In loving memory of Reno Jones AKA Stephen Jonas - He brought a sense of community, kindness, and generosity to Second Life. He will be missed.- Lanai Jarrico Reporting...

“Every Linden I make from performing fees and tips goes directly to the American Cancer Society's Relay-For-Life. Thank you in advance! My shows are all posted in Events and my regular venues are listed in my Picks. IM me directly to book a show. Kindness is the only sane choice”.- Reno Jones (Taken from his profile)

 It doesn’t matter if we are in the virtual world and never met our Second Life friends in the real world.  A virtual bond can be made that could be just as strong as a physical friendship. Grief and loss is also a part of this global diverse community. Our connections reach beyond physical limits to people from around the globe. What better place than Second Life can we form a universal connection, unless you are an avid world traveler making friends everywhere you go?

In this unique environment we form long-lasting friendships and even fall in love.  Sometimes it leads to real-life relationships and friendships that travel to see each other.

 Behind every avatar is a human being with feelings and emotions. When a loss happens in Second Life, our hearts mourn deeply with the RL loved ones of our friend that have passed. It can be difficult to process a sudden loss, and the ability to go to where the family is to offer comfort and support. Many times, the passing of a Second Life friend’s impact is unknown by their real life family and friends and they don’t realize the true scope their passed loved one made on other people across the country and around the world.  

There are Facebook Groups that link Second Life residents to real-world events and activities where people have the opportunity to meet and enjoy similar interests like SL Live Music Jams. This group is about connections all for the love of Music and gathering together.

 Reno Jones was a beloved Musician in Second Life who graced many stages across the grid sharing his love for music with his fans.  Those who got the chance to know him are grieving alongside his family. 

On February 26th at 7 pm SLT, Owl Sweetwater along with some friends organized a gathering at Mother Road- Mirage Motel 66 with over 100 members of Second Life coming together at Reno Jones’ SL home to pay their respect and share their experiences and memories of Reno.  Several fellow Musicians also performed in his honor through tears and fond memories. These performers were Mimi Carpenter, Gyspy, Justine, Rosedrop

DJs: Jay Pockets, Owl Sweetwater and Chi. 

I stood in the crowd and could feel the love and admiration for a true gem lost in Second Life. He left his mark in the virtual world that will carry on through his friends and fans.  To commemorate Reno Jones, a statue was created and will be placed around various venues he frequented in his honor.

Here are some memories and words about Reno Jones from his friends and fans

“Reno, he was unique in so many ways. His generosity knew few bounds, he would give and give and give.  He gave his time for many of the American Cancer Society fund raisers that I worked on, he never wanted to say no to the opportunity of working to defeat cancer.  He was so so giving, so full of life, so full of positivity.  He was a JOY to know and will be remembered always, absolutely always, that's the man that Reno was and the impact he left upon me”.-  Adrianna Biziou

 "Reno spent his working life with real rock stars and writers and artists and musicians- and yet he spent his time in here with us, heart as big as whale, singing like gravel rolling in a barrel, giggling like a toy steam engine, giving his hundreds of friends fearless empathy, and with skill and knowledge treating his performing friends like capable professionals.  Everything around him grew like it was planted in rich soil with clean water and plentiful sunshine. He knew what mattered - humanity, love, silliness, working tenderly and powerfully and cooperatively, pulling something beautiful from what can seem like nothing at all.  He recognized us. He sang with tender power.  It was so authentic, so joyful, and will be so very missed. " There were a lot of tears.  Whatever else SL is, the relationships, the humanity, the creativity is real.  There's an old song called Paper Moon, that he said described it all well”. - Owl Sweetwater

