‘TAKE 5’ DREAM NEWSLETTER #5: 2/9/17—QUEENS, THE NOBLE MEN OF KYLE, INTEGRITY & OTHER VIRTUES AT FALCON HS BASEBALL. IF ANY OF THESE TOPICS INTEREST YOU, THEN PLEASE CONTINUE. IF NOT, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SHORT VISIT. THE QUEST FOR THE TRUTH OF MY INSANITY CONTINUES.
‘BLESSINGS’ from my 2016 College Football Pilgrimage keep flowing. As I begin my 2017 Winter/Spring Writing Campaign, forces have led me to a ‘Road Not Taken’. As with Campaigns and Crusades of the past, I too solicit the Power of Queens and Noble Men to guide and assist me on my journey.
As I was formulating a title for this story to connect the dots, the forces of Facebook played a role. I am a novice in the use of Facebook. I do not Know Sam I am about certain outcomes that appear on my page. I post pictures in my albums one way and for a time they appear that way. Then as with some ‘Magic’ like Saturday 2/4/17, Facebook decides to alter my pics that appear on my page.
This last alteration provided me with the Inspiration for the title. Three different pics appeared on my page. Dgirl as the ‘Enamoring Enigma’ was one. Pics of the Noble Men of Kyle and the entire Texas A & M Corps were the other two. Since the topic of Integrity was going to be the primary focus of the story, using these pics as Inspiration could assist me.
The main duty of the Corps at Texas A & M is the ‘Guardian of the Spirits’ known as the 12th Man. The Noble Men within the Corps make up the largest Military Marching Band in the country. Video is 2016 Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show. Video was shot from near my section.
Once selected to be a member of the Corps, one agrees to abide by the virtues of the Corps. Virtues include Respect, Leadership, Integrity, Loyalty, Excellence, and Selfless Service. The failure to demonstrate these ‘Virtues’ result in the dismissal from the Corps.
For the complete story of ‘Kyle Field & Thanksgiving Day’, scroll down the Homepage or click on the Pilgrimage Section.
The ‘Blessings’ from Kyle Field inspired me to read more about virtues and values. The Corps protects ‘The Spirit’. The Nick Feher ‘Take 5’ Foundation promotes and shares the Dreams of others while encouraging others to protect their Dreams. Others cannot protect your Dreams. You are the one responsible for that duty. If not, others will stomp on your Dreams, and have you play in theirs.
After my Pilgrimage and upon my return to my Fishbowl in Henderson, NV, my daily spiritual readings welcomed Aristotle. His writings are titled ‘Nicomachean Ethics’ (Books 1-5).
THIS POST IS ABOUT 9,000 WORDS. If it is too long for one to digest in one setting, do as I do with Aristotle, read a little at a time. Aristotle is a very heavy read. I digest only one page at a time. When this post is published, 70 pages will be read.
So far, in a nutshell, this is my take on Aristotle. Aristotle claims that when one practices ‘virtues’ all the time, this practice creates ‘PASSIONS’ for the Game of LIFE. These ‘PASSIONS’ then assists in our ‘Happiness’. Everyone including Aristotle has his or her own definition of ‘Happiness’.
After the physical passing of Nick, the following is my definition of ‘Happiness’. “HAPPINESS can be defined as the state of NOT being unhappy”. I surmised if I was not experiencing the top five ‘Unhappy Events’ of my life, I must be ‘HAPPY’. With TIME, one has the power to choose how long one wants to swim with Unhappiness. Remember the ‘FUDGE’ acronym.
F=Feelings
U=Upset
D=Depression
G=Guilt
E=Envy
No one person, thing, event and/or circumstance can affect your ‘FUDGE’ unless you grant it permission. If you do, only you will decide the depths and lengths of the swim with it. You are the responsibility party. All others are ‘blameless’.
http://www.virtuesforlife.com/what-are-virtues/ writes the following:
“Virtue, by definition, is the moral excellence of a person. A morally excellent person has a character made-up of virtues valued as good. He or she is honest, respectful, courageous, forgiving, and kind, for example. Because of these virtues or positive character traits, he or she is committed to doing the right thing no matter what the personal cost, and does not bend to impulses, urges or desires, but acts according to values and principles.
Some might say that good qualities are innate and developed through good parenting, which they are, but we’re not perfect. Virtues need to be cultivated to become more prevalent and habitual in daily life. With the habit of being more virtuous, we take the helm of our own life, redirecting its course towards greater fulfillment, peace and joy.
WHY PRACTICE VIRTUES?
Virtues are universal and recognized by all cultures as basic qualities necessary for our well-being and happiness. Necessary because when we practice virtues and build the “character muscle,” we will attract what may have been missing in our life such as fulfilling relationships, achievement of meaningful goals, and happiness.
The moment we declare, “I am persevering to achieve this goal in spite of all obstacles, self-doubt and fear,” a shift occurs where we naturally become more focused, determined, and courageous, leading us to success.
Virtues are the essence of our character and character does indeed determine destiny. The more we recognize the potential impact that practicing virtues can have on our lives, the more our lives open up to new possibilities and to greater joy and fulfillment.”
THE LIST OF VIRTUES ON THEIR WEBSITE INCLUDES OVER 70. THIS POST WILL PRIMARILY EXPLORE INTEGRITY AND A HANDFUL OF OTHERS.
The QUEENS will be used as Guidance and Inspiration for the 2017 Writing Campaign. These Queens are among the many that I have formed a Relationship with during my journey. Relationships-“Time Well-Spent with others with NO Guarantees”.
