PLATO Weekly Update

December 2, 2025

CURRICULUM

WINTER COURSES

· NEXT WEEK! Registration for Winter Courses opens on Tuesday, December 9 – with at least 12 courses to choose from! Watch for your PLATO Weekly Update next Tuesday to learn about Winter courses, or go straight to the Courses webpage to find the Winter Courses schedule.

· Most Winter Courses will begin the week of January 5. 

REGISTRATION TIPS
Some courses fill up quickly so if you see a course that interests you, try to sign up right away. If you find out that a course is full, ask if there's a waiting list you could join. Also, there are frequently a variety of courses that offer unlimited participation, so perhaps expand your horizons by signing up for one of those in the meantime?

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

NEW! This Friday and next Friday – PLATO members are invited to participate in a "pop-up" virtual film discussion group to share their learnings, impressions and questions about the PBS documentary film series "The American Revolution" by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt. Moderated by Dr. Michael Stevens, who specializes in this era of American history, the first discussion will take place on Friday, December 5 at 1:30-3:00pm and the second session on Friday, December 12 at 1:30-3:00pm. Attend one session or both! Learn more and register hereby Thursday, December 4 to receive the link to participate virtually.

LECTURES

NEXT WEEK! Fun with Gorgeous Gladiolas! In their 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. 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 bereavement workshop series on Wednesday, December 10 and 17, 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
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.

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

THIS 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.

NEXT WEEK! Second Friday Breakfast Gathering at the Lakeside Street Coffee House on December 12 from 9:30-11:30am. To RSVP, send an email to Sharon Scrattish, the event coordinator, by the Thursday before the event. Learn more and find Sharon's email address here.

FIELD TRIPS

UPDATE! Two spots have opened up for this festive trip! Join us for the Holiday of Lights Tour in Oshkosh on Wednesday, December 10, 2025. Treat yourself to a day of holiday cheer in Oshkosh! Learn more and register here.

THIS WEEK! Basketball fans, put on your best red and white gear and join your fellow PLATO buddies at this social event 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!

THEATER TRIPS

PLEASE NOTE! There have been some changes to our upcoming schedule – review this flyer for theater trip dates through June 2026.