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.
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.
Meeting 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.
Contact officers at info@ctcavers.org
Chair - Veronica Sassu Laviero
Vice Chair - Steve Millett
Treasurer - Jeff Laviero
Secretary - Jeff Laviero
Webmaster - Elliot Bushman
Membership - Ben Finch
Safety - Liz Coppola
Conservation - Kailyn Lundeberg
Vertical - Derek Vonnieda
Equipment - Steve Millett
Newsletter - Danny Brass
Member at Large - Blase LaSala
CCG Monthly Meeting - Wednesday January 14, 2026
The January meeting will be held at member's home in Plainville, 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.
For more info please email info@ctcavers.org with “CCG January Meeting” in the subject line. Non-members who are interested in caving are very welcome to join.
CCG Overnight Vertical Practice - TBD, Winter 2026
CCG's annual overnight vertical practice returns to Prime Climb Gym 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” in the subject line.
Limestone Mine Trip -TBD, Winter 2026
CCG is planning a trip to one of our favorite limestone mines in Kingston NY. Details of the trip shall be discussed at the January grotto meeting. For more info please email info@ctcavers.org with “Kingston Mines” in the subject line.
Spring NRO - Fri-Sun, May 15-17, 2026
The Northeastern Regional Organization of the NSS will be holding its spring gathering of cavers. Hosted by the Central Connecticut Grotto and the Northeastern Cave Conservancy. 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 2026 NRO” in the subject line. Volunteers needed!
CCG Holiday Party - Saturday December 13, 2025
The CCG holiday party will be held at a member's home in East Hartford, CT. This will be an indoor event. Dinner will be Potluck and there will be a presentation by a CCG member on a recent expedition. Elections for 2026 officers will be held, and there will be a special presentation by Blase Lasala.
CCG members will get an email before the party with more details. For more info please call/text Veronica at 860-620-7521, or email info@ctcavers.org with “CCG December Party” in the subject line. Non-members who are interested in caving are very welcome to join.