Sunbeamers RFL Team To Disband

 

Talking to Cynthia Farshore and Shockwave Yareach yesterday, Monday July 27, they stated with team captain Rita Mariner passing away, this will be the last year the Relay for Life's Sunbeamer team will be active. It will not be coming back for the 2027 season.

"Sunbeamers was Rita's team," Cynthia told me, "fitting to let it go." "The team can retire now," Shockwave added. 

Both are already members of Team ACTS and will be relaying under their banner next year, "ACTS can use our powers I'm sure," Shockwave commented.

 

The Sunbeamers are not the only noted team to disband this year. During the Relaystock, the Relay Rockers announced they would be closing the team after twenty years of Relaying.

Rita Mariner founded Team Sunbeamers in 2013, following the decision to officially fold the Passionate Redheads team in 2013, some months after it's captains stepped down. Over the past thirteen years, it went from a small performer to being one of the top dozen teams in terms of fundraising, "the little team that could," in it's past few years reaching Ruby Level fundraising, well over one million Linden dollars. Cynthia Farshore and Shockwave Yareach were key to the team's rise with events such as the weekly Moon Dance and annual Air Show. 

Bixyl Shuftan

Bouncing Bunny Beach Club Closes Indefinately, Club Cutlass and Club Squeaks Temporarily Suspending Events

 

With the sims of the Sunweaver Estates, save one, likely to close sometime after the end of the month, this is affecting the clubs that call the place home. Yesterday, Monday July 27, Brandi Streusel announced following the event Club Squeaks had that day, the club would be closing temporarily, reopening some time in the future. 

 

turns the lights out and closes the door, stops, turns and pats the door      "We'll be back . . . "
 

Club Squeaks in recent times has had one event most weeks, on Mondays, though it hasn't been a guarantee with the DJ and owner's real life.

 

Club Cutlass, the main club of the Sunweaver community, is also having it's regular events temporarily suspended.  There will be a memorial service for Rita Mariner soon. While it may be at the club, it's equally likely it will be at a larger location. The time regular events will be resuming has not yet been decided. 

 

Club Cutlass normally has events Monday, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 6 to 8 SL time.  

 

But one club is closing it's doors indefinitely, probably for good.  On Sunday July 26, the Bouncing Bunny Beach Club would hold one last event. In honor of Rita, DJ Snowbuns played songs such as "Angel Flight," "In The Arms of An Angel," and others. 

 

Since this was the last Sunday of the month, the sim would likely be gone. Because of this, it was talked about what to do earlier, and it was decided with too few places available to place clubs, the place would have to be shelved indefinitely, probably for good. And so after the event, hostess Kylee Gracemont gave a goodbye message.

 

Thank You for all the Fish !
Unfortunately we are sunsetting Bouncing Bunny Beach Club because of Rita's passing.
Thank You All for the great memories !
Keep on Hopping Along and See You Elsewhere Everyone ! 

 

Club Zero Gravity, Xanadu, and the Happy Vixen Beach Club, the latter which isn't considered on Sunweaver land but is a favorite of the Sunweaver Community, are unaffected. 

 

Stay tuned for more information later,

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Reader Submitted Picture: Balloon Over The SL23B

From Camden McAndrews, "SL23B. Scientific curiosity tragically overwhelmed sanity as the intrepid explorers approached the plasma beam in the temporal distortion field of the Tapestry of Time in a hot air balloon."

 

 

Fimi's Memorial Treehouse Relocated

 

 With the Sunweaver Community and it's land in an upheaval following the death of it's leader and main landholder Rita Mariner, there are some small bits of good news. Among them, whatever happens to Rita's sims, the Fimi Memorial Treehouse is safe, relocated to HV Community, the one sim on the estate that was owned by someone other than her.