Merriam-Webster, Definition of Queen-only first three will be listed
1a: the wife or widow of a king b: the wife or widow of a tribal chief
2a: a female monarch b: a female chieftain
3a: a woman eminent in rank, power, or attractions <a movie queen> b: a goddess or a thing personified as female and having supremacy in a specified realm c: an attractive girl or woman; especially: a beauty contest winner
In my theory, all Females are Queens for they are in charge of their own personal realm, themselves. With a new ‘Road Not Taken’ in the fall of 2013 laid out beneath my feet, my Relationships with these Queens would be based on the following:
* Law of Vibration and Attraction
* I would inform them I was ‘INSANE’. For some, I was known as ‘Insane George’
* My INTENT with them would be based on INTEGRITY and HONOR
INTEGRITY-“Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Disagree disagreeably”
HONOR-“Respect and treat others as you would yourself”
Receptions varied from Queen to Queen. Some permitted me entrance into their world, others denied me entrance. With others, I was granted entrance at first only to be kicked-out later. After kicking me out, some invited me, back in.
One posted a sign that read ‘Crazy George’ is not welcomed here. My legal team is investigating if this sign was intended for me, for I travel as ‘Insane George’. Some Relationships were longer than others while some go on to this day.
‘TOKENS’ were given to these Queens from me as a sign of ‘Gratitude’ for sharing their virtues with me. A few received my favorite book, ‘The Secret of the Ages’, The Master Code to Abundance and Achievement, by Robert Collier. Though written in 1925, it reconfirms my theory that you can PLAYIN YOUR DREAMS. I read it twice a year, two pages at a time.
Each of these Relationships produced results. Some were more beneficial than others. But each one provided in the sharing of virtues. These shared virtues are what I carry with me today with the hopes of passing them on to others.
There were certain Queens that granted me the favor to explore their virtues by their presence and through my personal writings to them. These are the Queens whose Power and Banner that I carry during my 2017 Winter/Spring Writing Campaign.
As I connected the dots to my Relationships with them, another common theme applied. My initial audience with them was at their realm, their place of employment. Another theme was their name and its meaning. Meanings of names have powerful connotations.
Since these Queens have been written about before in my writings, their contributions to my stories are worth repeating. The first Queen I met was Dgirl in the fall of 2013 after my 2013 College Football Pilgrimage at a resort on the Strip. Her name means ‘God is My Judge’. Judging that our time was up, Dgirl sent me off to a ‘Road Not Taken’, to meet more Queens.
Rachel, the Gilley Girl was next until forces moved Rachel out of town.(Pic of Rachel unavailable) It was the combo of Dgirl and Rachel that assisted in starting my Facebook page. Queen Jennifer of Stoneys followed and left no pic. Destiney showed up after my 2014 College Football Pilgrimage. A PowerPoint presentation was created under her ‘Spell’. We met at Stoneys, but her official realm is the Pool at The Monte Carlo and T-Mobile Arena Suites.
When I needed an opening blog for my website, Dianna and Lacy bartenders at both Stoneys and the Rubicon as Queens led the charge. Dianna’s name means ‘Goddess of the Moon’ and Twin Sister to Apollo. After sharing my story with them, one middle finger and one middle bottle opener gave approval, indicating playinyourdreams.com was #1. This pic of them appears in the sidebar of my website.
My 2015 College Football Pilgrimage granted me the introduction to Brooke another Gilley Girl in November of 2015. This Relationship then guided me to meet Esther another bartender at the newly reopened Stoneys. It also reignited my Relationship with Dgirl. (Pic unavailable for Brooke)
Esther’s name meaning is too long to list. However, one of them means ‘Queen’. Esther and Dgirl contributed their Inspiration and Power for the fuel that resulted in my 2016 Winter/Spring Campaign. The results speak for themselves. The baseball players of Basic HS/Academy won the 2016 Nevada State Baseball Championships.
Esther and Dgirl with their wisdom set me off on another ‘Road Not Taken’ in June of 2016 in order for me to meet Brooke, the Mixologist at the Piazza Lounge and Sarah the ‘Fabled Cello of the American West’. Both were met at their employment and each packed the own style of ‘punch’. (No pic for Brooke, but a pic for Sarah)
For you loyal readers Brooke’s and Sarah’s ‘TOKENS’ remain in my possession. Time and forces have not permitted delivery. Until such time, they will remain in my safekeeping and for my ‘Good Fortune’ and ‘Protection’.
As one could see this is quite an enlistment of Queens. Each one was informed of my INTENT of INTEGRITY & HONOR. It is with the same INTENT that is used in all of my writings. From my very first post until now, INTEGRITY & HONOR are my ‘writing companions’.
If others choose not to agree, that is their choice. But if and when another ‘brands’ my behavior and/or my writings as not with INTEGRITY & HONOR, it will be addressed by me in time. The time has come.
Though the story is over one year in the making, this writing was triggered by certain events. My friend Greg in Houston asked me recently, “What has happened to common sense”? He suggested that I write an investigative story on it. My response to him was “It must be hanging out with Integrity”. I told him after I find Integrity, if time and forces permit, I would investigate ‘common sense’.
Since this story involved a local high school baseball program and their head coach, their head coach in a letter to me requested that I not use certain information in my writings. Recently, over the holidays, time and forces brought the two of us together in a local store.
The Holiday Spirit moved me and made me realized that this coach’s level of Integrity and Honor that he personally demonstrated to me was not in the same ballpark as mine, whether it was PNC Park or Wrigley Field.
His conduct to others is unknown to me. The coach was given over a year to permit me to Protect my INTEGRITY & HONOR with his team, coaches, parents and other concern parties. I offered to him opportunities to permit me to defend my virtues.
I was willing to stand in front of all and tell my story so that others could decide the fate of my INTEGRITY & HONOR and leave with the results. The day that one stops Protecting their Virtues, especially INTEGRITY & HONOR is the day ‘The Dirt Throwing Will Begin’. In the eyes of others, you will be declared DEAD!
As judge and jury, the coach denied my request. His denial has led to the following story. Following the rules of Facebook, his real name will not be used, nor will the real name of the local high school. To keep things simple the high school will be named Falcon HS. The name of the coach will be Dream Stomper. His Nickname for his players is the ‘Stomper of Dreams’.
Since this story is told through the written correspondence between myself and the ‘Stomper of Dreams’, as the editor, editor’s notes may be inserted as needed. The use of a timeline will be employed. As with all of my writings, my disclosures are based on INTEGRITY & HONOR. If one wants to validate my story, please seek the ‘Stomper of Dreams’ for he has a copy.
