Councilman Michael Hayes, at left, receives the inaugural Public Servant of the Year Award from The Dunmorean, presented by publisher John M. Hart Jr.
By John M. Hart Jr.
“I am of the opinion that my life belongs to my community and as long as I live it will be my privilege to serve it in anyway I can.“ – George Bernard Shaw.
Councilman Michael Hayes exhibits those words to the fullest every day and deserves to be named a public servant of the year for his exemplary service to all who call Bucktown home.
Whether it’s at the Little League field, the senior center, or doing his best with his daughter to remind us of the importance of recycling, Michael shows that with whether sitting on the Borough Council or following a rich history of family business at Nardozzi’s Pizza on Blakely Street, he lives and breathes what it means to not only be a good neighbor, but a great neighbor.
In the 34 years I have been publishing this newspaper, I have met very few elected officials who can rise to the level of Michael Hayes in his commitment.
Hayes, son of Margaret Nardozzi Dee and the late William Hayes, grew up learning from his grandfather, Salvatore Nardozzi Sr., and ever since he was old enough to push a broom or wash a dish, he has worked at his family’s business, Nardozzi’s Pizza.
Michael took over as co-owner, along with his now deceased uncle, Sal Nardozzi Jr., when his grandfather passed away in the early 2000s. Michael still proudly owns and operates the family business right here in Dunmore.
Michael also serves as a Dumore Borough Councilman; past president of Dunmore Lion’s Club; past co-founder of the Dunmore Neighborhood Watch; team sponsor and volunteer for both Dunmore Biddy and Dunmore Little League.
You may have seen Michael Hayes on television recently. He, along with his wife Virginia Capo Hayes, and daughter, Bella, made regional news when they gave away free pizza to federal employees during the Government shutdown.
This was not the first time the media was able to capture him doing random acts of kindness in the community. When the water mains broke, he and his late Uncle Sal Jr. were seen handing out gallons of water to Dunmore residents with pallets in front of their family business, even coordinating water delivery by members of the Dunmore football team to those who couldn’t make it down to their store.
Always known to donate pizza trays to Dunmore organizations in need, Michael says giving back to the community is one of the most important things a local business can do.
Michael is now proud to announce the creation of the Salvatore Nardozzi Jr. and Sr, Scholarship Fund, which will be administered by his mother and chaired by his sister, Dr. Katherine Stefanelli.
