The New Steelhead's First Town Meeting

By Bixyl Shuftan

Since November 2015, The Steelhead steampunk-themed community has been without a home after it's sims closed down. For most communities, this would have been the end. But most never left the group. Even though they found homes in other places, they never did forget the fun times they had back home. "Caledon is nice," Fuzzball Ortega, the community's sheriff and head DJ would say, "but it was not quite home." There would be some reminders. Club Gearz, the main club of the community, would reopen in Caledon. The location would also hold a community reunion.

Finally in early March, Fuzzball stated he was now able to purchase, and hold onto, a sim that would be the new home for the community. He soon annouced the sim was online, Steelhead Bay. But as it had just "literally rose from the depths," it was a blank slate with much to do.

But over the following days, Fuzzball made gradual progress in planning and setting up things. He was planning in advance which places would be for homes, and which would be for other locations. The first was a small lighthouse, "If nothing else, a good temporary build. Light is set to Auto, so when sun goes down, it comes on and rotates. ... Not as awesome as the Steelhead lighthouses in the past, but it'll do for now."

But the lighthouse was just the first step. There would be many more buildings to come, the most important being the town hall. Fuzzball would state, "Finding the lighthouse was easy. Searching for an idea on the look for Town Hall ... not so much. My original idea (for) the ground floor was to have the sheriff's office and the meeting room. Second floor would have a few offices, and a classroom (although I have the 512 parcel next to the lot, just in case I go with a different idea). Also, haven't parceled it off yet, but I have a 1536m template laid out for a ballroom. A suggestion was made to have the ballroom be pat of town hall (hence the 512 parcel nest to the town hall lot for possible school house)."

"Also, at one time we were using the Oregon state motto 'Alis Volat Propriis' (She Flies With Her Own Wings). I think it's fitting to use it again."

But eventually, the town hall would be up, the parcels would be laid out, and Fuzzball decided it was time to open the place up to the community, starting with it's first town meeting since the estate's closing, "Spread the word. Tuesday evening. Opening Steelhead Bay for those in Steelhead groups, only. Town meeting, and potential renters can pick their lots. If I don't have the whole sim parceled out by then, let me know what you need, and I'll parcel it out for you. Please remember, this is my first time being a sim owner. Opening the sim up at 6PM."

I had to be elsewhere, so I sent my alt Rezzdammit, whom was in the Steelhead group, over. There were a number of others there, such as Willow Leafstorm, Jimmy Branagh, Baron Klaus Wulfenbach, (Baronin) Zantabraxus, Softpaw Sommer, Captain Veles Jägermonster, and a number of others. Fuzzball gave a few minutes for people to stumble over from the lighthouse, where the landmark given out led to. Then at 6:13PM, "Okay, Ladies and Gentlemen, I hereby call this first Steelhead town meeting in a very long time to order. Hoo if you got'em, and let the Floppy Dong count begin." And the air was quickly filled with cries of, "HOOOOOOOOO!!" Veles had to be reminded how the gesture worked, to which he replied, "Tenk hyu, Herr Scherriff. Vould nut be der zame mitout my hoo." Another Jagermonster, Dimo Beornssen, mused, "Iz amazing how qvick it all comes back, eh Veles?" He himself had a case of watery eyes, but insisted it was allergies and not crying.

Fuzzball went on, "Okay, so, Steelhead Bay......I tried very hard to continue by living in Caledon, and hanging out in other places. But, it just wasn't the same. So, after working out some of my finances, I purchased this sim.  I missed my Steelhead family, and it was time you guys came home." Softpaw commented, "I think we all feel the same." Dimo added, "Be it ever zo madcap, dere's no place like home."

Fuzzball stated he wasn't alone in setting up the place, "I have had some help, and still getting help with setting it all up. Thad and Lumi came in world to assist. OldeSoul and Cassie Eldemar have been helping. Tensai and Lunar's typist have been extremely supportive. That being said, Tensai will be around, as will Lunar's typist in one form or another. But both requested not be doing any management duties. So, building and rp'ing, and having fun. That's their duties." Several people nodded and gave expression of support.

