A Year of Heroes
A Year of Heroes
Making the Perfect Hero - A recipe for greatness
“We need heroes and we need them now.”
Robert Dilenschneider
“A Time for Heroes”
It’s been a year now. A year of heroes. From a little hero who will
have a park in her name sake, to a clown who cheers up patients
in hospitals and a mother who gives most of her daily life to
create as much of a “normal” life as she can for her son, these
San Clemente heroes deserve a rerun.
How do you make a perfect hero? There are many variations of
a great hero. That’s what I look for each month. Some heroes
teach us how to follow a dream, some how to deal with the
wildcards we draw in life. Each one is on a heroic voyage and
have brought to us in San Clemente, the gifts of that journey.
I’m going to give you a quick recap of what I feel are some of
the best of the best hero tips of the year. Several heroes gave
us similar lessons. Could there be some standard hero traits
lurking in the heart of a hero? Traits like the following: heroes
don’t give up, and they always keep learning. They accept
differences. All of them seem to realize how precious life is.
Heroes don’t expect life to be perfect. They see opportunities
and joy, where others see fear or obstacles. They know how
important it is for us to get along.
Heroes know how important time is.
Most heroes surround themselves with those who they think
are smarter than they are. (That’s a really smart thing to do.)
They use every minute, but they don’t expect things to happen
really quickly. They squeeze the most out of every second
of life. Every hero was generous, especially with a smile.
Some parts of the hero recipe are found in short words like
"Pray" and "Give." Others are mixed with phrases like,
“There’s no handbook for this.” The year has not been an
easy one for all of the heroes. Some of them have struggled
immensely. The youngest and the oldest of these heroes,
both had broken limbs - one a leg and a pelvis, the other,
a hip. But the heroes go on being heroes.
So I’m going to pick among the delicious offerings these
heroes have placed before us and serve you…
The Best Hero Tips of the Year
• Don’t Take Life for Granted
• Be Non-judgmental and Accept Differences.
• Tell Your Dream to Those Who Could Help You
• Don’t Focus on Things, Focus on People
• Inspiring People Doesn’t Take a Degree to Help Them.
It Takes an “Agree to Help Them.”
• Leave Good Memories
• Do What You Love. It Will Serve You and Others a Lifetime“
• Decide What Your Goal is and Don’t Wait for Everything to be Perfect.
• Every Experience is Unique
• Your Biggest Struggles are Your Biggest Blessings
• When You Have a Dream, Give it Your All
• Don’t Be Afraid to Take Steps to Change the World
• There is Always a Way to Do Something
• Hold on for the long term
• Don’t Complain
• Time is the Most Important Gift in the World
• Create a New Reality
• Dance Your Way Through life
• Say Yes and Find a Way
• A Little Magic Doesn’t Hurt
• Use the Resources Around You
• Be a Friend.
• And Never Forget the Basic Thing...to Thank People and
Make Them Feel That What They Do Counts.
I would like to thank each of the heroes of the 2005/6-year.
Herb Modelevsky
Loretta Modelevsky
Peggy Stroud
Alice Netzen
Courtney Faye Smith
Phil Theodoro
Dr. Frances Mead-Messinger
Laura Janis
Scott McOwen
Cyndi Taylor
Ole Hanson
So what has happened to the heroes of this past year?
Here’s an update.
Scott McOwen is completing a two DVD set to pass along
his knowledge of entrepreneurship and his legacy of
healing grief.
Alice Netzen broke a hip while attending and supporting a
community event. She is recovering now, walking a bit and
inspiring people as usual.
Cyndi Martin watched with pride as her son Taylor graduated
from San Clemente High and started on his path of speaking
to inspire others.
Courtney Faye Smith is looking forward to the park under
construction at Marblehead, Courtney’s Castle. Courtney Faye
has had more surgeries and a broken leg, but as her mother,
Cristina, says, “She’s coming out of it with flying colors.
She’s such a brave little soul.”
Loretta Modelevsky had surgery and is recovering nicely with
the help of a wonderful doctor, her husband, Herb (aka Herbie
the Clown.) Herb received his DTM, the highest honor in
Toastmasters this year – a huge accomplishment.
Laura Janis is on summer break, but probably getting ready to
create lots more spirit at San Clemente High.
Dr. Frances Mead-Messinger has been working on healing the
divisiveness in our country through her ‘Triangle of Life.”
“What I’ve been working on in my small way is teaching the
Dads I work with, to listen with curiosity to other viewpoints
and open their minds.” Frances is hoping that if we do this
first as individuals, then we can grow as a nation.
Phil Theodoro is directing outstanding local performances and
continues to fill the South Orange County air with beautiful music.
