PLATO upcoming events

Lecture – Forgiveness as a Way of Improving Well-Being (October 08, 2026)

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Thursday, October 8 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

In-Person at Oakwood Village University Woods

Arts & Education Center

6205 Mineral Point Road

Registration is Not Required

FREE PARKING

What if one of the greatest gifts you could give yourself—and others—is forgiveness? Join Dr. Robert Enright, a world-renowned University of Wisconsin–Madison professor and pioneer in the science of forgiveness, for an inspiring and uplifting presentation on how forgiveness can bring greater peace, hope, and healing to our lives. Drawing on decades of research and real-life experiences from around the world, Dr. Enright will share how forgiveness can strengthen relationships, ease emotional burdens, improve well-being, and even help heal divided communities. Whether you're facing a personal challenge, looking for ways to enrich your relationships, or simply curious about the power of forgiveness, you'll leave with fresh insights, practical ideas, and a deeper appreciation for how forgiveness can make a meaningful difference in your own life—and in our world.

Dr. Robert Enright holds the Aristotelian Professorship in Forgiveness Science within the Department of Educational Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, is a licensed psychologist, and founder of the International Forgiveness Institute, a non- profit organization dedicated to disseminating knowledge about forgiveness and community renewal through forgiveness. He was the first to publish an empirically based journal article on the topic of person-to-person forgiveness in 1989. For his innovative research on forgiveness, he received in 2022 what the American Psychological Association calls “psychology’s highest awards,” the APF Gold Medal Award for Impact in Psychology.

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Transportation Options:

Bicycle: Bike racks are available

Bus: The BRT Route A bus runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.

Car:

Use the Island Drive entrance at 6205 Mineral Point Road.
Veer left and follow the drive to the 2nd driveway with sign “Heritage Oaks Parking Garage.”
Turn right into driveway.
Press the buzzer and the Oakwood desk attendant will buzz you in. There are 70 parking stalls. Park in any visitor or non-reserved stall. Take the elevator up one floor to the main entrance, turn right and walk through the mail box area into the lobby. Ask at the desk for directions to the Performing Arts Center.
When you exit the underground parking, the garage door opens automatically.
_________________________

Questions? Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at barbaradrake21@gmail.com

Lecture – Equity for All: CLIMB USA’S Movement to Promote Democratic Capitalism as an Economic Empowerment Framework (October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 18:30:00 GMT

Equity for All: CLIMB USA’S Movement to Promote Democratic Capitalism as an Economic Empowerment Framework

Thursday, October 22 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

In-Person at Oakwood Village University Woods

Arts & Education Center

6205 Mineral Point Road

Registration is Not Required

FREE PARKING

CLIMB is an acronym for “Communities Learning to Invest and Mobilize for Business.” This nonprofit organization is committed to helping youth, families and communities attain financial literacy, investment education, leadership skills, and capital markets engagement. CLIMB USA works to inspire individuals to build generational wealth and long-term economic stability.

In his lecture, Robert Wynn will outline the key tenets of democratic capitalism and explain how CLIMB USA’s Launchpad Program provides a viable pathway for youth, families, and communities to collectively build wealth and thrive within the capitalist framework

Robert Wynn is the founder and president of CLIMB USA. Prior to opening his own businesses, Mr. Wynn was the financial Education Officer for the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. In that capacity he created a number of ground-breaking financial programs including the statewide network of Money Conferences, the Millionaires Club, the Finance and Investment Challenge Bowl and the Intelligent Arts Showcase. Mr. Wynn also produced the first ever “Governor’s Summit on Venture Capital” which helped to enhance the private equity infrastructure in Wisconsin.

In April 2026, Mr. Wynn was awarded the Wealth Liberator Award. This award is given to individuals who have committed their lives to helping people economically through financial education, economic empowerment, investment awareness, and access.

Mr. Wynn earned his undergraduate degree at the University of North Carolina where he was a Morehead Scholar, and his law degree from the University of Michigan. He is a former board member of BetterInvesting and a former member of the Federal Reserve’s Consumer Advisory Council. Until recently he served on the board of directors of the North Carolina General Alumni Association and American Players Theater.

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Transportation Options:

Bicycle: Bike racks are available

Bus: The BRT Route A bus runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.

Car:

Use the Island Drive entrance at 6205 Mineral Point Road.
Veer left and follow the drive to the 2nd driveway with sign “Heritage Oaks Parking Garage.”
Turn right into driveway.
Press the buzzer and the Oakwood desk attendant will buzz you in. There are 70 parking stalls. Park in any visitor or non-reserved stall. Take the elevator up one floor to the main entrance, turn right and walk through the mail box area into the lobby. Ask at the desk for directions to the Performing Arts Center.
When you exit the underground parking, the garage door opens automatically.
_________________________

Questions? Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at barbaradrake21@gmail.com

Centennial Revisited: An Oral History of the Epic TV Miniseries (October 28, 2026)

Wed, 28 Oct 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Wednesday, October 28, 2026

12pm - 1:00pm

Online via Zoom

Registration is required

Members can register a guest

Centennial is a 12-episode American television miniseries that aired on NBC for two years beginning in 1978. The miniseries follows the fictional history of Centennial, Colorado from 1795 to the 1970s and is based on the 1974 novel by James Michener.