Fuzzball continued, "To assist me in sim management, Thad and Lumi are listed as Estate Managers, but only on a very limited basis, mostly to help me. Purdie Uggla is listed, just in case I accidentally lock myself out of the sim.......I heard some estate owners have done that from time to time." Miss Kate (katelynn.inglewood) mused, "I have banned myself from a parcel in Steelhead. Lunar had to come help me (giggle)." Another whom would be assisting Fussball, "Helping me for the most part, will be Jimmy." Jimmy waved, then turned around and grinned, "Stay out of trouble."

Fuzzball went on, "We still have work to do on the sim. Parcels needing to be set, street needs to be laid, docks need to be built. Some of my terraforming needs to be corrected.  But, it was time to give you guys access, and together, build Steelhead Bay. I also have plans on creating a radio play for Krypton Radio, called Steelhead. Think Gunsmoke with Gears." Jimmy hammed it up, pretending to limp a short distance to the podium, "Mr. Marshal!  Mr. Marshal!" Of Lunar's status, Fuzzball stated, "And since I want to tie it all together. For roleplaying/storytelling purposes, TotalLunar Eclipse, although the avatar is no longer in SL, is the mayor of Steelhead ((No coming up to me and saying that Mayor Eclipse said you can do this and that, though)). His alt, by the way, built this building.

Continuing, Fuzzball stated of the town hall, "Marshal's office will be on the second floor, with the jail cells.....so no criminals can tunnel their way out." Miss Kate asked about the school. Fuzzball answered, "Third floor is a loft, but there's the parcel next to this one that we can put in a school house." Jimmy commented, "Right next to the jail.  How apropos." Baron Wulfenbach retorted, "For you, perhaps." Dimo mused, "Vun's de school, de odder's de school of hard knocks, ja?"

Of other places, Fuzzball informed, "Club Gearz will also be moved to Steelhead. ... The big parcel template west of here, I'm thinking of rebuilding our original outdoor event area, the Kokopelli. And there's the large water area for underwater events. The lighthouse is pretty cool, by the way. it's set to estate time, so as the sun starts to set, the lighthouse will start to come on." Softpaw felt they "will need a good spot for the tea garden."

Going on, Fuzzball stated, "Still setting parcels down, but I do have several 512 lots already set. If by chance you need a bigger parcel, I can combine them, or set you up in a place that hasn't been parceled yet. (I) haven't set up the payment methods yet, but give me a few days. I am reserving the lots for those interested." Softpaw grinned, "Yeah I'm gonna need bigger then a 512." Veles asked, "Vot about der hotel?  Hyu gun haff vun uff doze, pliz?"

Fuzzball continued, "As for Steelhead's setting. Still in the Pacific Northwest. Matter of fact, Lighthouse Island is to the west, this time. Before it was East. Haven't written the convenant yet, but you know, keep the builds in theme, no walking around with your Floppy Dong out, be nice or Tensai will blow you up. Same old same old." Miss Kate asked, "What about breedables?" Fuzzball answered, "Those are fine. Also, if you haven't checked the map. We're north of Ravenwood Forest. Sticking close to all family members."

Fuzzball then got to a particularly important topic, "So, let's move on to Friday's event. What say I get Gearz plopped down and we have a dance here in Steelhead Bay?" There were cries of "YES!! and "HOOOOOOOOO!!" from the audience. Fuzzball then asked, "Okay, then. Anyone have a particular theme in mind? Other than Steelhead's Back B*tches?" They soon agreed to "New Beginnings." Fuzzball confirmed, "Okay, then. Friday, at Gearz, which will be put here in Steelhead, New Beginnings. And.....yes, I'll be playing 'This Is Home,' again." Softpaw added, "and all our other steelhead songs..I miss those."

