INC NEWS - Editorial: Heroes are known by their actions (today's Herald-Sun)

[John Schelp]

Editorial: Heroes are known by their actions
Herald-Sun, 30 September 2005

We learned a few things about heroes on Wednesday
night when the Interneighorhood Council recognized 16
Durham residents as its 2005 neighborhood heroes.

We learned, not surprisingly, that heroes don't look
like a Hollywood movie poster. They come in all shapes
and sizes, all skin colors and all ages. They could be
anyone, really. Your next door neighbor, possibly. Or
maybe even you.

Heroes are heroes because of their deeds, not their
looks. Heroes can be someone who rescued a child from
a burning building or who advanced in the face of
enemy fire. But for the 16 heroes honored Wednesday,
the acts of heroism were less flashy, but just as
important. Their heroics involved simple, consistent
acts of kindness.

After all, one of the qualities that makes human
beings unique is altruism toward other members of the
species, even when there is no tangible benefit to the
giver. Certainly not every person has this quality. In
some, it is extremely well-hidden. But the spirit of
giving shone plainly Wednesday in each of the
neighborhood heroes.

Another common thread among them was the drive to take
action that would build and strengthen communities,
thereby improving the quality of life for all.

Consider, for example, Elaine Jones of the Royal Oaks
neighborhood, who started her own meals on wheels
service. On Sundays, she buys food and cooks it to
meet dietary restrictions of her "customers," elderly
residents with no family living nearby. Then she
delivers the meals. We can imagine the gratitude of
the recipients for the food and the friendly presence
of their hero.

Or George and Nancy Vick of Colonial Village, 90 and
92 respectively, who for nearly six decades have
offered friendship and support in times of need to
their neighbors. Or Andrew Preiss of Duke Park, who
played in the park as a child, and as an adult helped
to keep the city's attention focused on promised
renovations.

The heroes received plaques and a round of applause on
Wednesday, but the biggest reward was being nominated
by friends and neighbors, evidence that their good
works are seen and appreciated.

The heroes deserve praise from the entire community
for being such a positive presence on the streets
where they live. So does the Interneighborhood
Council, which sponsors the event and is marking its
20th anniversary this year. The everyday heroism of
these friends and neighbors gives the rest of us
something to emulate.