PLATO Weekly Update 

April 28, 2026

Registration deadline is this Friday, May 1! Register today for this complimentary member event on Wednesday, May 13 from 2:00-4:00pm at the East Side Club on Monona Drive. Enjoy light refreshments, social opportunities, committee updates, door prizes, and a keynote by Dr. Henrik Schatzinger titled Hidden Money, Visible Power: Super PACs and Dark Money in Wisconsin Politics. Dr. Schatzinger is the Director of the Center for Politics and the People at Ripon College, which is dedicated to the promotion of constructive political debate and informed citizens concerned with good governance. Registration is required and members may bring a guest. Learn more and register here.

CURRICULUM

SUMMER COURSES

NEXT MONTH! Please note these important Summer Courses dates and read the Curriculum Showcase article below about a new pilot registration process for select Summer Courses:

· Registration for Summer Courses will open on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. 

· Most Summer Courses will begin the week of June 8. 

CURRICULUM SHOWCASE
Learn about the Curriculum Committee's efforts to automate PLATO's course registration process in this Curriculum Showcase article by Jayne Fischer. This new process is in response to member feedback and will be tested out in a pilot program this summer with select courses. Stay tuned for additional resources to learn more so that you are up to speed when registration opens.

SPECIAL EVENTS

FIELD TRIPS

NEXT MONTH! Join us on Sunday, May 31 at 4:00pm for a 75-minute historical walking tour of Mansion Hill in downtown Madison. Travel through time to learn about the stately sandstone mansions built by Madison’s early elite, including the Old Governor’s Mansion, home to 17 Wisconsin governors. Led by PLATO Board Member Steve Sparks in collaboration with the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation. Registration deadline is May 28. Learn more and register here.

NATURE WALKS

NEXT WEEK! On Wednesday, May 6 at 10am, enjoy a leisurely one-hour walk through the Oakwood Nature Preserve lead by Barb Littlewood followed by a social hour with lemonade and cookies in the Oaks Community Room. Listening devices will be provided for all participants. Unfortunately, the trail is not accessible to people with disabilities. Registration is required – only two spaces left! Learn more and register here.

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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 May 1, 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 RSVP here.

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LECTURES

PLATO Lectures will resume in early September! In the meantime, explore the Past Recordings section below to enjoy various lectures and course sessions on a wide array of important topics – all from the comfort and convenience of home. 

PAST RECORDINGS

Visit the Past Recordings webpage to enjoy:

Healthy Grown – Sustainable produce from Wisconsin! A recent PLATO Lecture featuring Dr. Deana Knuteson who presents the history and requirements of the Healthy Grown program, its acceptance by Wisconsin farmers, and how the purchase of Healthy Grown vegetables benefits the consumers.

Hearing Advice to Make You (and Your Ears) Smile! In this recent PLATO Lecture professional audiologist Juliette Sterkens highlights advances in hearing technology, hearing rehabilitation, and more!