PLATO upcoming events

West Rail Corridor Historic Architecture Walking Tour (October 04, 2026)

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

West Rail Corridor:

Railroads Transform Madison

Sunday, October 4, 2:00-3:45

Registration is required.

Registration opens September 8

Join us as we collaborate with the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation on a guided walking tour through the historic West Rail Corridor.

In the 19th century, the West Rail Corridor area was a hotbed of businesses that depended on the railroad to transport raw materials and finished products, as well as businesses that served railroad passengers and workers. This area, birthplace of a number of long-term Madison businesses, includes repurposed historic buildings that are home to offices, businesses, and residents. This will be a nostalgic, up-close look at Madison's railroad history through many architectural gems.

Leading the tour will be PLATO Board member Steve Sparks. The tour will accommodate up to 18 pre- registered guests. It will last approximately 1 ¾ hours and involves walking about one mile. While this tour is on sidewalks and the bike path, some sections are uneven and we will be crossing busy streets.

Comfortable shoes for walking are strongly recommended. Tour participants are encouraged to bring water with them as the tour will be taking place entirely outdoors and shade will vary. Walking tours will happen rain or shine. In the case of inclement weather, consider bringing an umbrella. There are no restrooms on the tour.

To improve the guest experience on this tour, an audio headphone system will be used. The tour will start near the Brittingham Boathouse and begin promptly at 2 p.m., Sunday October 4.

Leading the tour will be PLATO Board member Steve Sparks. A certified Toastmaster, he holds a master's degree in journalism and mass communication. In retirement Steve is doing consulting work in communications and indulging his interest in history by working as a tour guide at the Wisconsin State Capitol and as a docent for the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Monona Terrace and for Historic Architecture Walking Tours through the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.

Registration: Cost is $20/person with all the registration money donated to the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation.

The registration deadline is Friday, October 2. 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.

A tour may be cancelled for extreme weather or lightning. We will alert guests at least four hours in advance by email. Purchased tickets will be refunded.

Parking: You can park in the Brittingham Boathouse parking lot (701 W. Brittingham Place) or a nearby street.

Questions? - Contact tour organizer Steve Sparks at swsparks@charter.net

Milwaukee Art Museum Tour with Alan Garfield (October 21, 2026)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Milwaukee Art Museum Tour with Alan Garfield

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Registration Deadline is October 6

The Milwaukee Art Museum houses more than 34,000 artworks dating from antiquity to today, including American and European painting, sculpture, and decorative arts; conceptual and minimalist art; prints and drawings; photography and new media; modern and contemporary design as well as folk art. From its roots in Milwaukee’s first art gallery in 1888, the museum has grown to be Wisconsin’s largest art institution.

This year MAM is celebrating the 25 th anniversary of the Quadracci Pavilion which is defined by the Burke Brise Soleil, a moveable sunscreen with a 217-foot wingspan that unfolds and folds daily at noon. Our tour will start with viewing the opening and closing of those wings.

Following that, participants will experience two tours of the museum. A museum docent will lead an hour-long tour featuring highlights of the art collection.

Our second tour will allow participants to choose between a tour of the Shaker art exhibition with Alan Garfield or a self-guided audio tour of the museum. Alan Garfield will be leading a tour of "The Shakers: a World in the Making. Opening in late September, it is the first major traveling exhibition to place extraordinary Shaker objects alongside the contemporary artists and designers they continue to inspire. The exhibition brings together more than 150 historic objects and contemporary installations in a landmark exploration of design, ideas, and how we live. For those doing a self-guided tour of the museum, bring your headphones and mobile devices to access the free audio guides on mam.org/guide.

Upon arrival and after viewing the opening and closing of the wings we will break into two groups with a maximum of 15 in each group.

