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    • September 09, 2025
    • 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    • 3656 County Highway AB, McFarland, WI
    • 0
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    Dane County Landfill Tour

    Tuesday, September 9 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

    Free to PLATO members and guests.

    Registration is required.

    Ever wonder what happens to your trash after it leaves the curb? Join us for an eye-opening, behind-the-scenes field trip to our local landfill and waste management facilities — a fascinating journey into the world of recycling, renewable energy, and responsible disposal.

    Tour highlights Include:

    • Clean Sweep Facility: See how hazardous household materials like paints, cleaners, and batteries are safely collected and handled.
    • Construction & Demolition Recycling Center: Learn how building materials are sorted and reused to keep tons of waste out of landfills.
    • Renewable Natural Gas Plant: Discover how organic waste is turned into clean, renewable energy that powers homes and vehicles.
    • Active Landfill Site: Get a rare, firsthand look at how today’s landfills are engineered to manage waste while protecting the environment.

    Why You Should Come:

    • Gain a deeper understanding of where your waste goes — and why it matters.
    • Learn how to reduce your own environmental footprint.
    • Perfect for  sustainability advocates and curious minds of all ages.

    Space is limited and spots fill quickly, so register today for this unique, educational experience that just might change the way you see your garbage!

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    Safety information:  The health of our visitors and staff is important to us and we have implemented the following policies and procedures for our tour program:

    - Safety vests will be provided and must be worn at all times during the tour.

    - No sandals or open toed shoes. 

    - Bathroom access is extremely limited, please plan accordingly.

    Weather: Tours proceed rain or shine, so tour attendees should dress for the weather. 

    Directions:  Please meet at Hope Park  (3656 County Highway AB, McFarland, WI) directly outside our landfill facility where our mobile Trash Lab exhibit is located. The Trash Lab exhibit will be parked out front, with a "tours" sign to mark where we will be gathering. Visitors will have a chance to explore the Lab prior to getting on our Waste + Renewables bus for the grounds tour. 


    For further information, contact PLATO trip leader, Cynthia Moore,  eron99c@gmail.com , 608-228-8836.

    • October 09, 2025
    • 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
    • Fireside Theater in Fort Atkinson
    • 3
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    Fireside Theatre, Fort Atkinson

    Thursday, October 9, 2025

    Registration deadline is Monday, September 15

    It's an American classic!  It's the show that first introduced the immortal writing team of Rodgers and Hammerstein! It's the show that ushered in the Golden Age of American Musical Theatre! It's OKLAHOMA! This bright, brassy, boisterous musical comedy is filled with colorful costumes, breathtaking dancing, side-spitting humor, and a musical score featuring such hits as "People Will Say We're In Love," "Surrey With the Fringe On Top," and the rousing title number "Oklahoma!" The original production won a Pulitzer Prize and various Broadway revivals have won multiple Tony Awards. Now The Fireside presents a fresh, new, not to be missed telling of this time-honored musical.

    The meal includes a Scallop Appetizer, freshly baked breads, choice of entree, Double Layer Carrot Cake for dessert, and coffee/tea/milk. Entree choices include:

    • Chicken Florentine:  Pan seared Chicken Breast stuffed with Fresh Spinach and Cheeses, served over a Spinach Cream Sauce and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.
    • Baked Almond Crusted Cod:  Two Northern Cod Fillets coated with Dijon Mustard and crusted with Toasted Almonds, Japanese Breadcrumbs, and Fresh Herbs. Baked to crunchy perfection and served with our decadent Tarragon Sauce and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.   
    • Beef Short Rib:   Slowly braised in beef stock and dressed with a red wine demi-glaze and served with Garlic Whipped Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus.
    • Vegetarian Option:  Vegetarian Manicotti with red sauce

    PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center  and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity.  Pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips.  You will be required to fill out the Verona Senior Center New Member Form (no charge) and Verona Senior Center Liability Agreement.  You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.

    Schedule (Return times are approximate)

    8:30 a.m. - Depart Verona Park & Ride

    9:00 a.m.  - Pick-up (East side) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)

    5:00 p.m. - Return Dutch Mill Park & Ride

    5:30 p.m. - Return Verona Park & Ride


    Departure Locations

    New Verona Departure Location!

    Verona Park & Ride - 2585 Old PB, Verona, WI


    East side (Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot) 

    Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow.

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    Cost:  $125 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.

    Seating is limited, so register today!  Registrations must be received no later than noon on Monday, September 15, 2025.

    Mail-In Registration Form:   Print, Fill-in, and Mail this Form  for those who wish to register off-line and by check.

    Refund Policy:  PLATO refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

    PLATO Membership:  PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1. 

