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    • August 25, 2025
    • 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
    • Spring Green
    • 3
    Registration is closed



    Where Nature and Architecture Converge

    Monday, August 25, 2025

    Registration deadline is Monday, July 21


    Taliesin is the home of Frank Lloyd Wright's Wisconsin home for nearly 50 years Taliesin means "shining brow" in Welch. In honor of his heritage and is built on the brow of a hill in Wisconsin's Driftless region. Join us and immerse yourself in Taliesin's unique mix of architecture, nature, culture, and agriculture in Spring Green. This will be an intimate look at the 70-year career of one of America's greatest architects, with a professional guide, in the hills of the Driftless Area valley.  Following lunch, we will visit downtown Spring Green.  As always, there will be a surprise stop on our trip.


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    Lunch

    Lunch is included in your registration fee and consists of:

    • Handcrafted sandwich
    • Chips
    • Sweet treat from the bakery
    • Drinks: coffee, iced tea, lemonade, water

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        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)

        8:00 a.m.  Pick-up (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)

        8:30 a.m.   Depart Verona Park & Ride

        5:00 p.m.   Return Verona Park & Ride

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

        Departure Locations:

        New Verona Departure Location!

        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 Monday, July 21, 2025.

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

        • September 09, 2025
        • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
        • 3656 County Highway AB, McFarland, WI
        • 0
        Join waitlist

        Dane County Landfill Tour

        Tuesday, September 9 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

        Free to PLATO members and guests.

        Registration is required.

        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!

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        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.

        • October 09, 2025
        • 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
        • Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson
        • 6
        Register



        Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson

        Thursday, October 9, 2025

        Registration deadline is Monday, September 15

        It's an American classic!  It's the show that first introduced the immortal writing team of Rodgers and Hammerstein! It's the show that ushered in the Golden Age of American Musical Theatre! It's OKLAHOMA! This bright, brassy, boisterous musical comedy is filled with colorful costumes, breathtaking dancing, side-spitting humor, and a musical score featuring such hits as "People Will Say We're In Love," "Surrey With the Fringe On Top," and the rousing title number "Oklahoma!" The original production won a Pulitzer Prize and various Broadway revivals have won multiple Tony Awards. Now The Fireside presents a fresh, new, not to be missed telling of this time-honored musical.

        The meal includes a Scallop Appetizer, freshly baked breads, choice of entree, Double Layer Carrot Cake for dessert, and coffee/tea/milk. Entree choices include:

        • Chicken Florentine:  Pan seared Chicken Breast stuffed with Fresh Spinach and Cheeses, served over a Spinach Cream Sauce and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.
        • Baked Almond Crusted Cod:  Two Northern Cod Fillets coated with Dijon Mustard and crusted with Toasted Almonds, Japanese Breadcrumbs, and Fresh Herbs. Baked to crunchy perfection and served with our decadent Tarragon Sauce and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.   
        • Beef Short Rib:   Slowly braised in beef stock and dressed with a red wine demi-glaze and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.
        • Vegetarian Option:  Vegetarian Manicotti with red sauce

        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)

        8:30 a.m. - Depart Verona Park & Ride

        9:00 a.m.  - Pick-up (East side) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)

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

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


        Departure Locations

        New Verona Departure Location!

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


        East side (Dutch Mill Park and 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.

        ___________________________________

        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, September 15, 2025.

        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  trip organizer, Bob Shaw,    robert.e.shaw@gmail.com, 608-255-3486


      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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