Group 1 12:15-1:00 Lunch and explore on your own

1:00-2:00 Highlights of the museum with a docent

2:00 - 2:15 Break

2:15-3:00 Shaker Exhibit with Alan Garfield or self-

guided tour

Group 2 12:15-1:00 Shaker Exhibit with Alan Garfield or self-

guided tour

1:00- 2:00 Lunch and explore on your own

2:00 - 3:00 Highlights of the museum with a docent

Professor Emeritus Alan Garfield was Chair of the Digital Art and Design Department at the University of Dubuque, in Dubuque, Iowa USA. His formal education is eclectic including earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree from State University of New York-Binghamton, and completing post graduate work at Wadham College, Oxford. As an art historian, He now lives in Madison with his wife, Phyllis, and is actively engaged with the art scene in the city.

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Lunch

Lunch is on your own at the museum's Lakeshore Cafe and is not included in your registration fee.

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Miscellaneous

Cost: $75 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, and admission fees. If you want to pay by check, register for the event online and then send your check to: PLATO, ATTN: Milwaukee Art Museum Tour, 6209 Mineral Point Road #203, Madison, WI 53705.

Registration Policy: PLATO will refund an event fee if cancelled prior to the registration deadline of October 6. Refunds after the registration deadline are only processed if a wait-listed registrant can attend or there are extenuating circumstances. We encourage you to register early so we know if we have enough people to make the trip financially feasible.

Accessibility: On the bus, you must be able to climb steps to board and exit the bus. If you need assistance, we require that you bring a friend to give you a hand.

Non-Member Policy: Members must register their guests. Each PLATO member is entitled to bring one non-member guest per bus trip. Members may bring more than one guest near the registration deadline date if seats are available. Check with trip organizer.

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

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Bus and Travel Details

We will have a 56-passenger Van Galder/CoachUSA bus. Please arrive early at your boarding stop so you don’t miss the bus. When everyone is aboard and seated, we leave. Arrive early and we will all arrive at our destination on time to begin our adventure.

– Don’t be late. We can wait just 5 minutes at any one location.

- Our bus is equipped with WiFi and toilet facilities.

- Social Distancing will not be available on the bus.

Itinerary

Leave Madison

9:15 AM Bus arrives at Oakwood Village University Woods, 6205 Mineral Point Rd

9:30 AM Departs Oakwood Village University Woods

10:15 AM Departs East Towne (the old Sears parking lot - across from Culvers under Lamp Post 10)

Milwaukee

11:45 AM Arrives Milwaukee Art Museum

3:15 PM Departs Milwaukee Art Museum for Madison

Arrive Madison (Estimated)

4:45 PM East Towne Mall

5:30 PM Oakwood Village University Woods

For further information, contact trip organizer, Barb Drake, barbaradrake21@gmail.com or 608-535-2737.

Fireside Theatre: Come From Away (October 22, 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Fireside Theatre: Come From Away

Thursday, October 22, 2026

Registration deadline is Monday, October 5

Registration opens Tuesday, September 8

This exhilarating Tony Award-winning musical was born out of the tragedy of September 11, 2001. In the remarkable true story of COME FROM AWAY, what started as an average morning in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland turned into an international sleepover, when 38 planes carrying 7,000 people from around the globe were diverted to their airstrip. The travelers found themselves stranded in a small town far from home. Many of these passengers were in the state of shock and confusion because of the events unfolding in the United States. The story shows moments of fear and uncertainty, but also important moments of unexpected joy and friendship.

Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander cheered the stranded travelers with music, an open bar, and the recognition that we’re all part of a global family. Experience this joyous story with a dynamic score and a vibrant, fast-paced narrative as both hosts and visitors form friendships that will stay with them forever.

The central message of the show is to celebrate the humanity shown by residents of Gander and its orbiting communities. They are just one example of the unsung heroes of 9/11 - showing that even in a time of immense crisis, the best of humanity can still shine through.

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Lunch (Indicate your choice when registering)

The meal includes Roasted Sweet Corn Chowder, freshly baked breads, choice of entree, Blueberry Crisp for dessert, and coffee/tea/milk.

