, 2026)

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

3rd Friday Lunch on the East Side at Great Dane East

Where? Great Dane East, 876 Juniper Drive, Madison

When? Meets on the third Friday of each month from 11:30-1:30

What? Lunch with friends, old and new. To view the menu go to https://www.greatdanepub.com/menu/. You will pay with your own check with gratuity at your own discretion.

Directions: Entrance is a few hundred feet from Cottage Grove Road and conveniently located on Madison Metro's Route C.

Parking: There is plenty of parking in the adjacent parking lot. No stairs!

Organizer: Sue Ellerhorst

RSVP is required because we are limited to 24 or fewer. Email Sue at nana@orcagranny.com by the Wednesday before the lunch to let her know you are coming. Also email her if you have any questions.

4th Friday of the Month Coffee (May 22, 2026)

Fri, 22 May 2026 14:30:00 GMT

COFFEE GATHERING

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

The Rotunda Cafe, 1965 Atwood Avenue 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

Parking: (see below)
RSVP or Questions? Email Sue Ellerhost at luvcetaceans@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.

Mansion Hill East Walking Tour (May 31, 2026)

Sun, 31 May 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Mansion Hill East Walking Tour

Sunday, May 31 from 4:00-5:15

Registration is required.

Join us as we collaborate with the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation on a guided walking tour through the historic Mansion Hill East neighborhood. Travel through time to see the stately sandstone mansions built by Madison’s early elite, including the Old Governor’s Mansion, home to 17 Wisconsin governors. Other highlights include the “architectural gem of Mansion Hill,” now Mansion Hill Inn, and the Gates of Heaven Synagogue.

The tour will accommodate up to 18 pre-registered guests and will last approximately 75 minutes. Meet outside the Edgewater Hotel at the upper level restaurant entrance. The tour will begin promptly at 4 p.m.

The guided tour is approximately 1 mile in length and covers some paved but hilly terrain. Comfortable shoes for walking are strongly recommended. Tour participants are encouraged to bring water with them as the tour will be taking place entirely outdoors and shade will vary. Walking tours will happen rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, consider bringing an umbrella. There are no restrooms on the tour.

Leading the tour will be PLATO Board member Steve Sparks. A certified Toastmaster, he holds a master's degree in journalism and mass communication. In retirement Steve is doing consulting work in communications and indulging his interest in history by working as a tour guide at the Wisconsin State Capitol and as a docent for the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace and for Historic Architecture Walking Tours through the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.

Registration: Cost is $20/person with all the registration money donated to the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.

The registration deadline is Thursday, May 28. 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.

A tour may be cancelled for extreme weather or lightning. We will alert guests at least four hours in advance by email. Purchased tickets will be refunded.

Parking: You can park on the street or in the Edgewater Hotel parking ramp which has a public parking rate of $4/hour.

Questions? - Contact tour organizer Steve Sparks at 608-692-3302 or swsparks@charter.net

Dane County Landfill Tour (June 02, 2026)

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Dane County Landfill Tour

Tuesday, June 2 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Free to PLATO members and guests.

Registration is required.

We had a wait list for last year's Dane County Landfill Tour so we are repeating it in 2026.

Ever wonder what happens to your trash after it leaves the curb? Join us for an eye-opening, behind-the-scenes field trip to our local landfill and waste management facilities — a fascinating journey into the world of recycling, renewable energy, and responsible disposal.

Tour highlights Include:

Clean Sweep Facility: See how hazardous household materials like paints, cleaners, and batteries are safely collected and handled.
Construction & Demolition Recycling Center: Learn how building materials are sorted and reused to keep tons of waste out of landfills.
Renewable Natural Gas Plant: Discover how organic waste is turned into clean, renewable energy that powers homes and vehicles.
Active Landfill Site: Get a rare, firsthand look at how today’s landfills are engineered to manage waste while protecting the environment.

Why You Should Come:

Gain a deeper understanding of where your waste goes — and why it matters.
Learn how to reduce your own environmental footprint.
Perfect for sustainability advocates and curious minds of all ages.

Space is limited and spots fill quickly, so register today for this unique, educational experience that just might change the way you see your garbage!

____________________________________

Safety information: The health of our visitors and staff is important to us and we have implemented the following policies and procedures for our tour program:

- Safety vests will be provided and must be worn at all times during the tour.

