Memorial Event For Renee Riva Ripster

 

It's come to the attention of the Newser that Renee Riva Ripster (Renee Riva) had a memorial event for her last week on Saturday September 19 at the Greased Lightning's Enchanting Ballroom. She had passed away the previous month, announced on August 20. 

 

This Saturday at 2 pm SLT we are taking time to honor and remember our amazing friend Renee Riva Ripster. For more than 21 years here in Second Life, Renee shared her presence and her essence with us. She always offered her kindness, support and friendship to everyone she met. She gave her all to her partner DJ ripster435riva, to her friends,  to Relay.

 

Rene had been the co-owner of the venue, and was a member of the Relay for Life in Second Life.  Her profile quote is "Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it." 

 

Credit: Netera Landar 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

SLCS and Blue Angel Airport Funday, Sunday August 30

 

While the Relay For Life's official season is over, and spinnoff events such as I Pink I can won't be happening for a few weeks, that isn't stopping a few Relayers from doing off-season fundraisers. On Sunday August 30, the Second Life Cheerleading Squad had their "SLCS and Blue Angel Funday."

 

The Second Life Blue Angels soar across the virtual skies with precision, discipline, and showmanship that echo the spirit of their real‑world counterparts. Their pilots execute tight formations, daring maneuvers, and high‑energy demonstrations that bring authentic aviation excitement into the digital world. Each performance blends technical mastery with immersive visual flair, creating an experience that feels both familiar and uniquely Second Life.  

 

The event was an all day one, going from 8 AM SL time to about 9PM (Midnight EST).  It took place at the Quigley sim at (104,195,1001). For those who made a donation of 100L or more, they got to go up in one of the Blue Angels jets. There were a number of live performers such as Eric Steffensen (EricSteffensen Mistwalker), Mimi Carpenter, and Harmonia Trefoil.

 

It should be noted many Relayers (probably most) need long breaks due to real life, how much energy they throw of themselves into their events, or both. So these kinds of events aren't for everyone. But cancer never stops. And there's always someone planning a Relay event, even for the offseason.  

 

By Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Commentary: Of RFL's Team Sunbeamer's Folding

 

"All good things must come to an end" so goes an old saying. And late last month, following the death of it's captain Rita Mariner, it was announced that the Relay for Life's Team Sunbeamers, after thirteen years of fun and fundraising, would be retired. Obviously the end of it's leader was the big reason. But there were others that led to this decision.

 

Read the commentary in Extra.  

SL Video: "Drivers of SL Grid Drive 2026-06-13 - Drive (short) and Flight & RFL"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From Zada Bury on August 19, "So far a simple drive, but there was a lot stressing me out and the sim-crossings was ... 'difficult'. After the main-part of the drive, was then also a visit of the RFL-event. The RFL event is pretty awesome made, but I am pretty overloaded with work at this time, so I have not enough time to appreciate it right. I try my best and give best wishes. Don't be fooled by my 'fast trough'."

 

At 4:18, she runs into a certain someone. 

 

Renee Riva of RFL Relay Rockers Passes Away

 

Last night, Thursday August 20, Trader1 Whiplash announced the passing of Renee Riva.

 

With broken hearts and profound sadness the Relay Rockers learned today of the passing of our dear friend, original teammate and pillar of strength Renee Riva.

Renee who was partnered with DJRipster Riva for 11 years was a 3-time cancer survivor and  living proof that resilience and hope can carry a person, and everyone around them, through the hardest of battles.

Renee was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in 2011 and then a few years later suffered a metastatic brain tumor. As a result of the multiple treatments she developed leukemia and in the past year suffered Kidney failure and had been in assisted living as she underwent dialysis.

Renee passed away peacefully in her sleep this morning. 

A Memorial Service is being planned for for early September.
 

The announcement was followed by a number of messages of surprise and condolences in Relay chat. "Prayers for all who knew her." "So sad to hear of her passing. she was a lovely lady and we've missed her these past few months. condolences to her family and friends." "Hugs, Trader, Rip, the Rockers and her friends & family. Renee will be greatly missed, she was a true inspiration." "So sorry to hear of her passing. Prayers to DJRipster , friends and SL family and also to real life family and friends."

 

The Relay Rockers team for the Relay for Life was folded at the end of this year's Relay season in June after about twenty years, with the advancing age and declining health of it's remaining founding members being a factor. 

 

Rest in peace Renee 

 

Image Credit: DJ ripster435riva (ripster435 Resident) 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

Looking Back: The Sunbeamers At Relaystock (2024)

 

It's been a sad time for those in the Sunweaver community. With the passing of Rita Mariner, we naturally look back at happier times, including yours truly. One of the things we took pride in was our efforts to raise money for the Relay for Life in Second Life as Team Sunbeamers. And one of the activities we did every year was taking part in the Relaystock. Sadly, both the Relay Rockers, the team that organized the Relaystock, and Team Sunbeamers, are gone. But we can look back on the memories. A couple years ago, I would write an in-depth article of just went on while the girls danced on stage for an hour, while one guy would live up to a couple bets with mildly embarrassing but funny results. 