My viewpoints of the Integrity & Honor of Coach Dream Stomper have already been declared. After one, personally Observes & Analyzes a Relationship, one comes to a KNOWING. This KNOWING is only true for that person, for others may have different KNOWINGS.
Since Coach Dream Stomper did not permit me to defend my INTEGRITY & HONOR, this public forum of my Website/Facebook will be used to reach my target. Others will bear witness that I defended my INTEGRITY & HONOR, for I am not ready for the dirt throwing to begin. Let the story begin.
COACH DREAM STOMPER’S INTEGRITY & OTHER VIRTUES
3/7/16
Coach Dream Stomper,
Thank you very much for your response. After reading your sincere, well thought out words, with your permission, I challenge you to the following test.
There is no right or wrong answer, only a result. I seek your permission to address the emails that have been exchanged between you and I, and share them with the entire 2016 Falcon HS baseball team, staff, and any other concerned supporters.
My official response may be reprinted in its entirety or excerpts on my Facebook page or website. I will abide by your wishes to not reprint your email dated 3/1/16. However, the gist of it from my observations and analysis may be written.
There are two options for this test;
- Schedule a time of no more than 60 minutes at your earliest convenience, for me to speak to your entire team, staff, and other concerned supporters.
- .You as the Head Coach can read my response that is attached. My specific instructions however, need to be followed.
See attachment for test. I look forward to your response.
George
GROUND RULES
For the test is to be validated, please let me explain the following ground rules. These ground rules are to be given and read to all the attendees at the start of the meeting.
1.Each attendee will be given a copy of the email excerpt 3/1/16 that you (Coach Dream Stomper) sent to me for their possession.
2. This email excerpt will then be read aloud, by either you (Coach Dream Stomper) or me.
3. After the reading is completed, then a copy of my retort will be given to each attendee for their possession.
4. This retort will then be read aloud by you (Coach Dream Stomper) or me.
5. If there are questions, I will answer them. If not, I will leave.
A COPY OF THE EXCERPTED EMAIL DATED 3/1/16 FROM YOU (COACH DREAM STOMPER) TO ME (“TAKE 5”) MUST BE GIVEN TO EACH ATTENDEE AND READ ALOUD. PROCEED TO GROUND RULE #1 AND COMPLETE GROUND RULE #2
PROCEED TO GROUND RULE #3. A COPY OF “TAKE 5” RETORT MUST BE GIVEN TO ALL ATTENDEES, BEFORE IT IS READ ALOUD TO ALL IN ATTENDANCE. PROCEED TO GROUND RULE #4.
“TAKE 5” RETORT-WRITTEN BY GEORGE FEHER
Before I address the issue at hand, please let me tell you a story. This story is a result of many years of research. One of the questions that I would always ask the teenage students in my classes as a teacher was, “At what age does an individual become responsible for their Words, Thoughts, and Actions”?
The most agreed upon age was that of a Teenager, starting at the age of 13. If this is true for most of you in this room, then please let me continue. For you others, I asked for your ear.
Listed below is my first email that I sent to Coach Dream Stomper
2/18/16
TO: Head Baseball Coach Dream Stomper
Falcon High School
Dear Dream Stomper,
In keeping our commitment, for the support of Baseball in our community, the Nick Feher “TAKE 5” Foundation offers the following agenda to your high school baseball team.
HELPING EACH OTHER
Nick Feher “TAKE 5” Foundation MISSION STATEMENT: To make a commitment, to help honor THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND THE FUTURE of the “YE OLDE” Henderson NV, Baseball Community. To play a part, of the driving, force that helps manifest the dream/goal that brings a State High School Baseball Championship(s) back to “YE OLDE” Henderson, NV. To challenge others to be a “Difference Maker” for not only themselves, but for others. And, “When in Doubt” to remember to “TAKE 5”.
ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION THAT “TAKE 5” WILL SPONSOR or BE PART OF
1.VARSITY TEAM COMMITMENT PARTY. A new tradition that will be held prior to the start of the baseball season in a room on your campus. In a time frame of 90 minutes, pizza, drinks, and dessert will be the menu. It will be scheduled at your convenience. As part of the “commitment”, handouts will include: “TAKE 5” BROCHURE, 6 HEALTHY BEHAVIOR CHECKLIST, TIME MANAGEMENT SHEETS, WATER IS COOL, and three visualization articles. You can select one from each group, Baseball, Past Research, Current Research, or your own. This will be given to the players, followed by a verbal presentation, including the criteria of earning the Foundation’s $500 cash scholarship to the deserving senior. It will conclude with the “commitment pledge”, by all team personnel including the coaches, “to do their very best for the entire season”. This PLEDGE will then be framed, and returned in order for it to be displayed at all times in your dugout during practices and games.
2. VARSITY TEAM END OF REGULAR SEASON GATHERING AT NICK’S HOUSE. Date and time to be scheduled at your team’s convenience, hopefully prior to start of playoffs, whether team qualifies or not.
3. BASEBALL BANQUET. The Foundation will honor each senior player, with tokens of appreciation. The Scholarship Winner will also be announced. The Foundation with your permission, would like to impart “words of wisdom” to the attendees, and can/will serve as your MC.
4. “YE OLDE” HENDERSON, NV, BASEBALL CELEBRATION. This event will be held Friday, June 17, 2016, 6:30pm-10:00pm at the BMAC. The Foundation extends an invitation to this event to you, your coaching staff and families, plus all of your players in your 2016 organization. This yearly event gives the entire Henderson Baseball Community the opportunity to honor their PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE. To honor the PAST, our intent is to invite the 1955 and 1956 Basic H.S. State Baseball Champions and their families. Representing the FUTURE will be the HLL All-Star Players, Coaches, and families. Your high school team will represent the PRESENT.