- No sandals or open toed shoes.

- Bathroom access is extremely limited, please plan accordingly.

Weather: Tours proceed rain or shine, so tour attendees should dress for the weather.

Directions: Please meet at Hope Park (3656 County Highway AB, McFarland, WI) directly outside our landfill facility where our mobile Trash Lab exhibit is located. The Trash Lab exhibit will be parked out front, with a "tours" sign to mark where we will be gathering. Visitors will have a chance to explore the Lab prior to getting on our Waste + Renewables bus for the grounds tour.

For further information, contact PLATO trip leader, Cynthia Moore, eron99c@gmail.com , 608-228-8836.

Ten Chimneys in Genesee Depot (June 03, 2026)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Ten Chimneys in Genesee Depot

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Registration deadline is Wednesday, May 13

Ten Chimneys is the estate lovingly created by Broadway legends Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne. Yes, there are ten chimneys! Lynn and Alfred named their Genesee Depot, Wisconsin, estate after the number of chimneys on the Main House, Cottage, and Studio combined. The elegant three-story Main House has six chimneys and eighteen rooms (including the: Entry Hall, Garden Room, Flirtation Room, Drawing Room, Library, Belasco Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Helen Hayes Bedroom, Laurence Olivier Bedroom, Noël Coward Bedroom, Master Bedroom, Lynn’s Dressing Room, and Lynn’s Sewing Room). The Lunts’ quaint country Cottage has three chimneys and five main rooms (Living Room, Kitchen, Syrie Maugham Bedroom, Library, and Bugbee Bedroom). The one-room Swedish-style log cabin Studio has one chimney. The 60-acre estate, nestled in the rolling Kettle Moraine of southeast Wisconsin, also includes a charming pool and pool house, a creamery, a greenhouse, barns, stables, and other bucolic outbuildings.

Accessibility

A portion of the Main House and the entire Lunt-Fontanne Program Center are accessible by standard wheelchairs and walkers. Regretfully, the Main House is not equipped to handle motorized wheelchairs. Wheelchairs of any kind and rolling walkers cannot be used on the Full Estate Tour.

A surprise stop will end our day's event.

_________________________________________

Lunch (Indicate your choice when registering)

Lunch includes cup of chicken dumpling soup and beverage

1/2 beet & goat cheese salad, roasted red and gold beets, fresh goat cheese & roasted walnuts over arugula tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing
½ Crispy Chicken Salad Breaded chicken pieces, bacon, cheddar cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes, and croutons on top of spring mix lettuce. Served with honey Dijon mustard dressing.
Chicken Salad Sandwich Granny smith apples, raisins, walnuts, celery, onions and mayo on raisin toast
Patty Melt 8 oz burger topped with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. Served on grilled rye with a side of French Fries

_________________________________________

PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity. You will be required to fill out the 2026 Verona Senior Center New Member and Trip Waiver Form (no charge). You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.

Schedule: (Return times are approximate)

TRAVELERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

10:00 a.m. Depart Verona Park & Ride

10:15 a.m. Depart (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

6:15 p.m. Return (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

6:45 p.m. Return Verona Park & Ride

Departure Locations:

Verona Park & Ride - 2585 Old PB, Verona, WI

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: $100 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 Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

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.

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

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

1st Friday Breakfast on the West Side (June 05, 2026)

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Where? Panera Bread, 601 Junction Road, Madison, WI

When? Meets on the first Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

What? Breakfast with friends, old and new. To view the menu go to https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/menu.html.

Directions: Located 1.5 blocks south of Old Sauk Road on Junction Road.

Parking: There is plenty of parking in the adjacent parking lot. No stairs!

Organizer: Catherine Masi

RSVP or Questions? Email Catherine at catherine.masi@gmail.com by the Thursday before the breakfast to let her know you are coming. Also email her if you have any questions.

Summer Courses Begin (June 08, 2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Many Summer courses begin the week of June 8th. 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.

Nature Walk at Pheasant Branch Conservancy (June 11, 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:30:00 GMT

Free to PLATO members and guests

Registration Required

Join Pheasant Branch Conservancy President Hans Hilbert as we explore some of the most unique land features in the Conservancy. We’ll discuss human history, ecology, watershed dynamics, and the impacts that development around Pheasant Branch continue to have on the Conservancy. We will also highlight the Friend’s successes in prairie establishment and habitat improvement.