Chicken Piccata - A Supreme Cut Chicken Breast, lightly breaded and sauteed to a golden brown, resting on a Lemon Cream Veloute Sauce, garnished with Caper Buds and French-Fried Parsley. Served with Tri-color Fingerling Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower.
Sliced Pork Tenderloin - Slow Roasted Pork Tenderloin, sliced into juicy medallions, crowned with our made from scratch rich Pork Stock Gravy. Served with Tri-color Fingerling Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower.
Seared Halibut - A healthy 6 oz. filet of Halibut seared to a perfect golden crust, brused with a Limon Butter Sauce and accompanied by a Lemon Cream Veloute Sauce. Served with Tri-color Fingerling Potatoes and Roasted Broccoli and Cauliflower.
Vegetarian Penne Alfredo - Penne Noodles gently tossed with Broccoli Florets and our House-made Garlic Alfredo Sauce, topped with Parmesan Cheese and our Homemade Asiago Cheese Crostini.

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PLATO is partnering with the Verona Senior Center and UW Retirement Association on this travel opportunity. You will be required to fill out the 2026 Verona Senior Center New Member and Trip Waiver Form (no charge). 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 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

9:00 a.m. Depart Verona Park & Ride

9:30 a.m. Depart (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

5:00 p.m. Return (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

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

Departure Locations:

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: $125 per person and includes bus transportation, driver tip, admission fees, meal, taxes, and gratuities. If you want to pay by check, register for the event online and then send your check to: PLATO, ATTN: Come From Away, 6209 Mineral Point Road #203, Madison, WI 53705.

Seating is limited, so register today! Registrations must be received no later than noon on Monday, October 5, 2026.

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.

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.

Fearless Science Tour (November 10, 2026)

Tue, 10 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Fearless Science Tour

Tuesday, November 10 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Free to PLATO Members and Guests

Registration is Required

Because our August Fearless Science Tour filled up within hours when registration opened, we are scheduling another one on November 10.

Registration opens Tuesday, October 13

Join us for a Fearless Science Tour at the Morgridge Institute for Research – a private, nonprofit research institute dedicated to interdisciplinary biomedical research in partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

This 2-hour tour is designed to introduce individuals and groups to the curiosity-driven research and STEM education/engagement work accomplished at the Morgridge Institute.

Fearless Science Tour Timeline

Introduction Presentation (30 min)
- Overview & History of the Morgridge Institute
Scientist Visit 1 (30 min)
- Scientist visits are typically a combination of a short presentation, opportunity for questions, and perhaps a quick look inside the lab
Scientist Visit 2 (30 min)
Principal Investigator (PI) Presentation (30 min)
- Values of Curiosity-Driven Research
- Their perspective on the value of Morgridge as an institute/why they choose to work here
- Q&A as time allows

Logistics: The PLATO tour of the Morgridge Institute on Tuesday, November 10 will be held from 10 am - 12 pm, beginning and ending in the Researcher's Link Room on the 2^nd floor of the Discovery Building. On the attached map, the elevator is highlighted (next to the Welcome Desk). The closest building entrance to the space is Door E, at the corner of Orchard St. & University Ave, though it’s accessible no matter which entrance to the Discovery Building you use. Card access is required to use the elevator and there will be a staff member stationed at the elevators to welcome us and scan us up to the 2nd floor.

Note that the Morgridge Institute in the Discovery Building is in a different building than Morgridge Hall, the new computer, data, and information sciences building. They are in adjacent buidings; however the Discovery building is at 330 N. Orchard street and Morgridge Hall is at 1205 University Avenue.

Transportation/Parking:

The Discovery Building at 330 N. Orchard is located near several city of Madison Metro Transit bus stops and UW-Madison bicycle routes.

Although onsite parking is not available, three UW-managed lots (17, 20 and 80) are nearby. Due to construction around the engineering campus and Randall Ave., Lot 17 is only accessible coming from the north (University Ave. & Johnson St.) and has a different, less direct (but clearly marked!) walking route to the Discovery Building. However, it seems that Lot 17 usually has more open parking spaces than the other two nearby options. Each of the links for the three UW-managed lots (17, 20 and 80), has a real-time update of the number of open spaces to help plan your route as you’re headed to campus.

Questions? - Contact tour organizer Bob Shaw at robert.e.shaw@gmail.com or 608-255-3486

Dummy Event (January 10, 2027)

Sun, 10 Jan 2027 16:00:00 GMT

Dummy Event