"What Thanksgiving Means To Me"

 

By Penny Shuftan (Deaflegacy), 

 

So what does Thanksgiving mean to us? Looking online, this is what I read: 

 

Thanksgiving is a national holiday in the U.S. celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November to give thanks for the year's blessings and harvest. It commemorates a 1621 harvest feast shared by English colonists (Pilgrims) and the Wampanoag people, though modern celebrations are largely a secular tradition of gathering with family for a large meal, often featuring turkey. The holiday also marks the beginning of the Christmas shopping season.  

Thanksgiving is on a Thursday because it became a fixed federal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November after being proclaimed as a national day of thanks by Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln set the precedent of celebrating on the last Thursday, and the date was later codified by Congress and President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1941 to end confusion, especially after he tried to move it earlier for the 1939 Christmas shopping season. 

But what does it mean to people? I would ask three I ran into. The first was Rita Mariner.

 

Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): What's your favorite part of Thanksgiving?

 

Rita Mariner: Family, I only have my sister left, so nice to see her occassionaly, she brings me my turkey dinner.
 

Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): I'm happy for both of you, Rita. What's your favorite part of the Thanksgiving dinner?
 

Rita Mariner: The turkey, I like the leftovers, makes great sandwiches.
 

Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): Alright, is there any meaning behind Thanksgiving for you?

 

Rita Mariner: Nothing official, just a nice time when family got together and had a nice time sharing a meal together. Today I just spend my Thanksgiving, on the internet and hopefully friends on Second Life.
 

Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): Is Thanksgiving a very special time of the year?
 

Rita Mariner: It was when I had a RL family to share it with. It is still nice when I can share it with my 
friends on Second Life.
 

 Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): Okay, thank you so much again, Rita (smile).

 

I would also ask the Newser's editor and head reporter, Bixyl Shuftan

 

Penny Shuftan (deaflegacy): What does Thanksgiving mean to you?

 

Bixyl Shuftan: To me, it's reflecting on and being thankful for friends, family, and what you have. It often means a Thanksgiving dinner with family and sometimes friends. Mother and I used to cook with, and have dinner with her next door neighbors.  

 

Last but not least, I would ask my neighbor, Denise Unicorn Toonie.

 

Penny Shuftan (DeafLegacy Resident): Denise, what does Thanksgiving means to you?

 

DeniseUnicorn Toonie: Hmmmm.... Let's see.. On Thanksgiving, you get to visit and meet with your family. And eat some turkey as an added bonus. (smile) At least for the ones that do have a family in good standing... not everyone has that.

And there you have it. Happy Thanksgiving.

 

Penny Shuftan 

 

Editors Note: Penny has been facing some medical difficulties in real life, which interfere with her writing. So this article was late in coming in. 

 

Wesley Regenbogen And Cobras MC

 *
By Penny Shuftan

Recently, Wesley Regenbogen became a five year member of the Cobras MC, the motorcycle club on Second Life that he joined five years ago.  I asked him how he found out about Cobras MC.  "Well, I was contacting a real life organization called 'Be The Match' at that time and I was looking to see if someone already did a fundraiser for that organization here in Second Life." said Wesley, "I ended up talking to MIghtbe Shelter here in Second Life and she invited me over to see the Cobras MC here in Second Life.  She showed me around and we talked a bit about what I wanted to do here in Second Life as a fundraiser and how I wanted to do it.  She told me that they did do a fundrasier here in Second Life for Be The Match here in SL.  But after a while, she told me that the organization didn't want to do anything anymore in Second Life  So, I kept on searching on the web and for the other real life organizations."

According to Wesley, there are a few steps to joining the Cobras MC.  The first step would be that the new person would become a "hangaround" which means that you join the rides for a while, and get to know the Cobras MC members a bit more.

The second step is that after "hanging around" with the Cobras MC, you are asked if you wanted to become a prospect.  If you accept, then your prospect period begins. Depending on how well you do it can take up to about a month or something like that.

The third step is that after your prospect period, they will vote for you at Church (weekly meeting at the Cobras MC).  If you get enough votes.  you are "patched in," which means you become a full member and get a vest for your avatar.  

After becoming a full member, every ride you do counts to reach rides patch.  You will get them on your vest when you reach them.  Also you reach "year patches," so every year you are a member, you will get a new year patch on your vest.  Wesley had reached his five years patch recently, and also got his "1K" rides patch, that is 1000 rides.

I was wondering if Wesley is planning on staying with Cobras MC for a long time.  "Yes, of course," he answered, "I will stay a Cobras MC member for as long as possible.  That is my plan."