Our walk will include a visit to the Springs and an overview of the newly acquired 160- acre Acker Parcel designed to a Platinum quality prairie and wetlands that will “significantly reduce stormwater volume improve water quality.

The Walk

This 2 1/2 hour walk and presentation will cover about a 2 1/2 mile stretch of the Conservatory. The walk is on mostly flat or slightly rolling trails. We may climb a hill to better view the newly added farm land. Following the formal walk, you are welcome to explore the Conservancy on your own or join members of the group for coffee and relaxation at a local café.

About the Conservancy

Pheasant Branch Conservancy consists of 842 acres owned by three partners: Dane County Parks, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Middleton. The Conservancy consists of upland oak savanna and lowland wetland prairies. The uplands are known for their diverse prairie and mature hardwood stands. The lowlands are traversed by Pheasant Branch Creek. With its headwaters in the Town of Springfield and Town of Middleton, Pheasant Branch flows through the City of Middleton and the newly acquired (and recontoured) 160 acre farm, into the Pheasant Branch Marsh which provides millions of gallons of water to Lake Mendota and the Yahara Chain of Lakes.

Additional Information: Several maps of the conservancy are available at the Friends of Pheasant Branch website: http://www.pheasantbranch.org/

Accessibility: A 2 1/2 mile walk along a graded path makes this walk one of the more accessible we'll offer this year. The route may involve a few small hills to view newly added prairie.

Microphone: Our leader will have a microphone along to assist in delivering his message clearly as possible.

Driving and Parking Information: We will use the parking lot at Orchid Heights Park, 3960 Valley Ridge Rd, Middleton, WI 53562.

For further information, contact PLATO trip leader, Mike Dilorio at mdiiorio@tds.net or 608-520-4448.

2nd Friday of the Month Coffee (June 12, 2026)

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Meets every 2nd Friday in the summer

at the Memorial Union!

Where: Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street
Day: Meets on the second Friday of each month

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Drinks/Food: Peet’s Coffee will be open with bakery and snacks. At 11 or 12 the hot dog stand and other venues will be open.
Place: Outside at the terrace. Look for us in the outdoor area behind the Der Rathskellar restaurant. In case of rain we will meet in the large glassed in room near the terrace.
Parking: Best parking is the State Street Campus Garage located at 430 N Frances Street. Two ramps, near each other, are available. It is about a 2 block walk to the Union.
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.

The Recycling Revealed Tour (June 18, 2026)

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT

The Recycling Revealed Tour

Thursday, June 18 from 10:30-12:00

Free to PLATO members

Only 8 slots available because of limited parking

Registration is required

Registration opens on May 19

Ever wonder what happens to your recyclables after you drop it in the green bin? Find out on our tour of the Pellitteri Kipp Street Station material recovery facility which Madison uses to handle its recycling operation.

Recycling plays a vital role in conserving natural resources, reducing landfill waste, and protecting the environment for future generations. By reusing materials like paper, metals, plastics, and glass, we decrease the need for raw resource extraction, which in turn saves energy and reduces pollution. Recycling also helps limit greenhouse gas emissions, making it an important part of addressing climate change. On a community level, it supports local economies by creating jobs in collection, processing, and manufacturing. Ultimately, recycling is a simple but powerful way for individuals and organizations to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible use of our planet’s resources.

The tour begins in the Education Room, where you’ll get a behind-the-scenes view of how recycling really works. From this vantage point, you can watch state-of-the-art systems in action as they separate, sort, and prepare materials for their next life. You’ll also overlook the busy tipping floor, where truckloads of recyclables arrive and begin their journey through the facility. Along the way, you’ll enjoy a short, informative presentation and video that bring the process to life and highlight the impact of recycling in our community.”

____________________________________

Safety Rules:

All visitors must be accompanied by a Pellitteri employee.
Tour participants must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.
No visitor will be allowed to tour the working floor of the facility.
All visitors are to follow the instructions listed for vehicle restrictions, safe vehicle entry, enter through the center door of the building and stay within the enclosed office space and educational room
In the event of a fire, please exit the stairwell nearest the parking lot. In the event of a tornado, please exit the stairwell by the TV and go to the hallway by the bathrooms located between the lunchroom and utility room.

