PLATO upcoming events

The Recycling Revealed Tour (June 25, 2026)

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT

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.

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.

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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

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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

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 18:00:00 GMT

From Wood to Watercraft:

Dugout Canoes of Wisconsin

Monday, August 3, 2026

Registration deadline is Friday, July 24

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.

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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 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.

Note that this is a 3-hour trip with a bathroom break at the Memorial Union.

Tentative Timetable:

1:00 PM - Depart Tenney Park dock and go through Tenney Park locks

1:30 - 2:45 - Hover over Shorewood mooring field where the canoes were found for Sissel's talk

2:45-3:15 - Dock at Goodspeed Pier by Memorial Union for bathroom break

4:00 PM - Disembark at Tenney Park dock

Meeting Point: Tenney Park, 1615 Sherman Ave

The boat trip to Lake Mendota will depart from the Tenney Park Boat House and will go through the lock at Tenney Park.

Cost: $30 per person.

Seating is limited, so register today! Registrations must be received no later than noon on Friday, July 24, 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 coordinators, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486 or Liz Coleman, liz_coleman@msn.com, 608-320-4480

Green Bay/Oneida Nation Tour (August 11, 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Green Bay/Oneida Nation Tour

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Registration deadline is Tuesday, July 28

Registration opens on Tuesday, June 30

It’s going to be a great day in Green Bay!! We’ll start our day at the Discover Green Bay Welcome Center and learn a bit about the city’s history.

Next, we’ll head to the Oneida Nation to visit their new museum which opened in June where we will learn about the Oneida culture, government, and economy. Read more about the new museum at Kahnekano Lu Cultural Center Opens. Experience the history through the exhibits of basketry, beadwork, contemporary art, music, children's hands-on-area and other programming.

The Oneida Nation reservation spans parts of two counties west of the Green Bay metropolitan area. Their property includes the museum, a Long House Village, Buffalo Overlook, Veteran’s Wall and more.

After our visit, we’re off to lunch at the 1919 Kitchen & Tap Restaurant at Lambeau Field. Here we’ll experience the excitement of Lambeau Field while we savor and sip local food and drinks. After lunch you will have a chance to visit the ProShop.

On our way home we will swing by LaClare Creamery to pick up dinner and visit their baby goats.

And don't forget there will be surprise stop during the day.

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Lunch (Indicate your choice when registering)

Lunch includes beverage

Wisco Burger with chips, Wisconsin cheddar, lettuce, tomato
Turkey Club with chips, Shaved turkey, smoked gouda, lettuce, tomato, peppered bacon, chive mayo, ale mustard, sourdough
Cobb Salad, Butter crunch bibb, peppered bacon, red onion, sweet corn, tomato, bleu cheese, avocado, buttermilk parsley dressing,
Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork with chips, Maple coleslaw, house BBQ sauce

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Schedule: (Return times are approximate)

TRAVELERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

7:00 a.m. Depart Verona Park & Ride

7:30 a.m. Depart (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

6:30 p.m. Return (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

7:00 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: $130 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 Tuesday, July 28, 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.

Limnology Lake Tour (September 02, 2026)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Limnology Lake Tour

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Registration deadline is Monday, August 24

Registration will open August 4

Helen Schlimm, Research Specialist & Outreach Coordinator for the UW-Madison Center For Limnology, will be joining us on MSCR's pontoon boat for our limnology lake tour.

We will navigate to different points around Lake Mendota from University Bay, around Picnic and Frautschi Points, out to the middle of the lake at the CFL research buoy, and back along the southern shore. Topics of conversation will include: history of the Madison lakes and area, history of limnology, ecology of the lakes, past and current research efforts. There will be plenty of time for questions. Helen will have some limnological sampling tools on board so participants can gain hands-on experience with lake science.

Helen Schlimm assists in the regular operations and research endeavors of the Wilkinson Lab, in addition to leading outreach efforts. Her work combines her interests in limnological study and inclusive community science. She received a BS in Environmental Science from Dickinson College in 2017.

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Note that this is a 3-hour trip and there will be a bathroom break.

Timetable:

5:00 - Depart Tenney Park dock and go through Tenney Park locks

5:40 - Pick up Helen at the Limnology dock

5:40 - 7:00 - On the lake with Helen

7:00 - 7:30 - Tour of the Hasler Laboratory of Limnology (and bathroom break)

8:00 - Disembark at Tenney Park dock

Meeting Point: Tenney Park, 1615 Sherman Ave

The boat trip to Lake Mendota will depart from the Tenney Park Boat House and will go through the lock at Tenney Park.

Cost: $30 per person.

Seating is limited, so register today! Registrations must be received no later than noon on Monday, August 24, 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 coordinators, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486 or Liz Coleman, liz_coleman@msn.com, 608-320-4480