5. DISPLAY A “TAKE 5” BANNER ON YOUR FACILITY.
6. PURCHASE A TEAM SHIRT-LARGE
As a Foundation, our goals in the community may reflect your goals in helping young men. Though our goals may be similar, our philosophies in achieving these goals may not. Please review carefully the proposed Agenda. Since this may, or may not, be a ‘one size fits all scenario’, you can select all, some, or none from the Agenda. Choose what you think is best for your players and organization.
My request is only a response. Thank you for your time.
George N. Feher
Executive Officer
Nick Feher “TAKE 5” Foundation
Coach Dream Stomper- Reply 2/25/16 (via email)
“Please send me your phone number so that I may call you”
‘TAKE 5” Reply 2/26/16
Dream Stomper,
Thank you for your reply. Thinking about what is best for your team, has always been one of your strengths. Your coaching style permits a lot of team input from your players.
Using that as a starting point, it would not be prudent of me at this time to honor your request on your email. I am willing to suggest the following:
* Let your team decide the extent that they wish to commit to the Helping Each Other Agenda. The Agenda is for their benefit. However, it does require their participation.
* Not all items have to be committed to.
* If the players want to do the Commitment Party, it would have to be with the understanding that they will be accountable for the entire season. Paperwork has to be included to verify level of commitment.
* This paperwork must be collected, reviewed, and charted for completion. This chart will be displayed for team scrutiny.
* As a team project, these results should be completed and displayed by the senior leadership of your team.
* If need be, I can either assist them, or complete the project as a solo act.
If you find the time, I encourage you to visit my website playinyourdreams.com
My latest post is titled “TAKE 5”—Quest to Help Win a State Title. Some photos may enhance the read. This same story is running as an ad on our Facebook page.
Life is about progress. “Do I want to get better?” Or, “Do I want to get worse?” Nothing stays the same. The past only helps us to choose the progress we currently seek.
When your team comes to an agreement, please email me the results. After reviewing the results, I can then plot my course of action.
Thanks,
George
Coach Dream Stomper’s Reply 3/1/16
(That excerpted email is in your possession and has been read)
EXCERPTS of Coach Dream Stomper email dated 3/1/16
George,
I was hoping that we would get the chance to communicate on the phone, but your refusal to take my call leaves no other option than to speak through email. I wanted to talk with you about what you had offered, but more importantly about our relationship this past year. I have to admit that I am confused by the different signals you seem to have sent.
Regarding our participation during the 2015 baseball season, I wanted to re-visit our involvement. We whole heartedly jumped in at the opportunity in an effort to be a part of what I believe to be an outstanding cause. We wanted to be a part of what you are trying to create, and we had enjoyed the opportunity to work with you in 2014.
We invited you to attend and speak to the Varsity team on two separate occasions, at practice. We also participated in the Team Commitment Party, in which every single player participated. We attended the end of the year party at your home, and again every single player attended the event. We invited you to speak at the end of the year banquet, to honor the 2015 team. And although we didn’t have great representation at the final celebration, we did have 14 of our younger players and one coach attend.
I wanted to revisit our participation because of the fact that you publicly condemned the entire coaching staff and our players for their lack of integrity. If you had any problem with our involvement, why not speak to me, rather than use a public forum to attack myself and our kids? Say what you want about me; I am a man, its part of the territory of the position that I hold. If you want to question my integrity, fine. But please don’t attack our kids. Some of them are as young as 14-15 years old. We all read what you posted last summer, and every one of us was left wondering why you would do so after our involvement, after our willingness to be a part of the foundation.
I understand your frustration with the lack of attendance on behalf of last year’s seniors. But once our seniors graduate, they are no longer a part of the summer baseball program. Essentially, their careers do end, with the team banquet. I understand your frustration with my absence from the same event. But you were notified of that before the event, as we had discussed earlier that day.
Regardless of any personal interests, the 2016 team was given the opportunity to participate in as little or as much as you had offered. Our kids voted unanimously to no longer participate. I am/was supportive of their decision, whichever way they had voted.
I do not give you permission nor authority to post any or all of this information on any type of social media.
I wish nothing but happiness and health for you, your family members and friends. Concentrate on the positives of the foundation and worry less about negativity. Life is too precious to focus on whats wrong; we should all focus on whats right! I hope the foundation is successful in every way possible and I wish you the best of luck with all future endeavors. (END OF EXCERPTS)
As I continue with my retort, I will be asking questions concerning written statements that Coach Dream Stomper makes. I will also share my observations and analysis with other written statements by Coach Dream Stomper. My retort will also include a Challenge to the 2016 Falcon HS Baseball players.
Coach Dream Stomper in his email on 3/1/16 wrote the following: “George, I was hoping that we would get the chance to communicate on the phone, but your refusal to take my call leaves no other option than to speak through email.”
Can anyone point out to me where on my last email 2/26/16 to Coach Stomper is it written that I refused to take his call?
I did write: “Using that as a starting point, it would not be prudent of me at this time to honor your request on your email”.
Notice the word prudent. Prudent means; a) having or showing careful good judgement. b) marked by wisdom or judiciousness. Where does prudent mean refused?
Coach Stomper describes my “frustration” twice. Can anyone find anywhere in my writings on our Facebook page where I wrote about using the word “frustration “or “frustrated” with anyone associated with the Falcon HS baseball organization?
As I continue, please stop me at any time, if my observations and analysis does not substantiate what I am about to say.
THIS IS AN EXCERPT FROM MY FACEBOOK PAGE DATED 6/25/15:
“OTHER NEWS: ANGELS TO THE RESCUE. Before the story of ‘Angels to the rescue’ can be told, the scene must be set. Head Baseball Coach Dream Stomper of Falcon HS originally agreed to all 6 items as listed on the agenda ‘HELPING EACH OTHER’ on Wednesday 2/11/15. Number four on the list describe the Celebration.
4. “YE OLDE” HENDERSON, NV, BASEBALL CELEBRATION. This event will be held Friday, June 19th, 2015, 6:30pm-10:00pm at the BMAC. For this event, to have the impact to help facilitate the dream/goal of bringing a State High School Baseball Championship(s) back to “YE OLDE “ HENDERSON, NV, your entire summer league program players/coaches need to be in attendance for the entire CELEBRATION. Remember, the HLL ALL-STARS and their families are your target audience for the future success of your program. This yearly event will give the entire Henderson Baseball Community the opportunity to honor their PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE.