Perry Hibner, a retired Wisconsin journalist, communications director, and teacher, wrote his first book, Centennial Revisited: An Oral History of the Epic TV Miniseries, which was released in March 2026 by Dorrance Publishing. He will share why he decided to write a book, why he selected the topic he did, and share stories he heard from many of those included in his book. He will also explain why he went with the oral history format and more about the writing and publishing process.

Hibner’s book contains more than 75 interviews with cast, crew, extras, locals, experts, and fans. Among those interviewed were Gregory Harrison (Levi Zendt), Barbara Carrera (Clay Basket), Cristina Raines (Lucinda McKeag Zendt), Cliff DeYoung (John Skimmerhorn), William Atherton (Jim Lloyd), Stephen McHattie (Jake Pasquinel), Kario Salem (Mike Pasquinel), Mark Harmon (Captain John McIntosh), and John Wilder, who adapted the James A. Michener best-selling novel for television and was the main producer. The book also includes excerpts from more than sixty primary sources.

The hardcover, paperback and e-book are available on the Dorrance Publishing, Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites along with select bookstores.

Perry Hibner worked for 25 years at the Wisconsin State Journal as a sports reporter, sports copy editor, designer and as assistant sports editor for his last 15 years. He also worked for a decade as the communications director for the Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District. He worked as a social studies and journalism teacher at Green Lake High School in Wisconsin and continues to fill in as a substitute teacher in retirement. He also served as the lead survey strategist for The Donovan Group, helping Midwest school districts engage their staff, students, families and communities.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE ZOOM LINK TO ATTEND. PLEASE REGISTER BEFORE THE EVENT STARTS. ORAL AND WRITTEN QUESTIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED DURING THE EVENT.

As this event is online, you can use your computer or smartphone to listen to the conversation and then add your voice to the conversation during the "Question & Comment" time.

Questions? Contact lecture organizer, Stephanie Steigerwaldt at info@platomadison.org

Noon Zoom - Analyzing the Election Results with Professor Barry Burden (November 05, 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Thursday, November 5, 2026

12pm - 1:00pm

Online via Zoom

Registration is required

Members can register a guest

The Director of UW-Madison’s Elections Research Center Barry Burden will join retired WPR talk show host Joy Cardin for a post-election Noon Zoom on Thursday, November 5 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm to discuss the results of the key races and issues on the ballot and what the outcomes could mean for Wisconsin and the nation.

Who will be Wisconsin’s next Governor? Will the balance of power shift in the State Legislature and Congress? What public policies could change as a result? We’ll examine who we voted for and why and what happens next on the November 5th Noon Zoom. Questions and views from attendees will be welcomed.

Noon Zooms are a new PLATO Madison offering available to members. These occasional virtual discussions will feature a host and guest expert discussing an issue in the news with the opportunity for attendees to join in the discussion. The offering is free, but you need to register to receive the Zoom link.

Barry C. Burden is a Professor of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is also Director of the Elections Research Center and is the Lyons Family Chair in Electoral Politics.

His research and teaching are based in American politics, with an emphasis on electoral politics and representation. He is co-editor of The Measure of American Elections, author of Personal Roots of Representation, and co-author of Why Americans Split Their Tickets: Campaigns, Competition, and Divided Government. Burden has also published articles in the American Political Science Review, American Journal of Political Science, British Journal of Political Science, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Political Science Quarterly, and Electoral Studies.

Burden is affiliated with the La Follette School of Public Affairs, the Center for Demography of Health and Aging, the Tommy G. Thompson Center on Public Leadership, and the Election Administration Project.

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THE ZOOM LINK TO ATTEND. PLEASE REGISTER BEFORE THE EVENT STARTS. ORAL AND WRITTEN QUESTIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED DURING THE EVENT.

As this event is online, you can use your computer or smartphone to listen to the conversation and then add your voice to the conversation during the "Question & Comment" time.

Questions? Contact lecture organizer, Joy Cardin at cardinjoy@gmail.com

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For another election related recap - see

Lecture – Camp Randall: From the Civil War to “On Wisconsin!” (November 12, 2026)

Thu, 12 Nov 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Thursday, November 12 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

In-Person at Oakwood Village University Woods

Arts & Education Center

6205 Mineral Point Road

Registration is Not Required

FREE PARKING

Bob Block's lecture features his presentation on the 175-year history of Camp Randall, one of the nation’s most iconic football stadiums. He will trace its remarkable history from its beginnings as a Civil War training camp to its place as one of college football’s most iconic stadiums. The audience will learn why Camp Randall remains a lasting symbol of Wisconsin’s history, resilience and pride!

