A Birthday Surprise for Justin

A group of sixteen old and new teacher-friends joined together in Santa Cruz, CA for a celebration Saturday, November 16. Our surprised guest was Justin Stone and our intent was to honor the coming of his 75th birthday by sharing this special time with him. The luncheon of Indonesian-Malaysian fare was enjoyed by visiting teachers: Luis & Linda Sanchez (Goleta), Martha Immel (Baywood Park), Tom Bottoms (Santa Cruz), and these teachers from around the extended Bay Area: Cass Redmon, Dona Marriott, Linda Meyer, Vicki Brodie, Hope Ridley, Rosalind Braga, Lois Mahaney, Susan Hudgens, and her husband Bruce (who has begun to volunteer his talents in photography and more to future VFJ projects). Jean Graham, Vic Berg and George Balliet had also planned to attend. We appreciate everyone’s gestures of meaningful intent in being together with loving respect for our teacher, Justin Stone. It was as if all caring teachers were there when the special tribute of The Vital Force was presented. (This special compilation of teachers’ poems and messages for Justin on his 75th birthday is enclosed with this issue.) The frosting on this ‘cake experience’ was simply Justin’s reply when I said, “We are all so happy you are here with us;” and he replied, “I am happier than you are.”