Sponsored by Sterling Media:
By Patrick J. McNally, Reporter
Growing up in the 1980’s with three older brothers and a great bunch of neighborhood kids, there was always something fun to do. We loved sports, riding our bikes, and sitting around the picnic table for hours on end playing board games. The winner would have bragging rights until the next game, and for some, this was serious business.
Fast forward to adulthood, where epic board game battles are still a welcomed event, whenever a new challenger appears. Friendly competitions are also appreciated. So, when I first learned about a board game being created right here in Sterling I had to learn more.
I spoke with Karen Packard, who, along with her husband Mark, came up with the idea for a Sterlingopoly game last winter, when they were playing board games with their kids.
“I knew during the pandemic the amount of people playing board games and doing puzzles had increased with everyone staying home,” Packard said. “Board games are such a fun way to spend time with family. In our house, Monopoly was always one of our favorite games to play with our kids. Board games not only provided quality time together, but, in many games, there are ways to make it a learning experience.”
Packard was also inspired by a recent work project. “I had just completed a project for the newspaper, which tied into real estate last fall, that highlighted Sterling … the Sterling Resource Guide,” she said.
The guide is packed with information from a lot of the local businesses in town. “We put a book together that I could give out to anyone who purchases a home in Sterling,” she said. “It lets new homeowners that might not be familiar with our community get valuable information about our town. It helps them learn the history, including Mary Had a Little Lamb, the local attractions and amenities, and it highlights local businesses. The Sterlingopoly game was born from that project.”
Karen said many local businesses wanted to be involved when they learned about the idea.
“I was already talking to many of the local business owners with our Resource Guide project, and I asked a few if they would be interested in being a part of my Sterlingopoly idea,” she said. “This would provide businesses with another way to advertise, while being part of a community resource.”
As owners of multiple small businesses in town themselves, the Packard’s are proud to be a part of the Sterling community, and they love to give back in many ways, including buying local.
“I am a big supporter of small businesses and shopping locally,” Packard said. “There is nothing better that stopping at Meadowbrook Orchards for some fresh cinnamon rolls on Sunday morning when I have office meetings or grabbing some take out at the Brick on my way home. I love our Sterling community, and I am proud of how amazing and diverse our local businesses are.”
Describing the game in more detail, Packard said, “Sterlingopoly is a Sterling version of the popular real estate game. Our locations on the board are all local businesses and spots in town. So, instead of Free Parking, you will collect the center money when you land on Sterling Greenery Community Park.”
The rules of the game have remained the same but the game is designed with Sterling in mind, she said. “I wrote all the cards myself. Some of the reward cards are things like ‘It’s your birthday! Mulligans Mini Golf hosted your party, collect $50 from each player!’ or ‘It’s apple picking season at Clearview Farms. Pay $50 for fresh apples!’”
Packard said she hopes “everyone enjoys the game and has fun seeing how it ties into our town” and teased an update on the future of a piece of property she and her husband own.
“It actually also lets the ‘cat out of the bag’ for what Mark and I are hoping to do with the Farmhouse next door to the Greenery,” Packard said. “We are on hold with the plans right now, as the town did not vote to change the zoning to Commercial at the June Town Meeting. Hopefully, we will move forward with that in the near future.”
Packard admits the rumors about the property are flying, but folks will have to wait. “I have heard all kinds of things from a Mexican restaurant, to a brewery, to a housing development. It makes me laugh when people reach out and ask if the rumors they hear are true,” she said. “If you want to know what our actual plans are, you will need to buy the Sterlingopoly game.”
The games are due to arrive in early August, and will be available to purchase at Sterling Greenery, Karen Packard Real Estate (office across from the greenery), and possibly a few other locations around town.”
