Beverly Montgomery's Memorial Service

 

 By Bixyl Shufta

On Sunday May 21, a memorial service was held for Beverly Montgomery. She was one of the staff at NCI Kuula - New Citizens Incorporated, a newcomer help location in Second Life. She had been suffering from an illness and had passed away on April 25. She was 67 years old.

The service was at 11 AM. The sim was filled to capacity, but there was an overflow area where BLVK JVCK (Drilldo Drillon) was relaying the chatter. Among those there was Marious Bishop, "I'm Bev's son, and a very old member of NCI." Rowan Carroll would say, "You all know me. Marious is Bev's son and my RL friend and Loralie is Marious's wife and my RL friend." Someone offered extra seats for those having trouble finding one. Rowan would add, "... this is not gonna be formal. So no big speeches or anything. We are celebrating Bev, and Bev was anything but formal!" Someone commented, "True (laughter) and I think she liked it that way." It was also commented her real-life name was a mystery, at least to most, "Well, it was true, nobody knew her real name, or rather, very few did."

Paj Quan (pajobra.zessinthal) would say, "I took over beach parties when she got sick. I plan to continue them for her. I do miss her bugging me on Facebook though and all the giraffe pics she would post on my page"

Loralie Fairywren would say, " ... But I really want to express to everyone here how very much you all meant to mom.   She loved doing the beach parties, and being part of NCI.  She would talk about your community all the time. It was the weirdest conversation to have to have with the Nursing home staff.  If any cards or flowers arrive for a Beverly Montgomery, that's for mom, she has an online community that might be sending things but they may not know her real name.  The nurse looked at me like I had lost my mind." Someone responded, "You would think this day in age they would get it." Loralie added, "I thought it made perfect sense, but you would have though I was asking them to gaslight her."

Marious then made the following statement:

 

"Beverly Montgomery
11/24/55 - 4/25/23

"Beverly Montgomery, mother to Three Children, passed away on April 25th.  She had been ill and needed surgery in February and due to complications. Her health deteriorated over the following weeks. She kept high spirits through it all and her sense of humor. While we wish she could still be here to tell all the same stories to us again. We hope she is now telling them to those we, and she had lost. She is gone but that also means she is no longer in pain. Something she lived with daily.  

"Known for her giving heart, Beverly Montgomery will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Beverly Montgomery family asks that she be remembered for the joy she brought to others in life, Not the sadness of her passing.

"In her early years mom loved activities. She spent years learning how to tap dance, Even going so far as to perform her final recital on roller skates painted gold, another pastime she loved. She was an avid roller skater and would get out and show off when she was younger at skate parties with her kids. She loved to sing and instilled a love of music into her kids. She was a homebody for much of her life though she did work for a time as a waitress at Friendlys; and would tell you all about it if you would listen.  She always loved to see people having fun.  She enjoyed being the place for people to come and hang out. Hosting parties for her kids, friends so she knew they were being safe even if they were being bad. She was happy to be the home away from home for everyone. She treated everyone as her family. Even taking in people that needed a place to crash if they were without a safe place for a while. She always had a fascination and love for computers and video games. Mastering many of the early nintendo games and ruining the chance for anyone else to get a higher score. Adventure and racing games always caught her attention. Donne had a love for the Zelda series and Ridge Racer stealing her attention for many years.  And later in life she used that love to  explore the internet and make many friends on several platforms including Facebook and Second life where she hosted events and helped new people join the community through the New citizens Incorporated Group. A place she loved and cherished. Every one in the NCI family was a member of her family.  I would get weekly updates on all the things going on. All the Drama. New people, new gadgets and events. She was hard core about being home for her events. And worked hard to not miss them. Everyone here was important to her. And she loved to make people feel important.  If it was remembering a Rez day or just showing off someone's pictures.

"Let today not be a day of mourning. Not a day to be sad at what was lost or how she will be missed. Let today be a day of celebration of a woman that was everyone's mother.  Everyone's friend. A vibrant point of light in a dull gray world. That tried to shine as brightly as she could no matter how dreary the day was. She will be missed. But she will be remembered."

The people applauded, "Oh that is beautiful Marious." "Indeed." Rowan would add, "Loralie wrote it.. she's a published author!"

Corcosman Voom would say, "I'll say something. Bev and I are close in real-life age and we shared some sensibilities. In Second Life, I imitated the way she treated new Residents. She called people by and name and added, welcome. My hope now is that Bev has received as she gave, that she has been called by name and welcomed." Sophiekittycat Chemistry (sophiekittycat) commented, "At Wednesday parties , Bev always was getting her hug from me, she was always rising  the ball dance for us that Chrissy feet not be in the ground." Krystal Devonshire spoke, "She would bug me so hard for the Beach Party theme, if I wasn't on she would message my partners to find me." Mortis (HarumiMichi Resident) commented, "I only come around very little now, the last time I spoke (to her) she broke the news to me about Gramma passing. I hope her and Gramma are goofin' off and tube racin' right now." Alia Fairbrooke (Patchouli Woollahra) remarked, "They probably are, and she's probably still cheating at the last bend." "A lovely thought, hahaha!"