During the ‘Commitment Party’ on Thursday 2/26/15, all varsity players received a packet of information with the Agenda stapled on top. (Author’s note, Varsity players were reminded again at the Gathering at Nick’s house. All the players were informed at the Falcon Baseball Banquet about the Celebration.)
On Sunday 6/14/15, I sent a text reminding Coach Stomper of the Celebration on Friday 6/19/15. I requested volunteers to move supplies and hang banners. He replied, “Will do thanks”.
My text to Coach Dream Stomper on Wednesday 6/17/15 asked for 5 volunteers at 11am to hang banners and at 5:30pm to move and arrange the supplies for the day of the event. His text back was both teams had morning games. “I’ll have most of my guys there at 5:30”. I text back “SUPER”.
My son Michael and friend Mel Godinez moved most of the supplies into the storage room at the BMAC on Thursday, 6/18/15. Those two along with my neighbor Ed Costolo, his son Mark, and me hung all the banners around 11am Friday, the day of the event.
At 1:17 pm on the day of the Celebration, I received a text from Coach Stomper. It reads: “George my wife and I have some friends in town tonight. I’m gonna try to come by for a little bit but we have a bunch of players that should be attending”. I text back: “Bring your friends. Need about 5 players to help to set up at 5:30. Thanks”.
After loading 40 bags of ice, with the help of a Smith’s employee, into my coolers, I arrived at the BMAC around 5:20pm to assess the situation. I informed the Guard by the front gate who I was. She informed me that the Chefs were here.
I asked her help, to direct any Falcon HS Baseball players in my direction. Their hormones were needed for the final PREPARATIONS. Without their help, I was the back-up plan.
The following needed to be completed by the next 30-45 minutes: All 40 bags of ice and coolers of food on ice had to be emptied from my truck, and carried about 20 yards to the Barbeque area.
All of the supplies for 300 people from the storage room had to be hauled by dolly one way of about 60 yards to the Barbeque Area. Tables, chairs, and trashcans had to be set up. One more banner had to be hung. All 300 cans of soda and 300 bottles of water had to be chilled before 6pm for appropriate temperature.
As I pulled my truck around to the barbeque area, I parked as close as I could. The Chefs were unloading their van near the gate. Still no players or coaches were in sight. I said to myself your time has come. You need to step up and get started with or without them.
All movement was at warped speed. No, I was not the ‘Flash’. Bags of ice and coolers of food were carried in first. While getting the tubs to ice the water and soda from the storage room, I explained my dilemma to one of the Guards and a Supervisor. “Most of the guys should be here at 5:30”, according to Coach Stomper. One of them made me laugh when he said maybe they got the days mixed up.
With the tubs at the scene, more ice and food was carried in with the help of the Chefs. They were doing their own set up and at the same time helping me without being asked. THEY WERE THE FIRST ANGELS TO APPEAR ON THE SCENE. “Take 5” gives a one-man’s standing ovation to Chefs Chad and Joe.
MORE ANGELS TO THE RESCUE. When I returned to the storage room for more supplies, a new Guard asked me if I needed any help. I answered with a question, “Are you an Angel”? He just ‘smiled’. If you are here to help, I rattled off in warped speed all that needed to be done. His main duty was to move all the cans of soda and bottles of water to the Barbeque area ASAP.
We pushed a dolly stacked with bottled water 60 yards to the Barbeque area. He returned to get more. I hustled with the help of Chef Chad to bring in more ice and coolers. The icing began.
While icing, a Supervisor ask me if there was anything they could do. More Angels to the rescue. Another list was rattled off. Tables and chairs had to be set up. Trashcans were needed. Chef Joe kept asking me for the chili, so he could fire it up. A request for the can of chili in the storage room was submitted.
The grill was lit, and the smells were filling the air. A different Guard returned with the dolly filled with cans of soda, and other supplies. When asked about the other Guard, the ‘Angel’ replied, “he had to return to the stand. I am filling in”.
Things started to come together. All the supplies finally made it to their destination. The tubs were almost filled with cans of soda, bottles of water and ice. I saw Chef Joe cooking the chili and preparing their tables with Chef Joe.
Final items still remained to be completed. The Welcoming Banner had to be taped to the wall. It took a team effort of the Guards, to properly hang it. The Hostesses and family were let in to set up the welcoming table. Randy Turner completed assigned tasks. The Celebration was ready to begin.
Before opening the doors, I reflected for a moment of how this Celebration started with 20 HLL All-Stars, and coaches at Nick’s house. I was informed four years ago, by City Officials that the Guards were employees of the City, and were unable to assist in the set-up, or breakdown.
I respected those guidelines, and always came prepared with volunteer help. This moment, my volunteer help did not produce the results necessary. Not one player or coach from Falcon HS showed up as promised by the head baseball coach Dream Stomper to help set up.
HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH TO PAIGE BARRERA AND THE REMARKABLE STAFF AT BMAC. I hope that no policy was violated. I hope that all employees escaped being disciplined. If it was not for the help of these Guards/Angels, the Celebration may have had different results.
All came together for a ‘Tailor Made Double Play’, A Pitchers Best Friend. The “Guardian Angels” all made it possible. To Paige Barrera and her “Guardian Angels”, “TAKE 5” gives you a one-man’s standing ovation.
“LACK OF TRADITION”. I thought about those words as my body recovered from the Celebration inside my ‘Fishbowl’. I replayed the written words of Coach Ashton Cave and the spoken words of Coach David Soto in my brain trying to connect the dots.
Recently, my viewpoint on life, has turn Mathematical. Observe and analyze moments which will add up to a ‘KNOWING”. Then share these ‘KNOWINGS’ with others for them to decide if there are any benefits in store. Then connect the dots as time dictates.