 

This was the home of Artistic Fimicloud, the pink foxgirl in the early days of the Sunweaver community and Passionate Redheads Relay team, known as Stephanie Koslow in real life, an artist. Sadly she passed away from cancer in May 2008 at age 49.  But the community and Relay team remembered her, her treehouse preserved as a lasting memorial to her. Fortunately, Cynthia Fareshore had permission to move her objects, and so the tree, and the objects inside, were be able to be moved, " I took my time in edit and ctrl key looking move a bit find what wasn't selected , did that a number of times till finally had it all selected and slowly moved it over."

 

Much is still going on. Yours truly has been taking pictures of some of the land, though it seems the treehouse might not have already be the only thing picked up.  One club has announced it will be closing indefinitely, perhaps permanently. Club Cutlass and Club Squeaks are closed temporarily. The Happy Vixen, Club Zero Gravity, and Xanadu are going on as scheduled. 

 

Stay tuned for more information.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Future of Sunweaver Estates Unclear

 

 There's been plenty of talk about the passing of Rita Mariner, and not much time to write about it. But what can be stated is Rita had no backup plan for the Sunweaver Estates. Maybe the Sunweavers can get Linden Lab to pass them on to someone, or maybe not. 

 

Yours truly will have some more information soon.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

At Burn2 Conception

 

This past weekend from Friday July 24 to Sunday July 26 was Burn2's Summer Burn event, also known as Conception. This year's theme was "The First Spark."

Friday night, I dropped by for a look, and the Burners were partying. Playing music that night were Red Heaven, Elysienne Nebula, Magi, and Dre. I also heard there was a particle show scheduled.

 

Quite a lot of fun was had, the Burners telling me, "Welcome home."

 

It was quite a fun three days. But in a few months the "Octoburn," the main Burn2 event, will take place, with not just a weekend, but several days of art, music, and fun over Deep Hole and several other sims.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Breaking News: Rita Mariner Has Died

 

From Cynthia Farshore:

 

I am saddened to report that our wonderful purple bunny Rita Mariner had passed away last Thursday from cancer. I spoke directly to Shockwave who had a direct contact with Rita’s sister who informed him. There will not be a funeral as Rita had asked to be cremated so it seems there will be no need in sending flowers or planning trips to attend a funeral.

At this time it appears that no ownership of regions has been transferred. We are not sure when the regions may go poof so do not pay any rent boxes and I urge all residents of Sunweaver Estates to begin collecting up all no copy items. I had brought up before that people need to be looking at where to move; now it is time to act on it. 

May Rita find joy in the presence of Jesus 

 

More information to come later.

 

Cartoon of The Day: "Lost Bet?"

 

 Taken at the Happy Vixen on December 2025. The lines between me and Umbra were from a more recent conversation, though, which had me thinking of the scene.

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL Video: "Sunbeamer's Bring Your Own Kiosk Moment"

 

 (click here if the music does not play)

 

From Baine Finch on May 31, a pan-around of the Sunweaver Estates, "Having some fun at a Sunbeamer's BYOK"

  

Press Release: Burn2 Conception 2026

 

 Burn2 Conception 2026: The First Spark Brings Art, Creativity, Expression to the Virtual Playa

July 22, 2026 — Burn2, the official virtual extension of Burning Man® in Second Life®, invites
residents from around the virtual world between July 24-26, to experience this
community-created art event. This year's “The First Spark” event brings together artists,
builders, musicians, performers, educators, and dreamers for an immersive celebration of
creativity, connection, and participation.

Inspired by the 10 Principles of Burning Man in the real world, Burn2 transforms an expansive
virtual desert into a temporary city filled with monumental art installations, live music, colorful
events, themed camps, interactive exhibits, and performances.

All are welcome to:
● Experience 27 live performances featuring DJs, musicians, and entertainers on the
Main Stage and BOB Stage throughout the weekend.
● Explore community-created art installations, theme camps, and interactive experiences
across Burn2’s Deep Hole region.
● Enjoy special featured events including The Burn2 Fashionistas, unique performances,
and community gatherings.
● Meet artists, performers, builders, and Burners from around the world while celebrating
the 10 Principles through creativity, participation, and shared experiences in a virtual
environment.
● Join the Lamplighters Processions and witness spectacular Fire Dance performances that
bring the spirit of Burn2 to life. Held twice on the final day, the processions immediately
precede each Effigy Burn.
● Gather with the community for The First Spark Effigy Burn, the event's signature ceremonial
feature. Held twice on the final day, it stands as the emotional high point of Burn2.

