I recently completed a task for which I volunteered as a member of the Everett Council of Neighborhoods. I photographed the homes nominated for the 2010 Monte Cristo Awards.
The task seemed like a natural for me. Being a Realtor, I do that all the time. The list of nominee homes arrived slowly, which seemed good as the dark and gray weather prevailed. The blooms that normally appear in yards were soggy and the hope of early flowers wasn’t an option. I wondered anxiously when would I actually take the photos, as the deadline was rapidly approaching. One hundred twenty-four nominees later, wet or dry, it was time!
I want to thank the countless people who willingly moved cars, trucks and boats; closed garages, moved hoses, hid waste bins, removed shoes, interrupted their piano lesson, and swept stairs. I heard stories of how the “CHIP” housing program helped. A mother told me in broken English how her son was seriously injured in Iraq and asked if I would come in and meet him and see the wall of Army photos of Richard before the IED blew up and caused him brain damage.
Others invited me inside to see the improvements they made, showed me floor plans and architectural drawings, shared “before” photos, and artists showed me their work. I was invited to a tasting of wine that arrived from Italy, to drink a beer, and to come and see homes at Christmas and Halloween. I was introduced to children, dogs and cats, and one person tried to sell me a Vanagon! Everyone was so thankful to the city and their neighbors for this moment.
I wish everyone could have experienced what I did! So many good people tucked in this city and everyone has a story. Try listening sometime!
Andrea Tucker
Everett
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