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    • June 19, 2026
    • 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
    • Fort Atkinson
    • 1
    Registration is closed



    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 CashJerry Lee LewisCarl 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.

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    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. 

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    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

    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.

    • June 21, 2026
    • 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
    • Verona, WI
    • 10

    Epic's Storybook Campus Tour

    Sunday, June 21

    1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.


    Because of limited slots, this is a Member Only event


    Registration begins Tuesday, June 9


    Epic, the health software company in Verona, has a unique corporate headquarters.  Divided into separate campuses with differently themed buildings, Epic aims to create an environment that is comfortable, sparks creativity, has variety, and results in productivity.

    Following up on our 2023 tour of the Wizards Academy Campus, this time we will be taking a tour of the Storybook Campus.   The tour will be led by PLATO members Barb Drake and Bob Shaw using Epic's self-guided handouts.


    Step into a world where imagination comes alive on a guided tour of the remarkable Epic Storybook Campus.  Wander through whimsical buildings inspired by beloved tales and adventures — from Alice in Wonderland and the Land of Oz to the worlds of Jules Verne, mystery novels, science fiction, Grimm fairy tales, and the Chocolate Factory. Along the way, discover stunning artwork, hidden details, playful architecture, and creative spaces that transform an ordinary office campus into an unforgettable experience. Whether you love literature, art, design, or simply exploring unique places, this tour promises surprises, conversation, and a chance to see one of Wisconsin’s most imaginative destinations.

    Self-Guided Tours:  If you are unable to join our tour or are comfortable touring Epic yourself, you can sign up for a tour at https://www.epic.com/visiting/.  Note that reservations are required and slots fill up rapidly.  Slots open up 30 days in advance.

    Registration:  There is no registration fee and there is a limit of 12 for the tour.

    Parking and Meeting Instructions:   Take Highway 18 to Verona and exit right on Epic Lane (Exit 76).  Cross Verona Avenue and continue on Epic Lane.   After a short distance Epic Lane will intersect with Northern Lights Road.  At that intersection you will see a sign pointing to the left that says: "Epic Visitors, Epic Lane, Deliveries".  DO NOT TAKE THAT LEFT ON EPIC LANE.  Instead continue straight on Northern Lights Road.  After a half-mile turn left at the sign that says "Staff Park A".  You will see a parking lot with solar panels on top.  Park in the visitor's parking lot (Zodiac lot).

    At the northwest part of the parking lot you will see a small Humpty Dumpty sculpture.  Walk up the stairs by the sculpture and follow the signs that say Visitor's Center.  We will be meeting near the visitor's desk in the Andromeda building.


    You can also view a map by typing in "Epic Visitor Parking Verona" in Google Maps.

    Length, Accessibility,  and Pace of Walk:  We will be walking almost constantly for the 90 minutes at a leisurely pace for a total of almost four miles.  There are a number  of stairs on the tour but there are elevators if you would prefer that over the stairs.

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

    For Further Information contact Epic tour leaders, Barb Drake, barbaradrake21@gmail.com, 608-535-2737  or Bob Shaw,  robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486 


    • June 25, 2026
    • 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
    • Madison, WI
    • 0
    Join waitlist


    The Recycling Revealed Tour

    Note: Pellitteri has asked us to change the date from June 18 to June 25

    Thursday, June 25 from 10:30-12:00

    Free to PLATO members

    Only 8 slots available because of limited parking

    Registration is required


    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.”


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      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.

      • July 23, 2026
      • 7:45 AM - 6:30 PM
      • Milwaukee and Greendale
      • 5
      Register



      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.

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      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

      _________________________________________

      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

      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.

      • August 03, 2026
      • 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
      • 1615 Sherman Avenue
      • 12



      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: $30 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


    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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