The San Clemente Chorale is going strong and gaining momentum.
Phil is very appreciative for the community support.
Peggy Stroud has moved to Texas but rumored to return to San
Clemente for a visit soon
And Ole Hanson is still probably smiling down at us, living
in his beautiful dream city.
I believe you can’t have too much of a good thing. So bring on more
heroes, San Clemente, Bring on these very creative, exceptional people.
I look forward to another year of more heroes and their
life lessons to give to you.
Live like a hero!
Terri Marie
And here are two special messages, the first from Laura Janis and the
next from Herb and Loretta Modelevsky.
From Laura:
My first full year of teaching at SCHS and being the cheer advisor has finished!
I can't believe how fast it went! I am enjoying my summer and getting
refreshed to start year two with these awesome cheerleaders!
We held try-outs in April and we have 44 girls on the squad for
the 2006-07 school year. They started practicing right away.
We go to camp at SOKA University the first week in August.
I'm excited for another year to start. Also this past year I finished
my masters degree in Mathematics Education from Cambridge College.
I have learned a lot about people skills. Being the cheer advisor,
I was always having to clear up miscommunications. The best way
to clear things up is after I have all the information, have a clear head,
and then just listen to what they have to say. Then after they are
done talking, I try to be sympathetic and just tell them what I know
about the situation. Communication is the key with this job!
Steve McLaughlin was a hero for me this year. He is the assistant
principal on the upper campus at SCHS. At the start of the year he
was the ASB advisor who was assigned "administrator in charge"
of cheer. When he was moved up to be the AP, he kept the
administrator in charge of cheer role. We worked really well together
when dealing with all the issues that arose throughout the year.
I couldn't have done this job on my own, he definitely saved
me a thousand times!
Hugs,
Laura Janis
From Loretta and Herb :
.Loretta had major heart surgery 1-23-06. She was schuduled for 7am.
Her surgery time was postponed until 2pm because her surgeon had an
emergency patient he had to attend to first.
We met many anxious families in the waiting area during that time
interval. I spent some time comforting a wife of a US Army man
stationed in Germany. She had 5 children she left with him at the Army
base while she flew to home to be with her mother who was in critical
condition. We spoke of her concerns and responsibilities during that
nurturing time. We commensurated over our roles as care givers for
loved ones.
I was in awe at the technical advances in the equipment used to
monitor Loretta’s immediate post- op period. I told the nurse how much
I appreciated his skills, the devices at his disposal, and the genuine
interest he demonstrated towards her recovery.I have always admired
the knowledge and dedication of nurses. The surgeon and his team were
exceptional. He placed his hand on Loretta’s shoulder, said he would
take very good care of her, and he did.
What we learned from this experience? Delays in your daily plans may
present unexpected opportunities to help others.There are many people
who need help during times of stress. Your expressions of concern may
be vital elements in the healing process of other people.
We took our first trip to the South this Spring. We visited
Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Greensboro, Ashville,
and Charlotte North Carolina. We saw many historical sites, had
innumerable conversations with residents in each locale, and visited
several local art galleries and schools. We learned that there is such
a thing as Sourthern Hospitality, that the Civil War,also referred to
as the War Between The States, created traumatic episodes for every
family involved that are still in the process of healing, and that the
folk art and crafts of the regions are beautiful expressions of the
talented artistis who live there.
What we learned is that a simple “Thank You” as an expression of
gratitude is still cherished by many people, a need to listen to the
voices of history from both sides of a conflict is necessary for
understanding, and that a slower pace of life is helpful in
accomplishing artistic perfection.
Our current time spent with our16 year old granddaugher who is
vacationing with us. She is a delightful and very insightful person.
She has had to understand the difficulty of being “learning
challenged”, achieve self confidence, and adjust to intolerant peers.
We have learned from her that helping another loved one requires
giving much encouragement, being a comforting listener, and admirer of
each individual’s gifts of talent that enable a relationship to
flourish nurtured by giving unconditional love.
To answer the question Who do you think was a hero this
year and why?”
Everyone who has stretched out to grasp another person in need is
a potential hero. The heroic elements of courage and daring may be
found in the exposing oneself to personal harm that may lead to their
death. This comes as an immediate or lingering threat in the event
that poses the danger. Each heroic person during that time acts
instinctively with a response culminating from their values,beliefs,
and the nurturing they received from others. I think this sense of
heroism should include the loved ones of the hero who must
subsequently adjust their lives to the consequences sustained from the
actions of that hero. It becomes a combined effort. We therefore would
salute each integral family member of a hero who may be known or
unknown to us.