Coach Ashton, and Coach Dave, echoes similar ‘KNOWINGS’ that I too have shared with others. Words of motivation, passion, commitment, loyalty, desire, work ethic, dedication, and integrity were all weaved into our speeches. These two Coaches have WON CHAMPIONSHIPS.
TO FALCON HS HEAD VARSITY BASEBALL COACH DREAM STOMPER, HIS COACHING STAFF, HIS PLAYERS (except the chosen few), AND PARENTS(?), “TAKE 5” strongly encourages you to read more about the words written above, by Coach Ashton and Coach Dave, especially the word “INTEGRITY”. Agree or disagree, this is my essay on the word ‘INTEGRITY’ that I have shared with others.
INTEGRITY
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines integrity: 1. Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values; incorruptibility. 2. An unimpaired condition; soundness. 3. The quality or state of being complete or undivided; completeness. In other words: the quality of being honest and fair; the state of being complete or whole.
Years ago, the secretary of my supervising administrator, explained to me that she was to give her very first public speech at her church. The topic was integrity. It was an honor being asked my opinion on the topic. As our discussions lengthen, I begin to realize the complexities and depths of this subject. When it ended, I wished her well, and I hoped that I was of some service.
That brief encounter stimulated me into developing my current, simplistic, definition of “integrity”-SAY WHAT YOU MEAN, MEAN WHAT YOU SAY, and DISAGREE AGREEABLY.
This word integrity is one of the main ingredients in the foundation of all healthy relationships. Without it, your relationship is doomed to collapse. This includes relationships with both others and yourself.
As mentioned previously, you are your own best friend. Thus, you are in a relationship with yourself. With that being said, how is your personal integrity to yourself? How many times during the day do you encounter integrity? How many times do you pass the test?
Is it me, or has “INTEGRITY” fallen on hard times? In his writing “Self-Reliance”, Ralph Waldo Emerson writes this beautiful phrase, “Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind”.
Wayne W. Dyer expresses his view of the article, “Be yourself and run your life by what you know to be right and in harmony with your spiritual essence. That is, by the integrity of your own mind.
Refuse to do anything simply because everyone else is doing it. If it fits with your definition of ethical and right, then by all means proceed, irrespective of what those around you are saying or doing”.
Henry David Thoreau is quoted, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music he hears, however measured and far away”.
Dyer explains, “Take risks, pursue your dreams, live life to the fullest, as long as you’re not hurting anyone else. Whatever it is that you feel compelled to be or do is the voice of your soul pleading with you to have the courage to listen and act on the melody only you hear, as long as it does not interfere with anyone else’s right to pursue his dreams”.
You have a choice, do I want to get better, or do I want to get worse. Nothing stays the same. To get better I encourage you to practice “WELLNESS” each and every day.
What is “WELLNESS”? It is a commitment to make healthy choices: TO RESPECT ONESELF. Are you the most important person in the world, and are you, your own best friend? If you are, then treat yourself and others with the “INTEGRITY” you and others deserve. Say what you mean, mean what you say, and disagree agreeably.”
QUESTION: WOULD URBAN MEYER, WINNER OF 3 NATIONAL COLLEGE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS, TEXT AN ORGANIZER OF AN EVENT THAT REVOLVED AROUND HIS SENIORS, HIS ENTIRE FOOTBALL ORGANIZATION, AND FUTURE ALL-STAR PLAYERS, FOUR HOURS PRIOR TO THE EVENT, EXCUSING HIMSELF AND HIS FAMILY FROM ATTENDANCE, DUE TO FRIENDS?
For those of you, who answered yes, join coach Dream Stomper. Perhaps, you can share strategy on how to repair damages. You may ask, “What damages”? Let us start with just one word ‘INTEGRITY’.
Without ‘KNOWING’ all the facts, it would be impossible to connect the dots that led to results Falcon HS baseball program achieved at this year’s Celebration.
The results speak loudly. The followership mirrors the head coach. Let us flip the mirrors. Daniel Ortiz is the head baseball coach and Dream Stomper is the only senior baseball player from Falcon HS at the Celebration. How would Dream Stomper react to the ‘DISS’ by his head baseball coach?
Daniel Ortiz was ‘DISSED’ for playing four seasons under the staff of the Stomper of Dreams. This was the gratitude for his hours of service. Why his fellow teammates were not there, “I do not know, Sam I am”. Only the players can connect those dots.
For whatever the reasons, Daniel Ortiz stood alone, demonstrating the value of the word ‘INTEGRITY’ and sharing the spotlight with his mother. If you probably asked Daniel, what results he would have preferred, he would have said his mother. His dream did come true.
If Urban Meyer was invited, he would have let the Ortizs share their moment alone. Then he too would have stood beside them and shared in their moment. He would have worked the Event, as the Coach he is. For his goal is winning National College Football Championships. He sets his own standards at each school he has coached. Nothing more, nothing less.
Coach Dream Stomper has convinced the flock of Falcon HS that the goal of Falcon HS Varsity Baseball is to be ‘playing meaningful games at the end of the season’. Urban Meyer, believes all his games carry the same value, WIN. As far as producing outstanding citizens, it takes more than a baseball program.
“TAKE 5” challenges coach Dream Stopper to take a test. There are no right or wrong answers. This is a simple test. On top of a sheet of paper write the words; Dreams I Live For. Then list the first 10-15 or more dreams that come into your brain that you live for, in no particular order. After your list is complete, rank them with #1 being IT. The rest follow #1 in sequential order.
According to Socrates, this is a lesson in “KNOW THYSELF”, as listed #2 on ‘The 6 Steps For Success’ on our Brochure. Where on your list is ‘win a state title’? If your number does not match with your players number, (for they too should partake in the test), the dots do not connect. This lack of connection will prevent the Falcon HS Varsity Baseball Team from achieving the results it seeks. Your entire organization will have to be focused and committed equally to achieve the results it seeks”.
EXCERPTS FROM MY FACEBOOK PAGE POST ON 7/6/15
“RESULTS ARE IN. I WILL LET YOU THE READERS INTERPRET THE RESULTS. (Editors’ note; these results are for the 2015 High School Baseball Season.)
