After a few weeks’ delay (thanks a lot, Mother Nature), the 12th annual Manni Awards drew a large crowd to City Hall’s Memorial Hall on Thursday, April 11.
Once again, Ken Jaray and Shanti Toll were the hosts, but this time they had the able assistance of Bowman Hall, an outstanding Manitou Springs High School senior.
“Everyone here does something for Manitou in one way or another, and we are so glad each and every one of you are here,” Hall said.
While enjoying a huge variety of potluck offerings, the crowd caught up with friends and listened to music from Michael Galvin, Jared Thompson and Dale Childre.
It was the epitome of Manitou’s unique spirit — fellowship and good food, set to music.
“One of the best things about living in Manitou Springs is coming to a Manitou Springs potluck. And it’s twofold,” Jaray said.
“One, you get to be with your neighbors and your friends. And two, you get to eat some wonderful, wonderful food.”
A special recognition from the Manitou Springs Women’s Club kicked off the awards, with member Lisa Camerlo recognizing the tireless Sally Fitzgerald for all she contributes to the club’s vital work in the community.
“It’s really wonderful being up here and seeing all of you guys and seeing our talent come together. We are really lucky,” Toll said.
He explained that the award selection committee received 109 nominations — which had to be narrowed down to 30 finalists and then 10 winners.
“We want you to know that it was really hard, and that the 30 finalists who are here tonight really all deserve the award,” Toll said.
He thanked the Manitou Arts, Culture, and Heritage board of directors for helping to fund the ceremony, and pointed out Tony Guido, who created this year’s beautiful ceramic plaques, amid the Memorial Hall crowd.
Adult Visionary Leadership
“This is entirely appropriate because it truly represents a community effort. It has been a long journey with initial efforts that began over 30 years ago. This recognizes the collective, unrelenting efforts of the many people who resurrected the Manitou Springs Carnegie Library. Many individuals in multiple organizations shouldered this task and deserve to share the credit. … When the library renovation is complete, this Manni award will be permanently put on display there as a reminder of the good and selfless work these people have done.”
— Mayor John Graham, a longtime advocate for the library building’s renovation
“It really has been an incredible community effort. And it just makes me so dang proud. … We’re accepting this award for the many, many, many, many people … who have been working in this community to make sure we have a library and make sure … we keep our Carnegie Library and make it a critical part of our community for years forward. So we want to especially thank this entire community for the ongoing support. … Because of this, we will now have our library back in our Carnegie building, accessible to everybody for the very first time ever. … So instead of having a limit of 19 people in the building, we can now have entire elementary classes coming across to the library. … thanks to all of us as a community for making this happen.”
—Mary Pulvermacher, speaking on behalf of the dozens of people who worked on the effort to modernize the library building
Business and Economic Vitality
“It is my honor to present this award to Sara and Ray Ferguson, and Happy Cats Haven. … There was so much determination and commitment and a creative, innovative approach to just about everything they did. … Because of their leadership and vision, thousands of cats and kittens have been rescued and found their forever homes. This tiny but mighty nonprofit is responsible for 12 percent of the adoptions in El Paso County.”
— Laura Ettinger-Harwell, longtime HCH board member
“Big purrs to all in Manitou for supporting us and allowing us to do this good work. We don’t just save cats, we change people’s lives too. And we can’t do it without you.”
— A statement from Sara and Ray Ferguson, who were unable to attend
Public Service
“I think most of you do know Ronnie Huery, he’s been with us for 20 years. He works in the water department and his commitment to service and to answering questions goes above and beyond what any of us could ask.”
— Denise Howell, city administrator
“Ronnie is a joy to work with. He’s always there for you. It’s always positive. He’s very deserving of this award. … I can’t say enough about how great he is and how great to work with.”
— Keith Buckmiller of the Manitou Springs Fire Department, speaking about Huery, who couldn’t attend
Youth Visionary Leadership
“I would like to recognize Kate Johnson, who is truly the epitome of a leader. … You are the kind of person that makes the people around you better; you lift people up through your kindness and through your joy and by doing the right thing, even when it is the hard thing. Your bravery and leadership make the world around you better and you are most certain to have an incredible legacy, not only at Manitou Springs High School and across our district, but all across our community.” — Anna Conrad, MSHS principal
“I want to thank all of my coaches, my teachers, Mr. Talbott. … I have to thank my parents, my mom, love you, mom. Thank you for everything. My dad has always been my best friend. … And a big shout-out to my sister Liz. Love you to pieces.”
