La Mesa, CA (special) -- There were officeholders from both political parties in attendance, a message from President Clinton, and eight performers in a skit satirizing the guest of honor. 

But the most memorable part of the Feb. 15 tribute was 87-year-old Joe Stern, himself, using oxygen and confined to a wheelchair, giving yet another big speech about how important it is for people to become involved in politics and causes.

The tribute to Stern, who is under hospice care for terminal cancer, drew 450 persons, whose $15 admission tickets and other donations raised thousands of dollars after expenses for grassroots political activities such as voter registration and voter education. The event was sponsored by the La Mesa Foothills Democratic Club.

The skits written by Beverly Cassirer and performed with gusto by such "stage personalities" as Harry & Sarah Crystal and Charlotte Weiner focused on Stern's political activism. In one skit, his mother complains that she knew he was a different sort of child from the time he was six weeks old. "Whenever he burped, he said 'vote for a Democrat.'" 

In another skit, postal workers demand to be transferred to the North Pole after serving Stern's home post office. Even Santa Claus couldn't be receiving as much mail as Stern was sending out, they complained

The lyrics of one of the songs exclaimed, "When you meet Joe Stern, you get a flyer."

In another skit, the San Diego City Council holds a clandestine meeting at 3 a.m., that being the only time imaginable to avoid Joe Stern coming and giving them yet another lecture.

The crowd was filled not only with Democrats and members of the Jewish community, but representatives of groups advocating the rights of seniors, the physically and mentally disabled and highway safety. 

Stern and his wife, Jean, were presented a 40-page tribute book, with messages and advertisements taken out by those prominent in his life. The book was printed for free by union members, in recognition of Stern's support for the labor movement.

The tribute at the La Mesa Community Center was titled: "Joe Stern- Mover and Shaker."