PLATO upcoming events

Limnology Lake Tour (September 02, 2026)

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Limnology Lake Tour

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Registration deadline is Monday, August 24

Because of limited seats, this is a Member Only event

Registration will open August 11

Helen Schlimm, Research Specialist & Outreach Coordinator for the UW-Madison Center For Limnology, will be joining us on MSCR's pontoon boat for our limnology lake tour.

We will navigate to different points around Lake Mendota from University Bay, around Picnic and Frautschi Points, out to the middle of the lake at the CFL research buoy, and back along the southern shore. Topics of conversation will include: history of the Madison lakes and area, history of limnology, ecology of the lakes, past and current research efforts. There will be plenty of time for questions. Helen will have some limnological sampling tools on board so participants can gain hands-on experience with lake science.

Helen Schlimm assists in the regular operations and research endeavors of the Wilkinson Lab, in addition to leading outreach efforts. Her work combines her interests in limnological study and inclusive community science. She received a BS in Environmental Science from Dickinson College in 2017.

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The talk will given on an MSCR Pontoon boat while we are travelling Lake Mendota. You will be required to sign a Pontoon Program Liability Waiver before boarding. There are Porta Potties at the departure point. Bring your own water and snacks and dress appropriately for the weather. It is often windier and cooler on the lake.

Note that this is a 3-hour trip and there will be a bathroom break.

Timetable:

5:00 - Depart Tenney Park dock and go through Tenney Park locks

5:40 - Pick up Helen at the Limnology dock

5:40 - 7:00 - On the lake with Helen

7:00 - 7:30 - Tour of the Hasler Laboratory of Limnology (and bathroom break)

8:00 - Disembark at Tenney Park dock

Meeting Point: Tenney Park, 1615 Sherman Ave

The boat trip to Lake Mendota will depart from the Tenney Park Boat House and will go through the lock at Tenney Park.

Cost: $30 per person.

Seating is limited, so register today! Registrations must be received no later than noon on Monday, August 24, 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 coordinators, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486 or Liz Coleman, liz_coleman@msn.com, 608-320-4480

Where History Meets the Mighty Mississippi: Villa Louis & River Cruise (September 15, 2026)

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:30:00 GMT

Where History Meets the Mighty Mississippi:

Villa Louis & River Cruise

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Registration deadline is Friday, August 21

Registration begins Tuesday, July 21

Learn the rich history of the Mississippi River and all of its glory as we cruise the river. We will hear tales of the great Mississippi River’s past, present, and future. We will bask in the splendor of the wilderness of the Mississippi and witness for ourselves exactly how beautiful, powerful, and splendid the great Mississippi is.

Following a lunch buffet, we will walk through the doors of Villa Louis and step into the life of one of Wisconsin’s most historic families – the Dousmans. Located on the beautiful banks of the mighty Mississippi River, this National Historic Landmark offers a panorama of Wisconsin history, from the advent of the first fur traders to the War of 1812, through the splendor of the Victorian era.

In 1870, H. Louis Dousman contracted with the renowned Milwaukee architect E. Townsend Mix to design and construct a new home for the Dousman family. Mix chose the popular Italianate style and the use of Milwaukee pressed brick. When completed in 1871, the home boasted the modern conveniences of indoor plumbing and steam heat, making it comfortable as well as stylish. Today the mansion has been meticulously restored to its historic appearance, standing as a showcase of Victorian architecture and design.

Visiting Villa Louis offers rare access to earlier, lesser-known phases of Wisconsin history. The 25-acre site includes over a dozen historic structures filled with vibrant hues and rich textures reflecting the family’s rise to wealth and leisure.

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Lunch Buffet - Chicken, ham, scalloped potatoes, grilled mix veggies, salad, bread & butter, coffee and milk, and brownies for dessert

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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

7:30 a.m. Depart (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

8:00 a.m. Depart Verona Park & Ride

7:00 p.m. Return Verona Park & Ride

7:30 p.m. Return (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

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.

Seating is limited, so register today! Registrations must be received no later than noon on Friday, August 21, 2026.

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.

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.

A Pop-Up Art Tour at the Chazen (September 18, 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Friday, September 18 from 1:00-2:30

Free to PLATO members and guests.

Registration is required

Join PLATO member Alan Garfield, Professor Emeritus and retired art historian, on Friday, September 18 from 1:00-2:30 pm for an art tour of the Chazen Museum of Art collection. The Chazen has been closed for about six months, redoing its galleries. Now it’s open with more of its collection on view. Come see it with your PLATO friends. The purpose of this informal gathering is to learn about art with Professor Garfield and enjoy the company of fellow PLATO members.

Plan to arrive by 12:45pm to meet in the lobby of the main entrance of The Chazen which is located at 750 University Ave. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

There is no entrance fee, though members will need to pay for their own refreshments at the Museum Café when we take a break.

Please send questions about this event to Professor Garfield at AGarfield@dbq.edu.

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Transportation Options:

Bicycle: Bike racks are available

Bus: The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Route A and Route B buses run every 15 minutes and stop at the Chazen.

Parking: The State Street Campus Garage is closest. The Lake street entrance opened on August 24 after years of being closed for remodeling!

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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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.

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

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.

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.

Transportation/Parking:

The Discovery Building 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