Herb and Loretta Modelevsky
Making the Perfect Hero - A recipe for greatness
“We need heroes and we need them now.”
Robert Dilenschneider
“A Time for Heroes”
It’s been a year now. A year of heroes. From a little hero who will
have a park in her name sake, to a clown who cheers up patients
in hospitals and a mother who gives most of her daily life to
create as much of a “normal” life as she can for her son, these
San Clemente heroes deserve a rerun.
How do you make a perfect hero? There are many variations of
a great hero. That’s what I look for each month. Some heroes
teach us how to follow a dream, some how to deal with the
wildcards we draw in life. Each one is on a heroic voyage and
have brought to us in San Clemente, the gifts of that journey.
I’m going to give you a quick recap of what I feel are some of
the best of the best hero tips of the year. Several heroes gave
us similar lessons. Could there be some standard hero traits
lurking in the heart of a hero? Traits like the following: heroes
don’t give up, and they always keep learning. They accept
differences. All of them seem to realize how precious life is.
Heroes don’t expect life to be perfect. They see opportunities
and joy, where others see fear or obstacles. They know how
important it is for us to get along.
Heroes know how important time is.
Most heroes surround themselves with those who they think
are smarter than they are. (That’s a really smart thing to do.)
They use every minute, but they don’t expect things to happen
really quickly. They squeeze the most out of every second
of life. Every hero was generous, especially with a smile.
Some parts of the hero recipe are found in short words like
"Pray" and "Give." Others are mixed with phrases like,
“There’s no handbook for this.” The year has not been an
easy one for all of the heroes. Some of them have struggled
immensely. The youngest and the oldest of these heroes,
both had broken limbs - one a leg and a pelvis, the other,
a hip. But the heroes go on being heroes.
So I’m going to pick among the delicious offerings these
heroes have placed before us and serve you…
The Best Hero Tips of the Year
• Don’t Take Life for Granted
• Be Non-judgmental and Accept Differences.
• Tell Your Dream to Those Who Could Help You
• Don’t Focus on Things, Focus on People
• Inspiring People Doesn’t Take a Degree to Help Them.
It Takes an “Agree to Help Them.”
• Leave Good Memories
• Do What You Love. It Will Serve You and Others a Lifetime“
• Decide What Your Goal is and Don’t Wait for Everything to be Perfect.
• Every Experience is Unique
• Your Biggest Struggles are Your Biggest Blessings
• When You Have a Dream, Give it Your All
• Don’t Be Afraid to Take Steps to Change the World
• There is Always a Way to Do Something
• Hold on for the long term
• Don’t Complain
• Time is the Most Important Gift in the World
• Create a New Reality
• Dance Your Way Through life
• Say Yes and Find a Way
• A Little Magic Doesn’t Hurt
• Use the Resources Around You
• Be a Friend.
• And Never Forget the Basic Thing...to Thank People and
Make Them Feel That What They Do Counts.
I would like to thank each of the heroes of the 2005/6-year.
Herb Modelevsky
Loretta Modelevsky
Peggy Stroud
Alice Netzen
Courtney Faye Smith
Phil Theodoro
Dr. Frances Mead-Messinger
Laura Janis
Scott McOwen
Cyndi Taylor
Ole Hanson
So what has happened to the heroes of this past year?
Here’s an update.
Scott McOwen is completing a two DVD set to pass along
his knowledge of entrepreneurship and his legacy of
healing grief.
Alice Netzen broke a hip while attending and supporting a
community event. She is recovering now, walking a bit and
inspiring people as usual.
Cyndi Martin watched with pride as her son Taylor graduated
from San Clemente High and started on his path of speaking
to inspire others.
Courtney Faye Smith is looking forward to the park under
construction at Marblehead, Courtney’s Castle. Courtney Faye
has had more surgeries and a broken leg, but as her mother,
Cristina, says, “She’s coming out of it with flying colors.
She’s such a brave little soul.”
Loretta Modelevsky had surgery and is recovering nicely with
the help of a wonderful doctor, her husband, Herb (aka Herbie
the Clown.) Herb received his DTM, the highest honor in
Toastmasters this year – a huge accomplishment.
Laura Janis is on summer break, but probably getting ready to
create lots more spirit at San Clemente High.
Dr. Frances Mead-Messinger has been working on healing the
divisiveness in our country through her ‘Triangle of Life.”
“What I’ve been working on in my small way is teaching the
Dads I work with, to listen with curiosity to other viewpoints
and open their minds.” Frances is hoping that if we do this
first as individuals, then we can grow as a nation.
Phil Theodoro is directing outstanding local performances and
continues to fill the South Orange County air with beautiful music.