My next question is if Cobras MC has any fundraisers.  "No." Wesley told me, "But they sometimes participate in fundraisers and do rides and stuff for them.  after a few years I finally found an organization called EURORDIS that helps people with rare diseases and I hoped that they wanted to support me on this in Second Life, fundraising, I mean, but sadly that didn't turn out that well.  But I'm in contact with an organization called " Rare Diseases International" and I will have a video call with them in August. We will see how that goes."

I was just wondering if Cobras MC has any events planned, and Wesley answered that he doesn't know yet. But he's going to first try to convince a new organization to join him in Second Life and try to build something up in terms of fundraising for them here in Second Life.  He wants to have a real life organization backing him up on fundraising here in Second Life, like the Relay for Life does here in Second Life.  

As for plans, Wesley doesn't know what Cobras MC's plans are.  As for himself, "I guess keeping on riding on the tracks on Second Life," he told me with a grin.

That was it for the interview as I thanked Wesley for the interview.  This had been a fantastic interview.  There's always something to learn when it comes to Second Life, that's for sure.

Penny Shuftan
 

Interview With Scratch Musikatt

 *
By Penny Shuftan

I finally got together with Scratch Musikatt, an amazing DJ on Second Life.  My first question was about how long Scratch had been DJ-ing. He answered, "DJing is the reason I got into SL in the first place. So, I've been doing it since 2004."

I asked him if he would say that he is a successful DJ.  "I suppose I could be considered successful," replied Scratch. "I mean, I've never been a superstar, but I did have a bit of a following for a while."And, I AM still doing it."

I was curious to know what kind of music Scratch usually plays at his events.  He giggled, "Hehehe, that's where things get interesting... I earned the nickname 'The Original Chaos DJ' a long time ago because I don't really pay much attention to Musical Genres. I'm known for playing anything, anytime, anywhere."

Muertos had been Scratch's lovely hostess for over a decade now.  They met when Scratch played for DJ Rory's Blue Parrot Beach Club and they have been best friends ever since.

My next question would be if Scratch is planning on playing for a long time. "I'll keep playing for as long as there are people to enjoy my shows," replied Scratch,  "I got into DJing in Second Life because I loved DJing in real life. Entertaining is one of my favorite things to do."

Scratch plays at the Happy Vixen Beach Club on Friday nights at 20:00 and at the Furry Fashion Lounge on alternate Saturdays at 20:00.  He also plays for a furry convention, and host a Karaoke event on the second night of the con, and is the DJ for the Deaddog party at the end of the con.

Scratch's goals for 2022 is to have a good time, entertain as many people as he can, and he wants to start DJing in VR Chat.

Scratch is an outstanding DJ with a bright future.  He sure plays good music, and keeps people entertained at the party.  As far as I can see, Scratch is really one of the best DJs ever.

Penny Shuftan
 

Followup Interview With DJ Snowy

 
By Penny Shuftan

I met up with Snowy AngelBun Lefavre (skylark.lefavre) for the follow-up interview of another a few months ago.  My first question would be if she thinks that she's a successful DJ.  "Well Penny I still don't understand how or why I've been successful. I don't know why people think I am successful. Music is the only world I know and I just like to share my world with others. I guess the way I share it people like. I'm not even sure what it is I am doing right!" said Snowy.

My next question for Snowy is what her goals for this year as the DJ would be.  "Try other music genres make more awesome playlists learn to do more than I never done  before DJing," replied Snowy. "With Djing there is so much that can be done. ALways room for improvement. In the end like to get my own DJ mixing decks and a program called Tracktor and try to take DJing into real-life."

For now, Snowy DJs at White Saber Club, Happy Vixen, LiveWire, Club Zero G, Club Cutlass, and Bouncing Bunny Beach Club.

I was just wondering what Snowy's favorite part about being a DJ would be.  "Making people happy and see them enjoying something I do," answered Snowy.

When I asked Snowy if she's going to continue DJing for a long time, she replied, "I am going to try and DJ as long as I possibly can. I like to keep going till I leave this world."

Snowy had been Djing for several years.  "I have and my desire to keep learning to improve and get better never ends," she told me, "I like to try and top my best event as much as I can. I DJ with migraines, after an open back surgery, while being very sick. This is a passion that is stronger than anything else. This is my calling and what I want to do with my life both Real Life and Second Life. I don't do it for any reason except the joy it brings me and others. Five years I learned to do the impossible but there is so much more potential still waiting."