Fuzzball brought up Willow, "Tuesdays, now, in addition to town meeting. Willow Leafstorm has her show on Krypton Radio, Strange Transmissions. It's her comedy music show. You guys should be listening to it as we speak. Wednesdays, she has Swingtastic, featuring music from the Dieselpunk era, Electoswing and jazz. This is held at the Green Fairy Cabaret in Ravenwood Forest. If you have the time, do drop by and join her. Saturdays, she has The Steam Powered Cabaret, which is her steampunk themed show, also at the Green Fairy Cabaret. And Sundays, it's Planet Tokyo, which features the best in Anime and J-Pop music. All shows are at 7:00 PM SLT and on Krypton Radio. May start doing my Monday night show in world if anyone is interested. That's at 7 and on Krypton Radio." Willow stated, "I will be making spring come soon in Ravenwood."

Fuzzball went on to their Relay team, "Okay, now Relay For Life of Second Life.  I've been busy with the sim, and we've only had one event so far. Thank you to Willow for the use of the Green FAiry for the event. We can go ahead and start planning more events. We also have our campsite builders. And this year's theme is Passport To Hope. Our total so far is L$48280. Lots of Relayers are happy to see Steelhead back in the game. Nita10 is a member of the Salmons. She's from outside the Steamlands but wanted to join our team. She is a survivor, although lost her voice to cancer." Someone asked about the New Babbage team, Fuzzball answered, "New Babbage doesn't have a team. Nor does Caledon. They all joined the Aether Chrononauts." Softpaw spoke, "Chronaughts was very welcoming and it was great to be there..but it just wasn't the salmons ..I felt lost on Relay day with out my fishes." Fuzzball concluded the Relay issue, "If there are any questions in regards to RFL, send me a notecard if I'm not online. I got a feeling my IM's are gonna start to cap. You can also email me, RFL or Steelhead business, at sheriff.ortega@gmail.com."

Fuzzball then began the conclusion, "And for this week, that's all that I've got. I just wanted to open the sim up. Missed seeing everyone. Glad we got the Jaegers back. By the way, Genie is doing fine. She's dealing with RL. So, may not be in world a whole lot. Does anyone have anything that they wish to add or announce?" Softpaw stated, "The tea garden will be back but I am looking into a new build for it." Kara Kent assed, "I have acquired a new microphone, and the Virtual DJ, and am learning how to DJ."

Fuzzball then concluded, "Put your pimping hats back on. Let's get the word out that Steelhead Bay is renting. Spread the word to the rest of the Steelheaders. Tell'em to come home. And if you have a spot already picked out, let me know so I can reserve it for you. ... Herr Baron if the consulate is interested in an embassy here, let me know what you need."

"And this first meeting, is adjourned. Love you guys." There were more cheers and ""Hoooooo!"s, "Thank you for all this work you have done for us!" Some residents went ahead and left. A few stuck around for a while, chatting and happy to be in their new home.

Softpaw Sommer would later post about the event in blog here.

And so, the Steelhead community has a new beginning. What was once thought to be the end turned out to be a long night of which dawn is finally breaking.

Bixyl Shuftan

Interview With Dusk Griswold

By Bixyl Shuftan

Those whom have been with the Sunweaver/Angel community for a while know about Dusk Griswold. Newcomers might not notice much out of the ordinary about her at first aside from her "full-figured" appearance amongst thinner avatars as she often describes herself as "boring." Actually, she has quite a bit of history behind her, including outside of Second Life where the person behind the avatar was involved in the early days of some Furry conventions.

To begin with, Dusk was one of the founding members of the Sunweavers, or a "charter member" as she describes herself, "I introduced Rita to SL." But a number of Second Life's Furry residents know her better for her time in conventions of the genre in the years before Second Life, "I have a long history in furry." Her story there began in 1992, "Got my first computer and joined AOL, and discovered furry art on there." She didn't join any groups at first, "but by posting to forums, got to meet some people and learn more."