There is a No Media policy at the facility; taking videos or photos on personal devices is not allowed. This is out of respect for the employees as well as for proprietary reasons.

Directions: Because parking at the recycling facility is limited to two cars for our group, we will be meeting at a nearby lot and carpooling the 1.3 miles to the recycling site. Meet at 10:30 in the parking lot of the McFarland Ice Arena, 4812 Marsh Road.

The trip leader will be taking her car and we need one more car to transport registrants. If you would be willing to use your car to carpool registrants from the McFarland Ice Arena to the recycling facility, indicate that when you register.

For further information, contact Joyce Knutson at k2pmw@sbcglobal.net or 608-238-4279.

Fireside Theatre: Million Dollar Quartet (June 19, 2026)

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Fireside Theatre: Million Dollar Quartet

Friday, June 19, 2026

Registration deadline is Monday, June 1

On December 4, 1956, an extraordinary twist of fate brought Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Elvis Presley together at Sun Records in Memphis for what would be one of the greatest jam sessions of all time.

MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET brings that legendary December night to life with an irresistible tale of broken promises, secrets, betrayal, and celebrations that is both poignant and funny. Relive the era with the smash-hit sensation featuring an incredible score of rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, R&B, and country hits all performed live. Featuring such hit songs as “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Fever,” “Walk the Line,” “Sixteen Tons,” “Great Balls of Fire,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” “Hound Dog,” and many more.

_________________________________________

Lunch (Indicate your choice when registering)

The meal includes Jam Session Salad (Spinach, Kale, Arugula, Frisee Lettuce, Hard Boiled Egg, Cucumber, Tomato topped with Sweet Sour Dressing, Bacon Chips and Fried Onion Strings), freshly baked breads, choice of entree, Crème Brûlée for dessert, and coffee/tea/milk.

Chicken Cordon Bleu - Boneless Breast of Chicken filled with Jones Cherrywood Smoked Canadian Bacon, Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese, Swiss Cheese, and Dijon Mustard, rolled in our Seasoned Breadcrumbs, sauteed to a golden brown, ad baked to finish. Served on a delicious Creamy Dijon Sauce and accompanied by Garlic Parmesan Orzo and a Parisian Vegetable Mix.
Grilled Red Snapper - A Seasoned, Flame-grilled 6 oz. filet of Fresh Red Snapper accompanied by a Smoked Paprika Beurre Blanc Sauce. Served with Garlic Parmesan Orzo and a Parisian Vegetable Mix.
Beef Short Rib - A generous 8 oz. portion of Beef Short Rib slowly briased in our own homemade Beef Stock and crowned with a glorious red wine demi-glade served with garlic parmesan orzo and a Parisian vegetable mix.
Vegetarian Stuffed Bell Peppers - A classic recipe turned up a notch Two large, assorted Bell Peppers stuffed to the max with a combination of Brown Rice, Quinoa, Plant-based Protein, and our Signature Marinara Sauce topped with Shredded Parmesan Cheese. Served with Garlic Parmesan Orzo and a Parisian Vegetable Mix.

_________________________________________

Schedule: (Return times are approximate)

TRAVELERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

9:00 a.m. Depart Verona Park & Ride

9:30 a.m. Depart (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

5:00 p.m. Return (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

5:30 p.m. Return Verona Park & Ride

Departure Locations:

Verona Park & Ride - 2585 Old PB, Verona, WI

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: $125 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, June 1, 2026.

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.

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

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

1st Friday Breakfast on the West Side (July 03, 2026)

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Where? Panera Bread, 601 Junction Road, Madison, WI

When? Meets on the first Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

2nd Friday of the Month Coffee (July 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Meets every 2nd Friday in the summer

at the Memorial Union!

Where: Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street
Day: Meets on the second Friday of each month

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Drinks/Food: Peet’s Coffee will be open with bakery and snacks. At 11 or 12 the hot dog stand and other venues will be open.
Place: Outside at the terrace. Look for us in the outdoor area behind the Der Rathskellar restaurant. In case of rain we will meet in the large glassed in room near the terrace.
Parking: Best parking is the State Street Campus Garage located at 430 N Frances Street. Two ramps, near each other, are available. It is about a 2 block walk to the Union.
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.

