The Manni Award ceremony will take place Friday, March 15, in City Hall/Memorial Hall, 606 Manitou Ave.
The evening kicks off with a potluck and music from Michael Galvin starting about 5:15 p.m.; the awards ceremony will begin at 6:30. If you can’t attend, the event will be streamed live at youtube.com/@manniawards.
The March 1 and March 8 Bulletins will feature the remaining 20 finalists.
Mike Talbott teaches at Manitou Springs High School. He teaches grade-level math, AP calculus and physics, leads the math department and sponsors Key Club. Mike is a constant volunteer at athletics and activities to support students. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 1980 with a major in electrical engineering. He was a military intelligence officer in the Army (82nd Airborne Division) and served his country for 30 years.
Mary Ellen Montgomery has spent decades committed to protecting the fantastic natural resources that Manitou Springs has to offer. She goes above and beyond her duties to use permaculture techniques to support our gardens and protect our planet. Mary Ellen has been a key member in the Mansions Edible Floral Community Garden, Climate Action Committee and Tree City USA, has helped on stormwater and performance contracting and has been involved in the Manitou Springs Garden Club horticultural outreach.
Gary Miller has devoted most of his 80 years to making Manitou Springs better, first in high school as a student leader, athlete and honors graduate. He returned as an educator and became District 14 superintendent in 1974, serving 23 years and guiding D-14 through many projects including a new middle school. Gary’s wife, Kay, also an educator, was always at his side. He has served on, and led, multiple governmental, civic and nonprofit boards, including Manitou’s Chamber and library. Even in retirement, he has consulted and helped school districts through major undertakings, cementing his legacy.
Tim Beeson has lived in Manitou Springs since 1969 and currently serves as the chairman of the Open Space Advisory Committee. He was also active in helping to create the Manitou Springs Vision and Planning Guide. Tim is most proud of his work on OSAC and his community activism, including his work with the Crystal Park Road neighbors who opposed the expansion of sidewalks in the area.
Bob and Nikki Weizenecker have been involved in creating community around live music through their work with InCahoots since 2009. Bob and Nikki open their Manitou Springs home to musicians and live music throughout the year and invite neighbors and friends to share music and camaraderie. Their events attract a wonderful assortment of musicians from all around the world.
The Carnegie Library effort
This nomination recognizes the collective, unrelenting efforts of the many people who have resurrected the Manitou Springs Carnegie Library. The values we so highly value —community spirit, volunteerism, generosity, collaboration and foresight — are reflected in every aspect of this work. This success is the fruit of many individuals and multiple organizations who shouldered the work and deserve to share the credit. Each person has helped ensure that the community will enjoy this valuable resource, now and for future generations.
Carey Storm moved here in 2017 and was struck by the welcoming attitude of everyone she met. She joined the Manitou Springs Heritage Center board, the Planning Commission, the Board of the Selective Service for Colorado and, most recently, was asked to become a community representative on the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments. Carey brings the experiences gained from her career with Qualcomm and Costco to her volunteer efforts and is proud to participate in the groups working to improve the community and support its people.
Sierra Dunlap has attended School District 14 since preschool. She is the president of Key Club, a National Honor Society member and was captain of her varsity volleyball team. Manitou’s tight-knit community has given her unique experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today. Sierra has a special place in her heart for helping those in need and aims to spread joy to those around her. She plans to attend the University of Colorado Boulder in the fall.
Mike Mazzola is a native of rural Missouri who has lived on the Westside for 18 years, working for Mountain Equipment Recyclers and then the Energy Resource Center. In 2023. he started a social-impact business, Galvanize Recycling, including Manitou Springs projects with a clear mission stated on its website: “Do good. Save time. Recycle and repurpose household items … to preserve the environment and support our community.” As a champion of sustainability, he strives to help people and the planet.
Rhonda Van Pelt, a Westside resident for 18 years, has degrees in art (1980) and journalism (1988). Through the Pikes Peak Bulletin, she has devoted almost nine years to supporting Manitou Springs and the Westside, whether that’s sharing joys and sorrows, important news or the shenanigans we enjoy. Rhonda loves walking through Manitou and the Westside, taking photos and conversing with people. She also loves telling people’s stories and editing others’ writing, polishing it to the utmost usefulness for readers.