EVERETT — The Monte Cristo Awards are expected to be back for 2024 and the short term future.
The annual civic pride event gives awards to the best-kept houses and businesses in each neighborhood, complete with a plaque to bolt onto the building.
The city held it from 1994 until cutting it from the city budget in 2018. Community volunteers put the 2019 Monte Cristos together.
City Council members were each tasked with spending money on projects using American Rescue Plan Act dollars.
City Council President Brenda Stonecipher gave $50,000 toward reinstating the Monte Cristo Awards, expecting the funds should last for two to three years. Stonecipher expects the city to bring the Monte Cristos back into its annual budget after.
“I think this is a really important activity in our community,” Stonecipher said.
Each council member was allocated funds to invest into the community.
Council members announced they have allocated money to enhance neighborhood block watch effects citywide, to improve safety at Jackson Park, to install a library book walk at Hauge Homestead Park, to add flowers and beautification in the city and more.
Cocoon House, Volunteers of America, ChildStrive, the Evergreen Arboretum Foundation and Faith Family Lutheran were organizations which council members selected to receive money.
Stonecipher thanked in final meeting
The Dec. 20 meeting was Stonecipher’s final meeting after almost 20 years on council. She has chosen not to run again, which she said she is comfortable with the decision. She was given accolades for her tenacity in questioning facts. Her husband Dr. Tom Stonecipher gave a sweet speech of appreciation during last Wednesday’s public comments part of the meeting saying he’ll look forward to sharing Wednesday evening dinners together again.