Dusk's first convention, "was in 1994. It was actually a sci-fi con called Duckon, near Chicago. MFF branched of from it several years later, Midwest Furfest."The con had a furry track, but it was floundering. I answered an ad about it, and showed the track lead my puppets. By adding the puppets and helping jump start the idea of a furry variety show, we started to get notice." Dusk had only been involved in puppetry for a couple years, "The puppet shows I did at MFF in 1994 were the first ones ever done at any furry con or furrytrack. I went to Confurence in 1995, which spread the puppetry to a larger audience. After a few years of mainly solo work, other people caught the puppetry bug, and it spread to other cons." She was becoming more successful as a puppeteer, but did other things as well, "Like directing variety shows, doing various staff jobs at cons, teaching puppetry in con panels, helped start MFF."

Of the star characters among Dusk's puppets, "Early on, I had an otter named Odie, a squirrel named Gracie, and a fox named Scarlett. I think it was Vixie that brought me to the next level." Vixie had come about, "By accident, actually. Back in 2000, I was in California at a con, and spent a few days at a friend's house. This friend had a stage set up to record puppet videos, and we recorded several of them that week. One puppet he had was a little fox named Vixlet. I started playing around with it, and soon this personality emerged that the others helping with the videos seemed to enjoy. It was funny because it was a bit obnoxious, a little fox who thought the universe revolved around her. She had a little bit of an ego. The puppet itself was a stuffed animal my friend turned into a puppet, one he found at a thrift store. I had so much fun with it, I started looking on eBay for one. Took about six months to find one. But when I did, I sent it off to my friend who turned it into a puppet." So why spent months looking for a specific kind of plush fox? "I had no choice," Dusk explained, "Not all plush can be made into puppets."

"Vixie was a lot of fun, and she became pretty popular," Dusk went on, "No one big thing, just a lot of appearances at cons, I wrote skits for her, and she also acted as host for the puppet shows. It helped develop her character. Like a lot of characters, she is best when she has someone to bounce off of." Dusk described her as something of a mad scientist. So what were her most memorable scenes? "Hard to say, but she has been blown up, shrunk in size from a juicing machine, and electrocuted, to name a few things.  I see her as a bit of a mix of Miss Piggy, Wile E Coyote, and Dr Bunsen Honeydew from the Muppets. She even has her own company, Vixie Labs."

And like a number of mad scientists, "things always backfire on her. Her main nemesis are the ferrets, the Folkmanis ferret puppets. She experiments on them, but they always turn the tables. They got their ultimate revenge in 2008. I needed an excuse to introduce the new Vixie." Dusk had created a much more detailed Vixie puppet, "Vixie invented a ferret washing machine that used gamma radiation. The tables were turned, and Vixie ended up in it, transforming her completely. Actually, in the end, was a good thing. Vixie ended up loving her new look. I had to find a way to explain the big chage in Vixie's look."

Dusk stated that Vixie "was getting popular, but the one problem I had was, being as she was a converted stuffed animal, the design was not mine. I felt it was better to own her fully, character and design." What influences were there in the newer Vixie's design? "A main was was a little know Canadian show that had really nicely made puppets in it. It was called The Longhouse Tales. Except for the nicely made puppets, pretty forgettable. But I borrowed a bit from the fox in it for Vixie." Dusk went on to say. "The ... puppet was built by a former Muppet performer. ... Cost a lot ... over $2,000." She admited the price was hefty, "can get a fursuit made for that," but feels the price was well worth it.



(Click here if the video fails to play)

I noticed that Dusk's Flickr page had the name "Rose Raccoon." "An old name from the past," she told me, "little used one from my pre-SL days." There was no puppet named "Dusk." The name came from an online comic called Faux Pas (http://www.ozfoxes.com/fauxpas.htm), pronounced 'fox paws.' She is actually kind of a nasty fox in the strip. Very pretty fox, but not very nice. I like her, so thought the name would be fun, although I am not her at all." So how would she describe Dusk as a character to those outside Second Life? "Actually, just a decent person. Tries to be nice and friendly, and a bit independent as well."