—---

“I stumbled across Reno singing one time and his avatar fascinated me -- so much so that I saw him many more times and then lassoed him into performing at my venue - Fins at Miktopia. He became part of a monthly Saturday show that featured him, Stratus McTavish, and FrankLee Anatra. And they were all amazing together. He learned our "theme" song, Fins, by Jimmy Buffet, and that was always entertaining. But he wasn't just a singer at a venue. He had an infectious personality. The three of those singers would try and stick around and support one another for that set. It felt more than just a few singers performing. I look back at those shows fondly. From that, Reno and I developed a friendship that I will cherish for eternity. We would talk about many things -- music, life, politics, and his time as an adjunct professor in New York, being the college he was at was close to where I live. I think sometimes we forget that despite this being a virtual world, we're all real behind the avatars. And we lose touch sometimes, and take advantage that people will be there. After we stopped live music for the most part at Miktopia ... I kind of stepped away from some things. And then I'd see notices here and there for a show and I would say "Oh, we need to go see Reno" and then it would be .. next time. We had talked here and there of getting him back, but our times never matched up. It's a lesson to keep in touch with one another, be kind, and hug one another. My partner Jess used to record some of the shows at Miktopia and we have four shows of Reno's. I'm thankful for that as I'll be able to hear his voice, his laugh, and his personality and be able to picture him on stage and living life to its fullest. I'll miss Reno the singer for sure, but I'll miss Reno the person the most. There aren't many kinder people in SL and he will be missed by all who he touched -- and he touched many people's lives. I hope he knew how many people were better for knowing him. Rest in peace my friend”. - mikhayla (mikhaylameow)

“ I am incredibly unfortunate that I did not get to know Reno as much as I wanted to, my schedule didn't align so often, but I loved his music, and who he was was a warm, witty, laid-back individual who inspired affection and acceptance wherever he went. He was like his voice- well-worn like a pair of old boots, and just as comfortable and welcoming. The grid is dimmer now than it was with Reno's passing”.  Merryjest Starchild

“ Reno was one of the sweetest, kindest people you would meet. He was always there to help if you needed him and he had some of the best stories that would just captivate you, make you smile, and make you laugh”. -  MєƖє ѕησω คηgєℓ-Bαsєvi  (melenda.yarrowroot)

“ We had trailers next to each other in Desert Ruins for a time. He was one of the first to greet me in Mother Road and was always friendly to me”.- Drifter (wastelanddrifter)

“The thing I remember most about Reno was his rumbling laugh. I used to like making him laugh on mic and it was always joyful to hear” -Shae Bloodrose (shae70)

“ I met Reno early in 2019 and asked him if he would be interested in playing my bar in my 1930's Louisiana sim (Bayou Chat Noir)  well, I originally offered him work as a short order cook but he liked the place and wanted to play there,  life happened and it just didnt pan out for us, but I truly think he found his rightful home in Owl and Mother Road”- Mr Kitty (vinje)

“Reno shared my beliefs. He has been to Tibet and we talked about his time there. I loved his rough and gruff voice. He could play so many songs and nail them. He played at my club Villa Lobos every third Tuesday until his neuropathy got too bad and he couldn't play any more. He was a good man. He was always laughing and fun” -  Cellandra Zon

“Reno was like a father figure to me. I always had a spot for him at my stage because he was so kind, so generous and his energy was infectious. It doesn't make sense to me why he was called home so soon, I will miss him so much. I wish more people were like him” - Taj Angel (taj.nishi)

“I didnt know Reno well but like many was thankful for him sharing his talent with us all”. -Ray (ray.dash)

“I met Reno because he came to visit relatives here in Portland. I picked him up and we came to my house and jammed. We got pretty high too”.-  RoseDrop Rust

“It's great that you wrote about Reno, he was a remarkable character from SL. I knew him a little. What I remember about him is his kindness, his inimitable voice, his unique avatar, his humor. I am a friend of Owl, Chi, Rance, Peux... who perform every Wednesday at the Shack, here at Mother Road. I loved it when he said my name to welcome me during his sets when he spoke to us between two songs. Like a ritual, he lingered on my name each time, repeating it several times with amusement, but always with a great kindness that made me feel important. He really liked one of my photos, this one from his billboard. I heard tonight from people who knew him much better than I did, some even in real life”.- ZaZu (zazu.susa)

