Community members recognized at A Night to Remember

MANSON – The Manson Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual event on Wednesday, Nov. 8, A Night to Remember, to recognize community members who are going above and beyond to serve the community.

Event attendees enjoyed delightful hosting of Manson Chamber Executive Director Tom Tochterman and President Kim Ustanik, a slideshow featuring award recipients, and celebrated the recognitions of their beloved peers. 

The award recipient recognitions were granted to Norm Manly for Volunteer of the Year, Jeff Conwell for Most Inspirational of the Year, North Shore Christian School for Organization of the Year, and to Dane Johnson and Margarito Barrios for the Manson School District Blue and White Excellence Awards. 

Norm Manly, American Legion #108 member,  was awarded Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to selflessly serving the community. Norm is active in many types of service work, including working with the Manson Grange Youth Fairs Program and spending much time within the halls of the Manson School District. He also contributes as a writer for More to Manson, and to the Lake Chelan Mirror.     

The North Shore Christian School is a growing private missionary school located in Manson serving K-2 students. They received the distinction of Organization of the Year. From their handbook they state,“Our goals are to promote family inclusion within the child’s learning landscape, to create an environment of varied learning experiences, and to provide a safe haven for education and personal growth.”

Recognized within the Manson School District’s Blue and White Excellence awards, retired teacher Dane Johnson received recognition for his continued service as a passionate and devoted educator to the community. A Renaissance man, Dane is a gifted musician and craftsman in great addition to his immense talent for teaching. 

Manson School District Head Custodian, Margarito Barrios, received the Manson School District’s Blue and White Excellence award for Classified Person of the Year. His continued service to the teachers and students within the school district is greatly appreciated, and he is widely regarded as someone who is always willing to help. 

Jeff Conwell, Program Director/News Director of  KOZI AM/FM, received the distinction of Most Inspirational for his continued dedication to encouraging and building up our community, particularly young people.

“I’m really humbled and honored by this,” Jeff shares, “I think we all know what inspirational looks like to each of us, but when someone says you’re inspirational, it’s kind of amazing. It’s humbling to know you’ve inspired people.”

The event was held from 5-8 p.m. at 12 Tribes Colville Casinos Crosswinds Restaurant in Manson. Included with their tickets, attendees enjoyed a dinner of prime rib, grilled chicken with basil tomato sauce, Caesar salad, Italian meats and antipasto platter, penne pasta with roasted garlic cream sauce, sauteed yellow squash and zucchini, and garlic bread.  

Katie Lindert: 509-731-3211 or katie@ward.media