PRESS RELEASE
ADMINISTRATION 

Monday, Oct. 5, 2009
For Immediate Release

Everett celebrates neighborhood pride with annual awards
Monte Cristo Awards in its 15th year

EVERETT – The City’s Office of Neighborhoods will honor property owners for taking extraordinary pride in their homes and businesses at the 15th Annual Monte Cristo Awards Ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Thursday Oct. 8 at the Everett Performing Arts Center, 2710 Wetmore Ave.

The Everett Council of Neighborhoods and the City of Everett Office of Neighborhood recognize award recipients for making the city a special place to live through their extensive efforts to make their homes or businesses attractive and keep them well maintained.

Awards are given in three categories:  Rejuvenation and Transformation, Pride of the Neighborhood and Neighborhood Friendly Business.  Award recipients receive a Monte Cristo Award plaque for placement on the exterior of their home or business. 

Mayor Ray Stephanson, City Council member Shannon Affholter and other city officials will present the awards.
The event this year will honor former Everett City Councilmember Marian Krell, who helped create the awards and ensured their success. More than 500 prior Monte Cristo Award winners have also been invited to attend in recognition of the 15th anniversary of the awards.

Everett residents turned in over 150 nominations this year.  A committee of residents who serve on the Council of Neighborhoods helped make final selections. 

“There were tough choices to make, given the dedicated work many neighbors put into their homes’ appearance and upkeep,” said Wendy McClure, coordinator of the city’s Office of Neighborhoods coordinator.  “Landscaping, lawn care, and appearance and upkeep of the house itself are all considered in the selection process.”

Each year previous award winners are evaluated for the coveted Director’s Award.  Department of Neighborhoods and Community Services Executive Administrator Deborah Wright will present this award, which recognizes superior care given on an ongoing basis by homeowners who previously received a Monte Cristo award. This year, Jeanne and Robert Wohl of Northwest neighborhood will receive the coveted Director’s Award.

For more information about the Monte Cristo Awards, contact Wendy McClure at 425 257-8717.

Media contact:  Kate Reardon
Public Information Director
kreardon@ci.everett.wa.us
425-257-8687 or cell 425-418-0936
Contact:  Wendy McClure
Coordinator, Office of Neighborhoods
425-257-8717
wmcclure@ci.everett.wa.us