“ It shows how Reno was generous. I have a friend, I won't name names.. but they were struggling in real life financially. Reno knew them too, not as much as I did, but I let him know how I was worried about that person (Reno always gave me an ear and advice). Anyhow, Reno.. without prompting, sent my friend some money to help them out. It was a nice thing to do. He was a caring person”. - Bubbles Osterham (bubbles.roxan)

“I saw Reno for the first time when I went to "Nude on the Moon" at Mother Road. This gravely voice, stories, and infectious laugh had me hooked from the start and wanted to be a part of it, and I was lucky enough to get that opportunity and become friends with Reno... By far, one of the most genuine, amazing people I have met here”. -Jay Pockets

We'd been coming over to the Hootenanny Shack and I started to IMing him. I found the guy funny, knowledgeable, really good as a player/singer, but I could tell he was curious. I think he honestly loved people. We talked music. Always interesting. I'll miss him--Speelo Snook

“I have had the great pleasure of knowing Reno  Jones not only as an sl friend but as a real life friend. He will forever be in my heart and will forever impact my life for the better.  About 5 years ago, I was wandering the Mother Road Sim and saw a Billboard with Reno Jones on it and thought this was the most amazingly detailed billboard I have ever seen in Sl and the character on it, you could write stories about. Later on that day, I had gone to hear some Music that was being played on Sim, and while I was standing there Reno shows up. I got so excited! I immediately  messaged  him and I said, " Wow, you're real." not thinking that he would have no idea what I was even  talking about, He laughed and said, " I think I am?." I then told him of the billboard and said how happy I was that he was real and from that one silly conversation would be the start of many conversations on various topics about Life,  Travel,  and his love for Music,  This is just a small glimpse into how  I came to know such a person, There could be many, many more things said but I will leave it here with the other memories I have left inside my mind. May he go down in Infamy in all realms.  I say to him, Fly high, dear one. You are loved by all who knew you”. - WilamenaFrandcineSchittChastity (wilazarco83)

“I have so many beautiful memories of sitting by a campfire with Reno and sharing life stories.I loved him dearly, and still do, always will. Lots of tears right now”. - Indigo Solo

The SL Enquirer covers a lot of stories in SL, this type of event is sad, but also beautiful at the same time to see so much comfort and support for each other during this difficult time. There were over a hundred friends and fans in attendance, each with their own story to tell about Reno.  SL truly lost a kind talented soul. He will be missed by many.  

Rest in peace Reno. Thank you for sharing your gifts of music and your positive spirit with everyone who had the pleasure of meeting you. 

If you weren’t at Reno’s memorial gathering in Second Life and would like to share a few words, please share your memories and thoughts in the comment box below. We are all in this healing process together. *hugs*

- Lanai Jarrico

You tube video in memory of Reno Jones made by Gypsy Dhrua;  Member of SL Live Music Jams 

https://youtu.be/5EtKLBnEoFU?si=YFB_RnIBR_zBbLV7

Obituary: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/mission-viejo-ca/stephan-jonas-12254634

Read More

9/11 Memorial -I will Always Remember and Never Forget -Lanai Jarrico Reporting...

 

September 11, 2001 is a day in American History that stopped the world in a gasp as an attack on America played out on every News station. I can still remember that morning clearly as I was getting my little girl ready for kindergarten. I got a call from my husband who was at work. He asked me to turn on the news. I watched in horror as smoke was billowing out of the first tower hit as the news was unfolding. It was Flight 11. 

As I watched, I saw the second plane; Flight 175 hit the second tower. Terrified by what I was seeing,  I was afraid to take my daughter to school or even leave the house for fear of more attacks.  

By 9:37am Flight 77 crashed through the Pentagon.  At 9:59am, the South tower collapsed followed by Flight 93 crashing into an empty field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania at 10:02am.

