PLATO upcoming events

4th Friday of the Month Coffee (June 26, 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:30:00 GMT

COFFEE GATHERING

Make new friends and meet new PLATO members over a cup of coffee and breakfast snacks.

The Rotunda Cafe, 1965 Atwood Avenue on Madison's near east side

Meet on Fourth Friday of each month

Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Place: Rotunda Cafe, lobby of Lake Ridge Bank, formerly Monona Bank
Ambiance: With a unique, large seating area, The Rotunda Cafe is an attractive rotunda in what was once the Monona Bank building at Schenks Corners. Great ambiance with pleasant, soothing background music.
Place order at counter, bus own table
Food choices are limited but do include breakfast burritos and doughnuts

Parking: (see below)
RSVP or Questions? Email Sue Ellerhost at luvcetaceans@gmail.com or Donaby Henton at aiexplorer125@gmail.com by Wednesday so they know you are coming.
COVID Protocol: Please continue to use a mask if you desire

Parking Options:

Street parking is available on either side of the bank, on Atwood and on Winnebago and further down both streets.
Parking is also available at Trinity Lutheran Church, 904 Winnebago St. Please note: The church requests a small good will donation which will be used to benefit a local neighborhood fund. We will periodically request a few dollars donation for this from our members who use the lot.
Parking is also available in the lot behind United Way, 2059 Atwood Ave. Drive all the way in to the unmarked spaces toward the back of the lot.

1st Friday Breakfast on the West Side (July 03, 2026)

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Where? Panera Bread, 601 Junction Road, Madison, WI

When? Meets on the first Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

What? Breakfast with friends, old and new. To view the menu go to https://www.panerabread.com/en-us/menu.html.

Directions: Located 1.5 blocks south of Old Sauk Road on Junction Road.

Parking: There is plenty of parking in the adjacent parking lot. No stairs!

Organizer: Catherine Masi

RSVP or Questions? Email Catherine at catherine.masi@gmail.com by the Thursday before the breakfast to let her know you are coming. Also email her if you have any questions.

2nd Friday of the Month Coffee (July 10, 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Meets every 2nd Friday in the summer

at the Memorial Union!

Where: Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street
Day: Meets on the second Friday of each month

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Drinks/Food: Peet’s Coffee will be open with bakery and snacks. At 11 or 12 the hot dog stand and other venues will be open.
Place: Outside at the terrace. Look for us in the outdoor area behind the Der Rathskellar restaurant. In case of rain we will meet in the large glassed in room near the terrace.
Parking: Best parking is the State Street Campus Garage located at 430 N Frances Street. Two ramps, near each other, are available. It is about a 2 block walk to the Union.
Organizer: Sharon Scrattish
RSVP or Questions?: Let Sharon know you're coming the Thursday before the breakfast by email or phone (sscratti@gmail.com or 608-280-8050)
COVID Protocol: Wear a mask to the event if you prefer.

3rd Friday Meet-Up on the East Side (July 17, 2026)

Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:30:00 GMT

3rd Friday Meet-Up on the East Side at Great Dane East

Where? Great Dane East, 876 Juniper Drive, Madison

When? Meets on the third Friday of each month from 11:30-1:30

What? Meet-Up with friends, old and new. Non-members are welcome. We will no longer meet in the upstairs room but in the downstairs bar area. You are welcome to order from the menu or feel free to order just a beer or coffee.

Directions: Entrance is a few hundred feet from Cottage Grove Road and conveniently located on Madison Metro's Route C.

Parking: There is plenty of parking in the adjacent parking lot. No stairs!

Organizer: Sue Ellerhorst

RSVP is appreciated but not required. If you forget to RSVP come anyway. Email Sue at nana@orcagranny.com by the Wednesday before the lunch to let her know you are coming. Also email her if you have any questions.