A resident of Oregon, Wisconsin, Bob spent 34 years with the Wisconsin Crime Laboratory in Madison, retiring as head of the Drug Identification Unit. Over the course of his career, he testified as an expert witness 500 times. Today, Bob channels that same commitment into his work as a public historian. He brings decades of expertise and a deep passion for Wisconsin history to his presentations. As a member of the Oregon Historical Society, he has developed a collection of twelve engaging presentations on significant Wisconsin and American historical events, people and places. His programs are known for their strong research foundation, compelling storytelling, and accessible style.

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Transportation Options:

Bicycle: Bike racks are available

Bus: The BRT Route A bus runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.

Car:

Use the Island Drive entrance at 6205 Mineral Point Road.
Veer left and follow the drive to the 2nd driveway with sign “Heritage Oaks Parking Garage.”
Turn right into driveway.
Press the buzzer and the Oakwood desk attendant will buzz you in. There are 70 parking stalls. Park in any visitor or non-reserved stall. Take the elevator up one floor to the main entrance, turn right and walk through the mail box area into the lobby. Ask at the desk for directions to the Performing Arts Center.
When you exit the underground parking, the garage door opens automatically.
_________________________

Questions? Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at barbaradrake21@gmail.com

Lecture – My Father’s World War II (November 19, 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Thursday, November 19 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

In-Person at Oakwood Village University Woods

Arts & Education Center

6205 Mineral Point Road

Registration is Not Required

FREE PARKING

About 16 million Americans served in the military in World War II; only 31,000 of them are still alive, so the voices that can tell us about their experiences are fast disappearing. Rebecca’s late father, David Warner, served in the Army in Europe during the war. He left photographs, letters, and memoirs along with his Eisenhower jacket and other possessions. During her lecture she will share brief selections from his writing and play a video recorded interview in which he describes the event that had the greatest impact on him in his own words. His stories describe unique situations with interesting details, and they have themes in common with letters and diaries published by many other veterans. Her lecture will remind many in the audience of parents and relatives who served our country in World War II.

Dr. Rebecca Warner earned her bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon in Social Relations and a PhD from Harvard in Social Psychology. She was a professor at the University of New Hampshire until she retired in 2017. She has published journal articles in statistics and psychology, statistics textbooks, an edited collection of her father’s writing, and two historical novels. After moving to Madison in 2025, she joined PLATO and Attic Angel. As a recent arrival in Madison, she is looking forward to learning more about Wisconsin!

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Transportation Options:

Bicycle: Bike racks are available

Bus: The BRT Route A bus runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.

Car:

Use the Island Drive entrance at 6205 Mineral Point Road.
Veer left and follow the drive to the 2nd driveway with sign “Heritage Oaks Parking Garage.”
Turn right into driveway.
Press the buzzer and the Oakwood desk attendant will buzz you in. There are 70 parking stalls. Park in any visitor or non-reserved stall. Take the elevator up one floor to the main entrance, turn right and walk through the mail box area into the lobby. Ask at the desk for directions to the Performing Arts Center.
When you exit the underground parking, the garage door opens automatically.
_________________________

Questions? Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at barbaradrake21@gmail.com

Lecture – Old Farm Country Christmas (December 10, 2026)

Thu, 10 Dec 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Thursday, December 10 from 1:30-3:00 p.m.

In-Person at Oakwood Village University Woods

Arts & Education Center

6205 Mineral Point Road

Registration is Not Required

FREE PARKING

Along with her late father, Jerry Apps, Susan Apps-Bodilly has written a new book entitled, Old Farm Country Christmas. In her lecture she will take the audience on a journey to Christmases past—when the first snowfall signaled the start of the holiday season and simple joys lit up the long, dark Wisconsin winter. In her lecture Susan will use vivid family memories, interviews, historical research and vintage photographs to take the audience inside farmhouse kitchens, one-room schoolhouses, rural churches, and through snow-packed fields to share Christmas stories from the mid-twentieth century. She will re-create a time when holiday traditions were handmade, inspire memories of personal holiday celebrations and invite the audience to rediscover the warmth and wonder that make this holiday so special!

Susan Apps-Bodilly is a retired educator and writer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction. When she is not reading or writing, Susan enjoys spending time with her family, hiking at the family cabin, kayaking, and trying new recipes with produce from her garden. She is the author of One Room Schools, Seeds in Soil, The ABCS of Wisconsin Cheese, and a coauthor with her father, Jerry Apps, of Timber! and Old Farm Country Cookbook, all published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband.

________________________________________

Transportation Options:

Bicycle: Bike racks are available

Bus: The BRT Route A bus runs every 15 minutes and stops in front of Oakwood at the Island/Mineral Point station.

Car:

Use the Island Drive entrance at 6205 Mineral Point Road.
Veer left and follow the drive to the 2nd driveway with sign “Heritage Oaks Parking Garage.”
Turn right into driveway.
Press the buzzer and the Oakwood desk attendant will buzz you in. There are 70 parking stalls. Park in any visitor or non-reserved stall. Take the elevator up one floor to the main entrance, turn right and walk through the mail box area into the lobby. Ask at the desk for directions to the Performing Arts Center.
When you exit the underground parking, the garage door opens automatically.
_________________________

Questions? Contact lecture organizer Barbara Drake at barbaradrake21@gmail.com