The Vital Force Journal veteran Lois Mahaney honored in May

Lois Mahaney’s many contributions to T’ai Chi Chih were recognized in a celebration on May 16 at the home of Barbara and Cec Riley. Lois was active in the publication of the Vital Force Journal and Teacher Directory for over fourteen years. She was often assisted by her daughter, Susan, who was also honored at the gathering. Lois was the mainstay as editors changed, and she graciously provided her home for the mailings where she managed the volunteer staff with the true efficiency of a former teacher.

It’s never easy to surprise Lois and this was no exception. Of course it didn’t help that she was mistakenly sent an invitation! Later she called me and coyly asked the time of her “surprise” party—an example of her dry wit and tendency not to mince words. Lois was also grateful to not be taken off guard since she generally avoids the limelight, happy to give credit to others.

About 30 teachers and students attended, with Justin Stone and Carmen Brocklehurst coming all the way from Albuquerque! Many others sent well wishes in the form of letters, cards and collages. These were placed artfully in a lovely album by Denise Clark, assisted by Barbara Riley and Carrie Kinsey. Pat Huseby was the official photographer.

After a great potluck and cake Lois was presented with gifts including a beautiful crystal vase to hold bouquets of roses from her garden. It was truly a pleasure to honor Lois—the love and warmth toward her from the T’ai Chi Chih community was abundant and well-deserved.

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Lois Responds to celebration

It is most difficult to come down from the emotional high of this past weekend. The special dinner with Justin, Carmen, Ed and Noel Altman and my daughter Susan on Saturday evening was the first of events I find most memorable. Sunday afternoon, with Sandy McAlister and Linda Meyer doing the driving, Susan and I were taken to the home of Barbara and Cec Riley in Orinda. Their lovely home and beautifully designed deck and garden were the setting for a gathering of T’ai Chi Chih teachers from the greater S.F. Bay area.

How wonderful it was to greet, hug, converse and exchange reminiscences with so many delightful people. The pot luck was super (we have great creative cooks in TCC)—served at a table with Barbara’s lovely Ikebana arrangement as the centerpiece. People ate, drank and circulated to share the spirit of the day. On display was a photo album with letters, pictures, poetry, stories, and mementos of events that brought back many memories. This beautiful display album was put together by Denise Clark using submissions sent by teachers from S.F. Bay area, around the U.S. and from Africa and New Zealand.

The cutting and serving of the commemorative cake with tea, coffee and soft drinks was followed by the opening of gifts brought by the participants. Among the gifts was a gorgeous Lenox crystal vase given on behalf of all TCC teachers by the Vital Force Journal. Other items will be a visible memento in my home of a wonderful gathering of not only dedicated T’ai Chi Chih teachers but of a wonderful, sharing, caring group of people. I was honored to be part of such a gathering.

Special thanks to Barbara Riley, Carrie Kinsey, and Linda Meyer for their initial efforts [in] making the day a joyous memory.

– Lois Mahaney