PLATO Weekly Update

September 23, 2025

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES

· This fall semester features 35 courses with 21 in-person, 12 virtual and 2 hybrid options.

· It's not too late to register for some, including 12 of our courses which offer unlimited participation – email the PLATO office for this course list.

· Find the fall course schedule on the Courses page and contact the course coordinator to register.

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Learn how some PLATO courses are allowing members to participate both virtually and in person in this brief article: Cluster Hybrid Courses. Explore additional Curriculum topics through past articles in the Curriculum Showcase.

To renew or to become a member, visit the Join PLATO webpage.

SPECIAL EVENTS

BREAKFAST & COFFEE GATHERINGS
These social events offer members and their guests opportunities to share conversation over coffee and breakfast or breakfast snacks.

THIS WEEK! Fourth Friday Coffee at the Rotunda Café on September 26 from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

NEXT WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering (note the new location and time) at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on Friday, October 3, from 9:30-11:30am. Learn more and RSVP here.

LECTURES
Save the Dates – review this flyer for lecture dates through December 2025!

THIS WEEK! Healing the Heart through Forgiveness on Thursday, September 25 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. In her lecture, Lisa Rickert will reflect on her last two decades of working with defense teams on death penalty cases and the awe she has experienced in witnessing people who chose mercy in response to unspeakable pain, and the power of forgives in the healing process. Registration is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Beyond Politics: The Content of Wisconsin's Character, Past & Present by award-winning journalist and whistleblower Mike McCabe on Thursday, October 9 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEXT MONTH! Immigration Law: History and Current Status by Raluca Vais-Ottosen, attorney and Chair of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association on Thursday, October 23 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here.

NEW! Beyond Alexa & Siri: AI, Your Digital Dignity, and an Empowered Future by Dr. Hank Weiss (PhD, MPH, MS), an experienced epidemiologist and AI advocate at JBS International. This lecture on Thursday, November 6 from 1:30-3pm at Oakwood Village University Woods Arts and Education Center will provide a compelling and empowering introduction to AI, focusing on the crucial concept of digital dignity for older adults. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free. Learn more here. 

FIELD TRIPS

NEXT WEEK! There are still some spots left! Tour of the Overture Center on Tuesday, September 30 from 1:00-2:30pm. Step inside Madison’s premier performing arts center for a special free guided tour designed just for our group. Registration is required and members may bring a guest. The registration deadline is this Sunday, September 28. Learn more and register here.

There are six spots left! Join us on a field trip to Fond du Lac on Wednesday, November 5 to visit the historic Hotel Retlaw which has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. Three more fun stops include Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats, Lakeside Park and Lighthouse. and Christmas Kringle Shoppe. Note that PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity so pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips. Registration deadline is Monday, October 13.Registration is required and members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

THEATER TRIPS
NEW! Announcing PLATO's new theater trip season! Registration is now open for a matinee production of The 39 Steps at American Players Theatre – find details below. Following this are several new Milwaukee Rep productions in their brand new theaters which are opening this week. To top off our season, in June 2026 we hope to revisit Chicago’s Goodman Theatre with another new play. Learn more about theater trips and save the dates through June 2026!

NEW! The 39 Steps – 1pm Matinee on Tuesday, November 18 at American Players Theatre. "A seductive spy story based on all the best noir, with a hearty comic twist – think North by Northwest, but by Noël Coward. All brought to gleeful life by four incredible actors playing over 100 characters!" Registration is required and members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.