From Chimneys to Iconic Wings (July 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:45:00 GMT

From Chimneys to Iconic Wings

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Registration deadline is Monday, June 29

Registration opens on Tuesday, June 2

Each chimney has a story of its own that means something special to the owner. We will hear these stories during our historic and folk-art chimney tour. There are hundreds of decorated Greendale original home chimneys!

The decor of the chimneys relates to many of Greendale's "alphabetized streets" All streets in the "A section" begin with the letter A, etc. So, apricots hang on Apricot Coutt chimneys... azaleas bloom on Azalea Court chimneys...berries ripen on Berry Court, and naturally, balsam branches on Balsam Court. Other sculptures reflect the homeowners' lives and personal experiences.

Two Brewer fans, a couple married at Miller Park, sport a ball and glove logo on their chimney; a film director displays an old camera projector on his. Whether a lover of country, a beach comber, a bird watcher, or UW grad, each chimney has its own story, and you will discover many of them on our tour.

Following lunch and some time in Greendale's Historic Downtown Center, we're off to the Milwaukee Art Museum, the largest art museum in the state of Wisconsin, housing a collection of more than 30,000 works and hosting an impressive lineup of internationally regarded exhibitions. The Museum sees almost 400,000 visitors each year, with nearly 21,500 holding annual Museum memberships. The Museum's stellar art education program serves over 50,000 youth each year through programs, tours, and internships.

A surprise stop will end our day's event.

_________________________________________

Lunch (Indicate your choice when registering)

Lunch includes coffee or fountain soft drink.

BURGER: 1/4lb Burger Topped with Lettuce & Tomato. Served on a Brioche Bun, and Side of Homemade Chips
APPLE WALNUT SALAD: Spring Mix, Apples, White Cheddar, Walnuts, Dried Cranberries, Served with Raspberry Honey Vinaigrette and Grilled Chicken
APPLE WALNUT SALAD: Spring Mix, Apples, White Cheddar, Walnuts, Dried Cranberries, Served with Raspberry Honey Vinaigrette and Crispy Chicken
CHICKEN SALAD WRAP: Chopped Grilled Chicken, Apples, Walnuts, Celery, Lettuce, Tomato, & Mayo. Serviced With Side of Homemade Chips

_________________________________________

Schedule: (Return times are approximate)

TRAVELERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

7:45 a.m. Depart Verona Park & Ride

8:30 a.m. Depart (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

6:00 p.m. Return (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

6:30 p.m. Return Verona Park & Ride

Departure Locations:

Verona Park & Ride - 2585 Old PB, Verona, WI

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: $120 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, June 29, 2026.

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.

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

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

From Wood to Watercraft: Dugout Canoes of Wisconsin (August 03, 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 17:45:00 GMT

From Wood to Watercraft:

Dugout Canoes of Wisconsin

Monday, August 3, 2026

Registration deadline is Friday, July 31

Registration will open July 7

Sissel Schroeder, Professor of Anthropology at UW Madison, will educate us about the Wisconsin Dugout Canoe Survey Project. The talk will take place on an MSCR Pontoon boat where, if the weather permits, we will hover over where dugout canoes were discovered in Lake Mendota a few years ago.

The goals of the Wisconsin Dugout Canoe Survey include locating, identifying, and documenting dugouts across the state. When this project started in 2018, 11 dugout canoes were documented in Wisconsin, ranging in age from about 150 years old to a fragment from Kenosha County that is 1,850 years old. By February 2024, there were 95 reports of dugouts in the state (the research team has confirmed and documented 73 of them). These discoveries put Wisconsin second in eastern North America for the number of reported dugout canoes. The Wisconsin sample of dugouts has two of the 10 oldest dugouts in eastern North America that range between 4,000 and 6,000 years old.

Don't miss this fascinating lecture and opportunity to glimpse the front lines of Wisconsin history as it's being made.

Sissel Schroeder received her PhD from The Pennsylvania State University and is currently a Professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is also an affiliate of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, the Center for Culture, History, and the Environment, the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program, and the Material Culture Studies Program. Her current research is focused on issues of sociopolitical complexity, climate change impacts, and historical ecology among ancient Native American societies of the southeastern and midwestern United States.

