PLATO Weekly Update

 November 25, 2025

CURRICULUM

FALL COURSES
Have a question about a course? Find everything you need to know on the Courses webpage.

WINTER COURSES
NEXT MONTH! Registration for Winter Courses will open on Tuesday, December 9 and most Winter Courses will begin the week of January 5. 

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

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

PLEASE NOTE: Fourth Friday Coffee Gatherings have been cancelled for November and December because of the holidays.

NEXT WEEK! First Friday Breakfast Gathering at Panera Bread located at 601 Junction Road on December 5, from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Catherine Masi, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Catherine's email address here.

LECTURES

NEXT MONTH! Fun with Gorgeous Gladiolas! In their Tuesday afternoon lecture, Jean and Dave Kollasch will share the challenges of raising gladiolas, hybridizing and developing new varieties and designing ways to show off their beauty in state and national competitions. This lecture will take place on Tuesday, December 9 from 1:30-3pm at Quarry Ridge Retirement Community. Registration for this lecture is not required, guests are welcome, and parking is free, with valet options. Learn more here.

FOLLOW UP LECTURE NOTES:

The Empty Chair: Coping with Loss – PLATO members who are interested in receiving details about Peggy Weber's free bereavement workshop series in December can contact the PLATO office at info@platomadison.org to learn more.

Espresso Yourself: The Science and Art of Making Coffee – PLATO members may download Professor Sanz-Uribe's fascinating 38-page slideshow presentation here.

PAST RECORDINGS
NEW! Visit PLATO's Past Recordings webpage to watch a follow up session about senior living options recently offered by Tom Eggert in his Fall 2025 course Money Skills for Retirees. In it, Holly Johnson from Capitol Lakes and Sarah Rublein from the Hyland Campus of Capri Communities share information about their senior living communities.

THEATER TRIPS
Save the Dates – review this flyer for theater trip dates through June 2026!

There are just three spots left for It's a Wonderful Life on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at The Fireside Dinner Theater in Fort Atkinson. 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. The registration deadline is Monday, December 1. Learn more and register here.

NEXT MONTH! Basketball fans, put on your best red and white gear and join your fellow PLATO buddies to cheer our UW Badgers on to victory! Our first Watch Party is on Saturday, December 6 at 1pm. Registration is not required and guests are welcome – learn more here!