One thing that sets Dusk apart from some Second Life residents is she doesn't really have a set species, appearing as a bunny, gazelle, fennec (which she did for the interview, and others, "probably a rabbit more that anything, but enjoys sometimes switching species. ... it's more just what I feel like on any given day, no real meaning to it. I like a lot of species, so hard to always be just one."

Dusk first came to Second Life in August 9, 2006, "I learned about it from friends of mine, and I was a bit clueless at first. I talked Rita and Jenni into joining a few months later." Dusk isn't quite sure how long it took to more or less get the hang of things in Second Life, "Been too long." Much of the Sunweavers' early days have already been described by Rita in an interview in 2014. Besides being a charter renter here, she was one of the first DJs at their first club, Club Cutlass, "I just know a lot about music, but no real DJ experience. I like older music, so mainly 60s and 70s music. I try to fit the theme if I can."

Dusk would bring Vixie into Second Life as an alt, Vixie Valiant. "That was part of having her remade into my own character," she described, "I wanted to see if a fully anthro Vixie would work. So SL became a testing ground. Yes, what I leanred was her personality was more important than her looks. But having her custom made was a big investment, and I wanted to make sure." Dusk almost always has Vixie act in character, "Vixie I play more like how the puppet is. If you read her profile, it is explained there. I try to keep her more in character all the time."

Dusk found out about the Relay for Life in Second Life in 2008. Her early days there were "hard, as I got involved when Fimi (Artistic Fimicloud) was going downhill." Her passing was hard for Dusk and everyone else who knew her. But Dusk went on with the Relay, "I did DJ at several events, and (the song) 'Calypso' became a favorite on our team." She wasn't sure why it was popular, though it was a favorite of Fimi's, "just something about it people liked."

In 2012, the leaders of the Passionate Redheads stepped down for personal reasons, and Dusk became co-captain of the team along with Longrem Smalls, at least until a permanent leader could be found. But after the season was done, the decision was made to retire the Redheads and start a new team, "It was a sad chapter, but I think we have moved on." Of the team that replaced it, the Sunbeamers, Dusk feels they have done, "very well, actually."

Of Dusk's plans for the Relay this year, "I am on a different team this year, and hope my experience can help them. They are called Mel's Maniacs." The Sunbeamers have held joint events with the Maniacs last year, "and the plan is to continue that this year. ... Their team is small, but has a lot of similarities to ours. I felt that I could help them. And since the Sunbeamers are doing so well, felt they could spare me." Of the Maniac's plans, Dusk is, "Honestly, not real sure. All I do know is they have started building their campsite. They have the space to make a floating platform to build on. They do start early."

Of her puppetering in real lire, Dusk says she hasn't been doing much of anything recently, "It's actually been a very slow period, not many gigs in reall ife, and no more furry cons." She is taking a break from conventions that she feels is, "likely a permanent one. ... cons have changed, the demographics. The bulk of people who attend are younger, and their interests have shifted." From Dusk's observation, the new generation of furry convention goers shows little interest in puppetry, "or much performance related. Fursuits and fursuit dance competitions are big now. The younger crowd just doesn't seem to care about skits and such." While this may change, Dusk feels, "by then, will likely be too late for me. I mean, I will be too old." Dusk did say that, "someone is writing a book on the history of furry cons, and I will be in it. It will mention my role in the founding of MFF."

It was about this time the interview wound down, and we went our separate ways. Dusk Griswold can be reached by instant-messaging her. She also drops in on events at Club Cutlass, though may leave early if she has plans early the next morning.

Bixyl Shuftan

Editor's Note: Dusk had been earlier interviewed by Grease Coakes in 2012. 