Check out the calendar at: https://www.burn2.org/event-calendar/

One of Burn2's greatest strengths is diversity. Every installation reflects the imagination and
passion of its creator, resulting in an environment where visitors can experience everything from
breathtaking architecture to immersive resident created exhibits, to thought-provoking
educational exhibits and whimsical fantasy worlds.

Burn2 encourages exploration, curiosity, and participation. Every visitor is free to wander,
interact, ask questions, meet new people, and become part of the experience.

Whether you are a longtime Burner or visiting Burn2 for the first time, the event offers a
welcoming environment where creativity, generosity, and community take center stage.

Admission is free and open to everyone with a Second Life account.

For more information about Burn2, event schedules, and participating artists, visit:
https://www.burn2.org

Also feel free to join the Burning Man 2.0 Group in Second Life

Become a volunteer for this or future events: https://www.burn2.org/volunteering-in-burn2/
About Burn2

Burn2 has hosted multiple events in Second Life® since 2008. In 2010, Burn2 became an official
virtual Regional of Burning Man. Community-built art, performances, education, and interactive
experiences, have been providing participants worldwide the opportunity to experience the spirit
of Burning Man in a virtual environment.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact iSkye Silverweb for general information
or Sabet Wanderer for stage and music inworld

The Ever-Turning Experience Of Joel Eilde

 

Netera Landar recently interviewed singer/songwriter Joel Eilde, who has been performing in Second Life for years. He enjoys focusing on numerous genres. He spoke with Netera about his love of creating music.

 

Read Netera's interview in People. 

 

And ... Gone. SL23B Sims Closed To Exhibitors

 

 

Yesterday, Thursday July 23, was the last day the SL23B sims were up for exhibitors, also known as "Takedown Day." If you left anything behind after Midnight, you might not get it back until next year. So naturally there was space after space empty of exhibits. 

 

 

And so this meant the SL Newser's exhibit had to come down as well. 

 

There will be one or two more articles about the SL23B, and at least one more about the Relay for Life, of which we had to all but cut off coverage due to The Birthday starting just after the Flood Party. And after that, the "Busy Time," which I often call the period of time from late May to mid to late July, finally slows back down. And August will see me catching up on a few things I put off while I focused on the big news. But if you have pictures, or a story, you'd like to share, by all means do so.

 

Have a great summer, 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Announcement: Invitation to Pioners of Machinima, 12 Noon Saturday

 

Saturday July 25th, 2026, some of the pioneers of machinima in Second Life will be on stage.
Phaylen Fairchild, Toxic Menges, Saffia Widdershins and Chantal Harvey will be interviewed by Loz and Rizzo, about the early years. And boy - do we have some stories to tell. You won't want to miss this audience Q&A and panel!

Livestream will be available, for those that cannot come in - but be early as we will take questions - and you will want to tell your friends that you were there.  

 

 https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/XD%20Machinima/152/103/3824

noon!

 

Last Looks At Some SLB Exhibits

 

 

While the Second Life Birthday is over for most, for the exhibitors there were a few more days to see something. And so when I had a few minutes I checked out a few. One was the Relay for Life's exhibit, whom one Relayer described as "simple." But it did the job. It was at SLB Spectacular.

 

Eric Mondrain's Second Life Topography, which had a map of Belisseria, was at SLB Electrify.

 

Holocluck Henley's "Clucky Studios" at SLB Sparkle.

Hope by Raven at SLB Fabulous, a memorial to optimism and hope.

But some exhibits were already picked up, the plots empty.