 Then the North tower collapsed by 10:28am. It felt like everything was happening at once. 

 All I could see was a cloud of dust and debris that covered NYC and damaged surrounding buildings.  People were confused and frantic running for their lives covered in white dust.  It was the most terrifying thing I have ever witnessed on live tv. I stood in silence with my mind going a million miles an hour. What was happening? How could this be a coincidence? I had family who lived in Manhattan and worked close to the towers. Were they safe? Almost 3,000 people lost their lives that day. 

 I spent the next hours and days flipping through different news channels while reporters were trying to make sense of what was going on In NYC, PA and the Pentagon in Washington DC.

Shockwaves from this horrific event in our history carried on around the world for weeks, then months and even years later the magnitude of those days still haunts the lives of everyone who was affected.

 About 7 months after the attacks, I took a trip to ground zero. It was eerie. Sadness permeated the whole area. It was surreal as I walked around.  There were thousands of pictures, posters, balloons, flowers and stuffed animals on the fences that surrounded the gaping hole where the twin towers once stood. I was consumed with emotion. The adjacent building was shrouded in safety tarps with scars from the flying debris. I remember looking at a large mangled steel beam that resembled a cross. It was a time in history that changed us all, the war on terrorism was born. This is something I will always remember and will never forget.

Memorials & Events in Second Life for 9/11

Second Life has a A Tribute to The Victims & Heroes Who Lost Their Lives on September 11, 2001

9/11 Memorial - Always Remember, Never Forget 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Gold%20Haven/234/47/1343

9/11 Memorial @ The River 12:00pm SLT

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20River/117/124/26

9/11 Patriot Day At Rockin Robin Remembers 12pm SLT

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rockin%20Robin/139/195/79 

Do you remember where you were on September 11, 2001? Share your story in the comment box below.

Read More

PAUL WOODRUNNER PRODUCTIONS WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO A SPECIAL MEMORIAL- May 31st at 6pm SLT

         "We will not be Mourning the loss of Heroes but celebrating that they lived." 

               

This year the Memorial Day Weekend Tribute will be on Monday, May 31st, 2021 at 6pm SLT, "The Outsiders Memorial Day Tribute Show" will be performed by The Outsiders Dance Troupe with various acts created by individual choreographers in remembrance of all the brave soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives for our FREEDOM. Their HONOR and DEDICATION to FREEDOM and the American Way is presented through Dance, Music, Choreography and setting the ambiance.

The Outsiders Dance Troupe, formerly known as Fortunate Sons, originated in May of 2017. After two years on the road as a traveling troupe they and their famous Bob Hope Theater finally returned home to Copperhead Road permanently. The Theater itself was created in 2019 by Paul Woodrunner, as a dedication and tribute to the late Bob Hope who devoted his time, kindness, and goodwill to entertain troops around the world. Every year, The Outsiders perform numerous dance events dedicated to our veterans, first responders, and heroes, who risk their lives for our freedom.

You can witness this feeling of awe at "THE TOWER OF VOICES" replica in Second Life: 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Copperhead%20Road/81/7/1995

"THE TOWER OF VOICES" is a memorial dedicated to the 40 passengers and crew of flight 93. The TOWER OF VOICES is a 93-foot wind chime each chime representing those brave people.  You are invited to come and explore this exhibit on your own during the weekend. There is no other tower like it in either 1st Life or 2nd Life worlds.

  “A Hero is someone who puts his/her own life at risk for the greater good of others!” 

                                                                                                                - Paul Woodrunner

           "My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place - police, firefighters and members of our armed forces.

                  - Sidney Sheldon

Thank you in advance for joining us and supporting the creative community in Second Life who have come together to HONOR the lives of those people throughout time. People who laid down their lives to protect and serve humanity.

by Venus Amore, Paul Woodrunner, and Morganna Marenwolf

Read More

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: RL DEATHS IMPACT IN SL – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

Benjamin Franklin once said “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” While there is no evidence that Old Ben was speaking of the Virtual World, they still apply. Let’s take a look at the first of these two certainties:  Death. 