 

Read the 2024 story in Events.

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, 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

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"

  

And The Winner Is ...

 

 At 9AM SL time today, the twenty-three winners of Linden Lab's Golden Ticket Giveaway were on stage at the Orpheum Theater. In the middle were twenty three boxes, with twenty-two containing 10,000 Linden dollar prizes, and one that had a million Linden dollar prize. About 180 residents crowded themselves in with many more watching via the Youtube feed. 

 

One by one, starting with the winners of the earliest tickets, the contestants, most of whom who got up and walked to the show host, Ninja, on stage, a few having to remain seated due to lag, chose one of the boxes. They all gave a small shower of sparks, and the host would say they were 10k prizes. Finally with nine boxes left, Carmelle James (Missnicety1 Resident), chose box 19. And this would be the one that would win one million Linden dollars. 

 

Carmelle had remained in her seat and messaged her choice to Brett Linden who messaged the show host, so it's likely she had to deal with lag worse than most others. I didn't notice any further response from her, and only got up from her chair some time after the event ended. 

 

One of the 22 secondary winners did respond. Se7en Zen had chosen to donate her 10,000 Linden dollar prize to the Relay for Life's Second Life Cheerleading Squad. "RFL is an important cause, and it's a privilege to be able to support it," she would tell me."

 

At the end, Ninja had a special announcement.  Linden Lab was matching the grand prize with giving another one million Linden dollars to four charities: Virtual Ability, Team Fox (diabetes research), Spoonful of Sugar (Doctors Without Borders), and the Relay for Life in Second Life. 

 

"That 250k donation pledge from the Lindens was an exciting announcement," Se7en added, "I want to add that the cheer community in SL supports RFL with our whole hearts. This is  cause that touches us all, and RFL is a way to share hope."

While this would be the last official event of the SL23B, the Birthday goes on Sunday July 19, to Midnight SL time. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

RFL Announcement: Relay Kiosks Reset To Offseason As "Wild For A Cure" Ends

 **Relay For Life 2026 is one for the books!** 

As of **July 1**, all Relay For Life kiosks have been reset, and all new donations will now benefit the **American Cancer Society's General Fund

Our  2026  Relay season was truly phenomenal, raising an incredible **L$391,443**!

You've helped create **real change** and **real hope** for everyone impacted by cancer. Every donation, every event, has made a meaningful difference.   Thank you for making this another unforgettable Relay year.  We are deeply grateful for our community!  

Sunweaver Community Leader Rita Mariner Diagnosed With Stage Four Cancer

 

Sad news for the Sunweaver community, and the Sunbeamer Relay team. Rita Mariner, the community's "Chieftess," as well as the captain of it's Relay team, announced on the evening of Friday June 27 that the surgery for her cancer earlier this year in March was unsuccessful, that it had spread to the point it was Stage Four. 

 

 Turns out they waited too long to treat the cancer on my head. It spread to (the lymph) system and has spread throughout my beautiful bunny bod. PET Scan shows tiny cancers everywhere. Now instead of a  cure, best I can hope for is  add time to my life.

Love you all.

There were numerous words of well-wishes from both the Sunweavers as well as from the Relay volunteers group. 

 

Hopefully things aren't as bad as they seem for Rita

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Gofundme Set Up For Nuala Marcus After Home Damaged

 

Things have not been easy lately for Nuala Marcas, Sandra Rose in real-life, one of the leaders of the Relay for Life's Relay Rockers.  On Saturday June 13 (right on the Relay Weekend), a car smashed into her home's bedroom, demolishing  the wall and just about everything inside. The result has been thousands in damages and living elsewhere until the repairs are done.

 

 

 Sandra is the kind of person who shows up — not just for friends, but for strangers fighting for their lives. For 22 years, she has volunteered with the American Cancer Society, helping raise millions of dollars to fund cancer research and support patients and families in need. She has given decades of her life to helping others through their hardest moments.

Now she is facing her own.

 

 On the morning of June 13, 2026, a car crashed directly into Sandra (Nuala)'s bedroom — destroying everything inside and leaving a gaping hole in the wall of her condo. She had no warning. In seconds, the space she slept in, the belongings she'd built over years, and her sense of safety were gone.

The impact destroyed Sandra's bedroom completely — her furniture, mattress, clothing, electronics, and personal belongings were either crushed or rendered unusable. While insurance will cover a portion of the losses, it will fall far short of what it actually costs to replace everything she lost. The gap between what insurance pays and what real replacement costs is significant, and that burden falls entirely on Sandra. 

