Library renewal effort richly deserved Manni Award
To the editor:
I am sorry to have missed this year’s Manni Awards ceremony due to a conflict in my schedule. However, I would like to extend my congratulations to not only this year’s Manni Awards nominees and recipients, but also to all past and future honorees.
My special appreciation goes out to the many individuals over the many years who helped to realize the preservation and renewal of our Carnegie Library. Countless thanks go out to those who nominated, as well as selected, the Carnegie Library Renovation Project in the Adult Visionary Leadership Manni Awards category.
Although this award may acknowledge an “adult visionary” effort, the best thing about this recognition is the awareness that reopening the library will allow people of all ages and stages of life to enter and utilize all that our beloved library has to offer for generations to come.
The Manitou Springs Carnegie Library will, once again, allow every patron access to essential sources of information, entertainment and human connection. This has been a grassroots effort at its best.
Rob Danin,
Forever lover of libraries
Former member, Preserve and Renew Our Carnegie Library Task Force
It’s scholarship time for Manitou students!
To the editor and our community:
This is the most rewarding time of the year for the Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club.
The Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club Foundation is awarding scholarships totaling $32,000 to eight wonderful Manitou Springs High School students. These students are leaders in scholastic achievement, sports and community service.
Our 2024 recipients are:
● Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club Memorial Scholarship in honor of Joel Grotzinger — Sierra Dunlap;
● Wilson W. and Charlotte Bundy Scholarship — Elizabeth Johnson, Kathryn Johnson and Emily Davis;
● A.O. and Florence Maltby Scholarship — Anya Nelsestuen, Cody Wyman and Brayden Dowling; and
● Stewart and Marion Tresouthick Scholarship — Elsa Baker.
Kiwanis Clubs nationwide sponsor youth leadership and community service opportunities through scouting, Key Club in high schools and Builders Club in middle schools.
The Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club has been the sole sponsor of Pack 18 and Troop 18 for more than 100 years. Troop 18 has produced many Eagle Scouts, surpassing the national percentages for scout troops.
Key Club is a high school service organization, and Manitou Springs High School has the largest and most active Key Club along the Front Range.
Three of Manitou’s Key Club students and their adviser were nominated for 2024 Manni Awards. That should tell you how fantastic these kids are.
KIDS NEED KIWANIS. The Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club is working with the Manitou Springs Parks and Recreation Department to offer reduced sports registration fees for Manitou and Ute Pass residents who need assistance.
The club is also working with School District 14 and the Manitou Springs Aquatics Center, creating a reduced-fee learn-to-swim program for elementary-age students. School District 14 Robotics Clubs also benefit from Kiwanis sponsorship.
“The Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club has been instrumental in guaranteeing youth in our community access to playing recreational sports,” said Meghan Weiss, recreation and events coordinator for Manitou Springs. “They have provided registration fee assistance to 24 families since the fall of 2023, ensuring that all kids who wanted to play soccer, football, volleyball, and basketball were able to join teams.
“The Kiwanis have already generously committed to continuing their financial support for our 2024 Mini Mustangs Summer Baseball program and we have 12 families so far that will benefit from their assistance!”
KIWANIS NEEDS YOU. We live in a hyper-individualistic age. Clubs give us a chance to learn from people different from ourselves. Join the Club.
Information: manitouspringskiwanis@gmail.com.
Jay Pretzer,
Manitou Springs Kiwanis Club president