 

Today is the last day for pickups, and tomorrow the sims will be closed to all but the Moles. And so the sims will once again be shelved until the next birthday.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

It Came From The Forums

 

 

 Checking the Second Life Forums, on "How Does Your SL Look Today" on page 682 there was this post by Spiffy Voxel, which was a response to one by Ernest Deed, Spiffy expressing disappointment that the hat on the Newser's SL23B exhibit was not "a cunningly-disguised flying-saucer."

 

Well, we ave had a few flying saucer cartoons over the years. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

At The SLB: Shinning Stars Hunt Prize Number Three

 

 

For those who didn't get the third and final prize of the SL23B's Shinning Stars Hunt, here it is.

 

SL23B - Star Hunt Prize Kiosk - v1.0: Congratulations, you are a super Hollywood Stars collector and have collected 100 stars, here is your tier 3 prize.

 

And the prize is, a hot dog "boopie," one named "Frank" appropriately enough.  He mumbles and snickers, and when touched (and sometimes when not) squirts mustard ketchup into the air. 

 

And so that was the prize that went to the wieners.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Update on Gemma Cleanslate

 

 

When we last heard from Gemma Cleansate, our intrepid reporter then on medical leave stated she was doing better and looking forward to once again being on duty for the Newser soon. 

 

But she messaged us yesterday that  she seems to have come down with something else. While tests are being taken, the doctors are not sure yet what it is, "a mystery."

 

 Hopefully it will be identified and taken care of soon.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Special Veterans Fundraiser Concert Nets Over 180,000 Linden Dollars

 

 

On Monday July 13 last week, there was a special charity concert at Veterans Isle. While the location had another around the first weekend of the month as normal, this was a second one, which seldom occurs. 

 

Like others, the event was organized in part by Frets Nirvana. Unlike most, this event would be scheduled only for two hours, from 6 to 8 SL time. In the first hour, DJ Zack would play music. The second hour was a live performance, with Frets on stage along with Noma Falta with a "dual stream." 

 

The Independence Day eagle, available earlier for a donation for 2500 Lindens, was still there.  Most of the money was donated into two house-shaped kiosks on either side of the stage.

 

A total of 184,462 Linden dollars would be donated into the kiosks. It is unknown how much was raised through the eagles. 

 

Veterans Isle is the scene of a benefit for Homes For Our Troops every month, usually on the first weekend of the month.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Press Release: Virtual Ability Thanks Linden Lab, Announcing: Wheelchair Design Contest

 

On behalf of the Virtual Ability community, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to Linden Lab for their generous L$250,000 donation announced at the recent SL23B Golden Ticket Giveaway event.

Since 2007, Virtual Ability® has been a peer support community helping people with a wide range of disabilities thrive in Second Life. One of Virtual Ability's core values is giving back to the Second Life community. We are delighted to announce that we will pay Linden Lab's generosity forward and use their donation to fund Mobility Without Limits, a contest to create original virtual wheelchairs for use in Second Life. By funding prizes that will go directly to Second Life creators, we hope to help strengthen the broader virtual world community while expanding the range of mobility options available to residents.

This contest will invite Second Life creators to design innovative, full-permission wheelchairs that enhance mobility, self-expression and roleplay for residents. A total of L$250,000 in prize money will be awarded across several categories, including:

•           Everyday Mobility
•           Racing and Sports
•           Fantasy and Sci-Fi
•           Mobility for Every Avatar, featuring wheelchairs designed for tinies and other non-standard avatars

Additional details about Virtual Ability’s wheelchair contest Mobility Without Limits will be announced soon. We look forward to seeing the creativity this contest inspires. If you have any questions, please contact Eme Capalini.

Virtual Ability's Second Life community is supported behind the scenes by our real-world nonprofit organization, Virtual Ability, Inc., a 501(c)3 charitable organization. To learn more about our work, please visit https://www.virtualability.org

Once again, thank you to Linden Lab for their generous support and for recognizing the work Virtual Ability has done to help make Second Life more welcoming and accessible for everyone. We are honored to be part of this remarkable virtual world.

Gentle Heron
President, Virtual Ability, Inc.