Scoring will be as follows: 100 points for The Helping Each Other Agenda. Numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, will be worth 8 points each. (Readers, feel free to place your own values). #4 is worth 60 points. 100 extra bonus points for winning a State Title.
Basic HS Falcon HS
#1-8/0 8/4
#2-8/0 8/8
#3-8/0 8/8
#4-60/0 60/5
#5-8/8 8/8
#6-8/0 8/0
BP-0 0
Tot-100/8 100/33
Feel free the curve the results, if you think that the Agreed Upon Agenda was extremely difficult.
As I reflect, writing from inside of my ‘fishbowl’, I put my ‘Dreams’ in writing for both coaches. Show me the lunacy for putting my commitment in writing and sharing it with both coaches. If winning a High School Baseball State Title is crazy, why do all teams play for one? In my ‘Dreams’, I am seeing a story that rival other sport’s stories.
Just what if, one high school sport’s team put into practice for the entire season the principles and tools offered by “TAKE 5” and that team wins a State Title. Would that not make a great story? It is only a theory. Until a team or school is committed to such an undertaking, a theory it shall remain.
Past results should not ever affect future results unless you walk the path of ‘insanity’. Donald Trump is a polarizing figure. When he speaks, he speaks of results. Agree or disagree with him, his results speak volumes.
Though our final results did not connect all of our dots to our dreams, results did occur. It took me four years to graduate high school, five years to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree, two years to earn a Master’s of Education Degree, and seven years to create from a speech, a ‘dynamic’ PowerPoint Presentation to which I was declared a ‘Rock Star’.
As I stated before, if the ALL permits, ten years remain on my contract to connect the dots to PLAYIN MY DREAMS. How time plays it, will show in future results. All future results just like past results will tell their own story. From in or out of my ‘fishbowl’, I will continue to share my observations and analysis.
Falcon HS baseball program is at a major ‘Y’ fork in the road. It can choose: 1. Stay the current path and play meaningful games at the end of the season. 2. Choose a different path and play to win a State Baseball Title.
In my previous posts, I have outlined a possible plan for path #2. Falcon can incorporate that plan into next season’s campaign, come up with one of their own plans, blend plans together, or walk the same path. I will post the results.”
QUESTION—WHY DOES COACH STOMPER NOT MENTION IN HIS EMAIL DATED 3/1/16 ABOUT THE STATEMENTS THAT HIS TEAM WOULD BE THERE TO ASSIST IN SETTING UP FOR THE 2015 CELEBRATION?
The only “INTEGRITY” that I have questioned is that I was told numerous times by Head Coach Stomper, that his players would assist in the set-up of the 2015 Celebration. I reminded the team numerous times including the banquet about the event.
When a person is told and expressed in writing that a service to the community is to be provided by his team, and not one representative of his organization shows up to help, should they not be held accountable for their actions?
QUESTION—HOW MANY OF YOU TEENAGERS IN THIS ROOM WERE TOLD OF THE 2015 CELEBRATION? How many of you volunteered to assist with the set-up but did not show up? How many of you said you were going to attend, but at the last moment, a better offer came your way?
Speaking of teenagers, where is it written in life, or in the Game-Plan to win a State Title, that a person cannot publicly question the ‘Integrity’ of Teenage Baseball Players and the adults running the show?
Please show me where it is written that teenagers and adults of a publicly supported team should not be held publicly accountable for their Thoughts, Words, and Actions?
I do not know the communication that existed between Coach Stomper, his staff, and his players concerning the 2015 Celebration. The result resonates loudly throughout “YE OLDE” Henderson NV. Not one representative of his organization showed up to help with the set-up as promised.
And for questioning that, and only that, our 2016 HELPING EACH OTHER AGENDA has been denied by the Falcon Varsity Baseball Team.
While I was waiting for Coach Stomper’s reply, thoughts concerning the Commitment Challenge danced in my head. Even though, Falcon Baseball participated in the 2015 Commitment Party, the Commitment was not fulfilled.
The results were never disclosed to me. Coach Matt told me that the Challenge Sheets were stopped after two weeks, with collections unknown. Two weeks is not a Commitment.
For a Commitment to be of value and to be monitored it must be done for the entire season, Win or Lose.
The following will be applied for the ‘Commitment Challenge’
RULES FOR THE ‘COMMITMENT CHALLENGE’
* Each player who has signed the ‘Commitment Pledge’ has agreed to challenge oneself in doing his very best on and off the field.
* Be Eligible—Take the test on “TAKE 5” Brochure titled “Am I Achieving My Potential As A Student?”
* The following assignments must be completed, collected, and recorded at the end of a new 14-day period. Charts of completed, recorded assignments must be on full display for team and coaches.
* Healthy Behaviors Checklist—Each player will be held accountable for their own personal ‘Homeostasis’ . Answer each block daily with a (Y)-Yes, you did that activity. (N)-No, you did not do that activity. On back of paper, write a 150 word‘What did you learn about yourself’?
* Time Use Chart—Each player will be held accountable for his Time Management during the season. The front and back of a 14-day chart must be completed. Write small. The more you observe and analyze, the more you will know.
*Time Management Summary Exercise— Each player will be held accountable for his Time Management during the season. The front and back of a 14 day chart must be completed.
* ‘Visualization Period’– Each player is required to do daily a 10-15 minutes period. This time must be documented on a player’s Time Use Chart and Time Management Summary Exercise.
* 21 Minutes of Motivational/Spiritual Readings per Week. (3 minutes a day.)
This time must documented on a player’s Time Use Chart and Time Management Summary Exercise.
* Understand the Theory of Hydration and Practice It Religiously
* Read the Article ‘How to Use Visualization to Achieve Your Goals’ go to website; http://frankniles.com/index.php?pid=18&p=5&search=#blt
* Read More Articles on ‘Visualization and Baseball’
* Watch Baseball—Put Yourself in the Action
* Read Articles @ playinyourdreams.com, Especially The “TAKE 5” Game-Plan for Life/Sport
IN CLOSING:
I encourage you to review what has been presented to you. I strongly encourage you to review all my past Facebook Posts and point out anything, favorable or unfavorable, that cannot be substantiated, that I have written about the Falcon HS Baseball Program.