— Kate Johnson, president of the student body and member of the National Honor Society and Key Club; three-sport athlete for all four years and former captain of the girls basketball and soccer teams
Mover and Shaker
“After spending five minutes talking to Marcus Medina, one thing becomes clear: He loves Manitou Springs. … Marcus will drop anything to help anyone. He is interested in everything and everyone. A mover and shaker … this is only the beginning for him and we look forward to working and playing with Marcus Medina for a long time to come.”
— Natalie Johnson, City Council and D14 school board member, and Manitou Art Center executive director, who co-presented with Neale Minch
Medina, owner of Marcus Electric, responded with a poem he had written, which is reprinted on page 3.
Rockey Artistic Endeavors
“COVID was this time when, all of a sudden, the musicians had no place to play, there was no public that they could see. And Steven Miller really went out of his way to help create a situation and fundraise. And not only for the artists, but also for later on for the venues.”
— Shanti Toll
“This town is blessed with a lot, including a lot of great musicians. Some of them live here; some of them play here. Some of them come from around the country or the world, because they hear about the music here. … This little foundation has received support from all over the community.”
— Steven Miller, co-founder of the Manitou Music Foundation
Education and Learning
“Mike Talbott is the heartbeat of mathematics education in Manitou Springs High School. … As the leader in the math department, he not only guides but inspires his colleagues. Mike’s commitment to student success extends to his role as a sponsor of the Key Club, where he nurtures leadership and community service.”
— Sean Dorsey, D14 superintendent
“When people ask me, ‘How can you teach kids today?’ I say, ‘You don’t understand, the kids are the best thing that we have. They give me energy every day.’ … They are the bright future for us. And if we could give all the kids in our country the same opportunities we give our kids here at Manitou, our futures and our future for our country is extremely bright. And so that’s why I get up every day.”
— Mike Talbott, teacher and 30-year Army veteran
Health and Well-being
“Michelle Tomasik has been called a force of nature. … People who know her best have said that she’s very bright, complicated, resilient, compassionate, funny, solution-focused, generous, faithful in friendship, hard-working, spiritual, fun, loving, determined, kind. And when working for justice in the world, she can be a royal pain in the wazoo. She seldom asks for anything for herself and is always deeply grateful for any gifts given her.”
— The Rev. Susie Merrin, retired pastor of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
“This is beyond anything I’ve ever imagined. I do what I do because I love Manitou. I love everyone in Manitou. And I’m beyond honored to be recognized for doing things I love. Thank you.”
— Michelle Tomasik, Manitou Springs Community Pantry manager
Community Champion
“In 2015, I was facing the difficult task of finding a new editor for the Pikes Peak Bulletin. … Rhonda Van Pelt was that person and we know the rest of the story; she has persevered for the past nine years. … No one else could come close to her combination of journalistic and writing expertise with a full grasp of Manitou’s personality and creative energy, organizing every issue, telling many stories herself and editing others’ work.”
— Bulletin publisher Lyn Ettinger-Harwell, reading a statement from Ralph Routon, who could not attend
“I didn’t know that this would be my destiny and I took a roundabout way to get here. But there’s nowhere I’d rather be editing a newspaper than right here in Manitou. … Huge gratitude to Lyn, who works incredibly hard to keep the Bulletin in business so we can support this community we love. I need to thank Ralph for being a mentor since 1995. And I need to thank my dad, who taught me how to work hard.”
— Rhonda Van Pelt, Pikes Peak Bulletin editor-in-chief
Lifetime Achievement Award
“Gary Miller has given his whole self to our little town and its most important asset, her children. … He still serves as a mentor, a cheerleader and, at times, a loving friend. He is an asset to our community, its school district and its people.”
— Kolleen Johnson, Manitou Springs School District 14 director of Student Success
“I’m simply going to say it has been a great lifetime here in Manitou. Thank you very much.”
— Gary Miller, 1962 MSHS graduate and D14 superintendent 1973-1997
Environmental Stewardship
“This person contributed to the success of the Mansions edible floral community garden, the Climate Action Committee, the Tree City USA designation, stormwater and performance contracting and horticultural outreach provided by the Manitou Springs Garden Club. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who genuinely cares for plants and flowers as much as this person; their passion and knowledge should be considered a community asset.”
— Gillian Rossi, Manitou Springs Parks Department director
“A lot of us are just quietly behind the scenes doing things, serving the community. And we are in a watershed, which isn’t mentioned nearly enough. A lot of creative people in this town, it’s a wonderful creative community. But I work for the original creator, the original artist, and that’s Mother Nature. So thank you very much.”
— Mary Ellen Montgomery, devoted gardener and protector of the planet