From Chimneys to Iconic Wings (July 23, 2026)

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 12:45:00 GMT

From Chimneys to Iconic Wings

Thursday, July 23, 2026

Registration deadline is Monday, June 29

Registration opens on Tuesday, June 2

Each chimney has a story of its own that means something special to the owner. We will hear these stories during our historic and folk-art chimney tour. There are hundreds of decorated Greendale original home chimneys!

The decor of the chimneys relates to many of Greendale's "alphabetized streets" All streets in the "A section" begin with the letter A, etc. So, apricots hang on Apricot Coutt chimneys... azaleas bloom on Azalea Court chimneys...berries ripen on Berry Court, and naturally, balsam branches on Balsam Court. Other sculptures reflect the homeowners' lives and personal experiences.

Two Brewer fans, a couple married at Miller Park, sport a ball and glove logo on their chimney; a film director displays an old camera projector on his. Whether a lover of country, a beach comber, a bird watcher, or UW grad, each chimney has its own story, and you will discover many of them on our tour.

Following lunch and some time in Greendale's Historic Downtown Center, we're off to the Milwaukee Art Museum, the largest art museum in the state of Wisconsin, housing a collection of more than 30,000 works and hosting an impressive lineup of internationally regarded exhibitions. The Museum sees almost 400,000 visitors each year, with nearly 21,500 holding annual Museum memberships. The Museum's stellar art education program serves over 50,000 youth each year through programs, tours, and internships.

A surprise stop will end our day's event.

_________________________________________

Lunch (Indicate your choice when registering)

Lunch includes coffee or fountain soft drink.

BURGER: 1/4lb Burger Topped with Lettuce & Tomato. Served on a Brioche Bun, and Side of Homemade Chips
APPLE WALNUT SALAD: Spring Mix, Apples, White Cheddar, Walnuts, Dried Cranberries, Served with Raspberry Honey Vinaigrette and Grilled Chicken
APPLE WALNUT SALAD: Spring Mix, Apples, White Cheddar, Walnuts, Dried Cranberries, Served with Raspberry Honey Vinaigrette and Crispy Chicken
CHICKEN SALAD WRAP: Chopped Grilled Chicken, Apples, Walnuts, Celery, Lettuce, Tomato, & Mayo. Serviced With Side of Homemade Chips

_________________________________________

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

7:45 a.m. Depart Verona Park & Ride

8:30 a.m. Depart (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

6:00 p.m. Return (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

6:30 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: $120 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, June 29, 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.

4th Friday of the Month Coffee (July 24, 2026)

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 14:30:00 GMT

COFFEE GATHERING

Make new friends and meet new PLATO members over a cup of coffee and breakfast snacks.

The Rotunda Cafe, 1965 Atwood Avenue on Madison's near east side

Meet on Fourth Friday of each month

Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Place: Rotunda Cafe, lobby of Lake Ridge Bank, formerly Monona Bank
Ambiance: With a unique, large seating area, The Rotunda Cafe is an attractive rotunda in what was once the Monona Bank building at Schenks Corners. Great ambiance with pleasant, soothing background music.
Place order at counter, bus own table
Food choices are limited but do include breakfast burritos and doughnuts

Parking: (see below)
RSVP or Questions? Email Sue Ellerhost at luvcetaceans@gmail.com or Donaby Henton at aiexplorer125@gmail.com by Wednesday so they know you are coming.
COVID Protocol: Please continue to use a mask if you desire

Parking Options:

Street parking is available on either side of the bank, on Atwood and on Winnebago and further down both streets.
Parking is also available at Trinity Lutheran Church, 904 Winnebago St. Please note: The church requests a small good will donation which will be used to benefit a local neighborhood fund. We will periodically request a few dollars donation for this from our members who use the lot.
Parking is also available in the lot behind United Way, 2059 Atwood Ave. Drive all the way in to the unmarked spaces toward the back of the lot.

From Wood to Watercraft: Dugout Canoes of Wisconsin (August 03, 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 18:00:00 GMT

From Wood to Watercraft:

Dugout Canoes of Wisconsin

Monday, August 3, 2026

Registration deadline is Friday, July 24

Registration will open July 7

Sissel Schroeder, Professor of Anthropology at UW Madison, will educate us about the Wisconsin Dugout Canoe Survey Project. The talk will take place on an MSCR Pontoon boat where, if the weather permits, we will hover over where dugout canoes were discovered in Lake Mendota a few years ago.