In Real Life, death is often proceeded by illness, degrading physical acuity…failing mobility…perhaps a period of hospice care.  The signs of impending death are obvious to all...and when it finally arrives, it comes as a real surprise to no one.  But SecondLife is different.  We can be at death’s door in RL, and yet…to look at our avi…we are as vibrant as the day we incorporated the last update. Here, life may go unchanged for weeks, months, or even years.  We continue to visit the same sims, run with the same crowd.  No telltale pallor to the skin…no slowing of movement.  We can look every bit as alive and vibrant as we want to be….until…we can’t. One who is very ill in RL may share that knowledge with closest SL friends, but not always.  And the rest of us are left wondering.  What about those who just disappear? Did they simply leave SL? Did they change avis and have jumpstarted their SL with an alt? Or have they simply… passed away?

In this article we will explore the reality of Death and the impact in a Virtual world.

Josh(Thomas1 Bellic) JB:    Have you known friends or others in SL who died in RL?

Bandor Tyrell:  Kimiko Beverly, my RL half-sister, founder of Maui Swingers Resort died of cancer several years back. She had been sick in RL for a long time, but concealed it from most of her friends in SL.

merry Felwitch: I have lost many friends in SL.  Just last week I lost another.  We were very close. There is a club in SL called The Willows where they honor those we have lost.  I had a friend who lived in my state, and we met from time to time in RL.  My friend  did not want anyone to know she was ill.  She passed as she lived – happily. I attended two wakes for her – one in SL and one in RL.  We all met for her wake where I served as the DJ,  playing  songs I knew she loved and we all had a chance to talk about her.

Melissa (melissa212212):  My friend and I worked together hostessing   She died about 8 years ago. The owner of the place called for a meeting and told us.  We all were very sad because she was very friendly and with a sparkling personality.  I am not aware if anyone held a memorial service for her in SL or not.  Sometimes we can make great friends in SL but we never have the chance to be part of their RL. Nobody who can tell us if they are ok, if they are sick or if they have died, they just disappear for us.

Chi-Yun Kwon (kwonchiyun): to be honest, sir, anytime someone dies in SL, or real life, it's kind of the same feeling... I had a friend get really sick in real life and had to leave SL indefinitely, so... her avatar died... I cried uncontrollably for days. It felt like I lost a best friend for real, even though I knew she was just very sick... but the feeling of losing someone in SL is amazingly real... Later she passed for real... I'd never met her, but still... the feeling of loss was unreal... I'll never forget her, ever.  Knowing she'll never be back.

Anonymous:  We once had a renter who wanted a parcel for a friend in a hospital.  Her friend loved gardening so she made the parcel very pretty with lots of colorful flowers, trees, butterflies etc.  When it was ready, she taught her friend how to use SL. She told me her friend loved it so much and she's been visiting the SL garden anytime she can to see the flowers. It made both of them really happy, I was genuinely happy too. It felt like I have been part of their friendship and happiness.

JB:  How did you normally learn of the death?

Faleen Renard:  For the most part, I will be contacted and informed of a death directly by that person's SL or RL partner - or by one of their closest friends. Otherwise, because I have a number of DJs working with me and I also network with other venue owners, sometimes the news of a loss will come to me via one of these colleagues.

Anonymous:  We have land rental business so we get a lot of news like that.  Usually people who are close friends here in SL will contact us about the death.  Sometimes another person will log in on an avie to inform us about the passing of the RL owner.

JB:  How did his/her loss affect you or others?

Faleen Renard - As in RL, learning of a death in SL can be expected (as in the case of long-term illness) or it can be a terrible shock (when it's a sudden passing or when no one was aware the person was ill in any way). We hurt, we cry, we grieve the loss of our SL friends with sincere RL emotion. I have had people be unable to return to my venue for a period of time (or at all) because the memories and emotions are overwhelming to them and it takes time for them to work through their loss.