Integrity is not something you practice sometimes, it is something that you practice all the time, especially, when no one else is watching you.
As you journey forward this season, may you get the results that you seek. Whatever, they may be. Team goals and individual goals will be set. Setting up goals are easy, having a Game-Plan and implementing it, will be the challenge.
There are only two things that a person/athlete has control over when it comes to life/sports regarding the results that one seeks. One is ‘Preparation”. Two is ‘Effort’.
Regarding the ‘Preparation’, how do you plan to monitor that everyone, including yourself, is doing his Very Best away from the field?
MY CHALLENGE TO THE 2016 FALCON HS BASEBALL TEAM IS THIS:
Your school’s baseball history falls short. Baseball titles remain vacant from your campus. As an observer, it is obvious that past methods are not achieving desired results, if the desired results are to play for titles.
If the results you seek are to be playing ‘meaningful games’ at the end of the season, then stay your current course.
If your dreams and goals are higher, then “TAKE 5” challenges the 2016 Falcon HS Varsity Baseball Team to partake in the ‘Commitment Challenge’ to publicly chart their ‘Commitment’ with ‘Integrity’ so that all involved will bear witness to it.
Is there a guarantee that the ‘Commitment Challenge’ will produce a title? No, of course not. But then again, it has not ever been tried for an entire season. So who knows?
The one thing it will do is enhance your ‘preparations’, which a player has control over. Add it with your ‘effort’; the results will speak for themselves.
Much has been said today. Each of you should find the time and reread all that has been said. Reread it as many times necessary. If you find any of my writings that have been written without my ‘personal integrity’ to substantiate my observations and analysis, please show me the ‘ills of my ways’.
When I write or say things; “I say what I mean. Mean what I say, and disagree agreeably”. I thank you for your time for permitting me to disagree agreeably with your assessment of the “TAKE 5” Foundation and its Mission Statement, which reads:
Nick Feher “TAKE 5” Foundation MISSION STATEMENT: To make a commitment, to help honor THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND THE FUTURE of the “YE OLDE” Henderson NV, Baseball Community. To play a part, of the driving, force that helps manifest the dream/goal that brings a State High School Baseball Championship(s) back to “YE OLDE” Henderson, NV. To challenge others to be a “Difference Maker” for not only themselves, but for others. And, “When in Doubt” to remember to “TAKE 5”.
I have expressed these thoughts before:
* I have no expectations of others, but only to myself. That includes; “Be the Best I Can Be”, “Help Others”, “Value my own Personal Integrity”.
* Enter only when I am invited.
* Stay as long as I am welcomed.
* Leave when the exit signs turn on.
With that being said, the “TAKE 5” offer to the 2016 Falcon HS will remain open and on the table for the entire season.
“TAKE 5” supports your goals and dreams. As said previously, though our philosophies may differ, our quest is to help a team/individual win a State Title.
If it is your request that your goals and dreams can best be served without the involvement of “TAKE 5”, “TAKE 5” will honor your request for the 2016 season with the hopes that Falcon HS Baseball will bring home a State Baseball Title.
George N. Feher
Executive Officer
Nick Feher “TAKE 5” Foundation
END OF STORY!!
IN CLOSING, ‘TAKE 5’ THANKS THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE BARED WITNESS TO OUR RETORT.
Gandhi preaches, “An Audience of one is an Audience of Many”. ‘TAKE 5’ also wants to express its gratitude for the support of the Queens and Kings that follow our page. Please share with others the INTEGRITY & HONOR that we abide by with others.
Speaking of INTEGRITY & HONOR, our ‘Road Not Taken’ with the Basic HS/Academy baseball program continues. Though CCSD Trustee Wright won her re-election bid, more than 44,000 voters thought otherwise. Her opponent with little or no signage and/or financial help put up a gallant battle. The resources of CCSD Trustee Wright plus her signage contributed to his downfall. ‘TAKE 5’ salutes you Richard Vaughn for your ‘Gallant Battle’.
I once remember discussing Dreams with Kylie Hash, teammate of Nick’s, as he was pursuing his Dreams of playing professional baseball. I asked him when does a player KNOW that his Dreams of pro ball are up. Kylie responded with wisdom. He said, others will tell you. Until such time, you should just keep on playing if it is your PASSION.
Following his wisdom and the wisdom of Queen Carla and other Queens and Kings, ‘TAKE 5’ ‘Road Not Taken’ has one final stop. To the halls of our Nevada State Legislatures, I will continue my one-man campaign for the ‘Truth of my Insanity’.
Perhaps one of our Henderson Representatives along with the Governor and others can provide me with the ‘TRUTH’. Maybe they will bless me with the answers to the questions that I will ask. One will be.
* If a NJCAA college CSN, operating down the street from Basic HS/Academy, which is also a Nevada state funded school, discovered an unethical and immoral practice within their baseball program, which resulted in severe penalties on the college and the entire baseball staff was ‘terminated’/”fired with cause’’, for conducting such practices, why is the CCSD, including current Trustee Wright supporting and sanctioning these same unethical, immoral, discriminatory, illegal practices on the campus of Basic HS/Academy at the expense of taxpayers of Henderson, NV for a club baseball team head coach to earn over $100,000 a year or more than $500,000 in five years?
With Queens and Noble Men, I will present my case. Answers will be their choice. When the answers become a KNOWING, they will be shared along with the results.
Remember to always support and share the Dreams of others including your own. Protect your Dreams. If not, be prepared to be a ‘pawn’ in others. Until our paths cross again, Fox/Feather reminds you to “PLAYIN YOUR DREAMS.
As you Dream, enjoy the sounds of the ‘Fabled Cello of the American West’ and her Compadres as they soothe and touch your souls with their ‘olde world’ instruments.
