 |
| The U.S.S. Odyssey is not your typical Star Trek club. We are interested in all aspects of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Gaming. Our membership includes readers and writers of SF, art lovers, film buffs, video gamers and more. We span the entire spectrum of Star Trek from the original series through Enterprise and the movies. New ideas and fresh interests are always welcome in our group. The U.S.S. Odyssey is a not-for-profit, community service-oriented, social fan club based on the Star Trek universe of Gene Roddenberry. Our motto, "Following the Dream", refers to Roddenberry's vision of a better future. We try to help build that future through fellowship and community service. Our ship is patterned after, but not affiliated with, Starfleet International. In form, we are an Ambassador Class starship with members serving as officers and crew. Odyssey members are encouraged to sign onto one department according to their choice of club duties. Although each department has special duties and responsibilities, any member may volunteer his or her service to another department's activities. Regular members begin as a crewmen and may earn rank by participation in club activities and duties. Younger members, under the age of thirteen, are considered cadets in the Academy and have special activities and programs geared to their interest. When possible, some club members dress in costume for meetings and activities, but this is not required. When a member signs on they may write a Ships Bio for their character for publication in the newsletter. The Odyssey News is published monthly and distributed at the meetings. All members are asked to contribute articles to the newsletter. The ship's log is published as part of the newsletter. Meetings are held once a month at the North Branch of the Chillicothe & Ross Co. Public Library, 550 Buckeye Street, Chillicothe, Ohio. Our meetings start at Noon and go to 4:30 pm. Following a short business meeting and refreshments, the members may enjoy a Star Trek role-playing session; Trekerized board and trivia games; or other games like Munchkin, Fluxx and Heroes of Asfar. Occasionally, a special speaker, like the Director of Ronald McDonald House, may be on the schedule. Special activities through the year include a June picnic, a Halloween party and the Christmas potluck. Dragon Storm role-playing games (a favorite) are scheduled between regular meetings. The Oddballs are the ship's away team for charity sporting events. Two teams generally participate in the Big Brothers & Big Sisters Bowl for Kids' Sake event each March. Other away teams participate in various conventions. They run pannels and games at Marcon in Columbus, Ohio over Memorial Day. A favorite convention is Origins, held in Columbus in late June. When possible members also attend Melinnicon in Cincinnati in March. |