The goals of the Wisconsin Dugout Canoe Survey include locating, identifying, and documenting dugouts across the state. When this project started in 2018, 11 dugout canoes were documented in Wisconsin, ranging in age from about 150 years old to a fragment from Kenosha County that is 1,850 years old. By February 2024, there were 95 reports of dugouts in the state (the research team has confirmed and documented 73 of them). These discoveries put Wisconsin second in eastern North America for the number of reported dugout canoes. The Wisconsin sample of dugouts has two of the 10 oldest dugouts in eastern North America that range between 4,000 and 6,000 years old.

Don't miss this fascinating lecture and opportunity to glimpse the front lines of Wisconsin history as it's being made.

Sissel Schroeder received her PhD from The Pennsylvania State University and is currently a Professor in the Department of Anthropology. She is also an affiliate of the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, the Center for Culture, History, and the Environment, the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program, and the Material Culture Studies Program. Her current research is focused on issues of sociopolitical complexity, climate change impacts, and historical ecology among ancient Native American societies of the southeastern and midwestern United States.

________________________

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 with a bathroom break at the Memorial Union.

Tentative Timetable:

1:00 PM - Depart Tenney Park dock and go through Tenney Park locks

1:30 - 2:45 - Hover over Shorewood mooring field where the canoes were found for Sissel's talk

2:45-3:15 - Dock at Goodspeed Pier by Memorial Union for bathroom break

4:00 PM - 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 Friday, July 24, 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 coordinators, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486 or Liz Coleman, liz_coleman@msn.com, 608-320-4480

Fearless Science Tour (August 06, 2026)

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Fearless Science Tour

Thursday, August 6 from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Free to PLATO Members and Guests

Registration is Required

Registration opens Tuesday, June 30

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 Thursday, August 6 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

1st Friday Breakfast on the West Side (August 07, 2026)

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Where? Panera Bread, 601 Junction Road, Madison, WI

When? Meets on the first Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Green Bay/Oneida Nation Tour (August 11, 2026)

Tue, 11 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Green Bay/Oneida Nation Tour

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Registration deadline is Tuesday, July 28

Registration opens on Tuesday, June 30

It’s going to be a great day in Green Bay!! We’ll start our day at the Discover Green Bay Welcome Center and learn a bit about the city’s history.

Next, we’ll head to the Oneida Nation to visit their new museum which opened in June where we will learn about the Oneida culture, government, and economy. Read more about the new museum at Kahnekano Lu Cultural Center Opens. Experience the history through the exhibits of basketry, beadwork, contemporary art, music, children's hands-on-area and other programming.

The Oneida Nation reservation spans parts of two counties west of the Green Bay metropolitan area. Their property includes the museum, a Long House Village, Buffalo Overlook, Veteran’s Wall and more.

After our visit, we’re off to lunch at the 1919 Kitchen & Tap Restaurant at Lambeau Field. Here we’ll experience the excitement of Lambeau Field while we savor and sip local food and drinks. After lunch you will have a chance to visit the ProShop.

On our way home we will swing by LaClare Creamery to pick up dinner and visit their baby goats.

And don't forget there will be surprise stop during the day.

_________________________________________

Lunch (Indicate your choice when registering)

Lunch includes beverage

Wisco Burger with chips, Wisconsin cheddar, lettuce, tomato
Turkey Club with chips, Shaved turkey, smoked gouda, lettuce, tomato, peppered bacon, chive mayo, ale mustard, sourdough
Cobb Salad, Butter crunch bibb, peppered bacon, red onion, sweet corn, tomato, bleu cheese, avocado, buttermilk parsley dressing,
Hickory Smoked Pulled Pork with chips, Maple coleslaw, house BBQ sauce

_________________________________________

Schedule: (Return times are approximate)

TRAVELERS ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

7:00 a.m. Depart Verona Park & Ride

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

6:30 p.m. Return (East Madison) Dutch Mill Park & Ride (East Lot)

7:00 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: $130 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 Tuesday, July 28, 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.