Loralie mused over one happening, "It was a while ago now, but I'm pretty sure I made her log onto Second Life at my house. Teleported her over, handed her the lindens and was like BUY the Maitreya body NOW."

Rowan would then say, "I saw her the Sat before she passed, and after we talked a little while, she leaned over to me and asked if everyone at NCI was ok. So she cared for ALL of you."

Eventually, the chatter went to other subjects and people started to go their separate ways, including me who's attention was needed elsewhere and logged off my alt. But no doubt Beverly will continue to be remembered

Pictures from Linn Darkwatch

 

Bixyl Shuftan 

Interview with Brace Coral, Founder of NCI

By Wesley Regenbogen

I interviewed Brace Coral a few months ago, but recently she asked me to re-interview her once again. So here is interview.

Wesley Regenbogen: Hello there Brace Coral.

Brace Coral: Hey Wes (smile).

Wesley Regenbogen: You requested a new interview in the Second Life Newser. So, I will ask you a few questions. Here we go. ... 

How is the NCI in general doing at the present?

Brace Coral: We're doing great, I think! There's been a reshuffling of some staff, and we've got a whole new education program being set up. That warms my heart, because getting New Folks learning and having fun is always my main focus.

Wesley Regenbogen: Which new classes will be held at the NCI, or what changes are you referring to?

Brace Coral: Well for one, I'm teaching again! Basic Clothing Creation. Had my first class this past Tuesday and it was a blast (smile). We're getting more Newbie focused classes on board too. Pajobra Zessinthal is our new Education Coordinator and she's doing an excellent job.

The other big change... We've started paying our Instructors and Event Hosts again! 300L/per class/event. That's one of the main things I wanted to see happen when I came back. That was the main reason behind startng my weekly fundraiser event. I'm so excited!

Wesley Regenbogen: Which fundraiser event are you referring to ?

Brace Coral: Every week on Saturday at 5pm SLT I throw a Salsa Dance event. We shake our butts and throw cash into the big Donation sign. It's a lot of fun (smile). People can come donate there, or any of the kiosks at our NCI Campuses. They can also help support the NCI by donating tier and buying stuff from the NCI Store (smile).

Wesley Regenbogen: Cool, a dance event. But how do you raise virtual money for the NCI then. Do people need to pay to participate in the event or which means of entering are available?

Brace Coral: Ginger Lorakeet runs the store, so you can ask her about donating things to be sold there as well. ... Oh the event is FREE like all our classes and events. People can donate lindens during the event if they wish. Most do (smile). But it isn't mandatory. I appreciate people donating themselves, their fun, and time to come make the event special each week.

Wesley Regenbogen: So entering the event is free or donations are required?

Brace Coral: The NCI stays afloat solely from donations from residents. Tier, fees, and rent. So a HUGE thank you to our donors!

Wesley Regenbogen: Are there changes to the NCI places as well?

Brace Coral: Well Wellington Beam who's currently heading things and running the NCI is always on the lookout for how we can make things better. We tweak each campus, clean up scripts and decorate for the holidays (smile). There's always something new, so I hope folks come visit and see what we got going on.

Wesley Regenbogen: Ok, But I didn't mean decorative wise. I meant landscape wise or something?

Brace Coral: Well our main campus at Kuula sim is mainland, so we don't have too much leeway in terms of landscaping. And the basic format that we have now works pretty well. Sandboxes, classrooms etc. The layout works. We just have to get the word out on our other campuses - NCI South and NCI Beach. They're always on my Profile Picks (smile) Happy Visiting!

Wesley Regenbogen: You mentioned changes in the staff. May I ask which changes have been due?

Brace Coral: It's just easier to give a link (giggle). the Personnel by Role list gives you the info on our campus coordinators and other staff positions: http://wiki.nci-sl.info/doku.php?id=personnel:personnel

Wesley Regenbogen: Ok, thanks for the list.

Brace Coral: Our main website/blog has the links at the top for how to donate tier and also info about the store as well: http://www.nci-sl.info/blog/ You can also follow us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/NCI_SL

Wesley Regenbogen: Are there new areas of classes that are organized ? I mean : are there new topics that can be learned or does the shedule stay unchanged ?

Brace Coral: The schedule, found here: http://nci-sl.info/education/Schedule.pdf is updated each week, with the new classes being added as they come online. We're looking for someone to teach Beginning Scripting, so contact Pajobra Zessinthal if you'd like to teach or if you have a referral (smile). Other Newbie Focused classes are welcome as well.

 Wesley Regenbogen: Ah ok. If I find someone with that field of expertise, I will let you know.

