Small Town News

Town employee Christy Hayes spirit of volunteerism a way of life that ties in with job performance

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If you ask around Superior Town Hall about part-time employee Christy Hayes, two words seem to come up a lot in the conversation: "volunteerism" and "enthusiasm."

Deputy Town Clerk Nora Miramon says there is one word to describe Hayes: "Enthusiastic."

That enthusiastic volunteer spirit that Hayes exemplifies is remarked upon by Mayor Michael Hing and Town Manager Melanie Oliver, who note that many hours Hayes has put in for the town are volunteer hours. This is a great help to the town as during these budgetary times it is hard to give employees enough hours and their willingness to help out is appreciated.

Parks and Rec Supervisor Barbara Arriola says that Hayes, who has been employed by the town since June, previously volunteered to assist with the youth programs the town put on. "She was an asset to the parks and rec," Arriola says. "Whenever I needed someone, she was always there for me in every way. She went all out. Indoor activities, outdoor activities, whatever it was, she was there."

For her part, Hayes says she loves her job with the town. She is assigned to whatever duties need an extra pair of hands. She does clerical work, helps in the kitchen at the Superior Senior Citizen Center and works at Town Hall and Superior Public Library.

Library Director Josie Campos echoes the favorable comments about Hayes' enthusiasm on the job. "She cheerfully does anything I ask her to do," Campos says.

Hayes is a busy individual these days, what with the job, her volunteer activities for her church, for town and other local events and the classes she is currently taking in Apache Junction.

Why does she like to volunteer and expend effort on behalf of others? "Because it makes me feel better about helping somebody else out in our community," she says. "I think it helps our community when people take time and help others survive in the world."

A full-time Superior resident, Hayes was born in Florence and raised here. She attended Superior schools as a child, went away to high school, where she participated in Junior ROTC and recalls that was where she learned to show people respect and say, "Yes, sir and no ma'am." She returned to Superior after high school.

Helping others figures in Hayes' list of hobbies as well. "My hobby is church and reading scriptures," she says. "Whenever there is an event, I'll help make and sell cookies to raise money for the church. We like to make sugar cookies, and cakes and pies. We usually sell them in front of Save Money Market."

Her regular hours for the town are from 8 a.m. to noon. "I love working for my boss, who is Melanie Oliver, the town manager," Hayes says. "I've learned a lot, how to file, how to type and she's a very good person in the office and out of the office."

One of Hayes' favorite things about living in Superior are the mountains. "Plus both of my parents are buried here and I went to school here," she says.

The mountains are beautiful, according to Hayes. "You open your door and they're there," she says.

Part of the volunteer work for the recreation center has involved crafts. She loves paintings, she says. "It's mostly Christian art, like 'Jesus Loves You,'" she says. "I believe that Jesus said that," she adds. "He died on the cross for everybody, so that everybody's created equal and I believe that, too."

Christy Hayes' dedication to that principle of volunteerism and the' spirit of giving seem to impress those she comes in contact with on a daily basis, on the job and around the town.

One of these is Superior Town Council Member and local business owner Lynn Heglie: "I think Christy Hayes is one of the most generous people I know," he says. "She's a super citizen!"



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© 2010 The Superior Sun Superior, Nebraska. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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