PLATO upcoming events

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!

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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.

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.

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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

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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

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.

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

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.

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.

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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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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.

Epic's Storybook Campus Tour (June 21, 2026)

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:30:00 GMT

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 comfotable 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. Spots 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

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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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