The San Clemente Chorale is going strong and gaining momentum.
Phil is very appreciative for the community support.
Peggy Stroud has moved to Texas but rumored to return to San
Clemente for a visit soon
And Ole Hanson is still probably smiling down at us, living
in his beautiful dream city.
I believe you can’t have too much of a good thing. So bring on more
heroes, San Clemente, Bring on these very creative, exceptional people.
I look forward to another year of more heroes and their
life lessons to give to you.
Live like a hero!
Terri Marie
And here are two special messages, the first from Laura Janis and the
next from Herb and Loretta Modelevsky.
From Laura:
My first full year of teaching at SCHS and being the cheer advisor has finished!
I can't believe how fast it went! I am enjoying my summer and getting
refreshed to start year two with these awesome cheerleaders!
We held try-outs in April and we have 44 girls on the squad for
the 2006-07 school year. They started practicing right away.
We go to camp at SOKA University the first week in August.
I'm excited for another year to start. Also this past year I finished
my masters degree in Mathematics Education from Cambridge College.
I have learned a lot about people skills. Being the cheer advisor,
I was always having to clear up miscommunications. The best way
to clear things up is after I have all the information, have a clear head,
and then just listen to what they have to say. Then after they are
done talking, I try to be sympathetic and just tell them what I know
about the situation. Communication is the key with this job!
Steve McLaughlin was a hero for me this year. He is the assistant
principal on the upper campus at SCHS. At the start of the year he
was the ASB advisor who was assigned "administrator in charge"
of cheer. When he was moved up to be the AP, he kept the
administrator in charge of cheer role. We worked really well together
when dealing with all the issues that arose throughout the year.
I couldn't have done this job on my own, he definitely saved
me a thousand times!
Hugs,
Laura Janis
From Loretta and Herb :
.Loretta had major heart surgery 1-23-06. She was schuduled for 7am.
Her surgery time was postponed until 2pm because her surgeon had an
emergency patient he had to attend to first.
We met many anxious families in the waiting area during that time
interval. I spent some time comforting a wife of a US Army man
stationed in Germany. She had 5 children she left with him at the Army
base while she flew to home to be with her mother who was in critical
condition. We spoke of her concerns and responsibilities during that
nurturing time. We commensurated over our roles as care givers for
loved ones.
I was in awe at the technical advances in the equipment used to
monitor Loretta’s immediate post- op period. I told the nurse how much
I appreciated his skills, the devices at his disposal, and the genuine
interest he demonstrated towards her recovery.I have always admired
the knowledge and dedication of nurses. The surgeon and his team were
exceptional. He placed his hand on Loretta’s shoulder, said he would
take very good care of her, and he did.
What we learned from this experience? Delays in your daily plans may
present unexpected opportunities to help others.There are many people
who need help during times of stress. Your expressions of concern may
be vital elements in the healing process of other people.
We took our first trip to the South this Spring. We visited
Savannah, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Greensboro, Ashville,
and Charlotte North Carolina. We saw many historical sites, had
innumerable conversations with residents in each locale, and visited
several local art galleries and schools. We learned that there is such
a thing as Sourthern Hospitality, that the Civil War,also referred to
as the War Between The States, created traumatic episodes for every
family involved that are still in the process of healing, and that the
folk art and crafts of the regions are beautiful expressions of the
talented artistis who live there.
What we learned is that a simple “Thank You” as an expression of
gratitude is still cherished by many people, a need to listen to the
voices of history from both sides of a conflict is necessary for
understanding, and that a slower pace of life is helpful in
accomplishing artistic perfection.
Our current time spent with our16 year old granddaugher who is
vacationing with us. She is a delightful and very insightful person.
She has had to understand the difficulty of being “learning
challenged”, achieve self confidence, and adjust to intolerant peers.
We have learned from her that helping another loved one requires
giving much encouragement, being a comforting listener, and admirer of
each individual’s gifts of talent that enable a relationship to
flourish nurtured by giving unconditional love.
To answer the question Who do you think was a hero this
year and why?”
Everyone who has stretched out to grasp another person in need is
a potential hero. The heroic elements of courage and daring may be
found in the exposing oneself to personal harm that may lead to their
death. This comes as an immediate or lingering threat in the event
that poses the danger. Each heroic person during that time acts
instinctively with a response culminating from their values,beliefs,
and the nurturing they received from others. I think this sense of
heroism should include the loved ones of the hero who must
subsequently adjust their lives to the consequences sustained from the
actions of that hero. It becomes a combined effort. We therefore would
salute each integral family member of a hero who may be known or
unknown to us.
Herb and Loretta Modelevsky
posted by Terri Marie at 1:05 PM
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