Central Connecticut Grotto
What is the Central Connecticut Grotto of the National Speleological Society?
The Central Connecticut Grotto (CCG) is a local chapter of The National Speleological Society ( NSS). The CCG shares the goals of other NSS Grottos, which are to organize trips, offer training, practice cave conservation, and generally provide a framework for enjoying and studying caves. The Central Connecticut Grotto welcomes new members who are interested in caves and committed to cave conservation. Join us - membership info is on our "Membership" page.
Our Monthly Meetings
Meetings are open to anyone interested in caves and committed to cave conservation. At each meeting we discuss Grotto business, trip reports and plan future trips. Many meetings also have a presentation; either a talk, demonstration, slides, or video. It is not necessary to attend meetings to be a Grotto member, though we would like you to attend.
Location, Date, and Time of meetings can change. Non-members should confirm by calling a meeting contact number or emailing info@ctcavers.org, with "CCG Meeting" in the subject line.
Officers and Committees (2023)
Contact officers at info@ctcavers.org
Chair - Veronica Sassu Laviero
Vice Chair - Steve Millett
Treasurer - Alisa Werst
Secretary - Jeff Laviero
Webmaster - Norm Berg / Steve Millett
Membership - Diane Lucas
Safety - Doug Truitt
Conservation - Mike Sandone
Vertical - Felicia Millett
Equipment - Steve Millett
Newsletter - Danny Brass
Member at Large - Blase LaSala
Upcoming Meetings and Activities
CCG Monthly Meeting - Wednesday March 20, 2024
The March meeting will be held at member's lakefront home in Bristol, CT. The official meeting will start at 7pm, but people are encouraged to arrive as early as 5 pm. CCG members will get an email before the meeting with exact details. For those who cannot attend in person a Zoom option will still be available.
For more info please call/text Veronica at 860-620-7521, or email info@ctcavers.org with “CCG March Meeting” in the subject line. Non-members who are interested in caving are very welcome to join.
Limestone Mine Trip - Saturday March 23, 2024
CCG is planning a trip to one of our favorite limestone mines in Kingston NY. Details of the trip shall be discussed at the March grotto meeting. For more info please email info@ctcavers.org with “Kingston Mines” in the subject line.
CCG Monthly Meeting -Tuesday April 16, 2024
The April meeting will be held at member's home in West Hartford, CT. The official meeting will start at 7pm, but people are encouraged to arrive as early as 6 pm. CCG members will get an email before the meeting with exact details. For those who cannot attend in person a Zoom option will still be available. Following the meeting will be a special presentation "Marshalls Farm Project: An exciting discovery for NY" by Julian Benson.
CCG Overnight Vertical Practice - Saturday April 20, 2024
CCG's annual overnight vertical practice returns to Rock Spot Climbing Gym (Prime Climb) in Wallingford CT beginning at 8 pm. Vertical ropes, a rappel wall, rebelays, rope traverses and other fun obstacles will be set up for CCG members to refresh their skills before caving season begins. There will be a mix of beginner, intermediate and advanced ropes set up. Space is limited and RSVP is required. For more info email info@ctcavers.org with “Vertical Practice 2024” in the subject line. Info on the gym can be found here: https://wallingford.rockspotclimbing.com/
Clarksville Cave Beginner Trip – Saturday, May 4, 2024
Intro to caving trip at Clarksville Cave in New York, one of our favorite caves for beginners. http://www.necaveconservancy.org/clarksville-preserve/ . Email info@ctcavers.org with “Clarksville Cave May 2024” in the subject line if you are interested in joining. If you don’t mind spoilers here is a teaser for the video we shot in the cave on a previous trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bx959WRVJnE
Spring NRO - Fri-Sun, May 17-19, 2024
The Northeastern Regional Organization of the NSS will be holding its spring gathering of cavers. Hosted by the Helderberg Hudson Grotto. All the usual NRO activities will be featured, including camping, hot meals, lots of nearby caving, NCC Saturday night auction and more features to come! The event will be held at Thompson's Lake Campground part of Thacher State Park in East Berne, NY. For more info please email info@ctcavers.org with “Spring 2024 NRO” in the subject line.
2024 NSS Convention - Sewanee, TN July 1 -5
Join members of CCG as they take a trip down to Tennessee for the 2024 NSS Convention. More details of the event can be found here: https://caves.org/convention/2024-nss-convention/
For more info please email info@ctcavers.org with “2024 NSS Convention” in the subject line.