Fran Seranade of Creations for Parkinsons

By Deaflegacy

"Parkinson's is a progressive neurological disease." said Barbie Alchemi. "My Father died with it and my Mother has it now. But I have learned that although my Mom has  Parkinson's, it does not have her!"  Her mom would be Fran Seranade.  They have a Second Life Parkinson's Support Group that has been meeting for six years.  The members have all learned that they are still themselves, their own personalities, and can express their creativity and emotions the same as always.

"Yes my Mom just turned 90 'Years Young' as she likes to say (laughter)," spoke Barbie when she was asked about Fran's recent birthday party.  "She thinks of Second Life as the 'Fountain of Youth'.  Inside she feels very young, yet her physical body is getting old.  The wonderful thing about Second Life is that here she can feel and experience life as young as she looks."

Barbie went on to say that Fran had two birthday parties.  The first party was seven hours of live music at their CP Swing 40's Era Dance Ballroom.  Over 200 people dropped by to share their love with Fran. They have raised 180,000 Lindens for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research that day.  "That is $700 US Dollars!" said Barbie.  Barbie also added that Fran loves to dance at their new CP Swing Ballroom because they play the music of her teen years, which brings back fond memories for her.

"She was quite the dancer in her day. She and her partner could clear the floor." said Barbie.  "The second Birthday Party was even more amazing in some ways."

Barbie explained that six core members of their SL Parkinson's Support Group have become so close after meeting together every week for six years that they all decided to fly from all over the country to be together with Fran on her real-life birthday.

"It was the most wonderful experience," said Barbie, "We have all grown to love each other so dearly, and when we all met in person, it was as if we had known each other forever.  Second Life has brought a depth and meaning to our lives that we all treasure."

They have 30 members in the Parkinson's Support Group, but not everyone comes all the time.  They usually have around eight members who are there every single week, unless something in real-life prevents them from coming. It is at a perfect size so everyone gets a chance to share as well.

"Mom started the support group in Second Life, and asked Tredi (Dr Donna Davis) to facilitate each week. She presents a meaningful topic that we discuss." said Barbie.

According to Barbie, they have raised almost $10 million Lindens since they started, and that is $40,0000 US Dollars for Parkinson's Research. She also shared some information about the Parkinson's Support Group.

The information is below:

THE STORY OF CREATIONS PARK ~ Grown with Love
Our RL Dad died with Parkinson's and our mother, Fran Seranade, has it now. To quote her "I may have Parkinson's, but it does not have me." At 90 "years young", she is active in Second Life and is thrilled to see herself running and dancing again. We have built everything on Creations Park with LOVE. We hope you can feel that love while you are enjoying yourself here.

OUR MISSION
It is our Creations Team Mission to use our love and talents to make a difference in both the RL and SL worlds. We create experiences to stimulate Hearts, Minds, Bodies and Souls. It is our goal to help find a cure for Parkinson's which will then lead to a cure for all neurological diseases. Come share your love with us and help us find the cure!

***VIDEO***
PLEASE be sure to watch our award winning video about the benefits of SL for our RL Mom who is 90 "years young" and has Parkinson's. Ebbe Linden (CEO of Linden Labs) has called this one of the most important video ever made
[13:41] Barbie Alchemi:  about Second Life! This will inspire and touch your heart!
The Drax File: World Makers- Episode 13
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyiiWxNguGo&feature=youtu.be

DONATIONS
100% of all donations go to Team Fox for The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. We believe it is important for you to know how your donations are being spent. Our family covers all tier and expenses. All Donations are directly wired from Linden Labs to the Foundation. The MJFF has the top rating from Charity Navagators and has the lowest overhead of any major charity, giving 89% directly to the most promising research!

"It is not our challenges that define us, our actions do." - Michael J Fox

"If someone would like to join our Parkinson's Support Group, then need to contact me for an invitation to the group," Barbie told me.

Barbie was invited to NYC to meet Michael J. Fox in person as a result of the important work they do on Second Life to help find a cure for Parkinson's.

The SLurl for the main landing spot is: Creations Park (90,164,36)

Deaflegacy