Thursday, March 31, was an emotional evening in Manitou Springs. The Manni Awards — the 10th annual ceremony — made a joyful return to City Hall after last year’s event was forced to go virtual because of COVID-19.
The evening was about gratitude: being together again, celebrating people who contribute so much to the community and, of course, enjoying the great food.
Co-hosts Ken Jaray and Shanti Toll got the evening started. Jaray’s remarks included the fact that the community nominated 91 people, couples and groups.
Representatives from the city, the Chamber of Commerce, School District 14, the Manitou Springs Community Foundation, the Creative Alliance Manitou Springs and the Bulletin spent weeks discussing the nominations and ranking nominees in 10 categories.
That resulted in the 34 finalists featured in three of the Bulletin’s March issues.
Michael Galvin’s guitar playing started the evening, but the buzz of people greeting each other with hugs, smiles and handshakes almost drowned out the music.
The crowd fell quiet as Jaray introduced Taylor Weimer, band director at Manitou’s middle school and high school, who led four eighth-grade students through two classical music selections. They were: Madelyn Tehan, flute; Jude Montoya De Smidt, flute; Becket Evans, oboe; and Emily Mason, clarinet.
“Breaking bread together and being connected is part of what makes Manitou unique,” Toll said. “We’re acknowledging people who are putting in energy, not because they have to, but because they volunteer and they are committed.”
K8e Orr created the laser-cut wood and painted awards, which are as colorful and unique as she is.
Business and Economic Vitality
Jason Wells and Jenna Gallas, Armadillo Ranch owners
“They did everything they could to keep above water while complying with the constantly changing COVID-19 restrictions. They had to completely reinvent the Armadillo Ranch and its relationship to our community based on their love, knowledge, hard work, compassion and care for Manitou Springs,” presenter Annie Schmitt said.
“To receive this is just mind-blowing. We are really proud of what we’ve put together. It’s not something we created, I think it’s something we’ve just carried on, maybe revitalizing the spirit of that space,” Wells said.
“Thank you all for supporting us and being there for us,” Gallas said. “I look around this room and I see everybody in here has played a role in what we’ve been able to do.”
Public Service
Randy Perkins, firefighter
“Randy followed his father’s footsteps to become a servant to the community,” Fire Chief John K. Forsett said as he presented the award.
Perkins has served Manitou for more than 35 years, Forsett added, before talking about his many accomplishments and outreach activities throughout the area.
“As a man, Randy has no greater accomplishment than that of being a husband and a father. Randy, we’re lucky to have your dedication, your leadership and your friendship,” Forsett added.
“Being in this community for as long as I have it’s definitely an honor. I wouldn’t be anything without those folks standing over there,” Perkins said, gesturing to his colleagues.
Education and Learning
Vi Gaunce, Manitou Springs Middle School science teacher
“We want to honor her lifetime achievement of inspiring students and creating a wonderful space for us to learn, work and play,” Manitou Springs Middle School Principal Dustin Cady said of the woman who’s retiring after 33 years at the school.
Gaunce first said she wanted to share the award with her fellow “phenomenal” finalists, Carrie Dunlap, Manitou Springs Elementary art teacher, and Dani Hainds, Ute Pass Elementary secretary.
“I just do what I love. I have thought a lot about what Manitou has meant to me. And I always come up with three words. I’ve been very lucky, blessed and thankful,” Gaunce said.
Youth Visionary Leadership
Abby Parker, MSHS student body president
“Abby consistently challenged herself academically and leads with enthusiasm and empathy far beyond her years. Her hard work and dedication is evident in the classroom and on the athletic court or field,” said Kolleen Johnson, D14 director of student success.
“As you hear about these young people, I guarantee you, the future is awfully bright,” Johnson added.
“I came here five years ago to the school district and as soon as I stepped foot in Manitou Springs, I could just feel how welcoming and supportive everyone is,” Parker said. “A huge thank you to all of our teachers and coaches and advisers. There are so many amazing leaders and mentors in this community.”
Environmental Stewardship
Melody Daugherty, Manitou Pollinators and Climate Action Work Group
“Tonight is about someone who is singularly passionate about the environment, and the evidence of that passion is spread throughout our community. This individual plants pollinator gardens around town, and has helped put in place the bureaucratic structure to ensure that our city considers how pollinators can be incorporated into our policies and projects,” City Councilor Nancy Fortuin said.