I asked Snowy if I could add to the article about how Snowy had been helping a lot of people out. "But of course,"  replied Snowy, "having conditions of my own and knowing the hardships that follow them I help others whose lives uses them for kickboxing. I do more than DJ! (smile) I love helping those that have a bad day, year, or life or just don't get a fair shake from others."

The interview ended then, but I just ended the interview knowing that Snowy is a good DJ, and a good person at heart.  I recommend anyone to stop by one of the clubs that Snowy is DJing at to give her music a try.  Her music rocks.
 
Penny

Editor's note: Due to real life, Penny will be taking what she hopes will be a short break from writing articles. In case it isn't, she wanted to interview DJ Snowy one more time.
 

Interview With Nikkita Sugar Lefavre (Aubrytia Resident), Club Hostess

 
By Penny Shuftan/Deaflegacy

I was lucky to be able to meet Nikkita Sugar Lefavre (aubrytia), an amazing hostess.  I wanted to know how long she had been hosting and she told me that she had been hosting for about 15 years. I was also curious to know where she hosts.  "Well, (the) main club is The Happy Vixen. But, I do host anywhere Snowy Dj's," replied Nikkita.

The best part of hosting, according to Nikkita, is seeing people happy.  The most Nikkita likes about hosting is making people happy, and having a good time doing so.  I asked Nikkita if hosting would bring out the best from her.  "I believe so, I do try to do a good job," said NIkkita, smiling.

Nikkita's main focus is to making sure notices are ready to be sent, and answering any questions that patrons might have.  Her goals this year as a hostess are to make sure that she do a good job, and get the notices sent out in a timely manner.

I was wondering if Nikkita would agree me saying in this particular article that she is a very successful hostess.  "Yes, I would agree," answered Nikkita with a smile.

The next question was about her goals.  "Yes, thou there's been times I've doubted myself if I did or not but in the end, it all works out," replied Nikkita.

I assured her that I'm not going to ask her to say what her secrets are, but was wondering what her tips would be for anyone who wants to host a party.  "All I can say is do your best, be informative, but also punctuation and letter is important." Nikkita said.

We then talked about if Nikkita is happy with hosting.  "Yes, I am," replied Nikkita.  "I do enjoy being a hostess."

I was also wondering if Nikkita plan to hosting for a longer time.  "Yes, I do plan to do so," said Nikkita with a smile.  

My last question was her favorite part about hosting.  "I would have to say, my favorite part would be seeing the people having fun," replied Nikkita.

Here you have it, an interview with the most successful, and at the same time, the most amazing hostess ever.  I always look forward to any party with Nikkita, and Snowy because they always make the party fun.  

Penny Shuftan
 

Interview With Mattie Carlton of the RFL Sunbeamers

 
By Penny Shuftan

I had an opportunity to sit down with one of the Sunbeamer Relay team, Mattie Carlton (MattDCarlton Resident), for an interview about hir being in the Relay for Life in Second Life.

The first question was how long she had been in Relay for Life in real life. "Well, basically since I was old enough to walk," replied Mattie, "My grandma was big into (it), as it meant a lot to her, and when I was old enough I was going with her to the big 24hrs, even if just for a couple of hours to start. As I got older I started going door to door for donations and staying all night there with her. I took a break for a few years when she got sick again and had to stop going. It wasn't till a year after she died, I started to get involved again. The about another year after that I met Bix and you (Penny) that introduced me to the one on here, that I somehow never knew about. And I thank you both for that!"

I smiled and said, "You're welcome." before continuing on with the interview.  I was wondering if Mattie would continue her work in the Relay for Life. "I plan to as long as I am able," said Mattie, "I have ideas and hope some help out this season."

The next question would be what is Mattie's favorite part of the Relay for Life.  "Hmm that is a tough one. Let me think," Mattie said, "I think or me it is the camaraderie, the way we help each other despite being on different teams, and having a playful rivalry. That kind of one team mind set that helps all of us come together to raise the amounts that we do each year. Then the icing on the cake for me is seeing that final total.  Seeing all those epic builds for relay weekend is pretty epic too."

The next couple of questions came to being about her grandmother.  It would be about Mattie's grandmother being Mattie's inspiration.  "Yes, I would say she was my biggest inspiration for RFL," replied Mattie, "Especially when I was younger, she was the reason I went. As I got older and met more people I found more and more reason to help with Relay, but she was that initial spark that started the flame I suppose." 

