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The Storyteller's Cottage offers guided story hikes

Gnarled trees, mossy stumps, and raised roots become objects of magical, mystical happenings. Simsbury resident Lisa Natcharian, owner of The Storyteller’s Cottage, incorporates these and other sources of nature to make her stories come alive in her e-books geared toward children, but enjoyable for any age.


Available to download from the website (StorytellersCottage.Podia.com) are Great Pond State Forest: Fairy Finding Adventure and Belden Forest: Barbarian Tracking Adventure. Readers go on-location to these Simsbury Land Trust designations to enjoy their “storywalk.”

Natcharian founded the Cottage in 2017 because “I wanted to create something that incorporated all of the things I enjoy,” she said and noted the variety of jobs she’s held: “gifted ed teacher, a computer science teacher, a freelance writer, a magazine publisher, a public relations director, and a few other things as well.”


The Cottage’s mission? “Where Literature Comes to Life.” By “creating activities from stories,” Natcharian said that programs included mysteries and Harry Potter experiences where “guests interact with actors,” she said. “It’s so much more fun to become part of the story, rather than just read.”


The physical Simsbury location recently had to permanently close its doors due to COVID-related protocols of no large in-person gatherings. She said, “There is no end in sight to the limited capacity of indoor programs, and it seems unlikely that when capacity limits are lifted, the market for indoor events will still be strong enough to fill our activities. It’s really a mathematical calculation that indicates that this business model is no longer profitable, especially because our building is so small and we have no outdoor space.”

Fortunately, Natcharian’s and her staff’s creativity have moved to an online Academy. Options feature choices from downloadable videos and activity packages for fiction aficionados or those looking for instruction in writing and publishing or art and drawing. And of course, the storywalks.


This description of Great Pond State Park: Fairy Finding Adventure can be found on the website: “Once upon a time, this forest was the home to five tribes of fairies: the Dryads, Naiads, Nymphs, Pixies and Sprites. One day, a mischievous Pixie decided to play a trick on the Dryads. Walk through the Fairy Realm to see what happened next!” At 1.8 miles, the journey takes about 40 minutes.

The author and this LIFE reporter attempted to storywalk Great Pond and follow along with the e-book. Upon arrival, there was a clear indication that wouldn’t happen: A large orange sign with a leftward pointing arrow blocked the main entrance – a possible warning that the path may be littered with fallen trees from recent violent storms. (Or it could’ve been the handiwork of some impish fairies or a “thwartful” troll...) Indeed, Natcharian added a note on her website warning of tree-blocked trails, but to keep checking her site for updates.

The alternative route would suffice, so it was off to Belden Forest to enjoy the guided hike. On the website, Natcharian provided the premise of Belden Forest: Barbarian Tracking Adventure: “Did you know that two different tribes of barbarians live in the Belden Forest? And one night a rare Storm Giant appeared in their territory ... was he there to steal their treasure, or warn them of danger? Find out as you hike!” At 1.2 miles, the trip takes about 35 minutes.


While the Fairy Finding Adventure is geared toward the female persuasion, Natcharian said, “I wanted to do something clearly not for little girls. I have three boys.” She admitted it was easy to come up with the barbarian story inspired by her 21-year-old and two mid-teenaged sons’ love for Dungeons & Dragons.


She explained that the two bands of barbarians don’t fight each other, but “push each other around.” In the story, “They have to work together because they have a common enemy.” Would it be the Storm Giant or the flying dragon called a Wyvern?


The stories could be sub-themed “The COVID Project” because Natcharian and her sons did a lot of hiking during the lockdown. “We were hiking this area, and there were so many adorable landmarks,” she said. “It sparked my imagination. I thought, Put this in an e-book, and have people follow along, and encourage people to make up some of their own story, as well.” She provides prompts in the books asking readers to decide what they think of the circumstances presented to them. Her sons liked the idea, and after completing the hike with the e-book, her oldest declared, “That was good, Mom!”


Upon entering Belden Forest for the storywalk, certain trees are marked with dabs of paint, or blazes, representing which trail to follow. But for Natcharian, the blue and yellow blazes represent territory markers for each tribe, Night Runner Tribe and Golden Eagle Clan.

Suddenly, a treetop began to groan (for real!) and Natcharian, posited, “Is it a barbarian?” (Maybe...?)


From her iPhone she narrated her delightful story, stopping at each of the landmarks she had photographed herself for the e-book and gave an account of its history. Natcharian regularly tours her story forests for new landmarks or changes in existing ones, and revises her story accordingly.


One tree stump used to have a very small stem of leaves growing in front of it, but now the stem is bare. The ancient stump was sprouting a tiny new tree at the time of the original story, which indicated the result of “magical energy.” But now with its bare stem, will the author feel the need to revise?


In Natcharian’s story, each landmark guides you to the next – along with a little bit of her directing – so that you stick to the trail in her book. There’s the Storm Giant’s abandoned studded club, sword-trimmed trees, The Betrayal Tree, The Spriggan’s Hoard, petrified snakes, the giant’s two massive arrowheads, The Twister Tree, Hidden Fairy Realm’s camouflaged stovepipe, Sacred Sulis Tree, and The Victory Tree. To discover the victory, read the story!


Images of mythical characters are added in some of the book’s scenes.

As the barbarians seek out the purpose of the Storm Giant’s actions, they come to a realization that something more sinister may be lurking about... The journey to find the answer continues to the end!


Natcharian’s next work in progress, coming soon, is Westledge Trail: Crumbling Castle of the Elfin Kingdom. The website promises, “Deep in the forest, a mysterious ruin lies quietly beside a burbling stream. Unlock the secrets of the Elfin Kingdom that once ruled these woods. This hike includes two long stone staircases.” At 1 mile, the storywalk takes about 30 minutes.

Currently reviewing all of the Simsbury Land Trust trails, Natcharian will have countless adventures ahead. VL


For more information about The Storyteller’s Cottage, visit StorytellersCottage.Podia.com.

Great Pond State Park: Fairy Finding Adventure and Belden Forest: Barbarian Tracking Adventure are downloadable on iPhone or Android for $4.99 each.

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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

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Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

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Used book sale

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Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

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For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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