Nominations Now Open For Everett’s Annual Monte Cristo Awards

April 15, 2014

Everett, Everett Government

Monte Cristo Awards

Nominations are open until June 1st. Click photo above for a nomination form.

It’s that time of year again as the City of Everett celebrates homeowners and businesses who have gone above and beyond in showcasing their property. Here’s all you need to know to nominate someone for this year’s award…

The city of Everett’s Office of Neighborhoods is accepting nominations for the 20th annual Monte Cristo Awards, a distinguished honor given to property owners who have shown extensive pride in their property.

“The Monte Cristo Awards recognize neighbors who improve the street appeal of their homes and business owners who keep their businesses looking attractive,” said Wendy McClure, neighborhoods coordinator. Nominations are due by June 1, 2014.

The Monte Cristo Awards began in 1994 with an idea developed by Everett residents Bill Belshaw, Connie Eden and Pam Lux. Marian Krell, then director of the Office of Neighborhoods, welcomed the idea of celebrating revitalized properties and became its champion.

The awards are named for the Monte Cristo Hotel in downtown Everett, which was restored in the 1990s after languishing in disrepair for many years. Community residents felt the hotel was a fitting symbol of the rejuvenation they wanted to recognize in Everett.

Today, awards are given in three categories: rejuvenation and transformation, pride of the neighborhood and neighborhood-friendly business. In addition, the Marian Krell Award recognizes property owners who have excelled in beautifying and maintaining their home or business over an extended period of time. The award honors Krell’s vision and commitment to the awards.

“The Monte Cristo awards are about celebrating people who help Everett look its best,” said Mayor Ray Stephanson. “Marian saw the benefits of acknowledging and holding up those who strive to make improvements in our community, whether to a humble home or a more grand residence.”

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Nominations due June 1

Nominations are welcomed and encouraged from anyone who wants to recognize the street appeal of a property within the city limits of Everett. Honorees are selected for their extensive efforts to make their homes or businesses attractive and to keep them well maintained.

Nomination forms are available online, and can be picked up at Everett Library branches, the clerk’s office in the Wall Street Building, the PUD, at local home improvement, paint and lumber stores, and through neighborhood associations. Forms can also be requested through the Office of Neighborhoods, at 425-257-8717 or wmcclure@everettwa.gov.

Award recipients receive a Monte Cristo Award plaque for placement on the exterior of their home or business. The Everett Council of Neighborhoods and the city’s Office of Neighborhoods sponsor the awards, which are generously supported by local businesses.

The selection committee is made up of representatives of the Council of Neighborhoods, community volunteers and city staff members.

Special ceremony planned for 20th anniversary

The community is invited to the 20th annual award ceremony, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday Oct. 9, at the Everett Performing Arts Center.

“This year we’ll recognize not only our 2014 winners, but also prior Monte Cristo recipients, who we hope will join us for the event,” said McClure. “We are working on lot of special touches to help commemorate 20 years of the awards.”

Click here for more information on Everett’s Office of Neighborhoods.

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My Everett News is a hyperlocal news website featuring news and events in Everett, Washington. We also cover City of Everett information and items of interest to those who live and work in Everett.

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