Brace Coral: Wonderful (smile).

Wesley Regenbogen: Is there anything new that we haven't mentioned ? Please explain a bit more, if so.

Brace Coral: That's it for the most part. If I've missed anything, we can talk about it the next time we meet for an interview (smile) Also our Twitter feed keeps a pretty up to date rundown of NCI goings on.

Wesley Regenbogen: Ok. I would like to thank you for this short interview and I wish you the best future for the institue NCI (big smile).

Brace Coral: Thanks so much Wes! Love your Afro by the way.

Wesley Regenbogen: (laughter)

Wesley Regenbogen 

Interview with Brace Coral, Founder of New Citizens Incorporated

By Wesley Regenbogen

This summer, Wesley wrote about New Citizens Incorporated. Recently, he had a chance to interview it's founder, Brace Coral.

Wesley Regenbogen: Hi Brace. You are a NCI Helper. What does a Helper do in NCI?

 

Brace Coral: A Helper at the New Citizens Inc/NCI is usually a staff person. They greet Newbies who come by our main campus. They answer questions and help New Folks with things like avatar appearance, UI basics and so on.

Wesley Regenbogen: oh, you are the Founder. So change of the question: When did you create NCI?

Brace Coral: Well I had some pretty basic ideas when I started NCI. There was a void in the "official" helper situation set up by Linden Lab, and I wanted to make sure that Newbies didn't fall through the crack because of it.

The official start date is somewhere in 2005, but the real skinny is I started in 2004, within my first year of being in Second Life.

Wesley Regenbogen: So you basic task is to help newbies. That's a noble cause. How do you help them?

Brace Coral: That's a big question! There are so many ways you can help a new person. The most important thing is to LISTEN. Most new folks will tell you what they want and need. What they want to do, why they've come into Second Life.

You help them attain their goals, and at the very least, you've given them a detailed crash course in the basics of SL.

Wesley Regenbogen: NCI also has different locations. Does each area have a owner or manager. Or is there only one person that manages all the areas of NCI?

Brace Coral: We have three campuses, each has a Coordinator who oversees things in each area. Makes sure the everything is up to spec, and all the information presented is up to date for example. They also help with making sure the Instructors have what they need at each location, and are there to help out in general.

Wesley Regenbogen: So, you give the newbie all the information he needs to adapt to the Second Life environment?

Brace Coral: Yes! For example. Someone might come in wanting to be a vampire. But they don't know how to make their avatar look like a vampire, or know where the vampires hang out, and all the different kinds from hardcore roleplay to more casual types. And we help them with that. From learning how to walk, sit, fly, manipulate their avatar appearance and clothing. Everything they need to help them achieve their goals.

Wesley Regenbogen: how many NCI Helpers are there?

Brace Coral: a lot :) I'd say 25-50 active helpers, but I don't have exact numbers. Instructors/Event Hosts/Helpers - there is a lot of overlap in the staff personnel. Many people have multiple roles. And they are all volunteers. We all are.

Wesley Regenbogen: So, all volunteers are doing it free without getting virtual payment. How is NCI getting virtual money to stay alive then?

Brace Coral: The NCI, and indeed most Helper organizations and groups, survive on resident donations. There are sponsorships via people buying ads at our campuses, donating lindens, donating land tier, buying items at our newly set up NCI Store and so on. I hold a weekly fundraiser event every Saturday evening 5pm SLT. Its a fun time for people to come meet, mix and mingle and donate & dance! Every little bit helps.

The honest truth is that many have had to also rely on their own real life money to keep things going. We had more support in the past from Linden Lab, but times have changed. So we rely on each other and donations from residents to keep on truckin(smile).

Wesley Regenbogen: Is the NCI places created by residents or is there someone that created all this?

Brace Coral: The NCI used to be just me, my SL family and some friends. We would help out at the main landing area for New Folks, that used to be Ahern. Then I created a group and got more people involved. The core of the NCI is the main New Citizens Inc group. I then rented a small plot of land, that grew into the huge NCI Main Plaza at Kuula sim. With multiple sandboxes and a bigger area for freebies. It was during Carl Metropolitan's tenure running the NCI that it really took off and became something more firmly established. Those who have been at the helm since and now have also contributed to make it what you see today. Amazing!

Those are residents who stepped up and used their skills to make the NCI something beyond my wildest dreams. I just wanted to help folks, but never thought it would become something so huge and varied as it is now.

Wesley Regenbogen: Is following classes with NCI really free and do you need to be part of a group before joining a class?

Brace Coral: All classes and events at NCI are free. You don't need to be in the group to participate. Just come as you are, have fun learning and be sure to ask lots of questions (smile).

Wesley Regenbogen: I'll surely will do. Thank you for this little interview. And I wish you all the luck with future of NCI in general!

Wesley Regenbogen