NEWS FROM THE CENTER
Dice & Cane: The Curious Dragon Handler
On June 27, Dice & Cane adventurers continued to uncover the mystery of the Sunless Citadel, delving back into the forgotten fortress in pursuit of the Ick. They found a small army of lizard creatures, and a curious dragon handler named Meepo. Unfortunately, their newly found friend didn’t have our hero’s survival instincts and was on the wrong end of a young dragon’s breath. Poor Meepo!
As our heroes close in on the source of the Ick, will they be ready for the stunning conclusion? We’ll find out next session!
Interested in playing? Join us for Dungeons & Dragons held one Saturday each month. Dungeons and Dragons is a Tabletop Role Playing Game. Under the leadership of Dungeon Master, CJ, you enter the world of imagination and alongside your merry band of adventurers, work through challenges, obstacles, and ne’er-do-wells of the fantasy realm. You do not have to be blind or have low vision to join and there is no experience necessary. Check our calendar of events for dates & times.
Sunshine, Smiles, and Summer Fun at Our 54th Annual Picnic!
What a perfect day to celebrate summer! Eighty-five members and guests joined us for our 54th Annual Summer Picnic, enjoying beautiful weather, delicious food, and wonderful fellowship at our new location at Camp Harkness.
The menu featured hamburgers, hot dogs, tasty sides, desserts, and a refreshing surprise from Mini Melts Ice Cream. Fresh popcorn and cotton candy made their picnic debut, while everyone’s favorite Bingo kept the fun going. Adding a colorful touch to the festivities were the whimsical hot air balloons handcrafted by members and volunteers, floating overhead and bringing smiles to all.
Events like this don’t happen without an incredible team of volunteers. Our heartfelt thanks go to the Picnic and Set-Up Committees and everyone who pitched in to make the day such a success. A special thank-you to Phil and Joann for providing tables, chairs, popcorn and cotton candy machines, and the power to keep everything running. We’re also grateful to our grill master, Janet LaBonté, Renée’s mom, for serving up a delicious meal, and to Mini Melts of Norwich for generously donating 150 cups of ice cream.
Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s picnic such a joyful celebration. We can’t wait to do it again next summer!
Lunch & Learn: Stone Stuctures of Antiquity
On July 14, seventeen members of the Center gathered for a fascinating Lunch & Learn presentation by explorer Michael Menders on Stone Structures of Antiquity. Michael shared highlights from nearly 50 years of researching mysterious stone chambers, walls, and other ancient rock structures found throughout New England and upstate New York. His engaging presentation sparked curiosity and lively discussion about the history and purpose of these remarkable sites.
Following the presentation, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch of BBQ chicken sliders, roasted vegetable salads, and sweet-and-salty cookies while continuing the conversation.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame!
Center Members, supporters, family, and friends bought 147 tickets to watch the Norwich Sea Unicorns play the Westfield Starfires for our June 14 fundraiser.
It was hotter than two cats fighting in a wool sock out there, but the hotdogs were delicious and the beer was cold. We spread out across the shady part of the stadium and hooted and hollered a wonderful Sunday afternoon away. Thank you to everyone who helped make this an incredibly successful fundraiser and day.
Lunch & Learn: Protecting Yourself from Scams
On June 9, eighteen members attended a Lunch & Learn featuring Officer Christina Nocito, who shared critical tips on recognizing and avoiding sophisticated scams. Drawing on her banking and law enforcement background, she explained how scammers use urgency and fear to demand untraceable payments like gift cards or cryptocurrency.
Attendees enjoyed an Olive Garden lunch while learning to slow down, verify requests, and report fraud immediately to banks and police. A video of the presentation will be available on the Center’s website soon.
Dice & Cane: Into the Sunless Citadel
Our Dice & Cane adventurers met for the third time, finally reaching the Sunless Citadel, a forgotten fortress sunken within an unnatural chasm. After scaling into the darkness, our team met two more adventurers. Pleasantries were exchanged, agreements to work together were made, and the new party continued into the Citadel. Doors, rooms, riddles, and traps abound, but nothing led them closer to their quarry… finding the source of the “Ick”. Will our heroes follow their senses toward this blight? We’ll find out next month!
Interested in playing? Join us for Dungeons & Dragons held one Saturday each month. Dungeons and Dragons is a Tabletop Role Playing Game. Under the leadership of Dungeon Master, CJ, you enter the world of imagination and alongside your merry band of adventurers, work through challenges, obstacles, and ne’er-do-wells of the fantasy realm. You do not have to be blind or have low vision to join and there is no experience necessary. Check our calendar of events for dates & times.