Sandra has been forced to leave her home entirely and is now living out of hotels while repairs are assessed. The timeline to rebuild is uncertain — it could be months before she can return.

The result has been a Gofundme created to help Nuala out. The money is not only to replace and repair what insurance wouldn't cover, but to pay for her current living quarters while the place is fixed. 

 

WE have started a GoFundMe to Help Nuala:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-sandra-nuala-rebuild-after-car-crashed-into-her-home-8myr3   Please donate if you can ...

 

 The goal of the fundraiser is $13,000 CAD. As of the writing of this article, over $4200, about a third of that has been raised. 

 

 Once again, the link is at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-sandra-nuala-rebuild-after-car-crashed-into-her-home-8myr3 

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

A Busy Weekend

 

It was quite the weekend here in Second Life this past weekend. Friday June 19 was Juneteenth, a holiday in honor of when slavery ended in the United States. From 12 to 8PM SL time, the Premier Business Center would hold a Junteenth celebration party. Hosted by Jarden Alexis, there was music. There was trivia. And much like a real-life Juneteenth there was food. Unfortunately in virtual reality, you can't taste a thing. 

 

 

 

 There were also DJs playing at the Second Life Birthday celebrations. At 2PM Friday June 19, DJ Minty was performing some tunes at The Salty Saloon, the one stage in the Birthday's Adult-rated areas. She commented she wanted to "sexbang the Lindens" with some Ninja Sex Party songs among her 80s hits.

 

On Saturday June 20, DJ Tantari would play at the Golden Palms at 3PM SL time. The "Mix Vix" had made a special track for the SL23B, and was playing it for the group of fans and SLB partiers. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Saturday would also see the main horse races of the RFL Royal Ascot. Sunday June 21 would have the closing party at 1PM SL time with music from Gabrielle Riel. Near the end, fireworks went off. This would be the end of the last major event of the Relay for Life. While a few teams may hold smaller events, for most the Relay is over until next year. 

 

It was quite a weekend. But with the Second Life Birthday, and other events this week, the fun continues.

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

SL Video: "Giant Snail Race #879 2026 June 13th RFL Shady Fox Memorial"

 

 (click here if the video does not play)

 

 From RacerX Gullwing on June 14, "Well it's been 10 years now since we lost our Shady Fox. Wish he could still be here. Everyone that knew him loved him. Rest in Piece my friend."

 

Reader Submitted: The RFL Royal Ascot

 

Want to be part of the action at ASCOT?

The Horse Jump Competition is open to all until 1pm SLT June 20th! There is no sign-up needed the course will automatically time you and display the top times on a scoreboard. Use an attachable horse of your own such as a Teegle or choose a horse from the horse rezzer in the entrance fenced area. The course is self-starting just run through as many times as you like, have fun! 

 

Best times will be recorded and trophies will be awarded during the Royal Ascot After Party at 3pm slt, June 20th. Winners need not be present to receive their trophy. Bring friends along to watch and all be sure to donate to the kiosk beside it! ALL donations go to the American Cancer Society. 

 

Now is good time to try riding a horse if you haven’t before. You can ride around the entire ASCOT grounds as there is a huge amount to see and do. LOTS of shopping!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Screening/189/120/23 

 

Cynthia Farshore

 

Relay Sims Taken Down, Quicker Than Normal

 

 Normally Relayer camp builders have some time after the Flood Party to take down their builds, and people have a little time to see the camps. But not this year. Less than a day after the Flood Party, most were down. Aside from the three permanent American Cancer Society sims and RFL Screening & RFL Royal Ascot, which are up for the Royal Ascot event, they are offline and unreachable. 

 "Linden Labs were quick to the draw this year," Selene (selene Jashan) remarked, "I think the lindens were bored (laughter)." For those who wanted a copy of their campsite marker, "If you did not get your campsite marker please reach out to Sass Piggins  She can help you as well as Kitty (Prettykitty Gumbo) to make sure you get your badges to put on it."

 

For those wanting to get a look at the campsites, Wildstar Beaumont took some pictures he would post on his Flickr (here).  

 

But while most of the Relay Track sims are gone does not mean no more activity. As mentioned earlier, the Royal Ascot is going on in two sims.  Also in ACS 3, The Relay Rainbow events are taking place at (153/170/21). Both are going on until Sunday June 21st. But for most of the teams, their events are over, congratulating one another for a job well done.