I was wondering if Mattie's grandmother still inspires Mattie. "Very much so," she said, "A lot of the parties and little things she would do with her team still make me giggle or smile to this day, and I remember the smile I would see on her face during relay weekend at the one here in town. I hope to try and keep that spirit alive."

The interview changed to Mattie's writing. "Yes I have been off and on (on it)," said Mattie, "I suffer from CPTSD and Depression with anxiety. I am also autistic. The writing was and is an outlet for some of this. However I have a lot of self-motivation issues, and so sometimes I go months in between working on a story." 

 I was wondering if her grandmother inspires Mattie to be a writer. "Hmm, I would say to some degree, yes," said Mattie, "She did some writing and such as well, but she was a very creative person. She wrote poems, essays, stories, made her own blouses, my costumes as a kid, painted her home, decorated, etc. She even did skits for her Relay team. She had a big imagination as well. She was also a good cook."

I asked her if she's going to keep writing, and this is her response. "I plan to yes. I at the very least would like to finish one short story collection and get it published. I already have the cover art," Mattie said with a smile.

The next question was what is her best work, and Mattie replied,"That is a tough call. Some have really liked the story about my odd convention dream. Others like The Holiday Gift story. Then there was the one about my dysphoria and becoming my true self or fursona, via surgeries and experimental procedures.  That last one is called, 'Recoded.' "

As the interview drew to an end, I asked Mattie what her real life hobbies would be.  "Well, Some of my real-life hobbies, include photography, storm chasing (when able), going to various car shows and motor sports events," Mattie replied, "I am a furry on Second Life and in real life, (so) I go to a lot of conventions, and often Ren-fairs in my fursuit and hope to make a few people smile. As for here in world, I DJ from time to time, and mostly just hang out or visit with friends. I also like to spend time on VR Chat with a few friends to play games or fly planes. I used to fly a bit in real life, but my uncle moved away and I have not been able to as much as I used to.  I also like to make TikToks at times."

When the interview ended, I told Mattie that she had inspired me to start thinking more about joining Sunbeamers.  With a good feeling, I did check and guess what? I already am a member of Sunbeamers, and it was all Mattie's inspiring me to join the awesome Relay for Life group.  I thanked Mattie for inspiring me to be a part of them.

Here you have it, an interview with Sunbeamer Mattie Carlton.  To this very day, she continues to sing (she's a really good singer), as well as write, and continues to be a part of the Sunbeamers and Sunweavers group.  I don't know about you, but in my opinion, what Mattie had done so far with the Relay for Life is just that ... very amazing!
 
Penny Shuftan

Interview With Sunnweaver Leader Rita Mariner

 
By Penny Shuftan

I was lucky enough to be able to get together with Rita Mariner, the leader of the Sunweaver community.  

My first question was if she owns Sunweaver and other lands. "I own 10 sims, four full, 6 homesteads," said Rita,  "About 10 years, I started out with Sunweaver Isle and expanded from there, as demand grew." According to Rita, the best thing about rental people would be people.

Rita not only has these sims, she also have two clubs; Club Cutlass, and Club Zero Gravity.  "I had them, when we lived in Pockwock," Rita replied, "on the mainland, just moved them, when he had the room here."  I also asked Rita what's the best part about owning the clubs.  She said, "The
people again, I don't run either club for profit. I Just wanted a fun place to hangout with friends."

Rita is also with the Relay For Life in Second Life.  "Yes, I've started with the Passionate Redheads, until they broke up," said Rita, "I then started the Sunbeamers, and been going with them, ever since. I created the team, so I am the boss bunny." The best part of working with the Sunbeamer team would be her team members, and thinking up crazy stuff to do each year with the teams and its members.

One game created for the Sunbeamers' Relay events is the Demolition Derby, which Shockwave created based on her idea.  "It has audience participation, they get to fire cannons at the drivers," said
Rita, after saying that they all have a blast there.

Rita's goal for 2022 is to keep in doing what she has been doing, running the Sunweavers and Sunbeamer team and enjoy the company of her friends while doing so, "It's fun to hangout with my friends, some of them I know in real-life," said Rita, "I used to attend furry conventions as an artist/dealer.  There would be Sunweavers there, we would all get together for dinner one night at the conventions."

Rita's original avatar was a rat, who she named after a female rat in "Flushed Away." She later settled on the Kani Bunny as her main avatar, although she has dozens topick from. 

As we ended the interview, Rita had one more thing to say, "I just follow The Golden Rule, treat others, as you wish to be treated." 