    For further information, contact  trip organizer, Bob Shaw,    robert.e.shaw@gmail.com, 608-255-3486

    • November 05, 2025
    • 8:15 AM - 5:30 PM
    • Fond du Lac
    • 10



    Autumn Exploration in Fond du Lac

    Wednesday, November 5, 2025

    Registration coming soon

    Registration deadline is Monday, October 13

    Since the hotel’s opening in 1923, Walter Schroeder (the original owner of the hotel) had a vision to create the Hotel Retlaw as one of the finest hotels in the State of Wisconsin. The eight-story neoclassical hotel in red brick with its cornice and façade detailing shows the attention to detail that was not overlooked in buildings of the era. It’s no coincidence that the name Retlaw, if you haven’t guessed it yet, is his first name backwards. While little has changed on the exterior of the hotel over the past 90 years, the interior has undergone several transformations. Hotel Retlaw has been restored to its former historical significance with a remarkable renovation completed in 2019.  To view some images of the interior click on https://www.thehotelretlaw.com/gallery.  The building has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. Hotel Retlaw stands today as one of the most richly historic hotels in Wisconsin.

    Schroeder developed several other noteworthy hotels in Wisconsin, which included: The Schroeder Hotel (now the Hilton Milwaukee), The Astor on the Lake (now The Astor Hotel), and Hotel Wisconsin —all in Milwaukee. In addition, he was the driving force behind Hotel Northland in Green Bay; Hotel Loraine (now Loraine Condominiums) in Madison; Hotel Wausau (now the Landmark Building) in Wausau and the Hotel Duluth (now called Greysolon Plaza) in Duluth, MN.

    Our next stop will be at Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats which produces over 350 varieties of gourmet popcorn flavors and mixes. Their products are available in their brick & mortar outlet store, online store, as well as approximately 3,000 box stores nationwide. With no other companies like it in Southeastern Wisconsin, Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats was created with the intent to introduce the community to new, unique, and delicious flavors available at an affordable price, so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it!


    At Lakeside Park you can enjoy a magnificent view from the 40-foot-high observation deck of the lighthouse!  Climb your way to the top for a spectacular view of Lakeside Park and Lake Winnebago. The Lighthouse is the city’s signature attraction and most photographed structure in town. Built in 1933 during the Great Depression, the bottom 10 feet consists of a flagstone covered base, while the upper section of the tower is of frame construction. By 1965, the lighthouse had fallen into disrepair. After the lighthouse was restored, a celebration was held on July 3, 1968. A plaque on a stone near the lighthouse reads: “Saved 1967, Restored 1993. Fond du Lac Evening Optimist Club". A wooden staircase attached to the interior walls of the lighthouse winds up through the tower, permitting visitors to reach the observation deck, where an amazing view of Lakeside Park awaits you.

    Finally The Kristmas Kringle Shoppe is an enchanting two-story Bavarian-style shop with an interior resemblance to quaint European shops.  It is a Midwest favorite and has long been a destination for shoppers of all ages! . The shop has more than 70 themed trees and gifts for all occasions.  A perfect place to start you holiday shopping! 

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    Lunch

    Family-style luncheon of baked ham, roast turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, green beans and beverage.

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    PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center  and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity.  Pick-up locations are different from PLATO's usual trips.  You will be required to fill out the 2025 Verona New Member Form  (no charge) and 2025 Verona trip waiver Form.  You can fill out these forms in advance or on the day of the trip.

    Schedule:  (Return times are approximate)

    TRAVELERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE 15-20 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

    8:15 a.m.  Pick-up (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park and Ride (East Lot)

    8:35 a.m.   Depart Verona Park & Ride

    5:00 p.m.   Return Verona Park & Ride

    5:30 p.m.   Return Dutch Mill Park and Ride

    Departure Locations:

    New Verona Departure Location!

    Verona Park & Ride - 2585 Old PB, Verona, WI


    East Side (Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot))

    Map below for those boarding the bus on east side Dutch Mill Park & Ride. Please park in the "east" lot as indicated by the arrow. (east of Arby's)


    Cost: $75 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities.

    Seating is limited, so register today!  Registrations must be received no later than noon on Monday, October 13, 2025.

    Mail-In Registration Form:   Download, Print, and Mail-in-Form for those who wish to register off-line and by check

    Refund Policy:  PLATO refunds an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline.  Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend.  Refunds made by check.

    PLATO Membership:  PLATO membership is $60.00/year and all memberships renew on July 1. 

    For further information, contact PLATO trip coordinator, Bob Shaw,  robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486.


PLATO is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization supported in part by:



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608-572-6869

6209 Mineral Point Road #203
Madison, WI 53705








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