 

More on the Relay later,

 

*Addition*  There have been a few comments in Relay Discord, Avariel Falcon saying, "They have been more snappy with region closures recently, the same thing happened with SciFi. Although in that case they re-opened them for a while so we could collect our stuff." Cynthia Farshore would comment this sudden development would mean no video of hers of the sims this year, "Well I thought I had the time after the sinking to fly my Wild for a Cure balloon around for the annual youtube video, nope. POOF! Oh well. Normally LL drags it's heels to do anything this time it went for the cheetah award." Fuzzball Ortega wondered, "Someone was on their toes at the Lab. They must be new."

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

 

"The Squeeze"

 

There's a lot going on, and just a little time to write about it.

 

I've thought of June as our Busy Time, and this year is no exception. First came the SL Newser anniversary, a time for me and the staff to look back at what we've done and celebrate a little. Then came the Relay Track and Relay Weekend. And while this was going on, getting ready for the Second Life Birthday. This meant more than just writing about it  but also getting the exhibit ready of which the main builder Silvia had some bad luck that couldn't be helped. So time was spent getting the backup plan ready. Gemma still needs some time to recover before she can write. And of course there is real life and it's demands.

 

What this means is we're not gong to be able to cover things quite as much as we like. Some Relay exhibits we would have otherwise put the spotlight on will need to wait until a reader submission. Some things about the Second Life Birthday will need to wait, from a few days to over a week. 

 

We'll keep doing the best we can. It's just that some things will have to wait, and a few things with a window will be missed. And you can still count on daily updates. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

SL Newser 

 

A Few Relay Track Exhibits

 

 While the Relay sims are still up, there's some that stand out. One yearly favorite is the SLCS camp at RFL Prevention. At over 360 meters, it's taller than many normal draw distances. Here it is from the top with it extended to maximum. You can get to it at : https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Prevention/150/120/24 

 

 Also there was the Second Chance Saloon Dark Ride.

 

ALL A BOARD! The ride will be departing in twenty seconds! *Ghostly Moaning* *Ghostly Coughing*  Sorry, Hang on ...Ah, That cleared out the cobwebs in my throat. I haven't spoken a word in the last two decades. WELCOME TO THE SECOND CHANCE SALOON, Where the dead don't truly die! So what are you a ten-cent man?? Get spooked out like a yellow belly sapsucker! As the Barkeeper of this fine establishment, I will personally guide you through our ghostly haunts. I must warn you though, Not all ghostly folks are here for a good time, some have a bone to pick with you livin folk. So go on, git. Make sure you got on some clean britches.

 

The Second Chance Saloon is at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Prevention/206/46/24 

 

Another ride on the track camps is the Serenity Mine at RFL Hope.

 

 While there's no ghosts haunting it, that you can see anyway, the ride has plenty of thrills.

 

This ride is at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Hope/123/48/23 . 

 

 I ran into Journey Texan, and he took me to another exhibit at the back of RFL Hope, "The Wall of Shane." Journey's been posting a number of pictures on RFL's Discord channel with a figure named "Cardboard Shane." It turned out there was a real life Shane: Shane Jackson, the CEO of the American Cancer Society.

 

But behind the whimsy was a question, one that Journey spoke about with me. With all that the Relay for Life in Second Life has done, especially during the Covid Pandemic when real life fundraising events were shut down, why hasn't Shane Jackson given the group a word of thanks or even acknowledgement it's there?

 

 Shane, thank you for all you do, Seriously. Would it be too much to ask, however that you personally bring attention to and thank the RFL in SL for all WE do too? After 20+ years of volunteer service and raising over US $7 million in donations, no ACS CEO has ever acknowledged they are even aware of us. Not one. But you could. And while you are at it, do thank Stingray for his years of service, volunteer dedication, team leadership, and organizational skills. He deserves it - and a photo-op spot on your LinkedIn social media posts as well like all the others. And to press you further, how about SHOWING UP in Second Life to see how WE RELAY? That's what leadership does. They SHOW UP. 

 

The Wall of Shane is at https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Celebrate/228/31/24 .

 

These exhibits should be up until Takedown Day, which is probably Thursday June 18.

 

Go Relay!

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Reader Submitted Pictures: At The Relay

 

 Journey Texan with "Cardboard Shane," posing with me at RFL Hope.

 

 Kamida Delec had a few others, such as her on the Team Lap

 

 "Remember when we went the wrong way? Looks like we were not the only ones, they placed a barrier."

 

At the Relay Closing Ceremony. 

 

 

 

 

RFL Announcement: Sinking of the SIMS Party! (The Flood Party)

 

 The Sim that the party will take place on is the WIN Region!
Wear your swimsuits, because its going to FLOOD!  Make sure you have your boats, your floaties ... and come on down!

 

The Party will begin at 4pm SLT  (You may want to get there early)  

Lets celebrate this season together!!!!
 RFL Win (129,67,23)
https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RFL%20Win/128/67/23

 

Top image from Selene Jashan