The talk will given on an MSCR Pontoon boat while we are travelling Lake Mendota. You will be required to sign a Pontoon Program Liability Waiver before boarding. There will be no bathroom breaks for the 90 minute pontoon ride. There are Porta Potties at the departure point. Bring your own water and snacks and dress appropriately for the weather. It is often windier and cooler on the lake.

Meeting Point: Tenney Park, 1615 Sherman Ave

Boat trips to either Monona or Mendota (dependent on lake accessibility) depart from the Tenney Park Boat House.

Cost: $20 per person.

Seating is limited, so register today! Registrations must be received no later than noon on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Mail-In Registration Form:

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.

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

For further information, contact PLATO trip coordinators, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486 or Liz Coleman, liz_coleman@msn.com, 608-320-4480

Fearless Science Tour (August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Fearless Science Tour

Thursday, August 6 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Free to PLATO Members and Guests

Registration is Required

Registration opens Tuesday, June 30

Join us for a Fearless Science Tour at the Morgridge Institute for Research – a private, nonprofit research institute dedicated to interdisciplinary biomedical research in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

This 2-hour tour is designed to introduce individuals and groups to the curiosity-driven research and STEM education/engagement work accomplished at the Morgridge Institute.

Fearless Science Tour Timeline

Introduction Presentation (30 min)
- Overview & History of the Morgridge Institute
Scientist Visit 1 (30 min)
- Scientist visits are typically a combination of a short presentation, opportunity for questions, and perhaps a quick look inside the lab
Scientist Visit 2 (30 min)
Principal Investigator (PI) Presentation (30 min)
- Values of Curiosity-Driven Research
- Their perspective on the value of Morgridge as an institute/why they choose to work here
- Q&A as time allows

Logistics: The PLATO tour of the Morgridge Institute on Thursday, August 6 will be held from 10 am - 12 pm, beginning and ending in the Researcher's Link Room on the 2^nd floor of the Discovery Building. On the attached map, the elevator is highlighted (next to the Welcome Desk). The closest building entrance to the space is Door E, at the corner of Orchard St. & University Ave, though it’s accessible no matter which entrance to the Discovery Building you use. Card access is required to use the elevator and there will be a staff member stationed at the elevators to welcome us and scan us up to the 2nd floor.

Transportation/Parking:

The Discovery Building is located near several city of Madison Metro Transit bus stops and UW-Madison bicycle routes.

Although onsite parking is not available, three UW-managed lots (17, 20 and 80) are nearby. Due to construction around the engineering campus and Randall Ave., Lot 17 is only accessible coming from the north (University Ave. & Johnson St.) and has a different, less direct (but clearly marked!) walking route to the Discovery Building. However, it seems that Lot 17 usually has more open parking spaces than the other two nearby options. Each of the links for the three UW-managed lots (17, 20 and 80), has a real-time update of the number of open spaces to help plan your route as you’re headed to campus.

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

1st Friday Breakfast on the West Side (August 07, 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Where? Panera Bread, 601 Junction Road, Madison, WI

When? Meets on the first Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

2nd Friday of the Month Coffee (August 14, 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Meets every 2nd Friday in the summer

at the Memorial Union!

Where: Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street
Day: Meets on the second Friday of each month

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Drinks/Food: Peet’s Coffee will be open with bakery and snacks. At 11 or 12 the hot dog stand and other venues will be open.
Place: Outside at the terrace. Look for us in the outdoor area behind the Der Rathskellar restaurant. In case of rain we will meet in the large glassed in room near the terrace.
Parking: Best parking is the State Street Campus Garage located at 430 N Frances Street. Two ramps, near each other, are available. It is about a 2 block walk to the Union.
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.

Fall Course Registration Opens (August 18, 2026)

Tue, 18 Aug 2026 05:00:00 GMT

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.

1st Friday Breakfast on the West Side (September 04, 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Where? Panera Bread, 601 Junction Road, Madison, WI

When? Meets on the first Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Fall Courses Begin (September 14, 2026)

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Many Fall courses begin the week of September 14. Most Fall courses will meet once a week; the number of weeks is determined by each course coordinator. The number of weeks is often 8 - 10 weeks, but some courses are fewer weeks, such as 4 - 6 weeks. Be sure to check the course list to see the dates, times and lengths of individual courses.