Resolve to be a hero in 2014

The first of the year is traditionally an occasion for optimism about the possibilities that await. Notwithstanding the short shelf life of typical New Year’s resolutions, there’s something compelling about the clean slate that 2014 presents today.

Optimism gains even more power when it’s fueled by inspiration, and there are sources of that all around us.

Hawaii shows its generosity each year at this time through various holiday demonstrations of aloha. The Star-Advertiser takes full measure of that through its Good Neighbor Fund campaign, which this season raised nearly $85,000 that was distributed, along with donations in kind, by Helping Hands Hawaii.

Everyone who gives in such ways has contributed to a heroic act, making life a little easier for families who need a boost.

But there are others who are particularly good role models of community service, which is why the Star-Advertiser sought nominations for its "Heroes Next Door" series, which concluded Monday. Each hero story described an individual who has made their world a little better, by turning their focus outward.

In alphabetical order, the 2013 heroes were:

» Dana Jones, who manages the Oahu volunteers for the Monk Seal Foundation, looking out for the safety of these endangered creatures. Jones and company show dedication to this work, even on days when the rest of the island can take a holiday. Christmas Day found her dispatching volunteers in response to beach sightings, for 11 hours.

» Through his nonprofit, Hawaiian Hope, Curtis Kropar shows how the future can be brightened for many of the needy, once they have a modest assist. His crew refurbishes donated computers for low-income people, homeless shelters and other programs, and schools short on high technology. The group has drawn up to 30 volunteers to this work.

» There seems no end to Bob Leinau‘s volunteerism and community spirit. Membership on various North Shore groups takes a bite out of his schedule, but he still has time for playing Santa in Haleiwa’s parade, coordinating beach cleanups, helping future junior lifeguards and working with a nonprofit overseeing the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District.

» Edward Medeiros has been retired for 25 years but hasn’t given up giving back to the community. His choral group sings at care homes, he leads activities for his senior group in Kailua, gives transportation to his less-mobile neighbors and conducted a petition campaign, determined to keep the landmark Pali Lanes open, garnering 7,000 signatures.

» Care for the vulnerable is what Jim and Kim Slagel do so well — whether they be human or animal. The Kaneohe couple has fostered and nursed ailing creatures and helped with neuter-and-release programs for feral cats. Both are teachers and have worked with students in public-service projects; they also work preparing meals for the homeless.

» Finally, Jim Taylor has made it his goal to give honor to other American heroes. The retired Navy master chief volunteers his time to see that the ashes of World War II veterans be returned to Pearl Harbor. He conducts the farewell ceremonies — providing no small degree of comfort — for the families at the USS Utah Memorial on Ford Island.

Honor. Dedication. Care for animals. Hope for the needy. Community spirit. Determination.

These are qualities that can have extraordinary results, but at the same time they’re accessible to all of us. All of us can contemplate ways to tap into next-door heroism in 2014. It would be the perfect New Year’s resolution.