Daugherty spoke via Zoom, and there were technical problems. She acknowledged the importance of our environment, and the support of city administration, pollinator district partners, Fountain Creek Watershed District and the Butterfly Pavilion.
“Our community is so beautiful,” she said. “I love you all. Because it takes a community and we are doing it together.”
Charles Rockey Artistic Endeavors
Molly Wingate, Poetry Heals and Poetry & Pottery
“As an educator myself, it’s a great honor to present this award to a fellow educator. She’s also a great friend,” Michael Howell said.
Wingate also spoke via Zoom, and talked about the genesis of the Poetry & Pottery program she and ceramic artist Mark Wong lead in the community every summer. She and Wong were at a meeting, started brainstorming and had the program’s first year funded before they left the room.
“I want to thank the city and the Chamber of Commerce, the Manitou Springs Arts Council and the Manitou Art Center. … We live in an astonishing town where using the arts for everything, including healing, happens,” Wingate said.
Health and Wellbeing
Drum Circle of Manitou Springs
“What gives the feeling of well-being in a community? It’s my personal belief that it’s the connection that we make with each other,” Toll said.
Eight of the most devoted Drum Circle participants walked to the stage as guests drummed on their tables.
“This award is just a representation of our community itself,” Dale Childre said. He urged everyone to join the Thursday evening events, which will resume at 6 p.m. May 5 in Memorial Park.
“You’d be really surprised what kinds of soul-tapping medicine this can do for you. … Thank you very much for the recognition. It’s an honor to be part of this town. I live here and I love you all.”
Community Champion
Ralph Routon, Pikes Peak Bulletin executive editor emeritus and Creative Alliance Manitou Springs chair
“Ralph has been my mentor, colleague and friend, and any compliment from him is like winning a gold medal. Thank you, Ralph, for all you’ve given to so many of us in this community,” presenter Rhonda Van Pelt said.
Routon spoke about his son Mitch, who had a stroke when he was 10 days old and has been a valued and valuable member of the community.
“This town made Mitch what he is. … No matter what I do, I have been trying ever since to repay Manitou Springs for helping us raise Mitch into the person that he has become,” including the first self-advocate member of the ARC national board.
Mover and Shaker
Becca Sickbert, Creative Alliance Manitou Springs executive director
“Becca Sickbert richly deserves this recognition for her tireless and continuing efforts over the past two years. … I want everyone to know how much Becca Sickbert has done for all of us,” said Routon, the presenter.
Sickbert has worked with the city, Colorado Creative Industries, the Manitou Chamber of Commerce, the Urban Renewal Authority and the Manitou Arts, Culture, and Heritage board.
“This is a love letter to Manitou Springs. Here’s to you, the thinkers and tinkerers, the healers and teachers, the makers and bakers, the artists and dreamers, all of you everyday movers and shakers. You inspire me, you challenge me and you keep me wanting to learn more. You fill my handcrafted Manitou-made cup. This is an incredible honor.”
Visionary Leadership
Laura Ettinger-Harwell, “a force of nature,” and Lyn Ettinger-Harwell, chef and so much more
“I love you both. Thank you for being you,” presenter Natalie Johnson said.
Lyn talked about the Ukrainian friends they made during the Manitou Chooses Love event in May 2018.
“So please pray for Ukraine and send them lots and lots of love,” he said. “You know, I’ve won a few awards and stuff and but nothing like this.”
Laura spoke about moving to Colorado in 2000 and hearing that Manitou would be a good fit for her.
“It’s been such an honor and a privilege to be a part of this community. I love it,” she said.
“I love the potential, I love the dreams, I love being able to work with this community, whether it’s cats or books or art,” she added.
Shanti Toll spoke briefly about the late Jack Elder before the entire room fell silent in tribute.
“He was a vital member of the community for decades,” Toll said.
“Thank you to everyone who’s helped keep this going for 10 years and allowed us to recognize 197 Manni award finalists and 76 Manni Award winners,” Jaray said as the ceremony wrapped up.
He applauded Toll’s tireless work, “herding cats” to coordinate the selection process.
Jaray also mentioned the Women’s Club; the members helped with set-up, food service and clean-up.
“What was so heartwarming was to hear people talk about their experiences with this community,” he said.
To watch the ceremony, go to tinyurl.com/ManniAwards