The SL Enquirer: Sturbridge Grove

If you have spent some time exploring Second Life you will know that it is a grid full of close knit communities and activities that cater to various lifestyles. From Vampires and Furries to Music, Fashion and culture with families that create communities they call home; Sturbridge Grove is an SL community based on the old Sturbridge village in Massachusetts founded in 1738.

Sturbridge Grove in Second Life is a community where safety and a warm home awaits families and kids of all ages. You will find homes and businesses that create a hometown charm that welcomes all to a wholesome pg-rated roleplay community.

The SL Enquirer met up with Owner of Sturbridge Grove; Adam Papp Gatier (petenka) to learn more about what makes his community so unique.

Interview with Adam Papp Gatier

Lanai: Hi Adam, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Thank you for sharing such a well designed community. I took a tour and was drawn to how organized and detailed it was. Your attention to detail made it easy for me to navigate through the community. Can you share with our readers how you discovered Second life and what led you on your path to creating this unique community based on the real Sturbridge in Massachusetts?

Adam: Thank you, Lanai, it's great to have you back, and thanks for your kind words. My journey into Second Life began many years ago as a quest for creativity and community. Right away, I saw its potential for connection and imaginative roleplay. Inspired by the quaint charm of Massachusetts where I attended Private Boarding School myself, I sought to bring the same sense of hometown warmth into Second Life. Thus, Sturbridge Grove was born - a place where roleplay families can come together and create cherished memories.

I must say, though, the credit for the beautifully detailed community truly belongs to our dedicated team. I believe that the lasting success of any community is rooted in having a cohesive team of individuals who not only work together but also genuinely care for one another. Everyone has poured their heart and soul into creating an organized and immersive environment for our residents and visitors.

Lanai: A strong and dedicated team is key to success and it shows in the beautiful environment you all created. You mentioned part of your motto is “Leave your drama at the door”. As with many communities on the grid there are some bad apples here and there that can interrupt the peace and harmony of an environment. How do you ensure your SG residents can feel safe and secure in their neighborhoods?

Adam: We've implemented various measures to ensure our residents feel secure in their homes. From a dedicated security presence to community guidelines that promote respect and positivity, we strive to foster a welcoming environment of trust and camaraderie. For this reason, we have a zero-drama policy. It's not worth the rent money or the traffic that certain people might bring. What's more important to us is our residents' well-being, so that they can truly feel safe at home here while fully immersing themselves into the joys of family roleplay.

Lanai:That is a wonderful approach. At the community center, I browsed through the beautiful homes kiosk. How can SL residents find their perfect dream home at Sturbridge Grove?

Adam: Like you said, finding a home at Sturbridge Grove can be as easy as a visit to our inworld Community Center where we showcase a diverse range of housing options to match every taste and budget, from spacious family homes to cozy apartments, with a wide range of prim amounts and rental prices. You can also travel with ease in our community by using our bus stop system as well as our train station.

Lanai: I see that you have a promotion going on now. Can you tell our readers about that?

Adam: Absolutely! As a token of appreciation for choosing our community as their new home, we're offering a special deal to our new residents: Pay one week's rent, and receive an entire month rent-free. It's our little gift to welcome new families and to help kickstart their Sturbridge adventure.

Lanai: That’s a generous deal! From businesses that line some streets and family orientated activities like mini golf, a drive in theater, amusement park and public services like a Police station, recycling center and a church, it looks like you have some great amenities to accommodate families and their role play experience. What type of community events do you host for residents of Sturbridge Grove?

Adam: Our community events are the heartbeat of Sturbridge Grove, bringing residents together for fun and memorable experiences. We offer themed parties and seasonal festivals to community-wide scavenger hunts and talent shows. There's always something exciting happening in the neighborhood.

Lanai: Sounds like a fun community to be a part of. Roleplay is a big part of Sturbridge Grove. It seems to be a great way to interact with others in the community aside from the usual club scenes and concerts happening across the grid. Does everyone in the SG community roleplay a certain role or job?

Adam: While participation in roleplay is encouraged in the community, it's entirely optional. Residents are free to explore their own interests and narratives, whether they choose to embrace a specific role or simply enjoy the vibrant community atmosphere. We're open to the many ways someone might want to find their place or make their mark in Sturbridge Grove.

Lanai: I may have to show up some time and roleplay a reporter lol JK. For those not too familiar with roleplay family communities, is the community center where residents and visitors can meet and learn more about the various storylines happening in the community? Is there a schedule for certain things to happen?

Adam: Yes, our Community Center serves as a hub for residents and visitors alike to come together, socialize, and immerse themselves in the various stories and experiences that make up Sturbridge Grove. Here, you'll find information boards detailing ongoing storylines, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved. Additionally, we host regular meet-and-greet sessions and orientation events to welcome newcomers and help them acclimate to life in our community.

Lanai: It sounds like you covered all the bases for a well rounded functioning family role play experience. It takes a community to create that authentic roleplay feel. What words of advice would you give new residents who move to the neighborhood?

Adam: My advice to new residents is simple: Embrace the spirit of community and let your imagination run wild. Sturbridge Grove is a place where every resident plays a part in shaping the narrative and creating memorable experiences for themselves and others. Don't be afraid to get involved, make connections, and explore the endless possibilities that await you here. Whether you're a seasoned roleplayer or just dipping your toes into the world of family roleplay communities, there's a place for you in Sturbridge Grove.

Lanai: Child avatars carry a stigma in Second Life with some people not understanding it or making wild assumptions. Can you give our readers an insight on how families with children interact in the community?

Adam: Our community values inclusivity, diversity, and respect for all residents, regardless of age or avatar appearance. Child avatars help enrich the roleplay experience when seen exploring the neighborhood, participating in community events, and spending time interacting with their roleplay families and neighbors. I have many rp sons and daughters myself, and they have brought me many years of smiles, laughs, and fun adventure. I wouldn't want it any other way. And really, it's all part of having a truly immersive family experience in Second Life, and one of the main reasons I wanted to open Sturbridge Grove on the KiD GRiD next to Next Generation Adoption Agency where family roleplay is supported and encouraged.

Lanai: I’ve dabbled in family roleplay myself throughout the years and it does bring a sense of family in a virtual world that you can count on in Second life. Not only does it take the residents to create the roleplay atmosphere but also businesses help with the various storylines. Are you currently hiring for certain positions and roles within the community?

Adam: Oh, definitely! We're always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our community. In Sturbridge Grove, it's all about the fun of creative roleplay spilling out into the streets and creating a truly vibrant and active community. Whether it's by being the local baker, town librarian, family photographer, community gardener, waste management supervisor, family counselor, fitness instructor, magazine editor, or the hundreds of other possible roleplay positions, we want people to feel open to create their own memorable stories through whatever unique roles they choose to bring.

Lanai: Thank you for your time, I know you are busy as the “Governor” of this well put together community. I wish you the very best with Sturbridge Grove.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers and what’s to come?

Adam: Any time, Lanai. It's been a pleasure chatting with you. What's to come is really up to what people bring. We encourage collaboration, creativity, and active participation with our residents. Their input plays a vital role in shaping the future of Sturbridge Grove. I invite everyone to join us as we all work together to elevate the standard of family roleplay communities in Second Life. Thank you once again, Lanai, for your interest and this opportunity to share about our community. It's much appreciated.