Chi-Yun Kwon (kwonchiyun):  It was a devastating loss... all of her friends were stunned, shocked.. I myself was a crying mess for several days. I missed logging in and knew I'd never again see her daily greetings. it made a huge impact on us all.

Bandor Tirrell:  Kimiko’s RL passing had a major impact on the lives of many people in SL. Now, 6 years after her death, I hardly go a week without someone mentioning her. Her dream has been realized, and her legacy lives on in Maui Swingers Resort.  She made me believe in myself and my talents.

JB:  Was there any SL recognition of the individual’s death – memorial service, wake, placard, special event, etc.?

Faleen Renard:  When the first death occurred within The Willows group, in January 2014, I decided to lay a wreath for her at the venue's landing area, under the willow tree. I was then invited to attend a memorial at her SL home, with her closest friends, and it was held in voice chat. I came away very affected by the profound sense of loss people had expressed and decided to leave the wreath permanently as a sign of love and respect. With each successive passing, I added another wreath and now that area has become a permanent memorial. It is very important to me that every member of The Willows family is remembered by name.

Chi-yon kwon:  We, her friends, all banded together, to have a special memorial service for her... a friend logged in her avatar to place in a casket that was purchased, so we could have a service and say goodbye to her, as we saw her. I'm tearing up as I write this...

Keda (mompea.texan): Years ago a very close friend of mine passed away.  Many people still keep his group in their profile.  Everyone who does, does so as a nod of respect to the Master.  Thank you for keeping his memory alive.  It was nine years ago we lost him and it made me smile to see how many still have kept this group.  Dancing on always.

Bandor Tyrell:  When Kimiko passed, we held a large "funeral" for her. At the time, we were running Game of Thrones Roleplay, so we had a huge, epic funeral with her body carried to a large altar-like pyre, where her body was burned to ash. It was open to the public and had a great turnout. It was an amazing memorial and all her friends and lovers came to say goodbye.  When we reopened Maui Swingers Resort, we did it in her honor. For a time, we even put up a memorial plinth at the entrance with her avi atop it like a statue. After that, periodically, we would log in Kimiko's avatar to make special cameo appearances at the sim and even creating a monument to her, by turning her avatar into a SmartBot/Greeter for the resort, like a living statue.

ღ Ƙαƴ ღ  (kay1373): We have a special place for those who want to visit and remember the loved ones we lost. It is private for our club members. I have lost a few really good friends.  Two close ones were Randy77 and ahoot.  WE are a bit lost, like a hole you can’t fill... Both where amazing men and their love and laughter will forever be missed.  WE had a special formal event with a memorial set up to leave condolences and we have a memorial area to visit anytime outside the formal area

JB:  Anything else you would like to add?

Faleen Renard - Virtual friends, family, relationships...indeed, our Second Lives... are real and can be significantly impacted by RL death. In my experience, it can be a comfort and may provide much-needed closure when there is an established way for someone (a friend, a family member...) to reach out from RL to SL and provide confirmation. Being informed of a RL death is difficult and sad but is infinitely better than not knowing and being left to search and question and wonder when someone simply never returns to SL.

Chi-Yun Kwon People often forget the reality of Second Life... while most see only pixels and avatars, they tend to overlook the fact that there's real people here. People we connect with on a far more personal level than they realize.  Only once they're gone do we realize just how much we miss that social interaction… and their true friendship. People often forget the reality of Second Life.

Sevant Anatra: I lost my Father recently. Having people you are close to inworld works as a virtual support system, especially during a chaotic time like this pandemic. For some people, SL can be a refuge from the heartbreak. I'm still processing it... It still feels like his death was just yesterday.   So many things in such a short time. so many emotions.  I think SL can be helpful with all the things that can be done here, like the support of good friends and loved ones.

There you have it, Folks.  ‘Nuff said.  Aloha
JB

Read More