Rita is a hard worker, who cares a lot about the others in many ways.  She is very successful at running the sims, and the clubs.  As we ended the interviews, I did so with a smile because Rita is truly a remarkable person.

Penny

Editor's Note: Just after the interview, Rita gave her renters a month's free rent.
 

Interview With Snowy AngelBun Lefavre (Skylark Lefavre)

 
By Penny Shuftan

Earlier, I had a chance for an interview with a very successful DJ, and club manager, Snowy AngelBun Lefavre.  My first question was how long she had been Djing.  "Seems like a while, least over five years now," said Snowy.  

My next question would be if Snowy could remember where she was when she first Djing.  "I think it was The Happy Vixen," Snowy replied.  I then asked if she is a manager at any other club, and according to Snowy, she is a manager at Bouncing Bunny Beach Club.  That's where she also DJs. Snowy had been Djing and managing at the BBB Club for close to a year she thinks.

Snowy's favorite thing to do would be DJing. But the thing she enjoys the most is having people to share her passion with and enjoy her music that she plays.

I wanted to know something about Snowy being a very empathic caring furry with a big heart who has a very successful DJing and managing club.  "I would be flattered," said Snowy, "but I am just being how I was raised to be It's all I know how to be." 

I had been wondering about the fact that Snowy is one of the hard-working DJ and manager of the most popular clubs ever. How does she feel about being the most popular (in my opinion), especially with a very successful DJ career. "I never really think about any of that," Snowy said, "I just do it to have fun with friends and fans. I like to party and I like partying with those that enjoy partying."

According to Snowy, she's going to be around as a DJ, and manager for as long as she is wanted and needed. I told Snowy that since she is one of the most popular DJ and manager, I don't think that Snowy will ever stop being wanted or needed.  "I am pleased that I am still wanted and needed," Snowy replied, "I will continue making others happy." 

I pointed out that Snowy also has a kind heart, always helping people with their health problems. I was just curious to see how Snowy feel about people referring to her as someone they could count on when it comes to their health issues. "I help others so they can continue to be around and enjoy life. I don't think much except parental thoughts." said Snowy.

I did bring up something about people coming to Snowy's clubs.  From what I can see from my time at these two very popular clubs, many people are coming to the clubs, even deaf people.  That should tell Snowy about her popularity. "It says a lot," Snowy said, "but I also know DJing is more than just the music. It means interacting with the fans in a way that brings comfort and enjoyment." 

We started talking about goals for 2022. "Yes I plan on rebuilding my life so I can be here much longer as I have my own health issues to overcome. I hope to be around to keep being me," replied Snowy, "It would be hard to be here unless i take care of myself."

The conversation changed to the fact that Snowy had been through surgeries.  "I am thankful I survived my surgeries," she said, "But yes I am more stubborn as I djed while healing after surgeries cause I never wanted to let anyone down."

Snowy is happy DJing and managing at the most popular clubs.  She also try to help any place she works at to become a fun place to be.

Snowy has advice for anyone who wants to become a DJ.  "Everyone starts from the same place, no one is born good. We all work at it and it takes several variables to make a working combination," said Snowy, "but it is possible for anyone that puts their mind to it." 

We started talking about a club that used to be around, Castaway Cove Club.  It was a club built into a shipwreck of an old 18th century club.  "It was small, but we had fun there," said Snowy, who had been a manager until its' closure due to the sim owner, Sunray, giving up his sims.  He died shortly after.

I sent Snowy my condolences, and wanted to know about her role in Castaway Cove Club.  According to her, she was just the manager.  Snowy thanked me for my condolences, saying that Sunray was the sweetest guy she ever knew.  "He is missed," she added.  

As we continued to talk about the Castaway Cove Club, she said that Kitacelia was her only hostess at that time.  Now, right now, Kitacelia works for Snowy at two different clubs.  "I chose her because of Castaway Cove Club." Snowy said.  "Castaway Cove Club was a themed club, but it was fun."

As the interview came to an end, I did have one last question for Snowy.  I was just wondering how Snowy feels about being an inspiration to some people.  "It pleases me I am of such valued use to others in needs," she replied.

Here you have it, an interview with one of the most popular DJ, and club managers, Snowy AngelBun Lefavre.  I will be having a follow-up interview with her in January.  As I have looked forward to this particular interview, I am really looking forward to the follow-up interview.  Of course, I'd have to add that Snowy had inspired me many times, and will come to inspire me for many months and years to come.  After all, she's an inspiration.

Penny