2nd Friday of the Month Coffee (August 14, 2026)

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Meets every 2nd Friday in the summer

at the Memorial Union!

Where: Memorial Union, 800 Langdon Street
Day: Meets on the second Friday of each month

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Drinks/Food: Peet’s Coffee will be open with bakery and snacks. At 11 or 12 the hot dog stand and other venues will be open.
Place: Outside at the terrace. Look for us in the outdoor area behind the Der Rathskellar restaurant. In case of rain we will meet in the large glassed in room near the terrace.
Parking: Best parking is the State Street Campus Garage located at 430 N Frances Street. Two ramps, near each other, are available. It is about a 2 block walk to the Union.
Organizer: Sharon Scrattish
RSVP or Questions?: Let Sharon know you're coming the Thursday before the breakfast by email or phone (sscratti@gmail.com or 608-280-8050)
COVID Protocol: Wear a mask to the event if you prefer.

3rd Friday Meet-Up on the East Side (August 21, 2026)

Fri, 21 Aug 2026 16:30:00 GMT

3rd Friday Meet-Up on the East Side at Great Dane East

Where? Great Dane East, 876 Juniper Drive, Madison

When? Meets on the third Friday of each month from 11:30-1:30

4th Friday of the Month Coffee (August 28, 2026)

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:30:00 GMT

COFFEE GATHERING

Make new friends and meet new PLATO members over a cup of coffee and breakfast snacks.

The Rotunda Cafe, 1965 Atwood Avenue on Madison's near east side

Meet on Fourth Friday of each month

Time: 9:30 am to 11:30 am
Place: Rotunda Cafe, lobby of Lake Ridge Bank, formerly Monona Bank
Ambiance: With a unique, large seating area, The Rotunda Cafe is an attractive rotunda in what was once the Monona Bank building at Schenks Corners. Great ambiance with pleasant, soothing background music.
Place order at counter, bus own table
Food choices are limited but do include breakfast burritos and doughnuts

Parking: (see below)
RSVP or Questions? Email Sue Ellerhost at luvcetaceans@gmail.com or Donaby Henton at aiexplorer125@gmail.com by Wednesday so they know you are coming.
COVID Protocol: Please continue to use a mask if you desire

Parking Options:

Street parking is available on either side of the bank, on Atwood and on Winnebago and further down both streets.
Parking is also available at Trinity Lutheran Church, 904 Winnebago St. Please note: The church requests a small good will donation which will be used to benefit a local neighborhood fund. We will periodically request a few dollars donation for this from our members who use the lot.
Parking is also available in the lot behind United Way, 2059 Atwood Ave. Drive all the way in to the unmarked spaces toward the back of the lot.

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

Registration will open August 4

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.

_______________________________

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.

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 coordinators, Bob Shaw, robert.e.shaw@gmail.com , 608-255-3486 or Liz Coleman, liz_coleman@msn.com, 608-320-4480

1st Friday Breakfast on the West Side (September 04, 2026)

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 14:30:00 GMT

Where? Panera Bread, 601 Junction Road, Madison, WI

When? Meets on the first Friday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

3rd Friday Meet-Up on the East Side (September 18, 2026)

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 16:30:00 GMT

3rd Friday Meet-Up on the East Side at Great Dane East

Where? Great Dane East, 876 Juniper Drive, Madison

When? Meets on the third Friday of each month from 11:30-1:30

3rd Friday Meet-Up on the East Side (October 16, 2026)

Fri, 16 Oct 2026 16:30:00 GMT

3rd Friday Meet-Up on the East Side at Great Dane East

Where? Great Dane East, 876 Juniper Drive, Madison

When? Meets on the third Friday of each month from 11:30-1:30